Three Pines

I've read most of the Three Pines books, some of them more than once. I've enjoyed reading them all. When I read I make my own pictures in my mind, as I would think most avid readers do. I have the village of Three Pines pictured very much differently than that in the TV show. Mine is much more rustic and the bistro is totally not like what we see on the show. There's not as much development of the characters like the books have but maybe with time we'll see more of that. I do like Molina as Ganache. I think he is perfect. I hope anyone who hasn't read the books would do so. If you like mysteries, you will probably love Three Pines.

I haven't read the books so I'm watching this with no preconceptions and purely on merit. So far the series has played like an Agatha Christie with many possible antagonists while also running a backplot about disappearing indigenous girls and corruption. Alfred Molina plays the part of troubled detective brilliantly and his selection of sidekicks are excellent character driven parts. The locals that populate 3 pines are very quirky and all carry their fair share of secrets. The setting is beautifully imagined and cinematography is great. Having said all that this series is nothing new but just well done and the characters interesting enough to keep you invested. Recommended.

After the first two episodes, we are definitely looking forward to the next few. It's enjoyable and unique to see a series like this set in wintery Quebec. Alfred Molina does a good job playing the caring and insightful Armand Gamache, the lead investigator. I'm intrigued to see what happens with the suspicious villagers. The subplot about missing and murdered Indigenous women enhances the feeling of immediacy and relevance of the series beyond a Christie style of village murder mystery. (Disappointing to see people complaining about this topic in the reviews, since it's handled with nuance and is a *real* and relevant issue to the time and place).

The victim is a bit of a caricature villain and some of the acting is uneven but overall this is starting out as a very enjoyable series.

Haven't read the book, and if you're the same I suggest ignoring the reviews bombing it based on that because it's not uncommon for tv/movie adaptations to fail to live up to their book's grandeur or reader's expectations. There's almost always someone saying it's not as good as the book.

So from someone who hasn't read it, I think it's off to a great start. The most notable thing is that this seems like a really well made series, might not be the most mind boggling story off the bar but everything seems to be done right and has no specific weak points for me. This might sound dumb because, of course most shows are done by professionals, but this feels like it was really made by professionals.

I like the story because it feels believable, nothing eccentric yet I'm still drawn to it. I think the best part about the show is the characters and actors playing them; they feel like real people in a real town with real cases, so it's easy to draw you in. Any show can be good, but I think truly great shows are those that manage to get you immersed in them, were you feel like you're in the show, a part of it and their lives. This goes for any genre too, romance, drama and "based on true story" flicks are the obvious ones, but even fantasy or sci-fi and horror. Might not have the craziest story or characters or prismatics visuals, might not even be a 10/10 star show/movie like this one(for me); but when a show fully submerges you that you only think about what you're watching and don't even subconsciously check your phone or anything, that's a good show. Feels like a decent small town murder mystery, sorta reminds me of Mare Of Easttown.

I wouldn't say it's one for everyone, if you're looking for a bullets flying sort of rush search elsewhere, but if you're looking for a good drama to watch this is a pretty good option.

Three Pines feels incredibly refreshing in a tv world drowning in samey samey crime shows. There are many elements that have this show punching way above. Alfred Molina is truly wonderful as Gamache, a world away from our usual hard drinking troubled cops. He's kind, steeped in morality and just the man you want solving your crimes.

His dialogue is peppered with quotable lines that cut you to the core, little insights into life you never thought of. Writing at its very best.

Bringing Canada's Indigenous people to the foreground, not as mere victims but as so much more is genius. The world is so rich and Three Pines gives so much insight into their lives. The costume design, art and reservation felt very different to the usual stereotypes.

Having an Indigenous cop right up there beside Gamache puts the community front and centre in a way I've certainly never seen before.

I loved the quirky villagers and small town setting. The cinematography is wonderful and the writing sings. I got Twin Peaks vibes. Loved the music too which felt really original.

10/10 for me as Three Pines hits every spot and made me want to read the books.