Watch Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story

Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story is a biographical drama television show produced by Minds Eye Entertainment in 2006. The show chronicles the life of Tommy Douglas, a Canadian politician who is most well-known for his role in establishing Canada's healthcare system.

The show stars Kristin Booth as Belle, Tatiana Maslany as young Irma and Ian Tracey as Tommy Douglas. Tommy Douglas was born in Scotland in 1904 and his family eventually moved to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1910. The story follows Douglas from his early years in Winnipeg, where his pursuit of social justice and political activism began, to his later years as a leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada.

Throughout Prairie Giant, viewers get a deeper understanding of the key moments in Douglas's life that shaped him into the politician he became. This includes his time as a Baptist Minister, which helped shape his beliefs in social justice and equality, the profound impact the Great Depression had on him, and his formative years in Saskatchewan where he began his political career.

The show also takes a closer look at Douglas's relationships with those closest to him, including his wife Irma, his mother Anne and his colleagues in the CCF and later, the NDP. Tatiana Maslany portrays young Irma, who is witty, impulsive and her own person, while Kristin Booth brings depth to the character of Tommy's wife, Irma Douglas. The relationship between Tommy and Irma showcases a deep love and commitment to progressive values, with their combined work helping lay the foundation for universal healthcare in Canada.

Ian Tracey does a fantastic job of portraying Douglas, perfectly capturing his strong-willed personality, humour and sharp mind. His nuanced performance helps bring the story of Douglas to life, making for a gripping viewing experience.

The show is well-paced, with the writers managing to strike a balance between showcasing the important events of Douglas's life and portraying him as an individual with flaws and weaknesses. The script also manages to handle the more technical aspects of Douglas's achievements, such as his role in establishing Medicare, without becoming too dense or dull.

Overall, Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story is a wonderful show that takes viewers on a journey through the life of one of Canada's most legendary politicians. With fantastic performances, compelling writing and engaging direction, this show is definitely worth watching for anyone with an interest in Canadian history, social justice or good storytelling.

In conclusion, Prairie Giant is an informative and fascinating show that chronicles the life of Tommy Douglas and his contribution to Canadian society. The show manages to combine drama, history and politics into a compelling narrative, with great performances and writing making it a show that is well worth watching.

Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on August 4, 2015.