From CBC website:



My knowledge of federal government agencies is not that good, but the Immigration and Customs Security is a fictional organization, right?

Looks like a promising pilot. Will be more interesting when they have head-to-head conflict with the Americans.

Was ok. Gets better as the season progresses. The tech/nerd guy is so annoying I can't take more than 30 seconds of him. Graham Abbey is lovely, no wonder Kevin Spacey fell madly in love.

Just finished the pilot and can I just say that as an annoyed American (i.e. I live in the U.S. and my own country makes me sick right now) can I just say how brilliant I thought this was? Perfect balance between legitimate border/terrorist concerns and the paranoid BS going on in the world. Good times.

Also the actress playing the Muslim investigator is so disturbingly beautiful I'm not quite sure how to handle it.

I really enjoyed the pilot, and will definitely be watching again on Monday. I've heard that the third episode is when it starts to really get good. My whole family watched it together, which is really weird, since we don't normally enjoy the same types of shows.

I watched the pilot - was meh. I keep reading it really picks up starting episode 3, so I'll stick with it and see how it goes.

Finally watched the pilot. Not especially impressed but this isn't really my typical sort of show anyway. I thought the guy's daughter was a bit over the top, but it was definitely well made and it's fun to watch something actually set in Toronto.

I forgot about the daughter. She WAS a bit much. I can't help but compare this show to "ReGenesis" because that was the first Canadian show I fell in love with (sniff). Girl is definitely no Ellen Page.

It's not as strong out of the gate as other shows I've loved, but felt like a fairly strong pilot overall. I like the structure of story they seem to be trying to set up. And if these rumours of finding stride as early as episode three pan out, I expect to be hooked and whining when the season ends.

OK, there is no way in a million years that a supposedly secure agency (hell any government department - any company for that matter) is just going to IGNORE someone hacking in to their system. The second that wolf thing showed up all those PCs would have been off and wiped. GAH. TV computing drives me crazy.

As for the rest of it, I ended up fastforwarding through most of the last half. Albanian gangsters? Really?

Catherine Disher, Nigel Bennett, Gary Farmer. So.... when does Gereint Wynn Davies show up?

I agree completely, caia. I didn't FF but I found it hard to pay attention, even though the acting is still really strong. I really want to like this show; flawed pilot but mostly enjoyable for me. But if those rumours of getting better don't happen soon I think I might not last.

This show is my newest guilty pleasure. I'm watching episode 3 as I type. The acting so far is really good, and while they make all this look cooler than it likely is, it does a really good job of highlighting the conflicts between not just Canadians and Americans, but between the Public Security portfolio (i.e. CSIS vs. Customs in episode one).

Immigrations and Customs security is a fictional organization. I mean, there is immigration and customs security jobs, but they exist within the Canada Border Services Agency mostly, as well as on the IBETs (Integrated Border Enforcement Teams) which are CBSA, RCMP and some american homeland security types, I think. The guys being portrayed here are probably closest to IBETs, I would guess.

I actually laughed out loud last night. Here you have two highly trained 'agents' in the woods being shot at, and what do they do? They look at the tree stump where the bullets hit, then they look at each other, then they decide to jump out of the way. Great reflexes guys. So is every eps going to be Canadian boss and American boss watching monitors and sniping at each other?

Wow, this show really makes me sick. Litterally, I mean. I got dizzy from watching handheld camera-like kind of shot.

Other than that, the U.S. troops killed in Somalia are Rangers, not Marines. They were portrayed in Black Hawk Down.

I just finished episode 5 which I thought was really good. Neither the minister nor the 'dancers' were just completely innocent victims, all in all, I liked it. Not as much as episode 4 with that perp that seemed impossible to catch, though. A different kind of procedural. I'm slowly getting used to the hand held camera, too. After all, I can take it in BSG. And Major Kessler is seriously growing on me.

Must admit the Major is starting to grow on me too. It was nice seeing Alberta Watson again as well in this episode, although she wasn't in many scenes.

Well, this one was.....not so good. Just when I thought the CSIS guy seemed to get more layers than the foil to Kessler, bam, he is evil again. How come computer guy's girlfriend all of a sudden worked for the bad guys? When she got introduced, she was the niece of the Chief of some reserve. That shouldn't make her automatically one of the good guys but it did seem to come out of nowhere. And why can't I remember any character's name except Major Kesslers. Another question, anyone still watching?

