Republic Of Doyle

This week’s featured series is the Republic of Doyle which follows a father-son team of ex-cop private investigators in St. Johns Newfoundland. This is a Canadian series which premiered in 2010 on CBC. The show stars Allan Hawco as Jake Doyle; a 30 year old womanizing private detective with a heavy Newfoundland accident who’s iconic leather jacket and 68’ Pontiac GTO speak wonders for his cocky personality and unwillingness to commit to a serious relationship. On their investigations Jake and his “fadder” Malachy find themselves in a legal grey area where they end up helping criminals and the police alike. The P.I. Vehicle is a refreshing change from your typical crime-drama police investigation series’ being set in Newfoundland the east coast hardcore Canadian themes are present, especially in character’s accents and the situations they find themselves in.  Each of the mysteries will truly keep you guessing until the end with plot twists that you don’t see coming. None of the episodes feel like they have a cookie cutter formula that they use from episode to episode (unlike many other crime-drama’s) despite having a few characters who return for an episode or so each season. Republic of Doyle greatly surpasses many other Canadian productions in terms of complexity, cinematography and character development, which keeps you watching through the 5 seasons available on Netflix.

There is a 6^th and final season (available to watch online) which culminates many story arcs from previous seasons in the final 10 episodes of the series with a spectacular ending. Each season they seem to progressively find themselves in higher stakes situations, which involve: biker gangs, local drug-dealing gangsters, organized crime, corrupt politicians, conspiracies and the federal government.  There are many cameos from famous Canadian actors, artists and personalities but the most notable would have to be Russell Crowe who is good friends with the show’s creator and star Alan Hawco. For me my favourite part of this show is the fact that it is based in Newfoundland and gives you a more serious glimpse of St John’s and the east coast Canadian underworld (fictional or not). As great as this show is in the investigative aspects it holds its weight as a comedy as well and I myself was laughing multiple times per episode. Apart from the exponentially annoying title track the rest of the music in the show fits with the setting and themes of the show. With a mix of popular Canadian music and east coast folk it helps to bring you into the universe of Doyle. One thing that I have to say is even after watching this show for 6 seasons I still don’t know all of the proper usages for the word “b’y” (Newfy slang) which you will hear almost every character use multiple times. So if you’re Canadian and a fan of Investigation-driven series I would highly recommend Republic of Doyle to you.

-Jackson