Ep 8. The Choice (English subtitled)
- TV-NR
- December 26, 2010
- 52 min
The Choice (English subtitled) is the eighth episode in season two of A French Village. The episode takes place in the summer of 1941 as the Germans continue their occupation of the small French village of Villeneuve. The episode focuses on the choices that the various characters must make as they live under Nazi rule.
The episode begins with the arrival of a new German officer, Lieutenant Muller, who takes over as the new head of the police force. His arrival is met with mixed reactions from the residents of Villeneuve. Some, like Lucienne, the mayor's wife, see him as a potential ally who can help keep order in the village. Others, like Daniel, a young man who has joined the Resistance, see him as just another German oppressor.
As the episode progresses, we see various characters grappling with difficult choices. The mayor, for example, must decide whether or not to comply with the Germans' demands to provide a list of all the Jewish residents in the village. He knows that doing so could put those people in danger, but he also knows that disobeying the Germans could lead to even worse repercussions for the village.
Similarly, Daniel must decide whether or not to carry out a daring mission to blow up a bridge that the Germans are using to transport troops and supplies. He knows that doing so could help the Resistance gain an advantage, but he also knows that the mission is incredibly dangerous and could result in the deaths of many innocent people.
Meanwhile, other characters are dealing with more personal choices. Hortense, the schoolteacher, must decide whether or not to continue her affair with Heinrich, a high-ranking German officer whom she has fallen in love with. She knows that their relationship is forbidden and could have serious consequences if it is discovered, but she also cannot deny her feelings for him.
As the episode draws to a close, we see the various plot threads beginning to come together. The Resistance's plan to blow up the bridge is set in motion, the list of Jewish residents is compiled and delivered to the Germans, and Hortense must confront the consequences of her choices when Heinrich is unexpectedly transferred out of Villeneuve.
Overall, The Choice (English subtitled) is a tense and thought-provoking episode that explores the difficult decisions that people must make when living under occupation. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and the writing is both engaging and nuanced. Anyone who enjoys historical dramas or stories about ordinary people caught up in tumultuous times is sure to find something to enjoy in this episode.