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3 Great Canadian TV Shows and Why They Work

I am a huge fan of Canadian entertainment, but for a long time, I didn’t realize it.

Sure, I knew some of my favorite comedians were from Canada. And there was Alanis Morrisette, of course. But it wasn’t until recently that I realized Canada makes some great shows (not just U.S. shows produced in Canadian studios).

Being Erica

A young woman enters therapy, but instead of time spent on the couch talking about her dreams, she travels through time to relive the experiences that represent great turning points in her life.

Lost Girl

A succubus learns about her powers and the multitude of supernatural species of fae that inhabit the Earth. She and her human companion provide investigative services to the fae.

Rookie Blue

This is technically a co-production between the U.S. and Canada, but I included it here anyway. A group of rookie police officers learn to navigate their jobs and their relationships.

What makes these shows appealing? Three main components appeal to me.

Diversity. All of these shows include characters of different races and sexual orientations without beating you over the head with it. Bo, the main character on Lost Girl, is bisexual, and her love triangle is treated just like any other love triangle.
Tighter storytelling. I don’t know what it is about Rookie Blue, but I am sad when each episode ends. And I can’t wait until the next airs. Each episode flows into the next, with just enough of a focus on the weekly story that I can live if I miss and episode. Writers at other shows could learn a lesson.
Strong and relatable women. Erica struggles with many of the same issues and questions we women go through as we come of age. But she solves them herself, rather than being rescued by the men in her life. Her therapist is male, and he helps guide her, but ultimately, the choices and their consequences are her own. And Bo is a great kick-ass heroine of the type we expect from our urban fantasy.

So, as an American, I am a fan of the Canadian TV we see here. But I know some Canadian TV critics feel their television isn’t living up to its potential. What do you think? And will you be watching Rookie Blue when it premieres Thursday?

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Tags: being erica, canada, Lost Girl, rookie blue, television

television, tv, Uncategorized | Jennifer Roland | May 21, 2012 5:30 am | Comments (2)

What Will You Be Watching This Summer?

Now that all of the shows I care about have aired their season finales, I’m ready to think about the summer shows.

Royal Pains
I enjoyed this show last summer, and I expect this seasons to give me more of the same: frothy fun and funny situations. And it starts June 3, which is only a few days away.

True Blood
True Blood will be back June 13, and I can’t wait.

You know I don’t like to be spoiled, so I’m not watching any promos or reading any episode guides, but if you like that sort of thing, check out this page and this one.

Rookie Blue
I like Missy Peregrym, so I’ll give this show a chance. I’m not a huge fan of cop shows, though, so it will take either a really great show or a really boring summer to keep me around. This one premieres June 24.

What Else?
Most of what I’ve seen is reality crap, so I’m thinking I’ll be watching a lot of reruns and DVDs this summer. I’m hoping they will play all of the Vampire Diaries so I can get caught up. I watched the first few episodes, but then I started watching Flash Forward instead. Probably not the wisest choice I’ve ever made, but you know how it is.

What shows will be lighting up your TV screen this summer?

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