Everything about Heartland, eh?

Featured, Heartland

Heartland’s bear-y scary situation, Part 2

1 Comment

When the “Previously on Heartland” intro rolled before last night’s episode, I was pretty sure that darned grizzly bear was going to show up and cause trouble. I was wrong, but Sunday’s instalment wasn’t without danger.

Seeing Ty tumble off the cliff was certainly dramatic, and he’s lucky he escaped with just a large bump on his head. (Kudos to the producers for making sure they covered the whole concussion thing rather than assuming he was all right.) The male bald eagle rescue itself may have gone without a hitch—I did wonder how he or Amy would get to the top of the tree if the situation called for it—but getting back to the truck didn’t. Note to self: always carry a bag of trail mix with you. Also? Make sure you have a horse like Bear along. The newest equine member of Heartland seems destined for a future on the Calgary Police Force, and that’s a pretty cool gig if you ask me. (Those hoping Amy and Ty will have a baby soon had to make do with the two cradling a male bald eagle rather than a sprite of their own.)

Aside from the drama out on the trail with Amy, Ty and the horses, “Over and Out”—written by Pamela Pinch—had some heart-stopping moments at the ranch and the Reserve. After bonding during their own near-death experience—telling Bob they trashed the ATV—Adam and Georgie seem headed for romance. After all, why else would they be texting after-hours? And how will Stephen react when he returns from the summer? The fact Adam hinted his mother is exerting pressure on him to succeed will likely cause he and Georgie to bond and, perhaps, share a first kiss before the fall leaves fly.

I always enjoy it when Lisa is kicking around the ranch—her feisty attitude leads to some great moments—so I was glad to have plenty of scenes with she and Jack, Katie and Lou. With Lou struggling to keep her packed calendar in order, Lisa stepped in to try and help and a defensive Lou got her back up. The thing with Heartland is, grudges never last long; by episode’s end the ladies were on the same page and Lou even got some alone time with her daughters.

Heartland airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on CBC.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Featured, Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries, Podcast, Schitt's Creek

TV, eh? podcast episode 192 – Michelina’s and Sunny D

After an extra week off, the news edition of the TV, Eh? podcast returns outlining the new and returning shows coming up, the Season 2 return of Schitt’s Creek, the big winners at the Directors Guild of Canada Awards, the fall ratings so far and discussion surrounding the CBC acquiring broadcast rights to the next several Olympic Games.

Want to contribute to the discussion? Post links and discussion topics on our Reddit page.

Listen or download below, or subscribe via iTunes or any other podcast catcher with the TV, eh? podcast feed.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Featured, Heartland

Heartland says goodbye to an old friend

2 Comments

Dear Paint,

I know everyone at Heartland is going to miss you, but I will too. I’ve only been watching Heartland for a few years now, but I know the relationship between you and Jack has been strong for longer than that.

You were given to Jack as a retirement gift when he quit the rodeo, and the two of you struck up an incredible and enduring friendship that, sadly, ended Sunday night. The first time that you went down, I willed Ty, Amy and Jack to pull you upright. The second time you went down, I knew that was going to be the end. I’m glad Jack chose to have Ty send you on your final journey, and that you dreamed of sweet grass and sunshine on your back as you drifted away.

Your days of herding cattle with Jack is over, and you can rest overlooking the fields you worked and played in. You certainly were, as Jack said, a good boy. You were loyal, standing by Jack when he suffered a heart attack, and you were patient too. You did everything Jack asked of you, and he, your Heartland family and viewers will never forget you.

I’m closing my letter by writing out Konrad Lorenz’s quote, altered by Georgie:

‘The fidelity of a horse is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a horse is as lasting as the ties of the earth can ever be.’

Rest well, Paint. I’ll miss you.

Heartland airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on CBC.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Featured, Heartland

Heartland’s hard lessons

I tend to give Lou a lot of grief in my Heartland reviews. Though she always means well, I’ve never been a fan of how involved she gets in other people’s lives and—last season especially—over-thinking how to best protect Georgie and Katie from the details of her eroding marriage.

But after watching Sunday’s latest, “Begin Again,” and thinking about it some more, I totally get her actions. Banning Katie from horse-riding lessons and quickly hanging up phone calls with Peter makes perfect sense in Lou’s world. Why involve the kids when separation is difficult enough for the couple? Every family is different, but I think they all want the same thing: to make the best of a bad situation. Resolving to allow Katie to continue her riding and her pledge to Georgie to work harder at making the transition more seamless is an important step. I certainly can’t fault Lou for trying her best … and admitting when what she was doing wasn’t working out. 

Kudos to Michelle Morgan for taking on a difficult storyline over the past two seasons, and for Heather Conkie and her writing crew for continuing to produce thoughtful, educational scenes that reflect real life and not what Hollywood tends to portray. Using Stephen, a.k.a. “Bacon Boy,” as an example for Georgie has gone a long way to showing things can work out when everyone tries.

Sunday’s new episode wasn’t all about Lou, however. After a night out partying, Ty graduated and is a professional veterinarian. It’s been great watching him grow as a man and a vet, and Amy’s gift of a plaque and fantastic desk was the perfect way to wrap up that story.

I’ve been a big fan of Shaun Johnston’s ever since I started watching Heartland. The man can do more with that moustache and craggy face than most in the industry, and that was never more apparent than his touching scenes with Paint. I don’t want Jack to stop being involved in everyone’s life, but his chat with Paint cemented it: he’s thinking of his own mortality and the legacy he’ll leave for family and friends. Paint has been put to pasture, and Jack realizes he’s headed that way.

I can only hope that’s still a long way off.

Notes and quotes

  • “I’m playing for a horse, because he appreciates talent.”
  • This week’s tune: “Wherever You Go” from Fortunate Ones

Heartland airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on CBC.

 

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Featured, Heartland

Review: Heartland’s beary scary situation

There was a bear in the woods—and an elephant in the room—when Heartland returned for its first episode of Season 9. “Brave New World,” written by Heather Conkie and directed by Bruce McDonald, was a big change from the Season 8 finale. In those final moments, Ty and Amy finally tied the knot in front of family and friends.

This Sunday certainly found the wedded couple stronger than ever relationship-wise, but Lou and Peter are falling apart. Things looked too good to be true when the pair were sharing a coffee as they watched Georgie ride Trouble and Phoenix Roman-style; by episode end Lou had filled out a separation agreement. The document was secreted away by Georgie—putting off the inevitable for the time being—but the couple isn’t coming back from this precipice. Kudos to Michelle Morgan for portraying the pain Lou’s feeling and for the fierce mama bear instinct she’s got when it comes to her kids. Peter may think everything will be hunky-dory, but Lou knows that’s not true.

Speaking of bears, I’m glad Sunday’s furry co-star didn’t stick around for long. The fatalist in me pictured the beast going on a rampage at Heartland; that didn’t happen, but the injured horse did help Georgie and Amy understand what happens when you let something free. Not only did Bear direct them to an abandoned horse suffering from rain rot, but showed the girls (and viewers) what friendship, support and trust will bring when you show a little faith.

With such a heavy main story, it was nice to have lighter moments when Jack showed up to kick Tim’s butt into gear on the loft renovations. Tim was indeed in over his head with the school, Casey and life in general; good on Jack for calling him out and then taking control of the situation. With him in charge, Ty and Amy may be moved in by Christmas.

What did you think of Sunday’s return? Do you think Lou and Peter will get back together?

Heartland airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on CBC.

Added bonus: Sunday’s closing music, “Carry On,” was performed by Fortunate Ones

 

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail