Enthusiasts of detective dramas and mystery series are being encouraged to watch what's being called 'one of the best' detective programmes available. Launching on Prime Video in 2022 with four murder mysteries, the miniseries features Alfred Molina as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec police force.
While investigating a series of murders in an apparently idyllic Canadian village, he uncovers deeply buried secrets and confronts ghosts from his own past. The series is 'Three Pines', adapted from an 18-book novel collection, with viewers praising Molina for his portrayal of the fictional detective.
'Three Pines' received two Directors Guild of Canada award nominations, and fans have flocked to IMDb reviews to express their opinions. One viewer described it as 'magnificent', stating: 'Oh my goodness, what a treat! After five minutes, I was totally enthralled and in love with the adorable Gamache. Beautifully filmed and performed. How lovely to have characters with real, believable depth. Having come to the end of the series, I feel desolate that it has finished.'
Another viewer drew comparisons to the popular detective series Midsomer Murders, noting: 'Very well done, not overdone. One of those great shows like Midsomer Murders. You can't stop watching, addictive for the binge watcher. The cast is greatly talented and the characters are just perfectly written. This is a great show and beautifully filmed and just keeps the viewers interested. I hope the show will continue as long as Midsomer Murders has.'
Unfortunately, the programme was not commissioned for a second series, prompting numerous devotees to turn to the original novels to satisfy their Gamache cravings. A final viewer remarked: 'Amazing on all fronts. This show is truly one of the best I have ever seen. From the moment I first started Three Pines, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, and I've already begun my first of several rewatches to come. I cannot recommend this show enough.'
Molina previously discussed with RadioTimes.com what distinguished his character, explaining: 'I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but his superpower is empathy. Not just his willingness to empathise, but his desire to empathise, his need to understand and see a point of view that may not be his own. I think that's what makes him kind of special as a detective, he has a moral standard about how he won't carry a gun, even though it's standard issue for Canadian police.'
Variety praised the television adaptation for doing 'justice to the best-selling novels on which they're based'. Three Pines is available to stream on Prime Video.
