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Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×4

Joelle Tomlinson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:14:12 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Peak Season's Matt James

This Week on Peak Season: Episode Four

As this past Sunday night drew to a close, I couldn’t fathom what that anxious and excited feeling was in the pit of my stomach. I haven’t had this feeling since Heidi still had her original nose on Laguna Beach. Perhaps it was hunger, but perhaps it was the signs of another dilemma. Then I realized it. I have officially become addicted to a television show.

The affliction, commonly recognized by symptoms which include: placing a half-hour segment of television before things such as personal hygiene, university papers, and essentially shunning social interaction, is a serious one. Yes, admittedly, I have googled Whistler on more than one occasion, and I blame my recently terrible social graces on Grant Fraggalosch, the guy who created Peak Season. He can answer to those who wonder where I disappear to on Monday nights, and then reemerge, with an insatiable appetite for alcohol, snowboarding and drama.

This episode of Peak Season revealed a lot, and while it seemed sort-of like a base to set up all the adventures to come, it was definitely essential.

What Happens:

Who is Stephanie Just?

In what appears to be a car reminiscent of the Toyota Camry I remember from childhood, the boys (men?) of Peak Season head to Stephanie Just’s house for a backyard barbeque. For clarification: in Whistler, this means jumping off roofs, and grinding homemade rails, commonly referred to as ladders. Don’t worry, it’s safe, as justified by Just’s “200-pound” father who set the lovely contraption up. It almost seems like an “America’s funniest home videos” moment waiting to happen, but instead, the audience is treated to Just’s snowboarding skills, and can appreciate the loud-mouthed daredevil for her passion to her craft. Unfortunately, the brash snowboarder gets caught for “speeding” on the mountain (does that go on your record?), and her pass is suspended. Cue the heroine of the story: Just’s mom, who also happens to be her sponsor. Remember cunningly asking your parents for help with that long division, slyly slipping the pencil into their hand, and watching the homework magically do itself? Apply this notion to Steph’s apology letter, and you’ve got one happy, marijuana sweater-wearing boarder.

Amanda Scheller: The ever-graceful crier.

Romance is budding in the air for the brunette beauty, Amanda Scheller. After coming down with an illness, she receives soup and a flower from Ians friend, Denny (get it…budding?). Her girlfriend, Stoofie, is there to discuss the implications of what this means, and also, to discuss her growing infatuation with the ever-classy Ian. And by infatuation, I mean, ability to sex text, also known as “sexting,” and dirty talk on the phone.

Later that night at Moe Joe’s, among the throes of platinum blonde hair and flaming shots, things heat up between the two couples (Denny and Amanda, Stoofie and Ian). While Stoofie disappears with Ian into the darkness of the night, Amanda generously shares her little sickness with Denny on the dance floor. Okay, they made out. After playing some hide-and-seek with her oversized parka, Denny and Amanda leave the bar, and leave viewers to their far-too-developed imaginations.

Ian Ross: The always-enlightening ladies man.

Does Ian truly like Stoofie? If he does, it certainly isn’t for her nickname, though it happens to be growing on me every time I say it. If his dirty texting doesn’t show it, certainly his dirty talk on speakerphone with the boys says nothing clearer than “I respect you.” Right? He also lets Amanda know that boys like the chase when it comes to the opposite sex. Wow, this is news to me. Men like the chase? I think I’m going to invent this new mating technique called “hard-to-get” as well, while we’re compiling all this new and foreign dating advice.

Lauren Horton: A burgeoning career woman?

This episode showcases a whole new outlook on the feisty Lauren. Her and best friend, Stephanie Weber, discuss starting up her promotions company, and even I tensed up watching the awkward conversation. Stephanie wants to be a big part of the company, and Lauren is hesitant to mix business and friendship. Being the absolute epitome of a non-confrontational person, I found myself squirming with the implications of their conversation, especially when it leads to Lauren lecturing Stephanie later on about shopping in Vancouver when she needed help. Could this be a new Lauren on Peak Season? I have a feeling she has more sides than people allot her. Swan-rider by day, corporate demon by night.

Dre Morel: The Iron-Man of emotions.

Dre returns for a visit to his once-shared apartment with Amanda, and is greeted with a barrage of tears, confrontation and single stemmed roses. Though undeniably upset by Amanda’s new love interest, he comes across as a stone-cold killer in this episode. And by killer, I mean mean of Amanda’s spirit and heart. Something tells me the two of them are like a warped science experiment though: highly volatile and combustible. I’m looking forward to what shenanigans this non-couple has in store for the next few weeks.

Best Lines:

“A really good-looking dude brings you soup and a flower, your stock went through the roof.” -Ian to Denny, still showing a dedicated admiration of his friends.

