This is one of the most anticipated series of the fall. Tapiebroadcast on Netflix from this Thursday, September 13, retraces in seven episodes the life of the former businessman, who became a deputy and minister under François Mitterrand in the 1990s. This type of “fictional biopic” focuses on a public figure is quite rare on TV channels or platforms, often cautious when it comes to recounting French political life.
So, to fill this gap, the political service of 20 minutes imagined the political stories that we would like to see adapted (of course, any resemblance with existing or former facts and characters is not necessarily the result of pure coincidence).
“The investment banker at the Elysée”
The platform : Netflix, for the “feel good” side
The pitch: In ten episodes, the series recounts an unexpected political rise. That of Manu, an investment banker who decides to leave the private sector (and easy money) to become President of the Republic. The first episodes focus on the candidate’s almost mystical campaign, his ardent desire to modernize France and shatter the left/right alternation in the country. The tone is rather light and consensual, like the satirical series The Politician. Melo lovers will not be left out: some flashbacks look back at his meeting with his teacher 25 years his senior, who will become his wife and an important support. In anticipation: a much darker season 2, which depicts a five-year term punctuated by crises, and a president criticized for his vertical practice of power.
The casting : Jonathan Groff (official double of the character on which the story is inspired) if the budget allows. Another avenue, the actor Ahmed Sylla to add issues of diversity and the fight against prejudice to the show. Marie-Anne Chazel seems to hold the rope to interpret the teacher.
“Divisions at the head of the national right”
The platform : HBO, for the Shakespearean dimension
The pitch: At over 80 years old, the old patriarch is blunted by years of political life. But before retiring to his manor, Jean-Marie wishes to entrust the reins of the nationalist party he founded to his daughter. The latter, once elected president of the movement, made a point of distancing herself from her father’s political line. A change of strategy experienced as a personal betrayal. It is the start of a political war and a human tragedy, which will force friends and family members to choose sides. Season 2 sees the entry on the scene of the niece, at odds with the boss of the party… These family power games are reminiscent of the memorable quarrels of the Roy family from the unforgettable Succession.
The casting : Niels Arestrup seems ideally suited to play the patriarch. Charlotte de Turckheim is eagerly awaited in her first major tragic role. Mélanie Laurent would be contacted for the role of the niece in the event of success, and therefore a second season.
“The shepherd’s tour of France”
The platform : France 3, for the local side
The pitch: With his banter and his Basque beret, Jean does not leave anyone indifferent in the political class. The former shepherd who became a deputy for the Pyrénées-Atlantiques decided to leave the National Assembly for several months to take a “tour of France” on foot to meet citizens. The episodes focus on his meetings with the inhabitants, highlighting the know-how and gastronomy of the regions. The series is marked by the cheerfulness of the character, who does not hesitate to speak up after well-watered lunches. At the end of the season, the former farmer decides to run for president… Light and good-natured atmosphere, in the spirit of the inimitable Louis the flea market.
The casting : Jean Reno has already shown his ease in slipping into the shoes of atypical characters.
“Investigation into a state attack”
The platform : Disney+, for its experience in French political thrillers, such as Oussekine
The pitch: 1981. After a quarter of a century away from business, the left finally came to power with the promise of a renewal of political practices. But the president who has just been elected, familiar with the mysteries of the Fourth and Fifth Republic, will convert his party to “real politik”. Faced with groups of environmental activists who criticize French nuclear tests in the Pacific, the government decides to use strong force and sink the boat of an association… abroad, in New Zealand. But everything is not going to go as planned, the scandal is national and global. The opportunity to explore the life made up of gray areas of this new president,
The casting : Why not Michel Blanc to play this old president?
“The Divorce of the Left”
The platform : TF1, for the family saga side
The pitch: She is a former minister and has just been triumphantly elected regional president. He is the leader of the main opposition party in the country. The “Madonna” and “Mister Little Jokes” form an unprecedented political “power couple” and appear in a position of strength three years before the next presidential election. She is a candidate, he is a candidate, nothing can happen to them. Yes, but the two will oppose each other in an epic political and family battle, which reminds us Clear-eyed revenge or The castle of olive trees. Betrayal, conspiracy, banana peels, sexism… nothing will be spared for the first woman candidate in the second round of a presidential election.
The casting : Elsa Zylberstein for the presidential candidate, François-Xavier Demaison for her ex-companion.
“Pluriel·les, the sitcom of the union of the left”
The platform : France 2 is still where we discovered Friends
The pitch: In this choral comedy halfway between Friends And Greek salad, the leaders of the left are trying to live together in their new shared accommodation. But life is not easy every day between Marine the vegetarian eco-friendly, Fabien the pro-meat communist, Olivier the socialist and Jean-Luc the rebel (who, in another life, had already lived in the same old house) . Everyone would like to live elsewhere but who can really afford it? At the moment, Marine wants to take a “break” from being a roommate to travel to Europe, but the rebellious Jean-Luc refuses to let her sublet the room to make sure she can come back. “Pivot!” Pivot your strategy! », ask Olivier but also François, an ambitious Picardy elected official who would like to replace the rebel on the lease. But everyone wonders if Jean-Luc, who occupies half the house, doesn’t want to kick everyone out…
The casting : François Morel, who has already explored the role, seems favorite for the main character of the rebel, assisted by Pierre Niney in the role of Manuel, elected from Marseille. François Cluzet could play François, the man from Picardy. Camille Rutherford for the eco-friendly, battling with an eco-feminist played by Juliette Binoche. Gilles Lelouche is favorite to play the communist, Jean-Hugues Anglade for the socialist.