Rueben's Ramblings

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Frances Conroy (American Horror Story and Six Feet Under) will appear in a multi-episode story arc on Royal Pains, playing Blythe Ballard, a member of the Hamptons “royalty” who lives in the estate next to Hank (series lead Mark Feuerstein) and Evan’s (series regular Paulo Costanzo) residence, Shadow Pond. (The Deadline Team)

Continuum has been picked up for a second season in Canada already and now news comes out that Syfy will also air the second season of the sci-fi series starting on June 17, airing all 13 planned episodes of the new season. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

ABC Family has given the greenlight on a spin-off series for Pretty Little Liars called Ravenswood that will debut after the planned Halloween episodes of the latter this October. The new series will center on a town, not far from Rosewood, Pennslyvania (where Pretty Little Liars) is set. The town has suffered under a deadly curse for generations, and five strangers suddenly find themselves connected to it. They try to discover the town’s mysterious and terrible history before it’s too late. (Tim Molloy at The Wrap)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire) has joined the cast of the untitled movie from David O. Russell that will star Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence. The film is inspired by a true story of a notorious financial con artist and his mistress/partner in crime, who were forced to work with an overly ambitious federal agent to turn the tables on other con artists, mobsters and politicians. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)

Actress Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy) and Patrick Wilson (A Gifted Man) have joined the upcoming dark comedy called North of Hell. Wilson will play Don Champage, a successful businessman who seems to have it all, including an obsessive wife, to be played by Heigl, who relentlessly controls everything in his life. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

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

Question: Is Laurel’s sister really alive on Arrow or is this whole thing a scam plot? – Ali

Team Watch with Kristin: As if Laurel isn’t dealing with enough emotional drama right now, Katie Cassidy seems skeptical herself! “How do we even know she’s telling the truth? I mean, isn’t that the first place you go?” she tells us. “She could be wrong or maybe she just has bad information. If Laurel’s sister is alive, the girl’s gonna have to take on a lot more! As an actor though, I love that stuff. More information, more stuff I can build on, I’m sure it’ll be crazy, but so much fun.” Fun for you, and fun for us viewers! Win-win.

Question: Nashville scoop! Now that Deacon kissed Rayna in the elevator, are they actually gonna get together? – Annabelle

Team Watch with Kristin: After Deacon said, “I’m done talkin’ Rayna,” he had us all in a swirl! So, straight from the mouth of that guitar playing hunk: “She had that coming, right?” Charles Esten teases. “I think it depends on all of your definitions. Like are we are gonna get together, will it ever be easy, will it ever be done, will it ever be happily ever after? That’s going to be very tricky.” So will it ever be public?! “I think so. I think somewhere down the road that will happen, but public doesn’t mean easy. You see all the public relations in Nashville of all places, especially in country music. It’s hard, maybe it’s even harder in the public eye.” Let’s hope these two can stand the heat!

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

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

TELEVISION

Actress Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation) will be stepping into some big shoes that were recently vacated on NCIS. Sirtis will be taking over as the new Director for the Mossad. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

DEVEOPMENT NEWS

ABC Family is developing a new hour-long dramedy based on the novel called Hot Property written by Michele, Sabrina and Samantha Kleier. The series will center on Elizabeth Chase and her daughters, Kate and Isabel, who live and work together. Their lives are so intertwined that outsiders, including their own boyfriends, question if there is room for anything besides business and each other. (Lacey Rose at The Hollywood Reporter)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

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

1. The Croods, $44.7 million
2. Olympus Has Fallen, $30.5 million
3. Oz the Great and Powerful, $22 million
4. The Call, $8.7 million
5. Admission, $6.4 million
6. Spring Breakers, $5 million
7. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, $4.3 million
8. Jack the Giant Slayer, $3 million
9. Identity Thief, $2.5 million
10. Snitch, $1.9 million

Relativity Media has acquired the rights to the psychological thriller novel Scare Me with actor Wentworth Miller (Prison Break) set to write the script. Miller made his screenwriting debut on Stoker, the upcoming thriller over at Fox Searchlight that will star Nicole Kidman and Mia Wasikowska and Matthew Goode. Scare Me is in the vein of Se7en, and it will be published in the spring by Angry Robot. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)

