‘Cannes Confidential’ Recap: ‘A Clear Conscience’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Lucie Lucas as Detective Camille Delmasse in Episode 103 of ‘Cannes Confidential’ – ‘A Clear Conscience’. (Photo Courtesy of Acorn TV/AMC Networks.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Cannes Confidential’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the Acorn TV series, Cannes Confidential, is simply one of the most refreshing crime stories to hit the airwaves in years. Because not only is the show stylish, and sexy, and a wondrous throwback to the crime shows of the past… but it is a series that knows how to make the cases that Camille and Harry King investigate, fun and engaging. Well as it turns out, we aren’t done heaping praise upon this magnificent series. Because the next episode in this wonderful story, takes the time to inform us that this show can also be something of a chameleon. 
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Because ‘A Clear Conscience’ was a vastly different kind of tale. Granted, it had all the hallmarks of what we love about this series. Since there was still a progression of the plotline regarding Camille’s father’s case, and how those who want him permanently behind bars are eager to cause trouble to make their agenda come to light. Plus, the love triangle deepened here thanks to the fact that Lea is starting to become jealous of how Harry keeps finding his way to Camille, when she wants Camille all to herself. But outside of those moments, and some comic relief from the crime lab… this ended up being something of a more modern murder mystery. For the case this week… was a touch somber and scary. 

In large part because it seemed at first as though the victim in question, died of his own volition. But facts are facts and forensics began to reveal that the deceased in this tale, died of murder and that put both Harry and Camille into action. To uncover who would have killed someone that meant a great deal to a friend of Harry’s, and to garner the justice that Camille craves and what they uncovered was both fascinating and disturbing. In that, the deceased was trying to do the right thing and gather evidence of an ugly drug trade brewing off of the coast but was discovered by the nefarious folks moving those drugs and that led to an early end to his life. Something that truly echoed some of the horrors we see now on television, and in a way… the bleakness the world sends our way sometimes via the news. 

Not to mention… the story opted to take that darkness and push it just a little further. Because Harry really was hellbent on being the hero here. To the point where he found himself trapped behind enemy lines and deeply in harm’s way. And had it not been for Camille and the troops, who knows if Harry would have made it. But thankfully he did, and that dark moment led to more surprises. Such as an epic ending sequence that was packed to the brim with action and tension as Lea fought off a mountain of a man while Camille worked to arrest Harry’s attacker. Which of course… she did, and Lea won the day. Allowing for justice to be served and allowing for Harry to fight another day. But what mattered more about this engaging and epic story, is that it proved… that this show can be whatever it wants on a moment’s notice.

So, if it wants to be drama and/or a romantic tale… that’s not a problem. And if it wants to be fun, it sure can. Not to mention, it can hang with the darkest crime shows out there and the ones that love to offer up some gunfights and well… that’s just amazing. Because it speaks to a series and a creative brain trust that really do want to celebrate the genre and they most certainly are accomplishing that. Because thus far, we’ve seen all the hallmarks of the crime genre on display and well, all this does is leave is eager for more. So, we can see what other tributes and unique storytelling elements the next episode of this series is going to offer up, alongside what comes next for the mess with Camille’s dad… as year one of this magnificent journey continues along. Until next time.

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