Rueben's Ramblings

Hey All,

Welcome back to reality after that nice, long holiday weekend, right?!

Here are the news items for the holiday weekend and today:

TELEVISION

Actor Chris Carmack (The O.C.) and siblings Lennon and Maisy Stella have been promoted to full-time series regulars on Nashville for its upcoming second season on ABC. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

INTERNATIONAL MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE NEWS

A “one-off” movie called Legacy has been ordered by the BBC Two that will star actress Romola Garai (The Hour) and Charlie Cox (Boardwalk Empire) in a story that will be set in 1970s London during the height of the Cold War when a young spy discovers the disturbing truth about his father’s complex past. (Nancy Tartaglione at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top 10 box office movies for this past holiday weekend (estimates based on information gathered as of Sunday by Deadline)

1. Despicable Me 2 – 82.5 million
2. The Lone Ranger – 29.4 million
3. The Heat – 25 million
4. Monsters University – 19.5 million
5. World War Z – 18.2 million
6. White House Down – 13.5 million
7. Man of Steel – 11.4 million
8. Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain – 10.1 million
9. This Is The End – 5.8 million
10. Now You See Me – 2.7 million

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Watch: Kristen Bell Goes Poolside in Trailer for Indie ‘The Lifeguard’

NOTE: The young guy who is the “love interest” for Kristen’s character is David Lambert, who plays Brandon on the ABC Family drama The Fosters.

Q&A SECTION/SPOILER ROOM (with Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

Question: Will Nick’s precarious situation be resolved in the first five minutes of the new season by a rescue, or will he actually be taking an unscheduled trip to Europe? I noticed that Renard was last seen watching his brother leave the hotel, with the implication that he was going to follow him, but I’m not sure whether that was intentional. — Isaac

Sandra: Don’t expect a quick resolution in the case of Nick’s zombiefication at all. In fact, Kouf tells me, “It’s going to take a couple of scripts to get Nick back into shape. Gotta say, he’s having a tough time. It hasn’t been easy on him,” he says. He adds that it will take a huge group effort to help Nick, who will definitely be a changed man after his experience. “Like with any near-death experience or medical issue that someone deals with, it kind of changes their lives. You have a new perspective on things, so Nick is going to have to deal with the residual effects,” he teases.

Question: I have been a faithful Grimm watcher since the first episode! Since season 2, you have converted me to a major Juliett/Renard shipper. Please tell me there is still hope all of us J/R shippers in season 3! — Megan

Sandra: “No plans but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen,” Kouf reports. “We allow the characters to kind of develop in a natural way. As we create the characters and we work them through the story, sometimes, suddenly someone has a different need that we didn’t know they had. And we allow ourselves to play those needs out.” In sum, he says, “You just never know, and we don’t always necessarily know. The characters speak to us. We try to let them behave and tell us what they want.”

Question: Any scoop on what’s up with Hank this season on Grimm? — Gail

Sandra: “He’s been kind of single for a while,” Kouf says, “so we plan to get him hooked up again.” Now accepting casting suggestions!

Question: Teen Wolf! PLEASE!! — Lauren

Sandra: Scott’s guilt over Derek’s “death” is going to weigh heavily on him in episode 6, resulting in what Tyler Posey calls his favorite episode of the season. “It shows a side of Scott you’ve never seen before and it was a lot of fun to play and very emotional and everyone on set was crying,” he said. “So get ready with those tissues.” Yes, guys, get ready for a full-on Scott break down. But who will be there for him during this tough time? Well, his bestie of course! “Stiles steps up and becomes the man and shows Scott the right way to go.”

Question: Any Teen Wolf scoop for me? Maybe something on the midseason finale. — Jenna

Sandra: Here’s what The Posey told me about the midseason finale, which sounds like a doozy. “It’s going to be the biggest thing in Teen Wolf history so far,” he says. “And Scott is going to finally show why he’s the lead of the show.”

Question: I need Downton scoop. PLEASE! — Marie

Sandra: How about some scoop on Gary Carr’s Jack Ross, who we got a first peek at in some new pictures that surfaced this week! When I caught up with executive producer Gareth Neame, he dished on the jazz musician’s addition and what we’d be seeing between Ross and cousin Rose (Lily James), who meet in a London club. “We know she’s a bit of a wild child, right? She’s a bit rebellious, and she likes the boyfriends,” he teased.

Question: Would love some Orphan Black scoop! — Shelly

Sandra: While possible Emmy contender Tatiana Maslany and Co. don’t report back for season 2 until fall, there’s one thing she’s almost certain of: Helena is for sure dead and gone. “I think that’s the best thing,” she says. “If you invest in a character and then they’re gone, that’s real life. That’s what happens. I think it raises the stakes for the series. You see these clones as fallible and human — even Helena who seems to defy humanity can die…We don’t know what’s going to happen to any of the clones now. They’re all up for grabs now.”

