‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’ Recap: ‘Episode 6’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Over the course of the past few weeks, The Madame Blanc Mysteries on Acorn TV has done a phenomenal job of exploring some of the more unique motivations that go into murder. Since we’ve seen overprotective parents kill in the name of their child and we’ve also watched greed transform good people into murderers as well. But while that has indeed made for some fascinating and engrossing storytelling and some quality mysteries… it was only a matter of time before Jean White dealt with the biggest case of all looming over her head. Specifically, who killed her husband, and well, what better time to answer that question, than by way of a season finale?
​
For the final episode in season one saw Jean finally confront her husband’s killer and the past as well and oddly enough, she wasn’t alone in dealing with yesterday. In fact, before we dive into Jean’s plight, it’s best we talk about Dom’s. Since his journey in this tale saw his ex-wife Georgina return to the fold for the umpteenth time, leaving Dom besides himself and unsure of how to deal with her. Since she was keen on just coming and going as she pleased. But this time she promised to be good and promised to stay, only to reveal that such guarantees were lies for certain. For she once again skipped town in the name of her lover, teaching Dom that the time had likely come for him to truly put an end to this toxic relationship and that epiphany will have to be addressed another time.

Because that’s great season two material and also because… we need to talk about Jean and her wild ride in this tale. For while Dom was dealing with his skeezy ex, Jean had the ring back in her hands and was beginning to make plans to return home to settle her affairs. An act that was going to go far smoother now that Barbara had found a cash buyer for the house. Which meant that Jean had to prepare to say goodbye to all of her new friends and her new life and that was proving to be almost as difficult, as the danger surrounding her. Because while she slept and while she moved about her day, she had eyes upon her. For the killer wanted that ring and would stop at nothing to get it and when they failed time and time again, they decided to just go for broke and reveal themselves to Jean.

As it turns out… the killer, who also happened to be Rory’s second bride, turned out to be Barbara. Which meant that she had been playing Jean all along and went to great lengths to earn her trust in the hopes of easily stealing that ring. But now, there was no point in trying to hide anyone and that led to one epic showdown. One where Jean faced the past through the monster that brought her the most pain and thanks to her tenacity and desire for justice, she won the battle… but not the war. For Barbara wasn’t mortally wounded in the fight and managed to sneak away with rough wounds and a bruised ego and she will undoubtedly strike again down the line when her body has healed from her fight with Jean. 

Which means this saga is just getting started and that’s not a bad thing by any means. Because Barbara’s betrayal means that the house isn’t up for sale and Jean will have to spend a little more time in Saint Victorie as she works to settle her affairs there and that benefits the audience for sure. Since that would lead to more mysteries down the road that require Jean’s intelligence and tenacity to solve… provided of course we get a second season, and this writer hopes that we do. Because this show is a wonderful spin on the cozy mystery and its heart and honesty makes it a wonderful way to escape for an hour. So, here is to hoping we get good news about a second season soon… so we can return to this quaint little village and see how Jean White grows from this life-changing experience. Until next time.

---