Three Pines Series Discussion

Three Pines Teaser Pic

Based on Louise Penny’s #1 New York Times bestselling novels, “Three Pines” from Amazon Prime Video and Left Bank Pictures stars Alfred Molina as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec, a man who sees things that others do not: the light between the cracks, the mythic in the mundane, and the evil in the seemingly ordinary. 

Discuss the series with other Louise Penny fans here! 

DISCUSSION ON THREE PINES

316 replies on “Three Pines Series Discussion”

Dear Louise Penny, please know how much I love your books. I pre-order them on Audible and anxiously await the release dates. You have created a world I want to live in – dinners at Clara’s home – discussing books with Myrna – and sipping hot chocolate in front of the fire at the Bistro. But the TV show isn’t that world. I agree with the others, the show is a poor adaptation of your books.

My wife and I just finished the first season. We enjoyed it. Neither of us has ever read the novels. I’m glad, because apparently the shows producers really crapped on everything remotely good about the stories and characters. Maybe I’ll read a book or two so I can be annoyed too.

Ho appena finito di vedere Gamache steso sull’erba che nella sua ingenuità è bontà ha dato le spalle all’amico fraterno che gli ha sparato..la mia curiosità è la speranza di vedere una seconda stagione dove l’ispettore, che chiaramente si salverà, affronterà il mistero delle ragazze scomparse e magari saldera’ i conti con l’amico assassino Pierre…comunque sicuramente inizierò a leggere i libri della Perry in attesa di una seconda serie che secondo me è ben fatta e mi ha fatto amare Gamache con tutti i suoi pregi e difetti di un uomo sensibile e poliziotto serio e integerrimo che vorrei esistesse anche nella realtà. Tatiana

I know a series is not the books and they have to make some allowances, but wow! So disappointed in the production. Not only doesn’t miss out on the spirit of the books, but it is so slow and poorly cast that I fell asleep during the second episode. Granted, I was tired, but not that tired- a good script would have held my attention.

What a shame!

I felt the same way. I was unfamiliar until I watched Three Pines… its my dream home! Truly. I’m in love with the characters and culture. So have read 4 now. I could sit all day and read one after the other. Whimsical, serious, thought provoking, funny and I’ve gained weight just reading about the food! Love Louise! And all her characters.

Each story is like an onion peeling layer after layer. And each book reveals yet another layer about the characters. O

I was thrilled to see Three Pines was coming to tv. Sadly, I don’t think the writers read the books. They completely missed the joy of life in Three Pines not to mention the Trees themselves! The developing relationship between Gamache and Beavoir is mostly absent. The Gabri/ Olivier switch is not only a travesty, it messes with my mind whenever they’re on screen. The towns people seem almost sinister. They got Ruth right but really missed the mark with Myrna and Clara. Each book ought to have an 8 or 10 episode season, instead it is short shrift as an unbelievable Who Done It that is changed so much it no longer resembles the book the mysteries are named for.

The one welcome story line is of the First Nation’s assimilation schools and the poor treatment that the First Nation’s have suffered. It was smart to make LaCoste an assimilated First Nations person to help this story line. The writers combined the characters of Arnot and Brebeuf for expediency. The actress playing Reine-Marie was perfectly cast. Molina needs to get the warmth into his performance, he is missing the mark with his abrupt delivery.

I have started rereading the books as s realty check. Did I misremember them as completely as I started to think I had after watching this series? But no, it’s not me. The series has transformed the books into a huge disappointment, completely missing the heart of Penny’s stories that are beautifully written odes to joy, forgiveness, kindness and true love. The Three Pines series is just a ho hum mystery series with little depth of character. I’m surprised the Penny would allow it.

For a better mystery book series come to tv try Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn books depicted on Dark Winds, Executive Producer is Robert Redford.

Mrs Penny’s books are such a joy to read. They transport the reader to Three Pines where we visit all our favorite characters as they play either miniscule or major part in the next mystery. In our household these books are savored and enjoyed. Louise Penny is our favorite author. What the hell happened over at Prime TV? The actor the chose for Armond Gamache looks like Inspector Gadget. The books clearly describe Isobel Lacost, they missed the mark with her didn’t they? Unlike the books you feel nothing for these characters, and you really don’t care what happens to them. There was no flow in any of the story-line. It was as if they pulled a bit from one book and added it to another. They also added the usual Woke content. I would not suggest anyone waste your time watching this. Start by sitting down in a comfortable chair reading Louise Penny’s first Gamache mystery and you will be hooked!