Question: I’m SO sad Orphan Black is gone. PLEASE tell me you have info on S2? — Jenny

Sandra: While Maslany can’t say how many new clones will be introduced next year (because she doesn’t know), when asked how many more she thinks she can take on, she jokes, “17!” “I’m just excited to see what they bring forward,” she says. “I have no clue what kind of characters they’re going to create or what were going to explore. I trust [the exec producers] implicitly and I’m just kinda like, ‘Whatever you guys want to throw at me, I’ll try to defend that character as much as I can and play with it and have fun.’ I’m really up for whatever’s coming.” And while she has yet to think about what accents she might want to practice over hiatus, she says, “There are loads of accents I’d be interested in doing and lots that would terrify me as well.” My humble suggestion? Let’s meet an Aussie!

Question: Any information on the Switched at Birth ‘what-if’ episode? — Jordan

Sandra: Airing tonight (July 8), the episode, which explores what would have happened if Regina had told the hospital about the switch when the girls were still young, is pretty fun, but will also leave you fuming at alt-John and alt-Kathryn. Why? Let’s just say their actions have huge consequences in the alt-world.

Question: I need some White Collar scoop!!! — Lizbeth

Sandra: Here’s some five-alarm scoop: Thought Magic Mike was the last time we’d see Matt Bomer in a fireman’s outfit? Think again. I hear he’ll suit up again around the sixth episode of the fifth season. Bonus scoop: The show is currently casting a bit part as a crisis negotiator. This person’s task at hand? Talking MOZZI off the ledge of a building.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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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!!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today, few though they are:

TELEVISION

Brat Pack actress Mare Winningham (Hatfields & McCoys) will make a mysterious guest appearance on the new CBS summer series Under the Dome, playing a character named Agatha, a deceptively warm caretaker who welcomes Big Jim (series regular Dean Norris) into the Chester’s Mill home she’s looking after, but it quickly becomes apparent that her intentions are anything but pure. She will appear in an August episode. (Megan Masters at TV Line)

Actor Patrick Heusinger (Royal Pains and Gossip Girl) will have a recurring role on Revolution, playing Adam, a handsome and outgoing thirtysomething. Revolution will be back this fall for its second season on NBC. (The Deadline Team)

Actress Joey Lauren Adams (Mallrats and Chasing Amy) will appear in two August episodes of Switched at Birth, playing Nikki’s (recurring guest star Cass Thompson) mom. (Kate Stanhope at TV Guide)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

The Hallmark Channel is developing yet another backdoor pilot for a potential new scripted drama that will star Ugly Betty alum Eric Mabius. The project currently being called Dead Letters comes from Martha Williamson, the woman behind Touched By An Angel that tells the story of a group of postal detectives whose mission is to deliver letters and packages from the past — which (naturally) arrive when they’re needed the most. The planned two-hour movie will star Mabius as Oliver, the leader of the group, and Kristin Booth (The Kennedy’s) as Shane, the newest member of the Dead Letter Office. The cast will also include Crystal Lowe (Smallville) and Geoff Gustafson (Primeval: New World). (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Jessica Collins (Zero Dark Thirty and House) will have a recurring role on the NBC post-apocalyptic series Revolution this fall, appearing in four episodes as Cynthia, a beautiful young woman of deep faith, whose winning humor and blazing intelligence capture the heart of one of Revolution’s leading characters. Revolution will be back on NBC starting on September 25. (Entertainment Weekly)

Actress Melissa George (Hunted and Alias) will have a recurring role in The Good Wife this fall, playing Marilyn, the newly-elected Governor Florrick’s in-house ethics counsel. The Good Wife is back for its fifth season on September 29 on CBS. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE NEWS

What was good for the History Channel could turn out to be VERY good for NBC. The network announced they will be working with uber-producer Mark Burnett on the sequel to the 10-part mini-series The Bible that scored high ratings for the cable network. The sequel is currently entitled A.D.: Beyond the Bible. (Lisa De Moraes at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top ten box office movies from this past weekend courtesy of Deadline:

1. Monsters University 3D – $46.1million
2. The Heat – 40 million
3. World War Z 3D – 29.8 million
4. White House Down – 25.7 million
5. Man Of Steel 3D – 20.8 million
6. This Is The End – 8.7 million
7. Now You See Me – 5.5 million
8. Fast & Furious 6 – 2.4 million
9. Star Trek Into Darkness – 2 million
10. The Internship – 1.4 million

Legendary actress Helen Mirren will star in the upcoming box office film to be called The Hundred Foot Journey where she will play eccentric and famous chef Madame Mallory. This film will be the adaptation of the Richard Morais best-selling novel. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy (Covert Affairs and Beauty And the Beast) will also guest on an upcoming episode of Unforgettable, playing Philip, a hardened career criminal who serves as the leader of an elite team of thieves assembled by a mysterious player named “Kilborn.” Unforgettable returns to CBS on July 28. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Actress Rebecca Mader will appear in Warehouse 13 for its fifth and final season, but details on what character she will play are being kept under wraps. The penultimate episode of the current season of Warehouse 13 will air on Syfy on July 1. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Actor Pedro Pascal (The Good Wife and Graceland) will join the cast of Game of Thrones for its fourth season, playing Prince Oberyn Martell, who is the brash, charming, cunning prince of Dorne (part of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros). (James Hibberd at Entertainment Weekly)

