On February 24, 2025, viewers tuned in to TF1 for the much-anticipated episode of the popular French series Clem, titled La Rando en Famille. This installment dives deep not only narratively but emotionally, exploring family bonds at a poignant moment.
After the show was first aired on RTBF on February 20, the double episode captures the aftermath of Clem's grandmother’s death, setting the stage for dramatic and comedic interactions amid breathtaking landscapes. Lucie Lucas returns as Clem, and Laurent Gamelon reprised his role as her estranged father, Jean-Paul, who breaks two years of silence to share the heartbreaking news with his daughter.
Clem finds herself in the middle of her family’s grief as her late grandmother expressed the desire to have her ashes scattered on the beautiful beach of Drehen. This serves as more than just a backdrop; it catalyzes the family drama and humor aligning with the show’s characteristic style.
The episode is marked by its unique format as the second unitary installment after Clem shifted from its traditional episode length. La Rando en Famille is crafted by Céline Decoox and Lucie Fréjaville, directed by Christophe Barraud, who aimed for long takes to preserve the natural flow of conversations and emotions during the group hikes.
While the primary focus rests on Clem and Jean-Paul’s emotional reunion, the entire family unit—Adrian, played by Agustin Galiana, and the younger characters—adds richness to the narrative. Adrian, dealing with his fatherly commitments following his marriage to Alyzée (Élodie Fontan) becomes embroiled with new dilemmas whilst trying to support Clem.
Adrian on this family outing faces decisions about moving on or staying near his son, which provides heartfelt moments and comic relief. Galiana explains how deeply invested he is with Adrian: 'I find his character very luminous, honest, and very endearing,' he adds, making the character relatable as he juggles personal growth alongside familial obligations.
The hike, filled with ups and downs—both metaphorically and literally—also features characters played by Carole Richert and Jean Dell, whose comedic interactions serve as the light-hearted counterpart to the heavier themes. Richert has described their dynamic as both rhythmic and necessary, with pain and humor often intertwined.
Much focus is also paid to the technical aspects of filming, with Barraud sharing, 'We filmed with one camera to maintain the connection among cast members, ensuring we captured the essence of their relationships genuinely.' The scenic locations of Brittany, viewed through the characters’ interactions, breathe life and intimacy to the story.
Humorous tight spots faced during the shoot, particularly with the on-set animals, provided unexpected challenges but also memorable moments, as Barraud humorously reminisces about one particularly stubborn donkey: 'If we had to do the same shot repeatedly, the donkey had other plans.'
The episode wraps up leaving viewers with both laughter and emotional resonance, inviting reflection on the familial connections closer to home. Bulles de Culture describes it aptly as offering 'a family escapade, filled with surprises and laughter, set against heartwarming father-daughter reunions.'
With the groundwork laid for future adventures within the series, the creative team hints at new storytelling possibilities once again, potentially continuing this blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Fans of Clem eagerly await what lies next for this beloved family as they navigate the complications of life, love, and humor.