Introducing 'Saigon' — Chapter 1: The Final Set

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Introducing 'Saigon' — Chapter 1: The Final Set

Podcast: What Happened in Nashville / iHeartPodcasts
Date: May 22, 2026
Host/Narrator: Kelly Marie Tran

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Overview

This episode launches "Saigon," a dramatic audio series set against the backdrop of colonial Vietnam in the 1930s. Chapter 1 — "The Final Set" — uses a high-stakes tennis match between a local Vietnamese upstart and the French city champion as a lens to explore issues of colonial oppression, family dynamics, nationalism, and personal sacrifice. Through richly drawn character interactions and escalating tensions, the episode reflects on the struggle for Vietnamese independence and the divisive impact of colonialism on families and society.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historical and Social Context

• The episode situates listeners in 1935 Saigon, under French colonial rule.
• The narrative highlights post-resistance tensions: “Only a few years earlier, our French rulers had needed tanks and artillery to defeat a proud Vietnamese resistance... But the widespread desire for independence had not been defeated. It had only been silenced.” (Narrator, 03:11)

2. Reunion of Friends & Introduction of Main Characters

• American journalist Joseph Sherman returns to Saigon after a decade, reuniting with childhood friend, now French policeman, Paul de Vrain (Captain Devereaux).
• The friends reflect on the past, the changes in Vietnam, and their connections to local families, especially the Trans (04:31–07:20).
• Lan, the sister of local tennis star Tran Van Kim, is warmly reintroduced after many years (08:57).
• Tension surfaces in conversations about colonialism and the younger generation’s shifting views (10:14–11:36).

3. The Tennis Match: A Metaphor for Colonial Struggle

• The much-anticipated tennis match at the Cercle Sportif unfolds as a symbolic battle between colonial power and local resistance.
• Kim, a Vietnamese, faces off against the French champion, Pino. The crowd and main characters perceive the match as a proxy for Vietnam’s struggle for respect and independence (12:22–14:20).
• As Kim gains the upper hand, cheering from the locals intensifies, and the mood sours when Kim’s dominance is seen as humiliating the French opponent, prompting nationalistic chants and unrest (13:55–14:20).

4. Escalation and Fallout

• Rioting erupts in the stands. Captain Devereaux rushes to help control the situation while Joseph and Lan escape (14:20–15:01).
• After the chaos, Lan and Joseph share a private and vulnerable conversation about loss, memory, and why Joseph returned to Vietnam (16:33–17:23).

5. Family Conflict and Shattering Consequences

• Kim’s victory and brash nationalism enrage his father, Monsieur Hugh, igniting a fierce and painful confrontation about familial duty, colonial collaboration, and personal worth (18:23–19:52).
• In a shocking act of defiance, Kim castrates himself and presents the gruesome evidence to his father as proof of his willingness to sacrifice for his country, challenging his father’s accusations of selfishness and lack of commitment (22:02–22:37).

“You don’t think I can make a sacrifice? You don’t think I’m serious about a free Vietnam? Well, this is me. This is what I am now.” — Kim to his father (22:38)

• The episode ends with the family irreparably split, each member facing the personal and political consequences of the day’s upheaval (23:20–23:52).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Colonial Rule:

  “There can be no peace without justice, and there can be no justice without peace.” — Monsieur Hugh (02:29)

• On National Identity:

  “I won that game, Father. I won it for Vietnam.” — Kim (23:23)
  “Be honest, Kim. You won it for you. You only pretend to be a committed nationalist.” — Monsieur Hugh (23:25)

• The Ultimate Sacrifice:

  “Don’t worry. I’m going… But not without a gift. Something you can remember me by… Your future. The family heritage.” — Kim, revealing the self-castration (22:11–22:15)
  “You don’t think I can make a sacrifice? … Well, this is me.” — Kim (22:38)

• Family Rift:

  “I have bred a shallow, selfish son who cannot make any sacrifice at all. Yes, losing today would have been a sacrifice. Yes, it would have been a sacrifice for your family. Leave my house. Get out.” — Monsieur Hugh (19:05–19:31)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:05] — Introduction to Saigon and the narrator, Trinh.
• [03:11] — Setting the historical context; French colonial repression.
• [04:31–05:56] — Joseph and Paul reunite, discuss past and present.
• [07:08–08:12] — Learning of Kim's transformation; anticipation for the tennis match.
• [12:22–15:01] — The tennis match, building tensions, and riot outbreak.
• [16:33–17:23] — Joseph and Lan’s reflective conversation.
• [18:23–19:52] — Kim and Monsieur Hugh’s escalating argument.
• [22:02–22:37] — Kim’s shocking act of self-sacrifice.
• [23:20–23:52] — Conclusion on the lasting impacts of the day.

