Rueben's Ramblings

Hey All,

Happy Over the Hump Day! We are one more day closer to the weekend, which, I’m sure, cannot get here fast enough for all of us, right? Meanwhile, there is a lot of cool news to share with you so let’s get into today’s update, shall we?

TELEVISION

Actress America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) will join the cast The Good Wife as Natalie, a graduate student who catches the eye of Eli Gold. She will be featured in a three-episode arc starting during February sweeps. The same episode will find comedian as a judge. (Zap2It and Entertainment Weekly)

As I posted earlier, The Big Bang Theory has been picked up for three more seasons by CBS. Congrats to the cast and crew on that BIG payday. (Twitter)

Actor Skeet Ulrich and actresses Regina Hall and Megan Boone are leaving the new NBC drama Law & Order: Lost Angeles, as part of a significant “creative overhaul,” but this behind-the-scenes drama is not expected to stop production, which is currently filming episode 12. The series received a full season pick-up in October. (Deadline and Tracy Phillips at Fancast)

TONIGHT’S TV SCHEDULE CHANGE: The NBC series Chase was to have its return tonight, but the network has bumped it one week later with the return now slated for January 19 at 9 PM. No reason was given for the change. (The Futon Critic)

Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville) will appear in the new mid-season FOX comedy Breaking In as a crafty peddler who figures into a potential romantic triangle with the top-shelf computer hackers played by Odette (Yustman) Annable (Brothers & Sisters) and Bret Harrison (V and Reaper). Rumors still abound about Michael returning to Smallville before the series concludes its final season this May, but nothing has been confirmed. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Eddie Cibrian (Third Watch) will reprise his role of Ben Crowley on the NBC series Chase. He is expected to appear in the February 23 episode. (William Keck at TV Guide)

Paola Turbay (Cane and The Closer) has signed on to True Blood‘s fourth season. (Deadline and Megan Masters at TV Line)

Actress Ashley Johnson has joined the cast of the new AMC drama series The Killing as a recurring character. The series is a murder mystery that centers on Sarah (Mireille Enos), the lead homicide detective who investigates the murder of a young girl. Johnson will play the wife of suspect Bennet Ahmed (Branden Jay McLaren) who, sandbagged when Sarah (Enos) and Holder (Joel Kinnaman) show up at her apartment unannounced, tells a revealing story from Ahmed’s past. The series premieres on March 13. (Deadline)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Actor Ben Lawson (The Deep End and the Aussie series Neighbours) has landed one of the two lead roles in the new USA Network pilot Wild Card, which is a witty drama about people behaving badly in Las Vegas and the lawyers who solve their problems. The Australian actor plays Will Garrett, a successful Wall Street attorney who could be living the American Dream but instead feels trapped in life (James Hibberd at Entertainment Weekly)

ONLINE SERIES

Kiefer Sutherland will follow up his critically-beloved run on the FOX drama 24 with a web series that will appear on Hulu this March. The online series is called The Confession. It will include 10 five-to-seven-minute webisodes with Sutherland as a hitman who has a theological discussion with a priest (John Hurt) about why his victims deserved to die. Much of the story plays out in action-packed flashbacks. Hope is not all lost for that 24 movie, as Sutherland says a big-screen version is still in the works and, in fact, he hopes to begin production within a year. (Lynette Rice at Entertainment Weekly)

CONDOLENCES

The remaining member of the Nelson family – famous for the long-running classic TV series Ozzie and Harriet – David Nelson – passed away on Monday at the age of 74 from a battle with colon cancer. (E! Entertainment Online)

ME: Deepest condolences are extended to his family, friends and fans.

MOMENT OF SILENCE, PLEASE…

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Must Watch: Awesome Full Theatrical ‘Battle: Los Angeles’ Trailer

BOX OFFICE NEWS

The front runners for the female lead in the upcoming movie Incarceron (based on the novel of the same name), which is to star Twilight hunk Taylor Lautner include Blake Lively (Gossip Girl), Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone and the upcoming X-Men First Class) and Emma Watson (the Harry Potter franchise). Lautner is also expected to appear in an as-yet untitled spy thriller described as “The Bourne Identity for the next generation.” Lautner will appear in the thriller called Abduction that is to be out in theatres on September 23. (Jeff Sneider at The Wrap)

ME: For those who have seen either or both Tron and Country Strong, here is an article about actor Garrett Hedlund, who was the lead in Tron alongside Jeff Bridges and Olivia Wilde and appeared alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw and Leighton Meester in Country Strong:

Garrett Hedlund Realizes his Hollywood Dreams

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

Question: I could really use some Chuck scoop right about now. — Marcus

ADAM: Might Chuck soon be meeting his next big foe? I’m hearing that the show is casting a major recurring guest star, a sophisticated Oxford socialite whose father is a criminal mastermind.

Question: NCIS scoop, please! — Barry

ADAM: Who’s in the mood for a little romance? The show is looking to cast a sexy tomboy type who gambles online and plays laser tag. She’s smart, strong-willed and looking to get even with her scumbag ex-boyfriend. Perhaps she’ll find a new flame in one of the NCIS boys?

Question: Will Lisa turn against the Visitors this season on V? — Tara

NATALIE: Yes, and Diana (Jane Badler) will be instrumental in that process when she forms an alliance with her granddaughter. This will force Anna to expedite her plans for the human race. “She figures out it’s got to be now or never for her plans,” Morena Baccarin tells us. “The hybrid baby is an option, but there’s [another] option.” Person, place or thing? “Kind of all of the above,” Baccarin says with a laugh.