“Anyone who is over 200 pounds get off the f**cking rail.” -Stephanie Just’s opening line… to her father.

Ian- “What are you wearing?” Stoofie- “You.”

“I am fighting this, I have done nothing wrong… let’s get drunk.” -Stephanie Just after her pass is revoked on the slopes.

Overall:

At first, I initially thought not much had transpired in this episode. It comes across as more of a transition episode, but it definitely sets the setting and tensions that are sure to explode in the following episodes. I really enjoyed finding out there was more to Lauren than intimidating drinking skills, and watching Stephanie showoff her talents (both physically and verbally) on the mountain. In a completely unrelated point, I also liked the shot of the mother and child walking around the village. It made me realize that other people actually do exist in Whistler. Who knew? I give this episode three-and-a-half dirty text messages out of five.

andPOP insider interview with the Australian couple, Matt James and Elle Hetherington:

This imported couple have already fought, made up, and gone for dog-sledding rides in two episodes. I absolutely love some of the discrepancy between the two answers. Though Matt and Elle aren’t really shown much in this episode, their relationship is sure to turn heads this season.

What is your favorite part about being on Peak Season?

Elle: “I would say for me it was meeting the crew. They were all such an amazing bunch of people and they were there to experience some serious highs and lows in my life. We really had a great time. It is also a great thing and rare to have a part of your life documented that you can look back on and think “did i say that?” Was i really thinking and feeling that.”

Elle, you were in Whistler the previous winter season. Was the show a part of your return? And what drew you guys to Whistler in the first place?

Elle: “No,it wasn’t the reason I returned. I decided that 7 months was too long to be away from Matt and I booked my ticket before we knew about being on the show. It worked out well because Matt would have been so boring without me… ” (she laughs)

Matt: “I visited on a family holiday when I was 14 and was stoked on the place. At that age I was just pumped on the mountain, the powder and the thought of being able to ride everyday. Also loved the idea of Whistler over any other resorts around the world because of Canadian people, very similar to Aussie people apart from the accent. I never realized how good, and intense, the social and nightlife was in Whistler.”

Are you making it an annual visit, Matt?

“I did want to make a good go at living there for a lot longer than I did, but when you have a girlfriend on the other side of the world for half the season, it takes the decision out of your hands. Hopefully second time around I can get settled to just keep living the dream!”

How hard is it to be dating and in Whistler?

Elle: “It’s not that its hard, it’s just different. You can’t expect things to be normal when you are living in this town that is just craziness 24/7. You are busy so much and there isn’t much down time where you can be alone together, and I think that is important in relationships so that you can communicate and talk about the experience and up and downs that you are going through. Also it’s easy to take each other for granted because there are so many other distractions. Nobody wants to miss out on the Whistler experience and in my case at any cost i guess…”

Matt: “I never expected such a focus on my relationship, but then again I never thought all the stuff that has happened would actually happen to Elle and I. I was sweet with the cameras being around, they blend into the background after a little while. I don’t think it was them that made it hard for Elle and I to communicate, it was more the living in each others pockets, not having lots of money and the influence of ‘the party scene’ in your system more days than not.”

Would you recommend it to other people?

Elle: “Of course! All relationships are different and as much as I’ve seen broken ones i seen happy couples come and go. Its case by case. Don’t miss out on Whistler just because you have a partner.”

Matt: “HELL NO… Never again in all my life would I attempt a long distance relationship, especially when I was living the dream in Whistler and Elle was back in Australia working the hard yards. Puts you both of such different wavelengths. It is hard to ever understand what the other person is going through, and can make you feel guilty for having such a good time, knowing that your girl is on other side of world. I am not saying it is impossible, because if you love the person it is worth it, just try avoid it more than anything. It can be a massive downer at times.”

Elle, is it hard to look back and watch scenes of the bickering between you and Matt?

“Yeah it’s weird. It can stir emotions but then you’re like no don’t go there we’ve dealt with that and its in the past. Plus its just so funny to watch yourself angry – who wants to see that?”

How about the more.. loving scenes?

Elle: “Yeah I’m not a fan of the kissy noises but i suppose its better than the bickering scenes.”

Matt (on whether it felt odd looking back on those scenes): “Not at all. Elle and I have such an intense relationship that the bad things are always really messed up and the good things are Epic. So when we are in the moment like that nothing feels odd, i think that night was quite boring compared to other nights we have had.”

Matt, would you consider yourself a romantic guy?

“I am the king of romance, you just got to be lucky enough to experience it for yourself. I am not about being all soft and mushy all the time, but just spoiling the girl when the situation calls for it. If guys don’t fight the romance all the time, they would realize it can be a massive turn on for them as well. I will say that was one of the bigger gestures I have done in the past, but that’s because I was in Whistler and it brings that out in people. There is a lot more of me in Whistler to come, so you will definitely be shocked by things you haven’t seen yet this season.

