Rueben's Ramblings

Hey All,

Here are the news items for yesterday and today:

TELEVISION

ABC has canceled their new drama Zero Hour after only three episodes due to low ratings. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

FOX on the other hand has given a second season order to The Following. (The Futon Critic)

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

TNT is developing a scripted drama based on novelist Sara Gran’s book series about tough female private investigator Claire DeWitt. (Lacey Rose at The Hollywood Reporter)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

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

1. Jack the Giant Slayer – $28 million
2. Identity Thief -$9.7 million
3. 21 and Over – $9 million
4. The Last Exorcism Part II – $8 million
5. Snitch – $7.7 million
6. Escape From Planet Earth – $6.7 million
7. Safe Haven – $6.3 million
8. Silver Linings Playbook – $5.9 million
9. A Good Day to Die Hard – $4.5 million
10. Dark Skies – $3.6 million

Actor Jesse L. Martin will be taking over for singer-actor Lenny Kravitz in the lead role of Marvin Gaye in the upcoming bio-pic called Sexual Healing that will focus on the time Gaye spent in Europe in the early 1980s, when the soul singer attempted to get his addictions under control and his career back on track with the help of British music promoter Freddy Cousaert. (Deadline and Dark Horizons)

Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Watchmen, Supernatural and Magic City) will join Anthony Hopkins and Colin Farrell in the supernatural thriller called Solace. Hopkins will play a former doctor with psychic abilities who is drawn into a serial-killer case, only to find that the killer (Farrell) is a psychic as well — so the two men can detect each other’s moves. Morgan is playing a veteran FBI agent heading the investigation of a series of grisly murders. He recruits Hopkins’ character to help catch the killer. (The Hollywood Reporter and Dark Horizons)

Actress Rebecca Hall (The Town) has landed the lead role opposite Johnny Depp in the sci-fi film Transcendence. The film will also star Paul Bettany. The story is supposedly to follow a husband and wife team who develop a programming code for the first self-aware computer. But when a group of anti-technology terrorists try to assassinate the husband, his wife uploads his brain into a prototype supercomputer. Rather than going horribly wrong, the man starts to respond in computer form and connects him to the Internet to continue to explore this breakthrough. But the terrorists are still in pursuit, trying to destroy the computer. (First Showing)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

‘Iron Man 3’ Trailer

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

Question: In desperate need of PLL scoop! – Dana

Team Watch with Kristin: We can tell you that the season four premiere will be titled “‘A’ is for A-l-i-v-e.” Take from that what you will. In the episode, we’ll meet Marion, Toby’s mother.

Question: Once Upon a Time scoop please! – Dahlia

Team Watch with Kristin: While the only answer Colin O’Donoghue would give us when we asked if he’s filmed any scenes in Neverland yet was a coy smile and a nervous deflection, the show’s creators Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis revealed that the two-part season two finale episode titles are “Second Star to the Right” and “And Straight On ‘Til Morning.”

Question: I’m waiting on the return of Revolution. What can I expect in the first episode back? – ChuckGamble1968

Team Watch with Kristin: Answers! “We reveal why the power went out and we do it early,” creator Eric Kripke teases. He also adds that “the fights get bigger, the emotion gets more fraught.” Is it March 25 yet?

Question: Hart of Dixie broke my heart last week! Any scoop on what’s next for Zoe? – Ashley

Team Watch with Kristin: Zoe is heading back to New York! Yes, episode 22 will find our heartbroken doc heading back to her old stomping grounds, but don’t worry; it’s not a one-way trip as she’s traveling back for a wedding. On the flight, however, she will have a very chatty seatmate who will provide Zoe with some advice on her love life, which includes major updates on both the Wade and George front.

Question: Scandal, please! – Tweetydreamer20

Team Watch with Kristin: In an upcoming episode, Fitz and Mellie will be interviewed by a Barbara Walters-type, who gets the couple to talk a bit about their relationship in law school, where the two often went head-to-head.

Question: Was the recent episode of Person of Interest that guest-starred Sarah Shahi a back-door pilot? I found the episode to be fantastic, and if they were going to spin it off, I would watch it in a second. — Mike

Matt Roush: My understanding is that she will return later this season as part of an arc, with the potential of being integrated into the larger world of the show, not unlike the equally appealing recurring character of Zoe, played by Paige Turco. At the moment, a spin-off doesn’t appear to be on CBS’ development roster, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of the question. We already know CBS isn’t shy about offshoots of its most successful franchises, but Person of Interest is awfully offbeat, so I’m not sure it lends itself to this quite as easily.

