Maigret (2016-2017)

mr. Bean as a detective? Yep. As a French-speaking detective? No, they all speak English. In Paris? Also no, it was all filmed in Hungary, with an eye on budget and feasibility - although it must of course pass for Paris (and the surrounding area, if desired). And that while there was already a rather brilliant series / rendition of this Simenon creation? Well... apparently.

For a while I wondered very hard why they ever started this, but in the end I checked (I don't always have the choice either) and... it all worked out quite well. First of all, I think it's not that bad that it would be sluggish and corny, but as far as it is, I have no problem with that. Coincidentally watched an old (80s) Miss Marple yesterday, still looks away wonderfully and contains enough slightly veiled venom to excite. And there is also plenty of alternative material (preferably old giallos and slashers) if I wanted it a bit more excessive.

3.5* is a bit too high, so three stars.

Translated from Dutch · View original

His unhealthy tan and the tired look on his face make Rowan Atkinson a fine interpreter of Maigret. The hyper-correct, solid sleuth who grows weary of the world when its evil comes his way, while still exuding a fatherly side because he somehow has the vain hope that his role has a positive impact on the world. At a time when heroes and villains in popular culture are increasingly difficult to distinguish from each other, it is nice that the BBC once again goes back to a rock-solid police officer in which a guardian of 'our' safety watches over 'our' lives in the shadows. It's wonderful how the France of her time is heavily emphasized with the atmospheric sketches and the tragic (but especially romantic) atmosphere of that specific era. Nevertheless, this nostalgic and safe approach has a negative side: it is all so bland and corny that even a serial killer who strings young women on his knife doesn't want to be shocking anymore. Maybe I expected more spice with this re-introduction of a classic figure!?

Translated from Dutch · View original