Okay, so halfway through Le Bureau des Légendes.
The fear of having resorted to hyperbole in my last post (especially re: the Rubicon comparison) have subsided, the show really is that good.
Mathieu Kassovitz is (unsurprisingly) great in the main role and the writing, the production values and the rest of the cast is all on point. Sure, I wouldn't say no to some more flair in the direction, but that just feels excessive and petty to complain about.
I did skip the most obvious (but superficial) comparison the show has, which is Homeland. But that is because it doesn't feel like Homeland (not even the good season 1 Homeland), it has much more in common with Rubicon and The Honourable Woman/The Shadow Line. And these aren't comparisons I make lightly, those are some of my absolute favourite shows. If this sticks the landing it will join that company.
Can't recommend it highly enough so far, especially if you like spy fiction. Shame that it has only aired in France and Sweden as of writing.
And since I apparently am having a French spy fiction week, I also checked out A Very Secret Service (available on Netflix in multiple regions!).
Here the comparisons are way easier; If you watched (and liked) the OSS 117 films starring Jean Dujardin you'll like this one. If you haven't seen the OSS 117 films but like things like Archer, then you should watch them and then watch this show.
Created by one of the writers of OSS 117, A Very Secret Service is tremendously stupid in that particular charming way that won't stop putting a smile on your face. I adore it.
So two for two France.