Continuing where it left off in the last episode, we see briefly what happens to Cosette as well as Alain, even as the show fast forward three years as well, to show everybody slightly more grown up. While the episode might be named “Jean Valjean’s Secret”, we’re only offered a brief look into Jean Valjean’s background.

The opening scene gives a shot of Cosette sweeping the floor, which parallels the famous drawing that represents the musical. We see how Javert and Thenadier continue to use Cosette as a slave, while Epotine teaches her sister Azelma to do the same.

 The cries of Gavroche, the youngest son disturbs Thenadier,who leaves Cosette to take care of him. Cosette succeeds with a lullaby, but only temporary, and is forced to bring Gavroche out where the noise will not disturb.

Outside, Cosette continues to long for her mom, looking at the direction where her mom left

The story then turns to Alain, who hesitates, but finally turns up for work at the Mayor’s. Turns out he is to be an errand boy and his first task was to deliver 1000 franc to the local hospital. At first Alain has the idea of keeping it, but his conscience would not let him.

Reaching the hospital, he learns from the Sister there that the money Madelein donates allows them to treat the poor who cannot pay. This strikes a chord with Alain whose mom died because they didn’t have money to pay for the treatment.

Returning, he finds Madelein feeling a little out of sorts. Madelein had just read the news that a Bishop in a far away town had passed away. Madelein then tells the story of Jean Valjean, who was put in jail for 19 years for stealing bread for this family. He became an outcast when he got out, and was rejected by everyone until he met the Bishop.

However, Valjean ends up stealing from the Bishop as well, but when he got caught, the Bishop surprisingly said that the silver were gifts, and offers him more, asking him to turn back to honesty.

3 Years later

3 Years later still sees the two sister bullying Cosette, but this time Gavroche is on her side. When they play a trick hiding muffins and blaming Cosette for taking them, Gavroche secretly steals the muffins, thus denying the sisters of the muffins.

 Alain too has grown up, and is seen helping Madelein with regards to building an Orphanage. The last scene shows the arrival of Inspector Javert.

Thoughts

Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I buy from you; I withdraw it from black thoughts and the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God.

 That was the famous quote made by the Bishop to Jean Valjean, which was simplified in the anime, as this anime is targeted towards kids. The emphasis on Cosette and Gavroche, also shows that the target audience are kids (though there’s nothing wrong with that)

 So far, nothing seems to be watered down, although some things are simplified to facilitate understanding. As such, it has been perfectly enjoyable.  This is still more of an introduction, and hopefully with the arrival of Javert, the drama will begin already.

 Cosette seems to have a very good character. No whining because of her troubles, seems pure and innocent, yet very street smart. Together with Gavroche, I hope they do fine together.