Additional Question: Another POI fan, Tommy, writes in to observe: “The last half-dozen episodes have been spectacular. Excellent writing and storytelling that has exceeded even The Good Wife, in my opinion. Moving on from the Elias storyline last season to a broader exploration of The Machine has really raised the bar this season. Is there a smarter series on network TV today? Does that bode well for renewal?”

Matt again: Person of Interest is way too young, and way too good, to have to worry about cancellation anytime soon. It’s also too different from The Good Wife for me to want to declare one “smarter” than the other — let’s just be glad that a network as successful as CBS can support both of them.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor DJ Qualls (Memphis Beat and Supernatural) will guest star in the TNT drama Perception when the cable series returns for its second season this summer. He will play Agent Rudy Fleckner, a young, tech-savvy FBI agent who specializes in investigating cyber crimes. (The Futon Critic)

Actress Siobhan Finneran, who plays Miss O’Brien on Downton Abbey will not be returning for season four of the international hit. (Jarett Wieselman at ET Online)

Actors Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) and Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights) will star opposite Julia Roberts, Mark Ruffalo and Matt Bomer in The Normal Heart, HBO‘s original movie adaptation of the Tony-winning Larry Kramer play. The project tells the story of the onset of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s. Parsons will play gay activist Tommy Boatwright while Kitsch will play Bruce Niles, a closeted investment banker who becomes a prominent AIDS activist. Roberts will play physician Dr. Emma Brookner, a survivor of childhood polio who treats several of the earliest victims of HIV-AIDS. Ruffalo will play Ned Weeks, who witnesses first-hand the mysterious disease that has begun to claim the lives of many in his gay community and starts to seek answers. Bomer will play Felix Turner, a reporter who becomes Ned’s lover. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Attention Drop Dead Diva fans! It looks like the show will be back for a fifth season on Lifetime after all, as the network and Sony Pictures TV has come to an agreement to give the show another go-round. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Australian actress Sarah Snook (Ghosts and Sleeping Beauty) will star opposite Ethan Hawke in the upcoming box office film called Predestination, a time-travelling sci-fi thriller where Hawke will play a Temporal Agent who on his final assignment pursues a criminal who has long eluded him. (The Deadline Team)

Actor Gary Oldman has joined the cast of the upcoming sequel film Dawn of The Planet of the Apes. It is being reported that he will play Dreyfus, leader of the human resistance after the apes have taken power. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)

Actor Liam Neeson will lend his voice to the upcoming animated film called The Nut Job. The film will be about a mischievous squirrel who plots to rob a nut store with his rat friend Buddy. Neeson will voice the villainous Raccoon. Other actors lending their voices to this film include Katherine Heigl, Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Stephen Lang, Sarah Gadon, and comedian Jeff Dunham. (Lucas Shaw at The Wrap and Jen Yamato at Deadline)

Actress Abigail Spencer (Suits and Mad Men) will appear in the upcoming box office film called Beautiful Now that tells the story of a passionate dancer who finds herself mulling an extreme act when she reaches a crossroads in her life. As she hangs on the razor’s edge, crossing between reality and fantasy, her fractured group of friends reunite and embark on a shared journey into intense memories of their past, helping the woman answer the question. (Borys Kit at The Hollywood Reporter)

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

Question: So excited for the new season of Teen Wolf! Got anything to share on what we can expect from the new characters? – Hannah

Team Watch with Kristin: With Alphas comes Betas! We’ll meet one of lead Alpha Deaucalion’s Betas Marco in episode eight (the same episode that features a flashback to Derek’s haunted past). Marco is volatile, angry and not afraid to confront an Alpha.

Question: How will Amanda’s death affect Jack on Revenge? – Meghan

Team Watch with Kristin: “I think you’re going to start seeing a very different Jack then you’ve seen,” Gabriel Mann teases. “Personally, when I started seeing some of the scripts that were coming out it was like, ‘Great, finally!’ You know it’s going to make it complicated in some of his friendships and relationships coming up, this new kind of character twist, but it’s so fun. ”

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

The CW is moving their new thriller series Cult to Friday nights at 9 PM starting on March 8. (The Futon Critic)

Actress Joanna Cassidy (Body of Proof) will appear as the mom of Seeley Booth on Bones. (William Keck at TV Guide)

Actress Susan Misner (Person of Interest) will play a new love interest for Deacon (Charles Esten) on Nashville. (Kate Stanhope at TV Guide)

Actress Melinda McGraw (Mad Men) will play the wife of ruthless oil tycoon Hollis Doyle on Scandal. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Chris Cooper is set to play Norman Osborn in the upcoming sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2. (The Deadline Team)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Hot Trailer: ‘Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2′

Q&A SECTION (with Team Watch with Kristin at E! Online and Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Question: Last night’s episode of Arrow was insane! In desperate need of spoilers now! – Declan

Team Watch with Kristin: Meet episode 20’s big bad: Edward Rasmus, a wealthy investment broker/fraud who has a network of criminal associates at his disposal and thinks he’s untouchable in Starling City. Ha! Rasmus, who has silver-streaked hair (Hmmm…), defrauds investors and rides off with their money, something we’re sure Oliver isn’t too impressed by.

