Maigret

Thanks to Britbox, I just discovered this fabulous series. I've only been familiar with Rowan Atkinson's comedic roles until his interesting turn in Love Actually. While I'm sad to know there were only 4 episodes of this incarnation of Maigret it is so worth the time. Amazing cast! And the phenomenal Lucy Cohu is such a perfect counterpoint to Atkinson as his wife. I know television in the UK will frequently continue shows after several years hiatus; this one deserves such a chance.

This was excellent, the very best Maigret of all! I never expected Mr Bean to be so very credible and serious in this role. 4 episodes were not enough, of course they canceled it because it was actually really good. Seems the crap is always renewed. So many great shows get cancelled maybe because the powers that be are really out of touch with the audience! Too bad, this was really wonderful.

Perfect cast. Great Stories. Great novels. Like David Suchet is Poirot, Rowan Atkinson is Maigret ... This must be renewed. If it isn't it's a crime. The production is excellent ...

When I first started watching this series,I was so impressed by Rowan Atkinson's rendition of Simenon's character, I at first doubted he was the same actor as the one who played Mr. Bean. First class acting, subtlety and a gift for saying much with a look or a gesture. It was also interesting how the writers included his wife as more of a partner who participated sometimes in his cases, which gave the series a modern touch that was not found in Simenon's novels. The production values and supporting cast added greatly to the series's appeal and I hope we'll see additional sequels in future. Simenon wrote so many engrossing novels and short stories there's plenty for other producers to draw from.

Police procedurals from England are in a completely different universe from those made by US producers. These shows are cerebral, gripping, original, have brilliant dialog, impeccable acting, and are gorgeously filmed. Shows like this period piece manage to capture the atmosphere and times they're portraying with amazing precision. And Maigret as portrayed by the brilliant Rowan Atkinson, is a tour de force. We know Atkinson from his bumbling, hilarious Mr. Bean. The sensitivity and gravitas Atkinson displays is a testament to his amazing range as an actor and I'm thrilled to see him playing 180 degrees opposite Mr. Bean.

Why is it that we continue to see the same recycled crap from US producers. Not even the endless regurgitation from the Law and Order and NCIS franchises can hold a candle to any number of English police shows. Go back to Prime Suspect up to Vera and Shetland and you wonder how it is US producers can't create such shows despite their exaggerated plots and gratuitous violence.