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.

Review: Strong words on Dark Matter

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.” 
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.” 
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?

Dark Matter airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on Space.

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Steven Sabados issues statement following Chris Hyndman’s death

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.”

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.

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Comments and queries for the week of August 7

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.

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History sets Curse of the Frozen Gold debut date

From a media release:

Something ominous lurks on the Pitt Lake horizon in British Columbia as a group of fortune-seeking explorers battle harsh landscape, the unknown and each other to uncover one of the best known unsolved mysteries – the legend of Slumach and his lost gold mine. But will their greed for the famed fortune take their expedition to a dark place? Find out in the brand new Canadian original series Curse of the Frozen Gold premiering Wednesday, August 26th at 10pm ET/PT on HISTORY.

Legend has it that a First Nations man named Slumach found a fortune in gold and put a curse on it just before he was hanged. Allegedly worth billions, ‘Slumach’s Gold’ has tantalized prospectors for over a century, and now a team of experienced gold hunters takes up its pursuit – and the mysterious curse that goes with it – to stake their claim in history. The gold’s lure has claimed numerous gold hunters’ lives for over a century – perhaps victims of the curse or something more sinister.

A team of six daring gold hunters – including young and fit mountain climbers, a gold-obsessed prospector, a local lodge owner and some savvy, but skeptical old-timers – have eight short weeks to find gold before winter freezes them out. They’re forced to contend with the primordial forest, jagged mountain peaks, predatory wildlife and dangerous cracks in the ice that plummet hundreds of feet. It’s a region steeped in danger but the group is fuelled by a severe case of gold fever. While they claim to be working as a team, the clashes and scheming between them could ultimately be their downfall.

The six brave explorers are: Adam Palmer (the “Trail Blazer”), Evan Howard (the “Adventurer”), Don Waites (the “Legend”), Fred Braches (the “Skeptic”), Daryl Friesen (the “True Believer”), and Danny Gerak (the “Local”). Visit history.ca for full cast biographies.

Curse of the Frozen Gold is produced by JV Productions in association with Shaw Media.

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Link: Anna Silk talks women, son Sam and ‘Lost Girl’s big finale: ‘We finished so strong’

From Hello! Canada:

Anna Silk talks women, son Sam and ‘Lost Girl’s big finale: ‘We finished so strong’
“We knew the show had to come to an end so it kind of made us go, ‘Let’s make sure we embrace every second of this season.’ And we did that and it’s one of the things we’re so proud of. We finished so strong. I really feel like we walked out on the last day of filming feeling so satisfied and we told the story so beautifully and I hope the fans think the same thing and feel what we felt.” Continue reading.

 

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