Allan Hawco Tackles Maturity and Complexity in CBC's 'Saint-Pierre'

TORONTO – After the beloved Canadian series "Republic of Doyle" concluded in 2014, actor and co-creator Allan Hawco has been on a quest to bring a new storytelling experience to life. Though he had numerous ideas in development, none resonated deeply enough with him until now.

Hawco, a native of Newfoundland, expressed in a recent interview, “There were things I was developing, and I was interested in… but I knew in the back of my mind it wasn’t really right.” He felt a strong pull towards the procedural genre, an arena where he feels most comfortable as a writer. “It’s kind of a second home for me. The structure allows for so much freedom of expression,” he noted.

The inspiration for Hawco’s latest project emerged during a scouting trip to the picturesque French archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon for an episode of the CBC comedy "Son of a Critch." This trip rekindled his fond memories of the region, which he first visited while filming the drama "Making Love in St. Pierre" in 2004. “It’s like a cousin to Newfoundland – unique but so connected,” he shared. The beauty and magic of this location sparked the idea for "Saint-Pierre," a new police procedural that premieres on Monday.

In "Saint-Pierre," Hawco stars as Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick. His character is transferred to the archipelago after his relentless investigation into local political corruption draws unwanted attention. On the islands, he forges a challenging partnership with Deputy Chief Genevieve “Arch” Archambault, played by French actress Joséphine Jobert. As the duo navigates their tumultuous relationship, they unravel a tapestry of crime concealed behind Saint Pierre and Miquelon's idyllic scenery.

Jobert adds an exciting perspective on the setting: “Usually, cop shows are set against the backdrop of big cities dealing with everyday problems. But Saint Pierre is unlike anything else. The colours, the vibe, the sky, and the people – it’s a character in itself.”

The choice of location also serves a deeper narrative purpose. Although Saint Pierre and Miquelon maintains a low crime rate in reality, Hawco and his creative team recognized the potential for an intriguing narrative involving international crime. “I imagined a scenario where those safeguards didn’t exist, allowing the local police force to fall into corruption, creating a space for illicit activities,” he explained.

In contrast to "Republic of Doyle," which often infused comedic elements into the storytelling, "Saint-Pierre" presents a darker tone with higher-stakes dilemmas. Hawco reflects on this growth in storytelling, noting, “I’m also not 30 anymore. Fitz embodies a matured character who carries the weight of a fuller life and the complexities that come with it.”

The filming of "Saint-Pierre" took place in both Saint Pierre and St. John’s, Newfoundland, under the production banner of Hawco Productions in collaboration with U.S. studio Fifth Season. Interestingly, the massive filming crew received warm hospitality from the locals, who continued their daily routines undisturbed. Jobert recalls, “I liked the fact that they didn’t change their lives for us. They maintained their regular hours in coffee shops, even with our crew around.”

Hawco noted that the local community was incredibly supportive, with some residents opening their homes to the crew due to limited hotel availability. “People moved out and rented us their homes. The warm welcome we received made the experience truly rewarding,” he shared.

"Saint-Pierre" is set to capture audiences with its unique blend of captivating storytelling, character depth, and the enchanting backdrop of its setting, marking an exciting new chapter in Allan Hawco's career.

Stay tuned for the premiere this Monday, and prepare for a journey through the complexities of crime, life, and the intriguing intersections of cultures!

Are you ready to dive into the mysteries of Saint Pierre? Don't miss out!