Line #35 Series/LeBureauDesLegendes


1	[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/bureau_des_legendes.jpg]]
2
3	''Le Bureau des Légendes'' (''The Bureau'' in English-speaking markets) is an espionage thriller from French premium channel Canal+. It explores the workings of the Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE), France's foreign intelligence agency, corresponding to the USA's Central Intelligence Agency and the UK's [=MI6=], for example. The focus is on the titular Le Bureau des Légendes, the department responsible for clandestine operatives in foreign countries, including creating their "légendes", fictional backstories and cover identities.
4
5	While settings include North Africa, the Middle East, and Russia, much of the "action" takes place in the Paris offices of the DGSE. Think more le Carré than Bond.
6
7	Five critically-acclaimed series of ten episodes each were broadcast from 2015 to 2020.
8
9	Note that agents not only use multiple identities, but all the clandestines, present or former, also have code names. Examples may use any of these. DGSE targets are also given code names.
10
11	DGSE agents with long term aliases or code names:
12	* Guillaume Debailly (Creator/MathieuKassovitz) aka Paul Lefebvre, DGSE code name Malotru (lout), [[spoiler:CIA code name Pain in the Ass, Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) code name Petrossian]]
13	* Marina Loiseau, code name Phénomène (phenomenon), later Rocambole
14	* Henri Duflot, code name Socrate
15	* Colonel Marc Lauré, code name MAG (moule à gaufres - waffle iron)
16	* Marie-Jeanne Duthilleul aka Amelie Merle
17	* César aka Sylvain Ellenstein (who is another actual DGSE employee), DGSE code name Pacemaker, [[spoiler:FSB code name Bugsy Malone]]
18	* Andrea aka Antonio, code name Mille Sabords (a thousand portholes)
19	* Esrin Gunei, code name Escogriffe (beanpole)
20	* Rachid ben Afra, code name Cyclone
21
22	!!This show contains examples of:
23	* AbusiveParents: Malotru's interactions with his father, both real and imaginary, hint at this, and Malotru tells Karlov that his father beat him when he was young.
24	* ArtificialLimbs: [[spoiler:Raymond's]] prosthetic is seen a few times. At one point, [[spoiler:he]] mentions that [[spoiler:he]] may need a new prosthetic if the current one continues to cause circulation problems.
25	* BluffTheEavesdropper: After the discovery of the bug in Dr. Balmes's office, she and Malotru conduct a legitimate therapy session for the benefit of listeners.
26	* BrokenPedestal: The exposure of [[spoiler:Malotru, an agent respected and admired by all, as a double agent,]] sends shock waves through the DGSE.
27	* CapturedOnPurpose
28	** [[spoiler:Marina voluntarily returns to Russia, knowing she will be arrested at the border for espionage, in order to bolster Malotru's cover story.]]
29	** Malotru deliberately exposes himself [[spoiler:to the FSB after arriving in Moscow.]]
30	* CatapultNightmare, also GuiltInducedNightmare: Malotru awakens this way from the nightmare of [[spoiler:the dinner party where all the attendees are those whose deaths he directly or indirectly caused]].
31	* CheckpointBluff: [[spoiler: The Russian Mole attempts this when spiriting Malotru out of ISIS-controlled territory. It almost works, but ultimately fails.]]
32	* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: [[spoiler:Celine]] is a prominent character in series two and three, but is nowhere to be found, and never mentioned, in series four or five.
33	* ClassifiedInformation: Characters repeatedly tell each other, if you don't know, you're not supposed to know. Various documentation is marked classified. Just try to work out exactly who knows what.
34	* CodeName: Reportedly, the clandestine agents' code names are based on expletives used by comic series ''[[Franchise/{{Tintin}} Adventures of Tintin]]'' character Captain Haddock. When Malotru returns to Paris, Henri leaves a note addressed to Malotru propped between a wine bottle and a Captain Haddock figurine.
35	** Marina rejects the potential code name Pachyderme.
36	* CyanidePill: Actual cyanide pills are no longer available, but Sylvain is able to obtain a neurotoxic cocktail, maybe on the Dark Web, maybe not, for [[spoiler:Henri to bring on his mission to meet Cochise. For Henri, it's primarily a good luck talisman, not something he expects to use.]]
37	* DeadDrop: A physical dead drop is used when spying on hackers, who presumably would be able to uncover any virtual communication.
38	* DeepCoverAgent: The "clandestines", for whom the legends of the title are created, are expected to spend years under their assumed identity in locations strategically important to France.
39	* DoubleAgent: Numerous, including some who might be considered triple agents:
40	** [[spoiler:Malotru]]
41	*** [[spoiler:First, becomes a mole for the CIA while working for the DGSE.]]
42	*** [[spoiler:Then, works for the FSB, eventually becoming a mole for the DGSE.]]