Question: I’ll take Beauty and the Beast scoop if you’ve got it! – Davis

Team Watch with Kristin: In the show’s 18th episode of the season, which is ominously titled “Moving On,” we’ll meet Kirk, a new medical examiner who is handsome, but edgy and aggressive (Think Henry Rollins). Fans can expect the newbie to stick around for a little bit.

Question: Are there any more hot Deacon and Rayna kisses coming up on Nashville? – Jenna

Team Watch with Kristin: If we do get any hot makeout sessions between those two, better enjoy it while you can. Because near the end of the season, those two won’t exactly be on smooching terms. In fact, when tragedy hits Rayna’s personal life, Deacon can only manage an awkward phone call to make sure she’s OK. Not exactly the timeline Deacon-Rayna shippers want, eh?

Question: What does the Season 3 finale of Pretty Little Liars hold for us? – Fernando

Mitovich: Just as I was hand-crafting this week’s column, ‘Nando, this official synopsis for the March 19 season ender, titled “A dAngerous gAme,” arrived from ABC Family: “Spencer is back home and presenting a good front, but Aria, Hanna and Emily are not so sure their friend is fully back after seeing how fragile she was just a day or so before. Unfortunately the girls don’t have much time to ponder Spencer’s health as shocking revelations are brought to the forefront. With so much happening and new information being uncovered, will the Liars be ready for what is waiting for them?”

Question: James Brolin was so good as Castle’s father. Will Martha and Kate hear the entire story? – Cynthia

Mitovich: We will have to assume they both were utterly regaled by the overseas espionage tale, because as Nathan Fillion told us at the show’s 100th episode party, there’s “nothing in the episodes that we’ve filmed” since the two-parter that calls back to the paternal reveal. As for how the long-awaited father/son meeting played out, Fillion said he was “very satisfied,” explaining, “To find out that his dad has had a hand in his life ever since he was kid, that his dad has been there in the wings, I think, for Castle, is a good feeling. He can’t have any feelings of, ‘I was abandoned.’ He knows now his dad has been a shadow.”

Question: Was Castle‘s second kidnapping really shot in Paris? Or on a sound stage? – Leslie

Mitovich: Molly Quinn confirmed that she, director Rob Bowman and her TV dad’s stuntman got to travel to France for a quickie shoot – yet nonetheless fielded tons of teasing/envy, especially from Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever. Says the actress, “I kept telling them, ‘I feel bad. I wish we could all go. But really, I’m going to go there, I’m going to be jet-lagged. I’m going to work three days and then I come back, I’ll be jet-legged again and then I have to get back to work!’”

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

After hitting a dry spell on news yesterday (there wasn’t anything to report on – SIGH!?!), here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Jill Flint (Royal Pains) will guest star on an upcoming episode of Elementary, playing Alysa Darvin, a beguiling young woman who catches the eye of Detective Bell (Jon Michael Hill) when he helps Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller) investigate a heist in the middle of a blizzard. Her episode is slated to air on April 4. (Natalie Abrams at TV Guide)

Actress Kathy Bates has signed on for the third season of American Horror Story in whatever incarnation the series takes that time around. (Tim Stack at Entertainment Weekly and TV Line)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Navid Negahban (Abu Nazir on Homeland) will appear in the upcoming independent drama film called Words and Pictures. He will play the headmaster at a New England prep school where a charismatic English teacher (Clive Owen) and a guarded art teacher (Juliette Binoche) form an unlikely bond, one later complicated by romance. (The Hollywood Reporter and Dark Horizons)

Q&A SECTION (with Team Watch with Kristin from E! Online, Natalie Abrams and Adam Bryant from TV Guide and Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Question: You are now my official “go-to” for Revenge spoilers. What do you have for me? – Alicia

Team Watch with Kristin: Prepare for our Revenge ladies to go back to being bad! Madeleine Stowe tells us that not only is Victoria going back to being a “naughty troublemaker,” but Emily will also “really flip over to the dark side” for the rest of the season. But it won’t be all fun and games for our Queen of the Hamptons. “Victoria is incredibly haunted by something from her past that’s going to be a very large component in the story,” she reveals to us. Plus, those of you who are so over the Initiative situation will be happy to hear that as far as Stowe knows, they are shooting the last of that storyline right now.

