The iconic Bree Van de Kamp is back—this time with a French twist. Marcia Cross, celebrated for her role as the meticulous homemaker from ABC’s Desperate Housewives, has reprised her character in a whimsical promotional video for Series Mania, the esteemed French TV festival and industry conference.
The parody video, which has become an annual tradition for the festival, creatively blends beloved television references with a dash of absurdity. Following Cross’s memorable 2022 appearance at Series Mania, this year’s promo video takes fans back to the familiar suburban streets reminiscent of Desperate Housewives.
A Surreal Lille Adventure
The video opens with a tracking shot of a picturesque neighborhood strikingly similar to Wisteria Lane. A French voiceover narrates, “Since Bree Van de Kamp had moved to Wisteria Lille, she had secretly developed an addiction to TV series.” As the scene unfolds, Bree is shown clutching her trademark wine glass in one hand and a remote control in the other, perfectly capturing her iconic essence.
The narrative soon escalates into a playful comedy of errors. Series Mania founder Laurence Herszberg appears dressed as Bree, blending seamlessly into the quirky storyline. In a humorous moment, Herszberg’s Bree meets a “single plumber with a troubled past,” portrayed by French-Israeli actor Tomer Sisley. The situation grows increasingly surreal as she conspires to cover up a wine stain, fibbing to her husband, played by Series Mania’s artistic director Frederic Lavigne.
A Nod to Classic Bree Moments
The promo takes a nostalgic turn when Herszberg’s Bree phones Cross’s original Bree for advice. In a clever callback to one of Desperate Housewives’ most infamous plotlines, Cross responds, “One thing I’ve learned over the last eight years is that no holds barred—and pretending that you’re pregnant—is never a good idea.” The exchange is a witty homage to the show’s signature drama and humor.
The video ends on a high note, with Cross in her classic Bree apron, savoring her wine before returning to her baking—a perfect nod to the character’s perfectionist tendencies.
Series Mania’s Tradition of Star-Studded Parodies
Series Mania has built a reputation for its creative and star-studded promo videos, which often spoof beloved TV series. Last year, Brian Cox made waves by appearing as Succession’s Logan Roy in a parody of Emily in Paris. These annual promos continue to draw international attention, blending French and global pop culture with humor and originality.
While Cross herself wasn’t appear at the 2024 festival, Series Mania remains a major draw for television talent worldwide. This year’s event, running from March 21-28 in Lille, promises appearances from stars like Peter Mullan, Patricia Arquette, and Jeremy Irons.
As fans eagerly await the full talent lineup, Series Mania’s promo videos serve as a reminder of the festival’s unique ability to celebrate and satirize the very best in television.
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