Scoop

Reviewer: Hollyhock

"Scoop" was produced for Quebec TV over four seasons and depicts the public and private lives of those who are connected with Montreal's daily newspapers.

The Series is centered around Stephanie Rousseau ( Macha Grenon), the journalist daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Quebec, and her relationships with Michael Gainey (Roy Dupuis), a maverick journalist and her lover, and with her distant, controlling billionaire father, Robert Rousseau (Claude Leveilee), who owns the newspaper ("The Express") where both she and Michael work. This very expansive series (four boxed sets of four tapes each) explores the cultural, environmental, and political issues that face not only Quebec, but the world. We get plots that involve: Prime Ministers, organized crime, battered children and women, the homeless, drug and alcohol addiction, shady corporate deals, corupt government officials, immigration and racial discrimination, labor disputes and much more. With only occaisional lapses into preachiness, the series weaves these storylines with the characters' private lives into a solid piece of storytelling that engages the viewer and draws them into the frenzy and excitement of publishing a daily newspaper.

The characterizations, ( and there are many ) are well developed, where even minor characters get storylines and are allowed to grow. But it's the chemistry between Stephanie and Michael that sets the series' pace as we witness their strong, passionate, competitive, independent personalities struggle to find a middle ground where they can be happy. It's a romance that evolves in a very realistic way, with writing that illuminates the difficulties of maintaining career, romance, and family. There are many scenes that show strong sexuality, quite explicit by american standards, but it's not gratutious. It allows us to see the act with all it's fervor and clumsiness. These characters actually talk before, during and after sex and they talk in complete sentences that move the plot or show the characters working out their relationship. For those who look for those "special" moments with RD", this series has many and the erotic charge between the two actors is extraordinary. The child that comes from this union both binds and separates the couple and shows that love is sometimes not enough. In the end their fate is sealed by Stephanie's unrelenting ties to her father's empire and Michael's inability to compromise his own career goals and take on the trappings of wealth and priviledge.

I especially liked the way the characters naturally interacted. The writing revealed complex characterizations that showed both strengths and flaws. There also seemed to be a good use of the characters in the storylines. And the sense of comraderie between them was conveyed with compassion and humour. It seemed well balanced overall. For a television series, Scoop gets high marks for memorable characters and strong storylines that play out to a satisfying conclusion. And they manage to do this without lapses in continuity or context.

Remy Girard gives a strong performance as Lionel Rivard, the alcoholic desk editor who's tough love approach to managing his reporters is both touching and funny.

Francine Ruel plays the robust, feisty, Leona Vigneult, the entertainment reporter and labor organizer, who recovers from a bitter divorce to find love again and takes on the running of "The Express".

Charlotte Laurier (who plays RD's wife in "J'en Suis" ), gives a spunky, in your face turn as Gabriella Salvador, the reporter with a heart for the quirky, sweet, sports reporter Tinker Fortin, played by Martin Drainville.

Michel Barette plays the promiscuious photographer Steve Vandal, who finds that a commitment to family life isn't so bad.

Rene Gagnon, plays seasoned world class reporter, Francis Dumoulin, who must redefine himself both professionally and personally in the ever changing world of journalism and role as a father.

Raymond Bouchard, gives his character, Paul Vezina, a shrewd, hard, gruff exterior as the Publisher of "The Express", only to reveal the compassionate, loyal friend within.

Andree Lachapelle ( RD's mother in Cap Tourmente), plays Stephanie's mother with great style and warmth even as she deals with the shortcomings of her own marriage and life.

I could go on but then this review would be longer than the series. :P

Roy Dupuis' Michael Gainey is a man hungry for challenges and adventure. As he tries to transform himself into a world class journalist and maintain his relationship with Stephanie, his pride and the pain of family secrets get in the way. Dupuis brings the character an openly rugged sexuality tempered with an intelligence and compassion that makes him irresistable. Gainey is a "regular guy" with big dreams and he wants those dreams on his own terms. Perhaps it's not Dupuis' most riveting or shocking portrayal, but it's a solid true performance. When compared to his other roles, Michael Gainey highlights his range and depth as an actor.

I think Scoop is well produced serial television. Roy Dupuis and Macha Grenon shine as the leads. The supporting cast is excellent. The writing is far superior to most TV. And gee, it's just darn good entertainment.

The entire four box series is worth the price as long as you don't have to mortgage the house. LOL