‘Three Pines’ Recap: ‘White Out’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Three Pines’.
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It is definitely safe to say that the crime drama and police procedural are quite… sanitized in nature these days on major networks. Simply because they feature cases that feature minimal complexity and are quickly and easily solved, and the heroes that work to bring the criminal in, are a touch too quirky to properly relate to. Not to mention… the modern crime drama also gives the audience a very by the numbers story. One that really doesn’t discuss the impact of major crime and is somewhat devoid of humanity and deeper meaning. Which leads to quick and fleeting satisfaction by the end of the case because no one has earned the justice that was served up on a silver platter. But thankfully, change is starting to come to this genre.
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For audiences do want depth from these types of stories and that’s why we are seeing more crime dramas/police procedurals get back to basics and look at the human side of crime and its painful and ugly motivations, and it just so happens that Prime Video is now home to a show in that vein. For Three Pines made its debut on the network yesterday and it truly does deliver a vastly different type of crime themed storytelling. For this is a story that introduces us to Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a brilliant detective for the Sûreté du Québec and he is the first real reason this series draws you in. Because while he is indeed an intelligent gumshoe, one that sees the little details… he’s a man. A good man that wants to find the best in people and situations regardless of how ugly the case or moment might be and that is so refreshing.

Simply because he isn’t hardened or grizzled or tortured by some clichéd past that drives him. He’s just the right man for the job and excellent at what he does, and he elevates those around him and the cases he is going to investigate in this first season, may also be an anthesis to the norm. Because in the series premiere, ‘Whiteout’, Armand, and his team of investigators are sent to the small town that shares the namesake of this series to poke around in what everyone believes to be an open and shut case. Wherein a well-to-do socialite/egotist died suddenly in what appeared to be nothing short of a freak accident. But a quick dive into the circumstances surrounding her death, makes it clear that this was no accident. Someone killed this woman plain and simple, in a cruel and brutal manner and well… that brings forth the best parts of this tale. 

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Since Armand and his team are forced to confront the fact that they are investigating the murder of someone that this town hated through and through. For CC, the deceased, was a pain in the rear and mean and nasty to everyone. But she was a wife, a mother, and a person… and reminding folks of that fact is no easy task. Which brings forth all kinds of commentary on our modern world and how we view murder and justice, and of course… it explores what drives people to commit to murder. Since the killer isn’t quite who you think it is in this tale, and that discovery leads to some powerful moments for certain. The kind that speaks to generational trauma and abuse and how that can push good people to do horrible things in the name of finding peace and agency. 
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All of which speaks to a vastly different kind of crime drama. One that really is grounded in all aspects of our humanity. But what’s even more incredible… is that this series has more commentary to offer regarding our world outside of our conflicted views on murder and justice. For this is a story that also digs deep regarding indigenous rights, and how we as a modern culture in both Canada and America, still treat Indigenous Americans as an afterthought. To the point where few seem to think that any pain or suffering that Native Americans endure is of any concern of the modern world, when it is quite our concern, and it is brilliant to see a series address that and inform us… that the show is just getting started in such matters.

If anything, it is safe to declare this series as nothing short of a breath of fresh air. For this is a crime drama that is quite frankly, beautifully haunting in nature. Because it looks at the pain that death creates, and it examines how we cope with it and how we live with it, alongside featuring all the elements that compel us to visit this genre in the first place. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this series also features some magnificent performances. For Alfred Molina is a revelation as Armand and there’s even comic relief to be found in this series courtesy of Sarah Booth’s portrayal of Yvette Nichol and truly… this is a series that deserves our attention. Because this one is something special and it will be incredible to see what other storytelling wonders await us as season one of this dynamic new show continues along. Until next time.  

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