You hit the nail on the head. It’s been driving my crazy to see all the positive reviews for the show online because as an avid lover of the books, I find it unwatchable. I’m ok with taking some liberties regarding the storylines, but this is an intensely character-driven series and there’s been nothing done to preserve the integrity of the villagers we’ve all done to know and love.

Agree! I assumed the series would make changes and loved the focus on indigenous people, including the LaCoste changes. I don’t have a problem with heavily revamped plot lines. What upsets me is the loss of what makes the books unique – the love that shines through, the journeys of healing, the community, and most of all the compassion of Gamache. For example he ALWAYS informs the loved ones himself, that’s huge. Understanding the moment after that knock changes everything, and is almost a murder in itself, the death of what life was before the knock. Three Pines version? Knock knock. I’m sorry for your loss. Can I ask a few questions? Whaaaaaat? Just an example. Also making middle aged people young, making Myrna thin, making Gabri dour, and don’t get me started on Clara and Peter. The question is always – what needs to change to create something new and what is necessary to keep to honor what’s great and unique about the original. Details must change, we all agree on that. But the heart of the work shouldn’t. That’s the real tragedy of Three Pines.

Thank you for analyzing and, obviously very engaged and familiar with LP’s books.

My first shock was the Olivier & Gabri switch. How could the screenwriters get that wrong? How could LP approve that?

Again, thank you!

Poorly adapted. Seems to be filmed mainly down an abandoned coal mine as it is always dark. Endless navel gazing by Gamache.
Will see the end of current plot… the hotel one. Then leave it.

I was thrilled to see that there was an adaptation of the Gamache novels. I have loved them since I read the first one years ago. The characters give the book series so much life and humor and depth, and although there is always darkness, LP always manages to show the light, as well.

Unfortunately, I have been so disappointed in the TV series. The characters are flat, Gamache can’t say “Bonjour” with a French accent, the stories are simplified and lack depth, and the acting is often really poor and melodramatic.

The saving grace is the Indigenous storyline. I love that attention is being brought to some of the tragedies that have been part of reality.

It’s just sad! Such a lost opportunity!

Mi dispiace ma è stata una vera delusione. Credo che l’attore non sia adeguato alla parte……l’avrei immaginato diverso.
Le emozioni che si hanno leggendo i romanzi non si hanno guardando la serie. Mi dispiace molto ero così felice che avessero fatto la serie. peccato un occasione sprecata.

The script writers gave book fans exactly zip — not even a crumb. The book elements included were severely warped until I felt I was watching a David-Lynchian version of Penny’s books. Alfred Molina and other good actors try to rein in the more unbelievable aspects. And while I can understand the need for revision to fit the huge thematic content in the smaller arena of television, the makers sold their audience short and butchered really great stories and characters beyond repair. I might be willing to give a second season a try because I adore Molina, but not for long if they keep on the weird track of season one.

I agree completely, although I decided to stop watching at the 11 minute point in ep. 8 because it was just so unbelievable, *especially* the scene with the Arnots and the Gamaches playing cards. What on Earth was that??

I will stick with the books; they are a gazillion times better than the tv series.

I am a huge fan of the books and was looking forward to adaptations faithful to the plots. The acting is fine, although I expected more French accents from the characters. The plots are very loose adaptations, which is unfortunate since the storylines in the books were excellent. This seems like a new trend on tv adaptations -HBO’s “Station Eleven” was interesting, but veered far off the outstanding novel. Thankfully, the BBC adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels have more respect for the original material. The Three Pines Mystery movie, while it had some weaknesses, at least kept the same plot as the book.

I agree, David, et al.
I honestly see almost nothing in common with the books, other than the characters having the same names. I have the same questions as you – why switch Olivier and Gabri? Why are Myrna and Clara so young, and why doesn’t Clara have any food in her hair? Where is the focus on food, and the goodness of people? Why make Isabelle a single mom? How does that advance the plot in any way? Why is the church not white clapboard, and most important WHERE ARE THE PINE TREES? (that really burns my britches). That church doesn’t even seem to have the memorial windows that are mentioned in almost every book.

