Ep 2. The Strike (Episode 2 of 6)

The Strike (Episode 2 of 6) of A French Village (English subtitled) season 7 continues to follow the stories of the residents of Villeneuve during the German occupation of France in World War II. The episode begins with the factory workers going on strike, demanding better pay and working conditions. This creates tension between the workers and the German authorities who oversee the factory. The strike also causes divisions within the town, as some residents support the workers while others fear the repercussions of angering the Germans.

Meanwhile, Lucienne, a member of the resistance, tries to convince Raymond Schwartz, the head of the local police, to help the resistance with their mission. Raymond is hesitant, as he knows the Germans have spies in the town and fears for the safety of himself and his family. However, Lucienne is persistent and urges Raymond to think about the future of their town and its people.

Other characters are also dealing with personal struggles. Daniel Larcher, the mayor of Villeneuve, is facing criticism for his handling of the strike and questions about his leadership abilities. He is also dealing with his own personal demons, as he struggles to come to terms with the loss of his family. Hortense, the town’s schoolteacher, is struggling to maintain her relationship with her lover, Heinrich Mueller, a German officer who is increasingly distant and preoccupied with his duties.

The episode also introduces new characters, including Gustave Kerfourn, a former resistance fighter who has returned to Villeneuve. Gustave is determined to find his daughter, who was taken away by the Germans years earlier, but his search is complicated by the danger of being caught by the authorities.

As the episode unfolds, tensions continue to rise between the workers and the Germans, and the consequences of the strike become increasingly dire. The residents of Villeneuve must each navigate their own personal struggles while grappling with the larger issues of the war and the occupation. The Strike (Episode 2 of 6) is a gripping and emotional episode that explores the complexities of life under occupation and the lengths to which people will go to fight for what they believe in.