Paris Police 1900

Let's destroy one myth, there are no 'central characters'. There are are many central characters. Most based, quite accurately, on real people and, importantly, accurately portrayed real events. Of course there's dramatic licence with subplots etc especially on personal lives & the ordinary people who were involved. The audience that do not know anything about French history of that period, it will come as an uncomfortable revelation that real democracy sometimes isn't an easy process. Many parallels with what's happened in the UK recently, lies & manipulating ordinary people fo the gain of the rich scared of losing power & wealth. Especially blaming & targeting minorities & immigrants. Only in France they lost.

This is not on some trendy pay tv site,nor is it American so lots of people won't see it,won't feel need to watch it.

It started on BBC tv yesterday and I love it already.

I know a bit French history but the details of the story still require close attention.

No plot spoilers but it is a combination of police story and political/social history.

What with brexit and covid this series might be the closest I get to Paris for a while.

Wonderful production values in this immersive crime and politics serial set in la belle epoque Paris. Scene after scene is perfectly conceived and performed. Gruesome violence and antiSemitic bile are just about contained in this gothic universe. Unfortunately there are just too many characters, whose motivations are lost in the misty streets, secret dealings, mad passions and cunning plans at hand. Ultimately we are excluded because it is hard to know or care what is going on. We are just left to wonder how such ugliness seems so beautiful.

I watched the first two episodes and found it enjoyable. Some reviewers comments reflect the cinematic effects and they are good. Several times there are scenes that reflect famous French paintings.

The story is decent and fits the Belle Epoch at the end of the third Republic. The characters are also good with actors finding their feet

Worth watching.

Positive it has a golden story. A beautiful cinematography and scenario, a substantial budget for a French production.

Alas, sometimes it has a wobbly plot although it doesn't get in the way overall. A good casting except the one who plays inspector Jouin who is really below the others and limits the series! Jérémie Laheurte isn't a bad actor at all - average at the best - yet he hasnt enough talent and acting skills to lead a big budget TV show like this one. Looking at its sucessuful British counterpart, Peaky Blinders or its American cousin, Boardwalk Empire. It takes a heavy actor level for carry a such a promising series.

The French producers could've hired some top francophone thespian like Matthias Schoenaerts or Gaspard Ulliel as the leading role actor.

Or others less known outside France like Pierre Niney, Niels Schneider or François Civil, they'd have more dramatic resources and screen presence to lead the show than Laheurte. Missed oportunity.

Pardon!