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.

Ruby Skye jumps from online to TV

Ruby Skye P.I. is a detective series, but the show’s success is a Cinderella story. An independent project two seasons old, filmed on a shoestring budget and posted on the Internet garners wide acclaim. A third season is partially funded by the CBC, debuts online and then jumps to the network’s morning television schedule. That’s Ruby Skye‘s story, and it’s one borne out of frustration.

“I wasn’t able to tell the stories that I wanted to in the restricted, narrow focus that children’s television has at this moment,” creator Jill Golick says. “There wasn’t a mystery show on television. Nobody was looking at making show’s with girl leads. It was a way for me to tell the story that I wanted to tell.”

Ruby Skye P.I.‘s tale began in 2010 when the Independent Production Fund started offering funding for web series. Golick–after writing on such series as Sesame Street, Noddy, Shining Time Station and Instant Star–was dabbling in the digital realm and had pitched several ideas to the IPF; they backed seasons 1 and 2 of Ruby Skye. A chance conversation with CBC executives at a conference led to the public broadcaster acquiring the first two seasons–The Spam Scam and The Haunted Library–for their website and commissioning a third season, The Maltese Puppy, along with the IPF, Bell Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund and Canada Media Fund. Now Ruby’s Season 3 adventures are available on CBC television as of Oct. 4.

“CBC’s intention was always to make a web show and we didn’t start Ruby thinking, ‘Oh, this should be a TV series,'” Golick explains. “We started thinking when you’re talking to today’s youth you put it on the screen where they are.”

Golick and Julie Strassman (Full House, Sophie, Metropia) co-write Ruby Skye P.I., and this third instalment, The Maltese Puppy, is a fun one. Ruby (Madison Cheratow, Wingin’ It), the sassy, smart star of the series, takes over the dog-walking route run by her sister Hailey (Marlee Maslove, Hailey Hacks) when she comes upon a crime scene. A local charity has been robbed of precious toys and there are a number of suspects, including the charity’s founder, Colin Cumberbund (Seán Cullen). Plus, Ruby has somehow ended up with one extra dog at the end of her leashes–a Maltese–and she’s doesn’t know where the owner is. Each episode–clocking in around the five-minute mark–is packed with whip-smart dialogue, top-notch performances and a cliffhanger style that keeps you wanting more.

“When people find it on the Internet they blow through all the episodes all at once,” Golick says. “We have that pace that makes you want to keep consuming it like potato chips.”

Episodes of Ruby Skye P.I.: The Maltese Puppy can be seen during the Kids CBC! programming block starting Saturday, Oct. 4, or on the network’s web page.

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Jason Priestley to host Canada’s Walk of Fame

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From a media release:

Shaw Media and Canada’s Walk of Fame are proud to welcome Jason Priestley as Host of the 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show, as announced exclusively by ET Canada. The beloved Actor and Director will emcee the star-studded, two-hour event airing on Friday, December 19 at 8 pm ET/PT on Global. Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show celebrates top-notch Canadians who have made a substantial contribution to Canadian culture, treats viewers to show-stopping performances, and showcases the incredible talent this country has to offer. Presenters and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Jason is an exceptional talent and a very proud Canadian. We couldn’t be more excited to have him at the helm of this year’s Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show,” said Barbara Williams, Executive VP, Broadcasting and President, Shaw Media. “His charisma and charm are the perfect complement to a broadcast that’s all about celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding Canadians.”

Actor, Director, Producer and Author, Priestley has enjoyed a robust and diverse career in entertainment. Best known for playing the charming Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210, Priestley is a seasoned actor and has received multiple awards including a Canadian Screen Award for “Best Comedy Actor” in 2014 for his role on Call Me Fitz. His talent on screen translated to a passion behind the camera, spending a significant portion of his career directing numerous episodes of successful programs such as Rookie Blue, Saving Hope and Haven. He recently completed filming Zoom starring alongside Gael Garcia Bernal in Toronto. Priestley is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia.

“I’m honoured to be hosting this year’s Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show and excited to pay tribute to these exceptional inductees,” said Priestley. “We have a lot to celebrate in this country, and a great show in store for Canadians – with a few tricks up our sleeves.”

The following remarkable individuals will join Canada’s Walk of Fame’s long list of celebrated Canadians, bringing the total number of inductees to 157: Louise Arbour, Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and International Lawyer; The Band, Musicians; Jeff Healey, Musician; Rachel McAdams, Actor; Ryan Reynolds, Actor and Hayley Wickenheiser, Athlete.

In addition, the show honours The Weeknd, the recipient of the Allan Slaight Award. The 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show is held at Toronto’s Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, October 18th.

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Degrassi returns with all-new episodes on MTV

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From a media release:

Mega DEGRASSI fans unite! With the countdown to graduation in full swing, Season 14 of the hit series DEGRASSI returns to its familiar Tuesday timeslot with a brand-new, 28-episode order, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. ET on MTV. Fresh off DEGRASSI’s 2014 Primetime Emmy® nomination for “Outstanding Children’s Program”, its third nomination in the category over the last four years, Season 14 picks up immediately following the end of spring break, after Tristan (Lyle O’Donohoe) and Miles’ (Eric Osborne) surprising lip-lock and the shocking revelation of Clare’s (Aislinn Paul) pregnancy. Never shying away from tackling heavy-hitting topics, DEGRASSI once again addresses authentic and relevant issues affecting teenagers today. For a sneak peek at Season 14, click here.

