All posts by Greg David

Prior to becoming a television critic and owner of TV, Eh?, Greg David was a critic for TV Guide Canada, the country's most trusted source for TV news. He has interviewed television actors, actresses and behind-the-scenes folks from hundreds of television series from Canada, the U.S. and internationally. He is a podcaster, public speaker, weekly radio guest and educator, and past member of the Television Critics Association.
Featured, Private Eyes

Private Eyes gets ghostly in Episode 5

Season 2 of Private Eyes has really been a joy to watch. It’s the perfect summer confection, packed with fun with a side of light drama; the perfect program to sit down and fully enjoy on a steamy evening. The writing in this sophomore go-round is tighter and the acting crew have truly embraced their roles. That continues in this week’s new storyline, “Now You See Her…,” which injects a little of the paranormal into the proceedings.

Here is the official episode synopsis from Global for Thursday’s episode written by James Thorpe and directed by Kelly Makin:

A brilliant orchestra conductor hires Shade and Angie to find his missing fiancée. But there’s a catch – she died a year ago. On the trail of a ghost, Shade and Angie unearth a dark secret with fatal implications for everyone involved.

And, as always, here are a few tidbits to tease you after watching a screener.

Don gets a plot of his own
Daddy Shade has been in the background for much of the series so far, able to offer a supporting shoulder or a well-timed quip. This week a phone call puts Don front and centre, and throws his and Matt’s lives for a loop.

Nolan returns
It’s been a few weeks since Clé Bennett (above) has been on-screen and it’s great to have his whisper-voiced, detective back in our lives, especially if it leads to some super-awkward scenes involving Angie as they discuss the case. (Also, I love the writing team giving a shout-out to Cobourg, Ont.)

Follow the moving donut box
I’m a total TV geek and take immense pleasure in the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a television show from the writing to the incredible sets and set decoration. That’s why I spotted a donut box that switched position a couple of times in one scene. See if you catch it too. Mon Dieu!

Second Jen co-star alert!
Samantha Wan, of course, plays Zoe this season. While we await the fate of Second Jen—ahem Rogers—keep your eyes peeled for a guest role by Wan’s co-star Amanda Joy.

Private Eyes airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Global.

Images courtesy of Corus.

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Featured, Saving Hope

Saving Hope: Magicians and pianists and cell phone babies, oh my!

When we last left our friends at Hope Zion, Maggie and Sydney were planning to move to London for Syd’s new job and Charlie’s gift had advanced to a new, troubling level: Spirit Blake was able to touch him. This week, a wrench in thrown into the works when Maggie is offered a new gig, throwing her future with Syd into disarray.

Here’s what CTV has revealed about this Thursday’s new episode of Saving Hope, “Leap of Faith”:

Dr. Alex Reid and Dr. Maggie Lin work together to deliver the baby of plastic surgeon Dr. Arnie Storms (Ari Cohen, SHOOT THE MESSENGER) and his wife. Charlie treats magician “Abbadon” (Joe Cobden, THIS LIFE), who shattered both his legs during an illusion gone wrong, and Dr. Shahir Hamza treats his idol – a virtuosic concert pianist – who has been inadvertently poisoning herself, while trying to curb symptoms of early onset Parkinson’s. Meanwhile, when Maggie is offered an obstetrician position at Hope Zion, it causes her to rethink her role at the hospital.

And here are a few more tidbits about the instalment, written by Adam Pettle and Hayden Simpson and directed by Jason Priestley.

Jonathan and Shahir adjust to being parents. Sort of.
We knew there’d be Alex and Charlie’s newbie factoring into Season 5 storylines but Shahir and Jonathan’s potential happy addition has been a complete surprise. We’re loving Christopher Jacot in this role and his scenes were Huse Madhavji are equal parts hilarious and emotional.

Speaking of Alex and Charlie’s baby…
We find out the sex of the little cherub.

We’ve got your guest stars
Shoot the Messenger‘s Ari Cohen, sketch comic Marty Adams (above) and Bellevue‘s Joe Cobden drop by this week. The latter two provide truly laugh-out-loud moments in Charlie’s spirit storyline. Seriously though, how many more excuses can Charlie make to his co-workers about why he’s staring off into space and/or talking to himself?

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

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Industry News

The Minister of Canadian Heritage announces the creation of an independent committee to recommend qualified candidates for the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors

From a media release:

The Government of Canada is committed to open and transparent processes for selecting appointees, to help strengthen trust in Canada’s democracy and ensure the integrity of its public institutions. Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the creation of an advisory committee for appointments to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.

This independent advisory committee will have a mandate to lead the selection process for the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors. It will present its recommendations for qualified candidates to the Minister.

This independent, non-partisan committee is made up of experts in broadcasting and digital technology, and representatives of cultural sectors from across Canada. Indigenous Peoples, official-language communities and youth are also represented.