43	*** [[spoiler:Finally, returns to the FSB but is coaxed into forcing his handler to work for the DGSE.]]
44	** [[spoiler:Dr. Laurene Balmes, hired by the DGSE, is already working for the CIA.]]
45	** Cochise, informed for the DGSE while an Iraqi official, after becoming an ISIS officer, he reaches out to the DGSE [[spoiler:and is eventually exfiltrated and debriefed after rescuing Malotru]].
46	** [[spoiler:Marina Loiseau, quits the DGSE, is recruited by a Mossad agent pretending to be from the DGSE, and works for Mossad while reporting back to the DGSE.]]
47	** [[spoiler:Pacemaker, infiltrates the FSB as a DGSE mole]]
48	* DownerEnding: After enduring a TraumaCongaLine, Malotru [[spoiler:is finally back in France and reunited with his daughter and with his lover, Nadia. After celebrating his birthday with both, Nadia is shot to death upon her return to Paris by an agent hired by the late Karlov.]]
49	* FakeDefector: [[spoiler:Malotru and Pacemaker]] are fake defectors to the FSB.
50	* FakingAndEntering: Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, arranges a burglary [[spoiler:at Marina's supervisor's home]] so that she will use her office desktop instead of her laptop.
51	* FlashbackCut: When [[spoiler:Mille Sabords mentions Chevalier to Raymond, we see a fleeting flashback of Chevalier amputating Raymond's foot.]]
52	* FramingDevice:
53	** Malotru tells the story of series one while hooked up to a lie detector.
54	** Malotru comments on the actions of series two in diary entries.
55	* TheHandler: The clandestines regularly contact their Paris-based handlers.
56	** UnresolvedSexualTension: Esrin and Raymond have this, but do not act on it as sexual relationships between agents and handlers are not allowed.
57	* HoneyTrap: [[spoiler:Jonas's girlfriend, Vicky, in series five, is this.]]
58	* IKnowYoureWatchingMe
59	** Malotru and Marie-Jeanne look directly at the camera observing the music studio [[spoiler:during their first meeting after his return from Moscow]], indirectly addressing the observer.
60	** Pacemaker turns the tables on [[spoiler:his FSB handlers]], who are observing him via webcam, by flipping the camera view so they see themselves instead.
61	** Malotru is aware his [[spoiler:Moscow]] apartment is bugged.
62	* IncrediblyObviousTail: Mossad tailing Marina.
63	* TheInfiltration:
64	** The CIA infiltrates [[spoiler:Dr. Balmes into the DGSE]].
65	** The DGSE infiltrates [[spoiler:Pacemaker into the FSB]].
66	* KilledToUpholdTheMasquerade: [[spoiler:The Russian Mole must kill his fellow ISIS interrogator when Malotru exposes The Mole during an interrogation session.]]
67	* LeaveNoWitnesses: Malotru tells [[spoiler:The Russian Mole that he will continue to expose him to every ISIS soldier unless The Mole helps Malotru escape.]]
68	* ManlyTears: Raymond displays these [[spoiler:when Cyclone is rescued]].
69	* MeaningfulEcho:
70	** In 1.1, Malotru reads a note from Nadia regarding their affair (per English subtitles):
71	-->It wasn't easy. It wasn't rational. It wasn't moral. It had no future. But I'll cherish these moments for the rest of my days.
72	** In 2.10, he leaves a note for her (per English subtitles):
73	-->It wasn't comfortable. It wasn't reasonable. It wasn't moral. It had no future. But I'll treasure our relationship for the rest of my life.
74	** In 5.4, [[spoiler:Nadia receives a package containing a newspaper with the phrase "for the rest of my life" written on it in Arabic. She then knows it's from Malotru.]]
75	* MissionControl: Each active mission is led from a crisis room, with a team of agents.
76	** AndMissionControlRejoiced: [[spoiler:When Cyclone is rescued]], the room erupts with cheers, applause and some tears.
77	* TheMole: Including a character titled The [[spoiler:Russian]] Mole (La taupe [[spoiler:Russe]]).
78	** [[spoiler:Dr. Lauren Balmes is a mole planted in the DGSE by the CIA.]]
79	** [[spoiler:Pacemaker is a mole planted in the FSB by the DGSE.]]
80	* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: Mille Sabords's actions after discovering who "Pain in the Ass" is are predicated on this.
81	* MultipleIdentityIDs: Not only do the clandestine agents have aliases and code names, anytime a DGSE agent interacts with people outside the agency, they use aliases.
82	* OfficeRomance: At one point, a character states it's pointless to date outside the office, it never works.
83	** Handler Marie-Jeanne Duthilleul has an on/off relationship with Clement from the Iran bureau [[spoiler:that eventually fizzles out]].
84	** Handler Raymond Sisteron successfully puts the moves on no fewer than three coworkers, and has affairs with two of them, [[spoiler: Celine from the Syria bureau]] and [[spoiler:Liz Bernstein from DSec (internal security service within the DGSE)]].
