On April 3, 2025, TF1 debuted its highly anticipated police series, Flashback, featuring popular actors Michaël Youn and Constance Gay. The show, which has already garnered acclaim, including a special jury prize at the La Rochelle TV Fiction Festival, intertwines elements of comedy and time travel in a unique narrative that promises to engage viewers.
Flashback follows the story of Elsa Letellier, a scientific police officer in Lyon, who embarks on a journey back to 1994, just months before her father, Josselin Letellier, a legendary police officer, is murdered. This unexpected time travel occurs on her 36th birthday, coinciding with the impending expiration of her father's unsolved murder case. Determined to prevent his tragic fate, Elsa seizes the chance to work alongside him without revealing her true identity.
The series not only explores the dynamic between a father and daughter but also highlights the stark contrasts between policing methods of the past and present. Michaël Youn portrays Josselin, a character described as a bit of a rogue, often disregarding rules and procedures, while Elsa embodies a more modern, methodical approach to law enforcement.
In a promotional appearance on the show Quotidien, Youn expressed his initial hesitation about taking on a police role, stating, "When I was offered this project, I was convinced I would refuse." He admitted he wasn't a fan of police dramas, having been raised on the likes of Belmondo and Delon in the 1980s and 90s. However, he found the ambitious concept of Flashback compelling, noting, "This flashback to the 90s and the cocktail of genres made me want to join in!" Youn described the series as "intriguing" and "extremely addictive," suggesting it could appeal even to those who typically shy away from the genre.
Constance Gay, who plays Elsa, commented on the challenges her character faces in navigating a male-dominated profession in the 90s, where her father's macho demeanor contrasts sharply with her own modern sensibilities. The series aims to depict the evolution of societal attitudes, with Youn acknowledging that some of the humor stems from outdated stereotypes, remarking, "Sometimes, while filming, there were racist, sexist, or even homophobic jokes, as that was the tone of the time." This honesty about the past is intended to provoke thought while also entertaining viewers.
The filming of Flashback took place across various locations in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, including Lyon, Villeurbanne, Chaponost, Meyzieu, Lentilly, and Les Halles. The production team aimed to recreate the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s, juxtaposing modern landscapes with the nostalgic settings of the past.
Each episode of Flashback is designed to be self-contained, focusing on a different investigation while also exploring the evolving relationship between Elsa and Josselin. The show blends elements of a family drama with comedic undertones, making it accessible to a broad audience.
As the series unfolds, viewers will witness how Elsa's perception of her father shifts as she learns more about his true character and the challenges he faced as a police officer. Critics have praised the chemistry between Youn and Gay, highlighting their performances as a key strength of the show. Télé-Loisirs described the series as "an ultra-engaging entertainment from the first sequence to the last poignant scene," while Ouest-France noted the tender portrayal of the father-daughter duo, emphasizing their captivating adventures.
With a total of six episodes, Flashback promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, combining thrilling plotlines with a heartfelt exploration of familial bonds. The show airs on TF1 starting at 9:10 PM, offering viewers a fresh take on the police procedural genre.
As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how it tackles deeper themes of legacy, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships against the backdrop of a crime drama. With its innovative storytelling and engaging performances, Flashback is set to become a staple in French television.