Question: I need Once Upon a Time scoop, STAT! — Mallory

NATALIE: Let’s see if I can turn this into a fairy tale: Once upon a time, a noble and moral character made a drastic decision that would forever mar his or her future, something so dastardly and irreversible that you would think that this character was actually evil rather than pure of heart. Any guess as to who will make the biggest mistake of his or her life?

Question: What’s going to happen now that Monroe has power on Revolution? — John

NATALIE: If Miles, Rachel and the kids are able to escape Monroe’s helicopters — spoiler alert: they do — the group will be on a quest to turn the power back on for everyone, which is why they enlist the help of other territories, like the Georgia Federation (headed up by Leslie Hope). “Now that the stakes have changed, Rachel feels that it’s the only thing that can be done,” Elizabeth Mitchell says. “But whether or not that can be done, it’s really hard.”

Question: Loved meeting Rick’s dad on Castle, but it just left me with more questions! When will we see him again? — Sam

ADAM: That’s exactly how creator Andrew W. Marlowe wanted you — and Castle himself — to feel. “We wanted to not give him as big a bite at the relationship as he would want,” he says. “Castle is going to crave that connection and crave knowing that guy more. That will give us some storytelling options as we go into Season 6 if the TV gods are kind enough to grant that to us.” And while Marlowe didn’t rule out another Spy Daddy appearance this season, you can expect his father’s presence to be felt in other ways. “We’re interested to see how this influences Castle’s writing,” Marlowe teases. “There’ll be a new Derrick Storm novel coming out this year, and it will be very much influenced by the events he just went through.”

Question: I’ve just finished watching the first season of Once Upon a Time and I love it, especially the relationship between Emma and August/Pinocchio. Do you know if he is coming back in Season 2? —Gaia

Ausiello: Yes, as previously reported, Eion Bailey will resurface later this season as August — as will Jamie Dornan as Sheriff Graham/The Huntsman! — but Emma will only reunite with one the fellas. “I don’t have scenes with Jamie, unfortunately,” Jennifer Morrison shares with us, “but I do have scenes with Eion.” Bonus Scoop: Though Matt Mitovich teased in the new Spoiler Alert! that there would be one death in this Sunday’s episode, technically there are two — one in each realm.

Question: Any scoop on the upcoming Klaus sex scene on The Vampire Diaries? —Holly

Ausiello: Teases exec producer Julie Plec of the anticipated coitus session in Episode 16 (airing March 14): “I will say that Joseph Morgan has some tattoos that I didn’t know he had until shooting this scene.” (BTW, Plec wouldn’t say if his partner in fornication was someone we’ve met before).

Question: Any scoop on Elijah’s Vampire Diaries return? —Jessica

Ausiello: Plec confirms that viewers will get “a little Elijah flavor” before the planted Originals spin-off airs in April. “It’ll be fun to have him back in our Mystic Falls universe,” she adds. “We finally get a sense of what he’s been doing during his whole absence from our world.”

Question: Can you give us any Vampire Diaries scoop on Silas? —Holly

Ausiello: Plec will eventually put a face to the name, telling TVLine, “We do plan at some point to meet the real Silas.”

Question: Suits fanatic here. Is it too early to beg for details about next season? —Anelej

Ausiello: Folks, you really need to stop asking me if it’s too early for scoop. As the Ask Ausiello mission statement clearly states, it’s never too early. Case in point: I already know that Season 3 will continue the Rachel-wants-to-become-a-lawyer plot, despite her recent rejection from Harvard. “I don’t think her quest to become a lawyer is dead,” shares EP Aaron Korsh. “[But] she’s going to have to deal with what she wants to do [in Season 3]. She acted with hubris [and] didn’t apply to a backup school. There are other schools she can apply to. She’s got to decide what she wants to do moving forward.”

Question: In the last new Nashville, Glenn quit working for Juliette. Does that mean she’s going to have a new (and maybe young and hot) manager sometime soon? –Dana

Ausiello: Her new manager is certainly young and decidedly hot… and that’s because Juliette’s new manager is herself! Despite the country star’s new sense of direction, “She’s not better off without him, that’s for sure,” says creator Callie Khouri. “She’s certainly not the best person to be managing her own career. So we’re going to watch that for a while.”

Question: I’d like to know how much longer Fitz is going to go down this dark path on Scandal before we get to see him happier again. —Carly

Ausiello: Well, first he has to stop surrounding himself with such lowlifes. Case in point: An upcoming episode will involve a Supreme Court nominee (played by Tim Halligan, Commander in Chief) whose skeleton-packed closet threatens to tarnish Fitz’s recommendation and image.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

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

GENERAL

Congrats to all of the winners at the Academy Awards last night, including (but not limited to) Argo, Ang Lee, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jennifer Lawrence, Christoph Waltz, Anne Hathaway, Adele, Brave, Amour, Les Misérables and Anna Karenina.

