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Comments and queries for the week of September 13

1 Comment

Hello! I have been watching The Amazing Race since it started and I REALLY ENJOY IT. BUT I have one thing that I think should be changed. Beside the first place prizes I think the second and third finishers should get a prize also. Like second place gets $50,000 and third gets $20,000. Because they do soooo much to get into two and three that they should get something for their hard work finishing there. Thank You —Lou

Great show, excellent final episode. Only in Canada could such a stunningly appropriate finish occur. We are a diverse, inclusive, conscientious society, one which the rest of the world looks up to. And the show confidently portrays this. With one glaring exception: there was a lot of talk about role models, and, indeed plenty of contestants were outstanding role models throughout. But the show itself failed to be the paragon of sportsmanship it could and certainly should be. Endorsing cheating, in explicit detail, illustrates to viewers of all ages the precise opposite of being a good role model. In all other regards, The Amazing Race is a wonderful showcase of Canadian spirit. —William

This was a fantastic season. Great scenery and such a fantastic view of our beautiful country. I was thrilled that James and Anthony won—they were very deserving and it was a joy to see them on The Amazing Race this season. I was cheering for them from the get-go. Congrats to all Top 3 teams—you were all amazing! —Chris

I enjoyed that the race was held in Canada. There are so many hidden gems in this country that no one knows about, and this show educates viewers. I’ve been trying to see all parts of Canada and am always amazed at the beautiful landscape and people. I’d like to see the Magdalen Islands as part of the race. In terms of the winners , well done!!! It’s always so much better when nice, caring people win. They ran a great race. I always feel a little bad for second place as they are so very close, but I’m also pleased the Top 3 teams were truly good sports. Great show! —Joanne

Amazing Race does Canada proud! Incredible photography each season frames our beautiful land and treats the audience to the opportunity to see Canada in all its true glory. WOW…… what a fabulous place we all call home! Each season has reflected a true and accurate cross-section of interesting, diverse, kind and fun Canadians……all of them winners. Last but not least, my sincerest congratulations to this year’s winners, Anthony and James. With self-effacing humour, kindness to each other and everyone along the way, and tenacious effort to each challenge, they won with style. How appropriate an Indigenous couple should finally win Amazing Race Canada! Anthony and James should be very proud of their achievement…..as is the rest of Canada. All the very best to them throughout their lives. From the perfect host, Jon Montgomery, who demonstrates warmth, wit and physical prowess in each episode, to each and every person, and sponsor, who makes Amazing Race Canada a reality each season, THANK YOU!!! Please keep doing what you do so well. —Michael

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

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Featured, Frankie Drake Mysteries

Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries, “No Friends Like Old Friends”

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Frankie Drake Mysteries returns to CBC for Season 3, and a new showrunner. Peter Mitchell, a name Murdoch Mysteries fans know well, took over those duties from James Hurst, something the CBC revealed earlier this year.

Also, as previously announced by CBC, the third season of Frankie Drake Mysteries sees Frankie face a family secret while episodes bring her and the Drake Private Detectives team into the world of British aristocrats, illegal boxing, the supernatural and political fundraisers.

Of particular note in the press release sent by CBC was Honeysuckle Weeks—of Foyle’s War—would guest star. They didn’t reveal when, but I can: Episode 1. Here’s the official storyline for “No Friends Like Old Friends,” written by series co-creator Carol Hay and directed by Ruba Nadda.

After her wartime friend goes missing in London, Frankie must work with Agatha Christie to uncover the reason behind the disappearance.

And here are more details I gathered while watching the episode.

A woman stands, looking worried.A brand-new intro
Unlike Murdoch Mysteries, which has featured the same, iconic, opening credits, Frankie Drake shakes things up with a fun, animated refresh set to the series’ punchy soundtrack. I love it.

Frankie Drake goes overseas
If you follow Frankie Drake Mysteries or its cast on social media, you know the show spent time in England filming. The footage shows up in Monday’s return, as Frankie and her friend, Louise, tear around London on their motorcycles. Shaun Benson, most recently seen on Killjoys and The Boys, plays Louise’s husband. Louise isn’t the only old friend she reconnects with, which gives us a peek into Frankie’s wartime past.

Two women stand next to one another.Agatha Christie appears
Honeysuckle Weeks portrays the legendary mystery author, who hires Frankie to find Louise.