I am, but I think I'm about done. The pilot was flawed but very promising and it's pretty much been downhill since. Everyone said it really kicked into gear around episode three, but to be honest I'm having a hard time remembering what's happened at all. I think I may just give up and wait for my "ReGenesis" to come back in a month or so. The implied insults at American intelligence still amuse me though. I'm easy like that.

I'm still watching but I watch it the next day when I get home from work while surfing the net since I can't be bothered to give it my full attention.

I was actually talking to someone I work with who's watched it and the one thing we both agreed on was they just haven't gotten the relationship between the Canadians and the Americans right. I work for the government and I once worked at a conference of ministers and the one thing I can tell you about the relationship between bureaucrats from these two countries is that Americans do (or seem to do anyway) whatever the hell they want and the Canadians resent the SHIT out of it. I mean really really resentful. I don't know if the writers just don't know that or aren't writing it in but every time I watch I'm thinking, "Real Canadian bureacrats would never be so accomodating to the US unless someone put a gun to their head."

ETA: Might not have to bother watching much longer, according to TV, eh?

It's too bad that this seems to be doomed. I like the topic and the acting is superb. Well except for Mr cut board computer geek. I like procedurals and this is a very different kind. And they keep it fresh with different border issues, not only the Canada/US border stuff.

I'm still watching, but sometimes the plot is just waaaaaaaaay out there.
u
Last week with the star from the UK and her adopted son from Sudan...CBSA (the real organization) would never have been involved. She got into the country legally, the son had a dispensation from the minister -- so legal -- that's where it would end. Customs and Immigration, and I would hazard that most of Canadian enforcement -- would never be involved in an adoption question that had nothing to do with Canada.

When the boy's child soldier status came up, and definitely when his "father"'s identity was discovered the border war crimes section would be involved, but "ICS" (HA!) would never be involved in an adoption question that involved two other countries.

I have to say I enjoy the episodes a lot more when they don't use the American woman. Aside from the fact they'd never include her in anything anyway I don't care for Sophia Milos.

CSIS is one of those organizations where I understand why they were created (because the RCMP were naughty) and what they're supposed to do, but I just don't see how it can possibly function.

Wow, I'm glad I watched the last one after I got home. That would have made for a rather uncomfortable and tense subway ride. Was it just me or was that the Bay station, not Bloor? It seems to be getting better and I agree, I don't like the American agent, although I don't think we're supposed to like her. But all her stories seem somewhat about Americans stepping on Canadian toes, which gets boring after a while.
I have no idea on how realistic this is but the topics seem somewhat realistic and that's all I expect from a procedural, really. And I am developing a serious crush on Major Kessler. Still, I am somewhat unclear on how the hostages in Afghanistan got free?

If I ever get a few hours I think I'll try to catch up on the first few eps on CBC; but this week's Subway ep did seem really good, both with the threat and the handling of the main suspects. (maybe a bit out there, but still not as far out there as some procedurals tend to go).

I'm still watching but am a little behind as I tape the episodes so this is a little late in adding......may I say on a purely shallow note how hot Graham Abbey (Gray Jackson) looks holding a baby. I don't think I've ever seen anyone look so good wearing a baby carrier/snuggly (whatever you want to call it)!

....and yes I watch for Graham Abbey and James McGowan (Mike Kessler). Still trying to figure out where CBC found all their eye candy as they have a plethora of it on right now - this show, MVP, Heartland and yes even on jpod. We do have some gorgeous Canadian men up here don't we?

Agreed. James McGowan. Le Sigh.
Again with agent Goldilocks and she takes me right out of it all. The repeated American-Canadian head butting is just not interesting. Last week was better and if they could lose Sophia Milos and give the others more to do, I would have no problem. She just struts around and bothers people, especially me.

I'm in the states and so I've only been able to get my hands on the first five episodes but I totally agree about the American Homeland Security Agent. She brings nothing to the table other than to be the face of the big bad American behemoth. That's fine but surely she can be a bit more interesting. Although I have to admit I laughed at her funny back in the third episode I think about the U.S. troops (?) in Vermont being part of the contingency plan for invading Canada.

Sophia Miles is a stunning woman but quite frankly her wardrobe can be a bit distracting. I mean come on! The heels on her boots when she stepped out of the helicopter in her first episode were out of control. Very lustworthy but totally impractical.

On the other characters front I want more Maggie! Catherine Disher never fails to bring out the fangirl in me. What can I say Forever Knight was my first fandom.