MINI-SERIES NEWS

Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (White House Down) will appear in the 8-part Sundance Channel mini-series The Honourable Woman, playing Nessa Stein, who inherits her assassinated Zionist father’s arms smuggling business; but instead of continuing in that vein, she uses its resources to lay down data cable networks between Israel and the West Bank. Later, she finds herself appointed to the House of Lords, the upper house of UK’s Parliament, where her history of trying to broker peace between Israelis and Palestinians creates a storm of international political controversy. The mini-series is expected to air sometime next year. (Jethro Nededog at The Wrap)

ONLINE SERIES NEWS

The Netflix original series Orange is the New Black, which won’t air online until July 11 has already been picked up for a second season. (The Futon Critic)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Hot Trailer: ‘Escape Plan’

Q&A SECTION (with Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Question: Some scoop on what’s to come on Revenge would be nice! I’m burning to find out what’s going to happen next, after that finale. –iMember

Mitovich: You might not find out what happens immediately next, since I’m hearing that a five-month time jump will have taken place when Season 3 opens, affording Jack opportunity to process Emily’s bombshell and for Victoria to reconnect some with her long-lost, yet-to-be-cast son Patrick.

Question: Please, please, please — any Teen Wolf scoop? I’ll be your best friend forever. Or at least make you some chocolate chip cookies. – S.

Mitovich: You may want to hold off on getting your sticks of butter to room temperature, since I’m about to drop this on you: The July 15 episode, titled “Currents,” will see the death of a major character.

Question: I have been hooked already by Under the Dome. Can you shed any light on why Barbie killed Julia’s husband? –Cinders

Mitovich: I cannot, but Mike Vogel, who plays the mysterious drifter, can. Sort of. “Tune in to this week’s episode, because it will answer a lot of things. But it’ll also, because of those things, keep Barbie tap dancing even more,” he tells TV Line. “But you’re definitely going to get some answers as to the whole Barbie/Julia’s husband thing.”

Question: Is there any chance Amy Acker and Sarah Shahi might both become regulars on Person of Interest? I just loved the dynamic of that foursome in the season finale, and really like both actresses in their respective roles. Please say it is so! –Caro

Mitovich: Just days after you sent question, Shahi was announced as a series regular for Season 3. As for Acker, we caught up with her Wednesday night at the Saturn Awards, and while she has yet to hear from the show let alone see a new script, she likes Root’s chances for a return. “I was really happy that I got the phone call [from The Machine] at the end,” she said, “so I feel like they have to at least bring me back.” Speaking of the startling phone call, Acker reckons it confirms that “The Machine and Root have a very special connection — at least in her mind. So it’s either perpetuating her fantasies by calling her or [something else]!” As for mixing it up with Shahi’s Shaw some more, Acker effused, “She’s so great, I would love to torture her again any day.”

Question: Any news on what’s ahead for Castle’s Esplanie? –Alyssa

Mitovich: Remember how series boss Andrew W. Marlowe told me he wants to deliver “some hallmarks” for the Espo/Lanie romance in Season 6? You can imagine how delighted Tamala Jones was when we relayed the scoop. “Amen to that!” she responded with a laugh. Offering up some “hallmark” ideas, she went on to say, “I would like to see them have a steamy romance that’s hidden once again from everyone, and somehow they get busted kissing in a closet at work or something. But we’ve teased fans enough. Andrew’s very genius when it comes to ‘putting a little leg out’ and taking it back in, but we’re ready for the leg to come back out now.” Then again, maybe a third party could get involved, seeing as how Javy was eyeballing the cute computer tech gal at season’s end. “He was all up on her, wasn’t he?” Jones remarks. “As a fan, I didn’t like that. And I know Lanie wouldn’t like that either!”

Question: Have you heard anything yet about the Continuum finale? –Rory

Mitovich: Asked to tease the Season 2 finale, which airs Stateside in late August, Lexa Doig, who plays Liber8’s Sonya, shared, “We all got very good at miming. And that’s all I’m going to say.” In the more immediate future, Doig previewed the arrival of The Freelancers (a group that will “raise a lot more questions” and provide “an extra ingredient into the soup that messes everything up”) and teased, without naming names, “a guest performance that is absolutely out-of-this-world amazing.”

Question: NCIS starts shooting in a few weeks. Any info on whether Cote de Pablo will be with us for Season 11? I’m really starting to stress out about this. –Emily

Mitovich: You and me both. I gotta be honest, I’ve been working the phones and the cone of silence surrounding this situation is growing… conspicuous. After all, it’s not like Ziva was left dangling from the ledge of a skyscraper and it’d be a massive spoiler to say De Pablo was on board to return. Then again, show boss Gary Glasberg did say (way back in April), “I’m confident that things will work out” with her deal. We shall see!

