Underdogs (2006)
Underdogs was an hour-long consumer advocacy show hosted by Wendy Mesley. The series was a spin-off of the popular 2006 Marketplace special Underdogs. Four episodes aired November 16, 2006 to December 7, 2006.
Originally aired on November 16, 2006
Liz & Fabian bought a Singer vacuum cleaner through an infomercial. After more than a year, the vacuum cleaner still has not arrived. Burt and his wife changed their minds about their funeral plans and cancelled their contract. They got their money back, except for the money for a cremation urn. Tom bought into the dream of a vehicle that would last a decade. But when the transmission in his $40,000 van went kaput just past its warranty, Honda refused to repair it.
Originally aired on NOVEMBER 23, 2006
Patrick's family signed up for with Primus for long distance service but ended up getting charged for internet service he never used or received. Mark renewed his cell phone contract with Bell Canada for a reduced rate but ended up getting charged more than he agreed for. He wants the rate he signed up for. Antoinette was shocked to learn the computer she returned to Staples was repaired and resold to someone else along with all her personal files that were on the hard drive.
Originally aired on NOVEMBER 30, 2006
Nathan had not used his Aeroplan loyalty card program in years and then discovered because of company policy his points had been wiped out. Dawn says a faulty passenger door on her new KIA minivan put her family in danger. She is frustrated with the company's refusal to fix her concerns. Victoria purchased a new phone from Fido with a local calling rate. However her phone number was based in a city 300km away making many of her calls long distance.
Originally aired on DECEMBER 7, 2006
When Faye's husband died last year she removed his name from the Union Gas bill. She was then charged a higher rate by the utility. Catlin won a contest for an Ipod but then found it impossible to collect his prize from a Royale paper company. Nick bought a new Ford minivan in 2003 but his van has been in the shop almost 24 times since then. He wants a replacement.
Posted on December 7, 2006 CommentBookmark, Email & Share
When to Watch
Fridays 8:30 p.m.
(9 p.m. Newfoundland & Labrador)
Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m.
TV IconRecent Episodes
Rate Hike Outrage Rate Hike Outrage: Has your home insurance rate gone up? Wendy Mesley reveals it could be connected to your credit score.  Comments 150
Something's Fishy Something's Fishy: It's labelled halibut, but can you count on it? When you buy fish are you getting what you pay for? Erica Johnson goes fishing for answers.  Comments 25
Stretching the Truth? Stretching the Truth?: Erica Johnson investigates the widely advertised decompression therapy for back pain.  Comments 98
Burning Question Burning Question: Firefighters know there's one thing that can help save lives in a fire, so you'll be surprised to learn this one thing is still missing in thousands of buildings across Canada.  Comments 31
The Debt Trap The Debt Trap: Erica Johnson investigates a new wave of so-called American-style non-profit charities offering debt advice to Canadians.  Comments 10
Who's Minding the Store? Who's Minding the Store?: Erica Johnson reveals the newest way thieves are stealing your credit and debit card numbers.   Comments 30
Canada's Worst Cellphone Bill Canada's Worst Cellphone Bill: Wendy Mesley investigates the story behind huge bills many Canadians rack up from using their cellphones.   Comments 155
Magic in a Bottle? Magic in a Bottle?: Erica Johnson puts Herbal Magic to the test and raises questions about its products, how they’re sold, and what evidence there is to back up some of its claims.  Comments 144
Road to Rich Dad Road to Rich Dad: The pitch is how to get rich, or is it how to get ripped off? Erica Johnson investigates who's getting rich off Rich Dad.  Comments 183
GPS Distraction GPS Distraction: Convenience over safety? Marketplace conducts a first of its kind test in Erica Johnson's investigation into GPSs.   Comments 48
Grow Op Cover Up Grow Op Cover Up: Erica Johnson and contractor Mike Holmes reveal a new twist on home inspectors: more Canadians are buying houses that were formerly used as marijuana grow-ops. How could home inspectors miss the obvious signs?  Comments 134
Busted
Who gets Busted?
Find out on Marketplace
BulletWhen you buy from Bloomex, do you get your money's worth?  12
BulletWhat's the real story behind the prices at easyhome?  37
BulletDo Canadian pediatricians really endorse Lysol?  5
BulletWhen it comes to cord blood banks, is the marketing misleading?  14
BulletIf your roof wears out early, how well are you covered?  40