And what is up with Arnot and his wife being all buddy/buddy with Reine Marie and Armand? What was that about? That whole scene was completely overwrought and silly. Except that it wasn’t funny.

Seriously, can you imagine any humour in this series at all? Can you imagine Clara saying, “Don’t you mean an emotional vampire in a frying pan?” (pretty much my all time favorite thing anyone has ever uttered)

No, I really have nothing good to say about this series. It’s far too dumbed-down, American style, formulaic garbage, as Ruth would say.

To all those who think this series is a good match for the books, I am genuinely baffled, and would be open to hearing what you think is the same.

Whew! I feel good getting that off my chest. I’m F.I.N.E!! 😉

I so enjoyed the books! Just found the series this past week. It was confusing to keep up with the different storyline’s in the series because I kept going back to the books. The characters just weren’t developed as well. It would have been good to have continued the series as there was more to be presented. I appreciated how the story of the missing Indigenous women was incorporated and would have liked to have seen it developed further.

I don’t remember that Isabelle Lacoste was either a single mom or her being indigenous! I believe that her having a husband was mentioned in the books.

Yes, I think she was… And I thought she was French-Canadian. But I like the idea of trying her to the Indigenous story.

It infuriates me that Gabri and Olivier characters have been switched. Louise Penny clearly presented Gabri as the front man of the Bistro. Very outgoing, short, chunky and witty. Olivier is tall, blond and refined. Why switch these very delightful characters?

I noticed the same thing and it is infuriating. It’s such a shame that the tv series was not adapted in a way that the books deserve to be.

I was confused at first by the switch of the Gabri and Olivier characters, and then really annoyed. I understand that producers must work with what and who they can get. But it seems that they had the right actors but placed them in the wrong characters regarding Gabri and Olivier. I found most of the series entertaining, and really appreciated the acting of Alfred Molina and Roussif Sutherland. I especially enjoyed the character of Bea, who was spot on. I liked the tie in and “artistic license” changes with having the LaCoste character be indigenous. On the other hand the story of the dysfunctional Morrow family at the hotel, which was supposed to be in the country, was disappointing. The scenes of dysfunctional family interaction seemed strained and not convincing. The characters did not seem genuine. That said, I thought the series overall was entertaining, intriguing and worth watching. I have read all the novels , including the latest, twice and three times for most of them. I am okay with most of the changes, and as mentioned the “artistic license” employed. I surmise that the town they found for most of the scenes, did not have three enormous pine trees in the center. But the moderately-sized trees they got, seem to be the biggest they could get from a local nursery. Living in a neighborhood with 150 foot white pines, I found it amusing that the trees in the town center were so comparatively small. Nevertheless, they were there, and still a nice focal point in the series’ production. Two thumbs up for this entertaining series overall.

So annoyed that Gabri and Olivier were switched! And Clara is too young. Book storylines are very different. But I don’t dislike the series as some others do. I think it’s well done, and thankfully it dropped the excessive descriptions and storylines about how fat certain characters were, that were really off putting and made me want to give up on reading the series (same with Agemt Nichol – at least in the show she’s not quite as annoying).

I have not yet watched the tv series but I have just finished #2 in the written series. Question: what was the Arnot case? It’s mentioned several times but was never discussed in book #1. Must I read the whole series to get answers and understanding?
I’m confused. I did love descriptions of Three Pines.

Thank you. .. I’ve been saying all along that they were switched. That’s why I’ve been searching this thread.

On top of that, I’ve seen marionettes that were more lifelike.
Gabri is a downright caricature of a stereotype of “Frenchies”!!!!!
Maybe Tourisme Québec could use this as an ad to lure visitors from Albruta.
Who the the hell is the (mis)director of this insult?

