Introduction

TORONTO — After the beloved CBC crime drama “Republic of Doyle” concluded in 2014, star and co-creator Allan Hawco faced a creative drought, grappling with what to pursue next. Despite his passion for procedural storytelling, finding the right fresh concept that resonated deeply remained elusive.

“I had various ideas floating around, but I always felt something was missing,” Hawco reflected during an interview in Toronto. For him, the procedural genre felt like a comfortable home — familiar yet laden with boundless opportunities for creativity.

Inspiration from Saint Pierre and Miquelon

The breakthrough came unexpectedly when Hawco scouted the charming islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon while working on a CBC comedy series, “Son of a Critch.” Visiting these enchanting islands reignited a magical spark in Hawco. “I had forgotten just how special Saint Pierre is,” he said, recalling filming his first leading role in the 2004 drama “Making Love in St. Pierre.” He likened the islands to a unique cousin of Newfoundland, rich in natural beauty and cultural ties.

The Premise of ‘Saint-Pierre’

Thus, the seeds were planted for “Saint-Pierre,” Hawco's latest police procedural premiering on CBC. In this gripping drama, Hawco plays Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, a Newfoundland cop whose dogged pursuit of a corrupt politician leads to his reassignment to the picturesque yet deceptive islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. There, he is forced to collaborate with Deputy Chief Genevieve “Arch” Archambault, portrayed by French actress Joséphine Jobert. Their rocky partnership unravels dark secrets concealed beneath the islands' serene facade.

The Unique Character of Saint Pierre

Jobert, previously seen in the BBC crime dramedy “Death in Paradise,” emphasized the unique character of Saint Pierre: “Usually, cop shows take place in bustling cities and tackle everyday issues, but Saint Pierre is unlike any other place. The colors, the atmosphere, the people — they all contribute to the story,” she noted.

Geopolitical Significance and Narrative Depth

Beyond the idyllic setting, Hawco and his co-creators, Robina Lord-Stafford and Perry Chafe, were captivated by the geopolitical significance of the islands as a bridge between North America and Europe. While the actual crime rate in the region is low, Hawco’s imagination presented an opportunity for a narrative teeming with international intrigue and corruption.

“What if the local police force was corrupt? What if there were sinister forces at play using international routes for smuggling?” he mused, shaking things up from his previous lighter fare in “Republic of Doyle.” He explained, “This show delves into grittier themes and higher stakes. Fitz is not the roguish young cop chasing after villains; he’s matured, with more depth and complexity.”

Authenticity and Community Engagement

Shot on location in both Saint Pierre and St. John’s, the series offers an authentic feel rarely seen in productions of this scale. Hawco and Jobert encountered unprecedented warmth from the locals, who continued their daily routines despite the filming. “I appreciated their steadfastness; they didn’t change their way of life just for us,” Jobert said, acknowledging the seamless interaction between the crew and the residents.

Hawco shared that many residents even opened their homes to the crew amid scarce accommodation options, fostering a genuine sense of community. “Their support was heartwarming — they came to set, visited, and made us feel truly welcome,” he remarked.

Conclusion

As audiences eagerly await the premiere of “Saint-Pierre,” one thing remains clear: Allan Hawco's new venture promises to deliver a compelling, mature take on the crime drama genre, blending intrigue with a captivating sense of place. Be prepared to get hooked!