Rueben's Ramblings

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Rose McGowan (Charmed) will appear in a flashback/origins episode of Once Upon a Time, playing a younger version of Cora (played by Barbara Hershey). (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

The USA Network has ordered an 8th season of Psych, making the show the long-running scripted series on the network. The 7th season returns on February 27. (The Futon Critic and Twitter)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Actress Amanda Schull (Center Stage and Pretty Little Liars) has joined the cast of the as-yet-untitled USA Network hour-long drama that centers on Billy (Bryan Greenberg), a Miami businessman who, contemplating a run for political office, tries to increase his chances of being elected by marrying Lourdes (Stephanie Sigman), a Colombian woman who is on the run from her troubled past. What starts as a marriage of convenience quickly escalates into much more as his new wife proves to be more resourceful at “fixing” any problem the corrupt South Miami political scene throws at her husband. Schull will play Melody, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy former U.S. senator who also used to date Billy (Greenberg). Now married to the fast-rising Miami district attorney, she plays the role of socialite-political wife. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Q&A SECTION (with Team Watch with Kristin at E! Online)

Conor: In desperate need of Awkward scoop! What’s next for Matty and Jenna?!

Team Watch with Kristin: Unfortunately, the fan-favorite couple that took two seasons to finally officially get together are in a major rut when we pick up with them in the season three premiere. How bad is the rut? She’s ignoring his calls while hanging with another dude.

INSIDE SCOOP (from Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Question: Seeing as how Sara (played by Hilarie Burton) is (supposedly) going to be in half of this season’s remaining White Collar episodes, can we take that as a sign that she and Neal will be getting back together before the season ends? Please, say yes! Those two belong together! –Michelle

Mitovich: I can (for now only) offer you five not-so-randomly chosen words from our chat with series creator Jeff Eastin, pertaining to the aformentioned duo: “Empire State Building… fantastic moment.” (I can also reveal that the Neal/Sara smooch spied in the new promo takes place in an episode during which they’re kidnapped.)

Question: Is there any news about Once Upon a Time‘s Hook and Emma? I’m so hoping they hook up cause they make a good pair. –Jennifer

Mitovich: For starters, the wordplay whore in me will forgive and even applaud your use of “hook up” in this context. Secondly, I will tell you that I have a full-blown Q&A with Colin O’Donoghue posting closer to the show’s Jan. 6 return that will address this and other hot topics. (Something to keep in mind: Will Charming let this scoundrel anywhere near his daughter?) And lastly, here’s a random other scooplet: Sources confirm that the “Tiny” Episode 13 I told you about last week will in fact feature the return of Jorge Garcia and unspool “a story/backstory that touches many core characters in a surprising way.”

Question: Do you have any scoop on NCIS‘ two-part January episodes about Ziva? –Marla

Mitovich: When I said to showrunner Gary Glasberg that Eli’s appearances seldom bring good tidings, he countered, “You might be surprised. There are a lot of layers to what we’re going to try do this time around, and Michael Nouri was totally willing and had fun with it. I think people are going to be excited by what they see.” He also clarified that the Ziva twist I’ve been telling you about does not coincide with Eli’s latest encore. “He definitely plays a part in it, but the Ziva stuff will continue all the way through the season.”

Question: Can you give us something on when Nashville‘s Rayna tells Deacon her first child is his? –Maggie

Mitovich: Allow me to give you this quote from executive producer Callie Khouri: “Like all these family situations, [what Lamar teased in the pilot] is more complicated than I can tell you. Soon these things will start to be revealed.”