TELEVISION

Actor Misha Collins will be back as a series regular on Supernatural when the show returns for its ninth season this fall. He, of course, has played angel Castiel since season four. (Vlada Gelman at TV Line)

Actor Alan Ritchson (Smallville and the upcoming The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) will guest star in an upcoming episode of Hawaii Five-0, playing a Navy SEAL who was McGarrett’s best buddy in the military. (Zap2It and Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Actor James Sheridan (Homeland) will guest star in an upcoming episode of NCIS as McGee’s (Sean Murphy) father, Admiral John McGee. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top 10 box office movies for this past weekend based on weekend estimates provided by Deadline:

1. Identity Thief – 14 million
2. Snitch – 12.8 million
3. Escape from Planet Earth 3D – 11.1 million
4. Safe Haven – 10.7 million
5. A Good Day to Die Hard – 9.7 million
6. Dark Skies – 8.4 million
7. Silver Linings Playbook – 5.9 million
8. Warm Bodies – 4.8 million
9. Beautiful Creatures – 3.4 million
10. Side Effects – 3.4 million

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here is the news, short though it may be, for today:

TELEVISION

FX has ordered a second season of their new 1980’s set drama The Americans that will consist of 13 episodes. (The Wrap)

Actor Hill Harper (CSI: NY) has joined the cast of the USA Network spy drama Covert Affairs as a new series regular. He will play an ambitious CIA station chief based in Latin America who is plotting his way into a bigger position back in Washington and seeks Annie and Auggie’s help, but his questionable actions will cause them to doubt his intentions. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Jeremy Jordan (Smash and Joyful Noise) will star opposite Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) for the upcoming box office film The Last 5 Years that is being adapted from the award-winning off-Broadway musical. Jordan will play Jamie, a rising novelist whose relationship with struggling actress Cathy (Kendrick) is explored through an unusual narrative device: His story unfolds in chronological order as the pair first meet, while hers unfolds in reverse starting at the end of their marriage. (Jen Yamato at Deadline)

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

Question: I still can’t believe Revenge killed off Amanda just as I was really getting to like her! What’s next for Emily? – Shawn

Team Watch with Kristin: “Amanda’s death on the show kind of sets us up for the rest of the season. It’s certainly affecting to Emily,” Gabriel Mann previews. “I think the reasons and the psychology behind it will inform a lot of where you see Jack go for the rest of the season. You know it sort of just ups the stakes in a different kind of way because it’s one thing to ruin somebody and kick them out of town, but to send them to the bottom of the ocean vengeance must be paid. There will be hell to pay.” Did anyone else just get chills?

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

The Canadian series Primeval: New World has been canceled by the Canadian channel Space after only one season. The viewers in the US who were awaiting the debut of the series on Syfy should know the cabler will still air the series despite the cancellation. (Etan Vlessing at The Hollywood Reporter)

Actress Constance Zimmer (Entourage) will have a recurring role on the HBO series The Newsroom when it returns for its second season. She will play Taylor, a press spokesperson for the Mitt Romney campaign. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

MADE-FOR-TV MINI-SERIES NEWS

Actor Jack Davenport (Smash) will star in the upcoming six-part UK mini-series called Breathless that will be set in 1961. The mini will follow the lives of a group of doctors and nurses in a gynecology ward at a period when Britain was on the brink of the 60s revolution. He will play Otto Powell, a brilliant and charismatic surgeon who believes he can make a difference to women’s lives. (Nancy Tartaglione at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

Watch: Mira Nair’s ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ Theatrical Trailer

Q&A SECTION (with Team Watch with Kristin at E! Online and Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

Question: Any scoop on Revenge? – Juan

Team Watch with Kristin: Don’t put away the tissues just yet as Amanda won’t be the only casualty in the Hamptons this season. “More deaths coming,” Gabriel Mann ominously teases. “Lots of tears, lots of fury, lots of vengeance, Revenge squared.”

Question: I’ll take some Once Upon a Time spoilers! – Thomas

Team Watch with Kristin: In the March 7 episode “The Miller’s Daughter,” Rose McGowan kills it as a young Cora and we get to see how Regina’s evil mother became the power-hungry person she is today. We’ll also see her first meeting with Rumpelstiltskin, which is, in a word, seductive.

