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Orphan Black

Cameras roll on Season 3 of Orphan Black

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From a media release:

Space, Temple Street Productions, and BBC America announced earlier today that production has begun on Season 3 of the critically acclaimed original Canadian series, ORPHAN BLACK. Season 3 sees the return of the phenomenal, Golden Globe®-nominated Tatiana Maslany, who has portrayed an astonishing, nine, distinct “Leda” clones to date, as well as the male “Castor” clones revealed in the Season 2 finale, played by series regular Ari Millen. Season 2 of ORPHAN BLACK reached a total of 832,000 viewers and more than 3.7 million unique viewers each week. Throughout its Season 2 run, Space was the #1 specialty network in audience across all key demos in its timeslot. The 10-episode, one-hour drama shoots in Toronto, on location and in studio, until March 2015, and is set to premiere in Spring 2015.

Returning in a lead role is Ari Millen, who plays the newly discovered male clones; Mark, the Prolethean cult follower and Rudy, a prisoner of war. Also back this season is Jordan Gavaris as Sarah’s fiery foster brother Felix; Dylan Bruce as Paul; an army officer working for secret forces in the clone world; Maria Doyle Kennedy as Sarah and Felix’s duplicitous foster mother Mrs. S; Evelyne Brochu as a Dyad scientist and Cosima’s lover Delphine; Kevin Hanchard as Art, a detective caught in the clone trap; Zoé De Grand Maison as Gracie, a Prolethean escapee, and Michiel Huisman as Cal, father to Sarah’s daughter Kira (Skyler Wexler).

ORPHAN BLACK’s second season brought new, more treacherous, enemies to light, culminating in a shocking finale with the reveal of the new male “Castor” clones. Season 3 plunges the clone sisterhood into unexpected territory with the realization that they’re not alone. Just when they thought they knew their enemies and allies, Season 3 reveals our clones are more vulnerable than ever before with the highly trained, identical male-soldiers complicating matters. And though Sarah, Cosima, Alison and Helena realize they are stronger together than they are apart, this season will put that bond to the test.

Adored by fans and critics alike in more than 170 countries, ORPHAN BLACK earned a Peabody Award and an outstanding 10 Canadian Screen Awards in 2014. Lead actress Tatiana Maslany has received two, back-to-back Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Actress, a TCA Award for Individual Achievement, a Young Hollywood Award, a Gracie Award, and nominations for both the Golden Globe® and People’s Choice Awards.

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Featured, Saving Hope

Review: Saving Hope peels back the truth

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They say that what was lost can be found, but that certainly didn’t seem to be the case with Thursday night’s Saving Hope (“Stand By Me”). With multiple characters walking out on loves by the final few minutes, it was hard not to leave the episode feeling like a kid who just spent 50 or so minutes rummaging through a Lost & Found bin and turning up with nothing but sad memories of the things that used to be something to someone.

First and foremost, we have to talk about the fact that Alex blew out whatever flame her and Charlie had left by admitting that she doesn’t love him “anymore.” It’s something that we’ve seen coming given her post-coma behaviour, but hearing her actually say it was a whole other matter entirely, sparking what could be a whole new, spark-less chapter for the couple. Seeing Charlie’s–or more accurately, Michael Shanks’–face as it all went down was truly wrenching (he gave her his heart and breakfast in bed and she gave him … the worst relationship diagnosis ever!) too. It’s quite impressive that Shanks was able to pull that level of emotion off while also directing the episode, his first of the series.

With Shanks in the director chair, it’s not really a surprise Charlie was more of a side character this episode, making way for more Alex, Gavin and Joel. While she might not be doing so well in the personal department, it’s great to see Alex doing the opposite professionally, finally finding her way after some minor back-to-work struggles. Our girl came back to some interesting cases (a man with organs on the opposite side!) for sure, but what was more engaging about her return to Hope Zion was her small side issues, including a minor incident involving her being afraid of her own underboob blood (OK, that sounded crass, but that’s the quickiest–and dirtiest–way to describe it). It’s always weird to consider the fact that a doctor might not be interested in their own biology, but Alex has every right to be worried about minor injuries right now. I can only hope that after this she invests in a sturdy, non-wire sports bra while her stitches fully heal.

It’s going to be hard to heal after the other lost love-themed plotline played out, with Gavin leaving Maggie and Hope Zion behind after having a mega breakdown. His story was the most poetically erratic one of the episode, starting out more or less hilarious as he accidentally got high on LSD tablets (Kristopher Turner really knows how to play ridiculous stoned, saying lines like “I’m an orange!” with both infinite sadness and glee) and finishing things in the most depressing way possible. Taking a break from things might be the best decision for Gavin as a character, especially given how much he broke down over Maggie and the baby that could have been, but it doesn’t make it less upsetting. Turner brought some nice comic relief, as well as total adorableness, to Saving Hope, not to mention some really sweet jackets. At least he got to go out in a blazer of glory (seriously though, that grey one was way sharp).

