‘La Maison’ Recap: ‘Message in a Bottle’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Zita Hanrot and Lambert Wilson as Paloma Carter and Vincent Ledu in Episode 106 of ‘La Maison’ – ‘Message in a Bottle’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘La Maison’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Truly, the world collectively looks at the holiday season, as an outright, beautiful blessing. Where peace on Earth is indeed achieved and where love wins the days. For it is a time of renewal, a time to reflect on the gifts we’ve been given in every sense of the phrase, so it should indeed be as beautiful as possible. But in reality, we all know deep down, that collective view of the holiday season is nothing short of a pipe dream. For while it can bring wonder and joy, it can also bring sorrow and heartbreak. For the world doesn’t stop is ugly machinations just because pine trees are decorated, and a ham is about to be glazed. That means… the holidays can indeed be sour, a fact we were reminded of during this week’s episode of La Maison on Apple TV+.

For ‘Message in a Bottle’ took place shortly before Christmas itself and for a time, it seemed the Ledu family was embracing the spirit, despite dark clouds hanging over the season. For Vincent did indeed try to harm himself but went into therapy thereafter and found purpose and joy again, and of course… invited everyone to the island to celebrate the holiday. Making it seem as though unity could be found with the family. A possibility that only grew with Paloma’s continued hard work at revitalizing the family brand, and well, all this joy did indeed bring the family to the island for a holiday getaway and for a time… they were a family at last. For there was peace, there was love and laughter, and the resurrection of old traditions.

Since Vincent brought back the old act of writing beautiful messages and wishes in bottles to send into the world to manifest and spread cheer. But as mentioned before, the holidays are not a perfect time and all it takes is a slip up or an agenda to change everything, and well… revelations at dinner did just that. Because after the ceremony, Robinson came to discover that his loving boyfriend was a spy, and that he was working hard to bring Ledu down from the inside, and that brought forth chaos. The kind that saw Victor be banished from the house for any association with Ledu, despite pondering upon returning, and well… that was merely the beginning of chaos to come.

Because in many ways, having the truth come forth about Rovel and having a spy in place who clearly played a hand in Vincent’s downfall, gave Vincent new focus and new ideas. For it was heavily implied that he saw this as a window back to the top of the fashion industry, as though he could spin this to his advantage. So, he made sure to cozy up to Paloma and give her love and adoration. In part to be the father he should have been, but let’s be honest… Vincent is ruthless, and Vincent will do whatever it takes to have a legacy in place. So, it does stand to reason that Paloma plays into the plan, as though generations of Ledu can drive fashion forward, with Rovel ruined beneath their bootheel.

But while we wait to see what comes out of these revelations, we can bask in a story that truly did remind us that the holidays aren’t always so joyous. Courtesy of relatives and friends that have their own agenda in mind for the season, or because life just takes the twists and turns that only it can. All of which made for a fascinating episode, one that showcased the human side of the characters and what they are capable of when they don’t worry about anything but one another. But that aside, clearly what lies ahead is chaos. For a complaint will be filed, and legal battles will play out, and that will only continue to add to the stress of the apprentice and the master, as they work hard to forge their paths toward tomorrow. Until next time.

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