Question: So sad Life Unexpected I ending! Any scoop on next Tuesday’s two-hour finale? —James

Ausiello: The show isn’t going to let a little thing like cancellation prevent a certain plucky blond from receiving her high school diploma. I hear the swan song will jump forward two years to Lux’s high school graduation.

Question: I for one love the Torchwood storyline involving the entire human race becoming immortal. Tell me more! —Missy

Ausiello: All I’ll say is that Captain Jack’s own immortality will figure into the plot in a big way.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Greetings on a cold January day (even here in Southern California). Hope your work week is going well. I have quite a number of news items to share so let’s get right into today’s update:

TELEVISION

Fox has renewed their new comedy Raising Hope for a second season. (Twitter)

Actress Patricia Wettig has made her final appearance on Brothers & Sisters, although an insider says the door is being left open for her character Holly Harper to possibly return. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Meanwhile, actor Pedro Pascal (The Good Wife) is joining Brothers & Sisters in a potentially recurring role, playing Zach, a homeless war vet who Justin (Dave Annable) takes under his wing. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

The two-night series preview of the new FOX series Terra Nova will air on May 23 and 24 at 9 PM both nights. The series will officially debut this fall. The series is an epic family adventure 85 million years in the making, following an ordinary family embarking on an incredible journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. In the year 2149 the world is dying. The planet is overdeveloped, overcrowded and over polluted. With no known way to reverse the damage to the planet, scientists discover a portal to prehistoric Earth. This doorway leads to an amazing world, one that allows for a last-ditch effort to save the human race…a second chance to rebuild civilization and get it right this time. The cast includes Jason O’Mara, Stephen Lang, Shelley Conn, Landon Liboiron, Naomi Scott and newcomer Alana Mansour. [NOTE: See the following link for a first look at this series stars via new PR photos.] (The Futon Critic)

FIRST LOOK AT UPCOMING TV

First Look: The Cast of TERRA NOVA

ARTICLE ON UPCOMING TELEVISION

Day of the Dead: Inside Torchwood: Miracle Day

MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE

The Disney Channel movie called Lemonade Mouth (based on the book of the same name by Mark Peter Hughes) will debut on the cable network on March 25 at 8 PM. The movie focuses on an unlikely ensemble of five students – Olivia, Wen, Stella, Mohini and Charlie – who, after meeting in detention, gradually realize their shared musical connection and belief that it’s time for the students of Mesa High to stand up and be heard on things big and small. Ultimately, as they open up to each other and form friendships, they start a band — Lemonade Mouth –that soon resonates with students sidelined by the high school elite. However, not everyone in the school is ready to cheer them on, especially since the popular rock group Mudslide Crush is determined to maintain their headline status and win the coveted Rising Star music competition at Mesa High. The movie stars Bridgit Mendler, Adam Hicks, Hayley Kiyoko, Naomi Scott and newcomer Blake Michael. Co-stars include Tisha Campbell-Martin and Christopher McDonald. The soundtrack for this movie will be available on March 22. (The Futon Critic)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

New Action-Filled Theatrical Trailer for TokyoPop’s ‘Priest’ Movie

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Michelle Pfeiffer will co-star with Chris Pine (as his widowed mother) in the upcoming box office movie Welcome to People. The movie is about an estranged son who returns home for his father’s funeral and must sort through his dad’s secret life. Elizabeth Banks plays Pine’s alcoholic half-sister and Olivia Wilde has been cast as Pine’s girlfriend. (Anthony Breznican at Entertainment Weekly)

Charlize Theron is no longer attached to the biopic J. Edgar (which is set to star Leonardo Di Caprio) – as she has officially signed to the upcoming movie Snow White and the Huntsman. Taking her place could be Naomi Watts or Amy Adams, but nothing has been confirmed yet on the recasting. Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl) has joined the cast of this flick. (Deadline and Dark Horizons)

Actors Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis will reprise their Lord of the Rings roles in The Hobbit. This news follows the announcement that Elijah Wood will play Frodo Baggins in the upcoming J.R.R. Tolkien two-part adaptation. McKellan will again play Gandalf, while Serkis will portray Gollum, as both characters are vital to the tale of The Hobbit in which Gandalf recruits Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) to join a quest to reclaim a dragon’s treasure, and Gollum possesses a powerful ring that comes to play a pivotal role. (Gina DiNunno at TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly)

Actor Ron Livingston (Office Space) has joined the cast of two very different projects. First is the upcoming movie The Odd Life of Timothy Green (no details on this film yet) and the drama flick Ten Year, which follows a group of friends who reunite a decade after their high school graduation. Livingston will play the husband of Rosario Dawson’s character, who was Channing Tatum’s love interest back in school. Actor Max Minghella (The Social Network) has joined Ten Year, which also includes cast members Justin Long, Kate Mara, Anthony Mackie, Chris Pratt, Scott Porter, Jenna Dewan, Lynn Collins, Brian Geraghty and Oscar Isaac. (Jeff Sneider at The Wrap)

Actress Lena Headey (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and soon to be seen in the HBO series Game of Thrones) will be facing off against Karl Urban in the new adaptation of Judge Dredd, playing the villainous role of Madeline Madrigal (aka Ma-Ma), the leader of a gang who over run the Peach Tree City Block. (First Showing and Bleeding Cool)

Actor John Michael Higgins will appear in the movie We Bought a Zoo that follows a man (Matt Damon and his family who move into a mansion that includes the 30-acre Dartmoor Wildlife Park, home to over 200 animals. He will play a zoo inspector. (The Hollywood Reporter and First Showing)

Brendan Fraser and Kristen Scott Thomas will star in the film Seconds of Pleasure, but there are no specific details on the movie as yet (Deadline and First Showing)

Tina Fey will star in the film Admission, an adaptation of the Jean Hanff Korelitz novel of the same name, which follows an admissions officer at Princeton and her relationship with a prospective student who may not be Ivy League material. (The Wrap and First Showing)

John Hawkes and Molly Parker have signed on to star in the indie film The Playroom that follows suburban parents of four in 1975 where their volatile teenage daughter (Olivia Harris) acts as surrogate mother to the younger children, who have created a make-believe world in their attic hideaway while the parents act out a sordid story below. (Variety and First Showing)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Did everyone have a good weekend? I sure hope! There’s quite a bit of news to share so let’s get right into it all.

