Burden of Truth

I don't watch a lot of television, but I was hooked on this show from the beginning. First of all it is Canadian, and it deals with many issues that face us all on a day to day basis. The central theme of our environment being poisoned is very important. Every day some new toxin enters our water supply. Our governments seem powerless to deal with these issues, although they are starting. The series has aspects that appeal to both young people and the older generation. The Millwood teens look forward to university careers in the big city, but tragedy intervenes. They each deal with their issues differently. Being a small town, we see all sorts of social interactions and problems brought out into the light of day. I thought the acting was really sincere and the writing excellent. The final episode is very cathartic, Joanna's dad is a type of lawyer that gives the profession a bad name, and that's putting it mildly.

Ms. Kreuk could read the phone book and still find a way to give it depth and power. Thankfully Burden of Truth gives her more compelling material, though sometimes only slightly.

The major downside of this series is that the story has been done many times before, big-city lawyer goes back to her small town and ends up getting wrapped into a mystery and staying. It's the plot of two dozen Hallmark movies and each time pretty much feels the same. The saving grace of the series is that the writing can pretty good, even if it's a play on old themes, and is performed to perfection by the cast. Ms. Kreuk consistently delivers incomparable performances in anything she's in, and Burden of Truth is no different. The show is easily worth watching for her alone.

The story lines are intriguing and the acting is pretty good. I want to give it a higher rating because at the end of each episode I've looked forward to the next one; However, the lack of logic and common sense (particularly in the earlier episodes) as well as continuity issues prevents me from doing so. The yo-yo effect of both main characters' commitment to the case, the unrealistic reactions by some of the characters in some instances and the confusing timeline references distract me from what would otherwise be a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience. I have the season 1 finale to watch yet and I believe the show has been picked up for a second season so I will look forward to that. I hope some of the flaws will be addressed for series 2 but, I also hope the overall look and feel won't be drastically altered. Some shows in the past have been tweaked into nonexistence by network brass and viewer opinions. This first season seemed to be generally headed in the right direction. "Burden of Truth" could have a long run if handled properly.

Addendum: The way I rate shows... I don't usually review anything less than a 7 because 6 would be a failing grade and I won't waste my time watching it. I'm old; I don't know how much time I've got left. Since I probably turned it off before getting even halfway through, it wouldn't be fair to rate or review it. 7 is watchable but I may go a while between episodes since, though somewhat entertaining, there are other shows more interesting or compelling. 8 would be a regular in my lineup. 9 is a must see and probably bingeable. 10 is just the epitome of superbity and headed for my all-time favorites list. I'm adding this to my reviews because it seems there are a lot of binary reactions to pretty much everything these days. I am not a like/unlike kind of guy. I see a lot of grays so if I give something a 10 it doesn't mean the only alternative is a 1.

For being filmed in small town Manitoba and using many locals for numerous roles; it is surprisingly well done.

Great story and even touches on some taboo topics to do with white vs indigenous history in Canadian Prairies

This is what more Canadian TV should be like! The story is well delivered by the strong cast. The locations are beautiful - it's nice to see a show that actually had real scenes outside rather than always in a studio. I can't wait for more!