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)
The series is available for streaming on platforms including HBO Max/Max, Apple TV, and Prime Video.
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Season 1 – Episode 4
Episode title: Dangerous Liaisons
Original release date: December 5, 2025
Episode plot: After Isabelle’s marriage comes under fire, Valmont and Rosemonde each work to protect their friend.
The Seduction – S01E04 – Dangerous Liaisons | Transcript
Come now, Julie.
It’s a matter of a few hours.
[knocking at door]
[butler] Madame de Merteuil, your honor.
Have a seat, madame.
Do you happen to recognize this document, madame?
Read it aloud, if you would.
Wedding Contract Well, I… What is…
Read it.
“Before God Almighty on this day of grace, 17th of March, 1745, I hereby promise myself to Monsieur Lucien Beaucaillou, born 23rd of June, 1723 and whose current profession is laborer.”
This is ridiculous.
I can confirm.
It has been verified that there is no Lucien Beaucaillou born in Anjou in June of 1723.
We therefore suspect that this Beaucaillou is in fact the Vicomte de Valmont.
You know him, is that right?
His aunt’s a friend of mine.
We suspect, moreover, that the Vicomte is a libertine of the highest degree.
Do you know what a libertine is?
Something I imagine… concerning liberty?
Liberty, right.
Someone who takes the liberty to dupe, corrupt, sully, and abandon.
The signature might resemble mine…
You’re right.
You could lose everything, madame.
My name has been usurped…
You could lose everything.
Your marriage to the Marquis de Merteuil, a union that has brought you glory and fortune and all despite having been predated by this marriage.
I want you to understand, at the bottom of my soul, I know that you are innocent here.
I believe, madame, that you have been the victim of a perfect crime.
That is, a crime for which the victim them self is made to advocate for her abuser.
I believe, madame, that your character has made you the ideal target for a skilled predator.
And that today, before me, you feel as if denouncing this man would be a betrayal to yourself.
Your hopes were infinite.
Your memories burn.
Their vibrations still persist all over your body.
Well, that’s what I assume, madame.
And with this assumption, there’s a question I’d like to pose.
Your destiny will be entirely determined by your willingness to answer this question with the utmost sincerity.
And if not before me, out loud now, at least in the secrecy of your heart.
Madame…
Marquise de Merteuil, are you in love with Valmont?
Merci, madame.
[theme song playing]
[man] ♪ 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 ♪
[door closes]
What did you make of Judge Tourvel?
He’s a brute.
Really?
I’ve heard him described as the opposite.
As rather sensitive, delicate.
An absolute bigot.
He’s a miserable little inquisitor.
Well, that brute is holding your destiny in his hands.
I hear he’s very much in love with his wife.
That’s where you ought to aim your attack.
You must be fearless.
These men are all little weaklings, especially miserable, bigoted, rigid little inquisitors.
[Isabelle] My dear Vicomte… in one way or another, you have allowed a document to be stolen that could lead to my complete and absolute ruin.
I hear she’s more devout than a Carmelite.
You alone are guilty of having made me sign this grotesque document.
Of keeping it as proof of your so-called genius.
[all] Amen.
[Isabelle] And of failing to keep it in your possession.
Today, I’m giving you the chance to achieve the impossible.
To go down in history.
And in this way, to right your wrong.
Your admirable aunt has managed to establish a relationship with Madame de Tourvel, a deeply religious woman and the wife of the magistrate who’s trying to bring about my ruin.
By now, you should understand that your mission will be to seduce Madame de Tourvel, known for her irreproachable virtue, in order to put an end to her husband’s actions.
The success of this operation, on which my future depends, will require great discipline and impeccable timing on your part.
I hope that you will not find this challenge to be beyond your capabilities.
Our fortune is now proving to be inextricably bound to the greed of the English.
Their approach to the natives is thus.
No use convincing them when we can simply buy them.
Well, Madame de Tourvel has thoughtfully proposed an initiative which is, in my estimation, faithful to the spirit of this New France.
And this initiative, I’ve shared it with Abbot Montverdier who is also aware of the issues at play here.
I’m so excited to hear more.
[Madame de Tourvel] Well… thanks to the missions of the Jesuits, the Holy Bible has been translated for almost a century into the Wendat language.
Although we’ve not provided our Indian brothers with a simple, friendly prayer book for their daily use.
Pardon, madame.
Would you mind?
I know only the beginning of a song about the birth of Christ.
We’d love it if you would sing.
[singing in Wendat]
[all clapping] Merci.
Merci, madame.
Bravo! Bravo.
