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.

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries offers up pitch-perfect musical episode

“After 20 years, 17 seasons and 290 episodes, Murdoch Mysteries has finally done it… A musical episode!”

So said the email sent by CBC earlier this week, trumpeting the show’s musical interlude coming up on March 25. Murdoch Mysteries is certainly not the first TV series to do it; the popularity of the musical episode is largely attributed to Buffy the Vampire Slayer instalment, “Once More, With Feeling,” on November 6, 2001. Since then, many shows have done them, with mixed results. Grey’s Anatomy, Supernatural, Fringe, Ally McBeal, The Flash, Scrubs and fellow CBC hit Schitt’s Creek have all dipped into the trope.

Now it’s Murdoch Mysteries‘ turn with “Why Is Everybody Singing?” Written by Paul Aitken and directed by Laurie Lynd, here is the synopsis for the March 25 episode:

While pursuing a missing man now presumed dead, Murdoch takes a call that alters his perception of the world. After heading into a lively alley, he’s shot in the head and left for dead. Crabtree and Higgins find him with the faintest pulse clinging to life. As Brackenreid, Ogden, Watts and Hart rush to the scene and the constables question a newsboy, beggar, vendors and other witnesses, Murdoch hears their inquiries in song. The musical accounts swoop and soar, confounding the detective who can’t understand why everyone around him is singing instead of focusing on who shot him.

According to writer and executive producer Aitken, the seed for a musical mystery was planted by Buffy and has been gestating ever since.

“The challenge was to do it as a genuine mystery,” Aitken says in media materials provided by CBC. “The essential concept: A comatose Murdoch needs to determine who tried to kill him was strong and allowed for all manner of philosophical hijinks, but it was insufficient. The music itself needed to be a clue. Having the singing be his injured brain’s way of processing what was actually being said over his bed solved two problems. It made the music an integral feature of the plot and allowed for the introduction of new information—always handy when telling a mystery.”

The fun begins right out of the gate, with the Murdoch Mysteries theme with a phalanx of voices performing Robert Carli’s unmistakable composition set against a movie screen in a vintage theatre. Then it’s on the case that puts Murdoch into the dire straits he finds himself in: that of a missing man. I should say that eagle-eyed viewers will catch a familiar name in the opening credits that ruins a surprise later in the story, but that’s a minor quibble.

It doesn’t take long for the singing to start—prefaced by a vibrant soundtrack—and director Lynd’s wonderful work lights up the streets of Toronto.

“The script that Paul Aitken wrote is so clever because it is still at heart a classic Murdoch episode, a puzzling case to be solved that is not at all what it first appears to be,” Lynd says. “The great joy of the episode, of course, is seeing—and hearing!—our favourite Murdoch characters sing. All of the cast did their own singing, beautifully elevating the emotions of what their characters were expressing.

It certainly is fun to hear the main cast belting out lyrics by Aitken (Higgins’ and Margaret’s in particular, are hilarious) and produced and arranged by Jono Grant. Highlighted by guest cast in Sharron Matthews (Frankie Drake Mysteries), Hélène Joy, Arwen Humphreys and Thomas Craig, the performances make sense and add a unique way of storytelling.

But, at its heart is the mystery, which is always going to be the core of the veteran drama that shows no signs of slowing down.

“Preserving the integrity of the show has always been super important to me, so when there was talk of doing a musical episode, it was no secret that I had reservations,” Bisson says. “Having Paul Aitken, our writer, as an ally for so many years and having been in the musical trenches before with Laurie as a director, I felt confident to proceed. All my worrying was for nothing though—the end result is nothing short of spectacular!”

We agree.

Murdoch Mysteries airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Season 2 of the CTV Life Channel original series Evolving Vegan premieres April 16

From a media release:

The plant-based adventures continue as the CTV Life Channel original series, EVOLVING VEGAN, returns for its second season beginning April 16 with new episodes airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on CTV Life, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and also streaming on Crave. Recently nominated for Best Host, Lifestyle for Season 1 of EVOLVING VEGAN at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, Mena Massoud (Aladdin) takes viewers to new dynamic destinations, exploring diverse approaches to vegan cuisine in each locale, illustrating how talented chefs and restaurateurs are making plant-based food delicious and accessible.

