Sunday, May 19, 2013

Since the beginning of 2013 my blogs have all been about an upcoming new episode of Heartland... but now that we're going to have a two week break until the next episode, I thought I would tackle some of the many questions fans have posted in here over the past three weeks.

And there certainly has been a lot of them! So many that I'm going to spread the answering over two weeks!

Before I get around to those answers, first I'll tell you what you can expect Sunday nights at 7:00 (7:30NT) on CBC Television for the next little while.

As some of you are aware, Heartland is approaching its 100th episode. This is a milestone which precious few 1-hour Canadian dramas reach, and Heartland has been consistently popular for well over five years.

Of course the important element is that the people responsible for the series have made six seasons of episodes Canadian families love to watch. But in order to be as successful as the series has been, the scheduling of the each episode has been carefully thought out. If Heartland was aired consecutively over 18 weeks it would be great for die hard fans, but a lot of regular viewers would not be watching, especially because on Sunday night there are other popular events to watch. Plus the simple math exists that there are 18 new episodes each year and 52 weeks to fit them into, meaning 34 Sundays will not have a new episode. And no one would want 34 weeks in a row without a new episode of their favourite series!

While we just had three new episodes to start 2013, CBC is holding off until the Sunday after next week's Super Bowl to premiere a new episode (613). This builds suspense for the next episode and will ensure as many viewers as possible take it in.

I'm happy to report that the viewership for the 6th season of Heartland is up considerably over season 5. That can only be a good thing when the powers that be decide whether to bring the series back for a seventh season. So trust the writers for the content, and trust the programmers at the CBC for selecting the ideal Sundays which will attract the most number of viewers.

Here's what Heartland episodes are going to be airing for the next four Sundays:

This Sunday is a repeat of "Do the Right Thing," where Ty's stepdad Wade helps him obtain some replacement parts for his truck. The following week is Super Bowl Sunday, so CBC will be running "Great Expectations," which most of you really enjoyed, especially when Ty dropped to one knee near the end. Heh-heh.

On February 10 the 98th episode of Heartland will be premiered, "Waiting For Tomorrow," which will pick up exactly where the last episode, "Playing With Fire," left off. I'm sure you don't want to miss it. Nor should you miss the following Sunday (Feb. 17) when the 99th episode of Heartland, "Lost and Gone Forever," premieres.

Before I get into your questions, here are some production shots you might find interesting -

That's episode 612 director TW Peacocke, working out the scene with Jeremy (Rhys Ward) and Cassandra (Kaitlyn Wong Leeb).

What's interesting is that the new episode 613 will pick up exactly where 612 ended. Chris Potter (known and loved by all as Tim Fleming) is the director for episodes 613 and 614. Here's three photos of the cast and crew working on the very first scene of "Waiting For Tomorrow" -

That's 'A' Camera Operator Damon Moreau on the left filming. Chris can be seen sitting down and watching what Damon is capturing on a portable viewing screen.

Here the crew is blocking a shot of Jack attending to Mallory after her fall. That's Damon crouching in the foreground with Director of Photography Craig Wrobleski bent over behind him. Chris is watching closely from just behind them to the right. And the gentleman with the ballcap to the left, thoughtfully chewing his pen, is Script Supervisor Wayne Pells.

Here is Chris going over the script with Graham Wardle (Ty) and Amber Marshall (Amy). This is from the opening scene of the episode.

So that's as much as I'm going to reveal about "Waiting For Tomorrow," other than to add that in addition to directing Chris will be in the episode as Tim (who else?).

And no, I'm not answering any "Is Spartan going to be all right" questions. I mean seriously, by now you should know my New Year's resolution was to not reveal too much, but even without the resolution there is no way I would give you THAT much information.

So now, I'm answering questions which appeared in the comment section of the last three weeks of blog posts.

Right off the top I will say to any American fans wondering what is happening: please read my January 10 blog (CLICK HERE TO READ) and you will know as much as I can tell you.

So then...

Andi asked a lot of questions, three of which I answered, starting with, Did ty and amy ever get those tents up for stumpy?

