I was already a fan of Allegiance when I was hired on the show’s writing staff for its second season.

I mean, the story of Sabrina Sohal is a deliciously complicated one — a police procedural that interrogates systemic discrimination, but that is also about identity, family, politics, work, and ethics. And it’s set in Surrey’s vibrant Sikh Punjabi community, featuring a cast of seasoned performers.

Taking the job also meant relocating to Vancouver for several months, which was an exciting professional opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Being on set and working with the actors, producers, and crew was like a crash course in showrunning, and the writers’ room became a real family.

To say I returned to Toronto both deeply grateful and changed by the experience is an understatement.

Add to the mix the opportunity to work with creator Anar Ali and showrunners Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern (Flashpoint), as well as to reunite with lead actor Supinder Wraich (Sort Of) and to finally get to work with Enrico Colantoni (English Teacher) and Erin Karpluk (Being Erica)… How could I refuse?

The season premieres January 15th on CBC and CBC Gem! My episode is the fourth, “Daddy Issues.” (Big surprise at the title, I know.)