The Seduction
Original title: Merteuil (French)
Genre: Period drama
Created by: Jean-Baptiste Delafon
Based on: Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
Director: Jessica Palud
Stars: Anamaria Vartolomei (Isabelle de Merteuil (née Dassonville), Diane Kruger (Madame de Rosemonde), Vincent Lacoste (Vicomte de Valmont), Lucas Bravo (Comte de Gercourt), Noée Abita (Madame de Tourvel), Julien de Saint Jean (Louis de Germain), Fantine Harduin (Cécile de Volanges), Samuel Kircher (Chevalier Danceny), Sandrine Blancke (Madame de Volanges)
Premise: The series is both a prequel and a loose adaptation of the plot of the novel, and follows Isabelle de Merteuil (Vartolomei) as she is trying to get revenge on the Vicomte de Valmont (Lacoste) after he betrayed her.
The day after her marriage, Isabelle Dassonville discovers that the ceremony was fake and that her husband was in reality the Vicomte de Valmont who was manipulating her. Condemned to take a vow of silence in a convent, her only way to escape is to follow Valmont’s aunt, Madame de Rosemonde, who wants to use her to seduce the Comte de Gercourt in Paris for her own mysterious motives. But when Rosemonde’s plan fail, Isabelle decides to marry the Comte de Merteuil in order to become a Marquise and gain power to help her to get revenge on Valmont.
The series is available for streaming on platforms including HBO Max/Max, Apple TV, and Prime Video.
* * *
Season 1 – Episode 2
Episode title: The Hell of High Society
Original release date: November 21, 2025
Episode plot: As Isabelle formalizes her new identity as the Marquise de Merteuil and plans her reintroduction into Parisian high society, she navigates the complex and unforgiving world of the elite. The episode centers around a party she hosts, which the Comte de Gercourt schemes to turn into an embarrassing affair for her.
A major, highly intense plot point in the episode involves Isabelle discovering she is pregnant (presumably from Valmont) and her decision to induce a miscarriage to conceal the pregnancy and maintain control over her new life and social standing. This challenging scene highlights her desperate measures to escape her past vulnerability and cement her power as the new Marquise de Merteuil.
The Seduction – S01E02 – The Hell of High Society | Transcript
[snoring softly]
Pardon.
Madame, I come to take my leave.
I’m obliged to settle a stray affair.
You wouldn’t prefer my company.
Alas, it’s impossible.
But you promised.
Given what is being said about you, it is improper for you to appear at the Palais Royal.
I cannot singlehandedly silence the slander that Paris delights in, given the futile world that is ours.
Oh, dear. Don’t be sad… how I beg.
Instead realize how I must love you ever so much to be supporting you through it all.
[theme song playing]
Deep in the ocean Dead and cast away Where innocences burn in flames A million mile from home I’m walking ahead I’m frozen to the bones I am a soldier on my own I don’t know the way I’m riding up the heights of shame I’m waiting for the call The hand on the chest I’m ready for the fight and fate
[thunder rumbling]
[door opens, closes]
I missed you so much.
[Marquis] Neither Brissette nor Soubise grasp the measure of the disaster that awaits us.
Myself, I know how to defeat the English in the Americas.
I have the whole strategy here.
However, our respected generals are presently more occupied with the intrigues of their courts…
[whispers] She’s written back to you.
[Marquis]
…distracted as a leader of men.
If we’re to lose focus, it will be our last goodbye to New France, as it parts for the English.
[birds fluttering]
Madame, I know how much I’ve let you down.
But my greatest misfortune is that you view me with hate while I’m in need of your aid.
Of my aid? [scoffs] And why would I give you that?
You humiliated and ridiculed me at Gercourt’s.
And everyone in Paris has turned their back on me.
Yet you’ve still come.
You were unyielding with your letters.
[in French] Madame, [in English] I will give you my word.
I will not rest until I have managed to turn the situation around.
Since Paris has thrown us out, I want to bring it here.
I want to host an event.
[smirks]
That’s a charming idea.
I hold a castle and a name, but I’m missing the knowledge of the world.
You’ll lure the nobility here and you’ll help ensure I become respected.
I will make you shine and your reputation will no longer suffer from mine.
[Rosemonde] You forget one detail, which I deem rather central to this yet trivial as well.
Your husband.
