Andrew Christopher Heard Really good Canadian television is a bit of a rare breed. Truthfully, even though I was born in raised in Canada, most of the TV that I watched in my childhood was American made. Up until a few years ago, I can honestly say that I can't name a single Canadian drama or comedy that I watched and it never really bothered me all that much. Then came the writer's strike of 2007 and Canadian TV started getting picked up by American networks to fill the content gap left by those fighting for the rights of content creators everywhere in the American industry. Suddenly, I found a reason to watch Canadian television and I'm very glad that I did.Because then came Being Erica. A show about a down and out woman whose life just hasn't turned out the way she planned it. A woman who can't help but think that if only she'd made different choices in her past, her life would've ended up being so much better then it ended up being. And of course, who hasn't felt that once or twice in their life? Who hasn't taken a look back at their life so far and said "If only I could go back and do this differently, my life would've been so much better." But is that in fact true? If you could go back and change it, would it actually be better or just different? Are you sure you wouldn't make it worse? Even more importantly, are these moments really the things that have kept you from being happy? These are the central questions at the heart of the show that is one part comedy, one part drama, one part sci-fi/fantasy, all blended together to tell a story of strength and personal growth, championed by the great and talented Jana Sinyor. While occasionally feeling like an ensemble cast, the show never loses sight of the quirky, smart, funny, and powerful yet feminine Erica Strange (played by the fantastic Erin Karpluk) who is on a journey of self discovery that never lets her take the easy way out.It's worth noting that in the middle of the show's four year run, Erin Karpluk had the opportunity to work on an American TV show, and did, as a supporting character on a show called Life Unexpected but eventually had to leave in order to continue with Being Erica. I don't think there are many people in the industry who would argue that if you want to make it in the industry today, Hollywood is where it is at. So the fact that she for all intents and purposes left an American TV show for a show in which she starred in being watched by a much smaller audience, means there has to be something pretty special about the show, and I can honestly say that I understand why.She was once quoted as saying that people who watch the show have come up to her on the street and told her that Being Erica has encouraged them to make changes in their life when they weren't happy with it before. Given the way in which it has affected me, both as a writer and on a personal level, I have no trouble believing that other people have felt the same way. Whenever life gets me down or I start to worry about much I have yet to accomplish in my life that I want to do, I turn on Being Erica and I remind myself that no matter how bad things might feel, they are never as bad as I think they are. There's always a way to salvage things and make the most out of a bad situation.And so, what's the importance of Being Erica? That's the importance of Being Erica.To check out more of my reviews, go here:http://andrew-heard.blogspot.ca/

crossbow0106 A brilliant at times and eminently watchable show at worst that airs in the U.S. on the SoapNet Channel, this is about the trials & tribulations of Erica Strange. She goes back in each episode to a time in which she wished she had done differently, it not better, aided by her therapist, Dr. Tom. What makes this work is the solid acting by everyone, especially the title character, the message that it is not too late to change things, and the fact that although it is a drama it has some light comedic elements at times. I don't want to even go into specific episodes but suffice to say that it is life affirming, if sometimes very touching. A big plus is that it is set in Toronto, showcasing the city just wonderfully. Some may dismiss this as a woman's show, but it is for everyone. Very highly recommended, look for it.

yveemm I watched my first episode two days ago (which was the third I think) and I enjoyed it! It is funny, contains beautiful people and MAKES YOU THINK too. This opposed to most series lately (I know I sound like an old person) I think it's great we have a new show with a little bit more brains and serious life than most shows we've seen in the tradition of Sex and the City (which is a lot of fun! But shallow at the same time). I hope it makes people realize there's more to life than looking beautiful. I think it's brilliant that Erica is not perfect! And the fact she wears normal clothes and is intelligent makes my boyfriend watch it with me too :) The only thing that I am confused about is the absence of the idea that whatever you change in the past, will change yourself and others and everybody's lifes.. I miss this, but I realize too it would be an unbelievable task to implement this in the show. Then maybe it's just good as it is. Recommendation!

Kath P I read the last comment .. and WHAT !! This show is great..its light hearted, funny, romantic, hopeful. Erica and Ethan are just awesome.. and I'm only up to watching episode 4... I'm hooked.. And to the powers that be, you better see this show for what it is, before canceling it for what they think it isn't !!!!! oh... i love this show!!! :-) Cant you tell !! So many shows are canceled before they get to even realise their full potential... there is nothing wrong with taking the time to set the scene.....if they didn't do they then the writers would be criticised for trying to hard to cut to the chase .. and the viewer wouldn't appreciate the little moments that have been a long time coming if you know what i mean. Watch this show!! Its definitely well worth the time..