Introduction

Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, the rough-around-the-edges cop in CBC’s Saint-Pierre, isn’t your typical TV detective. He’s not chasing serial killers with a genius IQ or cracking cases with a smirk. Instead, he’s a guy who sleepwalks in his underwear, haunted by a messy past and exiled to a French island off Newfoundland’s coast. His sleepwalking, a quirky yet raw detail, makes him stand out in the crowded world of police procedurals. It’s not just a plot device—it’s a window into his emotional trauma, reflecting real-world struggles with stress and mental health. Fans on X have been buzzing about Fitz’s vulnerability since the show premiered on January 6, 2025, with posts calling him “the most human cop on TV.” This article dives into why Fitz’s sleepwalking makes him so relatable, how it ties to his undercover past, and what it says about coping with life’s pressures.

The Sleepwalking Quirk: More Than a Gimmick

Fitz’s sleepwalking in Saint-Pierre isn’t just for laughs, though scenes of him wandering in his boxers do bring some humor. It’s a deliberate choice by creators Allan Hawco, Robina Lord-Stafford, and Perry Chafe to show his fractured psyche. In the show, Fitz, played by Hawco, is a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary inspector sent to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon after exposing a corrupt politician. The sleepwalking happens almost every episode, often leaving him vulnerable—like when a younger officer ogles him, saying, “Il est trop chaud.” It’s awkward but humanizes him.

Why it matters: Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, affects about 1-15% of adults, often triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, or trauma, according to the National Sleep Foundation. For Fitz, it’s tied to his emotional baggage—losing his family, his career setback, and the pressure of a new environment.

How it’s shown: The show doesn’t overexplain. You see Fitz wake up confused, sometimes in public, piecing together where he’s been. It’s messy, like real mental health struggles.

Common mistakes: TV often treats sleepwalking as comic relief or a mystery to solve. Saint-Pierre avoids this by grounding it in Fitz’s emotional reality, not making it a quirky superpower.

Consequences: If mishandled, sleepwalking plots can feel cheap. Here, it’s a consistent thread, showing Fitz’s inability to escape his past, even in sleep. It builds empathy, not pity.

Fitz’s Emotional Trauma: A Mirror for Viewers

Fitz’s sleepwalking is a symptom of deeper wounds. He’s not just a cop who messed up—he’s a man grappling with loss. His marriage fell apart, his kids live with his ex-wife (who’s dating the politician he arrested), and he’s stuck on an island where he doesn’t speak the language fluently. X posts from fans highlight how this resonates: one user wrote, “Fitz’s pain feels like mine when I’m stressed out of my mind.”

Why it matters: Mental health representation in TV matters because it normalizes struggle. A 2023 Wondermind study found 68% of viewers feel less alone when shows depict mental health realistically. Fitz’s trauma isn’t glamorous—it’s raw, like losing sleep over a bad breakup or job stress.

How it’s done: The show uses flashbacks to show Fitz’s undercover days, where he lived in constant danger, betraying his own moral code. His sleepwalking episodes often follow intense cases, like the Bastille Day murder in Episode 2, linking stress to his behavior.

Mistakes to avoid: Some shows over-dramatize trauma, making characters seem broken beyond repair. Saint-Pierre balances Fitz’s pain with his competence—he’s still a sharp investigator, not a victim.

Consequences: Ignoring trauma in characters risks alienating viewers who see themselves in those struggles. Fitz’s arc shows healing is possible, even if slow, making him a beacon for fans.

Undercover Past: Why Fitz Can’t Rest

Fitz’s sleepwalking ties directly to his undercover past, a detail Saint-Pierre teases through cryptic flashbacks. He worked high-stakes cases in Newfoundland, likely infiltrating criminal circles, which left him paranoid and isolated. The show hints at a “noodle incident” where Fitz arrested the premier, possibly out of personal vendetta or duty, but it cost him everything.

Why it matters: Undercover work is brutal—studies show 20-30% of undercover cops experience PTSD, per a 2019 Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology report. Fitz’s sleepwalking reflects this, showing how past stress lingers.

How it’s portrayed: The show doesn’t spoon-feed details. You see Fitz flinch at sudden noises or hesitate when trusting his partner, Arch. His sleepwalking often leads him to places tied to his cases, like he’s still chasing ghosts.

Common mistakes: TV can glamorize undercover work (think Donnie Brasco). Saint-Pierre shows the toll—Fitz’s sleepwalking isn’t cool; it’s a sign he’s unraveling.

Consequences: If the show ignored this backstory, Fitz would feel flat. Instead, his past gives depth, making viewers root for him to find peace.

Mental Health Themes: Connecting to Real Life

Saint-Pierre uses Fitz’s sleepwalking to tackle mental health without preaching. It’s not about therapy sessions or diagnoses—it’s about a guy trying to do his job while his mind betrays him. This mirrors real-world stress: a 2024 Mental Health America survey found 80% of adults feel overwhelmed by work-life balance. Fitz’s struggle feels universal.