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor James Callis (Battlestar Galactica) will guest star in an upcoming episode of Arrow. He will play The Dodger, an elusive international jewel thief who imposes his plans on the innocent, forcing them to carry out his crimes under duress. Arrow is back with new episodes on The CW starting on January 16. (Natalie Abrams at TV Guide)

Actress Grace Phipps (The Nine Lives of Chloe King and The Vampire Diaries) will appear in at least two episodes of the ABC Family comedy Baby Daddy, playing Megan, a daycare manager who catches Ben’s (Jean-Luc Bilodeau), eye when he drops off his baby daughter Emma. (Philiana Ng at The Hollywood Reporter)

There are two casting announcements for the new CW series Beauty And the Beast. The first is actor Sendhil Ramamurthy (Heroes and Covert Affairs) who will play Assistant District Attorney Gabriel Lowen, a new love interest for Catherine (Kristin Kreuk). And the second is actor Brendan Hines (Lie to Me) who will play the a new police department psychologist. Beauty And the Beast will be back with new episodes starting on January 24. (Zap2It and Team TV Line)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

HBO is adapting the Broadway drama Stick Fly, which is about the secrets of prejudice, hypocrisy and adultery that are exposed during an African-American family’s weekend at Martha’s Vineyard, into a potential series. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

X-Men director Bryan Singer has closed a deal to develop, executive producer and possibly direct a reboot of the classic sci-fi series The Twilight Zone for CBS. No other specific details have been announced yet. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy) has joined the cast of the upcoming box office film There’s Always Woodstock. Sagal will Lee Ann, the suffer-no-fools owner of the SHOP coffeehouse in the upstate New York town, who is the close friend of Catherine Brown (Allison Miller from Go On), the lead character in this romantic comedy. The film follows would-be songwriter Brown as she returns to her dead parents’ home in Woodstock, New York for the summer. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

Actress Samantha Banks (Les Misérables) may be joining the cast of the upcoming film called Walking on Sunshine, which will be a musical comedy set to 1980s pop songs. The film will star singer-actress Kylie Minogue, telling the story of a mother and daughter who fall in love with the same man in Spain. (Liza Foreman at The Wrap)

Broadway star Jonathan Groff (also seen in Glee and Boss) will lend his voice as a mountain man in the upcoming animated film called Frozen, which is a loose adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen story “The Snow Queen”. The story centers on a girl who travels across an icy land to reverse a curse that has been cast on her by an evil queen. Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell are also voicing characters in this film. (Brent Lang at The Wrap)

Actor Zac Efron and actress Marcia Gay Harden have joined actors Paul Giamatti and Billy Bob Thornton and actress Jacki Weaver in Parkland, which is based on the Vincent Bugliosi book “Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy”. The film focuses on what happened at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)

Q&A SECTION (with Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams at TV Guide and Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Question: I hear Beckett’s therapist will be back on Castle. What can you tell us about that? — Angela

ADAM: Michael Dorn will indeed reprise his role as Dr. Burke during February sweeps. But what brings Beckett back to his couch? Well, it’s not because of any problems with Castle. Instead, it will be another run-in with Sen. Bracken (guest star Jack Coleman) that sends Beckett back to therapy. “A murder seems to lead to his doorstep and Kate thinks this her opportunity to finally get the man who was responsible for her mother’s murder behind bars,” creator Andrew W. Marlowe, adding that Beckett may once again find herself out of control. “Nothing is as it seems,” he says. “The case leads us into really interesting moral territory for our character.”

Question: Are Jeremy and Bonnie getting back together on The Vampire Diaries? —Micah

NATALIE: You weren’t the only one who noticed those stolen glances during the midseason finale! “What this episode did, in the form of nostalgia, is a reminder that there are some unresolved feelings there,” executive producer Julie Plec says. “There was love there and maybe just a glimpse of hope for something more.”

Question: I can’t wait for Smash to come back — especially sans Ellis! How will the show write around the departing characters? — Samantha

ADAM: Ellis is basically the He Who Shall Not Be Named — his exit isn’t even addressed. Dev will only appear via an apology note he sends to Karen that winds up in the garbage. On the other hand, Julia’s husband, Frank, will appear in the premiere, but a surprising revelation by Tom sends him on his way. However, it’s the exit of star Rebecca Duvall that will cause the biggest repercussions for the show — and, notably, Derek.

Question: I loved the Royal Pains wedding, but how come Dr. Sacani wasn’t there? Does that mean he won’t be coming back next season? — Carol

ADAM: Don’t worry — fan favorite Ben Shenkman will definitely be back for Season 5. “We are already talking about some very fun things to do. He felt like he fit seamlessly into the Royal Pains family and brought a lot of fun to the show,” executive producer Michael Rauch tells us. “He is definitely a member of HankMed that we plan on keeping around.”

