A Serious Turn for Rowan Atkinson

Maigret is a British television series that reimagines the classic detective stories of Georges Simenon’s Commissaire Jules Maigret. Known for his comedic roles, Rowan Atkinson takes a dramatic turn as the reserved and contemplative French detective. The series showcases Atkinson’s range as an actor, delivering a subtle and restrained performance that captures Maigret’s methodical and empathetic approach to solving crimes.

Plot and Setting

Set in 1950s Paris, the series follows Commissaire Maigret as he tackles complex and emotionally charged cases. The stories focus on Maigret’s keen observational skills, deep understanding of human nature, and relentless pursuit of justice, rather than high-speed action or flashy detective work.

The show’s atmospheric production immerses viewers in a post-war Paris filled with smoky bars, cobblestone streets, and moral ambiguity.

Episodes

Maigret Sets a Trap (2016)

Maigret investigates a string of murders targeting women in Montmartre, using an unconventional trap to lure the killer out of hiding.

Maigret’s Dead Man (2016)

A man contacts Maigret, fearing for his life, but is murdered before they can meet. Maigret is drawn into a tangled web of rural gangsters and urban crime.

Maigret: Night at the Crossroads (2017)

A body is discovered in a car outside a reclusive Danish couple’s house, leading Maigret into a complex case of lies, betrayal, and greed.

Maigret in Montmartre (2017)

Two seemingly unrelated murders—a nightclub singer and a countess—lead Maigret to uncover a sinister secret lurking beneath the surface of Parisian high society.