Ep 10. A Crime for Christmas

Maigret season 2 episode 10, "A Crime for Christmas," is a holiday-themed episode that takes place in the lead up to Christmas. The episode follows Jules Maigret, a French detective, as he investigates the murder of a wealthy woman in Paris. The victim, Emma Dobie, was found dead in her apartment, strangled with a silk stocking. Maigret and his team are called in to investigate and soon discover that there are plenty of suspects with possible motives for the murder.

As the investigation unfolds, Maigret learns that Emma recently came into a significant amount of money and had been generous with her newfound wealth, giving gifts to those around her. However, it seems that her kindness may have lead to her death. Among the suspects are several people who Emma lavished with gifts, including her maid, a struggling artist she took in, and a former employee who she had recently fired. Additionally, it becomes clear that the victim's past is far from squeaky clean and that she may have made some enemies along the way.

The investigation takes Maigret and his team all over Paris as they gather evidence and interview witnesses. The episode is full of holiday cheer as the city prepares for Christmas with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and holiday shoppers lining the streets. However, this juxtaposition is also a reminder of the sadness and darkness that can exist alongside the joy of the season.

Throughout the episode, Maigret remains his typical calm, methodical self, questioning suspects and piecing together the events leading up to the murder. As always, actor Rowan Atkinson delivers a compelling performance as the reserved but insightful detective. The supporting cast also shines, with standout performances from Lucy Cohu as Emma's best friend, Lorraine and Andrew Brooke as her ex-husband, Victor.

The investigation comes to a head in a tense finale that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Without giving away any spoilers, it's safe to say that the resolution is both satisfying and unexpected.

Overall, "A Crime for Christmas" is a well-crafted episode that combines the tension and suspense of a classic murder mystery with the heartwarming spirit of the holiday season. The twists and turns of the investigation will keep audiences guessing until the end, and the charming backdrop of Paris during Christmastime adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Whether you're a fan of the Maigret series or just looking for a festive mystery to get you in the holiday spirit, this episode is a must-watch.