I assume so.

Will ty's family [including mrs. bell] be invited to their wedding?

No wedding plans have been set yet. At least none that can be revealed.

How/why do you get to see the episodes before they air? i mean doesn't that just ruin the surprise?

I have to in order to know what to write in the blog. Reading the script ruins the surprise for the actors, but they have to go through that as well. Call it an occupational hazzard. :)

Michelle wrote, Why is it that there arent any meet and greets in alberta?

In the past there have been meet & greets at Spruce Meadows and last year there was a cast gathering with a Q & A in High River. If something happens I will post it in here, as always.

Allison wrote, Okay, I know that Heartland films in Alberta and places like that, but do you think it's possible to get a meet and greet in Halifax, Nova Scotia?

It is very costly to set up cast appearances and there is only so much money. The most important thing is to spend as much as possible on the production itself, to ensure the series is as good as it can be. Because of that the cast appearances are few, and have to be limited to the larger cities in the country.

SydneyLily wrote, Why did they use a different horse as Pheonix? I know, because his mane was on the wrong side, he was skinny were the last horse was not and his coat was not the same. Why did you use another horse? Did the original get injured? or was it just a different horse for this eposode? Can you please tell me? The new horse was used in the last scene of number 8 of this season as well, during the fire, why?

There have been as many as 7 horses playing Spartan and 3 horses playing Phoenix. Sometimes horses are good at performing certain stunts or tricks but not good at others. Sometimes a horse is a good jumper (and here I am answering your question) but does not like standing around for the long periods of time it takes to film a scene. The production tries to find horses that look alike (sort of like stunt doubles). The main horse playing Phoenix is rather unique and you have a keen eye. That is why you noticed.

horsegirl wrote, Is that really true? season 6 is finished?

Finished filming, but there is still one-third of the season to broadcast!

Ilse wrote, Hey, can someone please help me? Everytime I try to watch the latest episode, I hear: This content is currently unavaileble , or something like that, and , o , I am sorry , but I am Dutch so I can't write in English very well , I hope that you all understand what I try to tell you: I can't watch the latest episodes! Please tell me why.... :(

Sorry, but CBC's viewer can only show Heartland in Canada. The Network does not have the license to show it in any other countries, either on television or online.

Val wrote, So enjoyed to see a happy Tim. He could not stop smiling when Ty and Amy started making the announcement and he already knew. So cute! Now I hope when the Miranda/Shane/Tim storyline is picked up again, he will still be a happy man... Alisha Newton was so good in this ep. If she had not been in the hearts of the fans before, she now definetely is. So sorry for Jack! Thanks Heartland Cast and Crew!

And thank YOU Val for all your Facebook posts. I was thinking of you when I put together this week's photos. :)

natalie424 wrote: blog whisperer i am begging u to awnser to awnser me!!!! i am loossssiiinngggg my mind the pic on the blog from episode 11 with lou and lisa were not in the show was that just a mistake?

Each scene is filmed from different vantage points and Andrew Bako, Heartland's still photographer sometimes takes his photos from slightly different angles as well. The photos are not from the actual episode you are watching. Lou and Lisa did have that scene; the photo was taken from a different angle, that's all.

Courtneyxoxo wrote, Is it true that season 6 is the last season BW?????? really hope not !!!!

No decision has been officially made on Season 7, but everyone is hopeful. Note that at this date last year I was saying the same thing about Season 6, and here we are, and the viewership is up over last season. As soon as I know, you will know.

Jessica wrote, I have a feeling people are going to get a little annoyed with me for saying this, but Georgie kinda gets on my nerves. I have nothing against the actress who plays her (I can't for the life of me remember her name), but Georgie bugs me because everybody else has to stop what they're doing or whatever to go and find her. Again, nothing against the actress! Keep up the good work guys!

Georgie - played by Alisha Newton - is a runaway rebel who has had a hard life. She is not going to fit in perfectly at first as she still has several chips on her shoulder. But this show is all about family, and what better way than to show how a loving family environment is good for a troubled youth? Also, with 6 years passing, Mallory is now a young lady and this being a family show, young viewers need someone younger they can relate to. Georgie fits that bill perfectly.