Being in the Whistler “bubble,” did you find it suffocating to see and party with the same people day in, day out?

Elle: “Not really for me that was no different than partying with your friends back home. The most suffocating part was living away from home. Sleeping on couches and squeezing in time with Matt. But it was all worth it.”

Matt, in your opinion, what are the best things that Peak Season has to offer?

“Peak Season gives the outside world a look into how the most intense snow resort city in the world can affect different peoples lives. I watch some of it back in shock and think Whistler is the only place some of this stuff can go on. It also gets rid of that scripted stuff on other ‘reality’ shows, it is as real a show as you can get.”

Anything else you want to say to your Canadian fans?

Matt: “Keep watching. Lots more of me to love or hate and hope you all learn to take the guys side, that being me every now and again. Also hope I see you all out partying in Whistler or Australia one day, you are only young once.”

Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×3

Joelle Tomlinson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:06:19 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

This Week on Peak Season: Episode Three

Canada’s newest docu-drama series, Peak Season, aired it’s third episode Monday night, and the second showing of this action-packed show followed in the premiere’s steps, that is, the sporadic and unpredictable steps of the entertaining cast the show is based upon.

What happens:

Matt and Elle : the Australian who likes to get (self-proclaimed)“loose” and his visiting girlfriend.

After Matt mistakenly ditches Elle at the bar, he resolves to make it up to her. Whistler-fashion, of course. This groveling style consists of romantic dogsled rides, champagne and a hotel room at the Westine Resort and Spa for the night. After an excessively long make-up scene in the hot tub, it’s fairly simple to come to the conclusion that Matt has officially been forgiven for his sloven ways.

Lauren: the rowdy girl with a mind of her own.

Lauren is on the hunt after losing her job at a local Whistler pub, and eventually comes to the conclusion that she is better off working for herself. She decides that now is the perfect time to start the promotions company she has been envisioning, and it’s time to put her party-girl reputation to a good cause (as so eloquently stated by her best friend, Stephanie Weber). Over cheese, sausage and wine, it is decided that Fabia, an already-established promoter, will team up with Lauren for a promotion event a premiere party as a trial run. After reinforcing the importance of staying AWAY from shots, we are treated to a wonderful array of shot-taking skills, as represented by Lauren. Traditional shots, shots without hands, shots from her cleavage- essentially any form of shots you’ve ever imagined, they’ve been done in a Whistler bar.

After discovering that a girl, Jenelle, is bad mouthing her, Lauren takes matters into her own (very capable) hands. After actively seeking her out in the bar, confrontation ensues. Talking turns to shouting, shouting leads to pushing, and pushing leads to a mini-lecture from a slightly intoxicated Fabia. After breathing in some fresh Whistler air, it appears that Lauren takes the heartfelt advice seriously, and won’t let this little bump on the road slow her down.

Dre: the talented Whistler local/DJ/Snowboarder.

Dre is freshly single, but when you live in Whistler, bumping into your ex is unavoidable, and Amanda makes it crystal clear that she is not impressed with his abundance of female attention.

It’s apparent that Dre, on the other hand, is enjoying his bachelorhood, and preferably, in flashy one-piece snowsuits and neon-pink sunglasses. Him and his crew rep 90’s outfits, bare chests, and fluorescent shades while managing to pick up stray girls willing to try an unidentifiable drink (guess what) at break time. While this behaviour seems appropriate, apparently the line is drawn at sitting on Dre’s lap, whereupon the mother brood descends and pulls the thirsty blonde away.

What was especially poignant about this scene was the way it was simultaneously contrasted with a scene of the lovely Amanda, trudging home all by her lonesome.

Ian: in his own words, “witty, outgoing and spontaneous.” The singleton who lives for everything Whistler.

Though there is not much of Ian this episode, there is a humorous scene of him and Scoot (Lauren’s ex) working out at the gym. Guys in the weight room are like girls at the salon: they discuss their appearance, their friends and the opposite sex. Oh, and how cool the mirrors are.

Amanda: the brunette socialite, still reeling from her break-up with Dre.

We find out in this episode that Amanda works for Dre’s mom. Subsequently, she is corralled into an awkward relationship talk with the boss/mom, and told that her hours have been significantly cut. Is this convenient timing, or rather, a strong sense of family allegiance? After confronting Dre later at the Savage Beagle, emotions get heated, and she leaves that night with (perhaps) a slightly bruised ego.