It's disappointing to see Nigel Bennett playing a one note bad guy. He's capable of portraying a great multifaceted villian. I just hope more of his back story with Kessler gets explored and that I'm able to get my hands on those episodes.

Thankfully they've toned down Slade's junk food fix. It was seriously icky watching him the pilot episode have food falling out of his mouth and touching the computers with grease ladened hands. I find him and the Native computer girl very cute together.

Oddly enough I'm not quite feeling the love for Kessler and Gray. Weirdness. I'm sure that'll change but I've responded quite well to all the other characters that their exclusion is odd. ::shrug::

Also the CBC has picked up The Border for a second season. It and Sophie are the only two new shows they renewed.

http://www.tv-eh.com/2008/03/07/cbc-shows-...ning-in-200809/

Is Nigel Bennett sleazy Ottawa guy on the phone, always with some chick? I actually don't really care, he seems such a cookie cutter figure and I have no idea why he keeps calling Kessler waving vague threats.
I can't really warm up to Gray Jackson either. A little too been there, seen that. He's charming, check, a little rough around the edges, check, impulsive, check, daddy issues, check. Of course, what's not to like but that's exactly my problem. I'm more interested in Maggie and Lepinsky, they have such a cool and snarky air about them which makes me want to find out more about them, especially what Kessler's and Maggie's backstory is. They seem to have known each other for a long time. I don't actually watch procedurals for the characters but they shouldn't bore me since I see them every week. This show, I actually watch it for the stories. Agent LeGarda, I keep snickering at her high heels and the blouse being open down to there when she sat on her couch for her 'confession'. Very professional attire, I'm sure. Very intimidating. Even Kessler seemed to grin. At least I imagined he was right there with me. I really hope they'll lose her soon.

No, Nigel Bennett is the sleazy head of CSIS guy who imported the Chinese girl to buy her kidney for his daughter two weeks ago.

Can you give me a hint how? Also in the US and very annoyed that I can't get the streaming video on the network website. I wanted to give this a try since I heard about it.

All episodes are up on the torrent networks, if you know about them.

That's how Canadians usually feel trying to get shows that aren't streamed on the Canadian networks but are on the US nets. (like Jericho *grumbles at BellGlobalmedia* )

Oh, this week's epi was really hard to watch but managed to keep me on the edge of my seat despite the vomit inducing topics. The pedophile that wasn't, or not really, who then got killed. A sadist who kept a child locked up for months. I had to pause a few times to catch my breath and make a decision whether I will watch to the end. Grrr.
I love who much they shift gears every week. However, if this week's was the episode that was supposed to give LaGarda a soul, well, no.

Holy frak!

That was so awesome, on every level! What a trip!

I love this show.

I agree, GrahamF. I really enjoyed last night's episode.

I really hope they dump LaGarda for next season, but I won't be holding my breath. The episodes without her waltzing around have been much more enjoyable than when she's all over the place.

Does anyone know how long we'll have to wait for the next season?

Oh.My.God. That was incredible. And I so did not see that coming. With the, and the, and the,.....I'm speechless.
Well, not quite. I love Kessler's relationship with his daughter. One can tell it's always been difficult for all kinds of reasons, and I like that it's not done as if she's just a snotty young thing that doesn't understand her hero daddy.
I love Kessler's paranoia, sometimes it's completely justified and sometimes it isn't.
I loved Lepinsky's non-answer when Kessler asked what keeps him from putting a bullet in some perp's head. "I don't know, God? the LAW?! (Hint, hint) Hee.
That said, I'm ready for a Very Special Episode for Maggie now. And for Williams of course.

Maggie!



According to writer Denis McGrath on his blog the writers are just starting to breakdown episodes. He mentions a Fall premiere but I guess ultimately that's up to CBC. Do they want to wait till January like they did this year or launch in Fall?

I finally got to watch the last four episodes which have been sitting on my PVR taking up space. Extra space actually because I recorded the HiDef versions.

Anyway. I have to say they were very well done. And I didn't get bored watching four episodes in a row.

I find Zowie to be absurdly naive. Did you really think that your father wouldn't be held accountable for your little stunt? I was rather hoping Maggie would fall on her like a ton of bricks and force her to confess where the leak came from.

The pedophile episode was excruciating. Particularly with it being in the news a lot in recent months. I'm hoping it's because Canada's doing a good job of smoking them out and not because we have more than our share. I have to say one of the disadvantages of having the same regular group of actors show up on different shows is that once they play a vile character like this it's hard to watch them in other stuff. "Little Mosque on the Prairie" isn't going to be quite the same the next time the guy who played Skinner shows up.