Brittney wrote, All I have to say is I can handle almost anything but Ty and Amy breaking up. If Ty and Amy split again I think I'll stop watching the show.

I guess you are stuck with watching the show now, because I have given my Blog Whisperer Guarantee that Amy & Ty are good for the rest of this season (Good as in their relationship is solid, which is what you are looking for I think).

anonymous heartlandfan wrote, Dear BW, I have a question about which I've wondered know for quite a long time: What is actually your job? Don't get me wrong I really appreciate your work on the website, twitter and facebook for Heartland, but it's not a full time job to write a blog once a week and a few tweets per day, is it? So are you doing the same thing you do for us Heartland fans also for other TV-series, or are you working somewhere else in the entertainment branch behind the camera? Hope you gonna answer this question (right here or in your next post), but if it's too private I understand.

Part of the Blog Whisperer mystery is you fans not knowing all that I do, but I do do a lot (ha! I just wrote do do!). This way I can walk right up beside you at a street corner and you do not have a clue who I am. Sorry, but some things must remain -- as you wrote -- private. :)

AnthonyL wrote, You mention in that this Sundays episode is the 96th episode of Heartland. but according to IMDB.com on Amber Marshell profile it states it the 100th episode. Just wondering who is correct?

Really? One thing you should have learned after 5+ years is that while I may not be always right, I am never wrong. If I state a stat about Heartland you can file it under accurate. Trust me on this. Episode 615 will be the 100th episode of Heartland. :)

Heather wrote, I recall in season 1 episode 1 or 2 that when Jack was meeting with val, she said that "i've got a bottle of single malt that is older than both of those gals put together." Then Jack responded, "Another time, I promise." Did that promise ever get fulfilled or has is kind of dissapeared?

Good recall, Heather. Who knows what the future will bring? Characters can always return, unless they are gone gone, like Ty's Dad and Mr. Hanley.

Heather also asked, In the episode guide it has some negative names for the rest of season 6. Like, "lost and gone forever" and "after all we've been through". Does that mean that those episodes are going to be sad and heartbreaking or is it just a title randomly given?

Every title is carefully chosen. I will reveal a little thing here that I have not before. "Lost and Gone Forever" has a double meaning. It is part of the lyric to a song I am sure many of you know, and you will hear the melody to that song - a lot - in that episode.

sherry pope wrote, Loved episode 610 and was happy to see everyone was safe and happy at the end. I am waiting patiently for the next episode but I hope Amy and Ty don't have problems already, that would suck. The hint you gave about the horse my guess would be Copper but I am scared that you might be referring to Sugarfoot, please let me be wrong on that as I love that little horse and every episode he is in.I would miss Copper but he is my guess for the horse that may be going.

Sugarfoot is fine. As ornery as ever, even though we will not be seeing him this season. But don't worry; he is as right as rain.

Yellowshoes wrote, Hey. I was wondering how they make the dangerous animals(e.g the cougar or the bear that already have been on the show) do what their supposed to do ,and where do they find these animals? Btw love the show!

Heartland's Wrangler Coordinator - John Scott - will get the production any animal it needs. There are people in western Canada who own all kinds of animals and although sometimes it is tricky and you just have to film them until they give you the reaction or look you need, so far it has worked out very well.

summer wrote, Will Jake be back at all in this season or next?

You do not have long to wait for a Jake appearance, as he will be in the next new episode - with flair!!!

Ashley wrote, Awh! No a Horse is going to die? That is not fair!

You are right; it is NOT fair. But Heartland mirrors life, and these things do happen.

Bob wrote, I had a weird dream that Clint was the bad guy stealing Jacks Things.But that's just a dream.It was just a dream, right?

When I answer questions I like to choose the strangest question asked. Yours might be the winner for the whole year, and it is only January!!! :D

Heidi wrote, Just wondering what ever happened to Val and has Amy heard anything from Soraya? Oh and Maggie just sort of disappeared! Also one more is Shane still away at school or what? If you could answer any of these questions I would be thankful!

