Police procedurals from England are in a completely different universe from those made by US producers. These shows are cerebral, gripping, original, have brilliant dialog, impeccable acting, and are gorgeously filmed. Shows like this period piece manage to capture the atmosphere and times they're portraying with amazing precision. And Maigret as portrayed by the brilliant Rowan Atkinson, is a tour de force. We know Atkinson from his bumbling, hilarious Mr. Bean. The sensitivity and gravitas Atkinson displays is a testament to his amazing range as an actor and I'm thrilled to see him playing 180 degrees opposite Mr. Bean.

Why is it that we continue to see the same recycled crap from US producers. Not even the endless regurgitation from the Law and Order and NCIS franchises can hold a candle to any number of English police shows. Go back to Prime Suspect up to Vera and Shetland and you wonder how it is US producers can't create such shows despite their exaggerated plots and gratuitous violence.