Stephen Amell Opens Up About Blue Jays Heartbreak and New Crime Series
Toronto native Stephen Amell, best known for his roles in Arrow and Heels, is still grappling with the emotional aftermath of the Toronto Blue Jays' heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the World Series last November. In a recent interview, the actor described the experience as haunting, comparing it to viewing crime scene photos whenever clips from the series appear on his social media feeds.
A Lifelong Blue Jays Fan
Amell's connection to the Blue Jays runs deep, dating back to his childhood in Toronto. "The Jays won in '92 and '93 when I was in sixth and seventh grade. They are my team. They are my ride or die, forever," he passionately stated. He fondly recalled attending Game 5 of the World Series in Los Angeles with his mother, where they had prime seats behind home plate and witnessed pitcher Trey Yesavage's dominant performance against the Dodgers.
"Watching the Dodgers swinging, it was like they were swinging at a bee that was floating around. They had no chance ... I don't know how you top that," Amell animatedly explained, contrasting that high with the dismal end to the 2024 season.
Starring in 'The Borderline'
Amell is now channeling his energies into his new crime drama, The Borderline, which airs Fridays on Crave. In the series, he plays a police officer investigating a crime linked to his childhood friend Tommy, portrayed by Hamza Haq. The plot involves a dark secret and a ruthless British crime family led by Minnie Driver's character.
"The thing that hooked me was reading the first episode, getting to the end of it and then wondering, 'Is my character the villain?'" Amell revealed, praising creator Graeme Stewart for crafting complex, flawed characters.
Embracing Canadian Television
The Borderline arrives at a time when Canadian television is gaining international recognition, with shows like Heated Rivalry and Transplant finding success abroad. Amell emphasized his desire to work on homegrown projects, noting that his career began in Toronto with Rent-a-Goalie.
"I specifically wanted to do a Canadian project and I'm very proud of this," he said, highlighting the Thousand Islands setting as a unique backdrop that adds to the show's appeal. He hopes the series will inspire viewers to explore Canada's diverse landscapes, from Montreal to the Cabot Trail.
Looking Ahead
Amell expressed enthusiasm for a potential second season of The Borderline, stating he would do it for free. As he looks forward to warmer months, he encourages all Canadians to experience the country's beauty, from Alberta's long summer days to scenic train rides across the nation.