Thirteen years after the debut of the latest incarnation, the hit franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Season 13D of DEGRASSI, airing on both MTV and Much, averaged 100,000 P12-34 viewers, achieving its most impressive audience in three seasons, with audiences growing by 52% over Season 13C.

In the Season 14 premiere of DEGRASSI, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. ET), Clare has a serious dilemma that will affect her entire future and confides in Alli. Zoë sees red when Becky tells her she’s too much of a distraction for the power cheer team. It’s time for Zoë to bring Becky down, literally. Miles and Tristan are getting close, but with his campaign in full swing, Mr. Hollingsworth is worried his son’s behaviour could damage his political prospects. An upset Miles decides to take annoying his father to a whole new level.

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Ice Pilots NWT takes final flight

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From a media release:

The McBryan family and their crew at Buffalo Airways have welcomed viewers into their lives for five high-flying seasons of Ice Pilots NWT on HISTORY, and when season six premieres this fall it marks the final flight for this fan-favourite series. The award-winning show follows the crew at Buffalo Airways as they take vintage planes on near impossible missions, transporting people, food, fuel and vital supplies in a fleet of museum-piece aircraft to some of the most remote places on earth. In the upcoming season, the airline faces the toughest ice storm it has ever experienced as the McBryans fight to keep Buffalo flying in the 21st century. Ice Pilots NWT season six premieres Wednesday, October 29 at 10pm ET/PT on HISTORY.

“Ice Pilots NWT has been a wonderful Canadian success story.The combination of big personalities, extreme conditions and vintage planes has made for five entertaining seasons, and this sixth and final season is no exception,” said Christine Shipton, Senior Vice President, Content, Shaw Media. “We’ve had terrific partners in Omnifilm Entertainment, Buffalo Airways and, specifically, Joe and Mikey McBryan. We’d like to thank them, and everyone else involved in making this show a success, including the tremendous fans who have followed the series from the beginning.”

“I would like to thank the fans for tuning in each week and supporting us from day one! The last six years working with the film crews and my friends and family at Buffalo Airways have been the best time of my life. We have gotten to do some amazing things and share them with the world. As a Northerner, I’m happy to have shown people everywhere our crazy way of life. I would do it all over again in a split second. Fly safe,” said Mikey McBryan, General Manager, Buffalo Airways.

“Making Ice Pilots NWT has been a rewarding experience for our company, and we thank HISTORY for the opportunity to bring this series to Canadian and international audiences,” said Gabriela Schonbach, Omnifilm Entertainment partner and Executive Producer. “The series’ success is a testament not only to the indelible planes, people and places of the North, but also to our team of outstanding shooters, directors, writers, editors and in particular, to David Gullason, series creator and producer.”

Season six takes viewers through the harshest ice storm Buffalo has ever faced. As the coldest winter in decades grips the Northwest Territories, every rampie and rookie pilot in the company face huge challenges. Plus, there are two 70th anniversary celebrations – Joe’s birthday and a D‐Day tribute parachute jump with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. In the season opener, Buffalo rolls out the vintage C‐46, TXW, to fly freight up the Mackenzie Valley, but when one of the engines catches fire, Buffalo scrambles to find a backup plane in time for Christmas deliveries. Back in Yellowknife, Buffalo’s newest rampie is a determined young pilot from India who has set his sights on flying Joe’s prize planes. But first he has to adjust to life in the ice cold North and purchasing proper winter gear is the first thing on his list.

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Review: Heartache on Heartland

Raise your hand if you knew that kiss between Prince Ahmed and Amy was going to have an impact on her relationship with Ty? Yeah, I did too, but I have to admit I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. That’s going to put a damper on the hero worship Georgie has got going for Amy right now.

Season 8 of Heartland–CBC’s Sunday night stalwart–opened magically with Amy resplendent in a tight-fitting dress and a sexy updo as she attended a goodbye party held by Ahmed for his European Equestrian squad. His gift of a sparky, diamond-encrusted necklace served as a precursor to the smooch that would have Georgie freaking by episode’s end.

Heartland has always been a show that’s flown under my radar, garnering the ratings to be renewed via loyal fans yet a program I’ve only seen in passing. I’m looking forward to watching on a weekly basis for TV, Eh? simply because it’s a change of pace front my usual series choices and boasts a stellar cast. At the top of the list is Amber Marshall; she and co-star Graham Wardle have literally grown up playing Amy and Ty, and by now they’ve embraced the characters they portray. Amy’s arrival back at Heartland after months away was met with a chest-crushing hug by Ty that quickly turned sour when they learned the land they’d planned to buy had been sold out from under them.

Compounding the stress of losing the land was Georgie being under Amy’s feet. She had taken on all of Amy’s chores while she was away and the ranch hummed along, leaving Amy to wonder exactly what her place was at Heartland. That, coupled with jet lag, Ty buying a new truck and the knowledge that Jack had secretly married Lisa (that sure got Lou hot under the collar) reduced Amy to tears of frustration. The one place she relied on to be a firm foundation in her life had been upended.

By the end of Heather Conkie’s script for “There and Back Again,” Ty and Amy had made up, but the kiss Georgie witnessed online is going to get back to Ty at some point. That, along with the fact Ahmed gave Amy that necklace, is going to test their strength as a couple and challenge their trust.

Other thoughts

  • Why was Jack so reluctant to tell the family that he and Lisa were married? Was he ashamed?
  • Does anyone else think it was kind of jerky for Tim to make that horse deal knowing it would screw up Ty and Caleb’s plans?

Heartland airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on CBC.

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