TELEVISION

As mentioned in my earlier posts today, ABC Family has renewed Pretty Little Liars and The Secret Life of the American Teenager for new seasons. Meanwhile, ABC picked up Castle, Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy for new seasons. As more renewals are announced (if any), you will find the announcements here. (Twitter)

Adrian Pasdar (Heroes) will guest star in Castle as Eric Fallon, an FBI agent tasked with trying to track down and neutralize a threat that has the NYPD at full alert. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

The HBO production Too Big Too Fail, based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, will debut on the cable network in May. The film will take a look at the epochal Wall Street financial crisis of 2008 and explore the inner sanctum of the powerful men and women who decided the fate of the world’s economy in a matter of a few weeks. The cast includes William Hurt, Ed Asner, Billy Crudup, Paul Giamatti, Topher Grace, Matthew Modine, Cynthia Nixon, Michael O’Keefe Bill Pullman, Tony Shalhoub (“Monk”), James Woods, Kathy Baker, Evan Handler, John Heard, Dan Hedaya and Joey Slotnick. (The Futon Critic)

The made-for-TV movie Mildred Pierce will air as a five-part mini-series on HBO in March. The film stars Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce, James LeGros, Melissa Leo, Bryan F. O’Byrne and Evan Rachel Wood. Mare Winningham and Hope Davis co-star. The film is about a single mother during the Depression years with the world outside mirroring Mildred’s plight as the financial markets suddenly tumbled, impacting political and cultural sectors globally. (The Futon Critic)

The new HBO series Game of Thrones will debut on the cable network on April 17 (and run for a 10-episode season). The series, based on the best-selling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin follows kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power. The cast includes Mark Addy, Sean Bean, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey [among others]. (The Futon Critic)

Another HBO movie Cinema Verite, which is to debut in April, tells the behind-the-scenes story of the groundbreaking documentary “An American Family,” which chronicled the lives of the Louds in the early 1970s and catapulted the Santa Barbara family to notoriety while creating a new television genre: the reality TV series. The cast includes Diane Lane, Tim Robbins, James Gandolfini, Patrick Fugit, Kathleen Quinlan, Lolita Davidovich, Shanna Collins and Thomas Dekker. (The Futon Critic)

Laurence Fishburne will star in the HBO film Thurgood to air on the cable network on February 24 at 9 PM, as part of Black History Month. The one-man play stars Fishburne as Thurgood Marshall, the remarkable Civil Rights lawyer and Supreme Court Justice. (The Futon Critic)

MORE THE BEST OF TV 2011

The 50 Best Episodes of 2010: #10-1

FIRST LOOK AT NEW TV

Starz’ first ‘Camelot’ trailer (exclusive)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

The cable network Starz has greenlit a new series, Magic City, which centers around a hotel
in the heart of sexy, exciting Miami at the dawn of the 1960s. The series is expected to air in 2012. Casting will begin soon. (Linda Seide at The Voice of TV)

ABC has given the green light to an eight-hour miniseries based on Wicked, but not the musical version but rather the Gregory Maquire best seller on which the Broadway musical was based upon. (The TV Addict)

CONDOLENCES

British director Peter Yates passed away over the weekend after a long illness. The four-time Oscar nominee was 81. He directed the movies Bullitt and Breaking Away (among others).

ME: Rest in Peace, Mr. Yates. Sympathies are extended to his family, friends and fans.

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top 10 box office movies for this past weekend courtesy of Exhibitor Relations:

1. True Grit, $15 million
2. Little Fockers, $13.8 million
3. Season of the Witch, $10.7 million
4. Tron: Legacy, $9.8 million
5. Black Swan, $8.4 million
6. Country Strong, $7.3 million
7. The Fighter, $7 million
8. The King’s Speech, $6.811 million
9. Yogi Bear, $6.81 million
10. Tangled, $5.2 million

David Duchovny and Minnie Driver are set to appear in the indie comedy called Goats, which is an adaptation of the Mark Jude Poirier novel of the same name. The will be joined by Vera Farmiga, Keri Russell and Will Arnett in the story of a teen (Graham Phillips) who transfers to the East Coast prep school where his father made his mark as a student. Duchovny plays the makeshift father figure known as Goat Man whose life isn’t anything to swoon over, while Farmiga will play the teen’s mother. Meanwhile Arnett will play the mother’s boyfriend and Driver her best friend. Ty Burrell will play the teen’s father and Russell will play his new wife. (Variety and First Showing)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

So, it’s the end of the first week of January. How time flies, huh? There is quite a bit of interesting news items to share with all of you so let’s get right into all of it:

TELEVISION

Actor Mark Pellegrino (Supernatural, Lost and Dexter) will guest star as Virgil Downing, a notorious international contract killer who always gets the job done trained assassin in the upcoming fugitive-themed drama Breakout Kings from A&E. The series is slated to premiere in mid-March. Pellegrino will appear in the 10th episode. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Actress Camryn Manheim and actor Steve Harris (both from The Practice) will guest-star on the new NBC legal series, Harry’s Law, which was created by David E. Kelly, the creator of The Practice. Manheim will play an assistant district attorney in an episode slated to air sometime later this season; while Harris will portray a convict up for parole in the January 31 episode. (TV Line and Kate Stanhope at TV Guide)

