After impatiently awaiting the continuation of this mini-series, I immersed myself in episode 5 of Le Comte de Monte Cristo with fairly high expectations. This episode, which marks a crucial turning point in Edmond Dantès’ revenge saga, promised to offer us thrilling and emotionally charged moments. However, my experience was mixed, and I want to share with you my detailed impressions. Episode 5 finally shows us Edmond Dantès, now under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, established in Paris after his numerous meetings with Parisian high society. It is here that he begins to weave his web of vengeance against those who once betrayed him. The discovery of the story of Gérard de Villefort, deputy prosecutor in Marseille, is a central point of the episode.
We learn that Villefort buried his own son alive, thinking he was dead, but the child was barely saved. This revelation is a turning point, as Dantès uses this information to sow doubt and shame in Villefort’s mind. However, despite the richness of this plot, I feel that the episode lacks the tension and intensity that I would have liked. Compared to the film released earlier this year with Pierre Niney, which captured the very essence of revenge with remarkable emotional acuity, this mini-series takes the time to develop the story, but at the expense of emotional impact. . Sam Claflin, in the role of Edmond Dantès, continues to improve episode after episode.
His performance is increasingly compelling, adding a depth to the character that is essential to understanding the complexity of his vengeful mission. Claflin succeeds in embodying the duality of a man transformed by suffering and the desire for justice, even if the series sometimes fails to give him the scenes necessary to shine in all his intensity. The overall casting is also a strong point. The secondary actors bring richness to Dumas’ universe, making each interaction more credible and engaging. However, what is often missing is that little something that would take these performances from good to exceptional. What is most disappointing in this episode, and in the series in general, is the absence of a real emotional charge.
Scenes that could be moments of catharsis or deep dramatic impact lack a certain authenticity or intensity that could shake the viewer. Dantès’ revenge is a matter of the heart and mind, but here it sometimes seems too cerebral, detached from the raw emotions this narrative demands. Compared to the 2024 film, where every blow Monte Cristo dealt to his enemies was accompanied by a rich emotional palette, the series seems to have difficulty immersing itself in the deep feelings of the characters. This is a notable weakness, particularly in a story where revenge is the driving force of the plot. The production of this episode is, without doubt, visually attractive.
The sets, photography, and costumes help create a 19th-century Paris that is both sumptuous and dark, reflecting the ambivalence of Monte Cristo’s revenge. However, the staging sometimes lacks dynamism to truly capture Dantès’ vengeful energy. The scenes of conspiracy and intellectual manipulation are good, but those which should take our breath away with their dramaturgy are often too restrained. Episode 5 of Le Comte de Monte Cristo is a moment where the pieces of the puzzle of Dantes’ revenge begin to fall into place, but it fails to achieve the emotional climax it promises. Sam Claflin’s performance and the charm of certain secondary actors are positive points, but the absence of palpable emotion remains the Achilles heel of this adaptation.
For those following this miniseries, I would recommend sticking around to see how this plot develops, especially if you are fans of Alexandre Dumas’ original work. However, if you’re looking for an adaptation that captures the intensity and passion of the novel, the film starring Pierre Niney might be more satisfying. In the meantime, I hope that the following episodes will correct this lack and offer viewers the emotional experience that this story deserves.
Note : 5/10. In short, I still lack a bit of emotion.
Coming soon on France 2
