Episode 3 of "Careme" kicks off with the orphan's release from detention, and without a moment to lose, he speeds back to Careme, who meticulously binds up the wounds adorning his hands. His steadfast silence and unwavering loyalty to their mission are fortunate indeed, considering Fouche's grip is tightening with each passing moment!
Chaos reigns on the streets, escalating swiftly into violence as Catherine and Henriette's carriage comes under assault by a furious mob. Germaine's machinations, following the circulation of her letter in the previous episode, seem to be the culprit behind this turmoil. The enraged citizens shatter the carriage's windows, poised to inflict harm, until the timely arrival of mounted police intervenes, dispersing the crowd.
Catherine's fury knows no bounds upon her return to Talleyrand's residence, convinced that De Stael, the armchair revolutionary, is orchestrating these disturbances. Adding insult to injury, the carriage is defaced with the slogan "Death to Bonaparte."
Talleyrand visits Careme, laying bare the situation's fragile state, which Germaine's pamphlets have pushed to the brink of collapse. Seeking to mend fences before the situation deteriorates further, Talleyrand reveals Careme's role as a spy, tasked with gathering pamphlets from Germaine's apartment.
At the Hotel de Salm, Careme makes his entrance to confront Germaine, presenting his meticulously crafted menu while subtly surveying the premises, albeit challenging given the presence of other guests. He teases Germaine with a grand surprise for the starter, setting the stage for an evening of intrigue.
As dinner preparations advance and Germaine arrives at Talleyrand's, the air is thick with mild hostility between her and Catherine. They exchange forced smiles and maintain appearances, all while Careme slips into Germaine's chamber, determined to uncover the incriminating pamphlets.
What Careme uncovers, however, is a scandal of monumental proportions. Charlotte has been engaging in an illicit affair with Charles, the son of Talleyrand, and it transpires that she is with child. If Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine remain barren, their offspring will stand as the heir apparent. This revelation rocks the foundations of society and serves as the perfect storm Careme needs to stir the social cauldron. As he slips out of the room, Charles catches a glimpse of him but remains silent—initially, at least. Later, in the confines of the stairwell, Charles confronts Careme, but a mutually beneficial pact of omertà is forged… for the time being.
Back in the culinary sanctuary, a figure named Grimod Reyniere enters, probing Careme with questions and disrupting the kitchen's harmony. Careme, already on edge, watches as Reyniere swaggers about, sampling the dishes with a critical eye. It soon dawns on Careme that Reyniere is none other than France's most influential food critic, whose opinions carry immense weight.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Careme throws himself into his culinary creations with renewed vigor, demonstrating to his peers how he intends to present his masterpiece to the guests. Meanwhile, Talleyrand desperately pleads with Germaine to produce the incriminating pamphlet he wishes to destroy. If Fouche discovers it first, Germaine's defiance of Bonaparte will seal her fate.
The dishes are unveiled, just as Fouche makes his entrance at the gathering, accompanied by his soldiers. The food critic, among the elite in attendance, is initially awestruck by Careme's culinary prowess. Yet, his admiration is tinged with underhanded insults, even casting aspersions on Careme's father.
Fouche, intent on uncovering the pamphlets he believes are concealed behind the barrels in the wine cellar, stumbles upon a secret passage leading to Germaine's study, which harbors a printing press—a discovery that promises to unravel more secrets than anyone could have anticipated.
Earlier, Careme had slyly slipped into the venue, stealthily removing the pamphlets and replacing them with altered versions that extolled the virtues of Napoleon. This clandestine act also clarifies why Careme had delayed announcing the meal to the guests until the very last moment. Nonetheless, Fouche eventually uncovered the pamphlets, and his embarrassment knew no bounds when he discovered their deceitful nature. The inspector then inspected the printing press, noting the identical typeface, leading to Germaine's subsequent arrest.
Talleyrand, with France's future in mind, urged Germaine to flee, causing Fouche to shift his focus onto Bailly. He attempted to coerce Careme's father into cooperation, displaying his son's handwriting as evidence. Fouche had already deduced Careme's true identity and admitted that the young man was currently entangled in a precarious situation.
The only viable escape route for Bailly was to present Fouche with incontrovertible proof linking Talleyrand to the attack. Only then could Bailly be freed and reunited with his son. However, Fouche was also privy to Germaine's whereabouts and had his own spies at his beck and call, including Henriette.
