All posts by Greg David

Prior to becoming a television critic and owner of TV, Eh?, Greg David was a critic for TV Guide Canada, the country's most trusted source for TV news. He has interviewed television actors, actresses and behind-the-scenes folks from hundreds of television series from Canada, the U.S. and internationally. He is a podcaster, public speaker, weekly radio guest and educator, and past member of the Television Critics Association.
Featured, Vikings

Kevin Durand goes from Vikings fan to major player

It would seem like a no-brainer to have Kevin Durand join the cast of Vikings. The Thunder Bay, Ont., native is tall, muscular and has piercing eyes, three prerequisites needed to participate in the Canada/Irish co-production’s pillaging of early England.

And yet Durand—who is currently in production on Season 2 of The Strain in Toronto—was a little nervous about hopping on board the show’s longships as it launches into Season 3 on History on Thursday.

“It was scary to commit to a show that you’re a big fan of,” Durand says with a laugh. “Vikings is way up there for my wife and I, but when I read the words he had written, it just set me afire and I wanted to step up and live up to it.”

The “he” is Michael Hirst, Vikings‘ creator, showrunner and lone writer, the man who has crafted Ragnar Lothbrok’s (Travis Fimmel) journey from lowly farmer to King. Season 3 picks up soon after the events of the last adventures, with Ragnar, Rollo (Clive Standen), Floki (Gustaf SkarsgÃ¥rd), Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), Athelstan (George Blagden) and Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) once again venturing across the Atlantic to meet with King Ecbert (Linus Roache) and claim the farmland he’d promised them. Of course, things never go exactly as planned, and Ragnar finds himself caught up in a family feud between Princess Kwenthrith (Amy Bailey) and her uncle and brother, who have teamed to steal her kingdom of Mercia.

Durand plays Harbard, a mysterious figure who shows up in Kattegat while Ragnar and most of the men are in England, and he has a almost spiritual effect on Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig), Helga (Maude Hirst) and Queen Auslaug (Alyssa Sutherland). Punching the name “Harbard” into Google brings up a couple of references, most notably the Norse gods of Odin and Loki.

“It’s so difficult to expand on what you’ve already found out,” Durand admits. “All I can really divulge is that he wanders into Kattegat and there is something influential and magical about him. Some are sucked in by him and others are skeptical. His actions will be felt for a time to come. Who he is will take some time to reveal.”

It didn’t take Durand long to fully immerse himself into the character of Harbard thanks to the show’s incredible sets, wardrobe and, especially, makeup. He recalls the beard created Harbard and thinking how weird it was as it was first being applied to his face. Two hours later and he didn’t recognize himself.

“I’m looking in the mirror at hair that goes down to my waist and a beard that just screams, ‘I am so virile! I will conquer!'”

Vikings airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on History.

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Uncategorized

Link: You want a top-notch broadcaster, Canada? Show CBC the money

From Kate Taylor of The Globe and Mail:

Five years ago, Canadians were paying $34 each for the CBC’s services; today the combination of budget cuts and a growing population have whittled that number to about $29, and yet Canadians keep asking why the CBC doesn’t do a better job. Standing around in the CBC el-cheapo noodle shop waving the $20 bill that will pay for dinner as though they some kind of big spenders, Canadians demand to know why Susur Lee isn’t working behind the counter cooking up gourmet fusion. Continue reading.

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Vikings

Link: Kevin Durand joins ‘Vikings’ season 3

From Victoria Ahearn of Canadian Press:

With his strapping six-foot-six frame, Canadian actor Kevin Durand felt at home joining the cast of History’s hit series “Vikings.”

“We had always wondered in my family why I was such a giant,” said Durand. “I’m supposed to be French-Canadian but you don’t see too many French-Canadians with my features.

“When I went to Iceland, I looked like I was finally with my people. It was the strangest, most amazing thing.” Continue reading.

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Vikings

Link: Want to fight like Lagertha on Vikings?

From Tony Wong of The Toronto Star:

Vikings fans, start signing up now: shield maiden Lagertha wants to teach you how to release your inner warrior.

Canadian star Katheryn Winnick, who has a black belt in karate, told the Star she intends to start a school teaching classes in self-defence.

“Women should learn how to defend themselves in any situation. It’s something every woman should know,” said Winnick. “This is something where I really want to give back.” Continue reading.

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X Company

Link: Going undercover with the cast of X Company

From Rebecca Tucker of The National Post:

The cast of X Company admits that, prior to shooting the series, they knew nothing about Camp X, the real-life, ultra-secret facility that operated from the shores of Lake Ontario during the Second World War upon which the new CBC show is based.

“I thought it was fictional until I read the script,”says Canadian actress Évelyne Brochu, who plays Jewish-German/French-Canadian strategist and undercover specialist Aurora Luft on the series. Continue reading.

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