Although not the aim of the producers, it's possible to view the Returned as a representation of 'other', specifically immigrants. The final episode of the first season could be viewed as a reflection of contemporary issues within immigration camps and integration of refugees into the French society. The 'Helping Hand' could be seen to represent temporary camps, as the residents of the small town stay there to 'hide' from the horde which could also represent the displacement of people. The returned are rejected by majority of the town, and are left homeless and with no help. At the beginning of the series, the residents of the town weren't able to distinguish the returned as dead until there was a visible decay on their skin and it's not until they found out they were 'other' that they were then discriminated against or seen as dangerous.
When Camille returned from the dead, she had no choice but to hide her identity by 'changing' her name to Alice and claim that she was Lena's cousin to not alarm or bring about fear amongst the town and to be able to walk around in the open. This could reflect the fear refugees hold as they believe if they use their actual name they won't be accepted in the community and struggle to get on with life.
Sandrine blamed the returned for everything that had gone wrong; i.e the family that took their life; the loss of her baby. She represents an individual who is close-minded and looking for constructing enemies. It could also be considered that she represents the right winged media also, as they see 'others' as a problem.
Stuart Hall claims representation is not about whether the media reflects or distorts reality, as this implies that there can be one 'true' meaning, but the many meanings a representation can generate. He highlights racial and ethical difference
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