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.
Industry News

Corner Gas set to be dismantled today; self-directed walking tour of Dog River to launch summer 2017

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From a media release:

The iconic CORNER GAS set will be dismantled beginning at 9 am MT today, the producers of the series confirmed today. The announcement was made as producers and the Town of Rouleau finalize plans on a Dog River Walking Tour in Summer 2017. The producers also confirmed discussions continue with Saskatchewan’s Western Development Museum (WDM) about a possible donation of iconic pieces from the CORNER GAS set.

The Gas Station and The Ruby are the epicentre of the fictional town of Dog River featured in the wildly popular franchise that includes Corner Gas: The Movie and six seasons of the CTV televised series CORNER GAS. Located at the junction of Highway 39, Weckman Drive and 1st Avenue, approximately 65 km southwest of Regina, the set has become a popular tourist destination.

The set was built as temporary structures in the summer of 2003 to shoot 13 episodes of the TV series over the course of a summer. When the show became an overnight sensation, the set’s life was extended to accommodate six seasons and a movie. But time and the elements have taken their toll. Built on a bog, the structures have been sinking over the years and the foundation is beyond repair. The set is no longer safe for public use and will therefore be dismantled on November 4, when the lease on the property expires.

About the Dog River Walking Tour & Commemorative Sign in Rouleau:

Next summer, the producers, in association with the Town of Rouleau, have plans to erect a CORNER GAS commemorative sign and detailed map of the Dog River Walking Tour. Fans can visit Rouleau and take a one-hour self-guided tour, which includes: the original site of the gas station, downtown Dog River, Oscar & Emma’s house, grain elevator, water tower and CORNER GAS character cutouts for photo opportunities. Postcard-sized maps will be available at the town hall and for download at cornergas.com.

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Frontier

Links: Frontier

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From John Doyle of The Globe and Mail:

Link: Frontier is a lively, bloody yarn about Canada’s fur trade wars
Canadian history is about cutthroat business. And greed, murder, rage, revenge and pillage. Mind you, it’s mainly about getting on with the necessities of cutthroat business.

Frontier (Sunday, Discovery, 9 p.m.) is a new drama about Canada in the 18th century, before it was Canada and was merely a disputed place to pillage and ravage like the bountiful, wanton place it was. It’s a stunningly opulent, wildly entertaining romp, an action/adventure drama anchored in the savagery of the fur trade. Blink and you’ve missed some character being knifed, hung or beaten to death in the name of profit.

The Canadian Discovery Channel’s first scripted drama, made with Netflix, which will air it outside of Canada, is a rollicking good yarn, blessedly lacking in earnestness and devoted to fast-paced action. Continue reading.

From Fish Griwkowsky of the Edmonton Journal:

Edmonton-born actress brings edge to fur trade drama Frontier
“The great thing about her is that as much as she’s this badass using her hands and killing people, she’s also very much the reasoning within the Black Wolf Company, Jason Momoa’s gang. She’s kind of the heart of the group, and gets Jason Momoa’s character to really think about what he’s planning to do.” Continue reading. 

From Bill Brioux of The Canadian Press:

Former Game of Thrones star takes on Canadian fur trading drama Frontier
When Canadians think of the Hudson’s Bay Company, they think department store. They don’t think “Game of Thrones” with fur pelts. That may change after Sunday, when “Frontier” premieres on Discovery Canada. It’s also set to debut outside of Canada on Netflix. Continue reading.

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Frontier

Link: Frontier: Landon Liboiron previews intense new series

From Kelly Townsend of The TV Junkies:

Link: Frontier: Landon Liboiron previews intense new series
Ever wonder what it was really like back in Canada’s pre-Confederation days? Frontier, a new series by Netflix and Discovery Canada, offers a bloody and brutal glimpse of the fur trade in the 1700s and the relentless battle between Canada’s indigenous peoples and members of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Continue reading. 

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Bachelorette Canada, Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Comments and queries for the week of November 4

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Who will Jasmine choose on The Bachelorette Canada?

I prefer Kevin, but for Jasmine’s sake I hope she prefers Mikhel so she doesn’t have to spend a lifetime being ground under the heel of that horrid monster-in-law. Not only is she nasty but she seems to have an abnormal amount of control over the rest of the family! —Mica

She is crazy if she picks Kevin. Can’t imagine having that loser guttersnipe of a woman for a mother-in-law. I have a feeling she is going to pick him though. —ArielL

I absolutely love Mikhel but I’m afraid she will pick Kevin! If Mikhel doesn’t win her heart he should be the next Bachelor Canada!! :) —Marilyn M

Mikhel #1 since Day 1! Absolutely NO doubt!! —DeeJade

I can’t believe Jasmine sent Mike home!! He’s sensible to not rush in all gushy … shows he wants to be 100 per cent sure. It is a big decision after all. Hope she gets someone worthwhile after that stunned decision. —M

I am in absolute shock. She picked Kevin over Mike, especially when the family made her super uncomfortable? The dude with the weird voice and talks like a deadbeat jock over sweet, mature, fun Mike. Really??????????????????????????????????? —S. McCrae

murdoch

Who’s that dude on Murdoch Mysteries?

Was the Shanley character (released murderer) played by the same actor as the older Beaton brother in “The Curse of Beaton Manor” episode? —Steve

Hey Steve, good eye! Both men were indeed played by Jonathan Goad.

 

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

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Frontier

Link: New epic Canadian series ‘Frontier’ shakes the dust and cobwebs from fur-flying history

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From Bill Harris of Postmedia Network:

Link: New epic Canadian series ‘Frontier’ shakes the dust and cobwebs from fur-flying history
Historical dramas about the United States are commonplace, but they’re rare in Canada. I’ve often wondered why that is.

“I wonder that, too,” said Allan Hawco, one of the stars and executive producers of the epic new Canadian historical drama Frontier, which debuts Sunday, Nov. 6, on Discovery. “I wonder, is it our psyche as a nation?” Continue reading.

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