I was trying to give the series a fair shot but I just couldn’t. When the grizzly bear waltzed out onto an Eastern Townships road, and then the cops forced an almost blind girl to get out of the car while shouting, “I’ve got the bear covered!” I burst out laughing. What a travesty of an adaptation. The only reason I continued watching was that I did like that they incorporated the MMIW plot line and I wanted to see how they would resolve that. Otherwise I was as disappointed in the poor script-writing and characterization as everyone else who loves the books. I won’t be back for season 2, but would rather reread the books!

I totally agree with you. I love the books, love Three Pines. What the script writer has done with the books is inexcusable. And it infuriates me when someone who has never published a thing in their life decides they can take a book loved by thousands and ‘make it better’. The third one is the worst of the lot, not even a nodding acquaintance to the plot of the book. And with the second one, I started laughing at the ‘bear in the road’ bit too. Were there ‘bear crossing’ signs anywhere, do you think? If you shoot a bear with a pistol all youre going to do is make it annoyed. What irks me about the indigenous people story line is it has absolutely nothing to do with the books and they are relying on stereotypes and clichés for the plot.

I agree with all the comments of disappointment expressed so far and for all the same reasons. I too wonder if anyone in production or casting actually read the books. If so, they missed the underlying essence portrayed in each of the characters. And yes, I was cursing in French and English over the exchange of Gabri/Olivier! My husband, who has not read any of the books, was even commenting on the lack of depth to the characterizations. (He has listened to me describe how much I love LP and her ability to instill so much morality, compassion and sense of equality in Armand Gamache.) I like the actor Alfred Molina but his characterization is missing the mark. No fault of his, but of writing /ditecting. I actually picture Gamache as aWalter Pidgeon/Gregory Peck type.

I am a great fan of the british series’ “Vera”/”Shetland” and having read Ann Cleaves’ books, think they capture the essence of the title character well. That was my hope for “Three Pines”. Lucky for me, I received “A World of Curiosities” for Christmas and will delight in my visit to the ‘real’ Three Pines.

I agree with all the comments so far, but it was this one that especially touched me. I’m also a fan of Shetland and Vera – I was also a great fan of Cleeve’s novels, which, I believe, were well adapted to a series. Three Pines belittles Louise Penny‘s work!

Never read the books but was really enjoying the TV show and it’s characters….until the ending of season 1. Yet, I don’t see any mention in all of the negative takes about what really made no sense. How on earth does Gamache turn his back on a 2 time murderer and simply start walking away, expecting him to follow? Was there a death wish I haven’t been paying attention to?

I agree wholeheartedly. As a seasoned homicide detective, why on earth would you walk in front of a man who just confessed to murder?! Also, since when do detectives (LaCoste) leave their phones the car when they are in the middle of an investigation AND expecting a key informant to call? The answer is never.

Just finished the season finale and thought I’d lost my mind and needed to find firm ground to stand on – I could have sworn my favourite bistro/B&B owners had been snatched by aliens, swapped and flung back down to earth!

I’m a HUGE Louise Penny (Gamache and Three Pines) fan and felt a little nauseous after watching the first season. I agree with what many writers mentioned here – great adaptation that now includes important discussions and finally brings real-lived realities of missing and murdered indigenous women to the forefront. I applaud this move. The rest? Felt like I was watching a Canadian crime series but that I wasn’t in Three Pines and I not only didn’t know these characters who I absolutely adore in the books, but actually felt like I didn’t want to know them anymore.

I used to eagerly open the pages of new books (just got my World of Curiosities for Christmas!) just to revisit this warm, inclusive village full of wholesome, flawed, imperfect but loving friends and watching the shows just felt the opposite.

I’m running to bed now just so I can open the book and find the ‘real’ folks that made me fall in love with Three Pines, quirky poets and their ducks, huggable people who should have been very hard to find because Three Pines isn’t on any map (road sign?) and a bistro with everything for sale… here I come!

I agree with many above (s). As an avid fan, I am very disappointed at how much the writers have strayed from the marvelously rich characters and storylines. LP has it all there and yet they chose to reinvent the wheel. For example, Jean Guy adaption missed the mark. No suave brovado upfront. Also, the focus as a second in command seems to be Isabelle, not Jean Guy. ??? Armand /Jean Guy relationship is a foundational storyline. Nicole character, not even close to the rude, brilliant computer misfit. Isabelle not single mom (why, because she’s cast as an indigenous woman, she needs to be single mom? What’s that say?)
Gabri/Olivier switch? WTF? No purpose.
On and on.
Mostly, they present an opposing feel to Three Pines and it’s inhabitants from what I think LP achieved in her writing.
Great adaptations can and have been done. Sadly, this is not one of them.

