In episode 7 of season 5 of *Astrid and Raphaëlle*, Astrid confronts her troubled past linked to Sammy while investigating a high-profile horse stabbing. This case leads her to recall a traumatic experience from her youth at a stable, where she faced mistreatment. The episode aims to highlight the violence often encountered by autistic individuals, emphasizing the series’ commitment to portraying realistic experiences through collaboration with people on the autism spectrum. Catch it on December 13 at 9:05 PM on France 2.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for episode 7 of season 5 of Astrid and Raphaëlle. If you haven’t caught up yet, proceed at your own risk!
The fifth season of Astrid and Raphaëlle, currently captivating audiences on France 2, is testing the resilience of Sara Mortensen’s character, Astrid. This season has brought back the enigmatic Sammy, forcing Astrid to confront the shadows of her past.
Throughout the series, Astrid has been plagued by the presence of this man, yet the reasons remain shrouded in mystery. In episode 5, we discovered that their paths crossed during her teenage years at a riding school.
Sadly, those memories remain elusive for her. Episode 7, which will air on Friday, December 13, promises to shed light on this enigma.
Astrid Uncovers Her Past
In this upcoming episode, Astrid and Raphaëlle delve into a high-profile investigation involving the tragic stabbing of a horse. However, the case takes a darker turn as they find themselves embroiled in another shocking crime.
This new investigation serves as a catalyst for Astrid to unearth long-buried memories. She recalls working at a stable during her youth, where she endured mistreatment from someone employed there.
Sammy, who is on the autism spectrum, was her unexpected savior during that tumultuous time. This revelation explains why Astrid had repressed him from her memory; he is tied to painful experiences. This episode not only unveils a deeper layer of Astrid’s history but also shines a light on the violence that autistic individuals may face as a result of their differences.
Highlighting the Need to Address Violence
To craft the compelling narratives of Astrid and Raphaëlle, the show’s writers engage with individuals on the autism spectrum, ensuring a realistic portrayal of their experiences. In a discussion with Alexandre de Seguins, one of the show’s screenwriters, insights were shared about the inspiration behind Astrid’s storyline.
“Our inspiration indeed came from real-life testimonies,” he noted. “While the concept didn’t originate solely from those stories, as we developed this arc, it became clear that addressing this issue was vital.”
“In the series, we illustrate Astrid’s journey in a world where she is accepted and valued within the criminal brigade, where her differences are embraced. People interact with her in ways that reflect how society should ideally function.”
“We aimed to strike a balance by depicting the harsh realities of violence. Autistic individuals frequently face violence and harassment, a documented and quantifiable issue. It was crucial for a series like ours to convey this message.”
Don’t miss episode 7 of season 5 of Astrid and Raphaëlle this Friday, December 13, at 9:05 PM on France 2. For those eager to watch ahead, the entire season is currently available for streaming on the france.tv platform.