The premise of the French TV crime drama Cassandre may seem familiar to long-time fans of the genre: a police detective relocated to a smaller city after a scandal or personal setback, stepping down the career ladder for a fresh start. However, the show’s first two episodes—available for review—show that Cassandre offers a captivating blend of compelling scripts and strong casting, making it a standout addition to the crime drama landscape. Since its 2015 debut, the series has reached 30 episodes, continuing to captivate audiences with its engaging stories and well-established principal cast.
At the heart of the show is Gwendoline Hamon, who stars as the titular character, a determined and ambitious detective. Seeking a transfer to a quieter city, Cassandre is not only grappling with personal issues—namely, her troubled teenage son, Jules (Luca Malinowski), who has been sent to a juvenile detention center in the area—but also with the disdain of her new colleagues. Her arrival is met with resentment, especially since she replaces the much-adored former boss, who happens to be the late husband of the prosecutor (Beatrice Agenin) and the father of Detective Pascal (Alexandre Varga). Tensions rise within the unit, as Cassandre’s presence also threatens to disrupt a secret relationship between Nicky (Jessy Salomee Ugolin) and Pascal, adding yet another layer of conflict.
The series kicks off with a compelling case: the apparent accidental death of a hang glider, which soon reveals itself to be a murder. The victim, the wife of a member of a wealthy and powerful family, creates complications for Cassandre as the family resists any investigation that might tarnish their reputation. As Cassandre delves deeper into the case, she uncovers troubling secrets that further unsettle the already fragile situation.
In the second case, the murder of a beloved teacher at Jules’ school raises the stakes. The small community, already uneasy about the presence of the juvenile detention center, is further stirred by the murder. There is growing local pressure to close the school, and the investigation becomes a tense battle against public opinion and local fears, showcasing the pervasive “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) mentality.
The cast of Cassandre is a major strength, with the performances striking a balance between attractiveness and relatability, staying grounded in realism without veering into glamorization. As is often the case with European dramas, the focus is more on character depth than overt action or excessive violence, offering a more subdued yet equally compelling experience compared to typical U.S. crime shows. A standout is Dominique Pinon, a veteran actor known for his extensive work in both comedies and dramas across Europe and the U.S. Pinon brings his trademark charisma and expertise to the series, adding further depth to the ensemble.
While Cassandre does not shy away from melodrama—especially in the portrayal of Cassandre’s strained relationship with her son and ex-husband—its well-crafted writing and integration of personal conflict into the larger narrative are commendable. The series creators, Bruno Lecigne and Matthieu Masmondet, manage to make the emotional drama work in tandem with the investigative plotlines, ensuring a satisfying and long-lasting narrative arc.
Cassandre Season One, in French with English subtitles, streams on MHz Choice starting Tuesday, Jan. 14. With its engaging mix of procedural crime and emotional complexity, the show promises to be an exciting addition to crime drama fans’ watchlists.
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