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.
Anne

CBC and Netflix renew Anne for a second season

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From a media release:

CBC and Netflix today announced they have renewed acclaimed series ANNE (WITH AN E) for a second season. Produced by Miranda de Pencier’s Northwood Entertainment, the second season sees an increased order from eight hours to 10 and begins shooting this fall. Adored by audiences and critics alike, this reimagined coming-of-age story follows Anne (Amybeth McNulty), an outsider who, against all odds, fights for love, acceptance, and her place in the world. Season two of the series (known as ANNE in Canada, and ANNE WITH AN E on Netflix) returns in 2018.

Inspired by the timeless Canadian young adult novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the second season will continue to chart bold new territory, adding new characters and storylines and continuing to explore themes of identity, prejudice, feminism, bullying, gender parity and empowerment through the lens of its fierce, starry-eyed, irrepressible 14-year-old protagonist.

The series stars Amybeth McNulty (Anne Shirley), Geraldine James (Marilla Cuthbert), R.H. Thomson (Matthew Cuthbert), Corrine Koslo (Rachel Lynde), Dalila Bela (Diana Barry), Aymeric Jett Montaz (Jerry Baynard) and Lucas Jade Zumann (Gilbert Blythe).

For season two, three-time Emmy® Award-winning series creator Moira Walley-Beckett (BREAKING BAD, FLESH AND BONE) has assembled an exceptionally talented all-female writers’ room. Episodes will be written by Moira Walley-Beckett, Jane Maggs (BELLEVUE, CARDINAL), Shernold Edwards (HAVEN, SLEEPY HOLLOW), Kathryn Borel (RUSH, AMERICAN DAD), Amanda Fahey (SAVING HOPE, MOHAWK GIRLS), and Naledi Jackson (21 THUNDER, THE DETAIL).

A CBC and Netflix original series, ANNE (WITH AN E) is produced by Northwood Entertainment, and created by Moira Walley-Beckett. The executive producers are Miranda de Pencier, Moira Walley-Beckett, Sally Catto, Elizabeth Bradley, Alex Sapot, Debra Hayward, and Alison Owen. John Calvert serves as producer. ANNE (WITH AN E) is inspired by “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

 

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Sarah Off the Grid breaks ground Sept. 10 on HGTV Canada

From a media release:

This fall one of Canada’s top designers, Sarah Richardson, returns to HGTV Canada for her most ambitious project yet: building and designing an off-the-grid family home in the country. Premiering Sunday, September 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada, Sarah Off The Grid follows Sarah and her family – husband Alex and their two young daughters Fiona and Robin – as they build a family home meant to last for generations to come in Creemore, Ontario. Together, they marry off-the-grid living with Sarah’s signature style, resulting in a sustainable dream home filled with the greatest design hits from her 25-plus year career.Offering an unvarnished look at Sarah’s life, the six-part series dives deep into the designer’s day-to-day as she juggles being a mother, a business owner, and now, the unique challenges of sharing the role of

Offering an unvarnished look at Sarah’s life, the six-part series dives deep into the designer’s day-to-day as she juggles being a mother, a business owner, and now, the unique challenges of sharing the role of general contractor with her husband Alex on this latest build. Taking the lead on designing each room, Sarah enlists her co-conspirator and longtime collaborator, Tommy Smythe, for support as she takes on this year long project. Tommy, or as the kids call him “Uncle Tommy,” helps Sarah find design solutions that stand the test of time while staying true to her classic and casually elegant design esthetic. Fellow HGTV Canada stars Mike Holmes, Mike Holmes Jr., and Colin Hunter, also make guest appearances throughout the series providing Sarah and the family with much needed advice to finish their forever home.

Building a home off the main power grid which can service the needs of an entire family requires clever design decisions and innovative materials. Together, Sarah and Alex create the infrastructure to run the home, while leveraging unique sources of heat and lighting throughout, utilize a rebuilt heritage barn to house both the garage and the solar panels to generate electricity, and overcome the challenges of digging a well to pull enough water to service the family’s needs.

Sarah Off The Grid is produced by Alibi Entertainment Inc. in association with Corus Entertainment’s HGTV Canada. Exclusive bonus content including design tips from Sarah, sustainable living and lifestyle content, and extended reveals can be found at hgtv.ca throughout the series run. Episodes of Sarah Off The Grid are available online the day following broadcast.

 

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Featured, Killjoys

Killjoys: Old friends—and enemies—return

Last week on Killjoys, Aneela upped the ante in her upcoming battle between the Hullen and Dutch and #TeamAwesomeForce. Tara Spencer-Nairn brought a massive amount of creepy to a secondary storyline involving Fancy, and Aneela and Seyah Kendry shared a sultry smooch before Aneela destroyed the RAC stations. Yup, a lot went on last Friday night.

So, what goes on this Friday? As always, we were keen to find out, especially since Andrew De Angelis is the writer credited for “Necropolis Now,” with Samir Rehem directing. The pair teamed for De Angelis’ hilarious What Would Sal Do?—check it out on CraveTV—so I was interested in what the duo would do in the sci-fi realm.

