After fourteen seasons, Commander Martin Bernier retires and ends the Research Section adventure definitively. Xavier Deluc lifts the veil on this final to follow on April 21 on TF1.
How did you experience this retirement?
XAVIER DELUC: I fully embraced the idea. The alternative was simple: either Bernier died or he retired. After fifteen years of good and loyal service, I integrated the idea of turning the page. On the other hand, I’m not retiring personally, that’s clear! My arrival in tomorrow belongs to us allowed me to move on without denying Bernier because as much he was upright and implacable, as much Perraud (his character in DNAnote) is crossed out and ambiguous.
This departure is marked by a final investigation and a reunion. Can you tell us more?
To celebrate Bernier’s retirement, the section – with old and new – is gathered in the family home of Warrant Officer Cabral (Felicite Chaton, note). We find, among others, Chrystelle Labaude, Jean-Pascal Lacoste, Linda Hardy and Virginie Caliari, when suddenly, an ex-member of the group is murdered. Inevitably, the commander will not apprehend the investigation in the same way. Even if he tries to stay strong, the armor will crack. Especially since, as it is behind closed doors, everyone is potentially suspect. If it respects the codes of Research section to which the public is attached, this evening will allow them to discover the characters behind the uniform, with little winks that should please the faithful.
What was the atmosphere like on set?
Everyone was very happy and fully dedicated to serving the script. In the canteen, memories and anecdotes were exchanged between the “new” and the “old” who did not necessarily know each other. We were also very happy to be able to come back to say goodbye to the viewers. When the decision to end the series fell, I had discussed with the channel and the production the idea of making a finale, of bowing out elegantly so that the public would not feel betrayed.
Do you remember your last take?
It was night, under a fake rain. There was Franck (Semonin)Chrystelle (Labaude), Elise (Tielrooy) and me. Director Eric Le Roux announced that it was the last plan. Francky took out his phone to film my reaction, we looked at each other and hugged.
If you had a message for Martin Bernier…
You allowed me to mature as an actor and finally to assume who I am. Thanks to you, I have become more solid as an actor and more comfortable as a man, while we both started the adventure very tense!
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