[coins jingling]
[Isabelle] Get Gercourt and the nobility to come.
I will see to my husband.
What if we organized a large event?
A party for our soldiers in America.
To collect money for their benefit.
[chuckles] Accommodating for 100 or so attendees for the night, in your former abbey?
I’ll have it decorated and transformed into something sublime. We’ll hold a ball.
Oh, how I beg of you.
This impotence overwhelms me.
[chuckling]
Well, you’ve certainly got initiative, and I do applaud you.
But while I do judge your strategy to be excellent here, it shows your tactical sense to be deplorable.
A party would serve no purpose.
What French America needs is soldiers.
It would be futile to invite around 100 or more socialites who would attend only for music and champagne.
While I certainly may be a bit naive, my love, this approach did have a virtue.
This event would display you to all of Paris as the uncontested champion of the French American struggle.
It is only a matter of appearances, but… given the futile world that is ours.
So it is, then.
Let’s think grand… my love.
[Rosemonde] Monsieur and Madame de la Courtelière, Viscount Pré Salé and Madame Paco de Fouchet.
Pénélope Maison Couronne.
[Isabelle] Comte de Gercourt.
Are happy to invite you on the 21st of October to a party to support the troops in New France Dear Aunt, I hear you’re the one behind the Merteuil party.
What a relief to know that you both have reconciled.
Do you see her often?
Sébastien.
You are as beautiful as always.
She ever speak of me?
[sighing]
You leave me fatigued, my nephew.
I forgot that I’m in love with who she is.
While you only love her generosity.
As I did not receive my invitation, I thought that I would fetch it in person.
You’ve not been invited.
You would dare?
[Rosemonde] Need I remind you of your choice behavior at Gercourt’s?
But I believe that he is still to be there.
[Rosemonde] Gercourt is our centerpiece.
When you had, my nephew, a window to deal with him you unfortunately stumbled.
Now, in order to clear my name and that of your precious dear Isabelle, I’m under the obligation to ask if you will come.
But you embarrass me.
Ah!
Thankfully, your mistakes will not cost you your fortune.
Neither your reputation.
And now you may take your leave, if you please.
[Isabelle] Madame de Rosemonde, dear friend.
It seems that under the influence of Gercourt, the nobility refuses to come to our party.
Every day I receive a shower of negative answers.
Madame, it’s impossible to be present. Comte de Rabat.
[Isabelle] He seems to be set on taking revenge by inflicting the worst humiliation possible.
[Montesquiou] We will not join your festivities on the 21st.
Ayman de Montesquiou.
[Isabelle] More than ever, I need your help.
If my husband were to find out the scandal that awaits us, I believe him to be capable of anything.
[Marquis smacking lips]
[door opens]
For Madame the Marquise [in French] Thank you.
[in English] The sender?
It is your cousin. The Duc de Cossé.
His reply?
WITHOUT US, COSSÉ
He will come.
[chuckles] I’m delighted.
Read it. And what does it say?
“Madame La Marquise, my dear cousin, I do recognize in this initiative the selfless soul of my cousin, the Marquis, “whom reminds me of how priceless our family’s alliance is to me.”
And I’ve been thinking he felt disapprovingly of our marriage.
He would not miss the opportunity to participate in this noble effort.
A toast to him and the perfection of our union, mon amour.
[drunkenly in French]
My love, I have conquered… the Palatinate.
I haven’t forgotten about you.
And when did I last honor you, my love?
My delicious Marquise.
That would have been this morning.
This morning? But that was nearly last century, dear.
We were made to come together, madame.
Oh, Marquis, really…
This is exactly what I’m presently doing.
Marquise, you’ll see.
[grunting]
[Marquis] You’ll see.
Just a little longer.
You will see.
You will see, my little Marquise.
[panting] My little whore.
My perfect Isabelle de Merteuil.
Fucking whore!
My little Marquise.
You must see what I… oh! [strains] Fuck me.
[laughs] Why are you chuckling?
[Isabelle] You are pathetic.
Put your clothes back on.
I haven’t…
[indistinct chatter]
Ah!
Good evening, madame.
I’m surprised to see you so soon.
I come to request your aid, Sébastien.
You came at a bad time.
We’re going to the wedding of a baker’s daughter, which we will transform into an orgy.
You do me this service and I will lead you to Isabelle in return.
