Tag Archives: Featured

Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

T+E’s Haunted Case Files scares up spooky tales

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Haunted Case Files is the supernatural investigation series I’ve been waiting for. Thankfully, T+E and Our House Media have brought it to the me. Listen, I like those other paranormal shows recounting the spooky experiences witnessed by everyday folks, but there’s always something missing because these people don’t deal with this stuff every day. The people starring in Haunted Case Files? Experts.

Debuting Saturday on the specialty channel—and a spinoff of Paranormal Survivor—Haunted Case Files tells the personal stories of real-life ghostbusters. Episode 1 begins in Lansing, Mich., in 2011, as homeowner Agnes and her family are terrorized by an unseen force that escalates from footsteps and phantom voices to eggs being thrown around. Enter paranormal expert Karlo Zuzic and his 300-plus investigations, whose research reveals Agnes’ son, Gary, took his own life years before. Was Gary the one responsible for the antics in his mother’s home on the anniversary of his death?

Thanks to excellent recreations and eyewitness testimony, Haunted Case Files has an air of authenticity missing from shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures, two programs that use jerky camera work and post-production antics to ramp up the drama, resulting in frustratingly anemic evidence of the paranormal. That’s not the case with Haunted Case Files; a crystal-clear recording of a voice saying “Gary” can be heard on Karlo’s recording made during the house inspection.

The second story, involving the ghost of an axe murderer in Villisca, Iowa, is equally interesting. The murders of eight people are recalled over 100 years later when investigator Alan Tolf and his daughter, Anna, approach the home where six of deaths took place and capture compelling photographic evidence that they’re not alone. Then the Tolfs venture inside…

The result? A dramatic, sometimes downright scary series that goes a long way to convincing me spirits are around us.

Haunted Case Files airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on T+E.

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19-2, Featured

Season 3 of 19-2 returns with questions and power struggles

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I go into every episode of 19-2 with an uneasy feeling. Over the last two seasons, showrunner Bruce M. Smith has proven that the next tragedy to befall the squad is mere moments away.

No story is one-note. There is always a chain reaction to an incident, and that’s the case with Monday’s return when what seems to be a simple blown van tire turns into multiple life or death situations. Here’s what we can tell you about “Burn Pile”—written by Smith—without giving everything away.

The squad makes changes
Bear is still the acting Sergeant, Dickie the rookie has been paired with Tyler—leading to some very funny scenes—and J.M. is on indefinite leave with pay after assaulting Justine. Also, as part of an initiative to regain the community’s trust, every officer must do foot patrol and bike patrol.

Let the backstabbing begin
Maxim Roy told us Episode 1 would feature masks coming off and huge betrayals, and she was right. With the task force—investigating why Houle’s crimes weren’t discovered sooner—looking for someone to blame, Isabelle and Gendron begin an intricate game of chess neither wants to lose.

New players join the fray
The investigation into Houle’s case and what happened to Kaz gives 19-2 the opportunity to introduce new characters. Among them: Insp. Elise Roberge, from Internal Affairs; and Charlie Figo, a local baker with ties to the mob. Both use manipulation to their advantage.

Ben comes up with a whole new meaning for the term “table it”
And Amelie is a big help.

19-2 airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo.

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Bachelorette Canada, Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Comments and queries for the week of June 17

marble media and Omnifilm Entertainment partner to remake 90s favourite The Odyssey

While I’m usually against remakes (Anne of Green Gables comes to mind) enough time has passed and the memory of the show has faded so much so I welcome a new The Odyssey. I really liked this show when I was younger and the premise works well for a remake. —Alicia

Jasmine Lorimer announced as Canada’s first Bachelorette

A small-town “girl” is no way to describe a 27-year-old woman. To find a man of her dreams? Women dream of more than a man. As far as a search for a soul mate and a groom, Ms. Lorimer should look at the odds … the success rate of lasting matches from this franchise, including the Canadian version is dismal—he’d do better at speed dating night at the local Kelsey’s.

