Despite enjoying fairly positive reviews, the sun has set onThree Pines. Based on the novels by renowned Canadian mystery author Louise Penny,Three Pinesstars Alfred Molinaas Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, who is investigating a series of murders in the titular Quebec town. Inspector Gamache serves as a Canadian Hercule Poirot in that both he and the iconic Agatha Christie character have a gift for noticing things that other investigators don’t. Using his special skills, Inspector Gamache tries to bring justice to a series of slain people in Three Pines.
The series enjoyed relative critical success when it premiered in 2022, withThree Pinesholding a respectable 72% on Rotten Tomatoes.So,since quality doesn’t seem to be the mystery show’s problem, why did Amazon Prime Video decide to close the case onThree Pinesseason 2?The answer is more complicated than viewers might think.
Why Three Pines Season 2 Isn’t Happening
Amazon Prime Video & Left Bank Reportedly Couldn’t Come To An Agreement
Why Amazon Prime Video chose not to move forward with Three Pines season 2 isn’t entirely clear, thoughthe reason reportedly has to do with the streamer not being able to reach a continuation deal with Left Bank, the series' production company. Both the streaming giant and Left Bank declined to give any further details regarding the show’s cancellation (viaVariety). Along with the fans, the people behind the show are seemingly unhappy with the decision and the lack of reasoning behind it.Three Pinesshowrunner Emilia di Giorlamo discussed the show’s cancelation onInstagram:
“Thank you for all the overwhelming messages about ‘Three Pines.’ I know there’s a lot of disappointment that the show won’t be returning and I’m sad for the wonderful cast, crew and fans. I actually left the show last year to work on another project andwas not involved in the conversations and negotiations around renewal but I have been told Leftbank, Sony & Prime Video all wanted to bring the show back but were unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.”
There’s A Movement To Bring Three Pines Back
Fans Have Mounted A Petition
While Amazon Prime Video might have canceledThree Pines,there’s a big movement to bring the series back for season 2, with fans even drafting a petition for the show’s renewal onChange.org. It currently sits at almost 6900 signatures, with a goal of 7500. The petition description discusses how viewers now have the opportunity to make their voices heard by Amazon in their desire to see the series renewed.
Many signers commented on the petition, expressing their frustration about the show’s cancelation and that they would like Inspector Gamache’s story to continue. Maybe this fan movement could bringThree Pinesback to life,as fan response has brought several TV shows back from the deadin the past.
Three Pines Has Been Praised For Its Indigenous Representation
The Show Features Indigenous Actors, Creatives & Consultants
Despite its short run,Three Pinesoffers positive Indigenous representation that breaks boundaries and strays away from stereotyping. It directly addresses Indigenous suffering in Canada, where the series takes place, while also offering insight into the intricacies of Indigenous communities.Three Pinesdebuted shortly after the remains of 215 Indigenous children were found on the grounds of a former residential school in British Columbia. The series deals with Inspector Gamache investigating the fallout from a painful chapter in Canada’s history.
Three Pinesforces viewers to look at the suffering and injustice faced by the Indigenous peoples in the majority white Quebec region. Some of the murders that Inspector Gamache is tasked with investigating are those of Indigenous people, and he treats the Indigenous victims’ cases with the same weight and seriousness as he would for a white victim. However, even though the show is careful not to embrace the problematic “white savior” trope,Three Pineshired multiple Indigenous cast, crew members and consultants so that the story would be based in fact and authenticity.
The series also features Indigenous characters who are not victims or stereotypes but complex, nuanced people. Tracy Deer, an Indigenous woman who directed three episodes ofThree Pines,discussed the impact of bringing compelling Indigenous characters to the screen (viaNew York Times).
“As a young girl, I never saw someone like me on the big or little screen… All I ever saw were Indians with feathers living 400 years ago or portrayed as someone with a substance abuse problem who gets killed.”
WhileThree Pines’story might be over, the series was groundbreaking in its depictions of Indigenous people. The creatives behind the show ensured that the characters were not only interesting but also reflective of actual people within Canada’s Indigenous communities, which brought authenticity to the series. Hopefully, more series will follow inThree Pines’footsteps and create compelling stories about underserved people, and employee actors, creatives, and consultants from these marginalized groups.
