58 minSeason 3 • Episode 8
LatestThe unprecedented cancellation of the presidential election by the Constitutional Council causes an unprecedented explosion. The organization of new elections in a very short time frame pushes Philippe to run. But Mercier has managed to win over a large majority, to the point of bringing together apparent opposites. One after another, the barriers fall in record time, until the last one is threatened: democracy.
In a tale of epic scale, French politician Philippe Rickwaert thirsts for revenge against his political enemies. Philippe’s political career is in shambles after he is sacrificed by the presidential candidate from the Left, Francis Laugier, in order to save his election. Step by step, Philippe plots against him and forges an alliance with his closest advisor, Amélie Dorendeu.
Acting
Kad Merad's transformation from comic actor to political viper.
Writing
Razor-sharp dialogue that makes West Wing look like daycare.
Production
Authentic French political machinery — Élysée Palace as character.
Creators
Jean-Baptiste Delafon, Éric Benzekri
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The show predicted real French political scandals so accurately that politicians accused creators of having sources inside the Élysée.
Kad Merad was primarily known for comedy before this; his casting was controversial until critics called it a revelation. The creators wrote Rickwaert specifically for him after seeing his dramatic range.
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