The Enigmatic Bond: Élise Macéna and Yann Kandinsky

Actress Maëlle Mietton delves into the complex relationship between her character, Commissioner Élise Macéna, and the enigmatic investigator Yann Kandinsky, portrayed by Bruno Debrandt, in the series The Traveler. Mietton suggests Macéna’s protective stance towards Kandinsky stems from a deeper, perhaps unconscious, motivation. Is she his guardian angel?

This is what I hear quite often. I do not know if it is indeed a conscious or unconscious mission on her … In any case, she is always ready to protect him.

Maëlle Mietton

Unveiling Élise Macéna’s Past: Scars of Abandonment

Mietton reveals that beneath Macéna’s strong exterior lies a history of trauma. The unsolved murder of her mother thirty-eight years prior, when Élise was just eight years old, profoundly shaped her. Raised by her father in the shadow of this loss, Élise experienced her mother’s death as a form of abandonment, a wound that continues to influence her actions. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), unresolved childhood trauma can significantly impact an individual’s ability to form healthy relationships and cope with stress, potentially explaining Élise’s guarded nature.

When you occupy a position like your own, which requires great strength of character, there are frequently enough injuries behind. His mother was murdered thirty-eight years earlier. Élise was only 8 years old. His father raised him alone, from distance from his mother, long before her death. The child she was experienced as an abandonment,with the idea that her mother did not love him …

Maëlle Mietton

Trust and Collaboration: Overcoming Obstacles Together

While Élise has attempted to solve her mother’s murder, she finds herself at an impasse. Yann Kandinsky, himself scarred by life’s challenges, offers the support she needs to unlock new leads.This unlikely partnership allows Élise to confront her past with newfound strength.

She has already tried to elucidate this case. but it is sometimes arduous to go beyond certain points, if you are not accompanied by someone of confidence.Yann Kandinsky, who was also injured by life, helps him open doors and she ends up accepting this support.

Maëlle Mietton

Subtle Attraction: A Connection Beyond Romance

The chemistry between Élise and Yann is undeniable, yet both characters resist a conventional romantic relationship. Mietton emphasizes that their connection is built on somthing deeper than mere attraction, driven by shared objectives and a mutual understanding of each other’s pain.

there is an attraction, but it is not their leitmotif.For them, there are more vital objectives. With Bruno, we fully agreed to build our characters on something more subtle than a sentimental relationship.

Maëlle Mietton

Life Beyond the Screen: Community Engagement and Artistic Pursuits

Mietton, who resided in Pont-Saint-Esprit in the Gard region for two decades, is deeply involved in local cultural initiatives. She believes in the power of collective action and community building, a philosophy that guides her artistic endeavors.

I think that today, by our societal transformation, we need to build collectively, it is super important. There is something stronger, more beatiful and harmonious, to do together. It has always been my compass.

Maëlle Mietton

Through her company, M is for Magic, based in Saint-Martin d’Ardèche, Mietton collaborates with local residents to create impactful projects. one such project, Wicked!, adapted from Anne Sylvestre’s book, has been presented in schools, therapeutic centers, and even at the Avignon Festival. Looking ahead, Mietton is planning a round table of tales in Aigéèze in June 2026, and a project exploring prehistory and orality between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin, featuring historians and scientists.

Balancing act: Family, Career, and Community

Mietton addressed her departure from the daily grind of Such a Great Sun in 2022, citing the demands of family life and the desire to pursue diverse projects. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and family commitments.

No, because a daily life takes a long time, and, as I do a thousand other things, I preferred to stop. At one point, you also have to be there for your family.We are not superhumans.

maëlle Mietton

In addition to her community work,Mietton remains active in television,with upcoming appearances in Criminal Tropics (France 2),OPJ (France 3),and additional episodes of The Traveler. Her diverse activities encompass acting, directing, pedagogy, training, and workshops, showcasing her commitment to both artistic expression and community engagement.