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Featured, Wynonna Earp

Wynonna Earp: Alexandra Zarowny explains the show’s latest big twist

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Talk about a Rev-elatory episode of Wynonna Earp. Not only did “Forever Mine Nevermind” prove to WayHaught fans that Waverly is still smarting because Nicole was holding onto the DNA results, but we learned a lot about Rosita.

After a hot tub smooch with Waves over champagne, the drug maker appeared to fall victim to a severely frostbitten Tucker Gardner. And then, there she was, cracking a bottle over the creepster’s head and unveiling herself as a Revenant. You know, the folks Wynonna is blasting back to hell one by one? The fact Waverly promised Rosita she’d keep that a secret from her big sister shows just how out of sorts Waverly is. Add to that a major doll-influenced argument between Doc and Wynonna and, well, we had to get episode writer Alexandra Zarowny on the phone to discuss it all.

Officially, congratulations on the Season 3 pickup. What does that mean for you? Are you back writing yet?
Alexandra Zarowny: We didn’t know we were going to get a Season 3 pickup, so we were waiting a little bit. Emily [Andras] is still finishing Season 2, so we did a teeny, teeny bit of development where we sat around and talked about what Season 3 might look like if we did get it. I think what we’re planning to do is reconnect in September.

When you’re kicking around Season 3 stories, how much, if anything, is made up of stories you couldn’t use in Season 2 or even the first season? Does that happen?
Maybe. There are definitely some bigger picture ideas that we had early on. It’s not that we couldn’t use them, it’s just that we knew that it didn’t fit into the mythology and wouldn’t fit until further down the line. When we’re initially starting and throwing everything out onto the table, there are some things that are really juicy and if you do it all at once it’s going to be a messy hodgepodge of story. That’s where you have to stretch them out along the timeline of the show as you go from season to season and decide where they’ll best work for the characters. And, in the evolution of the characters, particularly in the case of one character in Season 2, some things don’t work anymore.

I think you’re going to have to hand in your WayHaught Whisperer membership because you kept the couple apart, big-time.
No matter what kind of relationship two characters are in, in a romantic relationship you have to play to the authenticity of what it’s like for two people to be in a relationship. There are going to be bumps and scrapes along the way. If we didn’t put Nicole and Waverly through the wringer every once in awhile we would be playing a completely false partnership and relationship and we wouldn’t be paying service to our fans, and I think that’s very unfair.

I don’t want to watch a romantic comedy where the couple meet and go out on a first date and it goes so well they go out on a second date, and then it goes so amazingly that, six months later they’re engaged. It’s so beautiful, and then they get married. And then the credits roll and you’re like, ‘I’m sorry, what was that?’ That’s not a story. It’s not interesting. What makes it interesting to watch these characters is that they are beginning to open up to one another a little bit more and, as you do in any relationship, you have moments where you show a little bit of your darker side, the raw parts of your personality. And we’re doing that with all of the other characters on the show. And to not do that with Nicole and Waverly would be really odd and I hope the fans out there recognize what we’re doing as something that may have happened to them in their pasts.

I thought you did a very good job handling the Rosita revelation that she was a Revenant. You set it up with Rosita and Waverly sharing that kiss and possibly upsetting WayHaught fans. Then you temper the anger by revealing what Rosita really is. Well done.
That was such a juicy thing to come up with. Doc goes to her and writes on her hand, ‘I can give you protection.’ What that means, of course, is that he can protect her from Wynonna. That’s what he’s promising her in order to get her to cook for Dolls. And I think, initially, we unveiled Rosita’s Revenant-ness much earlier on in the season, like Episode 2. It just didn’t feel right, so we kept pushing it and pushing it. And when we got to this moment we thought, ‘We can’t just have her play the girl that Waverly—in a champagne-hot-tub-drunken-moment—kisses. There has to be something more to her and more to this story. And then, of course, it weaved into the Tucker storyline really well. I think we found the perfect place to reveal that. I’m glad that you liked it and thought it worked.

