by The upcoming episode of the popular French daily drama “Ici tout commence” promises a rollercoaster of emotions and culinary clashes. As the prestigious Chef competition continues, Marc Leroy faces personal demons that spill over into the professional arena, resulting in a shocking accident. Meanwhile, two students, Malik and Gaspard, attempt to game the system with less-than-honest tactics during a cost-saving challenge. Adding a touch of personal drama, Mattéo tries to impress his boyfriend, Jude, leading to humorous misunderstandings and a quest for knowledge. This episode, airing on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, on TF1, is packed with tension, humor, and reveals the high stakes faced by the characters as they navigate their culinary ambitions and personal relationships within the renowned Institut Auguste Armand.
🎬 The second challenge of the Chef competition gets underway, but Marc Leroy is visibly struggling. His hand tremors betray his inner turmoil, making him doubt his ability to compete, especially against his rival, Paul. However, encouragement from his son, Jim, motivates him to persevere. Despite a shaky start and admitting to his commis, Souleymane, that he lacks inspiration, Marc finds a creative direction thanks to Souleymane’s input, aiming for a Japanese-inspired take on the Niçoise salad.
The judges, Teyssier and Alice, evaluate the dishes, awarding Listrac 14/20, Leroy 12/20, and Armand 11/20. A relieved Marc thanks Souleymane for his crucial assistance. Meanwhile, Paul’s intrusive filming of the contestants’ reactions makes Marc uncomfortable, leading to an outburst. Later, Paul attempts to console Marc’s ex-partner, Rose, badmouthing Marc and trying to kiss her, unaware that Marc is witnessing the scene. Rose rejects Paul’s advances.
Joséphine congratulates Marc on his performance, acknowledging his struggle with addiction. However, after she leaves, Marc succumbs to his demons, drinking alcohol. Jim and Souleymane find him intoxicated, and in a shocking turn of events, as they try to persuade him to rest, Marc accidentally spills a pot of boiling water on Souleymane.
In another storyline, Chef Guinot informs her students that Stanislas’s cost-saving measures are in effect, requiring them to adapt their recipes using less luxurious ingredients. Maya and Malik are displeased, but Gaspard suggests finding premium ingredients elsewhere. Later, Malik and Gaspard are caught exchanging fish for foie gras but deceive Stanislas into believing they are adhering to the new rules. Chef Guinot tastes their “terre-mer” dishes and realizes they haven’t made sufficient effort to adapt, with Malik and Gaspard outright cheating. She warns them to improve for the graded exercise the following day.
Meanwhile, in the pastry studio, Jude playfully teases Mattéo for his tendency to mix up expressions. Offended, Mattéo confides in Léonard and Gary. Gary advises him to keep a “culture G” notebook to learn new things. Mattéo decides to use this method to impress Jude.
🌍 “Ici tout commence” continues to be a popular daily drama in France, highlighting the intense world of culinary training and the personal lives of its characters. The themes of competition, addiction, and romantic rivalries are universal and resonate with audiences beyond France. The inclusion of diverse characters and contemporary issues like cost-saving in educational institutions reflects current societal concerns. While not directly comparable to specific English-language shows, the series shares the dramatic and interpersonal elements found in many popular soap operas and young adult dramas globally. The French television industry has a strong tradition of producing engaging drama series that often find success within France and among Francophone audiences.
🎭 Marc Leroy’s storyline touches upon the challenges of addiction and how personal struggles can impact professional life. His talent as a chef is evident, but his inner demons create obstacles. This narrative arc is likely to generate empathy from viewers and raises questions about his future in the competition. The cheating subplot involving Malik and Gaspard introduces an element of moral conflict and highlights the pressure students face in a competitive environment. Mattéo’s efforts to impress Jude add a lighter, more relatable element, showcasing the insecurities and efforts involved in romantic relationships. It remains to be seen how these storylines will evolve and whether they will gain traction with international audiences if the show were to be available on global streaming platforms.
📌 Looking ahead, viewers will be concerned about Souleymane’s well-being after the accident involving Marc. The consequences of Marc’s actions and his battle with addiction will likely be a central focus. Malik and Gaspard’s dishonest behavior could lead to repercussions in their culinary training. Mattéo’s attempts to impress Jude might lead to humorous situations and further develop their relationship. Fans should keep an eye out for how these events unfold in future episodes and the lasting impact they will have on the characters’ journeys within the Institut.
🗞 According to TF1’s “Ici tout commence” episode synopsis.
