Ep 9. The Dusk Before the Night

At the beginning of A French Village season 5 episode 9 titled The Dusk Before the Night, the Germans have declared martial law, and the village is on lockdown. The Germans are searching houses, and the villagers are restricted to their homes. The episode is set in March 1945 with only a few weeks until the end of the war.

The village is tense. The villagers are scared to go out, knowing that any misstep with the Germans could result in their deaths. While some residents comply with the Germans' demands, others are determined to fight back.

As the curfew approaches, Lucienne works to smuggle men out of the village. Daniel, who works with the Germans, is horrified to learn of the plan. He chastises Lucienne for putting the villagers in danger but ultimately decides to help her.

Elsewhere, the Germans are closing in on Marie. She is desperate to escape with her children and seeks help from Raymond, who is a double agent. Raymond realizes the grave danger they face and enlists the help of Gustave, who has experience smuggling people out of the village.

Meanwhile, Mayor Servier is summoned to a meeting with the Germans. The German commander informs him that he expects Servier to maintain order in the village. Servier, who has been a collaborator, is troubled by the unfolding events and realizes that his actions have contributed to the village’s dire situation. Can he come clean and rectify his mistakes, or will he continue to follow the orders of the Germans?

As night falls, the villagers begin to emerge from their homes, hoping to sneak out of the village. However, the Germans are on high alert, and any movement is met with suspicion. Lucienne and Daniel's smuggled men are caught, and a tragic event takes place.

The episode ends with the villagers facing an uncertain future. With the war coming to an end, they must decide whether to continue to fight or to surrender to the Germans.

The Dusk Before the Night is a tense and emotional episode that showcases the desperation and resilience of the French villagers. The episode highlights the complexity of the situation, with characters struggling with their loyalties, fear, and desire for survival. Ultimately, the episode raises questions about morality, choices, and the human condition in times of war.