Over the course of six, all-new hour-long episodes, Massoud explores the vibrant plant-based food scenes of Philadelphia, Montréal, Miami, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Tokyo. Along the way, Massoud experiences local vegan cuisine with guests and experts, including famed magician and actor Penn Jillette; comedian Maz Jobrani; educator and food historian Zella Palmer; and New York Times best selling cookbook authors Carleigh Bodrug and Radhi Devlukia.

In the premiere episode of EVOLVING VEGAN Season 2 (airing Tuesday, April 16 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV Life, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), Massoud heads to Philadelphia, a city rich in history and hearty food surprises with elevated live-fire cooking, fresh Capalachi Pasta, and an unexpected turn on the classic Philly “Cheesesteak”. Mena also learns to make delectable donuts with funnyman Maz Jobrani, and crushes an absolutely monstrous “meatball” sub.

EVOLVING VEGAN is produced by Bell Media Studios. For Bell Media Studio, Jennifer Couke and Michelle Crespi are Executive Producers. Eva Filomena is Series Producer. Mena Massoud and Ali Mashayekhi are Executive Producers for Press Play Productions.

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Season 2 of CTV original drama Sullivan’s Crossing premieres April 14

From a media release:

CTV announced today that Season 2 of hit original drama SULLIVAN’S CROSSING premieres Sunday, April 14 at a special time of 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app. The series then moves into its regular Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT timeslot beginning April 21. From the team behind VIRGIN RIVER, and adapted by executive producer and showrunner Roma Roth from the New York Times bestselling novels by beloved author and Virgin River scribe Robyn Carr, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING stars Morgan Kohan (WHEN HOPE CALLS), alongside Chad Michael Murray (ONE TREE HILL), and Scott Patterson (GILMORE GIRLS). Filmed in Nova Scotia, Season 2 consists of 10, one-hour episodes.

Following the gripping conclusion of the first season, Season 2 of SULLIVAN’S CROSSING opens just hours after Dr. Maggie Sullivan (Kohan) has learned about her father’s stroke, and her life is once again thrown into turmoil. Choosing to delay her return to Boston to care for her father Sully (Patterson), Maggie finds herself back in Sullivan’s Crossing, where she must once again face her conflicted feelings about her father and address her growing attraction to Cal (Murray), as she struggles to come to terms with the realities of her pregnancy and the impact it may have on her career.

Returning for Season 2 alongside Morgan Kohan as Dr. Maggie Sullivan, Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones, and Scott Patterson as Harry “Sully” Sullivan, are actor, singer and companion of the Order of Canada, Tom Jackson (CARDINAL) as Frank Cranebear; actor, singer, and songwriter, Andrea Menard (VELVET DEVIL) as Edna Cranebear; Amalia Williamson (BRIA MACK GETS A LIFE) as Lola Gunderson; Lindura (GHOSTS) as Sydney Shandon; Dakota Taylor (ZERO CHILL) as Rafe; Lauren Hammersley (VIRGIN RIVER) as Connie Boyle; Lynda Boyd (VIRGIN RIVER) as Phoebe Lancaster; Reid Price (THE SINNER) as Rob Shandon; Peter Outerbridge (DESIGNATED SURVIVOR) as Walter Lancaster; and Allan Hawco (JACK RYAN) as Andrew Mathews.

Joining the ensemble cast this season are Michelle Nolden (HEARTLAND) as salon owner Alysa Mackenzie, and Cindy Sampson (PRIVATE EYES) as Jane, a divorced mom with eyes for Rob. Peter MacNeil (MOONSHINE), Joel Thomas Hynes (LITTLE DOG), and Jayne Eastwood (WORKIN’ MOMS) also guest star in episodes this season, as well as Meghan Ory (CHESAPEAKE SHORES) in the role of Cal’s sister, Sedona.

