The end of Research section fast approaching. It’s the April 21, 2022 that TF1 will broadcast the last episode, after fourteen seasons of good and loyal service. On this occasion, Xavier Delucwho has played the role of Captain Martin Bernier since 2006, gave an interview to TV Star to evoke behind the scenes of this end of adventure.
The news had fallen in April 2021: Research section was not renewed. Xavier Deluc, Franck Sémonin (who plays Lucas Auriol) or even Fabienne Carat who had recently arrived (commander Jeanne Lorieux since 2019) therefore had to say goodbye to their character. And for the finale, the public will discover that Martin Bernier is about to retire. “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“, confided the 64-year-old actor. His role in tomorrow belongs to us in particular allowed him to make a smooth transition. He appeared in season 15 (2021) in the guise of Sébastien Perraud.
But before his departure, Martin Bernier had to solve a final investigation. To celebrate his retirement, old characters made their return at a small party. Thus, viewers will find Jean-Pascal Lacoste (Luc Irrandonea), Chrystelle Labaud (Nadia Angeli), Linda Hardy (Claire Linsky) and Virginie Caliari (Mathilde Delmas). But a drama will come to upset the party: “Suddenly, a former 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 suspicious.“This plot will allow the public to discover the characters from another angle and little winks have been slipped in for loyal viewers.
Unsurprisingly, the atmosphere was good-natured on the set. “Everyone was very happy and entirely dedicated to the script” said Xavier Deluc. And to specify that all exchanged their memories or anecdotes of these last years or last months. “We were also very happy to say goodbye to the viewers“, he added.
For his last take, Xavier Deluc shot at night, “under fake rain“. “There was Franck Sémonin, Chrystelle Labaude, Elise Tielrooy and me. Director Eric Le Roux announced that it was the last shot. Francky took out his phone to film my reaction, we looked at each other and hugged“, he recalled. A moment rich in emotions before saying goodbye to the character who allowed him to mature as an actor and as a man.
The full interview can be found in the magazine TV Star of April 11, 2022.