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.