Question: I’ve heard the next episode of Switched at Birth is not to be missed — and that gets me worried. Anything to spoil? –Diane

Mitovich: “There’s some crazy twist ending in the next episode,” Katie LeClerc told us at the Saturn Awards. “One that turns the family on its head.”

Question: Any Drop Dead Diva scoop? –Lori

Mitovich: Just this casting item: Dallas Cowboys cheerleader-turned-actress Abigail Klein (CSI, 90210) will guest star in Episode 7 as a beauty pageant contestant who sues the pageant’s owner.

Question: Can we please get more Louis backstory this season on Suits? –Brandon

Mitovich: “As I see it, Louis is such an open book that any story involving him involves some element of backstory,” answers series creator Aaron Korsh. “However, as far as specific Louis information, there are facts about his life peppered into the season.”

Question: Do you have any scoop on the upcoming Suits season (premiering July 16)? So excited that it’s starting up again! –Melissa

Mitovich: What if I told you that a character you didn’t know was gay, is?

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Annie Potts (Designing Women) and actor Stephen Collins (7th Heaven) will pay a visit to the new ABC Family drama The Fosters. Potts will appear as Sharon, Stef’s (series lead Teri Polo) colorful and talkative mother who comes into town for a visit with the family while Collins comes to town as Stewart, Lena’s (series lead Sherri Saum) her old-school father who has a unique knack for diplomatically dealing with their big brood. The next new episode of The Fosters will air on ABC Family on July 1 at 9 PM. (ET Online)

Actor Eric Winter (The Mentalist and Moonlight) has joined the cast of the upcoming Lifetime drama Witches of East End, playing Dash, the JFK Jr.-esque fiancé of Freya Beauchamp (Jenna Dewan-Tatum’s reluctant witch. Winter is taking over the role from actor Patrick Heusinger (Royal Pains). The series will center on Joanna Beauchamp (Julia Ormond) and her two adult daughters Freya (Dewan-Tatum) and Ingrid (Rachel Boston), both of whom unknowingly are their family’s next generation of witches. An official airdate for this new Lifetime drama has yet to be scheduled. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

FX is adding another limited series to its development slate. The cable network is developing Mohicans, an adaptation of the James Fenimore Cooper classic novel “The Last of the Mohicans”. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

Actor Chris Zylka (The Secret Circle and The Amazing Spider-Man) has joined the cast of the HBO drama pilot called The Leftovers. The project is based on the novel by Tom Perrotta that
takes place as the Rapture happens — but not quite like it’s supposed to, telling the story of the people who didn’t make the cut and a world that will never be the same. Justin Theroux will play Kevin Garvey, the police chief and father of two who’s trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy in a world that is starting to completely reject the notion. Amy Brenneman will play Laurie Garvey, a woman who has left her entire life behind to join a mysterious cult and cuts off ties with her husband and children. Zylka will play Tom, Laurie and Tom’s estranged son who has recently dropped out of college and taken refuge with a mysterious guru. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

Actor Scott Speedman (Last Resort) has joined the cast of the HBO drama pilot from Ryan Murphy called Open that explores human sexuality and relationships. Speedman will play Jonathan, a handsome sports marketing executive. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Cameron Diaz will take over for Sandra Bullock in the new film adaptation of Annie in the role of Miss Hannigan. Young actress Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts Of The Southern Wild) will play the lead role with Jamie Foxx as Daddy Warbucks. (Nikki Finke at Deadline)

Actor Joe Anderson (Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 2) has joined the upcoming box office film Hercules, playing a marathon runner who serves as a scout for Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) and his mercenaries, reporting on their enemies’ movements. The cast of the film also Ian McShane, John Hurt, Rufus Sewell and Joseph Fiennes. (Empire and Dark Horizons)

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Andrew McCarthy (Pretty in Pink) will guest star in an upcoming episode of Unforgettable, playing Ari Sonnenland, a wealthy real estate developer whose 11-year-old daughter has been kidnapped. The wealthy businessman has the money to pay the ransom but is reluctant to accept help from the NPPD, turning to Carrie (series lead Poppy Montgomery) and Al (series lead Dylan Walsh) to help solve the case. Unforgettable returns to CBS on July 28. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

Lauren Iungerich, who created and executive produced the MTV comedy Awkward is leaving the series, putting a big question mark on what will happen with the fourth season. Awkward is slated to return for the second half of its third season on MTV in October. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

The USA Network has given Psych an additional order of two more episodes for its upcoming 8th season, including one that will be determined by the fans. You can vote on which of three potential episode you’d like to see by going here (http://www.usanetwork.com/content/psych-episode-vote) to vote. But keep in mind voting will close on July 12. The winning story line will be announced at Comic-Con. (Natalie Abrams at TV Guide)

Actor Rhys Ifans (The Amazing Spider-Man) has been cast in the recurring role of Sherlock Holmes’ older brother, Mycroft Holmes in the CBS drama Elementary. (TV By the Numbers)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Actress Amy Brenneman (Private Practice) has joined the cast of the HBO drama pilot called The Leftovers that is based on the Tom Perrotta book about what takes place after the Rapture happens. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

ONLINE SERIES NEWS

Netflix has made an exclusive distribution pack for a spin-off series of the Australian teen drama H20: Just Add Water. The spin-off will be called Mermaids and will center on teenage Zac, who is camping on Mako Island and is secretly watched by three young mermaids tasked with guarding the isle. After an encounter with magical water, he becomes a fish-tailed merman, causing problems for the mermaids. All 26 half-hour episodes will premiere in the US and the streaming service’s other territories on July 26. (The Deadline Team)

NOTE: Actresses Phoebe Tonkin and Claire Holt of The Vampire Diaries and the upcoming The Originals were both stars of the original series H20: Just Add Water.

