Everything about Mary Kills People, eh?

Global’s Mary Kills People checks in one final time

Back in 2017, Caroline Dhavernas was proud that the debate over doctor-assisted suicide would be the focal point of Mary Kills People. The Canadian government, at that time, has just deemed it legal with Bill C-14, thrusting Mary Kills People into the spotlight.

Now, with the final season of Global’s drama premiering this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the network, Dhavernas is just as proud as she was when we first spoke about Tara Armstrong’s creation.

“Tara wrote this when she was in her late 20s, early 30s and I think it was a brave choice to tackle death and make it interesting and funny and sexy and thrilling and serious and dramatic and all that,” Dhavernas said, in the midst of a media day for the series. “When you go to a network with a subject that’s assisted dying, chances are they’re going to say to you, ‘It was nice to meet you, but no thanks.’ But she made it happen.”

In Sunday’s return, it’s been five months since the Season 2 finale. Mary (Dhavernas), Des (Richard Short) and Nicole (Charlotte Sullivan) are running a hospice, the perfect opportunity to help terminally-ill patients exit the world and not worry about the authorities catching them. Of course, before the hour is complete, things seem to be careening out of control. But rather than spoil it for you, just make sure you tune in. 

And, to prep you for Sunday, read our interview with Dhavernas.

Obviously, people are sad that the third season is going to be the last one, but I’m happy, and I think a lot of fans are, that we’re going to get closure. Have you all felt the same way?
Caroline Dhavernas: I was just dealing with the same thing while we were making Season 3. We knew it was going to be the end. So closure is indeed happening and, also, we get to tell the end of the story, which you don’t always get to do. We knew exactly what was happening and we got to say goodbye properly and end the show on our terms, so it’s quite empowering.

I’ve seen the first episode and we’re thrown quite the twist. I guess it should have been a little bit expected because this is Mary Kills People, but it’s a great way to jump back into Season 3.
CD: Yeah, I didn’t see it coming when I read it the first time. I was surprised by what happened and I thought the same thing, ‘I should have known because this is what I do on this show.’ For some reason, because it was about faith and because of her new life I thought, ‘What’s happening? Is she grappling with religion, but no.’

It looks as though this final season is going to be full of twists and turns.
CD: Every episode of this show is quite dense with action and emotion and Season 3 is going to be the same. And it’s a little more character driven, though, this season. Season 2 was really crazy, like the criminal world with Olivia and I think that will have been the season where we dive into the illegal aspect of what she’s doing the most. It’s an exciting season because also it takes place in winter for the first time, so the visuals are quite different and also water has always been an underlying theme on the show and now water has frozen over and it just brings another mood to the series.

I love the atmospheric stuff when you’re working with the seasons because it really adds character to the show and is actually like a member of the cast in telling the story.
CD: I think it forced us to rethink certain aspects of the show. And this happened because I was pregnant last summer and we couldn’t shoot so we were forced to reinvent a little bit, so it’s interesting.

Were you happy with the way that the show ended? Do you think that fans are going to be happy with the series finale?
CD: I think so because we care for these characters and we want them to know that they’ll be OK when we leave them forever. And I think you’ll certainly get a sense of that happening towards the end. It’s been very dense and very stressful at times, what they’re going through. And I’m not going to tell you how it ends, but certain characters will finally be able to calm down a little bit.

What are you most proud of being involved in this show? For me, it’s just the fact that assisted death has been brought to the forefront and is part of the discussion. What about for you?
CD: Yeah, I think it’s a very brave subject matter to tackle, especially from such a young woman’s point of view. Tara wrote this when she was in her late 20s, early 30s and I think it was a brave choice to tackle death and make it interesting and funny and sexy and thrilling and serious and dramatic and all that. Because when you go to a network with a subject that’s assisted dying, chances are they’re going to say to you, ‘It was nice to meet you, but no thanks.’ But she made it happen. It was a bit of a coincidence that the law was changing in Canada in the summer that we decided to shoot. It was kind of in the air for some reason and she made it work and the tone is quite unique, and that’s one of the other things that I’m quite proud of, being part of that uniqueness.

Last question. Did you take any mementoes from your time at Mary Kills People?
CD: Yes, actually I kept some of Mary’s clothes and … a medallion from the goddess of death, an Egyptian goddess, I think. I’m very happy to have been able to keep that.

Mary Kills People airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Global.

Images courtesy of Corus.

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First wave of Global’s summer premiere dates announced; includes Mary Kills People and Private Eyes

From a media release:

Global announced today the first wave of premiere dates for its 2019 summer schedule. Featuring a fresh lineup combining standout original series, a newly acquired Royal special, two new dramas, and returning fan favourites, Global’s schedule is packed with thrilling mystery, provocative storytelling, and comedic relief.