We had to be careful about how we killed her, that when she came back she didn’t have blood all over her. It had to be something that she would come back from fairly quickly.

Doc offered safety to Rosita from Wynonna. Waverly promised Rosita she would keep her secret from Wynonna. Will the secret come out?
I can’t tell you that!

It adds another layer. How do you work with Rosita—someone that you now care about—when she is perceived as the enemy?
Right. That’s such a delicious complication. One of the things that we really want to do—and what we wanted to do in particular this year because the Revenants haven’t been on-screen as much—is to remind people that they’re not the typical demon that just rises out of a pool of hellfire to engage you with all the pain and suffering in the world. These were people and are still people now. What we want to do, and will do over the next couple of episodes, is remind people that it’s not such an easy decision for Waverly to hold that secret. If Wynonna does find out, maybe it’s not such an easy thing to say, ‘You’re a Revenant … kill you.’

There was also a great little Easter egg in the episode: Wynonna Earp comic creator Beau Smith in the store and trading a look with Doc as they went by each other in the doorway.
Those two in real life … you might as well ship them. They are sooo in love. Calm down you two, you’re both married. [Laughs.]

Let’s discuss Doc giving Wynonna his ring, the last seal. He got down on one knee, which was very suggestive of a proposal.
We wanted to at least try having him do that. Tim and Mel are very honest with us as actors and we knew that if it didn’t feel right, they would give us a shot where he’s not on bended knee. We wanted to try it and see if it would work and I think it really did. That was one of the hardest scripts that I’ve had to write because it was just a two-hander conversation all episode between them. Thank god for Mel and Tim because I think they could read the phone book. I was joking with someone about that the other day that I’m going to pitch it for Season 3. They could literally read the phone book to each other because it would be delicious and entertaining and have all the feels in the world.

What can you say about Episode 10?
Oh my god! Don’t miss it! [Laughs.] If we all remember correctly, Mr. John Callaghan wrote Episode 5, which was a doozy. The end of every scene was like a frickin’ revelation. Let’s just say that he’s done it again.

Wynonna Earp airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Space.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

 

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Featured, Orphan Black

Orphan Black 509: Clone Club races to save Helena

Last week on Orphan Black, Clone Club suffered its most devastating loss of the series with the death of Mrs. S. In this week’s episode—the penultimate instalment of the series—things are also looking bleak for Sarah et al., as they discover that Helena has been abducted by P.T. Westmorland/John Mathieson in a last desperate bid to extend his life.

Here’s what Bell Media has to say about “One Fettered Slave,” written by Alex Levine and directed by David Frazee.

The sisters band together in a race against time, determined to find Helena before an unmasked, and unhinged John Mathieson lays hands on her babies.

And here is our spoiler-free peek at the episode.

Darkness abounds 
And not just because Clone Club is dealing with the loss of Mrs. S. This is Helena’s episode, and like all the previous clone-centric episodes this season, we learn a lot about her background through flashbacks. It’s pretty disturbing stuff.

Darkness abounds, Part 2
We chatted with Orphan Black writer Alex Levine about this episode (check it out after Saturday’s broadcast), and he said that he considered P.T. Westmorland and Virginia Coady to be the “joint grand villains” of the series. While P.T./John runs the horror show, it is hardcore eugenicist Virginia who actually gets the science—and its dirty details—done. This episode unmasks both villains in terrifying new ways.

There will be more than one death
That shouldn’t be a shock, seeing as it’s the penultimate episode. However, one death is especially chilling both because of the reason it happens and because of the person who does it.

All hands on deck
Clone Club is out in force to save Helena. Expect help from old trusted friends like Art and Scott—as well as from less-trusted sources.

Nooooo!
We won’t say why, but that’s we shouted while viewing a shocking scene with Helena near the end of the episode.

Cliffhanger ending
This episode essentially serves as Part 1 of the series finale, so be prepared to be left in suspense.

The Orphan Black series finale airs next Saturday at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Space.

Image courtesy of Bell Media.