Question: Please give us Zoe and Wade some good news! Hart of Dixie’s last episode broke my Zade-loving heart! – Sarah

Team Watch with Kristin: Sorry, but things are not looking good for Zoe and Wade as the show is currently casting a new love interest for Bluebell’s cutest doc: Michael, Max’s father! Though he’s unlikely match for her at first, Zoe kind of likes that he’s pretty normal, but too bad he’s not exactly into all the drama going on in her life.

Question: Where is the Covert Affairs scoop? – Thompson

Team Watch with Kristin: Covert Affairs is currently looking for a major recurring character for season four named Teo, a Colombian rebel leader. Teo is described as charismatic and intellectually curious, but he has big secrets about his past that will affect both Annie and Auggie.

Question: Now that Once Upon a Time‘s Emma has disappointed Henry by lying to him about his father, will Regina have a chance to really reconnect with her son? –Vicki

Mitovich: That is totally where I thought this was going, too, but it appears we’re both wrong. As Jennifer Morrison explained to me, “Unfortunately for Regina at this point, she is so wrapped up in her own sort of mess with her mother being in town and the complications of that relationship, and sort of her failing at trying to not use magic, she sort of misses seeing her opportunity [with Henry]. She does make a move to get him back, but she doesn’t necessarily make the most strategic move, based on the circumstances.”

Question: Please give us a one-word clue about this week’s Beauty and the Beast! — @itslulim via Twitter

Mitovich: Well, it would be cruel – yet accurate – of me to trot out the word “break-up.” But I am not a cruel man, so I’ll just go with “game-changer.” (I assume everyone has heard about the shocking death by now…?) For those who are not @itsluim and are OK with more than one word, you probably saw me tweet, “Oh damn” twice, as I previewed tonight’s episode. One was a sad “Oh damn,” and one was… not. Y’all are gonna be talking about this episode, because in the course of one unpredictable scene I suspect you’ll get more than you bargained for.

Question: What happened to Crossbones from NBC? Did it get a pilot order or what? There were rumors a while back about Hugh Laurie even joining it! – Omabin

Mitovich: Though the talk about Laurie — one of the most in-demand actors this development season — playing Blackbeard has died down, Crossbones was actually ordered to series almost from the get-go, and is still in development/casting.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actor Chris Carmack (The O.C.) will have a recurring role on Nashville later this season, playing Will, a new neighbor who befriends Scarlett and Gunnar. Carmack is expected to appear in six episodes. (Kimberly Roots at TV Line)

Actress Lauren Cohan (The Walking Dead) will guest star in a March episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, playing Avery Jordan, a popular sports reporter who accuses her cameraman of raping her; but when she learns she’s pregnant from the encounter, she opts to keep the baby. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

Actress Lily James, who plays rebellious great niece Rose to the Dowager Crawley has been made a series regular on Downton Abbey for its upcoming fourth season. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

Actors Hugh Dillon (Flashpoint) and Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica) will both appear in the upcoming third season of The Killing. Dillon will be a series regular, appearing as Becker, who goes head to head with death row inmate Seward (Peter Sarsgaard). While Douglas will play Gabe, a prison guard on death row. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Q&A SECTION (with Team Watch with Kristin at E! Online, Natalie Abrams and Adam Bryant at TV Guide, Michael Ausiello at TV Line and Sandra Gonzalez at Entertainment Weekly)

Question: I need some scoop on the Pretty Little Liars finale! This season has been insane. – Libby

Team Watch with Kristin:  Well, prepare for even more craziness! “The finale is mind-blowing. The finale is very hot and we answer a couple of very big questions and we launch a new mystery that will take us into season four,” creator Marlene King teases. “I hope fans are really excited about wanting the answer to that new question. It’s a question fans have already asked, but now we’re addressing it.”

Question: If I don’t see some Rayna-Deacon lovin’ on Nashville soon, I’m going to lose it! Tell me what you know! – Deanna

Team Watch with Kristin: We know that for every moment that oozes chemistry between Rayna and Deacon, there will be a not-so-hot moment. It’s the usual will they-won’t they back and forth dance that TV shows love to torture us with. Just prepare to sit tight and wait. Plus, we think Rayna will be too busy with family matters when she has to convince her children not to get into the singing business. Seriously, they even asked to be signed to her new label! Kids today.

