Ataraxia
For those who aren’t familiar, HPI is actually a French series that has been adapted and remade for the United States. But what sets this American version apart? Are there notable differences, and does the series bring anything new to the table for French viewers who are already familiar with the original, starring Audrey Fleurot? Let’s dive into the comparison and find out what HPI USA has to offer!
Differences from the Original
In the French version of HPI (which we had previously written about here), Audrey Fleurot plays Morgane Alvaro, a single mother of two children who possesses exceptional intellectual abilities. Working as a housekeeper, she’s employed by a company that cleans the offices of the Lille police. During a particularly chaotic cleaning session (where she’s seen dancing freely and without inhibition), Morgane accidentally knocks over a murder investigation file. With her heightened cognitive abilities, she quickly realizes that the prime suspect identified by the police is actually a victim. This marks the beginning of her collaboration with the forensic police. Now, in HPI USA, the plot remains almost entirely the same. IDENTICAL, in fact. The major difference is that Morgane Alvaro is reimagined as Morgan Gilliroy. Inspector Karadec keeps his name intact, while the character of Giles is changed to “OZ.” Daphne remains unchanged, and Celine Hazan is now known as Selena SOTO.
A More Glamorous Version for HPI USA
When it comes to the series’ aesthetic, there’s a noticeable shift in HPI USA. In the French version, the character of Morgane Alvaro was deliberately styled in an eccentric and bold way. Her wardrobe is a riot of colors and patterns, so much so that it almost feels like a visual overload at times. The outfits are deliberately loud and unconventional, giving her character an extra layer of quirkiness and personality. This contrasts sharply with HPI USA, where Morgan is dressed in a more polished, understated fashion. She’s still well put together, but the flair is dialed back significantly compared to the French version. The overall look of the character feels more refined and less eccentric, which could be seen as a move to make her feel more relatable to a broader American audience.
The change in style extends to the environments as well. In the French version, Morgane’s home is a reflection of her chaotic yet charming personality. It’s a quirky, somewhat disorganized place that even experiences a major water leak, adding to its “charming messiness.” In contrast, HPI USA presents Morgan’s home as a neat, suburban bungalow with a carefully manicured garden. It’s a much more traditional and idealized American setting, which contributes to the overall “glamourized” feel of the series.
Identical Episodes—For Better or Worse?
For French viewers, there’s really no need to revisit the American version unless you’re looking to see how it compares side by side. HPI USA is essentially a carbon copy of the French version, with identical episodes, storylines, and clues. While the American version is well-made and high-quality, those familiar with the original series might find themselves slightly off-balance due to the casting and the cultural shift. The performances may feel just a little different since you’re used to the original cast, and some of the charm of the French version could be lost in translation.
From a content standpoint, there is no new material in HPI USA—the episodes are nearly identical, and no major twists or additions have been made for the American audience, at least for the beginning of the first season. If you’re a French viewer, the novelty might wear off quickly unless you’re watching purely out of curiosity or nostalgia. But if you haven’t seen the original, HPI USA might offer an enjoyable experience, though it’s hard to ignore how similar it is to its French counterpart.
Actors Who Fit the Bill for HPI USA
On a neutral note, the casting choices for HPI USA aren’t half bad. The main actors do a solid job of channeling the essence of their French counterparts, and the dynamics between the characters still feel believable. Even though the names and faces are different, the core relationships between the characters are largely unchanged, which helps preserve the feel of the original series. The chemistry between Morgan and the police team is intact, and the characters’ personalities remain just as compelling as in the French version.
One notable positive is that the gender balance is maintained, particularly with the character of Celine. In the French version, Celine Hazan is a strong female character, and in HPI USA, the same respect is shown with Selena SOTO being portrayed as a woman with a substantial role. This small but important detail adds to the overall continuity of the series across both versions, reinforcing the character’s significance in the investigation process.
Verdict: A Familiar Yet Enjoyable Experience
After watching the first two episodes of HPI USA on Disney+, it’s clear that the American version is a solid adaptation, even if it doesn’t bring much in the way of new surprises for those who are already fans of the French series. The show still carries the charm and intrigue that made the original so popular, and for an American audience unfamiliar with HPI, it’s a nice introduction to the series.
While the American version leans more into a polished, “glamorous” style and might seem a bit more sanitized compared to its French counterpart, it still manages to capture the essence of what made HPI a hit. It’s a great alternative for viewers in the U.S. who may not want to read subtitles or deal with the French cultural context but still want to enjoy the basic premise of the show.
For French viewers, unless you’re watching for the nostalgia or to compare the two versions, there’s not much new here beyond the shift in cultural setting and aesthetic. But, given how beloved the original series is, it’s still fun to see how HPI USA adapts the original concept. We’re curious to see if future episodes will introduce any variations, especially in how the American version handles ongoing storylines or character development.
For now, only the first two episodes are available on Disney+ for French viewers, but we’re excited to see how the series develops—and whether it starts to diverge more from the original as time goes on.
