In the Shadows on France 2 Draws Inspiration from Iconic American Political Drama

“Dans l’ombre,” airing on France 2, is a gripping six-episode political drama that explores the behind-the-scenes of a presidential election through the eyes of advisor César Casalonga. As he supports wheelchair-bound candidate Paul Francoeur, they navigate political rivalries and a looming scandal. Inspired by a novel co-authored by former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, the series balances realism with engaging storytelling, drawing influence from shows like “The West Wing” while developing complex, relatable characters.

Unveiling the Political Drama of “Dans l’ombre”

Broadcasted on France 2, “Dans l’ombre” is an intense political drama that captivates viewers with its relentless storytelling. This six-episode series, each lasting 52 minutes, delves into the intricate behind-the-scenes dynamics of a presidential election, all viewed through the lens of César Casalonga, a political advisor portrayed by Swann Arlaud.

César works alongside Paul Francoeur (played by Melvil Poupaud), a former Minister of Justice confined to a wheelchair due to a car accident, who is now a presidential candidate. Having recently triumphed in his party’s primaries against rival Marie-France Trémeau (Karin Viard), Paul embarks on a campaign filled with challenges. As César navigates the treacherous waters of political rivalry and internal party conflicts, he soon faces a daunting obstacle: a scandal involving potential electronic vote fraud that threatens to derail his boss’s aspirations.

A Blend of Reality and Fiction

While “Dans l’ombre” presents a realistic portrayal of political machinations, it is inspired by a novel of the same name co-authored by Edouard Philippe, a former Prime Minister and current Mayor of Le Havre, along with his former advisor Gilles Boyer. Transitioning from the page to the screen, the creators enlisted a talented team of screenwriters, including Lamara LePrêtre-Habib, Cédric Anger, and Pierre Schoeller, to craft an engaging narrative that balances entertainment with authenticity.

The series draws influence from the renowned American series “The West Wing,” which is a favorite of Edouard Philippe. As Pierre Schoeller noted, it serves as a benchmark for creating compelling political figures who resonate with audiences. The aim was to develop characters that, regardless of personal beliefs, remain multifaceted and relatable, embodying both strengths and flaws.

Gilles Boyer also acknowledged the contrasting inspirations from series like “House of Cards,” which presents a more ruthless political landscape. The creative team sought to strike a balance, delving into the complexities of trust, commitment, and the unspoken truths that can shape political narratives.

During the Séries Mania festival, Karin Viard expressed her commitment to portraying her character, Marie-France Trémeau, as a believable yet fictional figure, emphasizing the series’ grounding in reality and its insightful exploration of political personas. Similarly, Melvil Poupaud dedicated time to research the nuances of his character, seeking to create a unique portrayal rather than mimicking a real-life figure.

“Dans l’ombre” is currently airing on France 2, with the final episodes set to broadcast on November 13. Viewers can also catch the series on france.tv, experiencing a gripping narrative that blends the intricacies of political life with rich character development.

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