Rueben's Ramblings

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Zachary Levi (Chuck) will play a key role in this summer’s NBC event mini-series Heroes Reborn, based on the NBC series of the same name that will take a new look at the show that was once a big hit for the network. (The Futon Critic)

The new drama The Royals on E! has been given a second season order before the first season has even debuted. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

The BBC has decided not to give their mini-series In the Flesh a third season order. (Matthew Jackson at Blastr)

Q&A SECTION (Matt Mitovich at TV Line and Natalie Abrams at Entertainment Weekly)

Question: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fans needs some SkyeWard hope after a certain shot(s) heard round the world in the winter finale. Got anything on their future? –Brooke

Mitovich: It would seem that any last shred of affection ‘tween the two took its hits as well. As Brett Dalton tells me, “Ward had a hell of a time in the cage by himself for six months, he had some suicidal tendencies, and once he comes to the end of wrestling with all of his demons, he makes a promise – to reunite Skye with her dad. And that went on for 10 episodes. But her shooting me three times kind of answers the question of, ‘Are you into this? Is this gonna work?’ It was a big statement for her to make. Things can never be the same.” That said, Dalton hinted at a “new chapter” ahead for his character.

Question: Ratings be damned, I’m loving Revenge more than ever. Have anything for the faithful fans? –Deb

Mitovich: “There’s something hugely big for Nolan that we’re literally on the precipice of,” Gabriel Mann reveals. “I think it changes the course of Season 4 for him.” Mann hints that it might have something to do with a certain new houseguest, as his character is “going to delve into Louise’s world and see all the baggage she brings with her.” As for Nolan’s love life (or lack thereof) this season, Mann hints at a major turn of the tide: “This season, I thought Nolan needed to take a little bit of a break … but [his love life] is not going to be dry for a whole lot longer.”

Question: Is there anything Castle-related you have to share? –Mandy

Mitovich: I know we kinda swore off teasing the upcoming two-parter any further — especially now that this spoilery cat is out of the bag, sigh — but I could not abstain from relaying what Tamala Jones had to say about the February sweeps event. “You’ve never seen a Castle episode like these. It’s completely outrageous,” she effused. “You’re going to cry, you’re going to think someone died…. Your mind and your heart are going to be one.” Jones went on to say that Part 1 ends with a cliffhanger that will leave you “pissed that Part 2 isn’t coming on the next day,” while the actual conclusion is “emotionally driven” with regards to, among others, Lanie’s best friend, Kate. “There’s some serious, serious ish going on!”

Question: I saw on Twitter that TV Line visited the Jane the Virgin set. What scoop did you get? –Meaghan

Mitovich: File this under muy curious: The freshman hit’s beloved narrator “is definitely connected to the narrative, and at a certain point in the show, I would plan to reveal who it is, but not now,” executive producer Jennie Urman shared. As for one fan theory floating around the interwebs about his identity — he’s Sin Rostro! — “Who knows? I like it,” the EP replied with a laugh. “It’s a funny theory.”

Question: Do you have any Scandal or How to Get Away With Murder scoop for us? –Colleen

Mitovich: Scandal‘s Jon Tenney told me that POTUS won’t take kindly to his veep’s “ballsy” move against Olivia (“You don’t mess with Fitz’s lady!”), while Andrew cheating on Mellie with LizzieBear will be dealt with as well (“There’s a lot to be explored there, which I think people will enjoy”). As for Murder, Alfred Enoch says that Wes and Annalise will be “bound ever closer by the secret that they share,” adding: “The writers find new and genius ways to put a lot of strange things in our relationship.”

Question: What’s going on with Haven? Is the fifth season the last season? –David

Mitovich: Syfy president Dave Howe told me this morning that the second half of Season 5 will premiere during Q3 (this means roughly early fall). As for anything beyond that, “It depends on how it does.” (Ain’t that always the case?)

