I am not sure why I stuck with this tv show, it wasn't because of the story lines most of which were highly implausible and full of unlikely coincidences, it wasn't because of the characters because none of them are particularly likeable and totally inept at their jobs and wouldn't be allowed anywhere near those jobs in real life, no wonder most series took 12 episodes to complete, because the cops were always stuffing things up, for example every time they had scenes where the cops had to follow the bad guy in a crowded public place they inevitably lost track of him, guaranteed. Maybe I watched it for the French scenery, or maybe because a show that has been around for 8 series can't be too bad, I really don't know.
I have just finished watching series 8 and I have to say it was the worst of all the series, I think the show has run out of steam, it was very low energy and the main characters who have been there from the beginning looked worn and tired, as if they didn't want to be there and were just going through the motions. The villains weren't at all scary, they even seemed quite civil at times, the story was a bit all over the place and again highly implausible.
If your looking for a bit of mindless entertainment and your not too fussed about improbable story lines this show might just be for you.