Question: Please say that August is coming back to OUAT! – WesleyPomatto

Team Watch with Kristin:  Rejoice, August/Pinocchio fans as Eion Bailey will be returning to the ABC hit series. And we can spill that he will be sharing scenes with Emma’s baby-father and Rumple’s son Neal in New York City, so this begs the question: flashback or present-day confrontation? Hmmm…

Question: Will the hunt for Eli David and Jackie Vance’s killer be resolved in this year’s NCIS finale? — Frank

ADAM: That would make sense, right? Although executive producer Gary Glasberg tells us the effects of those murders on Ziva and Director Vance will be felt throughout the rest of the season, Rocky Carroll isn’t so sure the case will necessarily be tied up. “This may be something that spills into next season,” he teases. “I wouldn’t be all that surprised if the resolve of this happens when [no one’s thinking], ‘Hey, this is the episode where we solve it.’ It’s going to be one of those things that catches us off guard again.”

Question: Is Jeremy really dead on The Vampire Diaries? How will Elena ever get over that? — Jessie

NATALIE: You’ll find out if he’s truly a goner before the next episode ends. But regardless of whether he lives, Elena is going to be in a bit of a state for a while. At times she will seem complete completely numb, while at others she will display a fiery recklessness that leads her to do something she might ultimately regret.

Question: Why is Scott Foley’s Jake such a creeper on Scandal? — Linda

NATALIE: Just because Jake was spying on Olivia via hidden cameras, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s a creeper — at least that’s what Foley says. “Jake definitely isn’t doing this on his own,” he teases. “He was hired by a group or a person to keep an eye on her and to find out something about her.” Certainly his boss/es didn’t anticipate that he’d fall for Olivia. That will be one interesting date.

Question: Heather saw Cat and Vincent kiss. How are they going to handle that on Beauty and the Beast? —Sarah

NATALIE: Well, nosy sister Heather will expect a meeting with Cat’s man, but the dinner doesn’t go so well. Let’s just say that Vincent does something that gives Heather a very bad impression. As a result, Heather and Tess will stage a “Vincent intervention.”

Question: That Suits finale promo is not a red herring, right? Mike is going to tell Rachel his secret? — Gina

ADAM: All we’ll say is that Rachel’s Harvard ordeal is not over. She tells Mike that she was rejected because of Louis’ relationship with Sheila (which, remember, is a lie Louis came up with) and tries to use Mike’s status as a Harvard “alum” to make a case against Louis. Will he help her or come clean?

Question: Is there any chance Once Upon a Time fans will ever get a flashback to the day Regina first adopted Henry? —Lanie

Ausiello: In a manner of speaking, yes. “We are going to explore the origins of what made Regina go get Henry,” series co-creator Adam Horowitz reveals, “what made Regina want a child.”

Question: Once Upon a Time‘s Henry/Neal/Emma rocked “Manhattan.” What’s next for my favorite family? —Patti

Ausiello: What’s next? Uh, major complications. ”Emma’s not going to forgive Neal or ask for him to be in her life romantically, but she at least feels that it would probably be best for Henry to have Neal in his life,” Jennifer Morrison told TVLine’s Matt Mitovich. “But in the midst of Emma asking Neal [about that], it’s revealed to her that he has a fiancée, a whole life that’s been going on. So, that definitely is complicated!”

Question: I’m disappointed that there hasn’t been anything juicy about Switched at Birth in almost a month. Can you give me the latest on my secret weeknight obsession? —Catherine

Ausiello: Switched at Birth is going where no show has gone before: The March 4 hour will be told entirely in American Sign Language. “The theme of the episode is, can the hearing world and the deaf world really co-exist with each other without there being a prejudice or reverse prejudice going on?” star Vanessa Marano previewed at the Streamy Awards. With Carlton School for the Deaf on the brink of being closed, Bay gets involved in the fight to save it, and ends up causing “so much trouble,” teases the actress. “She helps out the deaf kids in that episode, and then doesn’t necessarily get rewarded in the way that she was hoping she would be.”

Question: Tell me something about Revenge! —Simona

Ausiello: With Amanda pushing up daisies, the show is on the lookout for another recurring female rabble-rouser. Producers are casting the role of Regina, a cynical, sharp-tongued 18-year-old who possesses a vicious sense of humor and a wild streak.

Question: Could you supply some scoop on Body of Proof in your next Ask Ausiello? —Jason

Ausiello: Dana Delany says the rebooted ABC drama’s third season (premiering Tuesday) features less “whimsy” and “a lot more danger,” adding that Megan will find herself in several perilous situations over the course of the 13 episodes. And at the risking of getting ahead of ourselves, the finale will resolve a long-standing mystery and feature a shocking cameo by this studly hunkamuffin.

Question: Any scoop on Scott Foley’s Scandal peeping tom, Jake? My guess is he’s working for Mellie. —Jodi

Ausiello: Interesting. My money’s on Hollis. Another provocative question no one (except me) seems to be asking: How long has Jake been spying on Liv? “It could have been going on for years,” speculates Foley. “Or it could be a new thing. Personally, I think it’s probably been going on for a month or two and he realized there was something interesting [about her and decided] to meet her in real-life and see what happens.”

