Ep 1. Episode 1
In the first episode of La Mante, we are introduced to the main character of the series, Jeanne Deber, a notorious serial killer who terrorized Paris over 25 years ago. Deber is in prison, serving a life sentence, and has remained silent since her conviction. However, when a copycat killer begins committing similar murders, Deber agrees to help the police track down the new killer under one condition: she will only work with her estranged son, Damien Carrot.
Damien is a talented detective who is struggling with addiction and a failing marriage. He is reeling from the shock of hearing his mother's voice after so many years of silence but agrees to work with her in order to catch the copycat killer. The relationship between Deber and Carrot is complex and strained, an emotional thread that continues throughout the entire season.
The copycat killer's MO is eerily similar to Deber's. Each victim is killed with precision, and their bodies are posed in a ritualistic manner. The first victim is discovered in a church, and the gruesome scene is made all the more eerie by the presence of religious symbols and candles. The detective team scours the crime scene for evidence, and Damien quickly realizes that he will need his mother's help to catch this killer. However, Deber refuses to work with anyone else, insisting that Damien is the only person who can understand her.
Despite initial resistance from the rest of the team, Damien is given the green light to work with Deber. We learn that Deber has a wealth of knowledge about the original murders that she never revealed to the police, and she is able to identify patterns in the copycat murders that the police miss. Their interactions are fraught with tension as Damien alternates between attempting to connect with his mother and being repelled by her heinous crimes.
As the investigation heats up, we also get a glimpse into the personal lives of the detectives working on the case. There is an undeniable chemistry between Damien and his partner, leading to an awkward and confusing love triangle with his wife. The tension between these characters builds throughout the episode and promises to come to a head as the investigation continues.
One of the most intriguing aspects of La Mante is the exploration of Jeanne Deber's psyche. We get a glimpse into her background through flashbacks, but the full extent of her depravity is slowly revealed over the season. In this first episode, we see the extent of her cunning and intelligence, as well as the depth of her trauma.
Overall, episode one of La Mante is a strong start to the series. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the introduction of Jeanne Deber sets the stage for a complex and thrilling thriller. As the investigation into the copycat killer progresses, the emotional stakes are raised, and the audience is left on the edge of their seats. The first episode sets the tone for the rest of the season and promises to deliver a gripping story that will leave viewers guessing until the final episode.
