THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO from RAI (2025). The TV series had already premiered in Europe 2024/2025. It will land in America on PBS Masterpiece (2026). I watched all eight episodes in one sitting. This is a review.
I'm a huge fan of the book by Alexandre Dumas published back in 1846. "Monte Cristo" has been made into numerous movies plus several TV mini-series.
The story is simple. Sailor Edmond Dantes is falsely accused of treason by three ruthless men. He is imprisoned for 15 years and is presumed dead. He escapes and discovers the gold of "Monte Cristo." That helps him plan his intricate revenge.
In this 8-part TV series. There are numerous flashbacks that smoothly move the story forward. We see everything through Edmond's eyes. It stays really close to the book.
There are also new touches we haven't seen in the other filmed versions. Edmond is so consumed with revenge. His anger has to be balanced out. So, he tastes from a small bottle to calm himself. He is a chemist and probably made the drug. This revenge consumes his entire body.
After 15 years in prison. Edmond does not age here. He instead grows a beard and mustache. His enemies never notice. In the other versions. Edmond has grey hair and/or a scar across his face.
Also - There is a sword fight and a pistol duel involving Edmond. That is not here. What is most important are "words" from a simple letter. It destroys his enemies much harder. The revenge is then a lot sweeter.
There is a question. Did Edmond's revenge kill his love for Mercedes? It looks like it did because when she begs him to spare her son's life. She kisses him. The feeling isn't there after so many years. The ending gives us a little hope of them reuniting. But, can they ever rekindle their love?
I want to see it again. I give "Monte Cristo" 5 out 5 Stars*
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