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Sophie McShera, who plays Daisy on Downton Abbey, has joined the cast of the upcoming box office film adaptation of Cinderella that will star fellow Downton Abbey alum Lily James in the lead role. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

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

Question: Is it fall yet? I need to know what happens between Rayna and Deacon on Nashville! — Michelle

ADAM: They’ll make it out of their finale car accident with only bumps and bruises, but the emotional injuries will be far more serious. “They are never going to have [a] smooth-sailing relationship,” creator Callie Khouri tells us, pointing to Deacon’s discovery that he’s Maddie’s father. “[Season 2] is not going to look like Father Knows Best. I don’t think Deacon ever thought of himself as father material. We’ll see him grapple with… whether or not he’s right.” Worse, given Deacon’s dangerous bender, Rayna will feel even more justified in her decision to lie. “She was kind of right not to tell him,” Khouri says. “He couldn’t handle it.”

Question: I still don’t get why Callen & Co. trusted The Chameleon in the NCIS: LA finale. Didn’t they know he might betray them? — Justin

ADAM: Executive producer Shane Brennan acknowledges that sending The Chameleon to negotiate with Sidorov about the nuclear weapons was a calculated risk. “Give him an inch, and he will take everything that you possess — they were aware of that,” he says. “But there was only one person who could pull this off. It was something they had to do.” Either way, Callen won’t take the betrayal lightly. “Callen knows that there will be a final confrontation, and only one of them will walk away,” Brennan teases. Gee, I wonder who?

Question: Will Tom and Pope make it back to Charleston alive on Falling Skies? — Daryl

NATALIE: It won’t be an easy trek following the plane crash. On Sunday’s episode, they’ll take turns saving each other before they take turns trying to kill each other! Ultimately, Pope will make a surprising decision that could put them both in danger.

Question: I really like USA’s Graceland so far. Got any scoop? — Jill

ADAM: If you think going under cover has come a bit too easy for Mike, wait until you see Thursday’s episode, when he has to deal with the Nigerian drug dealer who he and Briggs have been trying to bust. Mike will have to mix it up with Bello and his thugs… all by himself. That becomes particularly tricky when Bello’s right-hand man Eddie fingers Mike as a Fed.

Question: Obsessed with Devious Maids. Will Marisol get closer to freeing her son? — Alyssa

NATALIE: Marisol will come thisclose to scoring a job with the Powells on her day off, but Taylor refuses to give her up. Of course, Adrian will use his powers of persuasion — aka blackmail — to secure Marisol. But will she be able to find Flora’s last letter at the house?

Question: Are we ever going to learn more about Nolan’s backstory on Defiance? —Jamarcus

ADAM: You bet! On Monday’s penultimate episode, Nolan’s penchant to shoot first and ask questions later will come back to bite him. After one such shootout, Datak will call attention to Nolan’s actions against the Votans during the war. “We learn that he may have been a part of some pretty nasty guerrilla warfare,” Grant Bowler says. “The whole town is basically afraid of him after.” Well, everyone except Amanda, who stands by him — an action that Datak will use in his quest to take her mayoral seat.

Question: What can you say about the Switched at Birth “What if?” episode? —Lana

NATALIE: Well, almost everything would be different had the switch been discovered when Regina first found out — and not for the better. There would’ve been cheating, lying, and even death. The one thing to remain the same? One of the girls would’ve ended up with the same guy in her life.

Question: Loving Under the Dome! Got any scoop on Natalie Zea’s character? — Jones

NATALIE: Fans of the Stephen King novel will be just as in the dark as viewers since it’s a brand-new character, but I can reveal that she’ll have a connection to Big Jim and the mystery behind the propane. But in a surprising twist, she’ll also know another main character who’s trapped under the dome — and likely in the Biblical sense. Suffice it to say, she’s downright dastardly.

Question: Any Downton Abbey scoop? —Billy

Ausiello: The Season 4 finale/Christmas special will be “very different” from the tragic Season 3 climax that felled poor Matthew, per exec producer Gareth Neame. “The [Season 1 finale] was really different from the second, and the second one was very different [from the third],” he adds. “What we have planned for this year is a very different scenario.”

