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, Pure

Comments and queries for the week of February 17

2 Comments

Could you please explain [in Pure‘s season finale] why when Noah returned from Mexico did he hug his wife, send the kid into the church and walk away? Wasn’t saving the boy more than enough to overcome his religious beliefs? Why didn’t his wife stop him as she vowed to stick by him at all costs? Please let me know. —Bob

Great question and one that I asked myself. The fact that Noah was standing there in the rain signified, for me anyway, that he was being cleansed of all sin and could enter the church. I’m thinking that while others might feel that way—his wife included—he still felt unclean and had gone too far over his own line to be able to enter the church.

Here’s how Ryan Robbins, the actor who played Noah, interpreted the scene. This is just what Ryan’s take on it is: “Noah promised his son he wouldn’t miss the baptism. But I don’t think he felt worthy of entering the sacred place after what he’d done. His wife coming out was likely a surprise to him. He’s going to need to find forgiveness from God and be able to forgive himself, if that’s even possible. The children were all still in the church. Perhaps Anna didn’t want to leave them, especially on such a special day. Side note, did you notice he was wearing Bronco’s clothes?”

The [Heartland] storyline on all fronts is unrealistic. Ty gone, Lou is in and out, Lisa gone most of the time. The two kids are being parented by grandpa and aunt. Is the show coming to a gradual halt? —Brenda

I started watching the show because of Amy and the horses. As a lifelong horsewoman, I know that Amy is the real deal. Then I fell in love with Ty, and the Amy and Ty love story. I’ve watched every episode and am very disappointed in this season. Ty Borden would never leave his pregnant wife, the very idea is ridiculous. He has a job and a pregnant wife and he leaves for months … no. Just no. If Amy wasn’t pregnant, and I wish she wasn’t because I want to see her ride and train, then I could see Ty leaving for a while, but it really sucks this season. Very disappointed, stupid storyline. —Hunter

Just started watching this year. We love the show. Amazing scenery. Entertaining story line. Nice to hear Canadian cities mentioned. Very refreshing. Hope it continues for many more years. —Joe

 

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

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Industry News

Link: Rogers Community TV suspends some Toronto production, lays off 10

From Greg O’Brien of Cartt.ca:

Link: Rogers Community TV suspends some Toronto production, lays off 10
Rogers Media today told employees it will cease community cable TV production at its Toronto facility at 855 York Mills Road.

A total of 10 positions have been eliminated with the move and all programming produced there has been cancelled. Continue reading.

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Murdoch Mysteries

Link: Murdoch Mysteries by the numbers

From Melissa Hank of Canada.com:

Link: Murdoch Mysteries by the numbers
Now in its 10th season, the show is based on the book series by Maureen Jennings and is broadcast all over the globe. In Canada, though, you can catch it Mondays on CBC. A snapshot of the show, by the numbers.

230: murders solved, at least, during the show’s run.

985: days spent filming. So far, production crew has set up shop in places including Toronto, Hamilton, the Vancouver area, Drumheller, Alta., and Bristol, England.

3: made-for-TV movies broadcast before the television series debuted. In the films, which aired in 2004 and 2005, Peter Outerbridge played Murdoch, with Keeley Hawes as Dr. Julia Ogden, Matthew MacFadzean as George Crabtree, and Colm Meaney as Insp. Brackenreid. Continue reading.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Masters of Flip, Love It or List It Vancouver, Property Brothers, Leave It To Bryan and Timber Kings Return Beginning March 1

From a media release:

This spring, HGTV Canada delivers a standout schedule of returning Canadian original series featuring fan-favourite personalities. Beginning March 1, new seasons of hits Masters of Flip, Love It Or List It Vancouver, Property Brothers, Leave It To Bryan and Timber Kings return with all new renos, demos and designs.

Dilemmas abound when two Canadian powerhouse duos return with higher stakes, bigger transformations and even bigger drama. Kortney and Dave Wilson kick off the schedule on Wednesday, March 1 at 10 p.m. E/PT with new episodes of Masters of Flip where they transform old, rundown homes in Nashville and sell them for profit. A new, hour-long special “The Look Back” premieres March 29 and sees Kortney and Dave revisit their favourite designs, disasters and dilemmas. Dynamic duo Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot face their own dilemmas when they battle it out for homeowners’ allegiance to loving or listing their home. It’s up to interior designer Jillian to deliver a show-stopping renovation while Todd hunts for a dream home in new episodes of Love It Or List It Vancouver returning Monday, April 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. In the 100th episode airing on June 19, Jillian’s baby Leo makes his first small screen appearance along with Todd’s two children to mark the milestone with family.

The master builders of Pioneer Log Homes in Williams Lake, B.C. stop at nothing to get the job done under tight deadlines and intense pressure to build massive, multi-million dollar homes. The fourth season of Timber Kings carves out a home on the schedule Sundays beginning March 5 with a two-episode premiere at 9 p.m. ET/PT and subsequent episodes airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT. This season, the team constructs everything from a 50-foot log teepee to a breathtaking 20,000-square-foot log mansion in locations spanning from Vancouver Island to Germany. Fans can also watch exclusive, behind the scenes videos and home tours of the cast and crew’s homes on HGTV.ca.

Beginning March 6, Monday nights are a must-see with reno and real estate heavyweights Jonathan and Drew Scott and veteran contractor Bryan Baeumler returning with new episodes navigating challenging renovations and delivering stunning reveals. In new episodes of Property Brothers, Jonathan and Drew Scott help couples find, buy, and transform fixer-uppers into incredible dream homes. Season seven of long-standing hit Leave It To Bryan sees Bryan give homeowners a reality check when they hand over their keys and cash, leaving the decision-making in Bryan’s hands. As an added bonus, a new digital short series, Ask Bryan, will be available on HGTV.ca where Bryan answers renovation questions and provides tips and tricks, bringing fans closer to the pro himself. New episodes of Property Brothers and Leave It To Bryan premiere back-to-back on Mondays beginning March 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

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X Company

Link: X Company: Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern talk “Supply and Demand”

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Link: X Company: Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern talk “Supply and Demand”
“Neil’s also in for a rocky road with Alfred and Aurora because they are in a better position to continue to see the bigger picture than Neil. Neil is responding emotionally. Neil is driven to protect those closest to him and is determined to not lose another loved one. We worry that he’ll be able to keep that big picture in front of his face.” Continue reading. 

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