The new French legal drama "Carpe Diem," set in Nice, centers on Tim Villeneuve, a man who spent 17 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. Played by Samuel Le Bihan, Villeneuve emerges from his incarceration having studied law and establishes a legal practice dedicated to defending individuals who have been unjustly accused.
The series combines a compelling personal story with a broader examination of miscarriage of justice. Villeneuve's motto, which translates to "seize the day," reflects both his approach to life and his relentless pursuit of the truth, as he continues to seek his wife’s real killer while advocating for others caught in the legal system.
In the show's initial episodes, Villeneuve takes on a high-profile case involving the murder of a wealthy woman at a luxury seafront hotel. The primary suspect is a parking valet who also works as a gigolo for the hotel's affluent clientele, highlighting complex social dynamics and issues of privilege and prejudice within the legal proceedings.
"Carpe Diem" presents a nuanced look at the challenges faced by those wrongfully accused, the difficulties of proving innocence, and the personal costs of long-term imprisonment. The series is produced in French and will be made available for streaming from Friday on Channel 4’s More4 network.