Monsieur Spade – Season 1 Episode 3 Recap & Review

Episode 3

Episode 3 of Monsieur Spade begins with a flashback to 1955 when Spade first arrived in Bozouls. Sitting opposite Phillipe in the club that now belongs to Spade, the two discuss Gabrielle’s wish for the former to leave the city. We know that he was blackmailing her for Jacques’ chequered acts of infidelity during the war. However, the spy doesn’t listen to his request. It is unclear what he really wants but Philippe is going nowhere, and Spade doesn’t intimidate him. Later, we learn that Philippe had indeed left Bozouls with the money that Gabrielle offered. 

Back in the present, one of the workers from the club, Sameer, brings Zahid back to his house, where other members of his family and friends are gathered. They quickly call the Imam to advise them through this mess. However, the Imam quickly makes them aware of the boy’s identity and his importance to the community. Zahid keeps writing numbers in mysterious patterns, trying to communicate with the others. But we don’t know what it means.

Marguerite is bothered by a man named Chastain throughout the episode. He requests her to meet his employer, although it is unclear who that man is. From the dialogue and personal history, it is probably her father. Chastain informs her that he is dying and would like to see her one last time. She agrees to the proposition. Jean-Pierre steals jewels that his aunt gave to Marguerite in order to meet with a lawyer in Le Puy. First, he exchanges it for money from an army colleague of his and then concocts a legal challenge to Spade’s claim to the vineyard. 

As for Spade, there are a few flashbacks in the episode to conversations between him and Gabrielle. Although one wouldn’t take him for a man who would marry for money, these moments establish the tenderness and warmth they shared. It is in stark contrast to what Jean-Pierre alleges and his newfound vigour for a legal case. Spade, Patrice, and Maurice head over to the Bishop’s office, where they have been summoned concerning the Monk’s case. Meanwhile, back at home, George and her mother hang a newly painted portrait of the landscape in the house.

Against the expectations of the trio, Monsignor Clement, the Vicar General (read, VP) of the Diocese greets them. Along with him, Father Morgan, an American monk, also sits in the brief. The trio are informed that the killer monk has been apprehended inside the Rhodes Cathedral. However, much to Patrice’s agony, the monk is ordained to be tried in Rome and not go through French legal processes. The church claims a right to try him as he has taken a religious oath. Patrice is miffed but has no option apart from walking away.

Outside the doors, Morgan catches up with the trio and tells them that the monk’s name is Friar Angelo. He was sent to Bozouls by Agnes Omnipotence, a secret society of some sort. Spade anticipates he will ask about the boy, but Morgan doesn’t. This confirms in his mind that the Americans are also looking for him. To set up a meeting with Philippe, Spade asks Dr Simon Pochoul to visit Audrey’s house under the guise of a monthly checkup. While there, Simon is to slip into the conversation the news about Teresa getting shot. And he does.

As expected, Spade receives a call from Phillippe later that day, asking him to meet at the cemetery at 9. However, Philippe isn’t there as Spade waits for him. It dawns on the retired detective that this might be a ploy for Philippe to apprehend Teresa from the house. He rushes back to check up on her. Spade is relieved to find her sleeping comfortably in the bed.

He shares a drink with Helena but hears a sudden thud in the kitchen. Two people in masks neutralize Spade and kidnap Teresa. All this while, we see George and Cynthia listening to everything happening through a bug they placed in the painting. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, George draws a gun and prepares to intervene but Cynthia stops him, saying they are only mandated to “observe.”

The Episode Review

Episode 3 was lacklustre until the final moments. I still think it is a little out of turn. The only cover the writers have to tie up the whole event is Zahid’s angle. Not knowing the exact nature of things that lie ahead is exciting in these situations.

Monsieur Spade’s cinematic universe is grim, with not too many characters that we would want to root for. It is a unique situation that many productions do not choose to conjure.  This episode perhaps expands the perception a little further.

The red herring about Friar Angelo is inconsistent with the buildup in the previous episode. If he was so unimportant, why waste crucial minutes setting him up and making everything revolve around catching him? Some of the creative choices have been puzzling and that is why I am still on the fence about the show.