Usually the old adage of “it’s better to have loved than lost…” makes me ragey, but in the case of the housecleaning that CBC did this morning in dropping several of our shows, it holds true. While I’m sad about shows that were mine being done, I’m not at all regretful that I spent a combined 42 hours getting to know their characters, and in some cases, getting to spend time with the creative teams and cast. Let’s run down the shows that will not be back.
Shoot the Messenger
This one was always going to be an odd fit after the megahit Murdoch Mysteries, because it was grittier, modern, and not really family friendly. Nevertheless, it was a compelling drama that followed the journey of an up-and-coming news reporter who inexplicably found herself at the center of the story that could make or break her career. I adore Lucas Bryant and will watch anything he does, so he was the hook for me, but as we dove deeper into the rest of the characters, I enjoyed being along to watch them reassemble the puzzle of the case. All eight episodes of the first season are online at CBC, and our first season coverage is here.
Pure
This one was a surprise for me because of the work Ryan Robbins did, pushing his swagger all the way down to play a deeply reverent man thrust into an impossible situation when the heroin trade lands in his parish and he’s forced to go beyond the boundaries of his faith to protect his community and his family. Peter Outerbridge, another favorite, was so great as a really nasty big bad. I’d thought the Hulu pick up in the U.S. meant a guaranteed second season, but apparently larger forces were at work. All six episodes of the first season are online at CBC, and our first season coverage is here.
The Romeo Section
This one stings. I came to this non-procedural crime drama about Vancouver’s international drug and weapons trade out a deep affection for Chris Haddock, his universe, and the cast and creatives who came with him. I’m so, so glad I made the trip to Vancouver last fall to visit the set before they wrapped the second season. I’d already been planning a return this summer because I was that sure they had to be back. I’ll miss this one most of all, and I’ll follow all of these people anywhere. All 20 episodes are online at CBC, and our coverage is here.
Bellevue*
I’m putting a big fat asterisk on this one, because although it was not on today’s new schedule for 2017-18, I really hadn’t expected it to be because it was unlikely we’d get such a high-demand cast back together immediately. If series star Shawn Doyle has anything to say about (and he did), fans shouldn’t give up on Annie’s story just yet. Today he tweeted out an “It’s not dead yet, Jim” equivalent that we should “stay tuned.”
We just know it won’t be part of 2018 lineup on CBC. But stay tuned… https://t.co/5cjBM5pnmi
— Shawn Doyle (@Shawndoyle) May 24, 2017
So, that’s what I plan to do. All eight episodes of the first season are online at CBC, and our first season coverage is here.
[Updated May 26th — Executive producer Adrienne Mitchell Tweeted a similar sentiment this morning, so keep the hope alive, y’all!]
#BellevueCBC fans! 4 the record a season 2 is being developed this year. Not ready to go into production in 2017. Stay Tuned. Wish us luck.
— Adrienne Mitchell (@AdrCMitchell) May 26, 2017
We’d be remiss to not also mention This Life, which was cancelled earlier this spring and had a strong fanbase who were disappointed to lose it, and X-Company, which wrapped its (planned) third and final season with an epic valentine for its fans.
It feels like a lot to have six hourlong dramas fall of a schedule at just one network, and these four had a bigger impact on me than anything that came off the U.S. networks last week. Melissa attended today’s CBC upfront and will have news to share on the new class of shows that were announced. I’ll leave you with two joy-inducing words: Allan Hawco.
Thanks so much for enjoying these shows with us!