Ep 1. The Tset

In the premiere episode of A Very Secret Service season 1, titled "The Tset," viewers are introduced to André Merlaux, a young Frenchman who is reluctantly recruited to join the French Secret Service. Set in the heart of Paris during the early 1960s, this whimsical comedy series takes a satirical approach to the world of espionage.

The episode begins with André, a bumbling and naïve young man, nervously arriving for his first day at his new job at the French Secret Service headquarters. As he steps into the building, he is immediately caught in a web of intricate security measures and protocols that only seem to confuse him further.

André is quickly assigned to be a trainee in the Special Operations department. Under the guidance of the enigmatic Superintendent Moïse, he is introduced to the peculiar world of spy work. However, André's idealized vision of espionage is quickly shattered as he discovers that the reality is far from the glamorous life he imagined. Instead, he is thrust into a bureaucratic nightmare filled with mundane tasks and absurd regulations.

As André tries to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the Secret Service headquarters, he meets his fellow trainees, the vibrant and determined Sophie and the stoic and serious Lieutenant Pierre Duval. Sophie befriends André, attempting to bring some levity into his bewildered state, while Duval keeps his distance, focused solely on his duties.

In "The Tset," André is tasked with a seemingly simple mission: deliver a package to an agent in East Berlin. However, as he embarks on his journey, he quickly finds himself in a series of comical misadventures. From getting lost in the labyrinth of Parisian streets to encountering a mysterious Russian woman, André's incompetence and lack of experience become evident.

While André makes a desperate attempt to fulfill his mission, Superintendent Moïse and the other agents at the Secret Service headquarters are preparing for a crucial event. They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a high-ranking Soviet official, General Serov, who is scheduled to visit Paris. The impending visit puts immense pressure on the already chaotic environment, as the agents scramble to ensure the success of the operation.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are treated to a unique blend of humor and political satire, cleverly lampooning the espionage genre and highlighting the absurdities of the Cold War era. The characters navigate through a world where nothing is what it seems, and often the biggest challenge is simply figuring out who to trust.

"The Tset" sets the stage for the rest of the season, introducing viewers to the quirky and dysfunctional cast of characters that populate the French Secret Service. With its witty dialogue, fast-paced narrative, and charmingly flawed protagonist, A Very Secret Service promises an entertaining and offbeat take on the spy genre. As André stumbles his way through his first mission, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the adventures and mishaps that await him in this clever and humorous series.