That in the 21st century we have this kind of brainless TV is embarrassing. To call it “Reality” or “Factual” TV is an insult to all that is real and a fact. For a Canadian network to buy this format to satisfy their Canadian content is the worst violation of all. —Gary

Murdoch Mysteries‘ Season 9 end and what’s to come in Season 10

The last episode of Season 9 was shocking and scary. However, I was glad that Dr. Ogden’s character survived. I did not like the Eva Pierce’s character. She was a psycho and mentally ill. But after all this is just television, not real. I look forward to seeing Season 10. It will probably show in the U.S. next year. I love all the actors that portray the characters. —Jean

I just watched the finale and I liked it enough—it certainly had its fair share of excitement, and it was nice to see Julia saving the day, especially after things seemed to cool down once she found herself back in the morgue. Obviously, we need a reminder now and then that Julia is epic, and the bow and arrow certainly did that! Eva is not my favourite villain—I never really liked her plotline or character, so I am glad that in this episode she is gone for good >:) I think it was very fitting for Julia to end Eva’s life, given their history.

I thought this season was fantastic and I am so excited for Season 10. I was sad to see Emily Grace go, as I loved her sense of humour and wonder, however I am really liking Rebecca James a lot! The actress who plays her is fantastic and it’s so nice to have a fresh character who brings a different dynamic and experience to the show. Emily Grace was great on her own, so I am glad Rebecca James doesn’t feel like just a “replacement” as some shows tend to do, and more of her own unique character that has so much to bring to Murdoch Mysteries!

Also, I can’t say I agree with the people who disliked this episode mainly because of it not being “realistic.” If Murdoch was 100 percent realistic we wouldn’t have fun historical cameos, Murdoch’s inventions or any of the other great historical events that Murdoch gets wound up in. It is fictional after all! I’ve accepted long ago that ridiculous things happen in Murdoch Mysteries, and I am quite happy that they do as it adds to the charm of this show. —Misty

Got a question or comment about the Canadian TV industry? greg@tv-eh.com or on Twitter @tv_eh.

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19-2, Featured

Maxim Roy teases 19-2’s “huge betrayals” in Season 3

Maxim Roy may only appear in two episodes of 19-2 this season, but she makes the most of it. The Quebec native says Monday’s return episode is full of backstabbing and huge betrayals, and viewers will be shocked by the actions of some squad members.

We spoke to Roy about what’s next for Isabelle Latendresse following the death of Sgt. Julien Houle, and the relationship she has with Commander Gendron.

I’m so glad 19-2 is back, especially after Season 2’s finale with Sgt. Houle’s storyline. We needed to come back and have some closure.
Maxim Roy: I think everybody is. It was such a dramatic ending and every character on the show is so affected by that storyline. You didn’t see it coming and I think the audience was pretty shocked.

I thought Season 2 was pedal-to-the-metal and there wasn’t really any time to let up and take a breath.
Oh, really? I thought Season 2 was lighter than the first season. There were a lot more dramatic scenes that were cut out, so maybe that’s why I see it as being light. There were a lot of scenes that didn’t make the cut and they kept lighter moments. I think they were afraid of being too dramatic … that’s my opinion on it, but it was supposed to be even more dramatic. [Laughs.]

Well, there was the rookie cop having sex in the restaurant bathroom and the paintball fight had its moments of levity.
These are pretty dark characters. That’s what’s great about the show; everybody has their secrets, their own demons that they deal with and they try to put them aside on the job, but it doesn’t always happen. The show is more about the human drama of these people than the police work. They become intertwined, of course, but it’s more about them.

Masks are going to come off. You think somebody is good and realize they’re awful. It’s going to keep people on their toes.

