In terms of racial diversity, The Returned constructs a white centric portrait of French society, a representation that is hugely at odds with the reality of contemporary, multiracial France. 

The absence of any meaningful non-white representation, perhaps, reflects the powerlessness of non-white media creators in within the French media.

Serge, as the only non-white character in the opening episode, also presents as a deeply problematic representation. As the perpetrator of extreme and indiscriminate violence, he reinforces Hall’s arguments that non-white racial groups are routinely depicted as lawless ‘others’ to civilised society.

Although Serge’s subway murder scene is short, its graphic nature and underlying sexual themes are designed to provoke a disconcerting visceral response, clearly constructing Serge as a savage ‘other’ to middle class French society. 

The lingering close-up in the final moments of the murder scene depicting Serge’s innocent victim in a blood-smeared heap, hammering home the wider potential of all immigrant others to act in an indiscriminately brutal manner.