MovieChat Forums > The Border (2009) Discussion > FINALLY! A Canadian show about Canada!

FINALLY! A Canadian show about Canada!

posted 16 years ago by bb_bryson
14 replies | jump to latest

I've been watching the show, sure it has it's issues: the American Homeland Security B*tch, the constant battle over whose in control of crime scenes, etc. Sure, it is a little unrealistic, but what else would you expect? American shows have been playing with this forever it seems. God, you really think 24 fudges reality any less?!?

My point is, it is so rare to see Canadian shows (that aren't comedies) brave enough to not pretend to be somewhere in America, and that deserves some props!

There IS something to this show and it is my hope that there will be many more to follow.

[–] PlayerTwo 16 years ago

If you like the idea of a Canadian show about Canada, you should try watching The Guard on Global (Tue, 10pm). It's about the Canadian Coast Guard (vaguely -- many actual coasties venting about inaccuracies on the fansite forum) based in Squamish, BC.

There's also jPod on CBC (Fri, 9pm), based on the book by Douglas Coupland. Not as clearly Canadian, but one of the main characters' mother has a grow-up... :)

[–] haynes-2 16 years ago

Global and CTV bounces their domestic shows all over the schedule grid. And sometimes they air an extra episode during the week with little or no announcement.

[–] sweiland75 16 years ago

Ironically, the only reason this show is as successful as it is is because it partially depends on Americans.

"Take time with a wounded hand 'cause it likes to heal." - Stone Temple Pilots "Creep"

[–] emagdnima 16 years ago

Also ironically is that Americans do think the world turns around them.....

Even though the American war is part of the story, that doesn't change the fact that it really is great that it is a canadian show about canada.
Not like all the others.
Like smallville, Kyle XY,the L Word,supernatural, Reaper and many more

[–] panamamike 16 years ago

So we're ignoring

DaVinci's Inquest/City Hall
Cold Squad
Street Legal
The Eleventh Hour
The Associates
Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy
Tom Stone
Road to Avonlea
Wind At My Back
Degrassi
Blue Murder
The Beachcombers
The Campbells
Metropia
E.N.G.
Mount Royal
The City
Power Play
This Is Wonderland
Forever Knight
Wojeck
The Forest Rangers

just to name a few

[–] duetsches 16 years ago

Don't forget the most awesome "Intelligence" by Chris Haddock.

Stupid rightwing nuts cancelled it.

If anyones looking for proof that Ottawa meddles with the CBC check out the history behind the cancellation of this great Canadian drama staring Ian Tracy and Klea Scott.

All Canadian cast, all Canadian locations and references.

Drama doesn't get better than this.

a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma

[–] joesmith2007 16 years ago

Right on, I couldn't agree more. Chris Haddock is a genius. The "Steven Spielberg" of Canada (I hate saying that, but let's face it, we are always comparing ourselves to America and you can't avoid that).

"Intelligence" was electrifying. Ian Tracey and Klea Scott: absolutely. Let's face it, the whole supporting cast of "Intelligence" is superb. John Cassini is absorbing (Jimmy Reardon's partner, Ronnie). Ironic that he also is a hit on CTV's "Robson Arms" -- a CBC/CTV crossover? Nah...

"The Border" has its moments but "Intelligence" was far above it.

CBC, if you are listening, please bring it back ("Intelligence").

PS: A Canadian show about Canada? What about "North of 60"? That dates back to even earlier than "Intelligence" and "Da Vinci's Inquest".

[–] kv_cp 16 years ago

just a quick question...

Why is it that every time Canadians make a reference to the Government they say "Ottawa", and then when you are travelling and you mention that you are from Ottawa.. you get a look..

Honestly, we the citizens of Ottawa.. don't really get a voice in the decisions made. They don't come knocking at our doors and say "Hey, this is what we are planning for the Country, are you in or out?". They don't

but for some reason where ever we go, that is within the country.. it seems as if we are held responsible.

[–] joesmith2007 16 years ago

Huh? "...finally..."? A "Canadian show about Canada"...?? Um, how long have you been watching television? Me, about 47 years; you?

What about "Intelligence"? "Da Vinci's Inquest?" "North of 60"? Even, "The Beachcombers"?

Maybe what you mean is: "Finally, a Canadian show about south-central Canada", ie, the Quebec-Windsor urban corridor, centered upon the TorMonOtt (Toronto-Montreal-Ottawa) urban triangle.

Maybe that's your definition of "Canada". Eh?

[–] emagdnima 16 years ago

you don't have to cry old man, no one said that there has never been a Canadian Show about Canada, but today many shows are filmed in Canada but the story plays in the US

Thats it and nothing more.

[–] longshanks-5 16 years ago

emagdnima said:
"you don't have to cry old man, no one said that there has never been a Canadian Show about Canada, but today many shows are filmed in Canada but the story plays in the US

Thats it and nothing more."

But that wasn't it. The original post said "finally", as if there are no other shows set in Canada, when there are actually many shows set in Canada.

And, by the way, "Kyle XY", "Smallville", "Men In Trees" and other shows are *not* Canadian shows. They're U.S. shows that have chosen Canada as a filming location.

[–] sweiland75 16 years ago

I have never seen this show but I am bothered that it seems to get any more attention simply because the story has an American connection.

http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/ You can help change the world.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] louisecanadaus 12 years ago

Hey, nobody mentioned Corner Gas--that was so Canadian and so funny.