In an interview in the recent issue of MYSTERY SCENE (now no longer a print magazine), Louise Penny talked about the AMAZON Prime Video series about to begin. She liked it–and she’s an “executive producer,” too.
Three Pines is a mystery television series starring Alfred Molina based on the novel series by Louise Penny, centered on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Diane and I have only watched four of the eight episodes but hope AMAZON decides to do a Second Season.
The format of Three Pines starts with a missing Indian woman. That is the long story arc. Inspector Gamache thinks he can find the missing woman…but her mother thinks she’s dead.
Then, in two episodes each Gamache and his team investigate other murder cases. The first is the execution of a self-help author named CC who is electrocuted while watching a neighborhood curling game. The second is the murder of a local psychotherapist in what’s considered a haunted house.
Some people like Alfred Molina as Gamache–other people don’t. I think the casting of this series is first rate. Diane has read all the Louise Penny series. GRADE: A
Never read any of the books. I think Alfred Molina is doing a good job. I find the mysteries a little too samey. It reminds me of a better version of Murder, She Wrote ( a show I detested). I would give it a C+
Steve, we’re still in the middle of THREE PINES so I’m looking forward to seeing how the long story arc about Blue ends. THREE PINES resembles Cabot Cove with frequent murders.
Neither of us has read the books, so this is NOT from the perspective of a Penny/Gamache fan. But both of us thought they did a pretty good job of it (I get it that fans have their own views on what Gamache or the other characters should look like) and I thought Molina was very good. His assistant, for those who don’t know, is played by Donald Sutherland’s son (and Kiefer’s half brother) Rossif. Incidentally, Donald is 6’3″, Kiefer is 5’8″, and Rossif is 6’5″.
Jackie was pretty upset that so far Prime has held back the last two episodes (so we’ve seen 8 of the 10 filmed shows).
Jeff, I’m with you on the cast. I’ve only read the first three mysteries in the Louise Penny series so my mental image of the characters is hazy. I’m hoping AMAZON Prime Video green lights a Second Season.
Never read the books bt enjoyed the show, despite an overemphasis on stereotypical characters.
Off-topic: Tried to get your blog yesterday but was told it could not be found. That’s the problem with all those pipes and tubes that make up the internet: it’s too darned easy for something to get lost. Glad to see you found your way back.
Jerry, Todd alerted me to the disappearance of my blog. I told Patrick about the problem and here we are…back in business! Thank you, Patrick!
George, I think everyone needs a Patrick in their lives. I know I do.
For whatever reason, I’ve never been able to get into the books, which may be a disadvantage, but I thoroughly enjoyed THREE PINES anyway and hope it returns for another go.
Michael, I’m hoping for more THREE PINES episodes. I think the cast is outstanding!
I wonder how many people recognise Alfred Molina as the treacherous guide in the opening scenes of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK?
Fred, or DOC OCK in the Spiderman movies.
I’m enjoying the series. I don’t have prime but my BF does, and even if he watches it right away, he’ll watch it again with me. He’d never read the books, so had no expectations of characters. I was hesitant about Moline being Gamache, but he’s done a good job. Ruth is a keeper I think i’ve watched 5. I”m staying at his house to dog sit (love them, 2 female yellow labs who love me right back) so catching up on lots of shows I’ve missed and he’s not really enthused about seeing. He does like 3 pines
Maggie, Diane’s a fan of Ruth and the duck.
my comment is awaiting moderation?
Maggie, WORDPRESS is just slow.
It happens to every single one of mine, Maggie, including this one.
Bob, WORDPRESS is obviously concerned about you.
Ann loves the books, one of her favorite series. She had some trouble reconciling the book and tv versions of the characters, but got to where she looked forward to each new episode. (Her big regret is that the show doesn’t have as much of the lighter interactions between the characters, so it doesn’t have as rich a portrayal.) Not having read the books, I accepted everyone as portrayed. We both enjoyed it and are hoping for a second season.
Jeff, I’m still not sure why AMAZON Prime Video is holding back two episodes.
Are there really ten episodes? The places I’ve looked have said eight. I’m interested to know if there are indeed two more, because I can’t find anywhere that says there are.
Jeff, I got that information about extra episodes from Jeff Meyerson.
I find the comments about not liking or not reading the books interesting. With all the awards Penny has won, I began to think I was the only reader who didn’t like them. I read a couple of the early ones and then tried a later one a couple of years ago and my opinion didn’t change. Before she moved to Eastern Canada and started writing the Gamache series, she hosted an afternon drive-home show on CBC Radio here in Winnipeg. I listened nearly every day and thought she was terrific. I enjoyed all the TV episodes and may give Penny another try as I just found a hardcover in a box in my office while sorting books for donation to our Friends of the Library.
Kent, I read the first three Gamache books while Diane has read–and loved!–all 18. I like this AMAZON Prime Video TV series. Diane says they basically fallow the books except for some format changes.
I’ve read the first 10 books and find them excellent, even more so having listened to the last three or four on audio. Both readers, the first one, who passed away, and the new one are fantastic.
I like Molina cast in the role, even though I have yet to take the time to sit down and watch these.
Carl, I think you’ll enjoy THREE PINES especially since you’re familiar with Louise Penny’s books. I’m hoping AMAZON Prime Video green lights a Second Season.