Actor Sebastian Roche (General Hospital and Supernatural) is joining the cast of Criminal Minds as a recurring player. Specifics of Roche’s storyline are under wraps, though. Roche is also set to return to Supernatural for several more episodes, reprising his role as the angel Balthazar, one of Castiel’s old friends. (Nellie Andreeva at TV Line)

The new A&E series Breakout Kings has been given a premiere date: March 13 at 10 PM. The series follows an unconventional partnership between the U.S. Marshals’ office and a group of convicts as they work to catch fugitives on the run. Veteran U.S. Marshals Charlie Duchamp (Laz Alonso Avatar and Fast and the Furious 4: Fast & Furious) and Ray Zancanelli (Domenick Lombardozzi from The Wire and Entourage) decide to reject protocol and take an unorthodox approach to their work: using former fugitives to catch current ones. (The Futon Critic)

Meanwhile, the new AMC series The Killing will debut on April 3 at 10 PM. The series follows the story of the murder of a young girl in Seattle and the subsequent police investigation, tying together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victim’s grieving family and the suspects. The series stars Mireille Enos (Big Love) as Sarah Linden, the lead homicide detective that investigates the death of Rosie Larsen; Billy Campbell (Once and Again and The 4400) as Darren Richmond, Seattle’s City Council President, running for Mayor; Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash) as Stephen Holder, an ex-narc cop who joins the homicide division in the investigation to find Rosie’s killer; Michelle Forbes (True Blood) as Rosie’s mother, Mitch Larsen; and Brent Sexton (W. and In the Valley of Elah) as Rosie’s father, Stan Larsen. (The Futon Critic)

Grant Show will be return as Addison’s bad boy brother, Archer, in the February 10 episode of Private Practice. This episode will also feature the return of Stephen Collins (No Ordinary Family) as Addison’s father. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Actress Amy Acker (Angel, Happy Town and Dollhouse) will play a therapist in the new USA dramedy Common Law, which centers on polar opposite LAPD homicide detectives Wes Mitchell (Warren Kole from Mental) and Travis Marks (Michael Ealy from FlashForward) whose constant bickering prompts their captain to send them to couples counseling. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

ABC is finalizing a deal for a 13-episode order to a medical drama about a military hospital in Afghanistan to run in the summer. This set up is being done much the same as Canadian network partner, Canwest, and under the same low-cost financial model as ABC’s cop drama Rookie Blue. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

MADE-FOR-TV MOVIES

Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson will star in the HBO Films called The Sunset Limited, debuting on February 12 at 9 PM. The made-for-TV film is based on the play of the same name by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Cormac McCarthy, directed and executive produced by Tommy Lee Jones, written by McCarthy and produced by Barbara A. Hall. (The Futon Critic)

Lifetime has announced the premiere date for the made-for-TV film Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy, starring Hayden Panettiere (Heroes) in the title role: February 21 at 9 PM. The film is based on the infamous American exchange student accused by Italian authorities of killing her roommate. The film also stars Marcia Gay Harden. (The Hollywood Reporter)

MORE BEST OF TV FOR 2010

The 50 Best Episodes of 2010: #20-11

BOX OFFFICE NEWS

Actors Luka Haas and Diego Luna have joined the cast of the upcoming box office movie Contraband that already stars Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster, Giovanni Ribisi. The story follows a security guard and former alcohol smuggler on the Iceland-Netherlands route who is tempted back into illicit business by a dubious friend after encountering financial problems. (First Showing and What’s Playing)

Warner Bros. announced they will pay for the entire $500 million price tag to finally get the long-gestating adaptation of The Hobbit off the ground with Peter Jackson as director. Additionally, Elijah Wood will appear as Frodo in the opening sequences of each film. (TheOneRing.net and First Showing)

SPOILER ROOM (from Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

CHARISMA CARPENTER’S TEGAN RETURNS TO ‘GREEK’ FOR GRADE-A BITCHERY

This week, ZBZ National Rep Tegan drops by for rush week and clashes with Rebecca in a huge way over potential pledges and how she’s running the house. But seeing these two acid-tongued femmes battle it out for the final word is like watching two carnivorous beasts fight over the last chunk of ripe carcass. The two particularly disagree on how to deal with the search for a new house mom, a role Casey takes on temporarily during the episode. Although, someone does get picked for the job by the end of the hour, and you already know them very well. Other things to look forward to: Star Wars sex, a Scrubs 2.0 shout-out, and the introduction of pledge Spiderman.

SIDE DISHES (from Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

Question: You were totally right about the end of last week’s Castle. So cute!! Any scoop to report? – B

Answer: EP Laurie Zaks told me exclusively that fans can look forward to a March episode that will wink and nod to Nathan Fillion’s One Life to Live days. Titled “One Life to Lose,” the episode finds Beckett and Castle investigating the death of a very popular soap star. Imagine the casting possibilities!

Question: V didn’t do so well out of the gate, and that’s a shame!! I love Elizabeth Mitchell. If I saw her in person, I would fall to my knees and bow to her. Anything fun to report on what’s coming up for Erica? — Randy

Answer: It sounds like someone’s in love…and kinda creepy. So I’m not sure how you’ll take news of Erica’s possible romantic future. “She is gonna end up hooking up with somebody, and for, I think, a pretty legitimate reason,” Mitchell told us. “That’s farther down the road.” Guesses? Hobbs seems a little obvious, no? Perhaps man of God Jack Landry? (For more on V, check out Lynette Rice’s chat with Jane Badler and our chat with your girl Mitchell.)

