PBS has announced major changes in Maigret Season 2, the upcoming entry in the network’s British detective series based on the Jules Maigret novels by Georges Simenon, which is currently in production in Budapest.
PBS’ Maigret is the first-ever contemporary take on Georges Simenon’s beloved novels. The series follows Chief Inspector Jules Maigret (Benjamin Wainwright), an unconventional young Parisian detective who climbs the ranks against all odds and heads La Crim, the serious crime unit in Paris.
Maigret Season 2 marks the return of Wainwright and the series’ main ensemble, namely Stefanie Martini, Kerrie Hayes, Shaniqua Okwok, Reda Elazouar, Nathalie Armin, James Northcote and Rob Kazinsky.
Here are some creative changes to be expected in the sophomore season.
Maigret Season 2: 5 major creative changes to look out for
1) Maigret Season 2 will introduce Jules’ boss and mentor
One of the biggest changes in Season 2 is the introduction of Jules’ boss and mentor, Director of Police Xavier Guichard (played by Nathaniel Parker). One can only expect dramatic changes in La Brigade Criminelle and Jules’ personal life with Guichard’s arrival, who is suspicious of the Parisian detective’s growing fame and success.
Xavier Guichard’s arrival is bound to shake things up in the sophomore season, resulting in yet another challenge for our titular detective. Fans should also keep an eye out for The Inspector Lynley Mysteries star’s debut as Xavier Guichard, who is an impressive addition to Season 2’s cast.
2) Maigret Season 2 will adapt not one but three of Georges Simenon’s novels
Fans craving a stronger dose of murder, mystery and mayhem are in for a treat as Maigret Season 2 will adapt not one but three of Georges Simenon’s most celebrated novels: The Yellow Dog, The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien and Maigret’s Revolver. Published in 1932, 1931 and 1952, respectively, these are three of the best-known novels in Simenon’s Jules Maigret series.
After only scratching the surface in its freshman run, the upcoming season dives much deeper, bringing darker, more twisted murder cases that will push the titular detective to his absolute limits.
3) Maigret Season 2 will see major changes in Jules Maigret’s team
It looks like Xavier Guichard’s arrival will bring a storm, as Season 2 will feature major shake-ups in the titular detective’s core team. Jules Maigret will lose one of his beloved colleagues after he gets replaced by a former Internal Affairs officer, George Bonfils (played by Outlander star Alex Bhat), on Guichard’s behest. Additionally, one of Jules’ co-workers will leave the department, creating intrigue.
Fans can expect dramatic tension and some internal office drama as Bonfils struggles to fit in with Maigret’s core team, creating a tense workplace obstacle for our detective.
4) Maigret Season 2 might take a more character-driven approach
While Maigret Season 1 introduced the titular detective’s core team, the series has yet to explore their dynamics. Since fans loved the cast’s chemistry in the freshman season, Season 2 could take a character-driven approach, as Benjamin Wainwright teased in an interview with The Direct:
”I think we deserve to see more of where, how the Maigrets have come to be who they are, the likes of [Janiver] and [Lepointe] and [Torrence] and [Cavre], if he survives, who knows, and [Lucas]. But there’s just such great chemistry, and they’re such amazing characters…I think in Season 2, we have a chance to establish everyone, and that’s what I look forward to.”
5) Maigret Season 2 will expand on the titular detective’s unique investigation style
Lastly, Season 2 of Maigret is set to expand on its titular character, who portrayed a unique investigation style and sympathized with the perpetrator rather than the victim. While most detective shows focus on the victims, PBS’ latest mystery series expands on the detective’s relationship with the criminals, as they are people he grew up with and naturally feels a connection towards them.
Maigret Season 2 will feature a never-before-seen approach to Georges Simenon’s beloved character, who will solve even darker cases in modern Paris.
PBS will likely announce the release date for Season 2 soon.
For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.
Edited by Aashna