Une Affaire Française

Thus was a fascinating faction series about a case that shook France. In six episodes, the programme followed the twists and turns of an increasingly incompetent investigation.

The gendarmes led by their decent and honest captain were clearly not up to the job and were despised by the city cops who took over. However, these latter were just as bad but far more venal. Both sets of cops were hampered by a weak and vacillating examining magistrate. Unfortunately his bungling and character flaws led to more tragedy and unnecessary exposure to vilification of some of the main players.

Framed through the eyes of a couple of invented characters for much of the time, the programme deviated from real life on occasion for dramatic effect.

Despite anyone of my age knowing the vague outlines of the story, the amount of detail was fascinating and the factual information given at the end of each episode was germane.

I watched this in a 36 hour period and thoroughly enjoyed it while at the same time being shocked at the injustices going on and the terrible consequences flowing from them.