Question: I would love some scoop on No Ordinary Family. — Stacie

Answer: And I would love to give you some. While you might already know that John Hughes alum, and former star of The Dead Zone Anthony Michael Hall, will be appearing in an upcoming episode, I’ve learned that he will be playing Daphne’s boyfriend’s father, and that this meet-the-parents doesn’t go exactly as planned. In related scoop, Autumn Reeser, whose recently announced pregnancy is being written into the show, told EW at the People’s Choice Awards Wednesday night that contrary to rumors, her character probably won’t be obtaining any powers…this year. “I think there is still so much to explore with the four lead characters and their powers,” she said. “If we went for a second season, I’d love to see my character develop a power. Why not?”

Question: Got more news about the Supernatural episode where the guys play themselves? We know Genevieve Cortese is appearing. Who else will we get to see play themselves? — Wendy

Answer: The upcoming meta-episode that takes the Winchester brothers into an alternate universe where they are actors named Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles will also feature some other characters with names you might recognize — Sera Gamble, Eric Kripke, and Bob Singer. But don’t look for the real-life executive producers to appear as themselves: they will be played by actors. I also hear Castiel/Misha Collins will appear, but sadly, Jim Beaver will not.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today, including a full list of winners from last night’s People’s Choice Awards:

TELEVISION

All My Children actress Alexa Havins has joined the cast of the new version of the Torchwood series that will debut on Starz. She will play Esther Katusi, a CIA Watch Analyst who possesses an unshakable faith in human nature and a monster crush on colleague Rex (Mekhi Phifer). Also, actress Dichen Lachman (Dollhouse) will guest star in the premiere, but details are scare on character except that she also works at the CIA. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Former Seinfeld star Jason Alexander Jason Alexander will guest star on the upcoming TNT series Franklin & Bash, playing Carter, a wealthy CEO who seeks to put the titular lawyers (Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar) on retainer, but his unethical behavior puts the duo in hot water. (Adam Bryant at TV Guide)

Actress L. Scott Caldwell (Rose on Lost) will guest star on Grey’s Anatomy, playing the wife of a patient participating in the Alzheimer’s clinical trial that Derek is heading with Alex assisting. Her episode is scheduled to air Feb. 23. (TV Line and Joyce Eng at TV Guide)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

The production company of J.J. Abrams, Bad Robot, is developing Pulp, a crime drama set in a slightly heightened reality, not unlike Quentin Tarantino’s neo-noir classic. The company will begin pitching Pulp to networks next week. (TV Line and Joyce Eng at TV Guide)

MORE THE BEST OF 2010 TV

The 50 Best Episodes of 2010: #30-21

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Twilight franchise star Robert Pattison has accepted the lead role in the film Cosmopolis, an adaptation of the Don DeLillo novel of the same name. The film is described as a study of capitalism in a slightly futuristic metropolis. Pattinson will play Eric Packer, a financial wunderkind who risks his entire fortune to bet against the yen on a tumultuous trading day. The young man’s decision backfires and he becomes a possible assassination target during a 24-hour odyssey across Manhattan. Pattinson replaces Colin Farrell in the film, which co-stars Marion Cotillard as his wife and Paul Giamatti. (Jeff Sneider at The Wrap)

For the first time since 1983 (and the movie Yentl), Barbara Streisand is negotiating to produce, direct and star in an adaptation of the classic 1959 Broadway musical Gypsy. (The New York Post and First Showing)

Actress Sienna Miller has joined the cast of the upcoming New Year’s Eve movie (a sequel of sorts to the Valentine’s Day movie), which already includes cast members Robert De Niro, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutcher, Abigail Breslin, and Til Schweiger. The film is expected to be released this December. (Mandi Bierly at Entertainment Weekly)

AWARD WINNERS

Here’s the list of the winners from the 37th Annual People’s Choice Awards (from E! Entertainment Online):

MOVIES
Favorite Movie: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Movie Actor: Johnny Depp
Movie Actress: Kristen Stewart
Action Movie: Iron Man 2
Action Star: Jackie Chan
Drama Movie: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Family Movie: Toy Story 3
Comedy Movie: Grown Ups
Comedic Star: Adam Sandler
On-Screen Team: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner
Movie Star Under 25: Zac Efron
Horror Movie: A Nightmare on Elm Street

TELEVISION
Favorite TV Drama: House
TV Drama Actor: Hugh Laurie
TV Drama Actress: Lisa Edelstein
TV Comedy: Glee
TV Comedy Actor: Neil Patrick Harris
TV Comedy Actress: Jane Lynch
TV Competition Show: American Idol
TV Crime Drama: Lie to Me
TV Crime Fighter: Tim Roth, Lie to Me
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Fringe
Talk Show Host: Conan O’Brien
TV Obsession: Dexter
TV Guilty Pleasure: Keeping Up With the Kardashians
TV Guest Star: Demi Lovato, Grey’s Anatomy
TV Doctor: Hugh Laurie
TV Family: The Simpsons
Family TV Movie: Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam
TV Chef: Rachael Ray
New TV Comedy: $#*! My Dad Says
New TV Drama: Hawaii 5-0

MUSIC
Favorite Song: “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem featuring Rihanna
Favorite Male Artist: Eminem
Female Artist: Katy Perry
Rock Band: Paramore
Breakout Artist: Selena Gomez & the Scene
Pop Artist: Rihanna
Country Artist: Taylor Swift
R&B Artist: Usher
Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem
Music Video: “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem featuring Rihanna

ONLINE
Online Sensation: Katy Perry
Viral Video Star: “Single Ladies” Devastation, the Whittaker family

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

It’s over the hump day and it’s also the first day of the TCA (Television Critics Association Press junket with the networks). Wish I were there covering it, but I haven’t made the cut quite yet, but I’m hopeful that will change one day.