You would do that for me?
I could make sure that she shows leniency in regards to you.
That’s a mountain I’d rather climb alone.
Your help would steal the glory away.
And despite that, I give you the chance to get the upper hand over Gercourt once more.
Has your guest of honor been causing you difficulty?
He has forbidden anyone to set foot at the Marquise’s.
You know what he’s capable of once he’s decided to do harm.
That’s very true.
I’m owed a rematch of our duel in front of Paris in front of Isabelle.
Here is our Marquise.
Here, Gercourt.
And here, our secret weapon.
A prestigious guest whose influence may well counter Gercourt.
[chuckles]
And which great persona would be performing this function?
The hero, Fontenoy, for example.
The Comte d’Anterroches.
He has cholera, monsieur. So they say.
He’s dying.
[Valmont] That is vexing.
Very.
[Valmont] And why not the Duc de Royan?
The greatest financier in the kingdom?
His presence alone would be an event few could escape.
Distinctly so, as this infinitely rich man has always surrounded himself with eternal debtors.
With absolute armies of parasites and countless libertines.
A great many options to provide us a healthy foundation for our soirée.
But the Duke leaves his castle for no one.
[Rosemonde] How do you intend to get him to come?
We’ll draw him out with his daughter.
Juliette de Royan, whom he’s desperate to marry off.
Corrupt Juliette to pressure her father?
So long as I can pervert her in the most sufficiently spectacular way.
Juliette wouldn’t be able to marry anymore.
But I would promise the Duke to keep her corruption a secret.
Hmm.
After which he’ll have to do what I say.
Let’s add the good name of Royan to your list of conquests.
However, he knows me already.
My reputation is well known.
He won’t let me approach his daughter.
We need to recruit, then.
What do you know of her?
To offset his daughter’s rather lacking appearance, he made her pick up music in a very assiduous way.
He’d like her to be an accomplished singer.
[laughing] So we require a musician.
An attractive pedagogue.
A charming boy with a delicate touch.
Handsome, noble, and quite well endowed.
I will take care of finding him.
[playing light tune]
[all stop playing]
You, come.
[in French] Madame.
[Rosemonde in English] Your name?
Danceny.
Chevalier Danceny.
[inhales]
Let’s see.
Let’s see.
[gasps]
Follow me.
[in French] Madame.
[in English] I’ll be brief.
I am consumed by shame.
And forbid myself to even look at you.
I would be mortified to see in your eyes who I was last evening.
I know that no words, no apology or excuse could be equal to my failure and my infamy.
But I have a mad aspiration toward the regaining of your esteem, with the greatness of my action.
I leave for the Americas to join our troops, and I will return rich in hardfought glory and restored to my honor.
And as I aspire, your love once more.
Madame, I leave at once.
Goodbye and until we meet again.
[dramatic music playing]
[in French] Madame.
Good morning.
[in English] Return immediately to that carriage.
You’ve brought him to this house?
You must listen to him.
I never will.
He knows how to counter Gercourt.
You’ll be unable to do without him.
Madame, I only seek to be of help.
No matter your help, you will not attend the party and that’s final.
What is that…
[Valmont] Are you expecting visitors?
It’s my husband’s sister, Madame de Volanges.
[horses neigh]
Madame.
[Isabelle] My dear husband, I write to you now, as I know you are soon to set sail to thank you for your thoughtfulness towards me.
Thanks to you, I am not alone.
Madame de Volanges whom you’ve had the thoughtful idea of inviting, is a delightful woman with whom I have the pleasure in discussing the preparations for our party.
I’ve rediscovered in her company as well as that of her daughter, a taste for games.
The youthful taste of a game of cards between friends in an air of trust and laughter.
I have no doubts your sister shares with you the joy that reigns over the castle.
[Cécile singing in Italian]
[Isabelle in English]
The presence of Cécile is all the more precious as she is an accomplished singer.
My friend Madame de Rosemonde advised that I invite musicians to the castle that are capable of accompanying Cécile.
A young and reputable professor, the Chevalier Danceny and Juliette, daughter of the Duc de Royan, whose father graciously permitted her to join the delightful concert that now enchants our home.
[singing aria]
[Isabelle in English] Cécile and Juliette quickly became close with each other.
Juliette is a lovely person.
Her confidence could be very useful to our projects.
