Les Rois maudits

The same story, starting in 1314, in five episodes. Jacques de Molay, played by Gérard Depardieu, curses Philip the Fair from the pyre. Isabella and Robert of Artois bring down the king's daughters-in-law in the Tour de Nesle scandal, and Marguerite of Burgundy ends up strangled in prison. Mahaut of Artois, now played by Jeanne Moreau, poisons anyone in the way of her son-in-law, Philip of Poitiers, until he becomes king. In England, Isabella joins Mortimer against Edward II and the Despensers. The last episode brings Robert of Artois to ruin: after the trial over the county, he flees to Edward III's court and sets the stage for the Hundred Years' War.

1. Behind the scenesSets by a comics master

   The sets are by Philippe Druillet, a French sci-fi comics artist. That explains the odd, almost space-age look of the palaces, far from a standard period drama.

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2. CameoThree Depardieus in the cast

   Gérard Depardieu plays Templar grand master Jacques de Molay. His son Guillaume plays Louis X, and his daughter Julie plays Jeanne of Poitiers.

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3. Behind the scenesOne book without its own episode

   The 2005 version has five episodes, named after books 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Book four, The Royal Succession, gives its name to none. The premiere drew 8.6 million viewers on France 2.

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