Saw this on the Talking Pictures channel (UK, old films and TV). They had previously shown the 1960s series (50+ episodes, BBC, B&W) featuring Rupert Davies, a generally acclaimed Maigret.
We've also seen the excellent 12 episodes (2 series) that ITV did (90s) with Michael Gambon as Maigret (terrific portrayal) and the less successful later efforts with Rowan Atkinson in the lead.
This Cremer version is of course French, with subtitles, but they are not too wordy, so fairly easy to follow. Also very French, lots of atmosphere, meaningful looks, thoughtful silences.
I see some reviews refer to how faithful this version is to the books, a ludicrous statement in one respect, as Lucas, his main assistant in all the books I've seen, has almost completely disappeared!
I haven't liked all the episodes so far of this Cremer version, but THIS one is EXCELLENT. Frequent reviewer Whalen is as usual most accurate with his comments, so check that for the plot.
Maigret here is confronted with at first a number of possible culprits, connected to the victim, and he swiftly dismisses the chance of it being an opportune robbery, gone wrong.
But, a tangled set of relatives, and a mistress, lead to a variety of motives.
We gradually learn of Maigret's distaste for most of those concerned, apart from his sympathy with the victim's young mistress (the only one who really liked him!), who now has to find work again.
I only recently read the book this story is based on, and there is a surprising difference, in that text the dead body obstructs the safe door -- making it clear the robbery happened first, and possibly as a separate event.
One surprise is the lack of interest in finding the gun -- who might have had one, and why?
But, as ever, he ferrets away at the accounts of all concerned trying to work out the actual truth. A rather bizarre will emerges, the victim planned to divide his money amongst the 3 women in his life. But -- did any of them know?
As ever, the acting is extremely good, and in this one, the time flies by (not always the case!).