"Ten Percent" review (season 4): 50% happiness, 50% nostalgia

Tonight, Dix pour Cent will begin airing its fourth and final season. Six new episodes will air on France 2, divided into two episodes over three consecutive weeks. If Fanny Herrero, showrunner of the series, did not participate in the writing of these episodes, they are nevertheless excellent, leading the audience in the same turmoil as the agents of ASK. We had the chance to attend the full screening of this last season. Warning, spoilers!

First of all, it is essential to make a recap of season 3 and what awaits us in season 4. Mathias (Thibault de Montalembert) has left the agency so dear to his heart, followed by Noémie (Laure Calamy). Andréa (Camille Cottin) has become Executive Director of ASK, and is trying to juggle different parts of her life – CEO, agent and mother. This season promises a lot of suspense, and everyone wonders if Mathias will take his talents with him…

The Paw of Dix pour Cent

Like previous seasons, the script is still remarkably well written and tied. The dialogues are just as powerful, full of a repartee that we never get tired of – especially thanks to the character of Andréa. Victor Rodenbach and Vianney Lebasque succeeded Fanny Herrero, without losing the spirit of Dix pour Cent, residing among others in her writing. The humour is also still present, and works as well as before – having elicited laughter and applause in the room.

Obviously, the tone of the series has seduced film actors, who generally do not turn to the small screen or are rare. This is particularly the case of Sandrine Kiberlain, Charlotte Gainsbourg or Jean Reno who have had very few projects on television in recent years. These are confirmed actors who have lent themselves to the game of self-mockery. Sigourney Weaver – world famous for Alien and then Avatar – also played the game, transforming herself into a capricious American actress, a desired caricature of a diva.  

Then, the realization of Dix pour Cent is still as neat. The shots can be based on bright sets and the glass walls of the ASK agency, which allow many possibilities – including in the acting of the actors.

A mixed evolution of the characters

This season is more than ever about the fight for the survival of ASK. Andrea, already having this warrior mentality, always represents the same strong woman to whom everything seems to succeed. Its evolution is however one of the most successful of the series, and it is particularly during these final episodes that its flaws begin to be revealed.

On the other hand, some characters remain in the background, such as Arlette, brilliantly interpreted by Liliane Rovère. Unfortunately, it was not given much importance during this last season, which seems to leave more room for characters like Noémie.

Thus, the character of Mathias' ex-assistant gains power, showing herself stronger than ever. Laure Calamy's excellent interpretation even provoked many reactions in the UGC Normandie hall thanks to her lyrical flights. There is, however, a scene that leaves us perplexed in the first episode. Indeed, Noémie finds herself naked in Paris for a reason that escapes us, unless it is necessary to go further in the interpretation. Apart from this scene, Noémie finally reaches the apotheosis and finally occupies a central place.

If as always the acting is effective in Dix pour Cent, the arrival of Elise Formain (Anne Marivin, Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis) and Igor Sérizy (Stéphane Freiss) seems botched. Indeed, in six episodes, it is difficult for two such complex characters to fully integrate into the panorama of personalities offered by the series. A few more episodes would not have been too much to give time to these antagonists to build and take on more importance.

An emotional roller coaster ending

In addition, many dramas punctuate this last season, creating both tension among the characters and the spectators. These six episodes offer us an emotional roller coaster, with a good overall pace. The roles of the bad guys and the good guys seem to be redistributed, and this season also has its share of manipulations. Thus, it is more than ever time to ally with each other, out of love for ASK.

As for the final episode, we suspect that it will divide everyone. An ending can never really satisfy everyone. Finally, the ASK agents reserved a sober and refined farewell to their audience. A farewell that, however, does not really look like it. Indeed, it is an ending that could suggest new beginnings, or even a fifth season that no one expects. It is surprising without being if we pay attention to all the details of the six episodes. 

Ten percent is that breath of fresh air. It is a breath of fresh air that was so badly needed in this difficult time, although we are leaving the ASK agents reluctantly. This outcome could open the door to a spin-off, which would not be too much after four excellent seasons. We already feel nostalgic… 

Trailer of season 4 of Ten Percent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOP6Nwb1r1c