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.

Frolicking in the fantasy suites on Bachelorette Canada

After a last week’s emotional episode that saw Jasmine going on the hometown dates and Mike’s elimination, the heartbreak was truly ramped up for Tuesday’s season finale of The Bachelorette Canada. But anyone expecting Jasmine to choose between Kevin W. or Mikhel were in for heartbreak of their own because her decision won’t be shown for two more weeks.

Instead, the trio jetted back to Cuba for some more one-on-one time, questions and to meet Jasmine’s mom, sister and friend. And though there wasn’t a proposal at the end, this penultimate episode—aside from The Men Tell All next week—was certainly dramatic.

At the top of Jasmine’s To Do list? Finding out why Mikhel withdrew from her at the final rose ceremony, walked away and told producers he wanted to leave. Did he mean leave the show, or exit the interview he was taking part in? Viewers quickly learned Mikhel had slid back into his old way of thinking and was worried about being hurt. But he was back on track and ready to go with Jasmine. Moments later she found out the same info—while aboard a catamaran—and that Mikhel didn’t want to think about Jasmine and Kevin in the fantasy suite together. It took him a long time to tell her, but I’m glad he finally did. Keeping secrets from Jasmine so far into the show is a really bad move, so he was smart to confess.

The pair chose the fantasy suite—Mikhel couldn’t say yes fast enough—and they headed off to the booze, candle and rose petal-filled room for the night.

bachelorette2

Then it was off to visit with Kevin and address the elephant in the room: how his mom grilled Jasmine. I have to say Jill’s comment regarding a bad day at the hair salon versus a bad day for a Kevin firefighting was insensitive and demeaning, and I was surprised Jasmine gave Kevin a rose. Clearly, she has very strong feelings for him, something evident as the pair talked about the situation in Waterloo, Ont., and then got onto their date. According to the fortune teller they sat with, Kevin and Jasmine are going to have a ton of pretty kids and lots and lots of money. I guess the producers can skip the conclusion of the finale: Wanda has picked the winner.

Not so fast, as it turns out. Despite Kevin wanting Jasmine to commit to him and say he was the one she was choosing, she wouldn’t do it. It led to a super-awkward few minutes—especially after she seemed to have to do the opposite with Mikhel—but it didn’t stop them from heading to the fantasy suite to be “normal.” But things went awry and Kevin ended up leaving the suite, leaving their relationship up in the air. Luckily, Jasmine’s mom Linda, sister Jade and friend Laurelly were there to grill the fellows. (I’ve got my fingers crossed that Laurelly is part of The Men Tell All and she sits down with Drew. It won’t happen, but a guy can dream, can’t he?)

Something viewers have already known is that Kevin is totally Jasmine’s type and Linda was quick to jump all over that fact. Laurelly didn’t waste any time grilling Kevin, questioning him on past relationships and what he learned while being a bachelor in Toronto. It made from fantastic television, but maybe not as a romance-builder. By the end of the group chat Linda saw him as a ladies’ man not suited to be with her daughter. (Can Laurelly be part of every season of The Bachelor Canada and Bachelorette Canada?)

By the end of the episode—and based on the editing—it appeared Mikhel had the inside track on winning Jasmine’s heart. But The Bachelorette is all about the editing, so you can’t put too much stock in that. What you can, perhaps, is Linda’s reaction to Kevin and Jill’s thoughts on Jasmine. And, of course, what Laurelly thinks.

The Bachelorette: The Men Tell All airs next Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on W Network.

Images courtesy of Corus.

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TV Eh B Cs podcast 53 — Hosting Jessi Cruickshank

jessicruickshank2016b-highresJessi Cruickshank is one of Canada’s most beloved TV personalities and has been hailed as “one of the funniest women on TV today, period” by The Province. Cruickshank grew up in Vancouver where she broke into comedy as the only girl in an all-male improv troupe alongside Seth Rogen. She soon became a household name as the face of MTV, hosting the daily comedy show MTV Live and smash hit The Hills After Show, which was syndicated in 10 countries and generated record-breaking ratings in Canada and the U.S.

