French Melodrama at its worst...
The hyperdramatic acting and unbelievably drawn-out timing of this series doesn't make for suspense. It is simply a recipe for cinematic failure. The helplessness, fearfulness, and inaction in the face of danger exemplified by 90% of the characters in the first episode is stomach churning. If the French are exporting cowardice, they've saturated the market. Even if only 25% of the cultural characterization of the French as a people is actually representative of what France truly is insofar as bravery and valor are concerned, please remind everyone never to ask for their help in any dangerous or tumultuous situation. Beyond the general issues with cowardice, one's left with the impression that most of the characters are simply too stupid and unable even to help themselves, much less those around them. Few seem to have any sense of honor.
Just because it's a period piece with cool wardrobe design does not make it quality television entertainment.
I mean even the title is kind of ridiculous. How does "Charity Bazaar" become "The Bonfire of Destiny"? Seriously...
By the way, I watched in French, not dubbed.