Amidst the gritty backdrop of Provincetown, Massachusetts, lies the stirring narrative of “Hightown”, a daring crime drama that delves into the distressing opioid epidemic consuming the quaint coastal town. The series pivots around the tumultuous life of Jackie Quiñones, played compellingly by Monica Raymund. As a National Marine Fisheries Service agent, Jackie grapples with the demons of drug and alcohol addiction while placing herself at the frontline of a perilous investigation.
Creator Rebecca Cutter recounts the genesis of Jackie’s character as both visceral and serendipitous. “I just knew that that character could be the centre of a show. I wanted to develop her from there and then, thank God, Monica came in and made her real. It’s been a blessed journey from the beginning,” Cutter shared over a video call from Los Angeles, USA.
Monica Raymund’s portrayal of Jackie is brought to life with meticulous attention to depth and complexity, thanks in part to Rebecca’s guidance. Monica recalls Rebecca painting Jackie’s world with such intricacy that it allowed her to step into the role with conviction. “I also don’t know anything about Provincetown, so Rebecca was my leader there, teaching me about the area and living there,” Monica admits with a laugh.
The convergence of Monica’s own essence with that of Jackie’s was a key aspect of inhabiting the character. “When actors play characters, we always bring a part of ourselves to the role,” says Monica, who feels a kinship with Jackie’s journey of purpose and identity discovery. The parallels don’t end there, as Monica, just like her on-screen persona, constantly navigates the elusive search for her true self amidst life’s ebbs and flows.
The assembly of Jackie’s telltale look was a concerted effort that included insights from Rebecca, the pilot director Rachel Morrison, and various producers. Both Monica and Rebecca describe the process of crafting an aesthetic for Jackie that matched her personality: a bit rock and roll, ruggedly hip, but undeniably authentic.
As the show gears up for its third and final season, Rebecca promises a thrilling ride where “all the characters reach their final forms.” The narrative is designed to grip the audience with a sequence of unexpected twists and turns, leading to a satisfying conclusion where each character’s fate feels both surprising and fated.
Closing the chapter on “Hightown” stirs a mix of pride and melancholy for both Monica and Rebecca. They reflect on the experience as a familial and enlightening journey. Monica passionately remarks, “I’m going to remember it forever. That being said, this is the best and most exciting third season of television.”
Questions about potential offshoots or continuations linger, and while Rebecca laughs off the suggestion saying “That’s above our pay grade,” it’s clear the duo relishes the thought of creating more stories within this world they’ve grown to love.
As viewers anticipate the ultimate season, “Hightown” secures its legacy as a powerful exploration of human frailty and resilience, with all three seasons available for streaming on Lionsgate Play. The show promises to leave a lasting imprint on fans and creators alike, having painted a raw and unflinching portrait of life in the face of adversity.
