Home / Arts and Entertainment / Island crime drama: Gritty 'Death in Paradise' meets tropics
Island crime drama: Gritty 'Death in Paradise' meets tropics
22 Apr
Summary
- Show features Parisian cop transplanted to remote French territory.
- Inspector struggles with personal trauma and sea sickness.
- Each episode presents a new crime on the picturesque island.
The French crime drama "Saint-Pierre" presents a familiar yet compelling formula for television viewers. Set in the picturesque territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, the series introduces deputy chief Geneviève "Arch" Archamboult, a Parisian detective finding herself in this remote location. She teams up with inspector Donny "Fitz" Fitzpatrick, a detective sidelined after a difficult past investigation, who grapples with personal trauma and seasickness.
The show operates on a crime-of-the-week structure, where the islands' small population apparently conceals a high rate of criminal activity. Fitz's initial struggles to integrate with the local force are balanced by his immersion into investigations, such as a case involving a murdered religious leader and a honey-trafficking scheme.
Despite clunky dialogue and a formulaic approach, "Saint-Pierre" succeeds with its charming leads and intriguing setting. The chemistry between Arch and Fitz, teetering between irritation and fondness, anchors the series. Moments where Fitz's hidden trauma surfaces offer potential for deeper character development, hinting at a unique "creepy-cosy" crime micro-genre.