85	* PrisonerExchange: Often including the classic scene of participants crossing over in an arranged meeting place.
86	** An exchange of [[spoiler:Sabrina Boumaza (code name Mother Teresa)]] with [[spoiler:Raymond Sisteron]] is quickly arranged after [[spoiler:his]] kidnapping.
87	** The CIA offers to exchange an [[spoiler:Iranian agent for Marina after she is imprisoned in Iran. However, for political reasons, a faction of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (Pasdaran) arranges for her assassination instead. It becomes moot once she escapes and is rescued]].
88	** Ukraine agrees to exchange imprisoned Russian agents for [[spoiler: Marina, imprisoned once again, this time in Russia]].
89	* PhantomLimbPain: [[spoiler:Raymond mentions to Henri that he experiences this, which leads to Henri's last words being "That's crazy."]]
90	* PubliclyDiscussingTheSecret: A lot of surprisingly candid conversations take place in the staff cafeteria.
91	* ScarsAreForever:
92	** Malotru has some subtle scars from both [[spoiler:his torture by ISIS and his escape]], but most notable are the [[spoiler:burn scars on his back from the end of series four.]]
93	** Raymond's [[spoiler:left foot was amputated by ISIS.]]
94	** Jean-Jacques Angel's back is scarred, [[spoiler:presumably from when he was imprisoned in Russia.]] Note other characters refer to him as JJA, an homage to famously paranoid CIA chief of counterintelligence James Jesus Angleton.
95	* ScarSurvey: Mille Sabords and Marina compare scars [[spoiler:from various imprisonments. Not credible considering viewers have seen both Marina's arrests and know that she was not physically tortured.]]
96	* AScarToRemember: [[spoiler: French ISIS commander Chevalier decides to amputate Raymond's foot as a message to his country of origin.]]
97	* TheSchlubPubSeductionDeduction: Jonas feels this is why he was targeted by [[spoiler:Vicky, who is probably an FSB agent]].
98	* SinisterSurveillance: The FSB Fourth Directorate (internal security for the FSB) appears to have the entire city of Moscow covered with surveillance cameras and is able to use face recognition to identify everyone caught on camera. In addition, they track [[spoiler:Malotru's]] location with a GPS device.
99	* SpiesInAVan: Jean-Paul, along with a Turkish team, stakes out the terrorist codenamed [=Iode1=] in a white surveillence van.
100	* SpySpeak: It's an espionage show, so it's saturated with this.
101	* TheSpymaster: The Director of Le Bureau des Légendes is this.
102	* StoicWoobie: Malotru, and how. The man takes an unbelievable number of hits, and keeps on going.
103	* SuperWristGadget: Nadia's bracelet contains a GPS tracker.
104	* TrackingDevice: Too many to list, GPS trackers have been installed in hotel key cards, underwear, shoes...
105	* TraumaCongaLine: Malotru starts the show being separated from Nadia, the love of his life. His relationship with his daughter has been strained by his six-year absence while undercover. And it only gets worse.
106	-->'''Malotru:''' Remember when you said I run from punishment?
107	-->'''Marie-Jeanne:''' Yes.
108	-->'''Malotru:''' I've had my share, haven't I?
109	-->'''Marie-Jeanne:''' Yes.
110	-->'''Malotru:''' And there's more to come.
111	* TreacheryCoverUp: Much of the plot starting in series two comes from Malotru's attempts to cover up his [[spoiler:working with the CIA]].
112	* TrickedOutShoes: Both examples of implanted GPS trackers end badly:
113	** In series one, [[spoiler:the DGSE blackmails General Lefkir's secretary, asking her to switch the general's shoes. She's discovered, and in her last scene is led off, presumably to her death.]]
114	** In series two, [[spoiler:The GPS in Raymond's boot allows the DGSE to track his location, but its discovery leads to his foot being amputated by ISIS commander Toufik Boumaza aka Chevalier (His DGSE code name; his ISIS name is Deep Blue, referencing his love of chess.).]]
115	* UndersideRide: Malotru is strapped to the underside of the truck [[spoiler:The Russian Mole is using to get out of ISIS-controlled territory]].
116	* UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom: In the first episode, Malotru decides to make one phone call...and the negative effects ripple through the remainder of the series.
117	* WhamShot: [[spoiler:The Kennedy doll on JJA's desk at the end of 5.3]].
118	* WhamLine: "Almost" ("Presque" - English subtitles translate this as "More or less", which doesn't have the same impact) [[spoiler:in 2.6 just before Chevalier severs Raymond's foot]].
119	* WildGooseChase:
120	** Malotru temporarily shakes the Syrians by leaving a GPS-enabled hotel key card in a taxi.

Context Series / LeBureauDesLegendes