Today is the saddest day in Canada. If you're Canadian, chances are good you know what I mean. If you're not, well, it's because tonight marks the very last episode of Corner Gas.
To say that this gentle sitcom changed the face of Canadian television is an understatement. From this day forward, the Canadian entertainment scene will be divided into two phases: BCG (Before Corner Gas) and ACG (well, you know).
This show was our I Love Lucy, our Honeymooners, our M*A*S*H, our Seinfeld. When my husband went to American events wearing his Corner Gas shirt, it was like wearing the flag -- every Canadian around came up to comment on it. Much of the country stopped every Monday night to watch it. Canadian celebrities popped up regularly on it, including two Prime Ministers.
I had the opportunity to interview Brent Butt, the creator and star, and it was a real pleasure to speak with him; he was funny, fascinating, and without a trace of big-star ego. I started the telephone conversation by repeating a line from one of the shows. He instantly went into character and answered with the line that had followed it in the program.
And now it's over. I'm glad, in a way, that it's going out on a high note, instead of being dragged out past its prime. It's been six seasons. And yet, it shouldn't be over, not yet. I know this: there will never be another show like it. Thanks for everything, guys. And now it's almost time for the very last episode to begin.
