The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake (2011)
Synopsis
"The king, the squirrel and the grass snake" is a two‑part French historical drama set in 17th‑century Paris, following the intense rivalry between Nicolas Fouquet, the brilliant and flamboyant Superintendent of Finances, and Jean‑Baptiste Colbert, the calculating administrator determined to bring him down. As Fouquet rises in power, wealth, and prestige—building the magnificent château of Vaux‑le‑Vicomte and securing Mazarin’s favor—his influence begins to alarm the young Louis XIV. Colbert seizes the opportunity to undermine his rival, weaving a political trap that will reshape the future of the kingdom. Through court intrigues, shifting alliances, and the growing authority of the Sun King, the film portrays the fall of a man who shone too brightly and the birth of absolute monarchy in France.
First Air Date: 2011-03-05
Last Air Date: 2011-03-06
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 2
Created By: Laurent Heynemann
Networks: France 3
Top Cast
- Lorànt Deutsch as Fouquet
- Thierry Frémont as Colbert
- Sara Giraudeau as Marie-Madeleine Fouquet
- Laurent Natrella as D'Artagnan
- Carole Richert as Madale de Sévigné
- Davy Sardou as Louis XIV
- Anne Loiret as Anne d'Autriche
- Marie-Christine Adam as Marie de Maupeou
- Marie-Julie Baup as Catherine de Manneville
- Lizzie Brocheré as Louise dela Vallière
Seasons
Season 1 (2011)
Set at the dawn of Louis XIV’s reign, the story follows the quiet but fierce rivalry between two men: Nicolas Fouquet, brilliant, dazzling, a patron of the arts, and Jean‑Baptiste Colbert, methodical, patient, and determined to reshape the kingdom in his own way. At first indispensable to France, Fouquet shines through his intelligence and spectacular lifestyle, enough to spark the young king’s suspicion. As he builds Vaux‑le‑Vicomte and expands his influence, Colbert weaves a relentless strategy to bring him down. After the famous fête at Vaux, Louis XIV decides to assert his authority: Fouquet is arrested, tried, and becomes the symbol of a monarchy tightening its grip. Through this clash, the two films portray the birth of absolute power and the fall of a man who dared to shine brighter than the king.
Episodes:
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Ep. 1: Episode 1
The first part follows the rise of Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances under Louis XIV. Brilliant, charismatic, and remarkably effective, Fouquet becomes the most powerful man in the kingdom after Cardinal Mazarin. But his wealth, influence, and growing prestige worry the young king, who is determined to rule on his own. While Fouquet builds Vaux‑le‑Vicomte and strengthens his network of allies, Colbert, discreet yet relentless, works behind the scenes to convince Louis XIV that Fouquet is a threat. This episode explores the escalating tensions, the intrigues of the royal court, and the rivalry that forms around control of the kingdom’s finances.
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Ep. 2: Episode 2
The second part depicts Fouquet’s gradual downfall. After the lavish celebration at Vaux — perceived by Louis XIV as a personal affront — the king decides to assert his authority with a decisive blow. Colbert intensifies his campaign, gathering evidence, forging alliances, and manipulating circumstances to ensure Fouquet’s condemnation. Arrested by d’Artagnan, Fouquet faces a political trial shaped by royal vengeance, state interests, and fierce power struggles. This episode portrays Louis XIV establishing himself as an absolute monarch, Colbert as a cold and calculating strategist, and Fouquet fighting to preserve his honor against a judicial machine already set against him.
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