Anyway, there are some interesting items to share with all of you today so here goes:

TELEVISION

Hawaii Five-0 has been given the timeslot after the NFL AFC Championship game on Sunday January 23. Mark your calendars. (The TV Addict)

Debra Messing will guest star Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in February, playing a television journalist working to expose pedophiles. The SVU detectives must step in when her own life is put in danger. (The Futon Critic)

Actor Grant Show (from the original Melrose Place) will make a surprise appearance in the premiere episode of Big Love on January 16. He will play a spiritual marketing guru who shows up just as Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin) is having a meltdown over her jewelry business. (Lynette Rice and Tim Stack at TV Guide)

Buffy alum Adam Busch will guest star in at least one episode of Grey’s Anatomy, playing a first-year resident who must shadow Dr. Cristina Yang. (Kristin and Jennifer at E! Entertainment Online)

MORE OF THE BEST OF 2010 TV

The 50 Best Episodes of 2010: #40-31

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Gemma Arterton will play the sister half of the titular duo in Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, a dark twist on the classic fairytale siblings. Jeremy Renner is apparently still attached to the project as Hansel. In this version, we follow Hansel and Gretel some 15 years after that whole gingerbread house incident with the brother and sister known as famed witch hunters. (Heat Vision and First Showing)

John Goodman will appear alongside Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks in the adaptation of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Goodman is set to play a doorman for 10-year-old Oksar, who embarks on a journey around New York City after losing his father (Hanks) in the September 11 attacks. (The Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly)

Sam Rockwell has signed on to join Brad Pitt in the comic crime saga Cogan’s Trade, which has Pitt playing Jackie Cogan, a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that takes place during a high stakes poker game held under the protection of the mob. Rumor has it that Casey Affleck may possibly participate. (Mike Fleming at Deadline)

James Badge Dale and Dallas Roberts (both from Rubicon) will join Liam Neeson in the upcoming film called The Grey, a thriller that follows a group of Alaskan pipeline workers being hunted by wolves in the frigid wilderness after their plane crashes on their way back home. The cast also includes Dermot Mulroney and Frank Grillo [among others]. (First Showing and Deadline)

Q&A SECTION (with Adam and Natalie from TV Guide AND Michael Ausiello from TV Line)

Question: Have you heard anything more about the new character on Hawaii Five-0? — Mark

ADAM: The show is still on the lookout for what’s now being described as a young version of Jack Ryan from The Hunt for Red October. (That doesn’t rule out the ladies though, as we’re hearing the character could very well be a woman.) Further, we’ll first meet the character as part of a protection detail enlisted for McGarrett. But we’ll soon learn that he or she also has a score to settle with Wo Fat.

Question: Anything good coming up on Blue Bloods? — Lisa

ADAM: When Frank gets shot (yes, shot), his kids kick things into overdrive trying to find the assailant. More surprising will be that their main suspect has a history with Frank, and his attack is of the eye-for-an-eye variety. Revenge is a dish best served cold, like nearly 40 years cold.

Question: Any scoop on Nikita’s Alex now that she’s staying at the agency? — Harry

NATALIE: An upcoming mission will find Alex on a date with a wunderkind techno kid who is developing a device that will make the iPhone look like an eight-track. The mission takes a turn for the worse when Alex has a run-in with the head of the Russian sex trade ring into which she was once sold.

Question: It seems like Erica is becoming a better leader on V. Could the Fifth Column have a chance at defeating the Visitors? — Sam

NATALIE: Erica will make some major missteps as the leader of the Fifth Column this season. “The [mistakes] have a massive effect, and people get hurt,” Elizabeth Mitchell tells us. But she’ll learn from her mistakes. “Some other things that she does are quite effective,” she says. “As the season goes on, she’s willing to risk more and more.”

Question: Any new stuff on Supernatural? —Christy

Ausiello: As you may or may not have heard, a late winter episode will obliterate the fourth wall by transporting Sam and Dean to an alt-universe where they are actors named Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki starring in a cult TV show called Supernatural. Wait, it gets wink-winkier: In this other dimension, Sam/Jared has a wife — and it’s none other than Padalecki’s real-life bride (and former Supernatural costar) Genevieve Cortese.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

I have a lot more links than usual to share with everyone today. There were just too many good things to share to shorten them down. You have to see and/or read them as they are intended. So those will be first:

THE BEST OF TV FOR 2010

The 50 Best Episodes of 2010: #50-41

PREPARATION FOR NEW TV TONIGHT

Show 101: V

Show 101: Southland

ARTICLES/VIDEO ABOUT TELEVISION

More TV viewers may be cutting the cord this year

First look at Starz’ ‘Camelot’: ‘One word? Fleshy.’

ME: This is a really a terrific cast!! I may just have to figure out how to get Starz since that is one of the few channels I don’t already receive.

JUST HAD TO SHARE (TOO FUNNY!!)