Chaos back home
While Frankie is on her adventure, Flo, Trudy and Mary are struggling with office issues. Trudy is good at many things, but plumbing is not one of them. Plumbing aside, she, Mary and Trudy provide key information into the case surrounding Louise’s disappearance.

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Troublemakers”

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The fact that the summer has flown by—to me, anyway, is great for two reasons. The first: autumn, my favourite time of year. The second? The return of Murdoch Mysteries of course!

Copious Instagram posts during the past months from stars Yannick Bisson and Hélène Joy only served to grow my excitement for Season 13 while showrunner Peter Mitchell’s frequent Twitter and Facebook posts reminded me he was not only running Murdoch this year but Season 3 of Frankie Drake Mysteries as well.

A man looks through a magnifying glass.But enough about the past, let’s get into Season 13, shall we? Here’s what the CBC has revealed as the official storyline for “Troublemakers,” written by Peter Mitchell and directed by Harvey Crossland.

Murdoch investigates an explosion at a suffrage rally attended by Dr. Talbot (Claire Goose) and Julia, after a man dies.

And here are more thoughts from me after watching a screener.

Hélène Joy’s newest role
To those who missed it in CBC’s Season 13 production announcement earlier this year, Ms. Joy has a new role on MM. She is now an executive producer. What does that mean? I’ll let you know; I’m hoping to land an interview with her this season. But for now: congratulations!

Two men stand next to each other.Who is Claire Goose?
As is the norm on Murdoch Mysteries, British actors are constantly dropping by to play in our sandbox. The latest is Claire Goose, who has appeared in such UK series as The Coroner, Death in Paradise, Waking the Dead and Casualty.

Brackenreid’s life continues to be complicated
Thomas’ daughter writes to her father with a request. One he’s reluctant to fulfil.

Murdoch’s not keen on Ms. Hart
As we discovered last season, William knows Ms. Hart’s plans and is keeping a close eye on her. And though she uncovers many facts pertaining to Monday’s case (particularly concerning an Orsini bomb), he’s not willing to toss much praise her way.

Murdoch Mysteries airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Amazing Race Canada, Featured

The Amazing Race Canada: And the winners are…

19 Comments

Dave and Irina’s elimination from The Amazing Race Canada meant the title truly was up for grabs. Love them or hate them (and many, many of you fell into the latter category), they were dominant all season long. So, would it be Andrew and James, Lauren and Joanne or Sarah and Sam who would race their way to cash, cars, trips and the title?

At first blush, it seemed like Anthony and James could take it. They, aside from Dave and Irina, struggled the least in challenges. And, despite a couple of emotional moments, kept their heads in tough times. But the sisters and athletes proved they were worthy too.

The final Leg of The Amazing Race Canada would be decided in Ontario’s cottage country. Here’s what went down.

Floatplanes delivered the final three teams to the lake-filled part of the province, with Port Carling in their sights. While Anthony and James and Sarah and Sam jockeyed for position in taxis in Toronto, Lauren dropped her clue, setting she and her sister back even further. Anthony and James scored the first plane, with the athletes nabbing the second. While those four took to the air, Joanne and Lauren were still grounded and back at the airport. After some help at the information booth, the siblings were skyward, but with a lot of time to make up.

A woman and man build a chair.A life-sized trivia game challenged teams to recall tests during each Leg of the Race. Answer all of the questions? Advance. This was a nice twist on the usual franchise memory game, with the added bonus of giving host Jon Montgomery some quality screen time. Anthony and James had completed two questions before Sam and Sarah arrived. They quickly tied the married couple at two apiece. Instead of sticking it out through the whole game, the producers’ editing suite took over, zipping Anthony and James ahead to their final question. They got it right and moved on.

In the Road Block, teams headed to Clevelands House Resort where one member strapped themselves to a hydro fly board. Once riding a pillar of water, they had to toss a bean bag into a target. James, Sam and Joanne all opted to go flying … and screaming. After much practising and numerous tries, James was the first to hit the target, followed by Sam, and then Joanne.

A boat ride to Rosseau Lake College was next, where teams had to build an eight-foot Muskoka chair, with a miniature version as their guide. Anthony’s builder background served him well, and they were off to the races. It took Sam a second or two to realize he was missing a key component of a drill—the bit—and then they started assembling. Lauren, still feeling badly for losing their clue at the airport, took charge. Anthony missed one screw, but it didn’t slow him down much and he and James departed first. Sam and Sarah were done next.