Question: Can you get some info on The Flash? Will Iris reciprocate the feelings Barry has for her? Will we see them get together this season (hopefully)? –Brenda

Mitovich: Noting that Barry’s midseason finale confession “really changed the world, and there’s no going back,” EP Andrew Kreisberg says the next few episodes back will be “dealing with the repercussions.” And Barry might just “deal” by moving on. “As he gets a new love interest in Linda Park (played by Malese Jow), Iris’ reaction to that is going to be interesting,” Kreisberg previews. “Certainly, there is no shortage of amazing women in Barry Allen’s life, including Caitlin and Felicity. Which girl actually gets to land him will be one of the surprises of the back half of the season.”

Question: I read that there is going to be some interaction between Arrow‘s Felicity and Thea. Any idea how that will come about? –Emmy

Mitovich: You read that here in my column, in fact. But EP Marc Guggenheim tells TV Line that those scenes have since been “pushed off a bit” and will air later in the season. Still on the immediate horizon, however, is “Felicity having scenes with Laurel that are really terrific,” he shares. “As Felicity said in Episode 3 of this year, she didn’t even think they were friends, so it’s kind of fun to watch these two women who are so different from each other interact. Felicity’s got some words of wisdom to impart to Laurel, and has a perspective that is somewhat unique.”

Question: Is Manu Bennett returning to Arrow in flashbacks, or for real? –D.L.

Mitovich: “Slade is definitely [resurfacing] in the present day,” showrunner Andrew Kreisberg affirms. And his disposition remains unchanged. “Not that he’s ever happy, but he’s particularly unhappy,” says the EP. “When he comes back, he’s out for blood.” Bonus scoop: Speaking of baddies, Vinnie Jones (who on Wednesday begins an arc as Danny “Brick” Brickwell) teased for me a fight scene in which a stunt woman jumped out a high window and grabbed a rope dangling from a helicopter above. Hmm, which character could that be?

Question: Do you have scoop on the upcoming CBS series Supergirl? –lilslim

Mitovich: Only that casting for, among other roles, the lead remains ongoing. “There’s only one person [right for the role], that’s the thing. So you’re looking for that person,” EP Greg Berlanti explains. Is he leaning toward a familiar face or fresh one? “We have no preference,” he asserted.

Question: Please, please tell me that Hersh will return to Person of Interest! –Nick

Mitovich: Hersh? His fate seemed pretty sealed in the Season 3 finale. That said, showrunner Jonah Nolan told me that over the winter/spring run, “We’re going to meet some new friends, and we’re going to revisit some old ones.”

Question: Can you give me anything on The Messengers!? Love the premise and the cast, but I’m quite let down that The CW gave them the Friday night death slot. – Marko

Mitovich: I would venture to say The CW knows precisely what it is doing with that one. Sorry.

Question: Can you say whether Rachel is dead or alive on Orphan Black? — Bellamy

Natalie: “She’s alive,” executive producer John Fawcett says, noting that Rachel will struggle with her new imperfections after being shot in the eye with a pencil during the finale. “How do you take someone like that and then f— them up? How do they respond to that? This is someone who has a ton of power, really, and thrives on [being above the other clones]. Now to be less than perfect and to have her authority and power stripped from her, that’s an interesting journey that character could be on this year.” Who will step up at DYAD in her place? You will be surprised by that answer.

Question: Will Team Arrow actually tell Laurel that Thea killed Sara? — Brian

Natalie: That’s the big question once Laurel joins the team. “Laurel will find out who killed her sister,” Katie Cassidy tells me. “The audience will be surprised by her reaction. I feel like I wouldn’t be surprised if Laurel lost it on Thea, but people will be surprised and excited.” As for the big “Canaries” episode coming up, Cassidy says, “There’s going to be some crazy badass scenes of the Canaries fighting.” Make of that what you will.

Question: Now that Peggy found Howard Stark’s inventions, where does Agent Carter go now? — Veronica

Natalie: Peggy will still be attempting to clear Stark’s name, but Leviathan will take a more prominent role in the coming episodes. “Why did they steal Howard Stark’s stuff? And what’s Howard Stark’s secret agenda?” executive producer Michele Fazekas says. You may find a clue to that in the comics.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great, holiday weekend!!