To answer the question of whether Declan Gardiner from the TV show “Bad Blood” is a real person, we need to delve into the background of the character and the real-life events that inspired the show. While Declan Gardiner is a fictional character created for the series, it is widely believed that he draws inspiration from a real individual named Raynald Desjardins, who had ties to the Rizzuto crime family.
Raynald Desjardins was a prominent figure in the Montreal underworld and was involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion. He was considered a trusted associate of Vito Rizzuto, the head of the Rizzuto crime family. Desjardins played a significant role in the power struggles and conflicts within the organization.
In real life, Desjardins was involved in a high-profile incident that closely resembles the storyline involving Declan Gardiner in “Bad Blood.” In 2011, Desjardins orchestrated an attempt on the life of Salvatore Montagna, a rival mobster who was vying for control of the Montreal Mafia. This resulted in Montagna’s death and Desjardins being charged with murder.
The creators of “Bad Blood” likely drew inspiration from Desjardins’ story when developing the character of Declan Gardiner. While the show takes creative liberties and fictionalizes certain aspects of the events, the character’s role as Vito’s right-hand man and his involvement in the power struggles within the organization are reminiscent of Desjardins’ real-life activities.
It is worth noting that the show does not explicitly state that Declan Gardiner is based on Raynald Desjardins, and the creators may have taken inspiration from multiple sources to develop the character. However, the similarities between the two are hard to ignore.
While Declan Gardiner is a fictional character in “Bad Blood,” his role and storyline are likely influenced by real events and individuals, such as Raynald Desjardins. This blending of fiction and reality adds an intriguing layer to the show and allows viewers to explore the complex world of organized crime.