 Headlining the new summer lineup are two of Global’s highly anticipated returning original series. Following two successful seasons which received great critic acclaim across North America, the third and final chapter of 2019 Canadian Screen Award-winning drama Mary Kills People kicks off the summer schedule beginning Sunday, May 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. From Entertainment One (eOne) and Cameron Pictures, Season 3 picks up five months after last season’s shocking finale that left the fate of Detective Ben Wesley (Jay Ryan) up in the air. Dr. Mary Harris (Caroline Dhavernas), along with her partner Desmond “Des” Bennett (Richard Short), return to face the complications of running their newly established “death retreat”. In anticipation of the final chapter, viewers can watch the first and second season of Mary Kills People on GlobalTV.com or Global GO (available for Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV).

Then, Shade and Angie are back on the case as last summer’s #1 Canadian scripted series Private Eyes, which grew its audience year-over-year (19% for A25-54 and 25% for 2+) returns with 12 new episodes beginning Wednesday, May 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Following the shocking arrest of wisecracking PI Angie Everett (Cindy Sampson), Season 3 begins with her behind bars where she meets an intimidating inmate played by guest star, Canadian icon Jann Arden. The new season also welcomes notable guest stars including Big Brother Canada host Arisa Cox, award-winning actor Gordon Pinsent, and William Shatner, who reprises his role as rival PI Norm Glinski. Returning for Season 3 are familiar faces including Samantha Wanas Zoe, Ennis Esmer as Detective Mazhari, Jordyn Negri as Jules, Barry Flatman as Don, and joining the cast Ruth Goodwin as Officer Danica Powers.

This summer Global also brings its Royal fans Meghan and Harry Plus One, a one-hour special airing Friday, May 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted by CBS This Morning Co-Host Gayle King, Meghan and Harry Plus One looks at the changes in the life of American-born Meghan Markle since marrying Prince Harry, and the arrival of the couple’s royal heir who will be the first British-American child to be in line for the throne. Plus, the special will go behind the headlines and the rumors, and includes interviews with royal insiders and Meghan’s friends to learn how the couple has adapted to their new lives together and how they have navigated the positive and negative aspects that come with being royal.    

Also new to Global’s schedule is action-adventure series Blood & Treasure, premiering with a special two-hour episode Tuesday, May 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Moving to its regular time slot at 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning Tuesday, May 28, the serialized, globe-trotting drama stars Matt Barr (Sleepy Hollow) and Sofia Pernas (The Brave) as a brilliant antiquities expert and a cunning art thief, respectively, who team up to catch a ruthless terrorist who funds his attacks through stolen treasure. Mystery and suspense continue this summer on Global with new series The Inbetween airing Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning May 29. The character-driven drama follows Cassie Bedford (Harriet Dyer, Love Child), who was born with a rare ability to see and communicate with the dead and now helps detectives solve murder cases.

Rounding out the schedule are Global’s returning hits including the seventh and final season of the modern day Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson drama, Elementary, which begins its farewell season Thursday, May 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Meanwhile Season 2 of Instinct starring Alan Cumming and Bojana Novakovic returns Sunday, June 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, and then summer’s favourite gameshow The Wall hits new heights with Season 3 in a special two hour premiere Thursday, June 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.  

Series Production Credits:

Mary Kills People is produced by eOne and Cameron Pictures Inc., in association with Corus Entertainment, and with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit, and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. The series is executive produced by Tassie Cameron (Ten Days in The Valley, Rookie Blue), Amy Cameron (The Book of Negroes), Marsha Greene (Ten Days in the Valley, Private Eyes), Jocelyn Hamilton (Private Eyes), Tecca Crosby (Private Eyes), and Caroline Dhavernas (Hannibal).

 Private Eyes is produced by eOne in association with Corus Entertainment, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit and IPF’s Cogeco TV Production Program. Season 3 is executive produced by Jocelyn Hamilton and Tecca Crosby for eOne, Shawn Piller and Lloyd Segan for Piller/Segan, Jason Priestley, James Thorpe, Alan Mccullough, James Thorpe, Alexandra Zarowny, Derek Schreyer and Tassie Cameron. 

 Meghan and Harry Plus One is produced by the team at 48 HOURS and is executive produced by Judy Tygard and Patti Aronofsky. Blood & Treasure is produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Propagate Content. Matthew Federman, Stephen Scaia, Taylor Elmore, Ben Silverman, Marc Webb, Mark Vlasic, Howard T. Owens and Michael Dinner serve as executive producers. Elementary is executive produced by Rob Doherty, Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, Jason Tracey, Robert Hewitt Wolfe and Robert Goodman for CBS Television Studios. Instinct is produced by CBS Television Studios, Michael Rauch, Marc Webb, Alex Kurtzman and Heather Kadin (Secret Hideout), James Patterson, Bill Robinson, Leopoldo Gout and Alan Cumming serve as executive producers. Meghan and Harry Plus One, Blood & Treasure, Elementary, and Instinct are all distributed internationally by CBS Studios International.