Question: Does Evan now know about Vincent on Beauty and the Beast?! — Jamie

NATALIE: That’s the big question! Evan has already been suspicious of the creature who saved him, so when the show returns, he’ll continue to search for the truth. “In his quest, he and JT’s paths are actually going to cross,” executive producer Sherri Cooper tells us. “They’re going to start working together — in an effort for JT to control Evan — and of course Evan’s curiosity is going to get him in danger.”

Question: The Nikita fandom is imploding over what appears to be Alex kissing Michael in the promo for the next episode. Care to shed some light before anyone else sheds blood? —Kat

Ausiello: I can confirm that there’s a kiss. I can also confirm that there’s a twist. As exec producer Craig Silverstein explains, the lip-lock takes place during a mission — in other words, it’s more business than pleasure. That said, “It’s a very cute scene,” he shares, “because they both don’t want to do it.”

Question: I was wondering if you have any scoop on The Lying Game. — Kristi

Ausiello: In fact, I do — straight from showrunner Chuck Pratt. “Laurel’s music will propel her into the beginning of the season,” he says, “but then Laurel’s going to take on a whole new dynamic in the show. She’ll become more of a force and an equal with Mads. She and Emma really start to bond, too, which will cause Emma problems because she’s lying to her.” If it sounds like the boss is a Laurel fan, it should. “One of our goals was to bring her to more of the forefront and really feature her this season,” he admits, “because we just think the world of [her portrayer] Allie Gonino.”

Question: I need some Hart of Dixie news involving Zade (Zoe and Wade). Hit me with your best shot. —Kris

Ausiello: You may end up trading Zade for Jade, if Travis Van Winkle catches on as Lemon and Brick’s cousin — and Wade’s potential competition for Zoe — Jonah. “He is a really fun character — a conceited, arrogant Southern boy,” teases exec producer Leila Gerstein. “You can think of him as a young Brick Breeland. He gets in Zoe’s face, and there’s conflict ahead.” And even further ahead, potentially romance. But, Gerstein swears, “There won’t be anything like that, certainly, for awhile.”

Question: Where’s the love for The Vampire Diaries? —Sydney

Ausiello: Have you looked in your local roller disco? Because that may be where the show is headed. Though exec producer Julie Plec hastens to note that nothing is set in stone, she does admit, “We’re just now writing a script which, in a perfect world, will take us back to the ’70s in New York City. Everything could change, but it’s an era we haven’t explored yet. It could be a lot of fun.” Especially since she adds that “it’ll definitely involve our brothers in some form or another.”

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Lacey Chabert (Party of Five and Mean Girls) will guest star in two upcoming episodes of the ABC Family comedy Baby Daddy. She will play Dr. Amy Shaw, a headstrong, newly minted sports psychologist who has just landed a job working with the New York Rangers. And her first patient is none other than Danny (Derek Theler), whom she’ll help come out of a major slump. Baby Daddy returns in spring 2013. (Robyn Ross at TV Guide)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Actor Steve Harris (The Practice) has been cast in the TNT drama pilot called Legends, based on the novel by Robert Littell, which centers on Martin Odum (Sean Bean), a deep-cover CIA operative who has an uncanny ability to transform himself into a different person for each job. Harris will play Yates, the director of the D.C.O. Task Force who reinstates Martin to an undercover job. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

FIRST Q&A SECTION (with Team Watch with Kristin at E! Online)

Question: Any scoop on Klaus on The Vampire Diaries?! – Jessica

Team Watch with Kristin: Prepare for an epic showdown between Klaus and…Shane! You really didn’t think those two would never come face to face, did you? Especially after Klaus learns that Shane was the mastermind behind the plan to kill 12 hybrids? Yeah, he’s pretty mad. Watch out, Shane!

