LakshmiLandscape, french music, great actors, islands, storyline— check. It’s been a while since I watched a Canadian TV show that I enjoyed thoroughly and this mystery police procedural series was just what I was unknowingly waiting for. I have spent years in French-speaking territories and just added the island of Saint-Pierre to my list!
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Bell-island born actor, Allan Hawco, co-created and co-wrote this story of Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (played by Allan Hawco) as he uncovers some shady business by a local politician. This seemingly- insouciant veteran cop, who easily gets seasick, carries a nonchalant attitude and sleep-walks, finds himself in a complex predicament as an aftermath of the political arrest.
But things take a turn when he is exiled to work in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, a French territory off the coast of Newfoundland which is also known as the ‘France of North America’. And let me say, that his arrival shakes things up for Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault (Joséphine Jobert) holding her own intriguing reasons for being there. Shortly after half of the first episode, her immediate animosity against “Fitz” and her constant mockery of his suit in her native French, presuming he doesn’t comprehend the joke, alter.
Most of the people located in this territorial overseas collectivity have a past that they are either trying to escape from or trying to hide, whatever means it takes.
The first episode followed an unexpected church murder made to look like a suicide, with several suspects holding distinct motives. What’s interesting is the murder weapon found on the scene, doesn’t match the one used to kill.
For those who don’t know, the Overseas Collectivity of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a self-governing part of an archipelago in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, located near the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, with residents holding French citizenship. It’s the perfect backdrop to set a crime drama. Think CSI or NCIS based in a cute French-Canadian town.
Every episode explores a divergent storyline, held together by a single thread, which will most likely culminate in an explosive finale.
Hawco is unmistakeably efficient and humorous in his role as ‘Fitz’, in tandem with the comes-of-as-tough-but-actually-friendly, practical, strong-willed ‘Arch’, brilliantly portrayed by French actress Joséphine Jobert. They are also joined by Japanese-Canadian actress Erika Prevost who plays the charming ‘Patty Montclair-Ito’ and Benz Antoine as the dicey ‘Marcus Villeneuve’, both members of the police force at Saint-Pierre.
With a spice of comedy, stellar acting performances and French infusion, this show is off to a great start, so don’t miss it!
‘Saint-Pierre’ premieres Monday, January 6. Available to stream at 9 a.m. ET on CBC Gem and broadcasts at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC TV.
Lakshmi
