‘Monsieur Spade’ Recap: ‘Episode 1’

1/15/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Clive Owen as Sam Spade in Episode 101 of ‘Monsieur Spade’. (Photo Courtesy of Black Bear/AMC.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Monsieur Spade’.

Sam Spade. That’s a name that immediately brings a smile to the face of any crime story aficionado. Simply because, Sam Spade is… a crime story legend. One that has been around for nearly a century now and in various formats and stories he has entertained us and engaged us with his hardboiled, no-nonsense style. One so powerful and memorable, that in many ways, Spade helped to invent the modern private investigator, since so many private investigators in storytelling now, harbor elements of him. Not to mention, his presence and his depth has kept noir alive. But while Sam is indeed a character we love, it’s been a while since we’ve enjoyed a fresh story about him.

For Noir has indeed been a little bit on the backburner in these early years of the new century, but as is always the case, everything old is new again. For Noir is quietly making a comeback and well, Sam Spade is clearly leading the way. For last night saw Monsieur Spade make its debut on AMC, a brand-new series that focuses on the iconic PI, at a very unique point in his life. For this particular tale opens up with Sam traveling abroad to France, to Bozouls to be exact, to pay off a debt. One revolving around him making an important delivery. Specifically, he needs to deliver a girl named Theresa to her father, Philippe Saint Andre, so he can go on about his life and enjoy the payday he will receive from such an act.

But of course, he comes to learn that this task will not be easy. In part because Philippe is nowhere to be found. In fact, he tends to rarely stick around his town, prompting Sam to be stuck with Teresa and he is absolutely unsure of what to do with her. But the arrival of a mysterious woman named Gabrielle is what brings about that unique chapter in question. For she and Sam fall deeply in love, to the point where this iconic investigator leaves his former life behind and settles down with Gabrielle for years until her untimely passing. Which allows for the viewer to see Sam Spade in a new light really, as a retiree, an owner of inherited property and little to do, but live and take care of Teresa from afar via girl’s boarding school he can now afford.

Cara Bossom as Teresa in Episode 101 of ‘Monsieur Spade’. (Photo Courtesy of Jean-Claude Lother/AMC.)

All of which makes for a stunning journey. Since no fan of Sam Spade would ever expect to see him in retirement. For he was always perfect at his job and did genuine good in the world and skirted the line that would inspire generations of fictional detectives. But here he is in this story, plucking his own fowl, eating his own meals in gentle solitude, and even facing the reality that cigarettes are bad for him. All of which humanizes the character in a unique manner and catapults him into a bold new chapter in his life, where of course, there is trouble for him to deal with. For one fine day, Philippe returns home, and trouble follows him and spreads out to Sam’s world. Setting the stage for a need for the world’s greatest private investigator to come out of retirement to understand Philippe’s role in murder most foul.

Which is a plot that is perfect really. For it immediately draws us in by presenting us with a Sam Spade story unlike any other, one that while refreshing… feels like home… if you will. Simply because the intelligence and biting nature of a Sam Spade story is present here, complete with Sam’s flawless and snappy one liners and overall bitterness and that’s a testament to the work of Clive Owen. Who simply transforms into Spade by channeling hints of Humphrey Bogart into his performance, while adding his own spin to it. Since there is a bit of wear that Clive adds to the character, and a sense of peace through finding love and enjoying it, over being shot at for a change and well, the wonder of this story doesn’t end there.

Because much like the Spade stories of lore, this premiere takes its time in telling its story, by making sure the characters are the focus and that their experiences matter and add gravity to the moment and of course… the brewing trouble on the horizon is powerful as well. Since the slow-burn style of this story creates a rising tension. One that shocks us with the final reveal that takes place and of course… that reveal and everything that comes before it, leaves us eager for more. More of Clive’s incredible turn as Spade, more of this mystery. For this is, at its core a quintessential Sam Spade story, one that is essential viewing for fans of the character, fans of crime stories and fans of good television in general. For this really is quite the incredible ride, and it will be amazing to see what other engaging moments await us now that Sam Spade has come out of retirement. Until next time.

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