Benjamin Evan Ainsworth Tackles Growing Pains in Son of a Critch S3
A new school year unfolds for Mark Critch in the third season of CBC’s beloved comedy, Son of a Critch, and actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth steps up to portray the character’s pivotal final year of elementary school. Based on the memoir of This Hour Has 22 Minutes host Mark Critch, the series continues to charm audiences with its blend of humour and heart, largely carried by Ainsworth’s endearing performance. This season finds young Mark navigating the complexities of being top dog before the daunting leap to high school.
Where to watch Son of a Critch Season 3: Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBC TV
Where to stream Son of a Critch: CBC Gem
Cast: Mark Critch, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Claire Rankin, Colton Gobbo, Malcolm McDowell
Creators: Mark Critch and Tim McAuliffe
Mark Critch’s Formative Year Portrayed by Ainsworth
As Mark Critch, the show’s creator and the real-life inspiration, explained to Yahoo Canada, this season delves into his grade nine year, a significant period of transition. “These were all formative years at the school I went to, and this is going into grade nine,” Critch shared. “Mark, at the start of this series, he’s afraid to go there and now he’s quite settled, so it’s kind of sweet to wrap it all up at the end with him graduating.” He expressed excitement about seeing this phase come to life, noting, “I think there’s a lot of growth and change, and coming into your own in this season, which has been a lot of fun.”
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Mark Critch wearing glasses in Season 3 of CBC's Son of a Critch
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth described his character Mark starting the season with newfound “confidence,” only for it to be quickly challenged. “He’s left last season, ‘OK I’m comfortable with all my school friends, I’m comfortable at home,’ and I think to then, in the first episode, gets hit with, ‘OK I need glasses. OK I’m getting bullied by Baby Fox.’ Everything just starts to go down,” Ainsworth explained. Despite these setbacks, Mark embarks on new ventures. “But then … he goes out into the real world and explores stand up comedy, or does theatre. … I think, overall for him growing as a character, he’s becoming a little bit more extroverted, and a little bit more happy to explore.”
Hilarious Real-Life Moments Recreated
Season 3 continues the show’s tradition of pulling outrageous yet true stories directly from Mark Critch’s youth, placing Benjamin Evan Ainsworth at the center of recreating these often embarrassing moments. Critch highlighted several instances: “One moment I keep thinking of is we see Mark performing in a bar for the first time, when he’s very underage, which is something that happened,” he revealed. “When I did that act, I did an impression of my dad, who everybody knew then, in my dad’s red VOCM jacket, and I got busted. So we recreate that scene and Ben’s doing the same act I did on stage back then.”
Other real events translated to the screen include a teacher dramatically using a giant crucifix to illustrate suffering, followed by the students sneaking out while the teacher was blindfolded. Furthermore, a play about the “dangers of sex,” which Critch participated in during a drama festival, is also featured. Addressing Ainsworth, Critch remarked, “Now you know what it’s like to go through these embarrassing moments.”
Actor Colton Gobbo, who portrays Mark's brother Mike Critch Jr. in Son of a Critch, at a Toronto film premiere
Navigating Character and Personal Growth
For Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, portraying Mark Critch offers a unique parallel to his own life, as he grows up alongside his character. “I’m growing up whilst Mark is, alongside the character,” Ainsworth reflected. “It’s easy to kind go away for the eight months that I’m not in Newfoundland, and then from what I’ve picked up, or how I’ve adapted, it kind of comes through with the character.”
He credits the show’s writing for Mark’s well-developed arc: “He’s been uncomfortable. He’s broken out of his shell, then realized when he’s filled that space that, oh there’s another shell. … It’s the real world. Then I’ve got to try and find my way through.” Ainsworth sees similarities between his own experiences navigating school and working on set, and Mark’s journey of self-discovery. “I think, me personally, getting through school, but then on sets as well, it’s similar kind of ideas that I’m growing up and trying to find my way, … as well as Mark is.”
Malcolm McDowell as Pop and Mark Critch as Mike Sr. in a scene from Son of a Critch Season 3 on CBC
The creator, Mark Critch, also spoke about the surreal experience of seeing his memories played out by the cast, particularly Ainsworth. “It’s kind of weird, because I’ve gone from a point of, when I’m writing something, I don’t picture my actual family anymore, I’ll picture the cast in there,” he admitted. Witnessing deeply personal moments reenacted is strange but rewarding. “It’s been really cool to kind of stand outside yourself… I get that every day, without having to almost die. So I’m very grateful.”
Conclusion: Ainsworth Embodies Mark’s Evolution
Season 3 of Son of a Critch promises significant development for its central character, Mark, expertly brought to life by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. As Mark navigates the final year of elementary school, facing new challenges like needing glasses and dealing with bullies, Ainsworth portrays both the vulnerability and the growing confidence of a boy exploring stand-up comedy and theatre. The season leans into humorous, real-life anecdotes from creator Mark Critch’s past, offering Ainsworth unique comedic and dramatic opportunities. Reflecting on his own growth mirroring his character’s, Ainsworth highlights the authentic journey of self-discovery central to the show’s appeal, solidifying his role as the heart of this cherished Canadian comedy.
