Saw this on the Talking Pictures channel (UK, old films and TV). They had previously shown the 1960s series (50+ episodes, BBC, B&W) featuring Rupert Davies, a generally acclaimed Maigret.
We've also seen the excellent 12 episodes (2 series) that ITV did (90s) with Michael Gambon as Maigret (terrific portrayal) and the less successful later efforts with Rowan Atkinson in the lead.
This Cremer version is of course French, with subtitles, but they are not too wordy, so fairly easy to follow. Also very French, lots of atmosphere, meaningful looks, thoughtful silences.
I see some reviews refer to how faithful this version is to the books, a ludicrous statement in one respect, as Lucas, his main assistant in all the books I've seen, has almost completely disappeared!
I haven't liked all the episodes so far of this Cremer version, but THIS one is EXCELLENT! The review by Whalen details much of what happens, but I'd add that the acting is terrific, a range of disparate characters in a small nondescript country village that is somewhere near Dole, the Jura region by the Swiss border. Where it apparently rains a lot?!
Two vagrant murders are linked, one was in Paris, the gun used for that one turns up by a murder victim in this village, Maigret has to discover what the link is back to this country backwater, full of suspicious characters who don't much care for the outside world.
The story is somewhat like the episode in series 7 (Enfant de Choeur) in which Maigret has to find out what a small group of characters are hiding, though that village (or perhaps small town) actually has a road with tarmac, pavements, a tram, and a few shops, so he doesn't keep getting his shoes all muddy!
The core of this one is two feuding sisters, living in a divided house (I was reminded of the old Steptoe comedy story?!) just hurling venom and insults at each other for many years. Both say they don't know the local victim, who was found in a shed in their garden.
Gradually Maigret discovers crucial details, about the Paris victim, who'd been a seasonal farm worker between the wars. Then it's discovered that the local victim had been engaged to one sister, married the other one, then left them both. But they both say they don't recognise him?? Merde Alors - or perhaps, Mud Alors?! And how did the 2 vagrants know each other?
Lots of good acting, I liked the granny, said to be deaf, but sees and hears lots of things, gives Maigret a couple of good clues, and the widowed village cafe and shop owner (all in one!) who clearly takes a shine to him -- as well as his shoes! As the other reviews have said, sit down and enjoy.