Maigret Review: Georges Simenon’s Classic Makes for Near-Perfect Crime TV

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It’s rare for detective shows to move away from action-packed scenes like car chases and gunfights, particularly now when shows such as Chicago P.D. and Countdown are so popular. However, MASTERPIECE’s newest series actually *succeeds* by focusing completely on the intellectual side of solving crimes. While Maigret appears to be a contemporary adaptation of Georges Simenon’s famous novels, a closer look at how the show is made shows that it’s actually quite unique.

Created and overseen by Patrick Harbinson – known for compelling, character-focused shows such as Homeland and Maigret – this series centers on Chief Inspector Jules Maigret (though everyone, even his wife, simply calls him Maigret) as he tackles three distinct investigations over six episodes. Featuring a measured pace and excellent acting, particularly from Benjamin Wainwright in the lead role, Maigret demonstrates that there’s still a place for intelligent, well-written crime dramas on today’s television.

Maigret & Louise Quietly Prove They’re the Soul of the Show

Maigret stands out from most crime shows by taking a deliberate pace and centering its attention on the people involved. This feels organic to the story, not contrived. The series is structured uniquely: each of the three main cases plays out over two episodes, a departure from the usual single-case-per-week format of many procedural crime dramas. This extended format gives the writers space to develop the story thoroughly and really highlight the detailed work of solving each crime.

This storytelling technique highlights that Maigret is exploring a more profound theme. The focus isn’t on chasing the criminal or creating intense thrills. Instead, it delves into the psychological burden experienced by brilliant detectives like Maigret as they solve cases-it’s essentially a complex strategic game between the main character and everyone around him. Wainwright brilliantly portrays this throughout the six-episode series, delivering a captivating performance. He possesses both charm and charisma, and is certainly capable of taking on famous roles such as Bond or Sherlock, both of which require a similar level of mental strategy.

Even Wainwright’s expressions convey emotion, and his eyes are most expressive when he’s sharing a scene with Stefanie Martini, who plays his on-screen wife, Louise. They have a lovely and believable connection, and their marriage adds a distinctive layer to the drama. Unlike many detective stories, this isn’t about a detective *finding* love; it’s about an already-married man who finds comfort and stability in his relationship. There’s a gentle tenderness and openness between them, a sense of shared past that makes viewers eager to know their story-and it’s all evident from their very first scene together. While Wainwright’s Maigret is slowly pushed towards his breaking point, it’s Martini’s quiet strength that consistently brings him back to center.

This isn’t meant to diminish the contributions of the other actors, as they all play a vital role in making Maigret the compelling show it is. plays Cavre, a detective who acts impulsively and asks questions later. Cavre serves as the tough, confrontational counterpart to Maigret’s more measured approach, and his presence consistently highlights this dynamic. Kazinsky brilliantly portrays a character the audience loves to hate, mirroring the feelings of those within the show. However, it’s through Cavre’s storyline that Harbinson effectively showcases what earns Maigret such respect and makes him so skilled. Sadly, some of the supporting characters (witnesses, victims, and suspects) don’t deliver performances that are quite as impactful as those of the main cast, and while this doesn’t significantly detract from the series, it can be a little noticeable.

Maigret’s Slow-Burn Pacing & Meticulous Writing Make it Must-Watch TV

One of the things Maigret does best is immediately set the right mood and hint at what’s to come. Right from the beginning of the first episode, the show draws viewers in, and before they know it, they find themselves surprisingly engaged. The series maintains this hold throughout, which is a testament to its clever and careful writing. It’s obvious from the start that every line and every scene serves a purpose and builds upon what came before.

The show blends self-contained episodes with an overarching storyline, but it’s actually more focused on the continuing narrative than many viewers might think. The central connection throughout the six episodes is actually the character of Maigret. The mysteries he solves are important for the show’s structure, but it’s his personal battles and development that truly enrich them. Without Maigret’s own journey, the cases wouldn’t have the same impact. The writer, Harbinson, understands this perfectly and skillfully uses it to create compelling character-driven drama, where what’s happening inside Maigret is just as important as the external investigation.

Maigret consistently improves with each new installment, offering complex characters and thoughtful development. However, strong writing isn’t the only strength of this MASTERPIECE series. Maigret also boasts beautiful visuals and cinematography, creating a distinctly classic movie atmosphere. It feels reminiscent of older films and beloved detective shows from television’s past. Similar to the deliberate pacing of the writing, the camera work is unhurried. The camera and script work together beautifully – the camera holds on moments when needed, and speeds up with the action. The editing is also precise and polished, blending perfectly with all other aspects of the show.

Maigret Season 1 is the Closest Thing to Perfect Classic Detective Television

Maigret truly shines in the last two episodes of Season 1, as the story reaches its climax and the tension builds brilliantly. The villain is a powerful opponent, and Maigret is forced to confront events from his past as the larger mystery starts to unravel. Every question raised earlier in the season is explained, and, crucially, the answers are very rewarding. From a storytelling perspective, Harbinson has created some of the strongest moments of the series, providing a fantastic ending while also hinting at the possibility of a second season of Maigret if MASTERPIECE decides to renew it.

Maigret Season 1, Episodes 5 & 6 feel more like a movie, particularly how Episode 6 concludes. It definitely leaves viewers eager to see what happens next with these characters and their journeys. Both Wainwright and Martini deliver outstanding performances in the final scenes; Martini’s powerful presence and Wainwright’s convincing vulnerability create a truly suspenseful experience. As always, the emotional connections and personal stories are what truly make these episodes compelling, rather than any action sequences.

Without a doubt, Benjamin Wainwright is the biggest strength of this series. He brilliantly portrays an iconic literary character and essentially carries the show, so it’s surprising he isn’t more well-known. Though he’s been in Belgravia: The Next Chapter, had a role in Gangs of London, and even provided the voice for Haleth in , Wainwright truly deserves greater recognition. It’s obvious that both Wainwright and Harbinson deeply care about honoring the character’s history, and this adaptation doesn’t diminish any of the previous versions. Existing fans of earlier adaptations can rest easy.

These days, it’s unusual for TV shows to finish strongly, but even though this is only Season 1 (and we’re hoping for more!), the story presented from Episode 1 to Episode 6 feels satisfying and well-rounded. While the series unfolds at a more deliberate pace than many similar shows, Maigret is meant to be this way and doesn’t attempt to be anything it’s not. If the first season demonstrates anything, it’s that MASTERPIECE’s Maigret excels through patience and well-developed characters – something that’s increasingly uncommon. The series isn’t focused on violence or spectacle. It’s a thoughtful detective show that values compelling characters above all else, making it a great choice for weekly viewing this fall.

Maigret premieres October 5 at 9 p.m. ET on MASTERPIECE on PBS, with new episodes airing weekly.

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2025-10-03 06:37