Saint-Pierre: Post-Doyle, the Next Best CBC Atlantic Crime Series Comes From (Not Far) Away
By John Kirk
Rating: A-minus
Oh, Right – THAT Saint-Pierre
When I was in high school, I was captivated by an exchange student from what sounded to be an exotic French island territory called Saint-Pierre. Imagine my surprise when I learned she spoke perfect English and even had a bit of a twang in her voice a la The Rock.
Her English teacher was from Newfoundland, she told me. That’s how I learned about Saint Pierre et Miquelon and when I saw the title for the CBC TV show Saint-Pierre, I imagine a good number of folks will do a similar double-take as well.
Joséphine Jobert and Allan Hawco keep a tiny French territory safe from crime in Saint-Pierre.
The story: disgraced Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donny Fitzpatrick is remanded to the island of Saint Pierre via a police transfer for arresting the premier of Newfoundland. Of course, the matter is further complicated by the fact that the premier is in a romantic relationship with Fitz’s wife. Placed out of sight on the tiny island, Fitz has to contend with culture shock and a new police force.
Fitz is played by Allan Hawco. A supreme Canadian talent, he will always be remembered for Republic of Doyle which makes it easy for this show’s audience to accept him as Inspector Fitzpatrick. It’s a natural fit and is a good example of an actor playing to his strengths.
Of course, there are a few noticeable differences between Fitz and Hawco’s other roles. He isn’t the tough guy we usually associate him with. He gets seasick easily, and he’s well aware of his age as a 20-year veteran cop. But he plays the role well and it’s a testament to his versatility.
Likewise, Joséphine Jobert is a thoroughly welcomed new face to Canadian Television. As Deputy Chief Genevieve “Arch” Archembault, a Parisian transplant to the tiny French colonial possession, she knows when to play tough and when to be a friend.
Her character’s immediate resentment of Fitz’s arrival to the island starts the characters off on even footing: she doesn’t want Fitz there and neither does he. The chemistry is solid and it sets the audience up for a show based on mutual antipathy. The characters must work to earn each others’ respect just as they have to earn the audience’s. This is a good beginning.
Adding to the fun, there are also underlying storylines that get a bit of attention in each episode. Pay attention to the Irish villain, Sean Gallagher (James Purefoy) who we meet as the island’s local “godfather”. This pairs wonderfully with the background stories about both Fitz and Arch that are yet to be uncovered.
The island of Saint-Pierre takes centre stage as a character in its own right. The island isn’t really known to the majority of Canadians. Though it’s just off the coast and to the south of Newfoundland, it’s a part of the Canadian diaspora nonetheless. There are jokes aimed at our “funny, plastic money”, on Newfoundland culture and even the way French is pronounced.
Filmed on the island, there are no sets. But to all intents, the background looks more like a quaint village in the French countryside than an Atlantic coastal town. Still, they all speak English and many of the goods and sundries come from their Canadian neighbours. Each episode is like a visit to the island.
Saint-Pierre is an entertaining 50-minute cop drama set in a novel location that’s engaging and a fine example of a solid Canadian television production. It’s a fun and engaging series that has the potential to do well with a homegrown audience.
Of course, it’ll probably do better overseas than it does at home, but remember: this isn’t a Canadian series.
It’s a Saint-Pierre one.
CLICK HERE to see Bonnie Laufer’s video interview with Saint-Pierre star Allan Hawco.
Saint-Pierre. Stars Allan Hawco, Joséphine Jobert, James Purefoy, Benz Antoine, Erika Prevost, Jean-Michel Le Gai. 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.