[Isabelle] Make sure to flatter her before.
The pain is greater when you’re taken by surprise.
Please allow me to express my deepest admiration.
Hearing you, I imagined I could understand that unique language of theirs.
[Isabelle] Your goal is simple and targeted.
However…
[Isabelle] Overturn her convictions.
What is it?
If you’ll allow me, of course.
[Isabelle] Shake her faith.
Allow you to do what, Monsieur Vicomte?
To talk sincerely.
Please go ahead.
[Isabelle] And set off an inner turmoil.
Subtle and delicate.
No, I can’t. It’s unseemly.
I must have forgot my manners.
As a guest of the Marquise, I won’t.
Madame de Tourvel granted permission.
Go ahead.
Why do you wish to translate our prayers rather than learn theirs?
One hears that these people live fraternally, modestly, with respect for the gifts of nature.
Are we really closer to crime?
[all laughing] [Isabelle] Of course, nothing in your attitude can hint at the slightest attraction to her.
I think they should be valued and respected, but…
But?
Should Grand-Chief Wendat Kondiaronk really be burned at the stake for having dared to call our Christ the Son of the Great Spirit?
I have also read the dialogues of Monsieur Lahontan.
And what did you conclude?
That the Wendat are admirable.
But they are without…
A taste for dogmas and a love for punishment.
That’s not the way that I feel at all.
And what do you think, madame?
Nothing that would contradict you to the point of debate, monsieur.
[Isabelle] Feeling your contempt for her, and your refusal to meet her gaze, it will fill her with a poison that is all the more deadly, as it’s cloaked in embarrassment.
Your line of attack will be undetectable.
She will come to hate you, and as such, you will invade her thoughts.
He’s taken with her.
It’s quite obvious.
[whispers indistinctly] I remind you that our primary goal is to make her like him.
Marquise, follow me.
[all laughing]
What’s wrong with you?
Must I remind you that your future hinges on my nephew’s success in seducing Madame de Tourvel?
Of course.
You’re fragile.
I know you imagine yourself to be waging a war against men, and none in particular.
Though perhaps you’re really at war with yourself.
You’re in battle against the most fearsome of the enemies of liberty.
Jealousy.
If I wanted to be with your nephew, I would…
Prove it.
Prove what?
That you’re still a free woman.
And how?
I’ve invited some friends to join me at the little pavilion tonight.
No one should ever see you on this weakened state.
Tonight, I want to see this body sweating, reveling.
I want all of Paris to know that Isabelle de Merteuil, Honorable Marquise and Queen of Libertines, knows how to take and give pleasure.
Yes.
[both panting]
[both breathing heavily]
No, no. Don’t move.
[grunts]
[moaning]
[grunting]
I’m sorry.
[sighs]
[door opens, closes]
[man] I can’t speak…
[indistinct chatter]
[whispers] Tonight, you play with her.
Good evening.
[intense music playing]
[intense music continues]
Nothing to say?
You asked me to join you for a walk.
We’re walking.
Mmm.
You’re angry about what I said at dinner.
The truth is I was desperately looking for a way to draw your attention.
You were harsh and now you’re fragile.
So you’re trying to make me dizzy?
No.
This faith of yours.
Have you never doubted?
You’re not a believer?
I don’t know.
But I see Him in you. It’s as if there’s more of Him than there is of you.
Have I embarrassed you?
I know who you are, Monsieur Vicomte.
Who am I, then?
My husband and I tell each other everything.
His desk is piled high with letters denouncing you.
What’s his line of work?
The evangelization of the people of the New World is not the reason why I came here.
It is actually another tribe that I want to bring to the grace of God.
They are called the libertines.
And they say that you are one of their plumed leaders.
You never cease to surprise me.
[sighs] And you, not at all.
You’re wrong about me.
You’re not a libertine?
What does the past matter?
Because now you’re in love with me.
You’re not very charitable, madame.
Aren’t I centimeters away from a hungry fox who is whispering words of tenderness?
Stay a few days more. Don’t make me beg.
Because you love me?
I don’t know if it’s love, or if I’m capable of loving.
A few minutes ago I pretended to love you and I was happy.
I even believed I could love myself.
You poor man.
You’re right.
Leave here tomorrow.
Go and find your husband.
Your smugness makes you so naive.
I’m a man of good pedigree and established in a society made for and by beings of my race.
And in this world, I embody the life most men only dream of.
They’ll never condemn me.
At worst, I’ll be sent to an old country house and have the pleasure of receiving my most loyal admirers there.
Your husband is only the henchman for the Comte de Gercourt.