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Tone & Style

The episode is richly cinematic, blending melodrama and historical realism. Exchanges alternate between tenderness, nostalgia, biting irony, and deep-seated rage. The narration and dialogue elevate personal and family drama into political allegory—with themes of pride, shame, and the trauma of colonialism woven throughout.

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Conclusion

"Saigon" Chapter 1 sets the stage for a sweeping family saga and national tragedy, told through the prism of one fateful afternoon. The episode pulls listeners into the politics of colonial Vietnam while rooting the story in intimate human conflicts, making palpable the costs of resistance and the shattering divisiveness of a nation in search of itself.

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Transcript

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[Joseph Sherman]

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[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

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[Paul de Vrain]

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[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

My name is Trinh, and this is Saigon. The story of my family and of the country that shaped us.

[Joseph Sherman]

The United States will not stand by and allow any power, however great, to take over another country.

[Monsieur Hugh]

This unnatural excursion has brought only confusion. There can be no peace without justice, and there can be no justice without peace.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

Chapter 1. In 1935, a tennis match was played in Saigon, Cirque Sportif. But it was far from an ordinary tennis match. It was the final of the Saigon City Championship and and the first time ever a Vietnamese national had qualified to play against the French champion, Jules Pineau. Only a few years earlier, our French rulers had needed tanks and artillery to defeat a proud Vietnamese resistance demanding independence. And after gaining victory, they guillotined over 200 Vietnamese insurgents. But the widespread desire for independence had not been defeated. It had only been silenced. And now, behind the genteel mask of a tennis match, it exploded to the surface. There are two young men in the crowd watching the game. An American and a Frenchman. They had been childhood friends and had met again after 11 years. That very morning, in fact, when the American, whose name is Joseph, arrived at the Continental Palace Hotel in Saigon.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Bonjour, monsieur.

[Paul de Vrain]

Bonjour. I have a room booked. The name's Joseph Sherman. Joseph Sherman. Ah, yes, Joseph.

[Monsieur Hugh]

But, Paul, My God, it really is you.

[Captain Devereaux]

So good to see you again, mon ami. My God, you haven't changed a bit.

[Paul de Vrain]

Neither of you. But how did you even know I was coming?

[Captain Devereaux]

You made the morning's papers. Look. Senator Sherman's son returns to Saigon. Ten years after tragedy.

[Paul de Vrain]

Let me see that. Okay. Well, that's unexpected.

[Captain Devereaux]

It made me think. About. Well, they were good times. But about your father too. What about coffee. Du cafes? You believe now, what are you up to, Joseph? Tell me everything.

[Paul de Vrain]

I'm actually here writing a piece for the Chronicle. But honestly, what I really wanted to do was have an excuse to come back. What about you?

[Captain Devereaux]

Now I'm with the gendarmerie.

[Paul de Vrain]

The gendarmerie? I never saw you as a policeman. Well, you were always a bit of a rebel.

[Captain Devereaux]

I'm the sort of Frenchman who wants to keep law and order by embracing Vietnamese culture, not fighting it.

[Paul de Vrain]

See, that sounds like the Paul I knew when I was. Gosh, what were we, 15?

[Monsieur Hugh]

16.

[Captain Devereaux]

On that hunting trip. I just turned 16.

[Paul de Vrain]

Pretty young, when you think about it.

[Captain Devereaux]

Well, there have been some exciting times while you've been away.

[Paul de Vrain]

You mean the battle for independence?

[Captain Devereaux]

Yes. That was ugly. Luckily, we brought everything back under control, though.

[Paul de Vrain]

I'm sure you did. Although I doubt you've really changed the way the Vietnamese feel.

[Captain Devereaux]

No, but we have stopped the violence. They're learning to be civilized now. In fact, you should come out to the Cercle Sportif today. Oh, There is a tennis match on the men's singles final, actually. Merte, what's the time? We have to go.

[Paul de Vrain]

What, now?

[Captain Devereaux]

Absolute, mon. Drink up, Garon. La dicion. The whole city's treating this tennis match like a proxy fight between the locals and their French masters. That's how they express their feelings now, you see, on the tennis court, much more reasonable and in fact, you'll love this. The local boys. Tran Van Kim.

[Paul de Vrain]

Wait, you mean our Kim? Yes, A skinny, shy kid who followed us everywhere.

[Captain Devereaux]

That's him.

[Paul de Vrain]

That's incredible. Gotta be good to see him again.

