Paris Police 1905

This is unique in giving me the feeling that I am watching, not a period drama, but action filmed at the time. The creators must have started with actual footage from the time then built on it to give us a macabre version of actual events twisted and hacked beyond the possible. I keep on expecting to see Monsieur Proust lurking in the shadows. I might add that I am a fan of Frank Tallis's Liebermann novels set in Vienna at the same period, and I so wish the Paris Police team had had the job of bringing them to television. Will there be a Paris Police 2010? And the horrors of 1915? I am sure they would be well worth waiting for!

Paris Police 1905 is a gritty and atmospheric crime drama set in Paris at the start of the 20th century. A follow-up to Paris Police 1900, the Series takes place five years later, with detective Antoine Jouin investigating a mysterious death in the Bois de Boulogne, a park known for secret sexual encounters. The man was shot four times, yet some believe it could be a suicide. At the same time, police are cracking down on prostitution, showing the harsh treatment of women and the poor.

The Series does a great job showing the darker side of Paris, both in rich and poor areas. The costumes, old cars, and camera work help bring the time period to life. The acting is strong, with some interesting and strange characters, like Meg Steinheil and her troubled husband. The cinematography, especially in the foggy park scenes, is excellent.

However, the story starts slowly and builds interest, only to fall apart near the end. The final episode rushes through major plot points without giving clear answers or a satisfying conclusion. Viewers may feel disappointed, especially since the mystery from the first episode is never fully solved.

Still, fans of the first series (watch it first, before this) will enjoy seeing familiar characters return. Despite its shortcomings, Paris Police 1905 remains an engaging look at a troubled time in history, with strong visuals and rich detail.

Undoubtedly this is a very high quality production, elegantly filmed and with careful details that transport the viewer back by over a century. Unlike a lot of dramas which try to modernise the characters to suit modern attitudes, this stays true to the morality of the era.

There are some surprisingly brutal scenes (not necessarily for the squeamish, which you'll realise from the opening scene), and a couple of slightly suggestive sexual moments.

But scratch beneath the surface and across the first 5 episodes there is no actual story development. I won't include spoilers, but many of the events that happen and which you assume will be important in the future simply aren't followed up. The acting is dry and the episodes are slow. Characters undergo trauma and then appear fully recovered shortly afterwards. Extremely unlikely friendships are formed to enable future events to happen.

The writers clearly knew this was a mess because the sixth (and final) episode includes two scenes where minor characters explain exactly what has happened in simple language. And the ridiculous thing is, half of the characters and locations mentioned in the exposition had barely been included in the previous 5 episodes.

A disappointment.

PS I did not realise this was a "sequel" to Paris Police 1900, and had not seen the original series. Many of the cast are the same, but this story appears to stand on its own. It just isn't a good story.

Paris Police 1900 was an excellent series, mixing fiction with actual history. Paris Police 1905 is equally gripping with great story and compelling performances. Don't expect fast action but the intrigue is intricate. The series is dark and uncompromising but it's not an easy viewing so be warned. There's plenty of blood and mayhem throughout. Corruption, greed and plain stupidity also plays it part. At the same time it's an exciting time in Paris with first women lawyers, motor cars craze and police reforms, which would eventually make the force as we know it today. Although it's not necessary I would strongly recommend to watch the Paris Police 1900 first.

So coming off the back of that amazing season 1, I wasn't sure I was going to warm as much to season 2 after the first episode. Season 2 starts slower but then revs up and the last few episodes are amongst the show's best. Replacing the political backdrop of season 1's antisemitism, this season zeroes in on a corrupt vice squad and the blackmail of sex workers and their clients. This backdrop provides another gritty context for the human drama to play out between police, politicians, the church and the bourgeoisie. Nearly all of the characters from season 1 have returned 5 years later, and this season continues the excellent script and engaging characterisations as well as that gorgeous cinematography and set design. The oppressive sexual politics of early twentieth century life is on full display and the descent into the corrupt netherworld is a gripping ride! Recommended!