I’m a Sucker for Battle of the Blades
At the end of last season I wrote about CBC’s Battle of the Blades, which has now been running for a month. In truth, I didn’t want to like the reality TV show. I thought it would be way too cornball. Now, well into the series, I admit that I’m enjoying the show. Now, the series is very cheesy, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. But, there’s something charming about seeing old-timer hockey players outwardly enjoying the performance aspect of skating, perhaps for the first time.
The women are true professionals. Not only do they have the patience to coach and encourage the players, but they’re courageous enough to be lifted by guys new to toepicks. The switch to figure skates from hockey skates makes such a dramatic difference to how these guys skate. It’s surprising how tentative and precarious they are on the ice.
I think what I like best about Battle of the Blades is watching Canadian figure skating and hockey greats share their love of skating. Having grown up as a figure skater who felt some animosity towards hockey players–and vice versa I’m sure–it’s nice to see the two sports come together, even if it’s just for a cheesy CBC show.
November 10th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Hi Julie, I love Battle of the Blades too and I think it is great for figure skating. The respect the hockey guys have shown for the skaters is just tremendous. I must disagree with you though about the “cheesy” part. I think they have done an amazing job of making sure it isn’t cheesy. The production looks big and rich and the outfits have been classy and make the guys look great. I hope it happens again next year as I am hooked.
December 29th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I was skeptical until the whole thing got under way. I just couldn’t see the likes of guys like Tie Domi in a venue like this, but it turned out everyone was a good sport. I’d like to see it again too but I think this type of show will run its course and be a short one at that.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
I loved it!