Tag Archives: CBC

Featured, Schitt's Creek

Preview: The schitt hits the fan in Season 4 of CBC’s Schitt’s Creek

It really doesn’t feel like a new year has arrived until CBC’s Tuesday night comedy block of Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms has begun. So, here we are, with Season 4 of the Rose’s madcap adventures in that little town they’ve reluctantly called home.

When we last left them, Moira (Catherine O’Hara) had established herself not only on town council but as a member of the Jazzgals, David (Daniel Levy) had opened a business and begun a relationship with Patrick (Noah Reid), Alexis (Annie Murphy) graduated from high school and Johnny (Eugene Levy) had teamed with Stevie (Emily Hampshire) to run the motel. The Rose’s, who once so badly wanted out of Schitt’s Creek, have finally settled into life there. That’s good because it means a constant expansion of the world for themselves and viewers … and laughs.

When Episode 1—written by Daniel and directed by The Kids in the Hall‘s Bruce McCulloch—kicks off Tuesday at 9 p.m., it’s the day after the Season 3 finale. The motel parking lot is packed for the first time, a nod to the success Johnny and Stevie have made it. It’s a personal triumph for Johnny, who has (hilariously) struggled to find something he’s good at. Yes, I’m happy to see the motel packed, but I do miss the days he spent at a dirty desk in Bob’s garage. Of course, this being Schitt’s Creek, it can’t all be sunshine and rainbows. So when Stevie reveals there’s a dead guy in Room 4—also the name of the episode—things quickly head south, especially when Roland (Chris Elliott) swings by. I love it when Elliott and Eugene Levy are in a scene together; their facial expressions and eye-rolling give me the giggles every time.

Alexis, meanwhile, is indignant that David has gotten romanticly involved with Patrick so quickly, seeing as he was against she and Ted rushing into things.

“Patrick is a sweet little button-face,” Alexis advises her brother. “So don’t mess this up.” And David doesn’t plan to, except he’s worried Patrick might have regrets. As for Patrick … well, he’s not ready to rush into anything. For me, the strength of Schitt’s Creek isn’t just about the funny moments and the miscommunication, but the heart. Patrick and David may be going through a super-awkward time but you’re emotionally invested in them as a couple. The same can be said for Ted and Alexis. My heart aches every time those two are in the same room because of things left unsaid when they broke up.

It promises to be another great season of Schitt’s Creek, especially with one humdinger of a story twist revealed in next week’s second instalment. Hang onto your hats fans, because the Schitt’s going to hit the fan.

Schitt’s Creek airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

 

 

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Featured, Heartland

Preview: Heartland strikes “A Fine Balance”

When we last left the fine folks at Heartland, things were in turmoil. Tim was suffering the effect of possible brain cancer and Ty was in danger in Mongolia. Even worse, Amy and Tim were headed to Mongolia, unaware of the uncertainty that lay in store.

Now Heartland is back with a brand-new episode on Sunday and to say we were anxious to see what befell our favourites is an understatement. Here’s what the CBC released as an episode synopsis for “A Fine Balance,” written by showrunner Heather Conkie and Alexandra Clarke and directed by Bruce McDonald:

Ty finds himself in a dangerous situation and in order to save him Amy must turn to an unexpected source for guidance.

And here are more tidbits from the two main storylines we can reveal after watching a screener.

Road trip!
Ty may be in grave danger and Tim’s health uncertain, but seeing Amy and her dad in Mongolia together is fun, particularly when Tim grouses about local customs. What isn’t funny is the push and pull put on Amy, who is caught between wanting to find Ty and taking care of Attila. As for Ty, we’ve seen him in danger before but Sunday’s instalment sees him in the worst ever.

Georgie’s jumping
She and Flame have got the jumping course nailed but Val is concerned they’ll clam up on the big stage. As much as I appreciate Val, I find her really annoying sometimes. Why can’t she just trust Georgie’s instinct and be supportive instead of a naysayer? Also, someone has taken a keen interest in Georgie and Dylan, but who?