I agree totally. The series is so not equal to the books that I found myself almost angry as I watched. So disappointing.

I was initially excited about Three Pines —until I watched it. It seems like everything I love about the novels is missing from these episodes. Where are the fun, goofy interactions between the characters? Why have the plots been changed? Why are they so dark and dreary? Penny’s characters in the books are the people you hope to meet one day. The characters in the TV series are dark and brooding and suspicious of Armand Gamache. Gamache himself seems deeply troubled. . I suppose if I hadn’t read nearly all of the books, I might enjoy the show—instead, I can’t help picking apart this program and lamenting how different it is.

Where was the plot, written by Ms Penny?!? because the series had nothing at all to do with the stories she wrote! and yes the characters in Three Pines are hardly given a nod.

Whoa! Sounds like the writer/writers of this adaptation “batted it out while they were shaving”. In her own words, Louise Penny would probably label this disaster “A DOG’S BREAKFAST”. Those who have actually read the books will understand better than most the relevance of this expression. If the goal of Three Pines t.v. version is to drive us back to reading then “Mission Accomplished”. Reading rules!

“Still Life” (the movie) was much better! I could actually recognize the story. The setting was better and the acting captured the personalities of the characters. Initially, I thought Nathaniel Parker was not quite right for Gamache, but I think that was because I was still seeing him as Inspector Lynley. However watching it again now, I think he was very suited to the part.

This series was interesting to watch, but not really as true to Louise Penny’s books as it should have been.

I couldn’t agree more with the comments by Sharon and others. When I started watching this I was sure I had literary Alzheimer’s. I didn’t remember any of the indigenous peoples storyline, I didn’t think Lacoste was an indigenous person, I did think Gamache suffered from PTSD and on and on. But I wasn’t losing it. It never was in any of the books. The books were full of wonderfully drawn characters and lots of interesting storylines. Why did they feel that they had to make up new ones. Too bad that all of us who loved the books had to be so disappointed. If there is a second season I will definitely give it a miss

I totally agree! Not only are they not following the books but they also are not depicting the characters as they are in the book.
I am not criticizing the actors but the writers did a lousy job! I hope Louise Penny is not watching this series. Disaster!

I find the series delightful- almost as another book, another look in to my friends and other possibilities! Only the reverse of Gabri & Oliver – what! how funny and think the only issue they got wrong… Books created in my mind, the village of Three Pines and all my new friends Gamache and CROWD – it is delightful to see someone else’s version… I keep my version close. To be ready for the World of Curiosities- I reread the 17 books again- Oh My Goodness -I saw more, saw differently from the first read and got new insights. It was wonderful to revisit.
I do hope Amazon does the 2nd Series – love some of the changes but always my friends bring new issues, new views and deeper in depth thoughts…
The writer is brilliant- love the way the combined, added a new twist – makes it better!
It is never either or- but a new experience to enjoy Gamache and learn.
“What would Gamache do?”
Thank you
Sherry

I agree Sherry. I have read all the books and am a huge fan. I would like to think they could add in Lacoste’s husband as I don’t believe there is any reason to make her a single mother. The reverse of Gabri and Olivier is not great. They should try to change them for season 2., and perhaps clean up Jean-Guy a little. I did think he looked scruffier than I imagined. And, yes I want a season 2, and 3 etc. Love watching them all. Here’s hoping they get better reviews!
Thank you, Joanne

I agree, we enjoyed the TV series. Don’t think it should be a simple repeat of the books. They added new story lines, blended books, and portrayed characters differently than I imagined them, but that’s OK, they did it well (other than the Gabri/Olivier switch). If you want a copy of a book, reread the book. The series just put a fresh spin on things. Good job.

