Tonight’s episode is all about family secrets. Is this a theme that particularly impresses you?
Beatrice de La Boulaye: Yes, because we all have it, and it’s a very Martinican subject. There are many stories of the children hiding here and the so-called “carnival dolls” because we don’t know who their fathers are. It is very important to address this theme, which is both universal and unique to this island. This episode also allows us to talk about the issues of diversity, racism and social determinism before showing one of our best confession scenes.
The final season was watched by an average of more than 4.5 million viewers. Do you think the success of the series is explained by the topics covered?
Maybe, but above all, the show emphasizes beautiful values, diversity, femininity… It also shows that one can live in rabbit cages, Paris or working-class dwellings in the North. There are many thrillers on TV, but Criminal Tropics has a good dose of humor, investigation, emotion and humanity.
Martinique is a character in itself…
Absolutely, and each chapter is named after a town or a corner of Martinique. This creates a real bridge between the metropolis and this island. I am very happy that we were the first to shoot a series that has been going on for several years. Playing here is a gift and I feel more and more Martinican!
You played Gaëlle Crivelli for over four years. What do you think about the development of your character?
I love his great style and freedom of life, his incongruity, his beating side, his defense of the cases that are always valuable to him, and his pig character. Over the years this character has been humanized and feminized as we have worked so hard with the writers. Gaëlle Crivelli barks less and has become more responsive. It’s more than just a “sound breaker” now.
With Sonia Rolland playing Commander Mélissa Sainte-Rose, you’re heroes on repeat. Did you know each other before?
We met at the Cannes Film Festival over ten years ago: we dined side by side. We had a good time… We hadn’t seen each other again before the casting. Besides, I thought you wouldn’t remember me. We found our bond right away. This explains why our duo worked from the very beginning. A month older than me, we’re almost like brothers.
You are currently shooting season 5. Do you have a surprise for us?
It will be great! I marvel at the work of writers who still manage to surprise us by creating breathtaking intrigues on new social issues. Special stories will also hold surprises, as Firmine Richard joins the cast as Mélissa’s grandmother. As for Gaëlle Crivelli, she will become close with her partner…
Criminal Tropics, Friday 16 June at 21:10 on France 2
NICOLAS PALITA INTERVIEW
Source: Programme Television
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
