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| Fall 2004 Highlights: BBC Canada |
| Posted
on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 10:26 PM |
Programming hihglights for 2004-2005.
NEW DRAMA
Death in Holy Orders
(North American Premiere) Sept. 10 at 9pm ET
Based on P.D. James’ best-selling novel, this exclusive two-part drama explores the impact of murder and evil in a desolate coastal community. When the body of one of the students of Saint Anselm’s, an Anglican theological college, is found on the shore smothered by a sand fall, Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh (Martin Shaw,
Judge John Deed) is called upon to re-examine the conclusion of accidental death and soon finds himself immersed in one of the most horrific and puzzling cases of his career.
A Likeness in Stone(Network Premiere)
Sept. 24 at 9pm ET
The mysterious disappearance of a student comes back to haunt not only those closest to her, but also Bill Armstrong (Liam Cunningham,
Prime Suspect), the detective who led the unsolved police investigation. When the body of Helena Warner (Rebecca Palmer,
Quills) is discovered, 10 years after her disappearance, the case is re-opened and new evidence points to a c hilling conspiracy among those who cared for her the most.
State of Play(Canadian Premiere)
Oct. 20 at 10pm ET
Stephen Collins (David Morrissey,
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin), an ambitious MP, is stunned when his research assistant – and lover – dies mysteriously in London’s Underground. When news of their affair breaks, Cal McAffrey (John Simm,
The Lakes), an investigative journalist – and Collins’ ex-campaign manager – takes notice, while simultaneously investigating the murder of a teen suspected of dealing drugs. Friendships are tested and a conspiracy unfolds when these seemingly unrelated deaths are connected back to a single phone call. Exclusive to BBC CANADA and starring Bill Nighy (Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and
Love Actually ) and Polly Walker (Jeffery Archer,
The Truth), this six-part drama was the winner of Britain’s Best Drama Series or Serial, Broadcast Awards 2004; Best Drama, Indie Awards 2004; Best Actor (Bill Nighy), BAFTA TV Awards 2004; Best Mini-Series, Banff Rockie Awards 2004.
NEW COMEDY
Absolute Power
(North American Premiere) Sept. 7 at 9pm ET
Revealing the complicit relationship between the press and PR professionals, this BBC CANADA exclusive six-part satirical comedy focuses on Charles Prentiss (Stephen Fry,
Blackadder) and Martin Mc Cabe (John Bird,
Chambers) – two gents who head up a London PR firm – and exposes a world in which style triumphs over substance and tabloids are the new judge and jury. Whether defending a comedian caught beating up his girlfriend or deflecting attention from a TV historian accused of faking his evidence, the company’s mantra is that the public will swallow anything as long as it’s made palatable.
Blackadder(Network Premiere)
Sept. 10 at 10:30pm ET
Many great dynasties, strong and brave, have played a part in shaping Britain’s heritage – but the Blackadders are not one of them. With a family legacy of cowards and cads, the Blackadder lineage is a black mark on the history of the land. This classic BBC through-the-ages comedy stars Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean).
The Crouches(North American Premiere)
Nov. 30 at 9pm ET
An exemplary model of dysfunctional families, the Crouch clan brings their problems home. Roly (Robbie Gee,
The Real McCoy) and Natalie (Jo Martin, Chef) Crouch find their 19-year marriage bec oming stale – and the fact that they’re trapped between their teenagers and live-in parents only makes matters worse! A frankly fresh and funny departure from domestic sitcom bliss, this sixpart BBC CANADA exclusive new comedy reveals family life as it really is.
Little Britain(Canadian Premiere)
Winter 2005
Adapted from an award-winning radio series, this eight-part BBC CANADA exclusive sketch comedy series follows the lives of some extraordinary – and occasionally sinister – characters, including Emily, an unconvincing transvestite who runs a guesthouse by the sea; and Jason, a young man who is passionately in love with his best friend’s grandmother. Awards for
Little Britain include Best Comedy Newcomer for David Walliams, British Comedy Awards 2003; Best Comedy Program or Series, BAFTA TV Awards 2004.
The Thin Blue Line(Network Premiere)
Winter 2005
Set in a small suburban police station in the southeast of England and starring Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean,
Blackadder), comedy series The Thin Blue Line explores the constant friction between the uniformed officers and the plainclothes agents.
NEW LIFESTYLE
Fresh and Wild
(Network Premiere) Oct. 6 at 7pm ET
British chef, Danny Boome, and his Canadian guide Ellen McKinney set off on a cross-Canada culinary tour in search of unique produce, authentic cuisine and fresh recipes. Along the way the duo meet and learn from Canada’s rich network of suppliers, from farmers and fisherman to beekeepers and game hunters.
Million Pound Property Experiment(North American Premiere)
Sept. 11 at 9pm ET
Can the value of a home be stretched from £100,000 to £1 million? This BBC CANADA exclusive eight-part series profiles designers/property developers Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan as they buy and sell houses for profit. Their challenge is to play the U.K.’s property market by buying on the cheap, re-designing the property, increasing its market value, and then selling at a profit. Profits from the sales go to the U.K. charity Children in Need.
Living The Dream(North American Premiere)
Nov. 6 at 9pm ET
This BBC CANADA exclusive series follows five families who, spurred on by visions of sun-baked foreign climes or rural idylls, have the courage and determination to follow their hearts and set up their "dream business." Watch what happens when they put their dreams to the test.
