Ep 13. The Children's Party

In Maigret season 1 episode 13, titled "The Children's Party," the Parisian detective Jules Maigret is called upon to investigate the sudden disappearance of a wealthy businessman and philanthropist during his daughter's birthday party. As Maigret delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of personal and professional secrets that threaten to unravel the entire investigation.

The episode kicks off with Maigret attending the titular children's party, where everything seems to be going smoothly until the host, Monsieur Mostaguen, disappears without a trace. Distraught, Mostaguen's wife enlists Maigret's help in finding her missing husband, setting off a chain of events that will keep the detective on his toes for the rest of the episode.

As Maigret begins his investigation, he quickly realizes that Mostaguen's disappearance is far from a simple case of a man wandering off. Mostaguen was a well-known philanthropist and businessman with ties to the city's most influential people, many of whom seem to have something to hide. From a closeted gay artist to a powerful industrialist with a long-standing grudge against Mostaguen, Maigret must sort through the suspects' deceptions to get to the truth.

One of the episode's standout features is the excellent acting from the entire cast, particularly Rowan Atkinson as Maigret and Shaun Dingwall as industrialist Claude Faroux. Atkinson brings a sense of world-weary gravitas to the role, perfectly capturing Maigret's unflappability and dogged determination. Dingwall, meanwhile, imbues Faroux with a sense of barely-concealed rage that makes him a truly compelling suspect.

Another highlight of "The Children's Party" is its lush production design. Set in post-World War II Paris, the episode makes excellent use of its location, with sweeping shots of the city's iconic landmarks and lush interiors that bring the period to life. The attention to detail is evident in everything from the intricate costumes to the smoky cinematography, creating a fully-realized world that's a pleasure to inhabit for the show's runtime.

Of course, no detective story is complete without its plot twists, and "The Children's Party" has plenty to offer. Maigret's investigation leads him down a winding path full of red herrings and false leads, and the episode's climax is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Without giving too much away, it's safe to say that this is one case that will keep Maigret guessing until the very end.

Overall, "The Children's Party" is a standout episode of Maigret season 1. With a compelling mystery, strong performances, and beautiful production design, it's a must-watch for fans of detective dramas and historical fiction alike. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or are a die-hard Maigret fan, this episode is sure to satisfy.