Best Lines

“When I get drunk, I forget that I have my girlfriend.”
- Matt

“We don’t have many unfit friends, which is dope.”
“Most of our friends are good looking and in shape”
“We probably should be.. not fat.. but bigger.”
-Ian (who is alarmingly preoccupied by his crew’s esthetic appeal)

“We actually have to cut you down to two days a week [...] Can I give you a hug?” -Dre’s mom to Amanda after the breakup

“Well.. I was having fun until you showed up.”
-Dre to Amanda at the Savage Beagle

andPOP Insider Interview with Ian Ross

Ian, the wise-cracking bachelor behind some fairly unique analogies, weighs in on Peak Season thus far.

What do you think of the show so far?

I’m super stoked on it, I’ve heard really good reviews from people so far. I was kind of worried, the first episode, and how I was going to be portrayed. But I think people understand that a lot of the time I’m not saying things to be mean to people, it’s just sort of to get a reaction out of someone. It’s not me being an asshole at all, it’s just getting a reaction.

What led you to Whistler?

I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I moved here in 2004, on a contract with the Four Seasons Hotel. But, I actually came in Grade Seven on a family trip, and I was like ‘I am going to live here.’ I love the environment, I love the atmosphere and the people. I’m extremely happy here now, there’s no reason to leave, I have good friends, an awesome job and really good surroundings, so there’s no negatives right now so I’ll stay.

Has it changed your daily routine in Whistler at all?

Other than being on Twitter like 400 times a day, as well as Facebook and my Hotmail, everything is pretty much the exact same. It’s just more or less keeping up with the technology side of it, especially giving replies to people. I’ve had close to 300 friend requests since the show aired, it’s insane.

There’s a lot of talk about your analogy of city girls being like a container of milk. After that episode aired, did you receive any heat for that?

It’s not all city girls, there’s a class of them that we look for when we say that sort of thing. There’s that pretentious girl that we kind of throw into that category. I’ve had no negative reactions at all, more people just joking and quoting what I’ve been saying, which I have absolutely no problem with at all. As long as people keep
tuning in and watching, that’s great, I guess I’m doing my job, keeping their attention.

Keeping that in mind, how would you describe Whistler girls?

I would describe Whistler girls as laid-back, they’re here because they don’t have to impress anybody, and they’re here just for the snowboarding side of it. They’re not here to dress up and go out, and wear a skirt and high heels. They don’t have to do that. People move to Whistler for the atmosphere, and the laid-back side of it. Even if I see a girl dressed up, it doesn’t impress me. I’d rather see a girl who’s wearing a pair of Ugg’s and some lululemons, to me that’s hot.

Do you ever get tired of the constant drama that has been ongoing in the show?

Not really, because it’s almost like a day-to-day thing. Especially since we’re all on the bar scene so much, you get used to it, it’s like a high school bubble. I’ve kind of learned to tune most of it out and to avoid most of it, but I’ll still stay in that bubble enough to know what’s going on. I always have an open ear, and I like to know what’s going on in the circle. You can never avoid it in a town of 10,000 people, it keeps things interesting.

Best and worst quality of Whistler?

The best thing about Whistler is knowing you can go out any night of the week, and go to any club or any bar, and know somebody. You can even go by yourself and not feel left out, because you’re always going to bump into somebody else who is doing the same thing. It’s a really good surrounding to go out and relax with your friends, you’re always loved somewhere. The worst quality is on those days that you really want to escape, you really can not do it. We call Whistler ‘the bubble.’ You can’t go anywhere, you can’t avoid it, you can’t hide from it, you’re always in that bubble somehow.

What can we look forward to seeing in the show in regard to your life?

Definitely a lot of more witty comments. I have a little, small relationship with a girl on the show. Everybody kind of pours out to me because I’m that guy that gives them the truth, and I don’t lie about anything on the show, so I always give the honest opinion and people kind of turn to me in that sense.

Overall:

The show is still in it’s first stages, but so far, I like what I see. The essential thing that is making this show different is the raw feel to it. The way they talk, the new Whistler traditions that we’re being introduced to (did I mention the shots) and the intermittent shots of the slopes are causing this irritating itch drop the books and head west for the winter. Time will only tell, but so far I give it four florescent sunglasses out of four cleavage shots. You can interpret that however you wish.

To Recap:

Matt and Elle are back on good terms once again. Apparently, dogsled rides are the path to a girls heart. In contrast, Dre and Amanda have officially called it quits, and are in the bickering post-breakup stage. Lauren is starting a new promotions business, and managed to pull off a successful trial night through occasionally clouded judgement. Ian and Scoot are not fat. All in all, a well-rounded episode for Peak Season. It’s still in it’s tottering baby steps, but soon it will be leaps and bounds for this series that features snow-capped Hills, a pleasant and novel change from the corporate labyrinth referred to as American reality television.