James Van Der Beek launches James Van Der Memes

ONLINE FANDOMS

Which Show Has the Strongest Online Fandom? Science Attempts to Measure

ME: Okay, now for some sad news:

CONDOLENCES

Character actor Bill Erwin, who has appeared on several episodes of Gunsmoke, The Fugitive, Perry Mason, Growing Pains, Highway to Heaven, and Just the Ten of Us, as well as more recently appearing on episodes of Monk, The West Wing, Just Shoot Me!, and My Name Is Earl has passed away. He was 96. Viewers will best know Mr. Erwin from his Emmy nominated role in Seinfeld as Sid “The Old Man” Fields and as the knowledgeable bellhop in the 1980 film Somewhere in Time (his character helped Christopher Reeves time travel to find love). (Entertainment Weekly)

ME: And, now the remainder of the news for today:

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Olivia Wilde has joined the cast of the family drama film called Welcome to People, follows a struggling twenty-something junk dealer (Chris Pine) who returns home to Los Angeles for the funeral of his estranged record-producer father. His late dad’s last will stipulates that he delivers $150,000 in cash to a 30-year-old alcoholic sister (Banks) he never knew existed. Determined to keep the money, he makes contact with her and her troubled teenage son anyway but doesn’t reveal who he really is. Wilde will play Hannah, his character’s girlfriend. (Reuters and Dark Horizons)

Actress Jodie Foster will join Matt Damon and Sharlto Copley in the sci-fi feature called Elysium to directed by District 9 director Neill Blomkamp. Story details are still being kept under wraps, though. (Dark Horizons)

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

Question: Alison O. (via Twitter): Can you please clear up a mix-up? It seems that the press release for Medium’s next episode states that David Arquette and not Ryan Hurst will be playing Michael Benoit?

Kristin: Sadly, it’s true. Patricia Arquette’s real-life brother David Arquette will be replacing Ryan Hurst, who originated the part of Allison’s half-brother Lucky Benoit, in the “Half-Lucky” episode of Medium. A show insider whispers that Hurst was not available to reprise the role, and we inquired with Hurst’s people about that, but haven’t heard back. Mysterious, no?

WARNING: Remainder of this Q&A Section is a SPOILER ZONE. Tread lightly – SPOILER ALERT!!

Question: @TooCool_2012 (via Twitter): Is Bonnie gonna hook-up with Jeremy or the new guy Luka?

Kristin: Yes! That’s a pretty safe answer to your question because Katerina Graham herself just told us this about what lies ahead: “Bonnie does get a kiss.” So which guy will seal the deal? She’s not saying, but she did spill some other details on Jeremy and Luka and the possibility of Damon and Bonnie, so stand by for more from Katerina soon.

Question: @jvento (via Twitter): What’s coming up when Chuck returns?

Kristin: Chuck (Zachary Levi) is about to get all Casanova-like with Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski). And by “Casanova-like,” I mean trying to create a romantic getaway out of a mission that takes him to a French vineyard. Not the same, but at least Chuck is attempting to play double-duty. And that usually goes so well for him.

Question: Schemingstar05 (via Twitter) Any spoilers for Supernatural?

Kristin: Did you know Supernatural is the best show of 2010? You did? OK, how about some scoop from the first episode of 2011? A dragon (we’re talking a dragon with ginormous wings) is breaking into people’s houses and snatching up local girls wearing purity rings. For those who are interested in the cool monster factor of demon-hunting, this will be the episode for you. If you just want to see Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) working together and everything returning to sunshine and puppy dogs…maybe not the episode for you.

Question: Penny: I’m way excited for new episodes of Royal Pains! What do we fans have to look forward to?

Kristin: Tom Cavanaugh guests in Royal Pains’ first episode back on Jan. 20 and reminds us: Dude is adorable and seriously needs his own show. In other news, two key employees tender their resignations to HankMed CEO Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein)—and since HankMed only has two employees, we’re pretty sure you can guess who they are. Gasp!

Question: Bear: I’m missing my man Marshal Marshall on In Plain Sight—any news on my second-favorite ABQ show after Breaking Bad?

Kristin: You have fine taste in New Mexico-based programming, my friend. When season four of In Plain Sight launches, look for a new local lady cop who is… dating Marshall (the relentlessly fantastic Fred Weller). Aaah! Mary (Mary McCormack) instantly hates Det. Abigail Chaffee, of course, but all things considered, Abigail is a good woman who wouldn’t be a terrible long-term match for Marshall. Any thoughts on who should play the new girl in town?

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Welcome to the first entertainment update of 2011. There are some interesting things to share with all of you so please read on:

TV ARTICLES

Keck’s Exclusives First Look: V Brings Back an Old Fave

Show 101: Pretty Little Liars

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Actor Diego Klattenhoff (Men in Trees) has been cast in the Showtime pilot Homeland where he will play Mike Faber, a Marine colonel and the best friend of Scott Brody (Damian Lewis), the lead character who returns after years in exile in Iraq only to raise the suspicion of a CIA agent (Claire Danes) who suspects that Brody may now harbor anti-American, jihadist tendencies. Mandy Patinkin plays Danes’ boss, and Laura Fraser is Brody’s wife. (Marisa Guthrie at The Hollywood Reporter)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

The following are the top 10 movies at the box office for this past holiday weekend according to Exhibitor Relations:

1. Little Fockers, $26.3 million
2. True Grit, $24.5 million
3. Tron: Legacy, $18.3 million
4. Yogi Bear, $13 million
5. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, $10.5 million
6. Tangled, $10.01 million
7. The Fighter, $10 million
8. Gulliver’s Travels, $9.1 million
9. Black Swan, $8.5 million
10. The King’s Speech, $7.6 million

The much-anticipated movie version of Kiefer Sutherland’s TV thriller series 24 isn’t happening any time in the foreseeable future. The script for the flick was turned down by executives at 20th Century Fox. The future of “24: The Movie,” is best-described by executive producer Howard Gordon as being “in suspended animation.” (Entertainment Weekly and Radaronline.com)

CONDOLENCES

Oscar-nominated British actor Pete Postlethwaite passed away in London at the age of 64 after a long battle with cancer. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 1993 film In the Name of the Father and had recently been seen in the critically acclaimed film Inception and had worked on The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Amistad. (LA Times)

Actress Anne Francis, who co-starred in the 1950’s science-fiction classic Forbidden Planet passed away over the weekend. She was also known for her lead role in the 1960’s TV series Honey West, playing a sexy female private detective. She was 80. (LA Times)