Escape to the Country(Canadian Premiere)
Winter 2005
Surrounded by concrete and noisy traffic, some city slickers are tempted to trade in the rat race for the tranquility of the countryside. Experts Catherine Gee (Country Living Magazine) and former rural realtor Nick Page help people to achieve that dream, finding a suitable property and guiding prospective country squires through every aspect of buying, selling and moving. Each episode of this BBC CANADA exclusive series chronicles one relocation, ranging from quaint little cottages to rambling castles. Those uprooting from city life include a funky, young London couple planning to "go green" and a couple in their late 50s who aspire to having enough land to set up a riding school.
NEW SPECIALS
The Office Specials
(Canadian Premiere) Nov. 14 at 9pm ET
Catch up with the staff – past and present – of the most famous paper merchants in Slough. Exclusive to BBC CANADA, this two-part special of
The Office finds Gareth in the coveted position of office manager and Tim, last seen asking Dawn out (again), nearing the point of desperation. Meanwhile, mercurial former manager, David Brent, has blown his compensation package on releasing a single and now makes his living selling cleaning products door -to-door and making z-list "celebrity" appearances. Accolades for
The Office include Best Comedy Actor for Ricky Gervais and Best TV Comedy, Golden Globe® Awards 2004; Peabody Award, 2004; Best Situation Comedy and Best Comedy Performance for Ricky Gervais, BAFTA TV Awards 2004.
RETURNING SERIES
Auf Wiedersehen, PetSept. 8 at 10pm ET
Exclusive to BBC CANADA, the fourth season of
Auf Wiedersehen, Pet features salsa and cigars as the "magnificent seven" building contractors hit the road again. This time the crew heads to Cuba to assist with the construction of a new residence for the British Ambassador but, of course, things don't quite go according to plan. This season sees the friendship between Oz and Dennis on the rocks; Neville recruited as a spy; and Barry thrown into jail (again). As things spiral out of control, can the group draw on their resources to resolve the situation and get home safely?
Bargain HuntSept. 11 at 12 and 12:30pm ET
Back for a fourth season, this exclusive BBC CANADA series challenges people to turn bargains into profit. Two teams are given £200 each and an hour to spend it at an antiques fair. Following which, they attempt to make a profit when they put their purchases into an auction. Even with expert help, the teams discover it’s not as easy as it looks, but there are plenty of laughs and lessons along the way.
Coupling
Oct. 28 at 9pm ET
What do you get when you take a guy and a girl, add a few exes, factor in a friend or two, multiply by sex and divide by singledom? Answer:
Coupling – a bold series about love and lust amongst six thirtysomethings. In season four, Patrick and Sally are now an item, while Susan faces pregnancy.
Dalziel and Pascoe
Sept. 6 at 9pm ET
Warren Clarke (Onedin Line) is the witty, down-to-earth Andy Dalziel and Colin Buchanan (Preston Front) is his university-educated sidekick Peter Pascoe. The riveting combination of Dalziel’s old-style policing and Pascoe’s universityeducated, new-man approach has made them a worldwide hit. Exclusive to BBC CANADA, season eight sees the pair tackle four more intriguing murder mysteries in the beautiful countryside and towns of Yorkshire, including a complex investigation involving an escaped wife-murderer, secret affairs, hidden bodies and illegitimate children.
Dalziel & Pascoe is based on the award-winning novels of top crime-writer Reginald Hill.
Judge John Deed
Sept. 8 at 8pm ET
Back for a second season, exclusive to BBC CANADA, this series features the good-looking, fit and fifty-something Judge John Deed – who is definitely not your average High Court judge. His rakish charm – that belies his sharp intellect – passion for justice and maverick approach set him at odds with the Lord Chancellor’s department. Too often, this Judge's individual approach flies in the face of convention, as he determinedly avoids the traditionalism of the system.
Life Laundry
New Episodes Winter 2005
In season three of this BBC CANADA exclusive series, Dawna Walter helps the hopeless take control of their lives by tackling clutter and junk and achieving time-management in this tough-love series about simplifying and streamlining domestic life.
Mersey Beat
Sept. 10 at 8pm ET
Haydn Gwynne (Peak Practice) and Jonathan Kerrigan (Casualty) star in the fourth season of this police drama set in the heart of the North West County. Superintendent Susan Blake (Gwynne) leads a team of dedicated officers struggling to maintain their humour and compassion while dealing with very little in the way of labour and funding. For the first time, the entire season of this popular police drama was shot exclusively on location in Liverpool.
Spooks: MI5
Nov. 19 at 9pm ET
Spooks: MI5 delves into the clandestine world of Britain’s MI5 – the elite security service glamourized by the James Bond books and films – as the secret agents tackle espionage, organized crime, international terrorism and other subversive activities threatening the peace and security of Britain. Following the adventures of Section B – MI5’s crack team of secret agents – this six-part series explores the complicated lives of people who must lie for a living, working to outwit the world’s smartest criminal minds. Season two gets off to an explosive start, picking up from the cliff-hanger conclusion of season one: Agent Tom’s girlfriend Ellie and her young daughter are trapped inside a house where a live bomb is about to explode – and there's no way out.
Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps
Sept. 9 at 9:40pm ET
Following the lives and loves of five slovenly young adults, this BBC CANADA exclusive comedy is back for a delightfully rude fourth season – one that sees the quintet come face-to-face with the real world and adult responsibilities. True love falters when Janet decides to l eave the house she shares with boyfriend Jonny, and Gaz is astounded to catch Donna having a late-night tryst with an old fling. Meanwhile, Louise's student days are over when she finally graduates from college – and soon discovers how tough life can be in the real world.
Waking The Dead
Oct. 4 at 9pm ET
Trevor Eves stars in season four of this compelling drama where unsolved murder cases are reopened by a crack squad of investigators in a bid to flush out the killer and lay old files to rest.
Note: Check out BBC Canada's Fall Schedule!
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