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Comments and queries for the week of January 18

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Why has Frankie Drake Mysteries disappeared? It was great fun and very interesting. —Doris

Season 2 of Frankie Drake Mysteries has completed its 10-episode run on CBC. We’re waiting, with fingers crossed, for a third season renewal.

As much as I enjoy all of the [Murdoch Mysteries] characters and the actors who portray them, I agree with many who would like William and Julia to be front and centre in the episodes rather than making an appearance now and then in the B storylines. I got interested in the show because of Yannick Bisson and wish he were in 90 per cent of the scenes, like in the good ole’ days. On another note, Julia has been a coroner, a family physician in private practice, an alienist and a university adjunct professor. Am I the only one who remembers Julia was also head of pediatric surgery in a new children’s hospital in Buffalo? So why is she “in school” to learn surgery? —Lynne

I love the show. References to old Toronto, Murdoch’s inventions, and Crabtree’s titles are fun. Seeing other characters take the lead is like taking a break; you need to develop those people too. I also find John B. a little flat. What I really want is for William and Julia to have a child. Thanks for a great watch. —Judith

The young lady who portrayed Annabella was like a beam of light. I really was into the character. We need to see her back again with the attraction to the young constable as a theme for another episode. Kudos! —Jack

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

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Awards, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Killjoys

Thom Allison and Sharron Matthews named co-hosts of the upcoming CAFTCAD Awards

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From a media release:

People are either born hosts or born guests (thank you, Max Beerbohm). Thom Allison and Sharron Matthews were most definitely born hosts which is why they will take to the stage at the Aga Khan Museum on Sunday, February 10th to head up the inaugural Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts & Design (CAFTCAD) Awards.

“If we are going to do an awards gala, then we are going to do it right. Thom and Sharron bring a triumphant spirit to this event and we are thrilled to have them on this very special night,” said Joanna Syrokomla, Chairman of the CAFTCAD Awards.

Two-time Dora nominee, Thom Allison, can be seen as ‘Pree’ in the hit series, Killjoys, on Space Channel/Syfy Network. Thom has appeared on Broadway in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and in the original Canadian companies of Miss Saigon, The Who’s Tommy and Rent. At the Stratford Festival, Thom has appeared in Romeo and Juliet, Pericles, Threepenny Opera, The King and I, Hello, Dolly and King Henry VIII, and Into the Woods. At the Shaw Festival, he received critical acclaim for his performance in Ragtime, as well as performing in Wonderful Town, A Little Night Music, Guys and Dollsand Follies: In Concert. Some other credits include The Drowsy Chaperone(Vancouver Playhouse, National Arts Centre, Citadel Theatre), OUTRAGEOUS(CanStage), Cabaret (Theatre Calgary), My Fair Lady (Manitoba Theatre Centre), Evita (Manitoba Theatre Centre, Theatre Calgary), Elegies, A New Brain (Acting Up Stage) and Take Me Out (CanStage). Film/TV: Judge on CBC’s Over the Rainbow, Leaving Metropolis, I Me Wed, Road to Christmas, Kim’s Convenience, Murdoch Mysteries, Private Eyes, Your All-Time Classic Hit Parade. Directing: Seussical, Mary Poppins (YPT). His CD, “A Whole Lotta Sunlight” can be purchased on iTunes.

Award-winning actress, writer, singer, producer Sharron Matthews is one of the stars of the CBC’s hit TV drama Frankie Drake Mysteries, airing on OVATION and PBS in the United States and ALIBI in the UK. She has toured her highly acclaimed one-woman shows around the world from New York to London to Cape Town, has acted in movies with stars like Tina Fey (Mean Girls) and John Travolta (Hairspray: The Movie), written for newspapers and magazines across the globe, sung with Canadian icon Jann Arden, and performed on stages alongside comedy legends Mary Walsh and Andrea Martin. As if that wasn’t enough, Sharron is also the host of the CBC digital series, “The Mystery Of…”.

The CAFTCAD Awards will take place on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

ABOUT CAFTCAD 
Formed in 2008, the Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts & Design (CAFTCAD) is an association of individuals interested in promoting costume design for film, television and media from both an artistic and technical perspective. Our goal is to enrich our community with a national organization that is inclusive of experience and talent. The Alliance provides an open forum for discussion, networking and knowledge sharing for our members through periodic seminars, workshops, exhibits and an online forum. We explore the areas of individual design approach, illustration, and advancements in film technologies. We celebrate the richness of historic and contemporary fashion and its relationship to our craft. Our vision is to increase awareness and the value of costume arts and design as a powerful element in the collaborative process of filmmaking; furthering international recognition of the creative talent we have in Canada.