I know that the TV series game is like walking a tightrope of never knowing if the initial series will gain a season 2 new life. But why oh why didn’t the producers choose to go book by book per each episode, gradually allowing the characters and Three Pines to reveal themselves in their beautiful eccentricity. Even if it meant only showing eight books. The hodge-podge that the producers made of juxtaposing several stories together, changing things like names for no good reason (Gabri-Olivier), not showing how Rosa and Ruth came together, and making the villagers appear so dark and evil, is such a betrayal of the legions of fans of the books. And why was Reine-Marie giving a lecture on the existence of the soul at a conference, seeming like some spiritual guru when she is in fact a librarian/archivist? The changes made no sense at all except that the producers seemed to be following the trend to make everything dark and grim these days. The arrogance of these producers, that they thought they could make changes and tell the story better than an already internationally best-selling author whose series has been translated into 31 languages and sold over 10 million copies world-wide. None of the quirky characters had the chance to be fleshed out, instead Gamache was over-sold, coming across as a deranged man daily tormented by the death of his parents above all else. I didn’t mind Alfred Molina per se but Gamache should have been younger and more dapper, while poor Jean-Guy looked older than Molina.
Guys, you don’t mess with success!!!!!

Totally agree with you! They obviously did not read the books very closely! Taking more care and doing one book at a time could have resulted in devout fans of the series…they missed a big opportunity. A real waste of resources.

I agree with you totally. I am so disappointed with this adaptation, only seen three episodes but won’t finish the series. The plots and characters from LP books just aren’t there. What possessed the script writers and producers to change everything? Pure arrogance!

Quite disappointing. I can accept the looks of the town although I might have preferred a staged presentation- 3 Pines is such a magical retreat from most villages. This version looks forlorn.
What’s hard for me is Gamache’s lack of strong central core showing through. And a sense of hope by the end of each book/episode. The series presents a cold hard world fueled by selfish and secret motives without the shining example of Gamache as contrast.

So disappointed in this awful adaptation. Tonight Olivier was called Gabri!
Non of the wit, kindness, depth of the characters and the village? Horrible!
I can’t watch anymore because my mental images of the characters are giving way to this miserable interpretation. The night is not even a strawberry, it’s a squashed tomato!
Back to the books.

My wife & I have read almost all of the books (the latest one just arrived) and we have now watched all eight episodes. If I hadn’t read the books I’d think the series is pretty good. Unfortunately the series’ casting is so far off the images Penny has developed that it interferes with the enjoyment of the series. Beauvior is too scruffy and Clara is too “unscruffy”, Myrna is too thin, Nichol is just goofy and LaCoste is too emotional. The final straw was the swapping of the images of Gabri & Olivier. Ruth is the best cast character. Even the village of Three Pines doesn’t match the image presented in the books and is essentially another character in the books. Its a real shame as we had great hopes for the series but we’ve been disappointed. If it doesn’t get renewed it won’t be missed.

I agree. When they got Gabri and Olivier backwards 😳😱, well, that went beyond poor adaptation to just plain laziness in not even knowing the characters!

And then they literally showed Three Pines’ location on a map! A village that does not appear on any map, we are told in every one of the books. Oy vey!

Well…having given the showrunners the benefit of the doubt and having now watched all 8 episodes of season 1…I don’t think I’ll be back for season 2, if there even is a season 2. This is not Three Pines and, with the exception of Molina, these are not the characters Louise has brought to life in such vivid detail over the last 18 years. I’m not talking about just what they look like, I’m talking about who they are and how they behave and relate to one another. They had a chance to really bring these stories to life in an audiovisual format while staying true…and instead they just ripped off the place names and names of characters and decided they could improve upon the storytelling ability of the woman who has spent nearly 2 decades world-building with these characters in this specific place. I have news for them. Their vision doesn’t hold a candle to Louise Penny’s. Shame. Shame. Shame.

So disappointed in this poorly written and casted ⁹adaptation of the Trois Pins series. The books provide clear descriptions of the town, and those three spindly pine saplings in the square surely can’t be the Three Pines the town is named after…Photoshop? Getty Images? Film editors?
The acting/writing is terrible. No one looks comfortable, and the characters are caricatures of themselves. Mind, the last few books are largely the same.
The Cardinale series was excellent; too bad some of that talent couldn’t have found its way into this mess.

The books are far superior to the series. But books always are. This series is still better than most shows on TV.

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