Some characters have left the show, but as I have have written many times before, if they are not dead they may always return. Shane (still alive so he qualifies) will be returning before the end of this season.

Laura wrote, By losing a horse I hope you don't mean a horse is going to die. And if a horse does go away I hope it is not Spartan or Harley.

Yes, unfortunately a horse is going to die. Did you think I meant Amy or Jack would say, "Hey! Where did that horse go?" and we would spend an episode searching? Nope, we are talking gone to a better place, or as Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, "Shuffled off this mortal coil."

Heather wrote, I hope the horse you are refering to, Bw, isn't spartan. Amy would be so heartbroken. Spartan was the only thing that she had left of her mom and if he dies, she will have nothing left to remind her of her mom.

Do I have to point out that one of the last things Amy's mother did was arrange for Ty to come to Heartland, so Amy's guy for life is in fact her mother's legacy. At least that's how I like to look at it. And that's a good thing!

Diane wrote, Hey BW, I was wondering if the Heartland town of "Hudson" or High River is hosting the saturday party in June this year? Is this a regular event?

No plans are set, because no 7th season has been announced. As soon as I know anything I will let you all know.

amy wrote, So when the producers film a dinner scene do the actors actually eat the perfectly good food? Or do the throw it away and the actors eat something else? I mean many time the dinner scenes aren't very long and they barely eat all the food on the table.

The food at the dinner table is a prop, just like anything else the actors touch. If the actors are eating it then indeed it is perfectly good food. Do the actors make a meal out of it? No, it just looks that way. The cast and crew are fed proper meals at breakfast and at lunch by chefs on set.

Addie wrote, Hey BW this questions a little different from the others. I am from the US and I am going on vacation soon in Alberta. I have watched through season 5 and was wondering if I would be able to watch season 6 online while I'm there?

Absolutely; on this very website anyone in Canada can watch. You just have to BE in Canada; you do not have to be Canadian. How could anyone police that? :D

Bob wrote, Okay, I have to say I did think Lou and Caleb were getting pretty close with Lou telling him everything about her life problems. And Caleb was talking to Ty about how he was older than the guys in the rodeo(In other words, how he might want to settle down) BUT THIS! Really? Is this what you meant by how, about his character, he realizes his marriage is over with Ashley? I mean Lou is MARRIED, Caleb, get strait. And what if he kisses Lou? And Peter sees him do it. Or am I just jumping to conclusions?

You kind of are (jumping to conclusions) but it will indeed be interesting (and fun) to see what happens. Hee hee.

peanutstweet wrote, Where is amys dog Lobo I havent seen him in the last few episodes? Did he die or something?

No, he's a farm dog and he just has not been on screen recently.

NovMist wrote, You guys do realize that this series is based off a book series right? It's like getting mad because Dumbledore died in the Harry Potter movies; it wasn't the movie writers' fault, it was predetermined in the story. If spartan dies, I will be sad, but it's not the writers of the show. It's the writer of the book. Seriously, get a life.

Actually, it is indeed the writers of the show. The books, which were aimed at tween girls are completely different from this television series intended for the entire family. But don't be too harsh on fans who are engaged in the show; that just means they love it and they can't be faulted for that!

Linda wrote, I just don't like Jeremy he makes Chase look good.

Believe me, Jeremy has only begun to make Chase look good. By the time he is done you will have a new benchmark for dislike when it comes to someone on this series.

Mardy Scott wrote, I wish you would bring back Mallory's first cowboy boyfriend,I can't think of his name but he is the one who got her dads vintage guitar back for her, I think they make a cute pair and he's a young gentleman.

Yes he is. That would be Jake Baker, played by Jake Church. He returns in a big way in the very next new episode of Heartland.

+++++++

Well the questions have sure piled up. So much so that I will have to continue this next week. And I will, in Part 2.

Until then, please play safe and do feel free to watch the repeat broadcast of "Do the Right Thing" this Sunday.

In the meantime I shall remain obediently yours,

The Blog Whisperer (Just call me BW)

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