On the Season 2 premiere of SULLIVAN’S CROSSING, “Guilt Trip” (Sunday, April 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), a guilt ridden Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) returns to the Crossing to find Sully (Scott Patterson) in hospital struggling with the feeling that he’s forgotten something. Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray) is confused when Maggie gives him the cold shoulder, unaware that Lola (Amalia Williamson) pocketed his goodbye letter. Sully connects with a new patient who is sharing his hospital room; Edna (Andrea Menard) and Frank (Tom Jackson) find themselves at odds for the first time in years; and Sydney (Lindura) and Rafe (Dakota Taylor) struggle to keep things platonic while living as roommates.

Adapted by Showrunner Roma Roth from author Robyn Carr’s bestselling book series of the same name, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is executive produced by Reel World Management’s Roma Roth and Christopher E. Perry in association with CTV and Fremantle. Author Robyn Carr is also an executive producer. Directors for Season 2 are Cal Coons (REMEDY), Chris Grismer (QUANTUM LEAP), April Mullen (THE SPENCER SISTERS), Melanie Orr (CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING), and Shamim Sharif (SORT OF).

The series is an interprovincial co-production with Nova Scotia based producer Ann Bernier and Ontario based producer Mark Gingras with the participation of Reel World Management, Canadian Media Fund, Bell Media, Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit, Bell Fund, and Screen Nova Scotia Content Creator Fund. SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is distributed internationally by Fremantle.

Showrunner Roma Roth executive produces alongside Christopher. E. Perry with Ann Bernier and Mark Gingras producing.

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2024 WGC Screenwriting Awards finalists announced

From a media release:

The WGC Screenwriting Awards are now in their 28th year of celebrating the very best Canadian screenwriters—the all-important talent behind the most engaging and powerful Canadian-made series, films, and shorts.

In contention for the 2024 awards are scripts from Children Ruin Everything (Kurt Smeaton, Jessica Meya, Kathleen Phillips, Anita Kapila), Pinecone and Pony (Tally Yong Knoll, Lienne Sawatsky, Corey Liu), Murdoch Mysteries (Simon McNabb), Bones of Crows (Marie Clements), Builder Brothers’ Dream Factory (Desmond Sargeant, Sonya Ballantyne), Little Bird (Zoe Hopkins), Suze (Linsey Stewart & Dane Clark), and many others.

Please see the complete list of categories and finalists below.

The 2024 WGC Screenwriting Awards will recognize Canadian screenwriters and their scripts at a ceremony on Monday, May 13 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. The ceremony will be hosted by Jessica Holmes.

In addition to the eight categories featured, one WGC member will be awarded the prestigious Showrunner Award, a special prize previously won by Susin Neilsen (Family Law, Robson Arms), Anthony Q. Farrell (Shelved, Run the Burbs), Morwyn Brebner (Coroner, Saving Hope) and others. Other special prizes will be awarded, including the Alex Barris Mentorship Award, and the Sondra Kelly Award which is generously supported by AFBS.

CHILDREN’S
Interstellar Ella, “Big Little Problems” | Written by Emer Connon

Interstellar Ella, “A Star is Born” | Written by Anne-Marie Perrotta Jane, “Ursus maritimus” | Written by J.J. Johnson

Pinecone and Pony, “Once in a Violetmoon” | Written by Tally Yong Knoll

Pinecone and Pony, “Hero Soup” | Written by Lienne Sawatsky

Pinecone and Pony, “Pinecone and Horse” | Written by Corey Liu

COMEDY SERIES
The Lake, “Death on Denial” | Written by Julian Doucet & Lori-Ann Russell

Children Ruin Everything, “Arguments” | Written by Kurt Smeaton

Children Ruin Everything, “Therapy” | Written by Kurt Smeaton & Jessica Meya

Children Ruin Everything, “Clothes” | Written by Kathleen Phillips

Children Ruin Everything, “Babysitters” | Written by Anita Kapila

Shelved, “Jane Eyre FICTION BRO” | Written by Anthony Q. Farrell

Workin’ Moms, “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” | Written by Enuka Okuma

