Saint-Pierre Review: A Promising New Crime Drama with Death In Paradise Vibes
Saint-Pierre, a new television series set on a remote string of islets off the Atlantic coast of Canada, delivers a compelling mix of mystery and character-driven storytelling. With a rating of four out of five stars, this show introduces viewers to a world where locals face weekly murders, blending cosy sweetness with darker undertones.
The Setting and Saintly Connections
The series takes its name from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the real-life islands that serve as its backdrop. Interestingly, the show references Saint Julian the Hospitaller, the patron saint of murderers and ferrymen, who according to legend killed his parents in a tragic misunderstanding. For a more fitting saint to intercede for psychos, the series nods to Saint-Marie, the fictional island from Death In Paradise, highlighting its thematic links to that popular crime drama.
Meet the Detectives: An 'Odd Couple' Duo
Josephine Jobert stars as Deputy Chief of Police Genevieve 'Arch' Archambault, a prickly and emotionally reserved local detective. She is paired with Donny 'Fitz' Fitzpatrick, an inspector exiled to the islands after a scandal. Fitz, played with charm, struggles with the dress code, opting for suits and sunglasses that amuse his bilingual colleagues—until they discover he understands their French mockery.
Their dynamic forms the core of the show, with Arch's suspicion and Fitz's intuition creating a grudging respect. There is even a subtle hint of romantic tension, as each notices the other is not bad-looking. However, neither is a supersleuth; in one scene, they fail to spot a child spying on them at a crime scene, missing a key witness opportunity.
Plot and Influences
The premiere episode sees Fitz and Arch investigating the murder of a back-to-nature group leader, found shot in a picturesque wooden church. The storyline echoes Death In Paradise's misfit-in-a-suit trope, with Fitz getting lost and seasick, adding humour to the procedural elements. Shades of Shetland are also present, giving the series a dash of darkness that offsets its cosy setting.
Josephine Jobert's Return and Speculation
Fans will recognise Josephine Jobert from her role as DS Florence Cassell in Death In Paradise, where her character was written out after entering witness protection. This has sparked theories that Arch might be Florence under a new identity, given their similar appearances. Whether this is true remains to be seen, but it adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Overall Impression
With strong performances, especially from Jobert, and a well-crafted balance of mystery and character development, Saint-Pierre is a promising addition to the crime drama genre. It successfully blends elements from its predecessors while carving out its own unique identity, making it a must-watch for fans of island-based whodunits.
