On Saturday, May 10, 2025, France 3 will air a highly anticipated episode of the crime drama series Le Voyageur, featuring Bruno Debrandt as Captain Yann Kandinsky. Titled La femme oubliée, this marks the eighth episode of the series and promises to delve into a poignant and personal investigation that intertwines past traumas with present-day mysteries.
The episode centers on an unresolved case involving the murder of Commissaire Élise Macéna's mother, which occurred when Élise was just eight years old. The story unfolds as Kandinsky, who has been navigating his own challenges, decides to reopen this cold case after being saved from being removed from the police force by Élise, portrayed by Maëlle Mietton.
Bruno Debrandt, who took over the leading role from Éric Cantona in 2020, had a clear condition for his participation in Le Voyageur: he wanted to portray a new character, one with depth and distinct from Cantona's Tom Bareski. "If the philosophy of Le Voyageur is that of a man who detaches himself, we shouldn’t install knots that bind him," Debrandt explained in an interview with Télé 7 Jours. This led to the creation of Yann Kandinsky, a solitary yet humane detective traveling across France with his loyal dog, Emy.
In La femme oubliée, the narrative kicks off with Kandinsky facing serious allegations from the police des polices, accusing him of investigating while no longer officially in office. Just as he teeters on the brink of dismissal, Élise intervenes, demonstrating her protective nature towards him. In gratitude, Kandinsky resolves to take on the case of her mother’s murder, which has haunted Élise for decades.
The episode is set against the backdrop of Lucin in Champagne, where Kandinsky seeks to uncover buried truths linked to the murder of Anita (played by Julie Boulanger). This investigation not only explores the mystery surrounding Anita's death but also the emotional scars left on Élise, who has built walls around herself due to her past. As the story progresses, Kandinsky's mission becomes intertwined with the painful memories of Élise, creating a rich emotional tapestry.
Filming for the episode took place in the picturesque Troyes region, featuring the scenic lakes of the Forêt d'Orient and the rural charm of the Pays d'Othe. "It's a team of about forty people. It boosts local hospitality and restaurants," noted Didier Leprince, vice-president of Troyes Champagne Métropole, highlighting the positive impact of the series on the local economy.
Since Debrandt's arrival, Le Voyageur has experienced a resurgence in popularity, averaging over 5.5 million viewers in 2024. The previous episode, Au bout de la nuit, set a record with 4.94 million viewers. This success can be attributed to Debrandt's compelling portrayal of a character who is both introspective and deeply affected by his past, resonating with the audience.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers will witness a complex relationship develop between Kandinsky and Élise. Maëlle Mietton, who plays Élise, has described their dynamic as one of mutual attraction, yet both characters are held back by their respective traumas. "There is an attraction, but it’s not their main motivation. They have more pressing objectives," Mietton explained, emphasizing the depth of their characters beyond mere romantic interest.
The episode La femme oubliée promises to be a slow-burning, dense narrative that explores intimate pain and collective memory. It raises questions about unresolved pasts and the societal tendency to overlook painful truths. As Kandinsky digs deeper into the history of a village, he unearths not only the mystery of Élise's mother but also the silent complicities and ordinary cowardices that have allowed such tragedies to persist.
While the episode has yet to air, early indications suggest that it will align with the best episodes of the series, offering a unique blend of emotional depth and suspense. The title itself, La femme oubliée, serves as a double condemnation: of a crime that remains unpunished and of a society that often prefers to look away from its past.
This new chapter in Le Voyageur not only sets the stage for a gripping investigation but also promises to deepen the emotional stakes for both Kandinsky and Élise, potentially transforming their relationship in ways that could resonate throughout the series moving forward.
As fans gear up for the premiere, the anticipation is palpable. Le Voyageur continues to carve its niche in the French television landscape, showcasing a blend of personal drama and intricate storytelling that keeps audiences coming back for more.
Don’t miss the premiere of La femme oubliée on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 21h05 on France 3, and catch up on previous episodes available for streaming on France.tv.