If her father deigns to grace our party with his presence, his fortune and influence will be enough to put America back at the heart of all conversations.
Imagining you facing the greatest dangers, sword in hand, I feel myself trembling with admiration for you and maybe with an even more tender feeling.
[in French] Sir…
[in English] the route’s full of wind up to 15 nautical miles east.
Departing today would be most reckless.
When do you suggest we depart?
When New France has been reduced to nothing more than a pathetic historical curiosity, the indomitable Mississippi will belong solely to the fearless and to them alone, my friend.
Go and get prepared.
[singing aria]
[Isabelle in English] Juliette doesn’t look at Danceny.
[Valmont] While Cécile and Danceny seem to like each other, our plan has been thwarted.
Danceny has some wisdom.
Beauty is not enough for some women.
They need something more.
A cheeky side, perchance?
That’s a way to describe it.
Take matters into your own hands.
Since Danceny is too wise, as you say, then I rely on your malice to corrupt Juliette.
Unless, of course, that lovely young woman is not your type.
Oh, yes, I nearly forgot, your reputation.
Your happiness is more important than that.
Then accompany her to her house after her session concludes.
You look different.
What is it?
Could it be you’re pregnant?
I am not pregnant.
I do have a little experience with this…
That is indeed why you are still here, Vicomte.
Now we may hope this experience might have the right effect on our Juliette.
[tense music playing]
[sighs]
[Valmont] At the beginning of spring 1731, Venice was radiant.
You could always hear ballads and sonatas coming from every house.
Happiness and wisdom seemed to spread everywhere like the vibrato of a mandolin.
Yet, the poem says…
That’s quite enough for me.
Very.
Why don’t you put away that pipe of yours and take out your trombone?
I beg your pardon, miss?
Sir, I would like to stop.
Whoa!
Go and gather some girolles.
[driver] Girolles, in this season?
Yes, madame.
Well, what will you do to me that is so… delicious?
That will influence me to write you a letter filled with passion.
A letter you will then use to threaten my father.
That will force him to accept your dear friend’s invitation.
Lest you are to… find a way to coerce Chevalier Danceny to throw himself at me?
That being said…
I respect the Marquise de Merteuil and you amuse me, Vicomte.
Ha!
I may well ask my father to attend your little party.
You would?
After all…
I could have said all this only in the wake of having enjoyed your charms.
[enthralling music playing]
[footsteps approaching]
It’s delicious, madame.
I’m unable to find the words to thank you for your welcome.
Words matter not, miss.
I’ve received a letter from the Marquis this morning.
Were you aware that my brother was meant to sail yesterday?
Isn’t that news fascinating?
A storm forced him back to port just a few hours after they’d left the coast.
So it seems you may well have the pleasure of welcoming your great husband home much sooner than you’d hoped.
How might you be finding your teacher?
The Chevalier Danceny?
Well, I-I find him quite…
Quite?
Gifted?
That’s right.
You seem to be quite gifted yourself.
The two of you were made to get along.
[horse snorts]
[imperceptible]
[gasps]
[gasping]
[knock at door] Who is it?
My dear Vicomte.
What good news do you bring me?
Likely more positive responses, but also a message from Duc de Royan.
I hope he’s not going back…
[gasps] Isabelle.
Oh, what have you done?
[breathing heavily]
Isabelle.
I’m right here.
[moans]
[yelps]
[groaning]
Go away.
Isabella…
Go away, I said!
[groaning in pain]
Go away! [grunts]
[gasping]
[panting]
[shouts]
[screaming]
[panting]
[fire crackling]
[latch clicks]
It’s finished.
[Isabelle] Let us forget this and return to our affairs.
[Madame de Volanges] My dearest brother, the seriousness of the situation compels me to write a new letter to you.
I continue to discover the schemes that unite your wife to the Vicomte de Valmont.
Their complicity seems to harbor coming plans, which I fear may cause harm to your reputation.
And what says Royan?
Amsterdam’s stock market is in default.
The Duke is fully committed and apologizes for not joining us.
He swore to come and he will come.
Juliette will be present.
We need to force the Duke to prefer his daughter over his finances.
Hmm.
You need to take your rest for the night.
Your will commands admiration.
But even the bravest soldiers put down their weapons when they’re wounded.
Which woman wouldn’t surpass your soldier?
