Love and Hate: The Story of Colin and Joanne Thatcher

This story shocked Canadians. It all seemed so sordid and sensational - not something that would happen in Canada. Powerful politician and rancher Colin Thatcher (Welsh) might have become a true titan of Canadian politics but booze, womanising and a temper of near legend got in the way not merely of political greatness but ruined his marriage.

This TV movie captures as much of how real life in Canada can resemble a night-time soap opera. Welsh's over the top performance is in keeping with one of those sensationalistic TV miniseries except Thatcher in real-life was far scarier.

Excellent ensemble cast assembled here but it didn't quite make for the result the CBC had hoped for vis a vis ratings. I'd still broadcast it and rebroadcast it, perhaps even make a sequel. This story remains so incredibly shocking when you note that Colin Thatcher had every advantage in life including being born into one of the most powerful families in the place he was from.

If you are American think of it as a Kennedy-type or a Bush-type becoming a Secretary of Energy in a State where his father was once a two-term governor and being looked to as a potential future governor himself, have a picture perfect wife and children but cause his life to implode via his own narcissistic tendencies.