'Maigret And The Nightclub Dancer' was the first episode, second series, of Granada Television's detective drama (based on the novels by Georges Simenon) of French Detective Inspector Maigret staring Michael Gambon.

When I first watched 'Maigret and the Nightclub Dancer' on UK television, I did not recognise the handsome actor portraying Oscar. I waited eagerly, as the end credits rolled, for Oscar's identity to be revealed. Elation was soon followed by devastation when I discovered Oscar was played by Michael Billington, and I had not been taping the show.

Right at the start of the episode, the name of Oscar is heard, and, as the tale unfolds, more about Oscar is revealed. There is a description, handsome, square set, manipulative, controlling, seducer and murderer. I found the description intriguing ! The first sight of Oscar, a photograph of his partially covered face, added to the intrigue.

When the time arrived to finally meet Oscar, I was not disappointed. I wondered, as the moment was imminent, would Oscar meet my expectations, he excelled them! I could believe that so many people had fallen under his spell. It is not just Oscar's looks, but that voice. The voice is like velvet, even when Oscar is threatening to kill his victim, it is soft with a hint of danger, totally mesmerising.

Having had the misfortune to be in the situation of negotiating the safe release of a friend and colleague from a disturbed person, and finding myself as the victim of another, I can say from experience that Mr Billington plays the part of Oscar so convincingly. The calm control, lapse into delusion and out again was eerily familiar. The surprise and shock on his face when shot is also quite something, although, I am pleased to say, this I have not experienced myself.

Oscar may be one of the smaller roles Mike has played, but, for me, it is one of his best. The subtlety of Mike's portrayal of Oscar is wonderful, the one momentary act of aggression adds to the tension of the situation, and, makes very clear what Oscar is capable of in his state of mind. My only criticism of the episode, I would like to have seen one last close up of Oscar after the fatal shot, Mr Billington does a rather good expired!