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, Frankie Drake Mysteries

Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries visits a league of their own

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Batter up! With the World Series ending in the real world, the ladies of Frankie Drake Mysteries head to the diamond as well.

Monday’s new episode, “Extra Innings,” is of particular interest to me because I was invited to be part of the 1920s audience at the baseball game. Sadly, I wasn’t able to be a part of filming because of my day job schedule. Still, I was looking forward to seeing what the episode looked like … and what might have been.

Here’s what the CBC has released as the official synopsis:

Frankie (Lauren Lee Smith) suspects sabotage when a baseball player dies mid-game. Her investigation puts her at odds with ruthless mobster Bessie Starkman (Natalie Brown, The Strain).

And here’s a little more I can tell you after watching a screener of the instalment written by John Callaghan and directed by Sudz Sutherland.

Natalie Brown plays in the Frankie Drake sandbox
I still miss her on Dark Matter—hell, I still miss Dark Matter—but Natalie Brown is fantastic as mobster Bessie Starkman. The role is particularly great because Bessie goes head-to-head with Frankie, meaning plenty of screen time for Brown and Lauren Lee Smith to share and their characters trade verbal barbs and idle threats. Oh, and it turns out Bessie Starkman really existed.

Amanda Richer guest stars
I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Richer when she portrayed Helen Keller on Murdoch Mysteries last year. She’s just an all-around great human being, so I was excited to see her name in the credits for “Extra Innings.” She plays Viola Kelly, a rival baseball team player who is accused of the crime. Additional guests include Amanda Barker as baseball catcher Eileen “Redwood” Richardson and Vincent Walsh as Coach Dutch Cunningham.

Mary knows her stats
It’s been a lot of fun getting to know Mary’s quirks. Turns out she loves baseball. Flo? Not so much.

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured

Comments and queries for the week of October 26

No joke, [Canada’s Worst Driver] makes me a better driver, and Andrew Younghusband is a national treasure and one day will get the Order of Canada. —Aubrey

I agree, Andrew is a national treasure! By the way, Season 14 of Canada’s Worst Driver returns this Sunday, Oct. 29, on Discovery.

A laugh out loud episode [of Murdoch Mysteries] … a gem. —Shirlz

I know [The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco] has a bit of revisionist history to it, but it’s been a really fun ride. I hope we get a Season 2. —John

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

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Killjoys, Lost Girl

Link: Creator Michelle Lovretta of Killjoys and Lost Girl on keeping the story alive

From Ilana Rapp of NY Castings:

Link: Creator Michelle Lovretta of Killjoys and Lost Girl on keeping the story alive
“You need a concept strong enough to attract an initial audience the crucial first year, that is producible within a reasonable budget, and that has a built in story engine ensuring that you can tell this story for years to come. Lots of TV ideas make for great pilots but unsuccessful series, simply because they run out of story.” Continue reading. 

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries gets spooky with “Sir. Sir? Sir!!!”

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I’ve been excited about the Murdoch Mysteries Halloween episode ever since showrunner Peter Mitchell teased it during our chat earlier this year. There won’t be a Christmas-themed TV movie in Season 12, but he did say this Monday’s instalment is a worthy replacement.

“There is going to be an out-of-the-box Halloween episode,” Mitchell said late last month. “It’s certainly a standalone episode. And it is probably unlike any Murdoch you’ve seen.” So, is he right? Here’s what the CBC has revealed regarding “Sir. Sir? Sir!!”

Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) investigates an astronomical phenomenon with a strange impact on his colleagues’ behaviour and dire implications for Toronto.

And here’s what I can tell you after watching a screener of the episode, written by Mitchell and directed by Craig David Wallace. Don’t forget: because this is a standalone episode, there won’t be any Season 12 storylines involved.

It all starts right away
I love it when an episode of my favourite show shakes things up and really lets you know you’re in for something special. That happens right out of the gate with Murdoch. And look closely at the men Higgins speaks to in the alleyway. I swear the one who doesn’t say a word looks eerily familiar. As for Higgins, well, the astronomical phenomenon affects him in a unique way. Lachlan Murdoch is at his outrageous best.

What is the inspiration for “Sir. Sir? Sir!!”
A long-running animated program that features special instalments at this time of year seems to be the main culprit, but there are plenty of nods to iconic horror and science fiction films in the mix.

All hands on deck!
This special episode features all of our main and recurring characters involved in the story. A sweet treat for sure. Additionally, look for veteran comedian Darren Frost in a memorable guest role.

For once, George was right about something
However, this landmark event isn’t welcome news.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Industry News

Corus Entertainment announces retirement of EVP and Chief Operating officer, Barb Williams

From a media release:

Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) (“Corus Entertainment” or the “Company”) today announced that Barb Williams, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will be retiring from Corus Entertainment effective October 31, 2018, following the launch of another set of powerful fall schedules across Global and the Company’s many specialty television channels.

Since joining Corus Entertainment as part of the Company’s acquisition of Shaw Media on April 1, 2016, Ms. Williams has played a key role in the successful integration of the two companies and creating a compelling vision for the future. During her time with Corus Entertainment, Ms. Williams has also led and developed a strong and highly experienced leadership team, all of whom are now well positioned to lead the business into the future. As a result, Corus Entertainment will not be replacing the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Ms. Williams, a widely recognized and long-time leader in Canada’s broadcast industry, will be celebrated on November 8, 2018, with a Hall of Fame award for lifetime achievement from the Ontario Association of Broadcasters.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that creates and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. The company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompasses 44 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, a global content business, digital assets, live events, children’s book publishing, animation software, technology and media services. Corus’ roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Canada, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY®, Showcase, National Geographic, Q107, CKNW, Fresh Radio, Disney Channel Canada, YTV and Nickelodeon Canada.

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