Winnipeg Free Press > Opinion > Columnists > Coming soon to TV

Columnists

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Coming soon to TV

Here's what to watch in Manitoba this fall

By: Bartley Kives

Posted: 09/30/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 09/30/2012 10:14 AM | Updates

Sam Katz

Enlarge Image

Sam Katz

Joyce Bateman

Enlarge Image

Joyce Bateman

Stan Struthers

Enlarge Image

Stan Struthers (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store

Vic Toews

Enlarge Image

Vic Toews (CP)

Depending on your perspective, television is either experiencing a new Golden Age of quality programming or suffering through its darkest period since its invention.

On cable networks, intelligent and sophisticated shows such as Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead enjoy widespread critical acclaim. But on the conventional networks, fluffy reality series continue to rake in massive audiences.

This dichotomy may just be an example of how the TV-production industry has responded to a fractured marketplace. It also raises questions about what audiences really want to see.

Here in Manitoba, the fall 2012 crop of new TV offerings also runs the gamut from inspired to banal. As Free Press TV critic Brad Oswald couldn't quite get around to previewing all the season's new shows, I've taken the liberty of offering summaries of my own:

YOU'VE GOT MAIL!

 

THIS TV adaptation of the popular 1998 Meg Ryan rom-com takes place not in Manhattan's Upper West Side, but in equally affluent Winnipeg South Centre.

Facing the intense pressure of her backbencher job in Ottawa, rookie MP Joyce Bateman takes refuge online, using her computer to communicate with the outside world.

In an effort to get better acquainted with the objects of her desire, Bateman emails 1,500 people. But she fails to to hide their addresses, which leads to widespread animosity when their true identities become known.

PROGNOSIS: Despite the weak premise, this one's going to remain on CPAC until at least 2015. After that, it's anyone's guess.

 

SIX FEET UNDER

 

ON his way back from Dauphin to the City of Winnipeg, Stan Struthers discovers the Manitoba economy has suddenly died. Taking the reins of the provincial coffers, the unlikely finance minister undertakes a task no one else wanted -- staving off a billion-dollar deficit while larger, more aggressive provinces eat away at his market share.

As Stan settles into the job, the ghosts of previous finance ministers come to haunt him as he tries to get out of the red. And he doesn't get much help from the rest of his dysfunctional political family.

PROGNOSIS: After 13 years, it's somewhat amazing this show still enjoys such popular support. But never underestimate the power of a proven vehicle during the all-important ratings period.

 

HOME IMPROVEMENT

 

THIS lighthearted sitcom stars Mayor Sam Katz, a likeable, populist everyman with a talent for sales but a penchant for getting into trouble. In addition to a successful career as an entrepreneur, Sam decides to enter into politics, only to discover it's not that easy to juggle the competing demands of his private and public lives.

The show's central comic device involves the Winnipeg mayor's real estate in the tony Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale. But nothing bad ever actually happens, as every mishap is defused by "aw, shucks" antics of the always-affable mayor.

Prognosis: Now into its eighth season, this series shows no sign of letting up.

 

WHO WANTS TO BE

ONE THIRD OF A MILLIONAIRE?

 

EVERY new TV season needs a reality series, and there's nothing more compelling than this ambitious concept created by the Manitoba New Democratic Party, the same people behind last year's Esker-nominated Hoop & Holler Cut.

Michael Balagus, who served the chief of staff to former premier Gary Doer as well as current Premier Greg Selinger, has just left his provincial gig with $346,869 in his pocket and a world of love for his fellow Manitobans.

In a device reminiscent to Ben Stein's Money, which aired for six years on Comedy Central, Balagus will challenge contestants to claim his cash. This won't be a trivia contest, but a test of physical skill: After passing a physical, contestants will jump out of airplanes and use their skill with a parachute in an attempt to land on a golden target.

PROGNOSIS: This late addition to the fall schedule is bound to receive a bumpy ride.

HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA

 

FACED with the NHL lockout, the creative minds at CBC Sports are taking their cameras on the road, exploring what's happening in bars and living rooms across the country this fall without top-tier professional hockey.

To their surprise, the CBC cameras discover families spending quality time together, friends engaging in meaningful conversations and a drop in alcohol consumption. This is all profoundly boring.

PROGNOSIS: Cancellation by January at the latest.

 

LOST

 

A documentary of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2012 Canadian Football League campaign -- through the lens of J.J. Abrams.

PROGNOSIS: As far as playoff chances go, what do the numbers mean?

 

WELCOME BACK KHADR

 

CANADIAN Public Safety Minister Vic Toews reprises the teacher role made famous by Gabe Kaplan in the 1970s, in this hybrid intelligence drama/slapstick comedy.

After a decade at Guantanamo Bay, convicted war criminal Omar Khadr is repatriated into a Canadian prison, expecting more humane treatment in his ostensible home country. But Khadr must endure the scrutiny of the prison educator, Toews, who is in no mood to tolerate any shenanigans from this most unwanted new pupil. Hilarity ensues.

PROGNOSIS: That information is classified.

bartley.kives@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 30, 2012 A6

History

Updated on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 10:14 AM CDT: Adds photos

Fact Check

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

  • Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.

  • Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.

  • Please indicate your source for the correct information.

  • Please include any contact information you may have.

  • Yes

    No

  • This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.

  • This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.

  • Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Roland Delorme wins at UFC 161

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Two baby tigers were unveiled at the Assiniboine Park Zoo this morning, October 3rd, 2011. (TREVOR HAGAN/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • A gosling stares near water at Omands Creek Park-See Bryksa 30 day goose challenge- Day 25– June 21, 2012 (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

About Bartley Kives

Bartley Kives wants you to know his last name rhymes with Beavis, as in Beavis and Butthead. He aspires to match the wit, grace and intelligence of the 1990s cartoon series.

Bartley joined the Free Press in 1998 as a music critic. He spent the ensuing 7.5 years interviewing the likes of Neil Young and David Bowie and trying to stay out of trouble at the Winnipeg Folk Festival before deciding it was far more exciting to sit through zoning-variance appeals at city hall.

In 2006, Bartley followed Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz from the music business into civic politics. He spent seven years covering city hall from a windowless basement office. He is now reporter-at-large for the Free Press and also writes a pair of columns – This City for Sunday Xtra and Offroad for the Outdoors page.

A canoeist, backpacker and food geek, Bartley is fond of conventional and wilderness travel. He is the author of A Daytripper’s Guide to Manitoba: Exploring Canada’s Undiscovered Province, the only comprehensive travel guidebook for Manitoba – and a Canadian bestseller, to boot.

Bartley appears every second Wednesday on CityTV’s Breakfast Television. His work has also appeared on CBC Radio and in publications such as National Geographic Traveler, explore magazine and Western Living.

Born in Winnipeg, he has an arts degree from the University of Winnipeg and a master’s degree in journalism from Ottawa’s Carleton University. He is the proud owner of a blender.

Bartley Kives on Twitter: @bkives

Poll

Which of these everyday math tasks could you tackle without a calculator? (Select all that apply)

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google