TV, eh? | What's up in Canadian television | Page 946
TV,eh? What's up in Canadian television
Featured, Vikings

Prep for Season 4 of Vikings with stunning A World Revealed

I don’t make a point of reviewing or writing about digital initiatives. Not because I don’t enjoy them, but because they—and webisodes and online exclusives—all fall into a grey area. They’re not TV shows in the traditional sense and some come off more like DVD extras.

Vikings: A World Revealed plays like something you’d find at the end of a DVD or Blu-ray set, but presented in a much more entertaining way. The special website—bowing Thursday for fans to preview before Season 4 on History next month—is very much like an interactive documentary. Immersing those who visit into the world of Ragnar Rothbrok, his followers and enemies, it offers four views—Kattegat Village, The Great Hall, Wessex Chamber and The Courtyard—of the world occupied by these adventurous souls. Music sets the tone and vibrant animation accents informative video extras into how the Canadian-Irish co-production is made.

Click on Kattegat Village and actress Katheryn Winnick, smeared with blood and crud, takes visitors on a personal journey around the encampment. Along the way, clickable on-screen arrows go deeper, exploring how Viking ships are built for the series (and a sneak peek at Bjorn’s ride), the role of Viking women, how the series’ gallons of blood is created and what inspired those wicked hairstyles. Alyssa Sutherland (Princess Aslaug) takes visitors on a tour of The Great Hall, where set decoration, the hand-made costumes, Bjorn’s mystery map and the creation of the series are covered. Moe Dunford’s (Aethelwulf) humour is the highlight of The Courtyard tour, where he breaks down the Romans’ influence on King Ecbert and gives some hints as to where Aethelwulf’s head is at in Season 4.

The best segment of the lot is the trip into the Wessex Chamber, where Linus Roache and Travis Fimmel joke their way through describing the intricacies of King Ecbert’s inner sanctum. Beards, directing and series creator Michael Hirst are covered when Fimmel isn’t highjacking everything Roache is saying.

Fans of Vikings will find Vikings: A World Revealed to be an entertaining sidestep away from the series and it’s really a must-see for anyone looking to dive into the world of the vikings.

Vikings: A World Revealed can be found on History’s website.

Vikings airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on History beginning February 18.

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X Company

Link: Canadian TV needs X Company

From Jim Bawden:

Canadian TV needs X Company
I sat down to watch the first new episode of X Company on CBC-TV Wednesday night. And it reminded me once again how Canadian stories are disappearing on Canadian TV with alacrity.

A teacher friend of mine was telling me the other day her students were not quite sure what countries Canada was fighting during World War II. And asked to name the first five prime ministers of Canada? Nobody could do it. And why be surprised?

Canadian channels have become vast wastelands of conventional American imported fare that the networks can buy for cheap prices. Continue reading. 

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Featured, Schitt's Creek

Review: Schitt’s Creek “Estate Sale” – How the mighty have fallen

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The show continues to shine a spotlight on these shallow self-centred characters, so brilliantly portrayed by the uber-talented actors.

Moira and Johnny are seen shopping at an estate sale. Moira mumbles that “shopping used to cheer me up.” And when Johnny finds a pair of cuff links, Moira despairs, “Oh John, they’re sterling silver. You’re better off stealing cutlery from the café.” She will never accept their new reality.

The town’s mayor, Roland Schitt (Chris Elliot shines as the sleazy redneck mayor) needs a woman’s fashion sense to help him buy a blouse for his wife, Jocelyn (Jennifer Robertson). He naturally thinks of David. Shopping in the local Blouse Barn (where durability is a given) is a foreign experience for David; shopping with someone like Roland is even more so. These two are worlds apart. But that’s what makes this scene work. There is some witty repartee between them.

Mutt buys Alexis a bicycle – it’s not exactly the mode of transportation she was hoping for. After walking the bike into town, she finally admits she can’t ride a bike and explains that growing up, David was such a drama queen when their parents tried to teach him, they threw out all the bikes.

Moira finally sees something she wants at the Estate Sale. A new mattress. Unfortunately Jocelyn saw it first and is determined to get it, which she does. But after “trying it out”, Roland and Jocelyn decide it’s not for them and sell it to Johnny. Moira says “and by trying it out you mean….(realizing he means sex)….oh John, that’s memory foam.” These two actors go way back and there is an undeniable chemistry between them that is a joy to watch.

The show ends with a wobbly David on a pink girl’s bicycle. Stevie snaps his picture.

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Saving Hope

Link: Saving Hope: Benjamin Ayres previews a possible romance for Zach

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Saving Hope: Benjamin Ayres previews a possible romance for Zach
“I liked that we jumped ahead off the start by nine months because originally I remember thinking we were going to pick up right where we left off–which there would’ve been some fun challenges as an actor to do–but I like that we jumped ahead to see the effect of what happened with Joel. We now see Zach playing the field and drinking more, being hungover, a little more acerbic and quipy, frustrated. I think he’s slowly finding himself again.” Continue reading.

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Featured, Vikings

Photo gallery: Season 4 of Vikings

Season 4 of Vikings doesn’t return until next month, but those friendly folks over at History have given us an early Valentine’s Day present! Check out this treasure trove of images featuring everyone from fan favourites like Ragnar Lothbrok and Rollo to Emperor Charles and Princess Gisla.

History teases the upcoming season thusly: “Following the Vikings’ successful raid of Paris, Ragnar is the most feared and respected leader in the Western World. However, his victory is short-lived as he is surrounded by those who would seek his undoing.”

We can’t wait.

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Vikings airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on History beginning Feb. 18.

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