An American in Canada

I stumbled across this one as a surprise on my local PBS station; and fell in love with it immediately.

Jake's embittered by his situation and not the most likable person as a result. He falls in with a bunch of folks who, in his view, might well be escapees from the Twilight Zone. Conversely, his new co-workers regard his as a stereotype come to life...and an escapee from the Twilight Zone.

Watching the Yank and the Canucks learn first to tolerate than take a positive delight in one another is a riot. Judy, the news producer who is Jake's boss and foil, is a delight: Mary Richards as woman of (mostly) steel. Bill, the station manager is a continual laugh as a man who really believes he knows all about Americans but who really needs to get a clue or three.

This show is always fun for what is says about Canada and Canadians as much as what it says about us. Ultimately, no one escapes unscathed.

This was an average quality show. I like Rick Roberts and Stewart Francis is a funny stand up comedian. This show just was missing something. The jokes weren't that funny and it just seemed like the same old jokes. But the talent lifted it up some. Average show and average grade from me, 5/10.

It's hard for me to admit, but, because of lack of technology and equipment, Canadian produced shows are less good then (Uhhh!) American shows. But it had a good message and the concept was funny but it moved too slow.

Being Canadian, I have a bias which makes the bottom line, it's speed was it's only fault because Canada rocks!

P.S Not for some Americans.

I have only recently come upon this series thanks to a PBS station. It is well written,deftly acted and paced perfectly. Such a welcome change from US situation-comedies which grow increasingly shrill as they become more and more predictable. While there are echoes of Northern Exposure and various news-room shows (The MTM Show,Sports Night,News Radio et al),An American in Canada manages to be fresh and interesting. The performers are just about perfect.

An unexpected delight.

I am not familiar with Canadian television and wonder what other worthwhile series there are. I was an original fan of SCTV and am addicted to Kids in the Hall.

...but, I think this show has a great potential. In fact, Ms. Joy does a nice job, as do most of the cast. I think the writers have to do away with some of the hokey lines--and stop making the American the knit-wit and the Canadians the Slick ones! Usually Americans do play a "heavy-hand" when it comes to Canada; but not in this interpersonal way. In fact, it has been my experience Canadians have a bit more of a insecurity regarding Identity than Americans do. And Canadians and Americans are really great to one another. There are great Canadians comedians, and fine writers that can draw some niceties that exist between our two GREAT countries, without the silly, churlish put-downs. We Americans have ENOUGH of this on our Primetime; it is not necessary that CANADA follow that trend. In fact, NOW is the time for Canada to show it's INDEPENDENCE- from

Silly, Dumb, putdown American Sit-Coms!

Don't give it up. It has potential. And the actors are pretty good.

Francesco Domenico Lisanti Hollywood, Florida