I joke, but only as a defense mechanism. Gavin truly was one of the more interesting Hope Zion regulars, and seeing the series without him is not something I’m looking forward to doing and living. But at least we still have Joel around for some interesting side action, as evidenced by his compelling solo piece this episode.

Although there is plenty of compelling relationship drama to be had in the Hope Zion canon, sometimes it’s nice to see a non-romantic subplot take centre stage. We got to see that here first as Alex tried to get back into the professional zone and Joel was forced to do deal with a clinic patient’s emotional trauma in addition to his physical one. The latter plot had a nice mixture of medical and personal reactions, as Joel had to deal with a Ugandan man’s bullet wound and scarring past with homophobia. I almost wish we could have spent more time learning about that man and his brother, who fled their home country to try to avoid getting persecuted for his sexuality. But perhaps this episode already had enough harsh reality to go around.

Now, if you’ll excuse me I’m going to peel an orange as well as my emotional security blanket (literally my blanket) back and attempt to find a way to deal with all the loss I experienced last night.

Saving the best for last:

  • Patient: “She just called me fat!” Alex: “I mean fleshy!”
  • “I’m just not a big fan of poo.” Maggie might be best out of context.
  • Zero to Horny in 2.5 Beers. Joel, we all know you’re keeping that shirt.
  • For those wondering if Turner will be back on the show this season, I’m very sorry.

Saving Hope airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on CTV.

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Spun Out

CTV’s Spun Out begins Season 2 production

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From a media release:

–Russell Peters to make guest appearance during Season 2–

CTV, in association with Project 10 Productions, announced today that production is now underway in Toronto on 13 new episodes of last season’s most-watched Canadian scripted comedy, SPUN OUT. A 2014 Directors Guild of Canada Award-nominee for Best Comedy TV Series, the hilarious comedy follows the ups and downs of a public relations agency staffed with people who can spin everyone’s problems but their own. Headlined by Dave Foley, the complete returning ensemble cast for Season 2 of SPUN OUT features Paul Campbell, Al Mukadam, Rebecca Dalton, J.P. Manoux , Darcy Michael, and Holly Deveaux. Shooting at Toronto’s Pinewood Studios through December, SPUN OUT will premiere in 2015 on CTV.

“With exceedingly talented cast, a fantastic writing room, and pedigreed producers, we look forward to seeing how SPUN OUT grows in its second season,” said Phil King, President – CTV, Sports, an‎d Entertainment Programming.

One of the biggest names in comedy, Gemini Award-winning comedian Russell Peters (RUSSELL PETERS: NOTORIOUS) is confirmed to make a stop by the DLPR office during Season 2. Also confirmed to date are up-and-coming actresses Ellen Wong (THE CARRIE DIARIES) and Ingrid Haas (CHELSEA LATELY).

With series stars Dave Foley set to direct two episodes and co-star J.P. Manoux also confirmed to direct an episode, Season 2 of SPUN OUT brings a whole new set of adventures for the DLPR gang. Beckett tries to execute the perfect “business bang” with a trusted journalist, Nelson questions his ability to keep up on trends, and Dave goes head to head with his ex-wife from a rival PR firm. Also in store this season, Gordon gets trapped in an elevator, Bryce develops an internet addiction, Stephanie realizes Abby is a conversation ninja and exploits it by making her a brand influencer, and after a night of debauchery, the team goes on the hunt for a missing Dave.

SPUN OUT is produced by Project 10 Productions in association with CTV. Gemini Award winners Jeff Biederman (LIFE WITH DEREK, OVERRULED!) and Brent Piaskoski (ACCORDING TO JIM, RADIO FREE ROSCOE) are co-creators, writers, and executive producers. Brian K. Roberts (EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE DREW CAREY SHOW) is co-creator, director, and executive producer. Andrew Barnsley (SPORTS ON FIRE) and Dave Foley are executive producers, and Colin Brunton (PUPPETS WHO KILL) is producer.

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Featured, Saving Hope

Review: Instinct takes over on Saving Hope

You’ve gotta give it up to Saving Hope for keeping Alex’s post-surgery amnesia condensed to one episode. Although a part of me wouldn’t have minded seeing a post-surgery Alex draw her own, fresh conclusions about her feelings for Charlie and Joel, it’s far too often the amnesia trope is introduced and dragged out to an excruciating, mind-numbing length.