Question: I hear you’ve seen the season premiere of Smash. Spill! – Gina

Team Watch with Kristin: We just finished watching it, and we loved it! Within the first 10 minutes, you find out where Dev stands with Karen, if Ivy has kicked that pesky pill habit, and what exactly has become of Joe Dimaggio aka Michael Swift. But our favorite part about the opening minutes of the season two premiere is the Ivy and Karen dynamic shift. This time, Karen is in charge and she is being very unsubtle about making Ivy feel on the outs. It’s deliciously wicked.

SPOILER ROOM (with Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

BUNHEADS: THE BALLERINAS ARE BACK

Judging from the e-mail pile, I’m not the only one who was charmed by Bunheads, and after checking out the midseason premiere, I’m confident in saying the show is still in fine form. So what’s the second half of the season hold?

Here are four teases:

1. Michelle (Sutton Foster) might be gone longer than you think. That is, if you thought the show was going to return and find her magically back in action, think again. In fact, the only magic going on in this episode, is onstage at Michelle’s new place of employment. Sound grim? It is!

2. New romance for Sasha. Remember Roman, the former jock-turned-punk? He’s back — and he’s got his eyes on Sasha (Julia Goldani Telles). “His storyline parallels to hers a little bit, where he’s a lost soul trying to figure out who he is, too,” Telles says. “They’re both kind of sarcastic, so they get along well.”

3. Sasha’s tough time. When the show returns, the young dancer has little interest in returning home. And as Telles previews, things will get worse before they get better. “We see that collapsing throughout the season,” she says. “She leans on her friends a little bit, but she really needs someone to guide her and that’s Michelle.”

4. Hubbell returns!! No this isn’t Bunheads of the Walking Dead. But Michelle’s former hubby (Alan Ruck) does make an important appearance in the Jan. 7 episode.

SECOND Q&A SECTION (with Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

Question: I LOVED LOVED LOVED the reveal with John Barrowman at the end of Arrow’s midseason finale. Any hints about what’s next for the Dark Archer? — Kevin

Sandra: Well, I can tell you he’s definitely back when we return and is around throughout the season. As for what’s in store, Barrowman says he’d love to see a little Merlyn back-story take center stage before season’s end. “I would love to go back to see where this all started, why it all happened and go into flashbacks,” he says. “That’s one thing I know works in this genre and in this type of program — when you do go back to find out why you are where you are at a given moment in time, where you have come from, and what has caused it. Back-story is beautiful. I love a beautiful backstory.”

Question: I thought the Royal Pains movie was pretty good, and was glad to see Evan and Hank on the same page again. I hate when they fight. Are their troubles over? — Lisa

Sandra: The show doesn’t officially start filming their next season until March, but when I spoke to Mark Feuerstein, he was convinced we haven’t seen the last of the brother’s troubles. “That will be an issue, I think, as Evan tries to build a family/start a life with his new wife and Hank is still without any real domestic concerns,” he says. “How will that play out? I don’t know.”

Question: I saw you went to a Doctor Who screening. SOOOO JEAAALOUUSS. I’m guessing that was the Christmas episode? If so, may we PLEASE have some scoop? — Abigail

Sandra: Here’s the thing…I’m sort of sworn to secrecy. BUT, I will say this: By the end of the special, you’ll have more questions than answers about the Doctor’s new companion (played by Jenna Louise Coleman), especially in light of how it ends!

Question: I need Scandal scoop now!! — Regina

Sandra: As you now know, Huck (Guillermo Diaz) will be in major hot water when the show returns in January, but as Diaz tells me, Huck will find some comfort in knowing he has Olivia and Co. on his case. “I think Olivia and the team are going to do whatever is necessary to bring the truth to light, and he knows they are on his side,” he says. “I think there’s a little relief there. ‘At least Olivia and the team know I didn’t do this. They’re going to do what they can to get me off and figure it out.’ He’s just hoping for the best.”

Question: Scandal is on FIRE! Scoop please! — Taylor

Sandra: Prepare yourself for HUGE things in episode 13. As you might know, the show was originally picked up for a 13 episode season (a back 9 was eventually ordered) so this episode was designed to function as a season finale of sorts. Yes, it’s that big! So, what can Diaz share? Well, not much… “It’s another rollercoaster script,” he says. “S–t you won’t expect is happening.”

