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.
Children's Programming

CBC Gem original Detention Adventure Season 2 in production

From a media release:

Production is underway on the second season of CBC Gem original tween action-adventure series DETENTION ADVENTURE (10×11) from LoCo Motion Pictures and Broken Compass Films.  Filming in the Greater Toronto Area will continue until mid-February. Upon its initial launch in spring 2019, DETENTION ADVENTURE was CBC’s first-ever original kids scripted series for CBC Gem.  Season 2 is once again directed by showrunner Joe Kicak, and will be available to stream on-demand via CBC Gem later in 2020.

In Season 2, the DETENTION ADVENTURE crew – Raign (Simone Miller, Snapshots), Joy (Alina Prijono, Odd Squad), Hulk (Jack Fulton, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments), and Brett (Tomaso Sanelli, Titans) – must join forces once again. This time, their adventure has them searching the historically rich town of Brantford for the lost fortune of its wealthiest former resident, Ignatius Cockshutt.

After a summer of defeat, being unable to make heads or tails of their new treasure map to Cockshutt’s fortune, the gang finds new hope when they meet Kelly (Lilly Bartlam, Paw Patrol), an enthusiastic fellow student with a passion for their town’s history. Unfortunately, their hijinks land them in a new form of detention: helping the head of Brantford’s Historical Society Miss Dumont (Sarah McVie, Workin’ Moms) plan the town’s annual historical re-enactment.

The group must follow clues that lead them through their town’s historic sites, learning more about the mystery of Ignatius Cockshutt and drawing nearer to their prize. However, a shadowy figure follows their every move, circumventing their plans and trying to beat them to their goal. Who is their mysterious adversary, and who will find the treasure first?

A CBC Gem original series, DETENTION ADVENTURE is produced by LoCo Motion Pictures and Broken Compass Films.  Created by Joe Kicak and Carmen Albano, executive producers are Lauren Corber, Joe Kicak and Carmen Albano, with producer Ryan West. The series is directed by Joe Kicak. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Programming; Gave Lindo is Executive Director, OTT Programming; Marie McCann is Senior Director, Children’s Content; and Zach Feldberg, Mélanie Lê Phan and Paige Murray are Executives in Charge of Production.

DETENTION ADVENTURE Season 2 is made with the generous support of the Shaw Rocket Fund, the Canada Media Fund, the Bell Fund, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “The Trial of Terrence Meyers”

9 Comments

Sad, but true. Season 13 of Murdoch Mysteries is coming to a close. And with it, key appearances by beloved characters. Last week’s episode, “Rigid Silence,” brought back Chief Constable Giles. It was good to catch up with him as William and Julia solved a murder in Kingston, but I can’t help but worry about his safety as he closes out his sentence. A lot of bad can happen in three months.

As for this Monday, Toronto welcomes Terrence Meyers. I love Peter Keleghan, the actor who plays him, but Meyers has never been a favourite of mine. I think it’s because it’s hard to get a straight answer out of him and it frustrates me. Regardless, here’s what the CBC has revealed about “The Trial of Terrence Meyers,” written by Paul Aitken and directed by Gary Harvey:

When Terrence Meyers faces charges of treason, Murdoch and Ogden are named as accomplices.

And here are more details from me after I watched a screener.

Back at home
After decamping to the hotel because of those nasty plumbing troubles, William and Julia are back at home. We meet up with them moments before tucking into a home-cooked meal William is cautiously optimistic about.

Oodles of intrigue
Paul Aitken’s script sets the tone early, establishing how serious the government is in regards to its charges against Terrence Meyers … and William and Julia.

A true team effort
Terrence’s trial recalls many of his past exploits. That means flashbacks to scenes written by Adam Barken and the late Graham Clegg, and directors Jill Carter, Leslie Hope, Sudz Sutherland, John L’Ecuyer and Shawn Alex Thompson. Combining all of the flashbacks as part of the main storyline makes for a highly entertaining tale and a fond look back at some of Meyers’ more outrageous scenes.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Children's Programming

Marblemedia announces re-commission of All-Round Champion

From a media release:

marblemedia is delighted to announce that season two of All-Round Champion, its premium, unscripted kids and family series, has been greenlit and gone into production. This news comes ahead of the season one premieres of All-Round Champion on BYUtv in the US on 19th March and on TVO in Canada on 25th March. The series will also air on Canada’s Knowledge Network this summer.

Hosted by Canadian Olympian and World Champion hurdler, Perdita Felicien, All-Round Champion (11 x 60’) is an inspirational and feel-good challenge series that features ten of North America’s most celebrated young athletes competing in each other’s sports. Rising stars aged 12-15 from sports as diverse as swimming, golf, and gymnastics, test their abilities in a new discipline in every episode and score points based on skill, sportsmanship, and general improvement over the series. Each week, they’ll receive coaching from a major sporting star, such as American gymnast Alicia Sacramone Quin, who’ll help them overcome their fears and provide tips and help with technique. The non-elimination format sees all ten young sporting stars remain until the final episode when scores are added up and one athlete is declared the All-Round Champion.

In season two, also 11 x 60’, the focus has shifted to 10 winter sports, all different activities from season one. Featured celebrity guests include three-time X Games Champion Max Parrot (snowboarding), Olympic gold medal-winner Derek Parra (speed skating) and World Champion Sarah Hendrickson (ski jumping).

marblemedia acquired the format rights for a North American version of All-Round Champion from Beta Film. It was originally created by NRK in Norway, where, as Best I Mest, it was hugely successful, winning a Prix Jeunesse as well as an International Emmy Kids Award for Non-Scripted Entertainment.

All-Round Champion is a marblemedia production for BYUtv, TVOKids and Knowledge Network. Producers are Matt Hornburg, Mark Bishop and Steve Sloan from marblemedia; Michael Dunn, Andra Johnson Duke and Jim Bell from BYUtv, and Marney Malabar from TVO.

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Featured

Comments and queries for the week of February 7

1 Comment

I am so looking forward to [Spirit Talker]! Shawn brings so much love and peace to people. I am so proud to call him my friend and mentor. Thank you, Shawn, and congratulations! —Bobbi

Looking forward to this series Shawn. Wela’lin. —Mary

So proud to say Shawn Leonard is my mentor and friend. This will be an incredible journey and reach even more people that need healing and hope. Congrats. —Melinda

I am a student of Shawn Leonard and can say he is an exceptional medium, a compassionate, generous healer and a humble man of honour. In deep respect. Wela’lin. —Linda

I can’t wait to see your show Shawn. You are a gifted soul. I am blessed to know you!! HUGE HUGS. —Jean

“Rigid Silence” is one of the best episodes so far in Season 13. The jail gangs and the Bell Telephone strike were both powerful storylines. Margaret’s response to Nomi and Thomas was perfect. —Mary

An episode worthy of the Murdoch Mysteries episodes that did not disappoint in the earlier seasons. I always hoped that Chief Constable Giles would return. Nigel Bennett is excellent in the role, even if, in this episode he is a bit worn out from years in prison. I hope William and Julia will be able to help him. An episode I truly enjoy! —Noele

Got a question or comment about Canadian TV? Email greg.david@tv-eh.com or via Twitter @tv_eh.

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