Episode 2 of "Careme" kicks off at the police headquarters, where Fouche surveys the remnants of the devastating bombing that concluded the previous chapter. This harrowing scene sets the stage for his confrontation with Sylvain, a survivor still clinging to life amidst Bonaparte's insistent demand for accountability. With a nickname like "The Butcher of Lyon," Fouche's reputation precedes him; he's a man not prone to leniency, evidenced by his arrest of 122 Jacobins. When Sylvain fails to yield the answers Fouche seeks, the ruthless interrogator crushes his left hand brutally before throwing him back into the dark cell.
Meanwhile, at the Hotel de Galliffet, Antonin engages in a poignant conversation with Talleyrand about his father, whose fate remains unknown, fueling Antonin's anxiety. Frustrated and on edge, he's reluctantly relegated back to the kitchen's heat. Supplies are dwindling, and the kitchen is grappling with a dire shortage, particularly of meat. Careme's voice rings out, a mix of command and desperation, urging the kitchen staff to place their trust in him or leave. Some heed his words and depart, but the majority remain steadfast in their belief that Careme will steer them through this crisis.
Throughout these turbulent times, Careme remains coldly distant from Henriette, convinced of her betrayal and wary of her intentions. Yet, Henriette finds herself in desperate need of assistance, a plea she insists remain confidential. Antonin, moved by her plight, agrees to lend a helping hand.
Descending into the bowels of the hotel, we encounter Carlotte, a revelation in disguise—Talleyrand and Catherine's clandestine daughter, hidden away from the world's prying eyes. Careme, driven by curiosity and concern, devises a plan to uncover more about this secret, enlisting the aid of street urchins, complete with written instructions for one astute youngster, adding an intricate layer to the unfolding narrative.
Fouche, ever the predator, is on the loose and makes his presence known by paying Talleyrand a visit. Flattery, however, is a blunt instrument in Fouche's hands, who swiftly diverts the conversation towards Charlotte. The specter of a former bishop entangled in an illegitimate union with his mistress casts a dark shadow, especially if Bonaparte were to uncover this scandal. Such a revelation could spell the end of Talleyrand's career. Alas, Bonaparte has already been privy to whispers about Charlotte, and Fouche's visit serves as a "warning" of sorts.
Talleyrand bears the tidings of impending doom to Catherine, along with the necessity of orchestrating a public separation. Catherine counters with a bold proposal – marriage. The bathroom becomes the stage for their verbal jousting, with Catherine even threatening to expose her knowledge to Fouche unless Talleyrand complies.
Talleyrand, instantly suspecting Antonin Careme's involvement, resolves to terminate his employment. He cites the precarious political climate, where Josephine's infertility and fear of Bonaparte's repudiation have led her to advocate for a divorce ban. This situation has stripped Talleyrand of his credibility, propelling him onto an unwanted life path.
Careme retaliates, outlining a plan to salvage divorce and rectify these injustices. He urges Talleyrand to host an engagement party with Catherine, with the sole condition that Josephine attends. Careme vows to take care of the rest. Failure, however, would land him behind bars alongside his father, a fate Talleyrand is all too willing to enforce.
Careme attempts to charm Agathe into collaboration, and she eventually finds herself in the kitchen. She wave imposes her authority immediately, taking charge and striving to create an impeccable banquet for the upcoming party.
Immersed in a sea of alcohol, Careme deftly chips away at Josephine's defenses, orchestrating a scenario where their desires could finally converge. In the secluded depths of the backrooms, amidst the chill of the adjacent ice, their passion ignites, blending into one another in a fleeting moment of intimacy. However, their tryst is abruptly interrupted by an unwelcome visitor—Talleyrand stands at the threshold, accompanied by Josephine's daughter and Bonaparte's brother, unbeknownst to the entangled couple within.
Seizing the moment of, Careme exerts his leverage over Josephine, threatening vulnerability if she does not salvage her marriage and ensure the retention of divorce rights in the Civil Code, their indulgence will be laid bare for all to see. Desperate to preserve her reputation and the sanctity of her union, Josephine is coerced into compliance, despite Careme's subsequent contrition for compelling her into such a compromising position.
Josephine's resentment simmers afterward, even as Careme offers heartfelt apologies for his coercive tactics. Elsewhere, Fouche's quest for truth deepens as he scrutinizes the letter procured from the orphan, recognizing the handwriting's similarity to that inscribed upon the mysterious map. Demanding explanations, he confronts the orphan, his voice tinged with urgency as he interrogates him about the letter's originator, seeking to unravel the web of secrets that bind them all.
