[Warning: General spoilers ahead.]
The creative machine behind Republic of Doyle is back at it Monday night when Saint-Pierre, a new hourlong drama, lands on CBC and CBC Gem. Set on the titular French territory in the Atlantic Ocean and filmed in Doyle‘s picturesque Newfoundland stomping grounds as well as Labrador, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and Ontario, the series follows a newly transplanted Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector, Donny Fitzpatrick (Fitz), played by Allan Hawco.
When we first meet Fitz, he’s having a no good, very bad day, and then the clock resets to an earlier day that’s still not great, as he’s splashed all over the television for his arrest of a high-ranking politician (played by Hawco’s Caught co-star, Eric Johnson), who just so happens to be the current partner of his ex-wife. That bold move gets him a very fast reassignment to Saint-Pierre.
He’s partnered with Deputy Chief Genevieve Archambault (Arch), played by Joséphine Jobert, who greets the assignment as babysitting a PR nightmare until his situation at home blows over.
She quickly learns that he’s a legitimately skilled investigator when they catch a murder case on his first day. The victim, Gabby Kennedy (Fiona Highet), is the head of a local zero-footpint commune who’s discovered shot inside a church soon after a vitriolic confrontation with a local land baron, Sean Gallagher, played by James Purefoy.
Among the suspects are a couple (played by Kris Holden-Ried and Michelle Monteith) and their daughter, and the victim’s wife Monica, (Libby Osler).
Working together, Fitz and Arch figure out all is not as it seems. After Fitz proves himself, and takes a bullet, Arch and the rest of the department – Benz Antoine as Marcus Villeneuve, Erika Prevost as Patty Montclair-Ito, and Jean-Michel Le Gal as Renuf Aucoin – soften their stance on him.
We also get a sneak peek that other things may be weighing on Fitz after a sleepwalking episode, while he questions the authenticity of the origin story Arch chooses to share with him about how she ended up in Saint-Pierre from Paris.
It’s always good to have Hawco back on our TVs, and here gets to play an empathetic constable figuring out his next chapter.
Joséphine Jobert is a fun foil and begrudging ally, playing the more laser-focused pragmatist of the pair, something Marcus checks her on right out of the gate. We soon have some insight into his loyalties, too.
“Queen Bee” was written by Hawco and Robina Lord-Stafford, who share showrunning duties and executive produce alongside Janine Squires, Erin Sullivan, Perry Chafe, and John Vatcher. TJ Scott, who directed the team’s Caught, and directed Hawco and Holden-Ried in Departure, directs.
Saint-Pierre premieres Monday, January 6, at 9 pm (9:30 NT) on CBC and will be streaming Monday. on CBC Gem at 9 am. Here’s a sneak peek. ICYMI, I chatted with Hawco and Jobert about the show when it was announced last summer. You can read that interview here.
Photos and video courtesy of CBC.
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