Summary
Arriving nearly a century after Humphrey Bogart’s classic noirThe Maltese Falcon, Netflix is the new streaming home for AMC’sMonsieur Spade, documenting another grim investigation by Detective Sam Spade.The Maltese Falconis often consideredamong the greatest movies of all time, having been nominated for the Best Picture Oscar while currently holding a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The1941 noir stars Bogart as Sam Spade, a private investigator caught in a search for the titular jewel-encrusted statue. Though Bogart never reprised his role as Sam Spade, several other actors have taken up the mantle over the years.
Sam Spade’s story has finally been adapted for TV in AMC’s miniseriesMonsieur Spade, starring Clive Owen as the titular character. The TV show sadly went primarily under the radar following its January 2024 premiere on AMC, but I’mhopingMonsieur Spadewill enjoy a new life and appreciation after being added to Netflix’s library on August 19. ConsideringMonsieur Spadeboasts critical acclaim with a 77% score on Rotten Tomatoes and praise for Owen’s take on the detective famously played by Humphrey Bogart, I find that AMC’s drama has proven itself a worthy successor to 1941’sThe Maltese Falcon.
AMC’s Monsieur Spade Is Now Streaming On Netflix – How The Show Connects To Humphrey Bogart’s The Maltese Falcon
Monsieur Spade Takes Place After The Maltese Falcon’s Events
All six episodes of the AMC miniseriesMonsieur Spadeare now streaming on Netflix, alongside various other AMC originals likeFear the Walking DeadandInterview with the Vampire.Monsieur Spade’s castis led by Clive Owen as Sam Spade, a character who originated in Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 detective bookThe Maltese Falcon. Humphrey Bogart portrayed Spade in the direct adaptation of the 1930 novel, whereas Clive Owen’s iteration of the detective is adapted for an original mystery. With both portraying Sam Spade at different points in time,Monsieur Spadeis an indirect sequel to Bogart’sThe Maltese Falcon.
After 83 years,Monsieur Spadereveals what happens afterThe Maltese Falcon, giving some closure to the more open-ended nature of the 1941 film’s conclusion.
Monsieur Spadetakes place in 1963,following a relatively older Spade approximately 15 years after the events depicted inThe Maltese Falcon. With Owen now playing the detective, there’s no direct inclusion of Humphrey Bogart’s iteration of the character, but I’m ecstatic that AMC’s TV show makes sure to include plenty of homages to the 1941 film and references to its story. After 83 years,Monsieur Spadereveals what happens afterThe Maltese Falcon, giving some closure to the more open-ended nature of the 1941 film’s conclusion.
Love The Maltese Falcon? Watch This Humphrey Bogart Film, It’s Almost The Same Movie
A 1947 film is a must-watch for those who enjoyed The Maltese Falcon, because not only does it star Humphrey Bogart, but it’s almost the same movie.
Will Monsieur Spade Season 2 Happen?
Will Clive Owen Reprise His Role?
Despite critical acclaim for the show and enduring interest in the character of Sam Spade, AMC’s show is only a six-episode miniseries. It’s been over six months sinceMonsieur Spade’s ending, so I’m surprised there’s been no news about another installment of episodes from AMC. Although Spade could potentially return with Clive Owen’s iteration tackling yet another criminal mystery inMonsieur Spadeseason 2, AMC may simply be content with keeping it as a successful miniseries. However, depending on the popularity ofMonsieur Spadewhen streaming on Netflix, I have hope for a change regarding the show’s unclear future.
Monsieur Spade
Cast
Based on the works of Dashiell Hammet, Monsieur Spade is a mystery crime-drama series created for AMC by Scott Frank and Tom Fontana. The series follows Detective Sam Spade years into retirement, now living in France. His peaceful era is interrupted by a former foe who begins a string of murders, forcing Sam to return and uncover the truth about the town he now inhabits.
The Maltese Falcon
The Maltese Falcon, released in 1941, features private detective Sam Spade as he becomes entangled with three eccentric criminals and a deceitful woman in a pursuit of a priceless statuette. Starring Humphrey Bogart, this film has become a quintessential example of the film noir genre.
