5.3 / 10 (based on 154 reviews)
Set on Stonewalker First Nation, nestled comfortably beside an affluent beach community in Southern Manitoba. With a diverse cast of shark executives, smooth dealers, scheming slicksters and colourful community members, the North Beach Casino is a successful gaming palace recently purchased by Matthew Tommy and his casino empire. His mission: to make North Beach North America’s #1 First Nation Casino.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Eric Schweig, Karen Holness, Gregory ‘Dominic’ Odjig, Wesley French
Creators: Peter Strutt, Peter Lauterman
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 26 episodes, 30-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Cashing In (2009)
The Pinkertons (2014)
6.7 / 10 (based on 820 reviews)
A father and son team up with America’s first female detective to solve crimes in the Wild West.
Genre: Biography, Crime, History, Western
Main Cast: Martha MacIsaac, Jacob Blair, David Lawrence Brown, Jenny Pudavick
Creators: Kevin Abrams, Adam Moore
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 22 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime
The Secret History of: The Wild West (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 19 reviews)
Most of the history behind Canada’s West has become legend or forgotten over time. This 13-part series unearths to shine a light on the legendary heroes and villains that shaped the Canadian West in ways no viewer has seen before. Each half hour takes the viewer behind the stories to look beyond the legends and explore the mystical and metaphysical influences behind these notable individuals who were able to transcend the ordinary and become an extraordinary part of The Secret History of the Wild West.
Genre: History
Main Cast: Julian Black Antelope, Luke Moore, Sammy Simon, Shawn Beaver-Hawman
Creators: Julian Black Antelope
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
Tribal (2020)
5.7 / 10 (based on 409 reviews)
The controversial new Chief of Tribal Police is forced to partner with a big-city cop amid allegations of corruption from the federal government.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Jessica Matten, Brian Markinson, Garry Chalk, Ryan Northcott
Creators: Ron E. Scott
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 18 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime
Barkskins (2020)
7.2 / 10 (based on 2463 reviews)
Based on the novel by Pulitzer-winner Annie Proulx, BARKSKINS follows a disparate group of outcasts who must navigate brutal hardships, competing interests, and tangled loyalties at the crossroads of civilization- late 1600s New France.
Genre: Drama, History
Main Cast: David Thewlis, Marcia Gay Harden, Aneurin Barnard, James Bloor
Creators: Elwood Reid
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
“Cashing In” is a Canadian television drama series that aired from 2009 to 2014. It’s set against the backdrop of a fictional First Nations casino in North Beach, Manitoba, and it dives into the world of high-stakes gambling, power struggles, and the complexities of managing a lucrative business on native land. The series, created by Peter Strutt, provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with operating a casino, including the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters.
The Premise
At the heart of “Cashing In” is the North Beach Casino, a bustling hub of activity and the primary source of revenue for the local First Nations community. The show centers around Matthew Tommy, played by Eric Schweig, a savvy businessman who takes over the casino operations under dubious circumstances. His ambition and ruthless tactics often put him at odds with other characters, including the casino’s former CEO, John Eagle. The series weaves together various storylines involving the casino staff, the local community, and the high rollers who bring both fortune and trouble to the casino’s doors.
Characters and Relationships
One of the strengths of “Cashing In” is its well-developed characters, each bringing their own set of values, ambitions, and flaws to the table. Besides Matthew Tommy, there’s Justin Tommy, Matthew’s nephew, who struggles with his own identity and loyalties. There’s also Nellie Bully, the head of security, who must navigate the murky waters of casino security while dealing with personal demons. The interplay between these characters, along with a host of recurring and guest stars, creates a dynamic and engaging narrative.
Matthew Tommy: The Anti-Hero
Matthew Tommy is a character that viewers love to hate. His complex personality is a blend of ambition, intelligence, and a lack of scruples when it comes to getting what he wants. His methods often border on the unethical, but his charisma and determination make him a compelling protagonist.
Nellie Bully: Strength and Vulnerability
Nellie Bully is another standout character. Her role as head of security puts her in the thick of the casino’s most pressing issues, from theft and cheating to more personal matters involving the staff and patrons. Her backstory and struggles with addiction add layers to her character, making her one of the show’s most relatable figures.
Themes and Issues
“Cashing In” doesn’t shy away from tackling a range of themes and issues, many of which resonate with viewers far beyond its Canadian setting. The show delves into the impact of gambling on individuals and communities, the challenges of economic development on First Nations lands, and the clash between traditional values and modern business practices. It also touches on personal themes such as addiction, loyalty, and the quest for power.
Gambling and Its Effects
The casino setting provides a perfect backdrop to explore the allure and dangers of gambling. “Cashing In” presents a balanced view, showing both the economic benefits of the casino and the personal toll it can take on individuals prone to addiction.
Economic Development and Sovereignty
The series also provides insight into the complexities of economic development within First Nations communities. It raises questions about sovereignty, the right to self-determination, and the challenges of balancing economic growth with cultural preservation.
Reception and Legacy
“Cashing In” received mixed reviews during its run. Critics praised its unique setting, complex characters, and willingness to tackle important issues. However, some felt that the series occasionally fell into soap opera territory, with plot twists and character motivations that stretched credibility. Despite this, the show developed a loyal fan base and is remembered for its contributions to Canadian television and its portrayal of First Nations communities.
The series’ legacy is significant, particularly in how it paved the way for other shows featuring indigenous characters and stories. It broke new ground by centering a TV drama around a First Nations community and addressing issues relevant to indigenous peoples in Canada and beyond.
Why “Cashing In” Matters
In a TV landscape often dominated by similar themes and settings, “Cashing In” stands out for its unique premise and setting. It offers viewers a glimpse into a world not often portrayed on television, with stories that are both specific to the First Nations experience and universal in their themes of power, ambition, and redemption.
The show’s focus on indigenous characters and issues is particularly noteworthy. By giving voice to a community that has historically been underrepresented on television, “Cashing In” contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures and challenges.
Conclusion
“Cashing In” is more than just a TV drama about a casino. It’s a complex narrative that explores the intersections of culture, economy, and identity. Through its compelling characters and engaging storylines, the series invites viewers to consider the real-world implications of the issues it portrays. Whether you’re drawn to the high-stakes world of casino management, interested in the portrayal of indigenous communities on TV, or simply looking for a well-crafted drama, “Cashing In” has something to offer. Its legacy as a groundbreaking series that brought First Nations stories to the forefront of Canadian television is a testament to its importance and enduring appeal.