Heartland airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on CBC.

 

 

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Featured, Frankie Drake Mysteries

Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries welcomes Wynonna Earp

It’s a new year and that means new episodes of Frankie Drake Mysteries on CBC! After a couple of weeks off for the holidays, Frankie, Trudy, Mary and Flo roar back with more crime-solving in Monday’s instalment, “Ties that Bind,” written by co-creator Carol Hay and directed by Eleanore Lindo, who also directed Monday’s episode of Murdoch Mysteries.

Here’s what the CBC has revealed with regard to an official synopsis:

Mary recruits Frankie and Trudy to find a missing teacher, but their investigation leads them to family secrets, Chinatown and murder.

And here are some tidbits we gleaned from watching a screener.

Wynonna Earp‘s Melanie Scrofano guest-stars
We’re used to seeing Scrofano kicking demon butt on Space’s rollicking series—heading into production on Season 3—so it was a bit jarring to see her decked out in 1920s fashion. Scrofano plays Jenny Smith, a voluntary English teacher who goes missing following a covert meeting in a darkened alleyway. Why was Mary trailing Jenny, and where did the young woman go? And how does Mary know Jenny?

TV critic gets acting gig
The Toronto Star‘s Tony Wong guests in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gig as an extra. He wrote about his experiences on Frankie Drake Mysteries in his latest column. Give it a read.

Nora returns
We’ve missed the sass and snark of Wendy Crewson’s performance, especially when she’s in a scene with Lauren Lee Smith as mother and daughter deliver verbal jabs at each other.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

 

 

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Industry News

The Weekly with Wendy Mesley launches Jan. 14 on CBC

From a media release:

As first announced in July 2017, new CBC News Sunday morning show THE WEEKLY WITH WENDY MESLEY will launch Sunday, January 14 at 11 a.m. (11:30 NT) on CBC and CBC News Network, focused on the intersection of media, technology and politics.

In the new half-hour program, Mesley will put players from media, business and politics in the spotlight as she pushes for answers and transparency, and provides critical analysis on how the newsmakers of the week are delivering their messages.

From political pressure and corporate interests to technological manipulation and old-fashioned spin, the program will go behind the headlines to reveal the hidden and sometimes surprising forces shaping the news, providing a deeper understanding of what’s happening in the world by illuminating the influences at play behind the big stories of the week.

The show will broadcast live from CBC in Toronto and feature a wide range of Canadian and global contributors and guests.

 

 

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries solves a high-speed crime

Happy New Year, Murdoch Mysteries fans! I hope you all enjoyed the holidays—and celebrated by rewatching all three Murdoch TV-movies—and are ready for an awesome 2018.

An all-new episode of Murdoch Mysteries airs this coming Monday, and we think you’re going to love it. Here’s what the CBC has revealed, story-wise about “F.L.A.S.H.,” written by Paul Aitken and directed by Eleanore Lindo:

Murdoch investigates a man’s bizarre death, which may have been caused by a high-speed travel device.

And, as always, here are some other non-spoilery notes after we watched the episode.

Guess who guest-stars?
Anytime a Murdoch Mysteries storyline involves the word “device,” it’s a pretty safe bet that a certain inventor friend of William’s will be called upon. And yes, that’s the case this week. Kudos to everyone involved in set decoration and set building; they go above and beyond with their creations this week.

A double-dose of Margaret
Clearly, enough of us were good girls and boys last year because Margaret Brackenreid shows up. That’s two weeks in a row if you count Home for the Holidays.

Mon Dieu George!
If you’ve been paying attention—and I know you have—George is on a road trip this week with gal pal Nina Bloom. Bon voyage mes amis!

Code word: Lemniscate
This plays a major part in William and Julia’s storyline this week and it’s fantastic. And yes, I had to Google the word for spelling and meaning. Speaking of meanings, what F.L.A.S.H. stands for is unveiled 10 minutes into the broadcast.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

 

 

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