Now, the press release for Season 3 says you return to ‘guest-star’ as Isabelle. Is this a case of the producers deciding to soft-pedal Isabelle’s story a bit, or did you have other commitments and couldn’t play a full-time role?
That was their decision. What happens to Isabelle is pretty shocking in the first episode, and then I can’t say anything … until the 10th episode people are going to be shocked.

Oh no…
But in a good way! Well, I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but people are going to be shocked. This season is intertwined with the fourth season … we need a fourth season to see what happens because there is a big climax.

How many episodes is Isabelle in this season?
Two.

I better not end up having to talk to you again because Isabelle has been killed off.
I don’t die.

What can you tell me about Isabelle and the characters she interacts with? It looked like Commander Gendron was moving in on her, which was creepy and gross.
[Laughs.] I love that you describe it as creepy, because that’s what I think too. Bruce [Ramsay] is such an adorable guy. When we shot the pilot, I didn’t like him. I thought, ‘He’s gross, I don’t even want to stand beside him.’ I didn’t know Bruce at all, but he was so good in his character that I thought, ‘Who is this creepy dude that they’ve hired?!’ But that’s Gendron. Then I got to know Bruce and I fell in love with him. He is the funniest guy and he created this odd, surprising, slimy guy.

People are going to hate him even more in Season 3, I can say that. Especially in the first episode. There is a lot of backstabbing, and huge betrayals all over the place. Masks are going to come off. You think somebody is good and realize they’re awful. It’s going to keep people on their toes.

19-2 airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Recap: Working It Out Together- Stewards of the Land

This week’s powerful episode “Stewards of the Land” takes a hard look at the meaning of, and connection to, the land that Indigenous cultures innately have. It also examines the threats to traditional lands that exist in today’s society in the never ending quest for progress. Waneek Horn-Miller reminds viewers that this is not an Indigenous movement but a human movement, “that we do not drink separate water, or breath separate air, we have to live here together, and our children are going to inherit this.”

During  my interview with season three series director Michelle Smith,  she named this episode as one of her favourites. “This episode is such an empowering story of community coming together in order to block uranium mining on Cree territory.”

We visit Eastmain, James Bay, an area considered rich in uranium, and follow Jamie Moses as he takes his son Joshua out on the traditional lands in order to pass on his hunting and trapping skills. Jamie and his son provide the human context for this story. We also follow Jamie’s compelling testimony at Quebec’s Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) hearings, held in 2015, that explored the possible impact of uranium mining on Cree Territory.

Traditional Anishnaabe Story-Teller Isaac Murdoch discusses the balance that the Indigenous peoples had with the land.  They held a preservationist philosophy whilst the settlers considered the land as a commodity to exploit. This meant that the Indigenous beliefs so enmeshed with the land needed to be destroyed as they interfered with the harvesting of resources for the sake of progress.  “When you don’t believe that the water has a spirit or that a tree has a spirit you are able to cut it down,” and it becomes easier to rape the land of its riches. The process of colonization sought to destroy this connection but the need protect the land has acted as the impetus to reconnect with culture.

Shawn and Ashley Iserhoff,  leaders in the fight against uranium mining,  discuss the engagement of the Cree in their fight to deny uranium mining in Mistissini. They believe that the people today need to make responsible decisions  in order to  ensure future generations  will have the ability to enjoy the land as their ancestors once did. Ultimately it was the overwhelming involvement of the youth that voiced their concerns for their future that united the community in this latest battle. Because the Cree were so diligent in their fight to deny uranium exploration on their traditional lands, the BAPE Commission voted to deny future exploration not only on Cree territory, but within all of Quebec.

It was the following statement by Isaac Murdoch that truly resonated with me: “As characters in this sacred story, what is our next move? Do we do something? Do we sit back and watch? Or do we try to be heroes?” We have to unite, and we have to be strategic in our approach to government, and then we can make a difference. It is Jamie Moses’s belief, passed to him from his grandfather that the people keep the traditions alive but also adapt to the modern ways; use the best of both worlds as you move forward in a good way.

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