Question: I’m really worried about Army Wives this season, Sandra. SO many changes. Anything to soothe my fears? — Stephanie

Sandra: I thought the season 7 premiere was definitely on point, but as you may know, Claudia Joy is a goner in the season premiere. So that definitely won’t be an easy goodbye for viewers — or the gang, for that matter — it’s nicely done. Also, prepare yourself: The second episode might bring news of another impending farewell.

Question: Any plans for Mulan to return to Once? — Alyson

Sandra: “We’re not going to rule anything out and there are some surprises we want to keep in store for characters who may be coming back later in the season,” says executive producer Adam Horowitz. “So we’re not going to rule anything out nor will we confirm or deny.”

Question: Monday night’s Casle was almost too much! I might have just re-watched and started crying again. Any happier news to share? — Kylie

Sandra: “We have a really fun episode where a woman is murdered and it seems like something supernatural is responsible,” reports executive producer Andrew Marlowe. “And [they discover] — not unlike the Ring — a videotape message that creepy and appears to Castle to be haunted. After seeing it, he’s convinced he’s going to be the next victim — and he may not be wrong.” If that doesn’t sound fun, I don’t know what is! Also later this season? One word: Big Foot.

Question: Any Castle scoop to share? PLEASE!— Leslie

Sandra: Here’s something you’ll love if you’re a fan of Det. Ryan: An upcoming episode is going to delve back into Ryan’s past as a detective in narcotics. “A person from one of his old cases resurfaces and it forces him to go undercover again,” says Marlowe, “and it’s a much different Ryan we get to see. He’s sort of put an aspect of himself behind him [when he] went to be a homicide detective and became the sweater vest guy — but he wasn’t always that guy.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

CONDOLENCES

Country singer Mindy McCready was found in her Arkansas home on Sunday from an apparent suicide. She was only 37. (E! Online)

ME: Rest in peace, Ms. McCready. Such sad news about someone so young. Condolences to her family, friends and fans. Moment of silence please.

TELEVISION

Actor Paul Ben-Victor (In Plain Sight) will appear in a four-episode arc on the CBS period drama Vegas, playing a character named Barry Silver, an arrogant Hollywood mogul. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

Actor Domenick Lombardozzi (Breakout Kings) will recur on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire playing Al Capone’s older brother Ralph. (Kimberly Roots at TV Line)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Here are the top 10 box office movies for this past holiday weekend from Deadline:

1. Good Day To Die Hard – 28.5 million
2. Identify Thief – 27.5 million
3. Safe Haven – 24.4 million
4. Escape From Planet Earth – 20.8 million
5. Warm Bodies – 10.5 million
6. Beautiful Creatures – 8.9 million
7. Side Effects – 7.1 million
8. Silver Linings Playbook – 7 million
9. Hansel & Gretel – 4.1 million
10. Zero Dark Thirty – 3.6 million

MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE NEWS

The BBC has announced that prolific writer Andrew Davies (the man behind House Of Cards, Pride And Prejudice, Bridget Jones and Brideshead Revisited – among others) will write a six-part serialized version of the epic Tolstoy novel War And Peace to air on BBC One (in the U.K.) in 2015. (Nancy Tartaglione at Deadline)

Actress Keke Palmer (Joyful Noise), Lil Mama (America’s Best Dance Crew) and actress Drew Sidora (Step Up) are set to star in the VH1 biopic called Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story that will focus on the lives of the members of the R&B/hip-hop/pop group TLC. Palmer will portray Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, Lil Mama will play the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Sidora will play Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

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

TELEVISION

Actor Ben Shenkman has been promoted to a series regular for the USA Network medical drama Royal Pains when the series returns for its 5th season this June. As viewers know, he plays Dr. Jeremiah Sacani in the drama. (Vlada Gelman at TV Line)

MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE NEWS

Actor Luke Evans (The Three Musketeers) will star in the two-part TV mini-series expected to air on the BBC in the UK. He will play Bruce Reynolds, the masterminded behind the Great Train Robbery. Reynolds hatched the plan for the 1963 mail train heist, at the time Britain’s biggest ever robbery. One part follows the thieves, the other the police and their efforts to catch the robbers. (The Sun and Dark Horizons)

BOX OFFICE TRAILERS

New Trailer for ‘The Host’ Lays Out the Plot and a Bunch of Shiny Cars

Robin Wright and Naomi Watts in ‘Two Mothers’ International Trailer

That’s it. Enjoy!

PS: Have a great holiday weekend for those here in the States, who celebrate President’s Day weekend that is.

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