“It was amazing,” De Angelis said during a one-on-one at the Toronto Screenwriting Conference earlier this year. “I was lucky to be able to watch two seasons of the show. It’s already so well-defined. When the relationships [between Dutch, Johnny and D’avin] are so well-defined, it’s not hard to write for them. The world is all there. We delve into some history and explore that.” Here’s what Space said with regard to an official synopsis for the instalment:

As John faces off with someone from his past, Dutch faces her own personal hell, trapped in a space elevator with a bunch of pompous Qreshis, who one by one, mysteriously begin to die.

And, as always, here are a few more tidbits to tide you over until Friday night.

Dutch fights her guilt
The deaths of the RAC members and being wrong about Banyon (and her death) are weighing heavily on Dutch when the episode begins. She’s trying her best to forget it all with the help of a bottle and D’avin is there to talk. But will she listen? D’avin is certainly known for his comic timing, but he can be serious too; that’s evident in a couple of key scenes.

Zeph!
She’s back and shares information on what’s inside the Remnant.

Alvis has re-entered the building
It feels like we haven’t seen Alvis since Episode 1 of this season—and a quick peek at IMDB—confirms it. But the monk with the startlingly chiselled abs chimes in as part of a juicy murder mystery storyline that pulls in Dutch and the Jaqobis brothers.

Louella Simms makes an appearance
With the RAC wiped out, Dutch et. al need more fighters and firepower. Cue Louella Simms (Kimberley-Sue Murray), Pawter’s sister. Now, if only Johnny can win her—and the Nine families—over and score the support they need.

Gander fights back
After being a whipping boy ever since Seyah Kendry awakened, Gander makes a strategic move against the ladies and a stunning revelation about Aneela comes to light. Samir Rehem’s direction brings a unique and effective look to a pair of scenes involving Aneela. You’ll know them when you see them.

Killjoys airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Space.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

 

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Dark Matter, Featured

Dark Matter delivers its biggest “Holy crap!” moment of Season 3

I’ve made a public statement that last week’s episode of Dark Matter, “Isn’t That a Paradox?” was my favourite of the season. It was the perfect blend of science fiction and comedy and allowed the cast to let loose and show their comedic sides.

With that in mind, how did this week’s new instalment, “Built, Not Born,” serve as a follow-up? Quite well, in fact. Here’s what Space has released as the official synopsis for the episode written by Joseph Mallozzi and directed by Melanie Orr.

A distress call from the Android’s friend, Victor, leads to answers about TWO’s past.

And, as always, we’ve got a few more plot points to reveal after watching a screener.

The Android takes centre stage
Zoie Palmer has been given a lot to do this season and takes on even more this Friday. After revealing her “robot” friendships to the Raza crew and that they gave her the upgrade, Android reunites with Victor. Turns out Victor and another android need help getting out of a major bind. As an aside, Mallozzi’s script allows for some very sweet moments; Android really comes off like a teen in the midst of her first real relationship. Nerves abound and emotions are a jumble. And Two and Six are like her parents.

A question of free will
Yes, there’s sweetness on Friday, but also some pretty deep discussion into android ownership and free will. Some members of the Raza have very rigid beliefs while others are more open to change. As if that wasn’t deep enough, Victor has big plans for his group of androids and suggests Android join them.

Three consults with Sarah
Some vital information revealed to the crew has everyone scratching their heads, so Three meets with Sarah to get her take. We learn some pretty major stuff about Three’s thoughts on freedom and that he’s got a pretty good sixth sense about situations.

Two’s past revealed
We’ve been waiting for more intel on the Raza’s captain and we get it this week … big-time. See below.

Say WHAT?!
There is a HUGE reveal midway through “Built, Not Born,” that will leave you spinning. Easily the biggest “Holy crap!” moment in a season chock full of them. It involves the Android, Two and Five and … nope, we won’t spoil it.

Dark Matter airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Space.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

 

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Big Brother Canada

Casting for Season 6 of Big Brother Canada is open

From a media release:

Calling all #BBCAN fans! Big Brother Canada returns in 2018 and Global is gearing up for another outrageous season as casting for Season 6 is now underway. Potential future houseguests are invited to apply online at BigBrotherCanada.ca for their chance to compete in television’s best social experiment. The online submission deadline is Saturday, October 28.

Whether it’s a strong social game or fierce competition skills, Canadians who think they have what it takes to battle it out in the Big Brother Canada house can apply online with a photo and a short video stating why they are the ideal houseguest. Applicants must be 19 years of age by February 1, 2018. Additional information, including a complete list of rules and eligibility can be found at BigBrotherCanada.ca.

Airing exclusively on Global in the 2018 broadcast season, Big Brother Canada plucks a group of hand-picked strangers from their homes, sequesters them from the outside world, and places them inside a house outfitted wall-to-wall with cameras and microphones that capture their every move. Competing for a grand cash prize, each week the houseguests battle in a series of challenges that give them power or punishment, voting each other out until the fate of the final two is decided by a jury of fellow houseguests.

 

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