[Captain Devereaux]

He's become quite a playboy.

[Paul de Vrain]

You don't say.

[Captain Devereaux]

And you remember Kim's sister, Lan?

[Paul de Vrain]

Yeah, she never said much. Just a little girl. Right.

[Captain Devereaux]

Well, she's a real beauty now. She? Come on. We're here.

[Paul de Vrain]

Voila. Land. You sound smitten.

[Captain Devereaux]

She's 20 now. And she wears the Aodai like an angel. So beautiful. Well, a man can dream, Joseph. And plan. But I have to impress her father more than her. That's the first step.

[Paul de Vrain]

Yes, of course.

[Captain Devereaux]

This way. Members enclosure,

[Monsieur Hugh]

bonjour.

[Captain Devereaux]

Yes,

[Monsieur Hugh]

Captain Devrough. Of course.

[Paul de Vrain]

Enjoy the match. Your name obviously opens gates, huh?

[Captain Devereaux]

It's more because of my father than me. Oh, he's in the administration.

[Paul de Vrain]

What's happening over there?

[Captain Devereaux]

That's him. That's Kim. In the middle of all those young women.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Unbelievable.

[Captain Devereaux]

I told you, he's a bit of a playboy now.

[Paul de Vrain]

He's not the skinny shy kid anymore, is he?

[Captain Devereaux]

Well, not anymore. Oh, we're over here. Excuse me. Siu plais. Pardon.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Thank you.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

They threaded their way to the members enclosure, which was a roped off section of the best seats, where Joseph.

[Captain Devereaux]

Ah, lan.

[Lan]

It is Joseph, isn't it? Joseph Sherman.

[Captain Devereaux]

You remember him?

[Lan]

Of course. I read you were back. Oh, and such a pleasure to see you again, Monsieur de Vrain.

[Captain Devereaux]

Likewise, likewise.

[Paul de Vrain]

But you were just. I never would have recognized you.

[Lan]

Yes, I was just a little girl when you were here the first time. But it's so good to see you again.

[Paul de Vrain]

Sorry. I'm amazed you remember me.

[Lan]

You made quite an impression. A teenage American boy who was so kind to his friend's little sister.

[Paul de Vrain]

Good. I hope seeing me again doesn't spoil the memory.

[Lan]

No, on the contrary.

[Captain Devereaux]

So, can you watch the match with us, Lance?

[Lan]

I would love to.

[Captain Devereaux]

Well, let me present Joseph to your father. And we'll be down in a minute.

[Lan]

I'll save us some seats.

[Captain Devereaux]

Well, well.

[Paul de Vrain]

Yeah, you were right. She's. She's beautiful.

[Captain Devereaux]

I told you. And in need of a good French husband, according to her father, Monsieur Tran Van Hue. Oh, come on, I'll introduce you. He's over there with my father. Father. Monsieur Hugh, please allow me to introduce Joseph Sherman out here from the United States.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Not the senator's youngest son?

[Captain Devereaux]

Yes.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

You're back after all this time. What a pleasant surprise. What happened on that trip was so tragic.

[Paul de Vrain]

Monsieur Shaman. Yes, it was a tragedy, but time heals all wounds.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Maybe. Maybe.

[Paul de Vrain]

Do you still take groups out hunting?

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

No, no, I never did after.

[Captain Devereaux]

No. My father's now the deputy chief of the S. General.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Oh.

[Paul de Vrain]

Congratulations. Though I imagine keeping the peace in Saigon is a tough job.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Well, it's simply a question of balance, monsieur.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Ah, you're too modest, Monsieur Davrox. It is only through your constant vigilance

[Monsieur Tran Van Kim]

that our streets are peaceful and the people prosperous.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

I'm pleased to hear you acknowledge our efforts.

[Monsieur Hugh]

But of course, the civilizing influence of French culture has helped all of Vietnam.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

I wish you could explain that to your younger generation.

[Monsieur Hugh]

In time, they will learn to appreciate what France has given us, Monsieur Devereux.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Well, I'm not sure they want to learn. Or maybe they can't learn. Your son went to Paris, and all he learned was how to play tennis and seduce women.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Maybe.

[Captain Devereaux]

And how to eat well. You cannot have acquired the physique he has now from rice and noodles.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Anyway, this afternoon will be interesting. Let's see if your boy can addle pressure. I hope he knows who he's up against today.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Of course, Monsieur Pinault is the champion. My boy just wants to put up a good showing.

[Captain Devereaux]

Come on, Joseph. They're getting ready to start. We should find our seats, Father.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Enjoy the game, monsieur.