Question: Do you have any Drop Dead Diva scoop on my favorite lawyer non-couple Jane/Deb and Grayson? —Tiffany

Ausiello: Series creator Josh Berman says the truth about Jane/Deb is fast becoming a moot point for the still-in-the-dark Grayson. “I don’t know if he even cares anymore that Jane is Deb in the sense that I think he’s falling for Jane as Jane, not Jane as Deb,” notes DDD‘s boss. “That being said, there may be some twists and turns coming up that will shock him.” Also, if you liked last Sunday’s premiere then you’re going to love this week’s second episode, which brings the Old Jane-New Jane rivalry to a head. “It’s my favorite episode I’ve ever written and maybe one of the best ones we’ve ever executed,” declares Berman. “They actually have to work together to save someone’s life. It’s so fun watching the body swapping at its best with these two people. Two souls that really have nothing in common except that they have each been in the same body. Watching them interact is so much fun.”

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today, few though they may be:

TELEVISION

Actress Julianne Nicholson (Law & Order: Criminal Intent) has been cast as the female lead in the new Sundance Channel drama series called The Descendants, that received a straight-to-series order for six episodes. The drama revolves around Harold Jensen, a sheriff struggling to keep his family together while simultaneously policing two clashing communities: the small town where he grew up and the neighboring Ramapo Mountains, home of the Ramapo Mountain Indians. After a terrible tragedy and cover-up occurs involving the sheriff’s wife, Jean (Nicholson), an unholy alliance is forged between the sheriff and a dangerous member of the tribe that will come back to haunt all involved. Jean, an over-controlling and over-bearing recovering alcoholic who seems to suffer from dementia stemming from her alcohol use and the loss of her brother, goes on a rampage when she finds her daughter has run off with her new boyfriend. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Actor James McCaffrey (Rescue Me) will guest star in an upcoming episode of Suits, playing Harvey’s dad Gordon Specter. He will appear in flashbacks since fans of the show know Harvey’s father is deceased. Suits is back for its new season on the USA Network on July 16. (Vlada Gelman at TV Line)

Starz has ordered 16 episodes of the small adaptation of the Diana Gabaldon best-seller Outlander that will be executive produced by Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica). The series follows Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is swept back to 1743, forced to marry Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser and finds herself torn between two times. (Tim Molloy at The Wrap)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Paul Giamatti will appear in the fourth season of Downton Abbey when it returns to PBS on January 5, 2014. He will play Cora’s maverick and “playboy” brother Harold. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Actor Charlie Carver and Max Carver (Desperate Housewives and Teen Wolf) have joined the cast of the HBO drama pilot called The Leftovers from Damon Lindelof and based on the Tom Perrotta novel. The project takes place after the Rapture happens, but not quite like it’s supposed to, centering on chief of police Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux). The Carver brothers will play happy-go-lucky identical twins Scott (Charlie) and Adam (Max) Frost, friends of Garvey’s daughter, whose laid back demeanor brings levity to a dark world. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

HBO and Cinemax as well as Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files and Strike Back) are developing a spin-off of the short-lived drama series Hunted. This spin-off will be called Sam Hunter, based on the lead character from Hunted that will see actress Melissa George reprising her role as the title character. This will be a four hour mini-series on Cinemax. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top 10 box office films for this past weekend courtesy of Deadline:

1. Monsters University – 81.1 million

2. World War Z – 66 million

3. Man Of Steel – 41.2 million

4. This Is The End – 13 million

5. Now You See Me – 7.8 million

6. Fast & Furious 6 – 4.8 million

7. The Purge – 3.3 million

8. The Internship – 3.2 million

9. Star Trek Into Darkness – 3 million

10. Iron Man 3 – 2.1 million

Actress Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect and the Twilight franchise) will star in the Broadway-to-film adaptation of the musical Into the Woods, starring as Cinderella. This film will be a mash-up of classic fairy tales, revolving around a baker and his wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt), who attempt to lift a family curse by journeying into the woods to confront The Witch, (Meryl Streep) who put the spell on them. Along their journey they meet classic characters including Rapunzel, Cinderella, Jack and Little Red Riding Hood. In this version, Cinderella is married to a vain prince (Chris Pine) and is described as “a woman trying to find her place in the world.” (First Showing)

Actor Adrien Brody and actress Jordana Brewster have joined the cast of the action thriller film called American Heist that is a remake of the 1959 Steve McQueen picture called St Louis Bank Robbery. The film will also star Hayden Christensen in a story about two brothers with checkered pasts; one struggling on the road to normalcy, the other just released from prison, who intertwine when one drags the other into an ill-fated bank robbery spearheaded by a gang of dangerous criminals, testing the loyalty of their sibling bond and how far they will go for greed and family. (The Deadline Team)

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

HAPPY 1st DAY OF SUMMER!!

