With Dr. Magalie “Mags” Leblanc facing such an emotional journey as the fourth and final season of CTV’s TRANSPLANT barrels toward its dramatic conclusion, Laurence Leboeuf has been walking a fine line with her deft portrayal.
As loyal viewers of TRANSPLANT know, Mags is not an overly emotional character in ordinary circumstances. So how is Mags going to react to the extreme situation that she’s now facing, heading into a crucial new episode, Friday, Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app?
SPOILER ALERT: Up-to-date plot details are about to be discussed.
Mags has been dealing with a heart condition her entire life, and now, just when she’s on the verge of the big promotion she has always wanted, the opportunity for a heart transplant has emerged. Of course, time is of the essence, and choices have to be made quickly. At the end of the most recent episode, after intense consideration, Mags gave her consent for the surgery to proceed.
Leboeuf chuckled when it was suggested to her that the writers of TRANSPLANT couldn’t have made her work any harder in Season 4, with Mags going through so much in the home stretch of the show.
“Oh no, it’s a blessing, actually, to finish things this way,” Leboeuf said. “Having to go through such a big range of emotions, and having an arc that moves, I find it was a great gift to have this year. We’re going really deep. This is my favourite season, and I’m not even exaggerating, or lying, when I say that. I really mean it.”
As for the balancing act of processing emotions for a character who isn’t naturally emotional, Leboeuf said, “I don’t know if this has happened to you before, but sometimes, when you have really hard things going on in life, like a critical situation, or something serious with a loved one, it’s as if there’s something that needs to sink in before the emotion comes. That’s probably how Mags internalizes it.”
And there’s also the professional side of it for Mags, too.
“She’s usually the doctor,” Leboeuf agreed. “She’s a doctor, and a really good one, too. So it’s interesting that the show has put her in this position. Now she’s also a vulnerable patient. Which side takes over? Which side dominates the other? That has been a great challenge, but I love it.”
Another one of Mags’ strongest characteristics is her independence, but the walls have been closing in on that front as well. Everyone who is aware of what’s going on wants to help, but sometimes what they consider helpful doesn’t necessarily feel that way to Mags. Even her mom is driving her crazy, with some rogue and unwanted plans for post-surgery living arrangements.
“Isn’t that how we all feel about our parents sometimes? ‘I love you so much, but stop it!’” Leboeuf said with a big laugh. “I think there’s definitely some of that. And she also has Bash (Dr. Bashir Hamed, played by Hamza Haq) in her life. But, Mags still has to learn to soften that part of her. She needs to let people help her, and let them see her in that vulnerable kind of state.”
Does it seem to Leboeuf as if almost four years have passed since the debut of TRANSPLANT back in early 2020?
“I don’t know where the time has gone,” said Leboeuf, who also has a recurring role on SHORESY (available on Crave), playing herself. “Because TRANSPLANT is nearing the end, we were watching a couple of clips from Season 1, and I do feel like we look like babies. So much has happened between the first season and now. We even went through a pandemic! But, that’s the weird thing about time. It’s really strange how fast it goes by, but then you realize a big chunk of your story has happened.”
There are certainly big chunks of story left to be told on TRANSPLANT, for Mags and all the other characters, with only five episodes remaining (one this week, one next week, and then three after the holidays, in early 2024).
“There are still some great complex and emotional medical cases coming our way, that’s for sure,” Leboeuf said. “But, I think we’re coming to the peak of the story that we wanted to tell. I’m really proud of how the show is going to end. I think maybe, finally, our characters are going to somehow find out who they are, and where they belong.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