And is she not accustomed from her earliest years to blood and to hurt?
Really, Vicomte, don’t let yourself be afraid.
Let’s recommence.
Now, how blind can a father truly be?
What are you saying?
Royan is unable to hear his daughter’s voice the same as we do.
The man is still not deaf.
So we need… the crux of the soirée to be a musical moment.
The kind of thing that would leave a father feeling proud, for example.
And Juliette?
Juliette.
I’d be surprised if she were blind to her lack of talent.
All of it must be embellished.
A misdirect, a maneuver.
Isabelle.
[fireworks exploding]
[in French] Good evening.
Good evening.
Madame de Fourcy. [in English] It’s such a pleasure to have you.
How are you?
Excellent, thank you.
And your dear son still fulfilling his mandate?
That’s right.
[people laughing]
You’ve retained all that I’ve told you?
It’s confusing.
You gave me so many names.
You cannot bear any errors.
[Rosemonde] Royan is arriving.
Everything plays itself out now.
Please excuse me.
If you’d all please approach the stage, the concert is soon to begin.
[crowd] Oh!
It is a composition by Chevalier Danceny.
[crowd murmurs excitedly]
[loud knocking]
[footman] For Monsieur the Duc de Royan, make way please.
[whispering] I don’t think she was trained.
I suppose we’ll see.
[coughing]
[exhales]
Can she really even sing?
[singing]
[singing inaudibly]
[Juliette continues singing]
[all applauding]
[in French] Thanks, thank you so much.
Thanks [in English] to the Chevalier and to the Marquise de Merteuil.
[crowd applauding]
[lively music playing]
Thanks, Marquise, this soirée was sublime.
It was quite wonderful.
Who would have thought she could sing so well? [laughing]
[woman] She could hear us!
[women laughing]
Thanks, Vicomte.
Whatever for?
You know quite well what I refer to.
I assure you, Marquise, I very much do not.
You know, one should never doubt their child.
Madame, if I can be of any service.
My Marquis is currently held up in the port of Saint Argonne.
He must go to America.
And you wish for him to begin his voyage posthaste?
[chuckles]
I can arrange it tomorrow.
Would you arrange it tonight?
Honor and renown to the courageous Marquis de Merteuil.
[in French] Thank you.
[people laughing]
[giggling]
[gasps]
Excuse me.
[dramatic music playing]
I am the Comte de Gercourt.
Cécile de Volanges.
Sweetheart, are you okay?
Your daughter falls from the sky and you fittingly appear in her wake.
I am the most fortunate man in the world tonight.
[Rosemonde] My dear Comte.
[sucks teeth]
Ah, you’ve come after all.
One might say you deprived me of any choice. Such a noble cause.
Such a beautiful party.
My close companions, the Duc de Royan, you, my dear.
Ah…
Yet I have heard it said that you would not be amongst us.
You know more than anyone, one mustn’t listen to rumors.
I may well not, though they still find a way to pester me nonetheless.
But I am certain that your presence will quiet them once and for all.
Madame.
My dear Comte.
This is quite embarrassing.
And why is that, madame?
I am late to welcome you, dear Comte.
Yet, I’m just as late as you are.
But you’re still not embarrassed?
Well, madame, I require much more than that to feel embarrassed.
Our foremost encounter, I seem to recall.
[chuckles]
Far from embarrassing.
I will surprise you, madame.
There is one small pleasure in life that I particularly admire to realize I’ve underestimated someone and to be surprised by their evolution.
Seeing you here tonight so radiant brings me great pleasure.
I believe that we’ll be seeing one another more often.
I welcome you to the delicious hell of the great world.
[dramatic music playing]
[in French] Madame.
[in English] This is a triumph.
My enemies have come to kneel before me.
And yesterday we were women scorned.
Savor it, Isabelle.
Tomorrow we’ll return to being targets once more.
[dramatic music continues]
Madame, your talents as a hostess illuminate the fineness of our exchanges and I here pay tribute to your subtle mind which encourages reflection.
May this moment be forever a part in our memories’ annals like a sparkle of…
[door opens]
[gasps]
Picked this very morning, madame.
At the Comte de Gercourt’s request.
[gasps] I was sure he would write.
What a delicate man.
Sweetheart…
I’m so very proud of you.
[tense music playing]