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Luke Kleintank (Bones and No Ordinary Family) will appear on Pretty Little Liars later this summer as Travis, a good kid with strong morals who has a secret that may end up helping one of the Pretty Little Liars in a major way. The next new episode of Pretty Little Liars will air on ABC Family on June 25 at 8 PM. (Megan Masters at TV Line)

Actress Stacy Haiduk (The Young and the Restless) will guest star in at least two upcoming episodes of the new ABC Family drama Twisted, appearing as Marilyn Rossi, a tough but attractive investigator at a private security firm, who is hired by the mayor to help with the investigation of the murder of Regina Crane (SPOILER ALERT: the mean girl at high school killed in the pilot episode). The next new episode of Twisted will air on ABC Family on June 25 at 9 PM. (Philiana Ng at The Hollywood Reporter)

Actress Tawny Cypress (Heroes and House of Cards) will be a series regular on the returning CBS drama Unforgettable, playing Murray, a former decorated FBI agent who begins work at the Major Cases Section of the NYPD. Unforgettable will be back on CBS starting on July 28. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Actress Zuleikha Robinson (Homeland and Lost) will recur on Covert Affairs, playing Bianca, a D.C. power player who is one of the capitol’s most formidable defense attorneys. With the help of Bianca’s legal acumen, Arthur (series regular Peter Gallagher) plans to combat allegations that could damage the Campbells’ legacy. Covert Affairs will air its season premiere on July 16 at 9 PM on the USA Network. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Actor Jesse Lee Soffer (The Mob Doctor) has joined the cast of the NBC mid-season drama Chicago PD (the spin-off of Chicago Fire). He will play a young police detective who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. In fact, he will be introduced on Chicago Fire along with other characters from the spin-off. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

MADE-FOR-TV NEWS

Lifetime is developing a made-for-TV movie from Terry McMillian called A Day Late and a Dollar Short that will star Whoopi Goldberg in 2014. She will play Viola Price, who learns that her next asthma attack could kill her. Emboldened by that knowledge, she sets out to repair her fractured family. (Jethro Nededog at The Wrap)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Helena Bonham Carter has been cast as the fairy godmother in the upcoming box office adaptation of Cinderella that is set to star Downton Abbey actress Lily James and Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden in the lead roles. (First Showing)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Hot Trailer: Ashton Kutcher In ‘JOBS’

Q&A SECTION (with Matt Mitovich from TV Line and Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

Question: I’ll take any scoop you have for Castle. — M.F.

Mitovich: In speaking with TVLine about the season-ending proposal, Nathan Fillion said that while he has no idea what’s ahead (and truly, conspiracy theorists, it seems he doesn’t), he “absolutely” is looking forward to what Andrew W. Marlowe has teased is a “complicated” Season 6. “That’s one of the things that Andrew has done very well, in that it’s very realistic that two people who really ought to be together maybe don’t see it. Or the timing isn’t right,” the actor said. “These are things that happen in real life. That life gets complicated. That it can never be easy. This is something, I think, that we can all relate to. It’s a truth that everyone is comfortable with.”

Question: Is Orphan Black‘s Helena really dead? –Jack

Mitovich: Though series lead Tatiana Maslany at first hedged when we brought that burning Q to her, ultimately she opined, “Yeah, I think she is [dead].” And while the actress noted that “in Orphan Black style, it could all change,” for now she is in mourning. “I will miss her entirely…. There’s this emotion in her and this depth of love that she can’t show because she has been conditioned to be aggressive and to kill. For me, finding the humanity in a character like that is really exciting.”

Question: Please give me some Pretty Little Liars scoop on when we will find out the identity of the body found in the woods! And please say it isn’t Jason!!! –Amanda

Mitovich: Oh, you’re going to have to sit tight at least a few episodes longer. And: Jason?! What, a guy can’t go visit relatives without winding up as worm food?

Question: Do you have anything on the Pretty Little Liars spin-off? –Gina

Mitovich: Here’s a curious comment from executive producer I. Marlene King. Explaining the one confirmed cast member crossover, she says, “It was always thought [behind the scenes] that Caleb (played by Tyler Blackburn) would move over to Ravenswood. And when our audience gets to know what Ravenswood is, they’ll understand why it was the right choice for him to take us into that world.”

Question: When Suits returns, is there going to be a huge fallout with Harvey and Jessica? –David

Mitovich: Oh my lord, the way those two go at each other in the season premiere is ferocious and relentless. Suffice to say, the chip on Harvey’s broad shoulders is bigger than ever, and he sees right through most every ploy/bit of underhandedness by Jessica to “smooth things over” — and ends the July 16 premiere by revealing his most audacious move yet. But dare I say, the rift between Harvey and Mike is just as formidable — and might only be mended if the latter succeeds in his plan to literally construct a “time machine.”

Question: I am counting down the days until Suits comes back, I’m so excited about it. Any scoop on what’s in store for Donna this season? Remember, it is Donna, and “she knows everything”! –Jared

Mitovich: Indeed, Donna does — especially when she lays her peepers on Mike after his first (and apparently prolonged) ravaging of Jenny. Alas, that all-knowing quality of hers could stand in the way of Mike getting back in Harvey’s good graces.

Question: Is the final season of Burn Notice being split up or airing all at once? – Drew

Mitovich: Save for a pre-emption on July 4, all 13 episodes will air this summer, with the series finale set for Sept. 12.

Question: I was very happy with the new element of Amanda Callaway on White Collar this year, and was wondering if she would be returning? –Erin

Mitovich: If Emily Procter returns — and that’s a huge if — it won’t be anytime soon, and certainly not in the first slew of Season 5 episodes.

