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.
Norm Macdonald doing more stand-up than everÂ
The former “Saturday Night Live†Weekend Update anchor and sitcom star is a judge this summer on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.†He also lends his voice to the Winnipeg-produced comedy gem “Sunnyside†(returning with new episodes in September on City).
Macdonald loves TV jobs where “I don’t have to put on any makeup.†He can also be heard as the voice of a pot-smoking pigeon in the animated comedy “Mike Tyson Mysteries†(carried in Canada on Netflix), an Adult Swim throwback to such Hanna-Barbera classics as “Scooby-Doo†and “Jonny Quest.†Continue reading.
But while the treehouse in which Casey and Finnegan lived can be found in the CBC Museum in Toronto, the puppets themselves aren’t there. Continue reading.
Last week’s episode of Dark Matter was, in a word, nuts. Two was revealed to be Derrick Moss, on board the Raza under disguise so he could mete out revenge on Three for killing his wife. Six, meanwhile, was attempting a little revenge of his own on the General and flubbed it.
So, with all of that on the table—plus Four reaching out to his half-brother—what did Episode 9 bring us?
“I’ll remember my true family, once I’ve dealt with my old one.”
Those words by Four to Two shows he’s still in revenge mode and wanting his throne back. Much of Friday’s new episode was spent with Four and his mentor, Akita, recalling their shared past, including the time Four saved Akita from death for bungling a battle. Four has become an increasingly fascinating character, fiercely loyal to those he cares about … until he’s wronged. His decision to kill Akita and pledge to ascend the throne shows you don’t want to be on Four’s bad side. But if you’re with him, you’ll reap the spoils.
“He’s harder to read than that book you gave me.” “That book is a classic.” “Whatever. Pig’s a wimp, spider’s a know-it-all.”Â
That back-and-forth between Three and One over Charlotte’s Web had me giggling, but things got serious for One when he continued to plot his killing of Three. It took a lot of soul-searching—and a chat with Two—for One to reconsider his plan. After all, with their memories erased, was this version of Three responsible for murder? And with no lingering attachment to his wife, did One/Derrick need to go that far? (And how can we not cheer for Three when he cries reading Charlotte’s Web?)
“We’ve crossed a line and we can never go back. We can’t undo all the hurt that we’ve caused, no matter how far or fast we fly this ship. Sooner or later, that past is going to catch up to us. And when it does, there’s going to be hell to pay.”Â
Five’s speech to Six was heartfelt and, as it turns out, prophetic. The hell to pay would be the three Ferrous destroyers who showed up in the episode’s closing minutes (will we finally be introduced to Wil Wheaton’s character next week?!). Meanwhile, the relationship between these two marvellous characters continues to develop. Six has embraced his father figure/protector role whole-heartedly and wants a bright future for Six rather than the darkness he and the rest of the Raza crew are living in. He sees a way out for her even though his is gone.
“One of us is a traitor.” You’re right, Three. But which one?
Steven Sabados issued a statement Friday regarding the passing of Chris Hyndman, his longtime partner and co-star on CBC’s Steven and Chris.
“I, our families and friends, wish to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming expressions of tenderness, love and tribute in honour of my beloved Christopher,” Sabados posted on the Steven and Chris Facebook page.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing his generous, larger-than-life spirit lives on.
From the moment I met Christopher, we went forward in life, side by side and shoulder to shoulder. He was my best friend, my confidante, my partner, my one love.
Over 27 years, we built a beautiful life together; always remembered, always cherished.
As we find our way through this difficult time, we are asking for privacy.
Thank you for your understanding.â€
The message comes after Hyndman’s body was found Monday, Aug. 3, in an alleyway near the home he and Sabados shared in Toronto’s Queen St. and Broadview Ave. neighbourhood. It’s believed he was sleepwalking on the terrace of his penthouse apartment when the accident happened.
A native of Newfoundland, Hyndman teamed with Steven Sabados over 15 years ago to form The Sabados Group Inc.; the group specializes in event planning, product launches and set design.
On CBC’s Steven and Chris, the couple—along with expert guests—offered a unique take on decor, beauty, health care, relationships, food and parenting. CBC’s media site notes Steven and Chris airs in more than 40 million households in the United States. Sabados and Hyndman starred in HGTV’s Designer Guys, Design Rivals and So Chic with Steven and Chris.
12 Awesome Canadian TV Show Theme Songs
Wow, what a lot of memories! Great to see the Kids in their prime. I always got a kick out of Seeing Things. Loved the show. The theme wasn’t as good as the ones you’ve picked, perhaps, but it went with the show and it was funny. —Rita
Today’s Special and The Polka Dot Door. —Stevie
I’m a little biased but Less Than Kind‘s credit sequence and theme song “I Hate Winnipeg” (a.k.a. “One Great City”) by The Weakerthans is a pretty cool thing. —Marvin
How about Junior Forest Rangers and the original Littlest Hobo theme from the 60s? I mention these two because I’m an old fart and they were an important part of my childhood.
Also Mosquito Lake—although there was little love for the show from critics and it lasted just one season, Ian Thomas wrote the catchy tune. Still plays in my head from time to time. No link to that I’m afraid. Seems the only memories of that show are as “the worst Canadian sitcom ever.†My little claim to fame. —Dan
Face Offs and frigid temperatures on The Amazing Race Canada That was the most dramatic episode of the Race I’ve seen in years. Still not sure how I feel about the Face Off automatically giving a penalty, but apparently it’s only 15 minutes in other versions of the show. And we didn’t get to see it work properly anyway so I can’t judge it yet. I bet the producers were freaking out behind the scenes.
I’m not sure but I thought the teams (in the U.S. version at least), depart for the next Leg 12 hours after they check-in at the mat. (After time penalties have been applied as needed). So I assume last week’s leg finished at 1:30 in the afternoon.
I probably would have done the same as Gino/Jesse in trying to flush out the Express Pass. Although, it was an easier Detour so Brent and Sean had a good chance of keeping it regardless. Although Nic and Sabrina may annoy them at the next airport.
How much dumb luck can Nic and Sabrina have? Three weeks ago they survived a penalty with about five minutes to spare, indirectly helping Brian and Cynthia eliminate Dana and Amanda. Two weeks ago they survived because Hamilton lost his passport. This week they got U-Turned but didn’t have to do the task because it was dangerous to be on horses after dark, and two other teams took time penalties, so Nic and Sabrina are still safe and didn’t have to do the Face Off with no penalty!
They didn’t say how long Nic and Sabrina got penalized for the horse-ride did they? It probably won’t matter with two other teams also serving penalties, and not being able to do the task is not really Nic and Sabrina’s fault there either, so it shouldn’t be as long as other penalties.
I kind of respect Kristin for at least finishing the horse thing. They are probably the next team to go though with her new leg problems plus they and Simi and Ope still have Face Off penalties to wait out. —Dan
Got a comment or question about Canadian TV? greg@tv-eh.com or @tv_eh.
