One doesn't read Simenon's Maigret mysteries simply for setup, epiphanous moment, and denouement. I would say the same is true of watching this series. Getting to and finding out "Who did it?" matters, yes, but only a bit. The best parts are the lingering moments in between. In "Maigret on Trial" (though the book title, Maigret Defends Himself, is more accurate), we find Inspector Maigret accused of molesting a young woman. But did he? If not, then who would set him up and attempt to destroy his reputation and career? And why?
All will be revealed but the deductions made by Maigret in the film are a bit forced when compared to the novel, and I don't think the novel's approach would have been difficult to script. Still, the film aligns with the book's story and follows the general outline with the differences being in how Maigret moves from A to B in his deductions-how he gets the information that prompts him to an understanding of what has occurred. I must add this: a reviewer incorrectly claims that this film mixes two Maigret stories since it also includes scenes and mentions of the "Palmari gangster" along with the story of Maigret defending himself against a false accusation. Actually, the Palmari character (and his wife) along with references to jewel robberies are in the novel and are tangential to the core plot.
All in all, a sold presentation of an intriguing mystery. Maigret pushing back against accusations from his superiors and pressing on with an investigation, despite being told to back off, is true to his character and, I think, a worthwhile hour and a half for the viewers.
All will be revealed but the deductions made by Maigret in the film are a bit forced when compared to the novel, and I don't think the novel's approach would have been difficult to script. Still, the film aligns with the book's story and follows the general outline with the differences being in how Maigret moves from A to B in his deductions-how he gets the information that prompts him to an understanding of what has occurred. I must add this: a reviewer incorrectly claims that this film mixes two Maigret stories since it also includes scenes and mentions of the "Palmari gangster" along with the story of Maigret defending himself against a false accusation. Actually, the Palmari character (and his wife) along with references to jewel robberies are in the novel and are tangential to the core plot.
All in all, a sold presentation of an intriguing mystery. Maigret pushing back against accusations from his superiors and pressing on with an investigation, despite being told to back off, is true to his character and, I think, a worthwhile hour and a half for the viewers.