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Featured, Frankie Drake Mysteries

Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries says goodbye to magical Season 2

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Say it isn’t so! Season 2 of Frankie Drake Mysteries has come to an end already? I’m sad, but what a ride it’s been. I’ve enjoyed this sophomore set of 10 episodes under new showrunner James Hurst. Interesting cases, killer guest cast in folks like Natalie Brown and Anthony Lemke and lead character advancement has been a joy. Seeing Mary has been a particular treat; new we need to learn more about Flo.

On Monday, it’s the second season finale. Here’s what the CBC has revealed about “Now You See Her,” written by James Hurst and directed by Ruba Nadda.

When a magician’s assistant is killed, Frankie goes undercover to find the culprit. But can she see clearly through the smoke and mirrors?

And, for the last time this year, my thoughts after watching a screener.

The magic man
Saving Hope and Burden of Truth fans will be happy to see Benjamin Ayres appear in Monday’s season finale as Ben Sellers, a magician who is key to the case. Other guest cast include Timothy Dowler-Coltman, Amy Groening, Raoul Bhaneja, Mishka Thébaud and Murdoch Mysteries fan favourite Nigel Bennett.

Trudy’s in charge
With Frankie going undercover, her right-hand woman steps into the lead investigator role. It’s a great opportunity for Trudy to show her stuff and progression as a sleuth. As for Mary? Well, magicians aren’t her favourite thing. Kind of like me when it comes to clowns.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured, Frankie Drake Mysteries

Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries deals out drama

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While a new episode of Murdoch Mysteries was bumped from CBC’s Monday night schedule for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, fans of Frankie Drake Mysteries will be happy their favourite ladies remain intact. And what an episode! After a few weeks of Bessie Starkman vs. Frankie Drake, the gals go all out in “Dealer’s Choice.”

The CBC released the following synopsis of the episode, written by John Callaghan and directed by Ruba Nadda:

Frankie and Trudy reluctantly take a case from mob boss Bessie Starkman, but things take a turn when Frankie’s accused of murdering a mole.

And, as usual, here are my two cents after watching a screener.

Gambling gals
Frankie and Trudy are investigating the case of a lost silver pocket watch. It seems like a simple enough case. But a twist and a turn later and the pair are face-to-face with Bessie Starkman (Natalie Brown). Needless to say, Bessie is not happy to see Frankie. Bessie, if you remember, expressly warned the private investigator to steer clear of her dealings. Soon, Bessie finds herself grudgingly teaming up with Frankie in the hunt for the watch.

Guest stars galore
“Dealer’s Choice” boasts 19-2‘s Conrad Pla, The Expanse‘s Ted Whittall and The Handmaid’s Tale‘s Rohan Mead in various roles throughout the hour. Whittall’s character is a particular kind of cad. Recurring cast members Grace Lynn Kung and Anthony Lemke are featured too.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured, Frankie Drake Mysteries

Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries digs for diamonds

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Diamonds and race horses and gardens, oh my! Whenever I see an image of Wendy Crewson dressed in Nora’s finery I know we’re going to be in for a treat. Frankie Drake Mysteries is jam-packed with great characters, and Nora’s swagger takes it to another level. Plus, her constant back and forth with Frankie leaves me in stitches. Nora appears in Monday’s new episode; here’s what the CBC has revealed about “Diamonds are a Gal’s Best Friend,” written by Carol Hay and directed by Peter Stebbings:

What starts as a simple case of a missing horse leads the team into the gardens of Toronto’s elite in pursuit of a murderous jewel thief.

And, as always, more tidbits from me after watching a screener.

Anastasia Phillips guest-stars
Phillips (above) most recently appeared on Reign and Grey’s Anatomy, but I’ll always remember her in two of the creepiest episodes of Murdoch Mysteries ever. Phillips portrayed Charlotte in “Me, Myself and Murdoch” and “The Incurables.” Anyway, she drops by Frankie Drake Mysteries as Camille, the daughter of the farmer whose horse has gone missing. The delicate case calls for Nora to help. Keep an eye out for Cliff Saunders as the farmer,  Christopher Morris as Count Johan, James Graham as Hank and Laurie Murdoch (Lachlan’s dad) as the hotel manager.

Frankie and Trudy visit the wilds north of Lawrence Ave.
I live, no joke, a five-minute walk from Lawrence Avenue. That made the moment Frankie remarked it’s not often cases take them that far such a hoot. Even better? She and Trudy are on a country road, surrounded by fields of corn, and drive by a sign marked “Forest Hill coming soon.” The times have certainly changed.

Flo has eyes for…
I won’t ruin the storyline. But it’s hilarious. Speaking of Flo, I’m hoping she’s able to break free of the city coroner. I’m tired of her being hemmed in by him and looked down upon. Give Flo her own business!

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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