In 1832, teenage Cosette begins to question her closeted life in the convent. She and Valjean decide to leave and make a new start in Paris, though Valjean worries it may be dangerous. Javert has climbed the ranks of the Paris police, but can never be content knowing Valjean is still free.
Marius Pontmercy, now a young law student, confronts his grandfather after he learns the truth about his late father and the revolutionary ideals he fought for under Napoleon. He finds lodging at a squalid tenement in Paris, where his neighbours are a poor, violent family. Their eldest daughter Eponine takes a shine to Marius.
Cosette still feels shut away in her new home, but when she catches Marius's eye while out walking with Valjean, she feels a new life may be just beginning. Valjean is disturbed to see Cosette growing into a young woman. His worry turns to fury when Cosette speaks to Marius, potentially risking everything.
The Thenardiers are forced to start a new life and plot their revenge against their old nemesis. Javert comes closer to recapturing Valjean than ever.
