Ep 1. Jupiter

Baron Noir is a thrilling French political drama series that explores the dark and treacherous world of French politics. The series follows Philippe Rickwaert, a charismatic and ruthless politician, as he struggles to gain power and outmaneuver his rivals. In season 1 episode 1, entitled "Jupiter," we are introduced to the world of French politics and the players in this dangerous game.

The episode opens with Philippe Rickwaert, played by Kad Merad, losing his bid for re-election in the northern city of Dunkirk. Rickwaert, a socialist politician, is down but not out. He is still a powerful figure in the Socialist Party, and he's determined to use his influence to take down his arch-nemesis, the president of France, Jean-Marc Awoyomi. Awoyomi, played by Niels Arestrup, is a charismatic and powerful figure who dominates French politics.

Rickwaert's plan to take down Awoyomi is simple but dangerous. He intends to run a candidate for the presidency who will split the socialist vote and make it impossible for Awoyomi to win. To do this, he needs to manipulate the candidate selection process, outmaneuver his rivals, and build an alliance with unlikely allies.

Throughout the episode, we see Rickwaert use his political skills to manipulate, charm, and intimidate his opponents. He's aided by his loyal longtime friend, Amélie Dorendeu, played by Anna Mouglalis, and his protégé, Romain Laugier, played by Hugo Becker. Together, they work to outmaneuver their rivals and prepare for the presidential campaign.

"Jupiter" also introduces us to some of the other key players in French politics, including Awoyomi's chief of staff, Michel Vidal, played by Philippe Résimont, and the ambitious socialist leader, Elisabeth Moreno, played by Astrid Whettnall. We see the power struggles and alliances forming between these characters as they prepare for the upcoming presidential campaign.

The episode concludes with Rickwaert launching his candidate, Francis Laugier, Romain's father, played by Jacques Weber. This sets off a chain reaction of events that will have consequences throughout the rest of the series.

Overall, "Jupiter" is a thrilling and gripping introduction to the world of Baron Noir. The characters are complex and well-drawn, the political intrigue is intriguing, and the stakes are high. It sets the stage for the rest of the series, which only gets more intense and gripping as it progresses. If you're a fan of political dramas or just love a good thriller, Baron Noir is a must-watch series.