Cruickshank went on to host Live from E!, Jerseylicious, Olympic Morning and recently wrapped six seasons as the LA correspondent for Canada’s #1 entertainment show, etalk. She has also travelled the world as a keynote speaker and the Canadian ambassador for Free the Children.

Cruickshank returned to CBC in the fall of 2016 as one of the co-hosts of CBC’s highly anticipated new daytime show The Goods, and to host Season 3 of Canada’s Smartest Person.

Canada’s Smartest Person airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Listen or download below, or subscribe via iTunes or any other podcast catcher with the TV, eh? podcast feed.

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Link: 5×5 With The Hook: Alex-Paxton Beesley

From You’ve Been Hooked:

Link: 5×5 With The Hook: Alex-Paxton Beesley
“I LOVE Freddie. I’m currently working on another show for the CBC that I’m incredibly proud of, called PURE (premiering early 2017!) — but I’m always thrilled to wear Freddie’s hats. She’s such a strong, interesting woman and I love playing her.” Continue reading.

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HGTV Canada breaks ground on Season 2 of Home to Win

From a media release:

HGTV Canada and Architect Films announced today that production has begun on the second season of the successful Canadian original series Home to Win, which ranked as the #1 specialty competition series (A25-54) in its first season.* This season, HGTV Canada is bringing together 30 of the best-known celebrity builders, designers and real estate experts to pool their extraordinary expertise, creativity and reno know-how. Joined by host ET Canada’s Sangita Patel, they will completely transform an average house into a dream waterfront property. Home-winning hopefuls from across the country will vie to compete for this spectacular house in the dramatic series finale. The new season is currently slated to premiere on HGTV Canada in Spring 2017.

This season’s team of 30 celebrity builder, designer and real estate expert all-stars includes:

  • Jo Alcorn (Critical Listing)
  • Carson Arthur (Critical Listing)
  • Bryan Baeumler (House of Bryan, Bryan Inc.)
  • Sarah Baeumler (House of Bryan, Bryan Inc.)
  • Danielle Bryk (A Bryk at a Time)
  • Kate Campbell (Disaster Decks, Custom Built)
  • André Chevigny (Carver Kings, Timber Kings)
  • Sebastian Clovis ($ave My Reno)
  • Rob Evans (The Expandables)
  • Joey Fletcher (Disaster Decks, Custom Built)
  • Jillian Harris (Love It or List It Vancouver)
  • Mike Holmes (Holmes Makes It Right, Holmes and Holmes)
  • Mike Holmes Jr. (Holmes Makes It Right, Holmes and Holmes)
  • Colin Hunter (Open House Overhaul)
  • Sarah Keenleyside (Backyard Builds)
  • Dave Kenney (Disaster Decks, Custom Built)
  • Paul Lafrance (Disaster Decks, Custom Built)
  • Brian McCourt (Backyard Builds)
  • Scott McGillivray (Income Property, Moving the McGillivrays)
  • Mia Parres (The Expandables)
  • Tiffany Pratt (Buy It, Fix It, Sell It)
  • Samantha Pynn (Open House Overhaul)
  • Sarah Richardson (Sarah’s House, Sarah’s Rental Cottage)
  • Drew Scott (Property Brothers: Buying and Selling, Property Brothers)
  • Jonathan Scott (Property Brothers: Buying and Selling, Property Brothers)
  • Sabrina Smelko ($ave My Reno)
  • Tommy Smythe (Sarah’s House, Sarah’s Rental Cottage)
  • Todd Talbot (Love It or List It Vancouver)
  • Dave Wilson (Masters of Flip)
  • Kortney Wilson (Masters of Flip)
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Link: Allan Hawco’s new Frontier

From Tony Wong of the Toronto Star:

Link: Allan Hawco’s new Frontier
Allan Hawco is Canadian television’s most prolific multi-tasker.

His latest venture has his production company helming Discovery Channel’s first scripted TV show, Frontier, in which he also has a substantial acting role.

But strangely, for someone as productive as Hawco his latest outing must feel like vacation, considering he starred in CBC’s now cancelled Republic of Doyle and was also showrunner, head writer and co-creator. Continue reading.

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