Leading up to the Writers Guild of Canada awards on April 23, TV, eh? will be posting a series of interviews with some of nominees. Larry Bambrick was nominated in the TV Drama category for the “Shockwave” episode of Flashpoint (one of four Flashpoint nominations in the category … and his first drama script).
Can you describe the episode and how it fit into the Flashpoint season?
In “Shockwave”, a routine call takes a horrible turn and most of Team One gets trapped underground with a powerful bomb. While Spike Scarlatti (the team’s tech expert) struggles to defuse the bomb, he gets news that his sick father won’t survive the night. Spike has to find a way to connect with an emotionally raw bomber, defuse the device and race to his father’s side. It’s the final chapter in a long arc about Spike and his often rocky relationship with his dad.
What about this episode are you particularly proud of?
I’m particularly proud of how quickly the entire writing team responded to last-minute production notes. Just days before shooting, it became obvious that the original script was simply too big. A couple of long days and late nights later — where we re-broke the last three acts — we turned around a new draft. The other happy surprise is that “Shockwave” is the first drama script I’ve ever written. To get a WGC nomination for it is simply overwhelming.
What does this recognition mean to you?
Two years ago, I took a chance moving into drama. I’d been working in news and documentaries for my entire career before deciding to see if I could make a living in the “non-factual” world. This nomination is just so humbling. This script — and my two years on Flashpoint — couldn’t be a better introduction to dramatic writing.
And finally (imagine my best Joan Rivers impression): what will you be wearing to the ceremony?
I’ll be wearing a black t-shirt and a lovely jacket my wife gave me. Likely shoes and socks too. Although if Michael MacLennan decides not to wear the patchwork pants he bought in Paris, I might borrow those.