Why it matters: Shows like Psych or Perception use mental health as a plot twist (e.g., Shawn’s fake psychic abilities or Daniel’s schizophrenia). Saint-Pierre keeps it grounded, showing stress as part of life, not a gimmick.

How it’s done: Fitz’s partnership with Arch, a no-nonsense deputy chief, forces him to confront his vulnerabilities. Their clashes—Fitz’s gut instincts vs. Arch’s evidence-based approach—highlight how he copes (or doesn’t).

Mistakes to avoid: Over-simplifying mental health, like suggesting a quick fix, alienates viewers. Saint-Pierre shows Fitz’s slow progress, like when he opens up to Arch in Episode 3.

Consequences: Poor mental health portrayals can stigmatize. Fitz’s story encourages empathy, showing even “tough” cops struggle.

Comparing Fitz to Other TV Cops

Fitz stands out among TV cops because his flaws aren’t polished. Compare him to Psych’s Shawn Spencer, who hides insecurities behind humor, or Perception’s Daniel Pierce, whose schizophrenia is almost a superpower. Fitz’s sleepwalking isn’t quirky—it’s embarrassing and real.

Why it matters: Relatable characters drive engagement. A 2022 IMDb poll ranked flawed cops like Line of Duty’s Ted Hastings as fan favorites because they feel human. Fitz fits this mold.

How he compares: Unlike NCIS’s Gibbs, who’s stoic and infallible, Fitz is messy. His sleepwalking echoes The Killing’s Sarah Lund, whose obsession with cases isolates her, but Fitz’s personal stakes feel more accessible.

Mistakes to avoid: Making flaws too neat, like Shawn’s fake psychic act, risks losing authenticity. Fitz’s rawness keeps viewers invested.

Consequences: If Fitz were too perfect, he’d blend into the procedural crowd. His vulnerability makes Saint-Pierre unique.

Tips for Viewers: Reflecting on Stress and Coping

Fitz’s journey offers lessons for handling stress. First, acknowledge triggers—Fitz’s sleepwalking spikes after tough cases, like most people’s anxiety after a bad day. Second, build a support system. Fitz leans on Arch, even reluctantly, showing connection matters. Third, don’t ignore small signs. Sleepwalking is Fitz’s body screaming for help; your signs might be irritability or fatigue. Finally, seek balance. Fitz’s gut-driven policing works, but Arch’s analytical style grounds him—find your balance.

Why it matters: A 2025 CDC report says 1 in 4 adults neglect mental health due to stigma. Fitz’s story encourages self-reflection.

How to apply: Journaling, like Fitz’s habit of scribbling case notes, can clarify thoughts. Talking to a friend, as Fitz does with Arch, helps too.

Mistakes to avoid: Don’t bottle up stress like Fitz did pre-exile. It festers.

Consequences: Ignoring stress can lead to burnout or worse, like Fitz’s public sleepwalking episodes. Small steps prevent big falls.

FAQs

Why does Fitz’s sleepwalking feel so relatable?
Fitz’s sleepwalking in Saint-Pierre mirrors real-life stress responses, like tossing and turning after a rough day. It’s tied to his trauma—losing his family and career—making him feel like someone you know. Unlike Psych’s Shawn, whose quirks are played for laughs, Fitz’s sleepwalking is raw, showing how stress lingers. Fans on X call it “painfully real,” resonating with anyone who’s felt overwhelmed.

How does Saint-Pierre handle mental health differently?
Unlike Perception, where mental health is a plot device, Saint-Pierre weaves Fitz’s struggles into his daily life. His sleepwalking isn’t “solved” but shown as part of his coping process. This grounded approach, praised in a 2025 CBC Arts article, avoids sensationalizing trauma, making it relatable for viewers dealing with stress.

Do other TV cops have similar flaws?
Yes, but Fitz’s are messier. Line of Duty’s Ted Hastings hides corruption, while The Killing’s Sarah Lund is distant but brilliant. Fitz’s sleepwalking, tied to his exile and past, feels more human, as noted in a 2025 Globe and Mail review. It’s not a superpower—it’s a struggle.

Can sleepwalking really reflect trauma?
Absolutely. The National Sleep Foundation says sleepwalking often stems from stress or PTSD, common in high-pressure jobs like Fitz’s undercover work. Saint-Pierre uses this to show his unresolved pain, making him relatable to viewers facing their own pressures.

Conclusion

Fitz’s sleepwalking in Saint-Pierre isn’t just a quirky trait—it’s a raw, honest look at a cop battling his past. From his exile after exposing corruption to his uneasy partnership with Arch, Fitz’s struggles with trauma and stress make him TV’s most relatable cop. His story, set against the unique backdrop of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, reflects real-world mental health challenges, resonating with fans on X and beyond. By showing his flaws without glossing them over, the show offers a mirror for viewers to reflect on their own coping mechanisms. Want to dive deeper into Fitz’s world? Share your thoughts below or check out Saint-Pierre on CBC Gem.