Ep 11. The Crime at Lock 14

Maigret season 4 episode 11, titled "The Crime at Lock 14," follows Inspector Jules Maigret as he attempts to solve a murder case that takes place in a small French town alongside a canal.

The episode begins with the discovery of a body floating in the canal by the town's lock, which is soon identified as that of a Dutch sailor named Willy Marco. The local police force is baffled by the case, and they turn to Maigret for help.

Maigret arrives and begins his investigation, but he quickly finds that the case is more complex than it first appears. The lockkeeper and his wife are both acting suspiciously, and a number of other odd characters are involved in the case, including a strange Dutchman who seems to be haunting the canal. Maigret soon discovers that Marco had been involved in a smuggling operation, which may have led to his death.

As he continues to investigate, Maigret faces a number of obstacles, including uncooperative suspects, language barriers, and a lack of physical evidence. He must use his intuition and keen observational skills to piece together the clues and find the killer.

The tension of the episode builds steadily as Maigret uncovers secrets and confronts each suspect in turn. The local police force becomes increasingly frustrated with Maigret's unconventional methods, but he remains determined to uncover the truth.

Throughout the episode, the setting plays an important role in building atmosphere. The town is shown to be a sleepy, isolated place, with the quiet of the canal often punctuated by the sounds of lock machinery and passing boats. The sense of isolation is heightened by the fact that the characters all seem to have their own secrets and agendas, making it difficult for Maigret to know who to trust.

As the episode reaches its climax, the tension reaches a fever pitch as Maigret races to solve the case before the killer can escape. The final reveal is satisfying and unexpected, tying together the various threads of the mystery in a way that feels true to the character and to the world he inhabits.

Overall, Maigret season 4 episode 11, "The Crime at Lock 14," is a thrilling and atmospheric murder mystery that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.