
"Trophy Wife" is set in 1977 France and centers around Robert Pujol, a tightfisted factory owner who suffers a heart attack after being shocked by his workers' strike for higher wages. During Robert's convalescence, his submissive wife, Suzanne, steps up to manage the factory. The narrative follows Suzanne's journey as she navigates the complex dynamics of labor management and personal transformation in a changing industrial environment.
The show delves into themes of empowerment, societal roles, and class conflict. Suzanne's transition from a passive spouse to an assertive business manager highlights the shifting paradigms of gender and power during the late 1970s. Additionally, the workers' strike and demands for better wages underscore the broader struggle for workers' rights and fair labor practices, reflecting the tensions between tradition and progressive change.
Upon its release, "Trophy Wife" garnered attention for its nuanced portrayal of class struggles and female empowerment. While it resonated particularly with audiences interested in historical socio-economic narratives, the series also made a subtle impact on popular culture by prompting discussions about gender roles in the workplace and the evolving dynamics of labor relations in post-war Europe.