 

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Featured, Saving Hope

Comments and queries for the week of August 4

2 Comments

The fans say goodbye to Saving Hope

I have just found this show and have been binge watching it for five days now to only find out that this season, Season 5, is the end of the show!! Every time I find a show I truly love it goes off the air. I wish you were going to continue this show, I love it! Thank you, though, for what I have gotten to watch, the actors are great and I will greatly miss it! —Tammy

I wish Saving Hope would continue! The good ones always leave too soon. Hopefully, they get married and not one or both killed off! Love Charlie and Alex! —Marcy

Thanks for five loving years. Haven’t missed a single episode, some we watched twice and really enjoyed every one of them. Almost cried when Joel got blown up; that was a bummer. Thanks to all the cast for their superlative acting. I am not clear why Saving Hope was not renewed. The cast and crew were great and Michael, Erica and Huse Madhavji, Wendy and all. Hope somewhere in the near future we could see more of SAVING HOPE!!! —Jean

I’ve been trying to write this post for more than an hour, trying to say something 100 per cent nice, but not succeeding. It kept sounding like an underhanded compliment. So I’m just going to be honest and tell you how I feel. I loved the show, but I didn’t like Season 5 quite as much—which I’ve seen in its entirety. And when I say I LOVED the show, I mean I was part of the fan videos made for the cast before the show began, and watched all seasons from the beginning and sometimes had to go through a crazy international scramble to get copies of the show, and now I help run an 800-member Facebook group dedicated to Saving Hope. I’ve had that kind of commitment and love for this series, and a great deal of appreciation for all the heart cast and crew put into making this program. I often hear that it is better not to say anything unless you are going to say something nice. Alas, I believe in honest feedback. I wish it weren’t so, but I feel let down. —Solstice

Man, I love this show, the entire cast, the Canadian content, amazing acting and writing. Wendy Crewson especially blows me away. I will truly miss this show and characters (goes for guest stars like Missy Peregrym and others). Michael and Erica rock! Looking forward to more from these actors and producers. One of my favourite shows EVER! You did your audience and country proud with this one! —Gail

I am going to miss Saving Hope so much. Seeing my favourite stars of my TV show for the last five years has been such a joy. I absolutely love Michael and Erica and all of the Saving Hope guys and girls. I wish them all of the luck for the future and I hope to see them all again one day soon. xx —Jess

Thank you to all the actors, writers, and crew. Quite possibly my favourite show of all time, and the fact that it’s over will outweigh the heavy content of the finale for quite a while. —Hallie

Why do all the endings have to be like this now? Why can’t we have a happy ending to a great show? You just ruined five years of Saving Hope. This is why I don’t watch series. I made an exception and now I’m sad. I will stick to science-fiction from now on. Very dissatisfied and disappointed. —Crys

I did not like the ending at first but, overnight, I realized that it makes sense actually. It ended as it began. Charlie should have died in the first accident. The five years that he lived partly in both realms was a gift. A time for them to grow and have two children as the legacy of their love. —Ruth

As a Canadian, I couldn’t be more proud of this show. I am so very sad it’s really over. I certainly was disappointed and overwhelmed with emotions seeing Charlie’s death, but then very relieved that the very end brought him and Alex together again. It was a thing of beauty after all. I will miss it terribly. —Sheri

 

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

 

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Featured, Killjoys

Killjoys: Old friends—and enemies—return

Last week on Killjoys, Aneela upped the ante in her upcoming battle between the Hullen and Dutch and #TeamAwesomeForce. Tara Spencer-Nairn brought a massive amount of creepy to a secondary storyline involving Fancy, and Aneela and Seyah Kendry shared a sultry smooch before Aneela destroyed the RAC stations. Yup, a lot went on last Friday night.

So, what goes on this Friday? As always, we were keen to find out, especially since Andrew De Angelis is the writer credited for “Necropolis Now,” with Samir Rehem directing. The pair teamed for De Angelis’ hilarious What Would Sal Do?—check it out on CraveTV—so I was interested in what the duo would do in the sci-fi realm.