The Inbetween is produced by Universal Television, NBCU International Television Studio and Heyday Television. Moira Kirland, David Heyman, Nancy Cotton, Matthew Gross executive produce. Charlotte Sieling executive produced and directed the pilot. While “The Wall” is a collaboration between Glassman Media and SpringHill.

The Wall was developed by Glassman Media in conjunction with CORE Media and produced in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio. LeBron James, Chris Hardwick, Maverick Carter and Andrew Glassman executive produce.

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Global announces start of production on the third and final chapter of Mary Kills People

From a media release:

The conflicting choice between life and death is at the forefront one last time as Global announced today the start of production on the third and final chapter of the critically acclaimed drama Mary Kills People. From Canadian broadcaster and production partner Corus Entertainment, with Entertainment One (eOne) and Cameron Pictures Inc., the provocative event series (6×60) created by Tara Armstrong will film in and around Toronto this winter, with the premiere set for spring 2019 on Global.

Following last season’s shocking finale, that left the fate of Detective Ben Wesley (Jay Ryan) up in the air, Dr. Mary Harris (Caroline Dhavernas), along with her partner Dr. Desmond “Des” Bennett (Richard Short), return to face the complications of running their newly established “death retreat”. New casting this season features Canadian actresses Elizabeth Saunders (Alias Grace, It) as a nurse who complicates Mary’s life, and Rachael Ancheril (Rookie Blue, Wynonna Earp) as a patient at the hospice with the desire to live a little before she dies. Leading the way behind the scenes is the multi-talented powerhouse team including co-showrunners and executive producers Tassie Cameron and Marsha Greene, executive producer Amy Cameron, and directors Norma Bailey, James Genn, and Paul Fox. The series was created by Tara Armstrong.

In the third and final chapter of Mary Kills People, Dr. Mary Harris must come face-to-face with her own personal choices, ethics, and demons in a way she never has before. The death retreat is up and running, but its cover as a legitimate hospice is crumbling away and with it the idyllic vision Mary and Des had for continuing their work in quiet secrecy. With Mary’s family and the work she loves in jeopardy once more, she realizes she is finally going to have to put life, with all of its complexities and imperfections, first.

In anticipation of the final chapter, viewers can watch the first and second season of Mary Kills People on GlobalTV.com or Global GO (available for Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV).

Mary Kills People is produced by eOne and Cameron Pictures Inc., in association with Corus Entertainment, and with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit, and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. The series is executive produced by Tassie Cameron (Ten Days in The Valley, Rookie Blue), Amy Cameron (The Book of Negroes), Marsha Greene (Ten Days in the Valley, Private Eyes), Jocelyn Hamilton (Private Eyes), Tecca Crosby (Private Eyes), and Caroline Dhavernas (Hannibal). The series was created by Tara Armstrong (Private Eyes). It will be directed by Norma Bailey, James Genn, and Paul Fox. Writers include Tassie Cameron, Marsha Greene, Jane Maggs, Matt Huether, Karen Moore, and Chris Roberts. For Corus, Susan Alexander is Production Executive; Rachel Nelson is Director, Original Content, Drama, Kids and Factual; Lisa Godfrey is Vice President of Original Content, Corus Entertainment.

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Link: ‘Unreal’ and ‘Mary Kills People’ teams talk topical storytelling and an in-season ‘Me Too Moment’

From Danielle Turchiano of Variety:

Link: ‘Unreal’ and ‘Mary Kills People’ teams talk topical storytelling and an in-season ‘Me Too Moment’
“I think that if we’ve done our jobs properly, Olivia is a little bit of a mirror to Mary. And rather than rooting for one or the other, I’m hoping that what people will do is wonder why they’ve been rooting for Mary. Is she doing the right thing for the right reasons? Do the ends justify the means? I’m all for the big, heady questions.” Continue reading.

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Link: Women Behind Canadian TV: Susan Forrest

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Link: Women Behind Canadian TV: Susan Forrest
“All casting directors need to work very hard to audition and learn about all diverse actors in the industry. Even non-traditional routes need to be explored — dance, singing, stand up — as the demand is huge, and the pool is not yet large enough or experienced enough to meet the demand. We need to open our doors and give diverse actors as many opportunities as possible.” Continue reading.

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