Two women build a chair.In the second Road Block, teams drove to Santa’s Village in Bracebridge. Once there, the team member who wasn’t on the water had to search for a themed candy cane to deliver to the big man himself for the gift of their next clue. Anthony found a red and yellow candy cane just ahead of Sarah.

Teams left Santa behind in favour of Bala, Ont., and Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh to set up an irrigation system for the farm’s cranberry marsh. There was a lot of running around, falling, and water, but James and Anthony stayed ahead of Sam and Sarah. But some missed connections threatened to derail them. It appeared both teams completed the task at the same time and it would be a footrace to the mat, located at Camp Mini-Yo-We.

It may have seemed close thanks to the editing, but it appeared Anthony and James cruised to victory. They thanked everyone who had helped them along the way. Sarah and Sam placed second, with Lauren and Joanne in third. As a finale, it was a little light on nailbiting drama, but it was a nice wrapup to a good season.

Here’s how the teams finished the final Leg of the Race.

  1. Anthony and James
  2. Sarah and Sam
  3. Joanne and Lauren

Are you happy with the results? What would you like to say to the winning team? Let me know in the comments below.

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Featured

Comments and queries for the week of September 6

2 Comments

Glad to see Dave and Irina eliminated [from The Amazing Race Canada]. Anyone who takes multiple penalties on purpose doesn’t deserve to be in there. They took a spot from true fans who want to race, not take time penalties. —Bruce

They were so full of themselves. Delusions of grandeur, thought they were the best. The best doesn’t take penalties. I was done with her long before princess couldn’t jump in cold water. Dave might’ve had skills, but Irina was as useless as a bag of hammers. Their lack of humbleness was disgusting. They should’ve been eliminated the first time they took a penalty. Long overdue, but I’m so glad I don’t have to put up with them in the finale. I’ll be happy with any of these three teams winning. —NeilC

Dave is a pro fighter. He needs to work his opponent to psyche them out and instill doubt. Same strategy he employed on this show. I am disappointed they were eliminated as I connected with their competitive spirit as a contestant in a race. Did not agree with all decisions but I was racing from a couch, they weren’t. If they had led with Irina’s strategy to do what you know first with the apples instead of trying to match all at once, the outcome may have been different. They were the team to beat once the season got going. And yes they were gracious in defeat, while still proud and confident. The race was much more entertaining with them. Am cheering A & J on for the win!! —Tunie

Dave and Irina are two of the nastiest, rudest, meanest, condescending bullies with few redeeming qualities in them. Why they have this inflated opinion about themselves is a real mystery. They are probably one of the most hateful creatures around. —Sswamy

Yayyyy so glad to see Dave and Irina eliminated. Hated them both to the point I almost stopped watching this season. Cheaters and poor sports and so unCanadian in their approach . Now I will be happy with whoever wins. —Laurie

While I like a lot of people are happy that Dave and Irina are gone, having a sinister team made the show more enjoyable to watch, it added a love to hate angle to it all. —John C

Yay! Glad to see Dave and Irina have been eliminated, now I can watch again. Rude, nasty, cheaters. I had stopped watching because of them. I hope TAR doesn’t try to bring these two back for any future shows. —Ann C

I am glad they are gone as well. I stopped watching the show when there were no consequences to their cheating but now that they are gone I will watch the finale. I like to see people overcome challenges and figure out how to get it done, not to see them cheating and hear them insulting other competitors. —Andrea

Last night’s episode was the best ever. I was so glad to see Dave and Irina eliminated. I have had no respect for them since the episode where Irina referred to her fellow competitors as “peasants.” She deserves to lose. —June G

I hope the producers of The Amazing Race Canada take note of the majority of the feedback from Canadians and never cast another couple like Dave & Irina. How many of you out there are like me and loved the original U.S. TAR until Season 6 with Jonathan and Victoria and then of course Season 7 with Rob and Amber? Sure, short-term the ratings went through the roof but it did lasting damage to the show. Now, U.S. TAR is just a freak show (cross over with Big Brother and now even Survivor) and I have long since abandoned it. If in Episode 1 of Season 8 of TAR Canada I see another couple like Dave and Irina then I am done with the show. Life is too short to spend with people like this. And that was not grace on the mat. They were trying to rehabilitate their image and just pure revisionism. We all saw what they did. For me, the way Irina mocked Aarthy at the airport shows who she really is. Absolutely unforgivable. —Charles

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

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