Police commissioner Herville is killed in a Chinese restaurant in what appears to be some sort of robbery. Laure returns to service within Gilou's unit in order to investigate. Following the thread of some youths suspected of the robbery though, leads to more sinister detail and motivations.
Spiral has had its ups and downs over the seasons, but generally the quality has been good once it got settled in its second season. This appears to be its final season, and if so then it goes out with a typically solid season (note: since writing this I found out that there will be an eighth season). It has a robust storyline through all the episodes; it is perhaps a bit too procedural for its own good, and could have done with a few shocks or scares done as 'big' moments in there, but it is hard to begrudge its solid pace and consistency in delivery. The lack of flamboyance doesn't mean that it is flat though, because it does have twists and turns - particularly those who are invested in the characters, as many small things matter in regard to who they are (and probably anyone 7 seasons in, is invested in the characters). The investigation itself builds well, getting murky and entangled in the way the title always suggests they will go.
The cast bring a lot to their characters; Proust may say she wants to do something else, but she is excellent here - very much sells the character we are told of, that is driven and complicated but yet struggling with mental health. Godard is the same - very strong in his performance and plays it consistent with previous seasons in his mix of thug and hero. Fleurot's character at times feels like a distraction as prison has her side-lined, but the performance is good and the character still interesting. Duclos is his usual wily character but works well with some moments of weakness and peril. The support cast are all solidly good. A side note is how many of the key cast are over 50 but yet it is never a factor in anything going on. Production standards remain high, with good location use and a sense of place.
The seventh season may not have massive fireworks but it has plenty to recommend. It is a consistently well-constructed story which engages in its turns, but its main strength is how it uses its characters within all of it.
Spiral has had its ups and downs over the seasons, but generally the quality has been good once it got settled in its second season. This appears to be its final season, and if so then it goes out with a typically solid season (note: since writing this I found out that there will be an eighth season). It has a robust storyline through all the episodes; it is perhaps a bit too procedural for its own good, and could have done with a few shocks or scares done as 'big' moments in there, but it is hard to begrudge its solid pace and consistency in delivery. The lack of flamboyance doesn't mean that it is flat though, because it does have twists and turns - particularly those who are invested in the characters, as many small things matter in regard to who they are (and probably anyone 7 seasons in, is invested in the characters). The investigation itself builds well, getting murky and entangled in the way the title always suggests they will go.
The cast bring a lot to their characters; Proust may say she wants to do something else, but she is excellent here - very much sells the character we are told of, that is driven and complicated but yet struggling with mental health. Godard is the same - very strong in his performance and plays it consistent with previous seasons in his mix of thug and hero. Fleurot's character at times feels like a distraction as prison has her side-lined, but the performance is good and the character still interesting. Duclos is his usual wily character but works well with some moments of weakness and peril. The support cast are all solidly good. A side note is how many of the key cast are over 50 but yet it is never a factor in anything going on. Production standards remain high, with good location use and a sense of place.
The seventh season may not have massive fireworks but it has plenty to recommend. It is a consistently well-constructed story which engages in its turns, but its main strength is how it uses its characters within all of it.