The committee will be chaired by Tom Clark from Ontario. Mr. Clark has worked in Canadian television news for the past 45 years.

The following people are also appointed to the committee:

  • Prem Gill (British Columbia) started her career in the television and broadcasting industry. She has more than 20 years’ experience in digital media, content creation and entertainment.
  • Carolyn Warren (Alberta) is a leader in the Canadian cultural sector and has experience with art and broadcasting institutions.
  • Janelle Wookey (Manitoba), is a Francophone Métis woman from the Prairies and an award-winning artist who works as an independent director and producer in Winnipeg.
  • Colm Feore, O.C. (Ontario) is a well-known theatre, film and television actor.
  • Marc Beaudet (Quebec) is a pioneer in the digital content industry in Quebec. He is president and CEO of Turbulent, a company that develops broadcasting platforms.
  • Monique Savoie (Quebec) is a digital visionary. In 1996, she created the Société des arts technologiques, a creative Montréal space dedicated to technological development.
  • Alanis Obomsawin, O.C., G.O.Q., C.A.L.Q. (Quebec) is a member of the Abenaki Nation and one of the most distinguished documentary filmmakers in Canada. For more than 40 years, she has been producing films at the National Film Board of Canada that tell about the lives and concerns of First Nations and deal with issues that are important to everyone.
  • Éric Larocque (New Brunswick) is active in projects related to Acadia and to his community, particularly those that deal with youth. He is director of the organizing committee for the 2021 Games of La Francophonie.

The advisory committee will provide the Minister with the names of qualified candidates for each vacant position, as well as supplementary qualified candidates to create a pool to fill posts in the future.

As the digital shift brings many changes in its wake, the public broadcaster continues to play a crucial role in providing us with information and entertainment, as well as helping guide the next generation. As a Crown corporation in the Canadian Heritage portfolio, CBC/Radio‑Canada is an organization that is independent from the government and responsible for its own day-to-day activities.

Quotes

“Our government firmly believes in the importance of our national public broadcaster, CBC/Radio‑Canada. I am pleased to establish this independent advisory committee composed of experts in broadcasting, digital technology and culture, who reflect Canada’s diversity. This new committee will recommend qualified candidates for a selection process that is open, transparent and based on merit.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

Quick Facts

Under the Broadcasting Act, CBC/Radio‑Canada’s Board of Directors is composed of 12 directors, including a chair and a president/CEO, appointed by the Governor in Council during good behavior for a maximum period of five years.

The selection processes for the positions of chair, president/CEO, and part-time directors are posted on the Governor in Council’s website.

In 2016, the Government of Canada adopted a new approach that requires a selection process be initiated for full-time and part-time positions. Those interested can apply online.

All appointment opportunities for the 18 organizations in the Canadian Heritage portfolio are posted on the Governor in Council’s appointments site as they become available.

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Featured, Podcast

TV, Eh? podcast Episode 230 — Fresh Orchard Aroma

This week’s podcast is sponsored by Brickworks Ciderhouse Stockyard Pear Cider and Kinsip’s Wild Oak Whisky!

After rolling through a particularly dense couple of weeks of the Calendar we delve into Corus’ cancellation of You Gotta Eat Here and Heritage Minister Melanie Joly naming an interim CRTC commissioner following J.P. Blais’ exit.

Listen or download below, or subscribe via iTunes or any other podcast catcher with the TV, eh? podcast feed.

Want to support TV, eh?’s work? Become a Patreon!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

W Network’s Jillian & Justin pulls back the curtain on Harris’ private life

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She’s been a bachelorette and battled with Todd Talbot on Love It Or List It Vancouver. Now Jillian Harris is allowing W Network to track her newest life experience: mother.

Debuting Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network, the four-part Jillian & Justin pulls back the curtain on Harris’ personal life, something most haven’t seen on television (but get plenty of on her blog and Instagram) since her time on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Along for the experience is Justin Pasutto, a former professional snowboarder and small business owner who seems equally at home having a documentary camera track his every move as she does. Jillian & Justin is from Big Coat Media, the same folks who make Love It Or List It Vancouver and it’s obvious Harris trusts them. How else to explain why she and Pasutto would allow them to record the not-so-glamourous life of a couple building their own house in Kelowna, B.C., with a baby on the way while juggling day jobs?

Much of Episode 1 lays the groundwork for the rest of the series, setting up who Pasutto is and his personality. It also gives an interesting peek into life behind-the-scenes on Love It Or List It Vancouver, as Harris and co-host Todd Talbot discuss her pregnancy while eating popsicles in the production camper. Gone are the TV personas we see on that show and we’re left with two good friends discussing life-changing events. It’s pretty cool stuff.

If you’re not a fan of Harris, Jillian & Justin won’t be your cup of tea. But if following her on social media, getting email updates from her website and watching Love It Or List It Vancouver just isn’t enough, this four-parter will help sate your appetite.

Jillian & Justin airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

Image courtesy of Corus.

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