His target is the Marquise de Merteuil alone, Isabelle de Merteuil, whose liberty and power are like spit in the faces of men.
You’re merely the henchman’s henchman, ignorant of the woman you truly are.
Good night, Vicomte.
[door opens]
[gasps]
[intriguing music playing]
[knocking at door]
Yes?
It’s Cécile, madame.
Madame.
Your Chevalier?
Yes.
[light music playing]
I have a question for you, young man.
Very well.
Do you think we can reproach these roses for their freshness?
I mean, I… No.
And this ray of light for its glow?
Certainly not.
Or even the sunlight for its infinite generosity?
No, madame.
Well, going off of that, how can we blame this wonderful young woman standing behind me?
For being what she is, that is, a marvel of a young woman.
But, madame, I never did…
Compose yourself, Chevalier.
Look at me.
Stand up straight.
A man restrains himself.
By which I mean, he can regulate his own plumbing.
Nothing is beyond your control.
Perhaps you could practice in the secrecy of your room.
I’d suggest one of those little books, only requiring one hand.
Those aren’t the sort of books I read, madame.
You have got to learn how to counter fire, Chevalier.
In your mind, or…
[grunts] Do you feel it now?
Yes, madame. Yes.
And would you say such a counter fire might just permit a curbing of your unbridled desire?
Yes, madame.
Yes? Very well.
Run along, my little angels.
Go and be happy. Go on.
[strumming piano strings]
Bonjour, Marquise. You certainly seem to be brimming with vitality.
Invigorated by an unforgettable night?
Why don’t you tell me about yours?
I’m concerned you look a bit too rested.
Madame de Tourvel is aware of the investigation her husband is launching against us.
She’s of no use to us.
If she’s here, it’s because she thinks I’m a lost soul to save.
But that was before she had a fuller grasp on my absence of morals.
My aunt’s waiting on us.
Tomorrow, Judge Tourvel will be meeting with the witness whom he’ll present as the keystone of his case against the two of you.
Louis.
Obviously. Louis de Germain. Your friend.
If Monsieur de Germain can confirm the existence of your marriage, then the verdict of the case, unfortunately, might be most predictable.
What now?
I refuse to believe it.
Your naivety will be your ruin.
And mine, too.
I cannot thank you enough, maître.
I’ll see you out.
I’ll see you very soon, my dear friend. Merci.
We must stop Louis from testifying.
You need to talk to him.
It wouldn’t do any good.
He’ll deny it all.
He can’t be persuaded?
You might try saying, uh, the Marquise has become unbearable to you.
He wouldn’t believe me.
He wouldn’t?
What about a financial proposal?
He’s already well provided for.
All right, then what could he want?
Me.
Louis is merely jealous of you.
He would never confess to it, but when I catch his glance, I sense far more than the weight of his stare.
As if his body were…
Is he at all interested in women?
As well, yes.
Then you must give him what he wants.
All without confronting him with the shame of his desires.
I’m not following.
[Isabelle] Invite him over. Do it now.
I’ll wait for you two at the little pavilion tonight.
He and I together with you.
You said it. He wants you.
So you must allow him to live out his fantasy, but in a roundabout way.
Smuggle it in.
Louis is a traitor, but his appearance is not unpleasant.
Perhaps.
[Isabelle] What do you think, madame?
Well, yes. In short, you’ll be acting as his bait.
And you as his alibi.
You’ll write him a letter.
Explain to him how I’m insatiable.
Explain to him how with me every pleasure demands another, such that one man alone cannot satisfy.
So you’re enlisting his help, dear Vicomte.
[captivating music playing]
[knock on door]
Merci.
Are you reassured?
According to the lawyer, Louis is to visit with Judge Tourvel tomorrow afternoon.
Let’s wait.
I was talking about me.
About my taste for liberty.
I’ll be reassured when I have a sense of certainty about your lack of sentimentality with regard to my nephew.
Isabelle, I love my nephew.
He’s lived too much, though. Too soon.
He’s played so many roles, I don’t know who he is anymore.
And I feel concerned that he doesn’t know who he is either.
[bed creaking]
[Isabelle] Do you hear that?
I do indeed.
[both panting]
I’m coming. I’m coming.
[panting]
Counterfire.
[breathing heavily]
[grunts, exclaims]
[both panting]
[dramatic music playing]
Good evening.
I want to watch you.
Give each other pleasure.
And make love.
[both breathing heavily]
[all panting]
[horse approaching]
[door opens]
[pours drink]
Are you hiding, madame?
No.
You should know that I’m quite harmless this evening.