Question: From one Supernatural fan to another, what’s the next episode should I be most excited about? Season GR8 has been, well, GREAT! — Anna

Sandra: Episode 11 — in which Dean and Sam get thrown into the world of LARPing — is going to be one to remember, but I’m most looking forward to the next episode from writer Ben Edlund, which I’m told is a “twisted” installment. “There will be an episode dealing with Nazi necromancers,” says executive producer Jeremy Carver. “It was written by Ben Endlund, so you know that’s going to be fun.”

Question: Do you have any exciting scoop about the second half of season 2 of Suits? I really miss those handsome, well-dressed men and beautiful ladies on my television screen. Thanks! — Lauren K.

Sandra: I miss them too! Thankfully the wait is almost over. But to tide you over until then, here are three bits of intel: We learn in the Jan. 17 premiere that Rachel is “not the goodie-good” Mike believes her to be, Mike has a major confrontation with a man from his past after a case makes him recall his parents’ death, and Harvey’s plans to woo Zoe take a very unexpected turn.

Question: When will the adults find out about the twins on The Lying Game — @JcanTediBear

Sandra: Well, as season 1 revealed, Rebecca (Charisma Carpenter) and Alec (Adrian Pasdar) definitely know more than they let on, so I guess it’s just Kristin (Helen Slater) and Ted (Andy Buckley) that we’re waiting on. And based off what I saw in the season premiere, the pair couldn’t be more oblivious. I can’t blame them, though. With their marriage in rocky times, much of their focus is going toward trying to be civil. Surprise!: It doesn’t work.

Question: Any Lying Game spoilers? — Bonnie

Sandra: The Mercer household is going to open its doors to a friend in need, and if you thought the Rebecca-is-the-mother reveal was big, be prepared for a moment at the end of the season premiere that will knock your socks off! It involves a family connection you won’t see coming.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Ming-Na (Eureka and Stargate Universe) will appear in an upcoming episode of Nashville, playing Calista Reeves, a successful Los Angeles music label executive with designs on luring Rayna (Connie Britton) away from her record label. (Michael Slezak at TV Line)

Actor Sam Anderson (Lost) has booked a multi-episode arc on the FX drama Justified, playing a rugged and manipulative funeral director who crosses paths with (and confides in) Boyd (Walton Goggins). Justified is back for its fourth season starting on January 8. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

The History Channel will air a 10-hour five-part mini-series called The Bible, which is a live-action and CGI film which will focus on biblical stories including Noah’s Ark, the Exodus, Daniel in the Lion’s Den and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The mini-series comes from reality series creator Mark Burnett and will star his wife, actress Roma Downey as Mother Mary. The mini-series will begin on March 3. (Philiana Ng at The Hollywood Reporter)

TV TRAILER (FIRST LOOK)

Check out the 1st creepy trailer for Psycho prequel Bates Motel

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

The cable network E! is adding to its scripted programming, developing an hour-long project called Gallerina which will center on a young woman determined to make her name at the Bettencourt Gallery, which symbolizes LA as the prestigious new center of the art world. The cabler also has a supernatural romantic drama in the works. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

FremantleMedia has finalized a deal with writer Craig Pearce to develop the New York Times bestseller The Maid written by Kimberley Cutter into a television drama series for international audiences. The series is as-yet untitled tells the tale of Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who believes she is sent by God to save France. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top 10 movies for this past weekend from Exhibitors Relations:

1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, $84.8 million
2. Rise of the Guardians, $7.4 million
3. Lincoln, $7.2 million
4. Skyfall, $7 million
5. Life of Pi, $5.4 million
6. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, $5.2 million
7. Wreck-It Ralph, $3.3 million
8. Playing for Keeps, $3.2 million
9. Red Dawn, $2.4 million
10. Silver Linings Playbook, $2.1 million

BOX OFFICE TRAILERS

Hot Trailer: ‘Broken City’

Watch: First Trailer for Oz Surfing Drama ‘Drift’ with Sam Worthington

That’s it. Enjoy!

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