NOTE: Rest in Peace Mr. Postlethwaite and Ms. Francis! Deepest condolences are extended to their families, friends and fans.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE, PLEASE…

Q&A SECTION (with Matt Roush at TV Guide)

Question: When Human Target premiered last season, I thought that this would be a good thing, especially since 24 was ending and Target seemed to have a bit of an edge to it, even though it was episodic. This season, however, Target has a totally different feel to it with the new cast members, which I didn’t think they needed, and new theme song. The show has even lightened up in its tone. It’s starting to look more like Burn Notice. Is this the producers’ attempt to gain more viewers? — Bill

Matt Roush: The simple answer is yes. Adding two female regulars was clearly a bid to broaden the show’s appeal — and while I think Indira Varma was a fine add as the new boss figure, I’m not sure what the Ames character is really bringing to the party, though I don’t mind her — but I’m not sure that likening it to a USA series is the insult you may intend it to be. For me, Human Target has from the start felt more like a caper series than a hard-edged action adventure, never intended to be taken as seriously as 24. Chance’s back story clearly has a dark side, and Guerrero always means business and has edge (though he’s as hilarious as he is lethal), but the show has always been much closer in tone to USA than FX, unless I’ve missed something. I’m not sure these tweaks will help the show find an audience, especially with the strategy of scheduling back-to-back episodes the next two weeks — too much of an OK thing, even for a fan. But I’m also not convinced they’ve done irreparable harm.

Question: The reader who wrote to ask what city we’re looking at when watching certain shows struck a chord with me. I have lived in the metro Atlanta area for over 20 years and have seen movie and TV productions come and go. Lately, there has been a large influx of productions due to some hefty tax incentives. Drop Dead Diva, The Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead and all of Tyler Perry’s TV comedies are filmed around here. Diva is set in L.A., so it is odd to see the peach logo at the end of the credits. The best use of Atlanta locations that I have seen since Driving Miss Daisy was in the recent Lifetime TV-movie, Marry Me. It was set in Atlanta and featured a number of places that I love. It didn’t hurt to have Lucy Liu and Steven Pasquale at their most charming strolling, driving and jogging around the city and environs. When the story shifts to a French castle, they’re actually in neighboring North Carolina at the Biltmore estate. The only false note was Annie Potts carrying a Macy’s bag through a mall that doesn’t have a Macy’s store, but that was a minor quibble and was perhaps a product placement. I just wonder if I’ll get as jaded as the L.A. or Vancouver folks must be seeing my city used as a backdrop for stories that may or may not be set here. Marry Me was a real treat in any case. — Frank

Matt Roush: Thanks for that observation. It’s especially refreshing when a project filmed on location actually allows itself to be set there. (Why, when you think of it, couldn’t a show like Diva be set in Atlanta?)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

It’s the last day of 2011. I hope you all are enjoying your big holiday celebration. Please don’t drink and drive, though. I have combined the entertainment news from yesterday and today together, but there wasn’t very much to share. Although it is short, I think you’ll find some interesting items below:

ARTICLE ABOUT TELEVISION

‘Chuck’ co-creator Chris Fedak answers your questions in this week’s Spoiler Room

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) will play Hawkeye in the upcoming movie The Avengers (to be directed by Joss Whedon), but this character is expected to make a cameo in the soon-to-be-in-the-theatres movie Thor. Make sure you stick around for the very end of the movie Thor to see if this cameo actually takes place. (The Wrap)

Samuel L. Jackson and Luke Wilson will star in the adaptation of the novel Meeting Evil by Thomas Berger. The film will follow a depressed real-estate agent recently fired from his job who crosses paths with a mysterious stranger (Jackson) in need of his help. Before you know it, the duo embarks on a day-long crime spree in a strangely odd symbiotic relationship. Leslie Bibb (Talladega Nights and Iron Man) will also star as Wilson’s wife. (Scene Magazine via The Wrap and First Showing)

RUMOR PATROL

Rumor has it that Tim Burton MIGHT be developing a sequel his film The Nightmare Before Christmas, but there is no confirmation of this rumor as yet. (Dread Central and First Showing)

That’s it. Enjoy!

Happy New Year!!

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Hey All,

Really short update for today, but there were at least a couple interesting items to share with all of you:

TELEVISION

Starz plans to give viewers an early look at its upcoming drama Camelot by airing the full 64-minute premiere after the finale of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena airs on Friday, February 25. Spartacus airs at 10 PM and the Camelot sneak peek should air at approximately 11 PM. Camelot will then formally launch on April 1 at 1 PM. (The Futon Critic)

Legendary actor Ed Asner will appear on the new CMT show, Working Class, which stars Melissa Peterman as a single mom who takes a job at a frou-frou grocery store. Asner will play her neighbor and co-worker Hank. (Margaret Lyons at Entertainment Weekly)

Webisodes you should watch before seeing Primeval season 4

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Diane Kruger will appear as Marie Antoinette in the adaptation of the Chantal Thomas novel called Farewell, My Queen that will be a look at the 1789 French Revolution through the eyes of a royal reader played by Lea Seydoux (Robin Hood), who recalls the historical events 30 years later. (Allocine via The Playlist and First Showing)

Joining Leonardo DiCaprio and Armie Hammer (The Social Network) in the upcoming movie J. Edgar will be Damon Herriman (Justified) as Bruno Hauptmann, the man convicted of kidnapping and killing the Lindbergh baby as well as Judi Dench in an unknown role. Charlize Theron MAY appear as Helen Gandy, a Justice Department file clerk who ended up being Hoover’s personal secretary. (The Playlist, Sandwich John Films and First Showing)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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