He acts, he fights, he sings, he cooks, and now he plays hockey…is there anything that Christian Kane can’t do? Kane’s character Eliot Spencer took center stage in “The Blue Line Job,” and showed us something else the extremely underrated Kane can make look much easier than it is.
Eliot went undercover as a hockey player this week, in order to protect the enforcer of a local hockey team from being killed just because the villainous owner (a love-to-hate-him Treat Williams) wanted to profit off his fights. It was actually written into the guy’s contract that he had to fight in every game he played if he wanted a bonus the owner had no intention of paying him. How messed up is that? But it was Eliot to the rescue, not only physically but talking some sense into the misguided enforcer, too.
As a former amateur hockey player, and someone who has indeed suffered repeated concussions (some of which were a result of the sport), this episode struck me on a personal level. The concerns that were raised in this episode about concussions and resulting conditions are absolutely true, not just in hockey but in other contact sports; this has been a debate in football for years now. It was interesting to see Leverage spin a story from that issue and to highlight the impact it has on individuals and their loved ones beyond the game – but then again, Leverage is all about the human impact caused by the various wrongs our heroes seek to right.
That’s where this show has its staying power. It’s almost more interesting to watch this group of actors, and the various personas their characters develop, than the actual “how are they going to stop the bad guys” dilemma. In “The Blue Line Job,” we saw the more compassionate side of Eliot, and were reminded that he’s not just the show’s stock muscle. He’s a fully-realized character who, while his stock in trade is hitting people, has a brain and a heart that are just as important. I must tip my hat to Christian Kane, who is in my eyes the only person who could play a character with such a versatile skill set this well.
Here’s one thing I want to ask, though: is anyone else turned off by the giant TNT ads that like to keep popping up across the bottom of the screen through the episode? I don’t need to be reminded that Falling Skies is next at the beginning of every act, especially when I’m already seeing commercial spots for it through the breaks. My short-term memory isn’t that bad. But perhaps that’s just me.
Clacked by Brittany Frederick 
on Jul 23, 2012 @ 23:02 EST5EDT
Christian Kane is one of the most underrated actors around…he is a wonderful dramatic actor, but also can hold his own in comedic roles…
I absolutely agree with you, that is so true about Christian Kane. Leverage is an awesome show, can you believe TNT might not renew them for a sixth season? Now that’s a story you can write about, all the fans are doing their best to bombard TNT with letters and phone calls to have them renew. Your article on Christian Kane is WONDERFUL! Thanks.
Thank you Brittany for this wonderful article. Christian Kane is an amazing Actor, Singer, Songwriter, Cook, Stunt Man and apparently has many more hidden talents that I for one enjoy finding out about. I’m glad to see him get some of the credit that he deserves. I love watching Leverage each week it’s my me time for the week and I really hope the show stays on for at least one more season.
Love this.. Christian Kane is very underestimated and given the credit for his work that he deserves.. He is such a multi-talented man i don’t know why.. Leverage is my favorite show on tv.. and i found it because of Christian.. His music is awesome and listen to it daily! thanks for a wonderful article!
Great piece. And I 100% agree. Christian Kane is an amazing person. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does from acting to singing to cooking to engaging with his fans. He is just awesome and it’s time the rest of the world found out what Kaniacs have known for years. :)
Christian Kane is one of the best talents out there. I don’t think there is anything that he has done that he hasn’t aced completely. He does everything he sets his mind to. Yet, he is not as well known and appreciated as he should be. Leverage should stay on the air for many more years. There is so much to find out about all the characters and especially Eliot!
What a fantastic piece!! It thrills me beyond belief that others are starting to see what a special talent Christian is!! He honestly can do it all! How more people don’t see what a gem he is baffles me! Not only can he knock any scene out of the park but the boy can sing!! But Nashville treats him like a 2nd class citizen (or worse). He’s everything you would want out of a “celebrity”. He keeps his nose clean, and is honestly one of the sweetest and most giving people I have ever had the pleasure to meet! Some day the rest world will see in Christian what all us Kaniac see and they will kick themselves for taking so long!!
Thanks for the wonderful article. I agree that Christian Kane is definitely underrated as an actor. As for Leverage, it is hands down my favorite show on TV, well written with characters you care about. I’m also with you about the unrelenting ads. I’m kinda insulted that they think I need the constant reminders…
I agree with all of it. I want many many more opportunities to see Christian Kane and the whole Leverage cast. And I wish those Falling Skies ads would go away.
Thanks for the fantastic write up about Leverage and Christian Kane specifically. This is a great show and Christian’s talents continue to impress. Unfortunately this year it seems to be getting lost in the shuffle. As you mentioned the pop-up and promo ads are annoying. These occur during all TNT programming but they have neglected to put the Leverage Promos in the rotation. It’s disheartening! Leverage Season 6 is hanging in the balance. Fans of the show are doing all they can and positive articles such as yours are both wonderful and much appreciated. Thank you again.
Thank you for the write up and yes he is one of the most underrated actors out there and also one of the most hard working.
Thanks so much for the great article & in answer to the question: No I don’t think there is anything he can’t do. This is an actor that is dedicated to giving his audience the best possible performances no matter what it takes & I understand he practiced for a month prior to making this episode to learn to play hockey. That is true dedication. So happy to see that people are finally taking notice of what a talented individual he is. Yes I hate the pop-up promos on any of the shows. Once again, thanks for the wonderful article.
Christian Kane is a fantastic actor, as are all the actors on Leverage. It’s a terrific show and one my family watches every week. Thank you for such a great article. I’m really looking forward to more new episodes of Leverage and truly hope there will be a Season 6.
Agree with you 110% – Christian Kane is so versatile and totally underrated – he is good at everything he puts his hand to!
Also agree with you on the banners at the bottom of the page – they annoy the hell outta me!
Agree with you 110% – Christian Kane is so versatile and totally underrated – he is good at everything he puts his hand to!
Also agree with you on the banners at the bottom of the page – they annoy the hell outta me!