Paris Police 1900

This is not on some trendy pay tv site,nor is it American so lots of people won't see it,won't feel need to watch it.

It started on BBC tv yesterday and I love it already.

I know a bit French history but the details of the story still require close attention.

No plot spoilers but it is a combination of police story and political/social history.

What with brexit and covid this series might be the closest I get to Paris for a while.

A stunning historical crime drama - set in early 1900s Paris which mixes the meta-narratives of political turmoil, populist anti-semitism, police corruption, misogyny and murder against an ensemble of engaging, nuanced characters and some stunning set design and cinematography. A drama that doesn't shy away from the very seedy-side of turn of the century life, but which also captures the incredible technological and social change that was occurring at this time. The two lead police characters are of course the ultimate oil and water mix (hence the LA Confidential vibes) and the show also features strong female leads as well. A thoroughly binge-worthy drama that gets better with each episode. Tuning into season 2 now!

This is as much a historical documentary as peaky blinders or pennyworth. Except for the opening sequence, which is factually accurate.

By the end of the first episode, one wonders where the series is going. The authors appear to procrastinate: is it a romantic comedy, a drama, a police procedural, or a political thriller? The story lacks focus, and about 25% of the scenes appear to add no value - except for the odd atmospheric shots. The characters appear to be card-board cut-out tropes of goodies and baddies, complete with corrupt chauvinist cops.

The acting is average, at best, and I found myself yawning and looking at another screen quite a few times.

Production values are mostly good; except for any outdoors locations which are very limited. I enjoyed the lighting and camera work, but that is not sufficient to sustain interest throughout.

Watchable if you have low expectations, or if there is little else on.

6/10.

Let's destroy one myth, there are no 'central characters'. There are are many central characters. Most based, quite accurately, on real people and, importantly, accurately portrayed real events. Of course there's dramatic licence with subplots etc especially on personal lives & the ordinary people who were involved. The audience that do not know anything about French history of that period, it will come as an uncomfortable revelation that real democracy sometimes isn't an easy process. Many parallels with what's happened in the UK recently, lies & manipulating ordinary people fo the gain of the rich scared of losing power & wealth. Especially blaming & targeting minorities & immigrants. Only in France they lost.

Extremely well documented. It's tough. It's rough. It's raw.it's not for sensible soul. It shows deepest and terrible human behaviors and acts including political strategy. I love when French are able to do such amazing series!!