Samuel Le Bihan Directs New Alex Hugo Episode Marking Lionnel Astier's Return
The hit France 3 television series returns with a special episode directed by its lead actor and featuring the comeback of co-star Lionnel Astier.
Actor Samuel Le Bihan is taking on a brand-new role behind the camera for the latest installment of the popular France 3 series Alex Hugo, broadcast this Tuesday. For the first time in his career, Le Bihan has stepped into the director's chair for an episode titled The Valley of the Forgotten, which was filmed in the Isère region.
The new television film brings back actor Lionnel Astier as Angelo, marking his return to the show after a three-year absence. Astier originally left the production in April 2023 to pursue other creative endeavors. According to Le Bihan, bringing back his longtime co-star was a non-negotiable condition for taking on the directing duties.
"I couldn't direct an episode without Lionnel," Le Bihan explained, emphasizing that the two actors shaped the series together and share a strong real-life bond rooted in mutual respect. Astier expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return, noting that his departure was never due to creative disagreements but simply a desire to try new things at age 73.
In the new storyline, Angelo faces a personal crisis when his wife mysteriously vanishes without a trace. Frustrated by the Grenoble gendarmerie's lack of progress, a panicked Angelo calls Alex Hugo for help. Although the rural police team lacks legal jurisdiction in the area, they reunite to solve the mystery.
Le Bihan noted that the episode explores a unique mountain setting—the post-industrial landscape—which features abandoned hangars and gray industrial structures. He stated that this desolate environment creates a heavy, ghostly atmosphere that enhances the thriller elements and the mystery of the disappearance.
Reflecting on his character, Le Bihan shared that playing Alex Hugo has profoundly influenced his own life. He describes the mountain cop as a solitary and inspiring figure who stands firmly by his values despite living in a performance-driven world. While Le Bihan admits he values his own solitude, he jokes that he could never fully pay the high price of isolation that his character embraces.
Looking forward, the actor and first-time director hopes to helm more projects in the future, though ideally without taking on the leading role so he can focus entirely on staging, camera work, and musical direction. Meanwhile, the future of Alex Hugo remains open-ended, with the network continuing to commission episodes individually to maintain the show's creative flexibility and high artistic standards.