There's more to my liking for the television series 'Due South' than just nostalgic indulgence. It's a show that ran for only two seasons (excluding the revival that shall not be named), and was of such high and quirky quality for that short time that it practically demands that its merits be shouted from the rooftops and crenellations of not just this decadently appointed mansion and sometime fortress, but also from the Quirky Muffin itself.
'Hawk and a Handsaw' is one of the best episodes of the first season of 'Due South'. and one deeply dipped into the psyche of Constable Benton Fraser RCMP and his relationship with his father. In many other shows, a plot that involves a protagonist going undercover at a mental hospital would become unceasingly awkward or either in its sentimentality or humour, but here all is saved by sheer unmitigated class, cleverness and quirky wittiness. Even dopey jokes about guessing computer passwords by noting that the key sequence sounded like 'I'll Be Working On The Railroad' will not defeat this master plan, especially when said plan is backed up by yet another knockdown monologue story from Paul Gross. That man could deliver speeches naturalistically like no other actor I know, except for possibly the Shatner.
Inevitably, any post about a specific film, book or television show requires a synopsis. 'Hawk and a Handsaw' begins with Ray's periodic psychiatric exam and Fraser saving a suicide from the mental hospital ledge, and then continues with Fraser investigating that patient's story for being out there. Ultimately there's a drug testing conspiracy and our dynamic duo clear up the mess, but that's only the plot of the episode. It's really about Walter Sparks, the patient on the ledge. This episode, much like the season finale 'Letting Go' manages to touch on intense drama, grieving, and recovery from grief and never loses touch with the quirky charm that defines the whole show. This was a series that could be heavyweight and funny in the same show and become doubly potent as a result, even quoting 'Hamlet' in the process.
Ultimately 'Hawk and a Handsaw' has its main strength in the dynamo acting power of the ever sincere Paul Gross, but it's all based in smart writing and beautiful photography. There have been very few series as beautiful as this one, and that's what pushes it over the top. Was it a super-expensive show, I wonder, back in the day on Canadian television? It may be impossible to ever know, just as it's impossible to file this show away in 'old television' with other things long forgotten. What a great episode it must be to make a story that resolves finally by the sudden absence of a beard, and allows insanity into the room but then refuses to let it take over. Also, Fraser sharpens his hat buckle. You have been warned.
O.
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