[Captain Devereaux]

Here.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

Pino began the game strongly, with fast serves down the middle of the tee. But while he quickly raced to a three love lead, those who knew the game soon saw a pattern developing.

[Captain Devereaux]

These rallies are getting longer.

[Lan]

Yes, I think my brother is fitter.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

Soon it was 5 4. And although Pino was serving for the set, fatigue was taking its toll. And Pino's mistakes were mounting.

[Paul de Vrain]

He's playing with such heart, you could feel the crowd behind him.

[Joseph Sherman]

Yeah,

[Monsieur Hugh]

He bouffles, he longs out.

[Paul de Vrain]

I think your brother's going to win this set. He's running Pinot off his feet. Okay.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

Kim did win the first set and quickly established a lead in the second as the French champion, Monsieur Pinault, grew more and more exhausted. Until finally, on one point, he dived to reach the ball and crashed heavily to the ground.

[Paul de Vrain]

I think it's his knee.

[Captain Devereaux]

Well, hopefully he can run it off.

[Paul de Vrain]

What's happened? Why is the crowd so angry? Kim's playing wonderful tennis.

[Captain Devereaux]

He's hitting the ground. Strokes from one corner to the other. He's making Pino run when he's injured, he's playing well.

[Paul de Vrain]

What's wrong with that? Isn't that the point?

[Lan]

The problem is, Mr. Sherman, he's humiliating his opponent and Whipping up the crowd.

[Paul de Vrain]

Now. What's going on? What are they saying?

[Captain Devereaux]

There's some trouble in the crowd. They are chanting. All French are dogs. The umpire needs to stop the match. Monsieur. Oh, my God.

[Paul de Vrain]

What's happening?

[Captain Devereaux]

I've got to go and help break it up. Lan, it's getting ugly. I don't think you should be here. Joseph, can you escort?

[Paul de Vrain]

Yes, of course, lan. You know the way?

[Lan]

Yes, Outside.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

Joseph hailed a horse drawn Malabar.

[Paul de Vrain]

Okay, where are we going?

[Lan]

Le Square de la Catedral. La Villa Imperial.

[Paul de Vrain]

Here, let me help you out.

[Monsieur Hugh]

There you go.

[Lan]

Thank you, Mr. German, for being kind enough to take care of me. I'm sorry you had to see such ugly things happen. Unfortunately, the hearts of many Vietnamese are filled with hatred.

[Paul de Vrain]

No, no, not at all. I'm. I'm glad to help. L. And I. And I have to say I. I envy Paul.

[Lan]

You? Envy?

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Oh.

[Lan]

Oh, no. Captain Dev is a good friend, Mr. Sherman, but that is all.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Oh, well, he's.

[Paul de Vrain]

He's very fond of you. He told me so.

[Lan]

And my father admires him greatly. He believes he's a fine young man.

[Paul de Vrain]

He is. He is.

[Lan]

He will be most unhappy with Kim.

[Paul de Vrain]

Paul will be.

[Lan]

No, my father. He will be very upset. Oh, please stay with me until he returns home.

[Paul de Vrain]

Oh, yes, of course. It'll be my pleasure.

[Lan]

Please, this way.

[Paul de Vrain]

Oh, this is beautiful, lan.

[Lan]

Thank you. How long will you be staying in Saigon, Monsieur Sherman?

[Paul de Vrain]

Oh, well, I was heading to Hanoi on Tuesday, so at the moment, only two or three days, but I could extend that.

[Lan]

Hanoi?

[Paul de Vrain]

Yes. I've been granted access to the court records of earlier Vietnamese emperors. I'm here to write a feature article on Vietnam.

[Lan]

Oh, but after the tragedy of your first visit.

[Paul de Vrain]

That wasn't Vietnam's fault. That was all my father's doing. He dreamt he was a great white hunter. That he could be the king of the jungle and shoot his way through a herd of wild bison. He was warned to be careful, and he wasn't. So, yes, it cost him his life.

[Lan]

So sad for a young boy to lose his father.

[Paul de Vrain]

Thank you. I. I remember. You cried for him.

[Lan]

No. I cried for you. The little boy who lost his father. Joseph, there's something I've been meaning to ask you.

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Yes?

[Joseph Sherman]

I will do it all again tomorrow.

[Monsieur Hugh]

The privilege I have brought you all you want to do.

[Joseph Sherman]

Father is any French slave.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Oui, monsieur.

[Joseph Sherman]

Non, monsieur. Can you hear yourself?

[Monsieur Hugh]

It is about respect, Monsieur Simon.