DRAMA SERIES
Family Law, “Under the Influence” | Written by Sarah Dodd

Transplant, “Crete” | Written by Joseph Kay & Rachel Langer

Pretty Hard Cases, “Always a Bridesmaid” | Written by Tassie Cameron & Sherry White

Moonshine, “Get My Baby Back” | Written by Sheri Elwood & Alexander Nunez

Murdoch Mysteries, “The Porcelain Maiden” | Written by Simon McNabb

Little Bird, “Bineshi Kwe” | Written by Zoe Hopkins

FEATURE FILM
Butterfly Tale | Story by Heidi Foss and Michael Solomon/Screenplay by Heidi Foss and Lienne Sawatsky

Irena’s Vow | Written by Dan Gordon

Suze | Written by Linsey Stewart & Dane Clark

The Burning Season | Written by Jonas Chernick and Diana Frances

MOW & MINISERIES
Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story | Written by Gregory Small & Richard Blaney

The Amityville Curse | Written by Dennis Heaton

Bones of Crows, “To Be Here” | Written by Marie Clements

PRESCHOOL
Builder Brothers’ Dream Factory, “Groom-Ba” | Written by Desmond Sargeant

Builder Brothers’ Dream Factory, “Orange Shirt Day” | Written by Sonya Ballantyne

Mittens and Pants, “Bunny Family Wedding” | Written by Katherine Sandford

Dino Ranch, “Luna Sees The Light” | Written by Naomi Jardine

Superbuns, “The Sweet Sound of Christmas” | Written by Suzanne Bolch & John May

SHORTS (includes web series, drama and comedy series episodes under 15 minutes)
I Will Bury You, “Depression” | Written by Ravi Steve Khajuria

Armadillo Avalanche, “Clem” | Written by Celeste Koon

Armadillo Avalanche, “Raven” | Written by Alix Markman

TWEENS & TEENS
Popularity Papers, “Pain in the Bat Mitzvah” | Written by Jeff Detsky

Popularity Papers, “Ghost Mortem” | Written by Evan Thaler Hickey

The Hardy Boys, “The Crash” | Written by Ramona Barckert

The Hardy Boys, “At the Old House” | Written by Chris Pozzebon

ABOUT THE WGC
The Writers Guild of Canada represents 2,500 professional English-language screenwriters across Canada, the creators of Canadian entertainment enjoyed on all screens. wgc.ca

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When Calls The Heart Season 11 premieres on Super Channel Heart and Home

From a media release:

Super Channel announced today that Heart and Home continues to be Canada’s one-stop destination for all seasons of the beloved hit series When Calls the Heart, featuring 111 binge-worthy episodes just in time for the Season 11 premiere on Sunday, April 7 at 9 p.m. ET. New episodes will be available on Super Channel On Demand the following day.

From now through to the premiere, Super Channel Heart and Home delivers viewers plenty of opportunities to catch up on the trials and tribulations in Hope Valley. Beginning Saturday, March 9, When Calls the Heart season marathons will be available each day of each weekend leading up to the Season 11 premiere. See full schedule below. Plus, Season 1 is now available for Free on superchannel.ca, Amazon Prime Video Channels and Free On Demand platforms with select TV providers!

The highly anticipated Season 11, airing simultaneously with Hallmark Channel in the U.S., features 12 new episodes of the British Columbia-filmed series, exploring renewal, redemption, and, of course, romance as Hope Valley enters the 1920s. It will also answer many burning questions sparked by last season’s shocking finale. 

Schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) embarks on a fresh start, with new romance, new challenges, and new style. She and Mountie Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry) navigate their growing romantic feelings while leaning on each other for support as they face new parenting obstacles. Newly elected Governor Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally) must confront his past to embrace his strengths and lead Hope Valley into the future. Retired Mountie Bill Avery (Jack Wagner) and newspaper reporter Rosemary Coulter (Pascale Hutton) team up to unravel a mystery, putting their entire community at risk.

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