TV, eh? | What's up in Canadian television | Page 739
TV,eh? What's up in Canadian television

A horrible sacrifice is made on Travelers

Before we head into a preview of Monday’s new episode of Travellers, a quick look back at last week’s. Entitled “Donner,” it portrayed the first real threat the travellers have faced regarding being exposed as folks from the future.

Donner (played by the always great Jason Gray-Stanford) had his brain fried upon entry to 2016 and—in a dramatic scene—dished on the travellers to a tribunal. All seemed lost … until it was revealed the room was full of travellers. Clearly, their numbers are greater than we first imagined. We also got a peek at what happens when your transfer doesn’t stick: you get rebooted.

Now, on to “Bishop.” Here’s what the official episode synopsis says:

The Director orders an assassination and MacLaren is kept on a tight leash.

And, after watching a screener, here’s what else we can tell you.

Travellers shakes things up
What’s become the standard cold open for Travellers—a person dies and a traveller assumes their consciousness—takes a sharp right turn in “Bishop,” setting the tone for later dramatics.

David gets serious
We were wondering when David would decide errant kisses and touches from Marcy wasn’t enough and started asking her tough questions. That happens tonight and he gives her an ultimatium.

Jeff confronts MacLaren
We knew this was coming and it finally happens. The two men who love Carly have a chat over who deserves her most. Jeff exits the talk with a chip on his shoulder and goes for MacLaren’s weak spot.

MacLaren flies solo
After being given an item to hold onto, MacLaren is informed he’s boarding an airplane and seated next to a man named, you guessed it, Bishop. There doesn’t seem to be a reason for MacLaren to be on the plane, until Bishop makes a phone call that ties him back to the episode’s opening scene. And, as it turns out, MacLaren couldn’t have chosen a worse flight to be on.

Travelers airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Showcase.

Images courtesy of Corus.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Win a copy of Investigating Murdoch Mysteries!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when we celebrate family and the spirit of giving. As a thanks to all of the Murdoch Mysteries fans who read our reviews and interviews, we’re giving away one (1) copy of Investigating Murdoch Mysteries: The Official Companion to the Series.

Written by Murdoch Mysteries co-executive producer Michelle Ricci and Mir Bahmanyar, and with a forward by Maureen Jennings, it makes the perfect Christmas gift for any fan.

How can you win this awesome book? Simply comment below, describing your most memorable Christmas ever. It could be a great present you gave or received, or maybe it was just being with your family. Murdoch Mysteries gives us fantastic stories every week, and we’d like to hear yours.

We’ll pick a winner on Friday, Dec. 16, at noon ET and will make the announcement on this page. Good luck!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Peggy Salazar! She’s the random winner of a copy of Investigating Murdoch Mysteries: The Official Companion to the Series. A sincere thank you to everyone who shared their Christmas story on this page.

And don’t forget: Murdoch Mysteries‘ “Once Upon a Murdoch Christmas” airs Monday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Link: Reflections from the Writers’ Room: “He Rode a Blais-sing Saddle!”

From Denis McGrath for Cartt.ca:

Link: Reflections from the Writers’ Room: “He Rode a Blais-sing Saddle!”
Did you hear the one where a six-figure-earning chair of the CRTC hijacked his own hearing to go after some guy who hurt his feelings on “The Twitter?”

In the world of content creation it wasn’t the most important twist to come out of the group license renewal hearing last week, but it sure was the most surprising. Continue reading.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Comments and queries for the week of December 9

Thank you, Canada’s Worst Driver

To Andrew Younghusband and Canada’s Worst Driver, I am not a bad driver but I am a frightened driver from a terrible car accident. I have watched your show since Season 3 and I want to thank you for the confidence your show has given me. Hints and instructions I have received while watching saved me the other night from another accident.

At first, when I returned to driving, I was probably a danger to myself and others from being so nervous. LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO is the key that saved me from hitting a huge buck while driving home after dark. If stressed while driving, I think of Andrew and your show to improve a positive thought pattern while I am driving in any weather or tense driving situation. I repeat only the secret to success, “look where you want to go.” When I returned to driving I pulled over on the shoulder every time an 18-wheeler was behind me. It took me a long time to get anywhere!

Your show changed my life and gave me freedom from fear and the ability to become a better driver. Your show has made a huge difference in my life and many others. Thank you sincerely from my heart. —Virginia


Is Heartland’s Gobi desert storyline a dud?

“Galvanizing” isn’t quite the word. It’s more like even a lot of the people who otherwise are enjoying the show think it outright stinks. It’s a dud. It’s nice that the actor is happy, but it’s pretty clear this was one of the worst story decisions, especially in timing, the show has ever made. —Kelly

The episode in which they introduced the Gobi bear storyline was horrendous. I like the show, but half the episodes are poorly written and eye rollingly idiotic. There’s probably four bad episodes for every one good episode. I think maybe certain writers think they have to dull things down for a family audience. I’ll watch this show to the end because it’s telling a rural Western Canadian story but it’s never been a favourite. It’s a shame too because in the episodes that are written well it is a great show. —Alicia

I love Heartland and the direction they are taking it into this season. It is great to see them stretch the relationship of Ty and Amy without breaking it. I love the reflections Amy places on her relationship with Ty over the past few seasons while driving to the doctor’s office. It would beautiful to see this from Ty’s end as well. Keep making a beautiful and enjoyable family show for all of us. —Steven

Great interview Graham, love your passion and commitment to Heartland. I work with dogs and the connection with animals is so very real, they struggle with emotions just like us, they have same medical problems we have, they have social issues, separation issues. For you wanting to show that hopefully next year will be awesome. I can see Ty working more in the reserve or more wild animals coming into the clinic. But whatever happens you are a great actor with a great love to telling the truth to every story. Hope you never leave Heartland. —Karen

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

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail