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.
Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Discovery’s original special on Sea Monsters debuts March 28

From a media release:

Sightings of ‘Caddy’ in Canada and ‘Nessie’ in Scotland continue to intrigue both skeptics and believers alike. Now scientists are on a quest to separate fact from fiction as they embark on a global search for the truth about mysterious monsters lurking in the deep. Premiering Monday, March 28 at 10 p.m. ET on Discovery, SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE explores the most (in)famous legends of the ocean using the latest scientific technology and deep sea submersibles. During the hour-long special, viewers join the world’s leading experts as they investigate the myths and the truths behind these extraordinary creatures.

SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE studies unimaginable monsters in the inky depths of the ocean.

Highlights from SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE include:

Giant Squid or Kraken?
Dr. Kat Bolstad from Auckland University of Technology dissects a Giant Squid washed up on a New Zealand beach. This animal is big and fearsome but does it have the strength or brain to live up to the legend of the mighty Kraken, feared by ancient Vikings?

‘Nessie’ and ‘Caddy’
Using the latest stealthy hydrophone technology, scientists are baffled by a recording of a mysterious ‘low growl’ while scanning the depths of Loch Ness. Could this be ‘Nessie’, the famous and elusive monster? And closer to home, an eye-witness recounts her sighting of the legendary Cadborosaurus – more affectionately known as ‘Caddy’ the Canadian sea serpent – as it swam by her waterfront home in British Columbia.

Megalodon vs. Livyatan
Two real and terrifying prehistoric creatures are brought to life using spectacular CGI. The 60-foot Megalodon shark and predatory Livyatan whale duke it out under the sea. But which beast will triumph in this ultimate battle of strength?

What are Globsters?
Viewers are presented with the truth behind the astonishing and mysterious fleshy creatures known to wash up on beaches around the world.

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Bitten

Link: Bitten preview: The Kids are not Alright

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Bitten preview: The Kids are not Alright
After slowing things down in last week’s episode, the action picks right back up on this week of Bitten. However, that slow down did allow for some much needed truths to come out, as Elena (Laura Vandervoort) finally learned the truth about her mother from father Sasha (John Ralston). Elsewhere, Jeremy (Greg Bryk) struggled with what to do about Karen (Fiona Highet) now that she was aware of the Pack’s secret and had seen Alexei (Alex Ozerov) change. Clay (Greyson Holt) and Elena also received news that Marsten had been kidnapped. Continue reading.

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Featured, Sunnyside

Sunnyside cancelled by City

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Things are less than sunny for the folks at Sunnyside; City has decided not to renew the Canadian sketch comedy series for a second season.

“We are extremely proud of Sunnyside and the 13 episodes of this fiercely original comedy that we were able to bring to our viewers,” a statement sent to TV, eh? on Wednesday read. “It was a privilege to work with the immense talent—both off and on screen —involved in this unique Canadian production. It was a difficult decision, but, despite critical acclaim, the series was unable to connect with the audience it needed to continue. We thank Canadians for their support of Sunnyside and look forward to bringing them more original content in the future.”

The news is a definite buzz-kill for co-creators Dan Redican and Gary Pearson and cast members Pat Thornton, Kathleen Phillips, Patrice Goodman, Alice Moran, Kevin Vidal and Rob Norman; the group captured a Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance in a Variety or Sketch Comedy Program or Series (Individual or Ensemble) during Sunday night’s gala, besting This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Rick Mercer Report and The Second City Project. Sunnyside’s photographer, D. Gregor Hagey, won a CSA for Best Photography in a Variety or Sketch Comedy Program or Series and three other nominations.

Filmed in Winnipeg, the series followed the odd folks and characters who called the neighbourhood of Sunnyside home.

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Lost Girl, Wynonna Earp

Link: Women Behind Canadian TV: Emily Andras

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Women Behind Canadian TV: Emily Andras
“As a creator, showrunner and writer, my number one job is to keep the audience titillated and engrossed. To manipulate your emotions so that you stay engaged with my show. In short: I have to bring the drama. As much as fans might think they want to watch their favourite couple, whether straight or gay or other, end up happily holding hands on a couch eating cookies forever and ever amen, trust me…that is not compelling television.” Continue reading.

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Industry News

CBC greenlights drama The Council from René Balcer

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From a media release:

CBC has greenlit THE COUNCIL (working title), a compelling international thriller woven around a remote Canadian Arctic town from Emmy® Award-winning showrunner and writer René Balcer (Law & Order: Criminal Intent) with Lark Productions and Keston International Productions. THE COUNCIL is set against the unfolding drama of our changing planet and draws inspiration from the true-to-life fight over the vast and valuable resources of the Arctic. The series traces the journey of two cops who uncover a small-town murder that is at the heart of a global conspiracy. Production kicks off this summer, shooting in Resolute, Iqaluit, London, Copenhagen and Manitoba. THE COUNCIL will debut with 10 episodes on CBC-TV in fall 2016.

THE COUNCIL begins on the edge of the Arctic frontier during the endless days of the polar summer when a young woman, a renowned environmentalist, is found ritualistically murdered near the Canadian hamlet of Resolute. An investigation is mounted by the local RCMP inspector Mickey Behrens, an outsider and new-comer to the north who is running from a derailed personal and professional life, and her partner, officer Jo Ullulaq. A soulful counterpoint to Mickey, Jo is torn between the duty to his job and loyalty to his Inuit culture. The pair quickly discovers that the mystery extends far beyond the borders of the town and to the backrooms of Canadian parliament in Ottawa, the dark corridors of U.S. intelligence in Washington, D.C., the halls of European parliament in Brussels, the airbases of world powers, and the migrant conflicts at the border of Norway and Russia. Yet it all traces back to the Arctic, as they gradually expose a complex international conspiracy to control the vast natural resources at the top of the world.

Balcer is a 20-year veteran of the Law & Order franchise, beginning as a writer and rising to executive producer and showrunner. In 2001, he left the series to create the show’s spinoff Law & Order: Criminal Intent, which he developed with creator Dick Wolf. He is also the creator of the international drama JO. Balcer has been awarded with an Emmy® Award, Peabody Award, a Writers Guild of America Award and four Edgar Awards for his television work.

THE COUNCIL will be produced by Lark Productions (Motive), with executive producers Louise Clark and Erin Haskett, in partnership with Keston International Productions’ executive producers Trevor Walton and Denis Coyne. The series is a Canada/UK Co-Production, with Nick O’Hagan’s London-based Giant Films Ltd. NBCUniversal International Distribution retains all distribution rights.

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