Liked the finale. It takes balls to write a cliffhanger for a CBC show.

CBC are reshowing the entire first season from June 23rd onwards (Mondays).

I guess the second season will air in the fall, or maybe next spring.

Couldn't agree with more on this point. He did a good job, but I guess Canadian actors or generally unless your a big star take the work when you need it. Maybe he wanted to branch out a little bit.

The quality of the actor counts to some way in this - the better the actor, the easier it is to suspend belief (as opposed to suspend disbelief in the other disbelief ...)

Seeing X-Files CSM turn up in Robson Arms was jarring at first, but after a minute or so it was pretty easy to see him in his new character.

I don't think I'll have any problem with Little Mosque. The guy played two completely different characters... I probably won't even notice.

I have to say, I was really pretty impressed with this show. It's been a while since any Canadian show did action/drama... usually it's more straight drama. While it wasn't Shakespeare by any stretch, it was well done, had better than average production values, and was, by and large, a lot of fun. Although the pedophile episode was rather intense.

So, am I the only one hoping that Slade meets up with his hacker/spy ex-girlfriend again next season?

Yeah, he needs to be made a little less hollywood-geek and a little more well-rounded character. I think some more inter-personal stuff for him would work.

I'd prefer to see some more Al and Maggin though.

I started watching this show for Graham Abbey, who I have seen and adored many times at the Stratford Festival. He doesn't get much to do in terms of acting on The Border, but believe me, when he actually does get Shakespeare he's truely great! At first I was wary of the show, but it's actually grown on me quite a lot.

I wish LaGarda would stop wearing her blouses so unbuttoned, but I her interplay with Kessler. Slade is a such a typical geek that he kind of annoys me, and I have yet to really be interested in Layla. It seems to me like she's just there for Gray to flirt/conflict with. I love me some Al and Maggie though. They both, especially Maggie, are so un-hollywood and just plain great.

I've read that BSG's Grace Park will be showing up in a recurring role next season! How exciting would that be?

Well, Park is Canadian... and let's face it, successful Canadian actors tend to turn up on virtually every project currently filming in the country. :-D

I'm looking forward to Season 2 of The Border. I really liked Season 1. Why CBC couldn't have kept both this show and Intelligence though I have no idea...

That is so true. The female Canadian soldier who was a hostage in I think the TTC episode was on Slings and Arrows, as was the woman cabinet minister's assistant. The deputy minister was on Made in Canada.

In season 2 news (and this is semi spoilery) Nazneen Contrator spoke about filming a major sex scene in an interview with Toro Magazine online. I wonder who it's with...

Hmnn. Nazneen Contractor filmed a major sex scene. Let me think a moment... do I care who it's with? <shallow> No, no I don't think I do. :-D </shallow>

Man, ICS hostage negotiation skills really suck. Since they are in the same city, maybe they should ask Sgt. Greg Parker from the SRU to help. :-)

Man that would be something to see. not gonna happen since it's CTV and CBC shows... but imagine if CBS bought the rights to The Border and asked for a crossover? Would the American Big Brother have enough pull to make the two Canadian 'Nets cooperate?

Not a bad episode, really. Interesting to see Aubrey Graham from D:TNG doing something else.

While the SRU didn't make an appearance (and yeah, I was wishing that they would), I noticed that Toronto's Emergency Task Force did show up. (The SRU is a fictionalized version of the ETF.)

Liked how they managed to get Zoey in on the action. They established her rather liberal politics last season, so her being there wasn't unexpected. Her being the hostage was a bit cliche, but hey... find me a show that doesn't have at least one cliche in it and I will be properly impressed.

Right now, I'm liking the timing of this. Flashpoint goes away 'cause CBS finished off their summer season (although it will be back) and now we have The Border back again to provide some decent Canadian action/drama.

Has anyone checked the temperature in hell? Because I wasn't irritated with La Garda this time.
I'm glad it's back. The only procedural that doesn't bore me. And I love figuring out where in Toronto they are. Although I did cringe at the "supersoldier". Can't they use another term for souping up soldiers with drugs on TV?

A bit OOT:

The idea of crossover between CTV and CBC is not entirely impossible. In one episode of Royal Canadian Air Farce, characters from Corner Gas and Little Mosque on the Prairie met and debated the locations of their towns in Saskatchewan.

But of course, they are comedies and anything happens.