Rueben's Ramblings

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

TNT has renewed Falling Skies for a 10-episode fourth season, which will air next summer. (Tim Kennally at The Wrap)

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

Question: I can’t wait for Nashville to return! Any scoop about Juliette? — Emily

ADAM: The starlet had a rough first season, culminating in her mother’s death, and it doesn’t look like things will get any easier next season. “I don’t know if we’ll ever see a time when she’s not screwing up something for herself,” creator Callie Khouri tells us, specifically citing her love life. “Having to fend for herself all the time, she has some serious trust issues.”

Question: Does Julia now suspect Barbie of killing her husband on Under the Dome? — Charlie

NATALIE: Not yet, but that doesn’t mean that forbidden love will bloom between the killer and his victim’s wife. Instead, another woman will threaten to reveal the truth to an already suspicious Julia. “Julia’s a journalist and she’ll start digging in many ways next week,” executive producer Neal Baer says.

Question: Have any scoop on the Defiance finale? —Jessica

NATALIE: The Grim Reaper will be paying a visit! At least two major characters will face death. A loved one’s sacrifice will save one of them. For the other, there’s definitely love lost.

Question: Is Manolo Cardona’s character the new Big Bad on Covert Affairs? — Elena

ADAM: Not exactly. Cardona’s Teo Braga, a rebel leader in Colombia where the season premiere takes place, is involved in some suspicious dealings, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Speaking of “meets,” while we’re just meeting Teo for the first time, he actually has quite a history with the DPD.

Question: I hear Chef Jeff is returning to Switched at Birth! —Kate

NATALIE: Justin Bruening will return, but don’t expect (or fear) a reunion with Daphne. “Jeff comes in to throw a wrench into Daphne and Jace’s relationship, but maybe not in the way you might expect,” Katie LeClerc says. “He’s only back for one episode just to mix things up a bit. She’s not running away with him or anything!”

Question: I really like Shelby on Royal Pains! Will there be any sparks between her and Hank? — Marc

ADAM: Love will be in the Hamptons air, but not between Shelby and Hank. While she takes a shine to frequent HankMed patient Ken Keller, Hank will also find a new love: pain killers! Talk about a dependent relationship!

Question: Any Vampire Diaries scoop? Will Tyler be back this season? Thanks! — Mary Kate

Ausiello: Tyler who? There’s nothing like a cute older college boy to make you temporarily forget the show’s MIA hybrid hunk. That’s what happens when Caroline meets Jesse, a hot, smart, confident and disarmingly sweet upperclassman at Whitmore. Among the other fresh faces in the season opener: smartypants Megan, who attends Mystic Falls High’s 1950s dance and attempts to charm the pants off Jeremy, and Eastern European beauty Nadia, who crosses paths with Matt and Rebekah at a Prague bar — and comes on to both of them?! — before delivering an ominous warning to Stefan about The Originals.

Question: Please let me know when Once Upon a Time Season 3 starts! I’m addicted to this series and can’t wait to find out what happens next. –Logan

Ausiello: ABC — the last broadcaster to announce its fall premiere dates — isn’t in any rush to do so, so instead can I placate you with a plum piece of scoop? Sources tell me that Robin Hood will resurface in Season 3, but will be played by a different, yet-to-be-cast actor, seeing as Tom Ellis (Merlin) isn’t available for a recurring run. Who’s your pick to “rob” Ellis of his role? Anyone know what Matt Smith’s up to these days?

Question: Any chance Fred will put in an appearance this season on Drop Dead Diva? —Christy

Ausiello: Exec producer Josh Berman says he’s trying to “make that work,” adding, “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him again.” In the meantime, Berman teases that the angel’s ex, Stacy, “may find someone that [fans] love even more than Fred… I think you’ll be surprised where Stacy’s life goes this season.”

Question: Any hints on Nashville Season 2? —JJ

Ausiello: How about some intel on two new females bound for Music City? The first, Zoey, is Scarlett’s childhood best friend who wants to make it as a singer. She’ll take the blonde’s old waitressing gig at The Bluebird. The second, Layla, is the winner of an American Idol-type music competition who’s so driven to be a country star that she downplays her Northeastern roots, high level of education and stable family life. This youngin’ (she’s about 20) comes across as sweet at first, but her darker side will show itself over time. Both roles are heavy recurring… which makes me think Juliette might want to release her follow-up single real fast.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great 4th of July weekend!!