What’s wrong with you?
Nothing in particular.
And you? You were here. You were calm.
Alone. Free.
How I envy you.
Come now, what are you afraid of?
What you see before you is a miserable fool condemned to live in this world, mediocre and cold, pitiful and cruel.
This is where I live and where I’ll continue to live.
You use so many words, Vicomte, I find it hard to understand you.
I’m simply… fatigued.
A magical little theater that was Vicomte de Valmont has fallen.
After letting yourself be guided by pleasure and desire?
How could you feel anything other than tremendous fatigue?
You poor man.
But these ruins could be a second chance for you.
I’m not someone who thinks that misfortune helps you grow. Quite the contrary.
Well, in that case, perhaps it’s about time you started questioning your way of thinking.
If a door presents itself to you, Vicomte, don’t fear it. Push it open.
Will you be there?
Despite what I could say to you.
Despite what I could do.
Yes.
You’ll be there while I recount horrors.
And in turn, you’ll tell me beautiful stories of a man who dies and is reborn.
No, don’t! [grunts] Stop it! Oh!
Merci, madame.
You’re a mad fool.
You were telling me of a magical door, weren’t you? And I’m the mad one?
Your stubborn nature gives me the courage to be myself.
A few kilos of bones.
Liquid, tissue, viscera.
But above all, a reputation.
That of a man who never gives in.
If you’ve stayed this long, you must like me a little.
I’ll leave you to your loneliness, your peace of mind, and your liberty, madame.
[sighs]
[inhales, exhales]
Madame.
Merci.
I understand better now.
What, though?
My friend, Valmont.
[knocking at door] [door opens] Monsieur Comte, have you received my note?
Louis de Germain has not honored his summons, but you have the cards in your hand, I expect.
Alas, Monsieur Comte.
Alas?
You speak of a Marquise twice married.
Marshal Castellet, the king’s advisor, told me of your rigor.
I wouldn’t want to contradict the man.
[thunder rumbling]
Well, tell me about her.
You had a long interrogation.
What was your overall impression?
It was all documented.
The Marquise hardly spoke. Alas.
[chuckles] And your dignified wife?
I’ve heard interesting things about the company she keeps.
Yes. My wife has taken the initiative to befriend Valmont.
Your wife is the one taking initiative?
That all sounds very modern, Monsieur de Tourvel.
I permit it.
When her intentions complement my own.
You mean she’s spying for you?
No.
She’s often been able to bring back to the faith souls thought to be lost forever.
And you were thinking she’d convert this Valmont?
I was thinking her presence would at least help separate Valmont from the Marquise.
Very foolish.
That’s the way these cases are often won.
By separating the accomplices.
The sacred light of a devoted wife up against… the ardent seduction of Madame de Merteuil.
You don’t seem to understand anything about vice.
All right, chin up, dear friend.
Don’t look put out.
You did everything you could here.
Is that right?
You are the very image of the institution you represent.
Prudent, modest.
Luckily, the kingdom of France has other means to ensure respect for the laws of our Lord.
[thunder rumbling]
[dramatic music playing]
Vicomte, how are you?
Excellent, madame.
Follow me.
You’re well? Really?
Well, I’m with you.
How could I be better?
It’s just that I’m not always certain that I’m reading you correctly, sir.
And now that you’ve rid yourself of our legal troubles, I imagine you’re already in the process of concocting some new impressive scheme, most likely involving the corruption of an innocent young woman.
Judge Tourvel may be done with you, but I’m not done with his wife.
How so?
I would prefer to be condemned to the wheel than to have everyone learn of my failure with her.
Please, no one will fault you for not having compromised that holy woman.
I believe that on the contrary, your courage in attempting that adventure will be much appreciated by all of your friends.
You don’t know anything about me.
Do you know why I am this way?
Why, since I have neither the beauty of Louis nor the fortune of Gercourt, my name is known throughout the world?
Because I am my own audience and judge.
I don’t compare myself to others.
I measure myself against my own idea of what a great libertine must be.
And a great libertine of this world would not give up on Madame de Tourvel.
Sorry to say, but you will never have her, monsieur.
Now you’re making my quest for greatness all the more exciting, dear Marquise.
I just don’t want to see you make a fool of yourself, Vicomte.
That’s not the impression I get from you.
So bet on it.
I’ll seduce Tourvel.
What am I betting?
It all.
You.
Remember how we loved each other?
Your wedding night.
You hate me for tricking you, but you love me more for revealing you to yourself.
I’m in you, madame.
And one day you’ll be mine.
[tense music playing]
[closing theme music playing]