[Paul de Vrain]

Just leave him. Monsieur.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Thank you for looking after my daughter.

[Paul de Vrain]

My pleasure.

[Lan]

I will see you out, Monsieur Charman.

[Paul de Vrain]

Thank you.

[Joseph Sherman]

I won that game, Father. I won it for Vietnam.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Oh, be honest, Kim. You won it for you. You only pretend to be a committed nationalist.

[Joseph Sherman]

I am a committed nationalist.

[Monsieur Hugh]

You're a privileged playboy. The privilege I have bought you means that you don't have to work for anything. You can just eat and train and then win a tennis match so you can sleep with all the women you want. You dress it up as nationalism.

[Joseph Sherman]

All I wanted to do was to embarrass the French dogs who have robbed our country.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Nonsense. Do you think I'm blind? You have endangered our business and our family for nothing. For cheap sex.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

That is not true.

[Monsieur Hugh]

You hide behind these slogans of nationalism, but you have no real commitment to that cause at all. You have not shown any real commitment to anything. I have bred a shallow, selfish son who cannot make any sacrifice at all. Yes, losing today would have been a sacrifice. Yes, it would have been a sacrifice for your family. Leave my house. Get out.

[Monsieur Tran Van Hue]

Father.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Ah, Lan. I trust you enjoyed the afternoon with Captain Devereaux.

[Lan]

Very much. And Mr. Sherman was also kind to me.

[Monsieur Hugh]

I hope Captain Devereux did not consider Kim's actions reflected any. Any united family posture.

[Lan]

No, Father, not at all. He knew how upset you would be, and I thought it best to offer no comment. Not without hearing your advice first.

[Monsieur Tran Van Kim]

Very wise, Bun.

[Monsieur Hugh]

It is important you stay in Captain Devereaux's favor.

[Monsieur Tran Van Kim]

Yes,

[Lan]

of course, Father.

[Monsieur Hugh]

What was that, Kim?

[Lan]

Should I go and check?

[Monsieur Hugh]

No. Do not see him. He is leaving this house.

[Lan]

Leaving?

[Monsieur Hugh]

He treats the family. He treats me with total contempt. Ever since he got home from Paris. And after today and all that complete disrespect, he has to go.

[Lan]

I understand. Is there anything else I. I can do for you, Father?

[Monsieur Hugh]

No.

[Monsieur Tran Van Kim]

I have business to attend to.

[Monsieur Hugh]

We dine at six.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

This was a family divided in a country divided. And their paths would soon be swept up in the hurricane of history.

[Monsieur Hugh]

3000 piastra. Duty owed on imports.

[Joseph Sherman]

I thought you'd be here.

[Monsieur Hugh]

I told you to go. Huh?

[Joseph Sherman]

And I will. When I'm ready. Hey.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Hey. What are you doing? Huh?

[Monsieur Tran Van Kim]

Is.

[Monsieur Hugh]

Is that. Is that blood on it? Monde. You've got blood everywhere.

[Joseph Sherman]

Don't worry. I'm going. But not without a gift. Something you can remember me by.

[Monsieur Hugh]

What. What is this?

[Joseph Sherman]

Your future. The family heritage.

[Monsieur Hugh]

What have you done?

[Joseph Sherman]

My manhood.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

And Monsieur Hugh realized the bloody mess in the bag was his son's scrotum. He had castrated himself.

[Monsieur Hugh]

No, I.

[Joseph Sherman]

You don't think I can make a sacrifice? You don't think I'm serious about a free Vietnam. Well, this is me. This is what I am now. So you just go and hiding here in fear of being a problem. You're the disgrace of the family, Father. You, not me. Goodbye.

[Narrator (Kelly Marie Tran)]

It was the last time Kim would ever see his father and the impact of that explosive afternoon would ripple down the years in ever expanding ways. Never again would one tennis match change so much for so many.

[Monsieur Tran Van Kim]

Saigon is a production of Thoroughbred Studios, Goldhawk Productions and iHeart Podcasts starring Kelly Marie Tran and Rob Benedict. Based on the best selling novel Saigon by Anthony Gray. It is created for audio by Greg Hadrick and Jeremy Fox, written by Greg Hadrick and directed by John Scott Dryden. Original music is by Sasha Putnam with additional performances by Ngo Ming Nie and Le Tybich Chia. Editing and sound design is by Eloise Whitmore. The series producer is Emma Hearn. The producer in Vietnam is Phat Mang Nien. The executive producers are Jeremy Fox, Greg Hadrick, John Scott Dryden, Howard Stringer and Jason English.

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[Paul de Vrain]

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