In fact, pretty much everything about “Awakenings” was moving at a timely pace, all thanks to a condo explosion as the case-of-the-week that put Hope Zion on high alert. While the doctors were all busy trying to treat patients, Alex was able to do her own thing when it came to her injury and her memory loss, getting the space she needed from an overbearing Charlie. My heart certainly went out to Alex, bombarded by the pressure to remember from colleagues and loved ones when she needed to simply concentrate on her own health. But while she suffered through the majority of the episode, I was pleasantly surprised to see her instinct while helping another patient be what ultimately brought her memories back.

Her memories may have come back by the end of the episode, but we viewers pulling for Alex and Joel were certainly treated to a few heartwarming scenes while they were still gone. The condo explosion forced Charlie and Joel to channel their pissing contest over Alex through competing over ways to perform surgery on a couple of burn victims fused together (serious props to the makeup department for THAT messy looking ordeal). And while Charlie was awarded the surgery by Dawn in the end, it gave Joel a moment to check in with Alex while Charlie was busy, ending in a cute exchange that made Alex smile for the first time since waking up.

Speaking of the burn victims, I found myself particularly invested in the storyline of the duo as we learned more about their relationship as the episode went on. I had to give it up to how calm and sweet Marshall (Republic of Doyle’s Mark O’Brien) was to Anna (Cristina Rosato) even before we knew they had romantic feelings for one another, telling the doctors to peel her out of the binding before him even though he was the one suffering from paralysis. Way to take one for the girl you love, man. By the time Charlie found the box with the ring and we heard the whole story of the couple I couldn’t help hoping the two got a happy ending. Is it too much for the writers to give me a check-in on the couple later on?!

“Awakenings” also gave us a bit of development on Maggie, still suffering physically and emotionally from the miscarriage. As much as I loved Zach’s fake laughing technique to try and help her get her emotions in order, I couldn’t help but feel a little annoyance that Maggie kept her patient on edge about the mystery ailment they found while treating him from the condo incident. Her suffering was sad, but making someone else think they’re about to be told they’re dying is so not cool. That is, until we found out he wasn’t dying, but suffering from, well, a leftover from his “recreational activities.” In all seriousness, I’m glad she was able to write her feelings down to try and deal with her loss and emotions. No more crying in the ER, yeah?

So Alex may be back, and we’re not quite sure where she stands in the love department, but now the big mystery we’ve been delivered is the question of what exactly Alex “left behind” and what that will mean going forward, the mystery I’m assuming will be dragged out rather than the amnesia. Nothing’s ever easy at Hope Zion, is it?

Saving Hope airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on CTV.

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Featured, Saving Hope

Saving Hope star talks most challenging season yet

Saving Hope just might be the Canadian show that could. While this summer saw two Canadian shows, Seed and Working the Engels, come to a sudden end after failing to grab an American audience, Saving Hope avoided that fate after NBC dropped it at the end of Season 1. Going into Season 3, it’s not only managed to stay on the air in Canada, but it’s gotten picked up by another American network.

The difference between NBC and ION, Saving Hope’s new southern home, is a U.S. network willing to put the energy into promoting the show. Canada-born Daniel Gillies, who plays Dr. Joel Goran, can’t say enough about the attention the drama’s been getting south of the border.

“They’re an interesting new energy. They’re the kind of hot, burgeoning new network in the United States and they’ve got all these amazing shows,” which include Canada’s Rookie Blue, Flashpoint and the recently-finished The Listener. He adds, “I think there are a lot of viewers who managed to watch it in spite of the lack of publicity in the beginning and those sort of steadfast fans who had to sort of either download or whatever to find out what was happening with us and now, obviously, are pretty delighted it’s got some U.S. distribution again.”

But it’s the support at home that’s kept Saving Hope on the air and the Canadian fan-base has certainly been a strong and vocal one—when the show returned with a two-night premiere, it won its Thursday night timeslot with 1.2 million viewers. “If it had even a fraction of what was happening here in Toronto that first year,” he says, “We would have had a degree of longevity because it’s a very good show.”

Things only seem to be picking up this season, which opened with Dr. Alex Reid (Erica Durance) on the operating table after being stabbed in the heart with a pair of scissors. While the second half of the return ended with Alex waking up, it only set the stage for more tension on the hospital drama, which meant plenty more Joel for Gillies to discover. “I’ve been shooting this show for three years and I’ve never seen his bedroom,” he laughs, before calling it the most challenging season for the character yet. Since Joel was partially responsible for Alex getting stabbed in the first place, it’s taken his character to a much darker place.

“He’s sort of addressing and embracing a lot more of the emotional aspects of his career than he ever did,” Gilles explains. “I think that Joel was someone who derived his identity purely from his work and I think now he’s discovering he’s much more than that. By sticking around in one place he’s been forced—there’s this kind of mandatory introspection by being around. These energies around him are eliciting all this stuff from him that he’s probably never looked at himself before.”

Saving Hope airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on CTV.

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