Diverted

Diverted
Company type	Television miniseries
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	2009; 17 years ago
Headquarters	Canada
Products	Television drama

Diverted is a 2009 television miniseries produced by CBC, directed by Alex Chapple and scripted by playwright Tony Marchant. The narrative dramatizes the circumstances in Gander, Newfoundland, where, following the 9/11 attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rerouted passengers and flight crews under the initiative known as Operation Yellow Ribbon.

Plot

On September 11, 2001, as reports of the terrorist attacks emerge, the FAA orders all aircraft in flight to land at the nearest airports, effectively closing US airspace. Thirty-eight transatlantic flights that had passed their "point of no return" are redirected to Gander, Newfoundland. Initially unaware of the full extent of events, passengers learn from a British airline crew that a terrorist incident has taken place in the United States.

The story highlights several individual experiences: Mike Stiven (Shawn Ashmore), an air traffic controller in Gander, develops a connection with Alia Ramaswami (Anita Majumdar), a passenger aboard one of the diverted flights. Meanwhile, New Yorker Samuel Stearn (David Suchet) faces emotional turmoil trying to contact his son at the World Trade Center. Other travelers, including Marion Price (Joanne Whalley) and Andrew Tyler (Colin Buchanan), find solace through mutual support.

Under Operation Yellow Ribbon, the community of Gander quickly organizes to offer shelter and meals to thousands of stranded passengers and crew members. The film emphasizes the lasting bonds formed between visitors and their Canadian hosts, showcasing the town’s remarkable spirit of hospitality amid crisis.

Cast

Joe Hynes as Canadian Tire employee

Production

During the 9/11 events, out of approximately 200 transatlantic flights over the Atlantic Ocean, 38 were diverted to Gander, bringing roughly 6,600 passengers and crew to a town with a population of 9,000. Filming for Diverted took place in 2008 across various locations including Gander itself, St. John's, Hamilton, Ontario, and London, which served as origin points for many flights.

Reception

Broadcast as a miniseries on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Diverted received mixed reviews. Critics appreciated its focus on individual narratives but remarked that its pacing somewhat diminished its overall effect. David Nusair characterized it as "a mildly watchable movie-of-the-week," while UK critic Andy Webb commended its heartfelt depiction of passenger experiences and community solidarity.

Awards and honours

At the 2009 Gemini Awards, David Suchet earned Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series. Tony Marchant was nominated for Best Writing in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series.

Additionally, director Alex Chapple received a nomination for the 2009 Directors Guild of Canada Craft Award in Direction for Television Movie/Mini-Series.

External links

CBC Program Guide - Diverted