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“Master Crimes” is a new crime drama series from TF1 that breaks away from typical detective tropes, blending mystery with a hint of comedy. The show centers around Louise Arbus, a renowned criminologist and university professor, portrayed by the talented Muriel Robin. Arbus is drawn back into the world of criminal investigations after a murder scene eerily references one of her famous books with the message: “I’m waiting for the perfect killer.” This chilling connection compels her to rejoin the hunt for a murderer, despite having vowed to leave that world behind eight years prior, after the unresolved case of Pierre Delaunay.
The series introduces an interesting twist by not making Arbus a lone genius detective. Instead, she assembles a team of four quirky and distinct students to help her in her investigations. Each student brings their unique personality and skills, which adds both charm and humor to the show. This dynamic moves the show away from the classic “one detective solves all” formula and builds strong, engaging character relationships that audiences will find appealing.
While some might draw comparisons to shows like “How to Get Away with Murder” because of the professor-student dynamic, “Master Crimes” is its own entity. It mixes elements of Patrick Jane from The Mentalist and Morgane Alvaro from HPI, where Arbus solves creative and often theatrically staged crimes. The cases are unpredictable, and the interaction between Arbus and her students is one of the show’s highlights.
Muriel Robin shines in her role as Louise Arbus. Known for her previous work in TF1 dramas like Jacqueline Sauvage, Mon ange, and Les yeux grands fermés, Robin adds depth and complexity to Arbus. Her character is unapologetically arrogant and occasionally erratic, making her both lovable and frustrating at times. She delivers moments of sharp wit and humor, but also steps into morally grey areas, such as her blunt interference in the relationship between Captain Delandre and medical examiner Belin. Despite these flaws, Robin’s performance makes Arbus an intriguing protagonist.
Adding another layer of excitement is Robin’s real-life partner, Anne Le Nen, who also stars in the show. Though they don’t play romantic partners, their on-screen chemistry adds richness to the series. The cast is rounded out by four young actors, including Victor Meutelet (who has appeared in TF1 series like Le bazar de la charité and Grand Hôtel), and comedians Nordine Ganso and Thaïs Vauquières, with Astrid Roos completing the ensemble. Their characters create a captivating mix of personalities that breathe fresh life into the show’s investigative scenes.
Though “Master Crimes” is lighthearted at times, it doesn’t shy away from gripping, well-constructed crime plots. Each episode presents a new case, while a subtle overarching storyline keeps viewers intrigued and invested, setting up the possibility of a second season.
The Anticipation for Season 2
Fans of Master Crimes won’t have to wait long for more. After the success of the first season, TF1 has announced that the second season is on its way. Building on the momentum of the first, season 2 is expected to dive deeper into the unresolved mysteries surrounding Louise Arbus and her team. The cryptic case of Pierre Delaunay, which haunted Arbus for years, is likely to take center stage, hinting at more personal stakes for the criminologist. With the same balance of gripping crime investigations and quirky character dynamics, the second season promises even more twists and emotional depth.
Fans can also expect further development of the relationships within the team, especially between the students. Their evolving chemistry, already a strong point of the series, will likely play a crucial role as they face increasingly challenging cases. With new mysteries to unravel, more theatrical crime scenes, and the unique energy that Muriel Robin brings to the role, season 2 looks set to captivate audiences once again.
“Master Crimes” is a refreshing take on the crime genre, combining suspense, humor, and memorable characters. It offers viewers not only an entertaining ride through its episodic cases but also an open-ended storyline that leaves fans eager for more. If you’re looking for a crime series with a fresh angle, compelling characters, and a dash of French flair, this show might just be what you’re looking for.
The new episodes will roll out every Thursdays on TF1 starting October 17th on television and starting October 15th on TF1+ for premium users. Don’t miss them!
