Our story begins with the murder of a wine merchant who is a most despicable man. Everyone gave him what he wanted when he wanted it. He controlled and relished that control. So, of all the suspects is there anyone who wouldn't want to murder him? But upon an initial closer look no one seems to have hated him and wished him dead. Yet someone did.
The filmmakers stick to the Simeone novel quite closely. Oscar Chabut is a very successful wine merchant who wants women and money. His wife accepts him as he is, shrugging off his lifestyle. Maigret interviews Chabut's wife and employees. He visits his offices and home. And all the while he suspects someone is following him. Eventually the story that matters-the story that reveals motive and suspect-comes out. Maigret has his men track the murderer, yet he believes the murderer will come to him.
I enjoyed this episode and the book upon which it's based. It's less mystery and more suspense, really. There is no elaborate denouement, no surprises, no unexpected twist. As I've said in a few other reviews on episodes in this series: Getting to and finding out "Who did it?" matters, yes, but only a bit. The best parts are the lingering moments in between. Here we get those wonderful lingering moments between murder and the apprehension of the suspect. Those moments reveal much about the murdered man and the murderer. We feel we've seen more of them in the film than we actually do. The motive and murder make complete sense.