'Bonfire of Destiny' Ending: How It Set Up Season 2, Explained

 Image by TF1 and Netflix

“The Bonfire of Destiny” (originally “Le Bazar de la Charité”) left viewers with a lot to contemplate following its finale. Based on the tragic fire that ripped through a charity bizarre in Paris circa 1897, the show uses fact as a backdrop for fiction. To put the period in some historical context, Queen Victoria passed away four years later in 1901, bringing an end to her reign.

Now streaming on Netflix, the French-language series tells the fictional tale that unfolds among three women whose destinies are altered by the deadly blaze. The potential of a second season is hard to entirely know. The ending of “The Bonfire of Destiny” does not make Season 2 altogether necessary. Although it does open the door to the potential of continuing the trio’s stories.


On TF1’s official site for “The Bonfire of Destiny,” it refers to the show as a “mini-series.” Those tend to be one and done. The show’s first (and to-date) only season is what viewers have to work through. After eight episodes, how did the ending leave Adrienne (Audrey Fleurot), Rose (Julie De Bona), and Alice (Camille Lou)?

Spoilers for the ending of “The Bonfire of Destiny” on Netflix are discussed below.

Adrienne

Adrienne’s malevolent husband, Marc-Antoine (Gilbert Melki), had locked her in a secret room inside of his mega-mansion when the authorities came to haul him away for his crimes. He was not about to leave before terrorizing Adrienne one last time. After pouring accelerant on her, Marc-Antoine threatened to set the mother of his child on fire. Thankfully, he did not.

Related: TV Review: ‘Bonfire of Destiny’ Season 1 on Netflix

Having left the room, a shot rang out that presumably indicated that Marc-Antoine had taken his life. It turned out to be a ruse. “The Bonfire of Destiny” ended Adrienne’s storyline with her estranged husband in the wind, Adrienne reunited with her daughter, and the threat of her ex’s return quite ripe. This was the largest open-ending for Season 2 to delve into.

Rose

After killing Odette’s husband and reuniting with her own, Rose had a pivotal conversation with Odette’s mother, Madame Huchon (Josiane Balasko). As “The Bonfire of Destiny” had been teasing all season long, the latter revealed she was dying. She wanted Rose to inherit the family fortune and raise her grandson, Thomas, at their mansion.

Rose was hesitant at first, due to wanting to reunite with her actual husband, Jean (Aurélien Wiik). Once Madame Huchon explained that “Odette” being a widow would free her to remarry, Rose agreed. She and Jean would get back together and raise their baby while she continued living under the guise of her new identity. One ending on “The Bonfire of Destiny” complete, another one to go!

Alice

Alice’s father stepped forward at the last possible moment to save his daughter’s rescuer/forbidden boyfriend. “The Bonfire of Destiny” left Victor Minville (Victor Meutelet) as a free man. Will he remain that way? Again, a possible avenue for Season 2 to explore. As the ending stood, he seemed relatively safe from further prosecution.

The lovers shared an intense kiss, so their future is apparently pretty bright despite the financial situation of Alice’s family. Alice came across as a kind person throughout the season. I just have no idea how she can move on, knowing her family is in such dire straits. If Victor were as noble as he says, he would not support her doing so.

In Summation

“The Bonfire of Destiny” was clearly designed to be a limited series. However, if recent television shows like “Big Little Lies” have taught viewers anything, it is that the situation can change. “The Bonfire of Destiny” left the door open to the potential of exploring its central characters’ stories in a possible Season 2.

In terms of its ending, the costume drama did not make it entirely necessary. So, either way, those who watched are winners. The first season of “The Bonfire of Destiny” ends with closure and a sense that the women’s lives will go on whether on or off-screen. A great compromise, if you ask me.

Season 1 of “The Bonfire of Destiny” (“Le Bazar de la Charité”) is currently streaming on Netflix. I could not find anything about Season 2 getting greenlit, so stay tuned. If any confirmation comes through, this page will be reflected to show that.