“It was amazing,” De Angelis said during a one-on-one at the Toronto Screenwriting Conference earlier this year. “I was lucky to be able to watch two seasons of the show. It’s already so well-defined. When the relationships [between Dutch, Johnny and D’avin] are so well-defined, it’s not hard to write for them. The world is all there. We delve into some history and explore that.” Here’s what Space said with regard to an official synopsis for the instalment:

As John faces off with someone from his past, Dutch faces her own personal hell, trapped in a space elevator with a bunch of pompous Qreshis, who one by one, mysteriously begin to die.

And, as always, here are a few more tidbits to tide you over until Friday night.

Dutch fights her guilt
The deaths of the RAC members and being wrong about Banyon (and her death) are weighing heavily on Dutch when the episode begins. She’s trying her best to forget it all with the help of a bottle and D’avin is there to talk. But will she listen? D’avin is certainly known for his comic timing, but he can be serious too; that’s evident in a couple of key scenes.

Zeph!
She’s back and shares information on what’s inside the Remnant.

Alvis has re-entered the building
It feels like we haven’t seen Alvis since Episode 1 of this season—and a quick peek at IMDB—confirms it. But the monk with the startlingly chiselled abs chimes in as part of a juicy murder mystery storyline that pulls in Dutch and the Jaqobis brothers.

Louella Simms makes an appearance
With the RAC wiped out, Dutch et. al need more fighters and firepower. Cue Louella Simms (Kimberley-Sue Murray), Pawter’s sister. Now, if only Johnny can win her—and the Nine families—over and score the support they need.

Gander fights back
After being a whipping boy ever since Seyah Kendry awakened, Gander makes a strategic move against the ladies and a stunning revelation about Aneela comes to light. Samir Rehem’s direction brings a unique and effective look to a pair of scenes involving Aneela. You’ll know them when you see them.

Killjoys airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Space.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

 

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Dark Matter, Featured

Dark Matter delivers its biggest “Holy crap!” moment of Season 3

I’ve made a public statement that last week’s episode of Dark Matter, “Isn’t That a Paradox?” was my favourite of the season. It was the perfect blend of science fiction and comedy and allowed the cast to let loose and show their comedic sides.

With that in mind, how did this week’s new instalment, “Built, Not Born,” serve as a follow-up? Quite well, in fact. Here’s what Space has released as the official synopsis for the episode written by Joseph Mallozzi and directed by Melanie Orr.

A distress call from the Android’s friend, Victor, leads to answers about TWO’s past.

And, as always, we’ve got a few more plot points to reveal after watching a screener.

The Android takes centre stage
Zoie Palmer has been given a lot to do this season and takes on even more this Friday. After revealing her “robot” friendships to the Raza crew and that they gave her the upgrade, Android reunites with Victor. Turns out Victor and another android need help getting out of a major bind. As an aside, Mallozzi’s script allows for some very sweet moments; Android really comes off like a teen in the midst of her first real relationship. Nerves abound and emotions are a jumble. And Two and Six are like her parents.

A question of free will
Yes, there’s sweetness on Friday, but also some pretty deep discussion into android ownership and free will. Some members of the Raza have very rigid beliefs while others are more open to change. As if that wasn’t deep enough, Victor has big plans for his group of androids and suggests Android join them.

Three consults with Sarah
Some vital information revealed to the crew has everyone scratching their heads, so Three meets with Sarah to get her take. We learn some pretty major stuff about Three’s thoughts on freedom and that he’s got a pretty good sixth sense about situations.

Two’s past revealed
We’ve been waiting for more intel on the Raza’s captain and we get it this week … big-time. See below.

Say WHAT?!
There is a HUGE reveal midway through “Built, Not Born,” that will leave you spinning. Easily the biggest “Holy crap!” moment in a season chock full of them. It involves the Android, Two and Five and … nope, we won’t spoil it.

Dark Matter airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Space.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

 

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