Question: I’m happy to see Longmire back on A&E. Any hints on what’s on the horizon for Walt and company? –Jen

Mitovich: I’m a week behind on the series, so forgive me if any of these teasers have reached their expiration date: “Vic’s past starts to catch up with her…. Lizzie returns with a surprise for Walt…. Secrets will be revealed about what happened with Walt and Henry in Denver…. And the election results will soon be in!”

Question: Does NCIS plan on continuing the storyline regarding McGee’s father having Stage 4 cancer? –Jeannie

Mitovich: Show boss Gary Glasberg was “really pleased” with that March episode, “Squall,” and how it built to “an understanding — and a resolution — between the two characters.” That said, and though it’s too soon to tease Season 11, he says the storyline “is certainly something that we’ve left open and that we’d like to revisit, not only dealing with the admiral’s health issues, but in terms of what their relationship is moving forward.”

Question: What happened to the third NCIS spinoff? Are they going to do it, or did it die and nothing has been said? –Lori

Mitovich: NCIS: Red is dead. Granted, we never reported that outright during the madness of Upfronts, but it’d take an epic poem to detail every pilot that does not make the cut.

Question: I love Graceland. Aaron Tviet. YES, PLEASE. Can I have some scoop? — Grace

Gonzalez: Mike really starts to feel the weight of the job in the next episode, titled “The Pizza Box,” when he’s recruited to teach a bunch of thugs working for a Nigerian drug lord how to use guns. It’s one step on a road to a larger goal. And he could end the hour with blood on his hands. Meanwhile, Tuturro gets a little action.

Question: Stana Katic’s answer in last week’s Castle scoop was perfection!!! Any more Castle scoop for the loyal fans? — Morgan H.

Gonzalez: While many of you have theories as to how to interpret Katic’s answer, here’s another hint that could turn your theory upside down. When asked whether she thinks the gang could survive a little time apart — should Beckett take the job in D.C. — the lovely Katic said, “I think it could be a good change of scenery for the audience. And there are ways of bringing it back together. The show has to evolve. The characters have to evolve.” She adds, “There’s ways of drawing these characters together and also giving each character a featured episode. That would be interesting to me. I love learning more about Detective Ryan and Lainie. I think it is interesting to feature them and their lives sometimes. So, you know, it doesn’t have to be the Scooby-Doo gang every episode solving a murder. It is important for a show to grow and blossom.”

Question: Thanks for all the USA shows scoop last week, but you missed White Collar! Anything for me? Even something small? — Lauren

Gonzalez: You may have heard that Americans actress Annet Mahendru is guest starring on the upcoming fifth season as a Russian figure skater. A bonus scooplet? She’s working with Peter and Neal to bring down her bad-guy beau, but in order to do so, she has to get closer to the action than she ever wanted.

Question: NCIS: LA!! — Amy K.

Gonzalez: While we’re in the speculation zone, Brett Foa has some interesting ideas for Eric next season, should the writers desire his input. “I would love to see Eric with a gun,” he says. “I don’t think he would do well with it, but I think it would be funny to see it in his hands. I would also like to see the tech guys save the day maybe instead of the guys with the brawn. That would be fun: brains over brawn.”

Question: Anything on Grimm? — Isa

Gonzalez: Not yet! But next week I’ll have some scoop straight from the EPs. Please email questions to spoilerroom@ew.com by tomorrow noon PT!

Question: This isn’t a spoiler question, but I was wondering if you’ve heard any early buzz on new shows. Any faves? — Dianela

Gonzalez: I’ll give you two of my faves in three different categories: Of the comedies I’ve seen, I found many giggles in The Crazy Ones and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In the Sandra-can’t-stop-watching-the-CW aisle of my TV line-up, I liked Reign and Star-Crossed. And on the Yes, I like cop shows front, I see promise in The Bridge on FX (debuting this summer) and Almost Human, which bows midseason. More info on all of these to come, but thanks for asking. It makes me feel important. (I’m not.)

Question: When are we going to see more of the hand flashback on PLL? — Bree

Gonzalez: “In essence, you revisit it all season because the question of Alison being alive was raised last season,” EP Oliver Goldstick explains, “but as far as that night of that hand coming out of the earth, that will be explained when we get to the end of 4A.” Personally, this season is sort of flying by already. Agree, Bree? (I rhymed!)

Question: Any news from Person of Interest? — Tatiana

Gonzalez: Two things that might be of interest… 1) For all of you who e-mail about wanting to watch previous episodes. CBS announced yesterday that POI is now available for digital download via all the regular means. WOOP! (Summer marathon?) 2) Even though Amy Acker’s Root was last receiving a call from the machine, she has yet to receive word of her official return date. “Nothing is officially in the books,” she says. “I feel like they gotta bring me back. I want to come back. It is a fun character. She’s smart and deliciously evil but with what she feels like are good reasons.” Are you hoping Root makes her return sooner rather than later, gang?

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

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