Sony Pictures as acquired the right to the upcoming young adult novel called Seeker by author Arwen Elys Dayton. The first of an intended trilogy, the story focuses on a young girl put through years of brutal training who discovers too late that she will be using her new found knowledge and training to become an assassin. (The Hollywood Reporter and Dark Horizons)

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

Here are the news items for yesterday and today:

TELEVISION

Actor Manu Bennett (Spartacus), who has been recurring as Slade Wilson in the new CW series Arrow, has been promoted to series status on the show when it returns for its second season this fall. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

Actor Sean Faris (The Lost Valentine and Christmas with Holly) will have a recurring role on Pretty Little Liars when the ABC Family teen soap returns in June for its fourth season. He will play Pennsylvania state police officer Gabriel Holbrook. (Damian Holbrook at TV Guide)

Actress Nadine Velazquez (My Name Is Earl) has been added to the cast of Major Crimes, the TNT spin-off series from The Closer. She will play Deputy D.A. Emma Rios. And, actor Robert Gossett has been promoted to series regular status on the series as well. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Actor David Anders (Alias, The Vampire Diaries and Once Upon a Time) will recurring on the third season of Necessary Roughness, playing Troy Cutler, the second-in-command to Connor McClane (John Stamos). (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham will guest star in a May episode of Elementary, playing The Actuary, a devious hitman. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)

Actress Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill) will have a recurring role in the 8th (and probably final) season of Dexter, playing Cassie, Dexter’s new neighbor. (Damian Holbrook at TV Guide)

Actor Zeljiko Ivanek (Damages) will appear in the second season of the Cinemax series Banshee, playing Jim Racine, a chain smoking, renegade FBI agent. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Rufus Sewell (A Knight’s Tale) will join Dwayne Johnson in the upcoming film Hercules. He will star as Autolycus. The film is expected to open on July 25, 2014. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)

Actress Kate Winslet (Titanic) has joined the cast of the upcoming film Divergent, based on the Veronica Roth novel of the same name that is set to star Shailene Woodley (The Secret Life of the American Teenager), Theo James (Golden Boy), Jai Courtney (Jack Reacher), Zoë Kravitz (X-Men: First Class) and Maggie Q (Nikita). The film is set in a futuristic world where people are herded into factions based on their personalities. (The Deadline Team)

Actor Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike and I Am Number Four) and Gabriella Wilde (The Three Musketeers) will play the leads in the remake of the 1981 film Endless Love. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

Actress Dawn Olivieri (Heroes and House of Lies) will appear in the untitled David O. Russell film that will star Bradley Cooper. She will play his girlfriend in the film that includes among it’s the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Christian Bale. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

Actress Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) will star in the upcoming sci-fi action film called We Are Monsters. The story follows a troubled schoolgirl who meets a group of similarly outcast teenagers. Together their unique ailments mutate, endowing them with enhanced senses and exciting new powers. (Bloody Disgusting and Dark Horizons)

BOX OFFICE TRAILER

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS – International Trailer

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

Question: Any Nikita scoop to share? – Daria

Team Watch with Kristin: Alex is getting a new friend! The show will be introducing Maryam Hasan, a Sudanese human rights activist, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with our heroine after she becomes the target for an assassination. She’ll challenge Alex to question where her life is heading and her place in the world.

Question: I haven’t given up on Laurel and Oliver getting back together on Arrow! Anything you can tease? – Alexis

Team Watch with Kristin: Well, then you’re sure to love what Katie Cassidy had to share with us! “I think she does want to get back with Oliver deep down, yes. I think he’s the love of her life but she can’t right now,” she explains. “I don’t feel like she has it in her at this point to go there, but I do think it’s something that you wish you can have but know it’s not possible.” Maybe season 10?!

Question: Any juicy Annie and Auggie scenes coming up when Covert Affairs returns?! – Kellie

Team Watch with Kristin: Look away Annie and Auggie fans, as Helen Rivers, an exotic and stunning beautiful woman who has a mysterious connection with Auggie, will make her debut in episode in season four and will most likely be sticking around for quite some time. She also happens to be an extremely skilled CIA agent who is in a special program that takes her deep undercover.

Question: Pretty Little Liars’ finale was amazing! Any scoop on season four? – Maddie

Team Watch with Kristin: Episode three of the new season is called “Cat’s Cradle” and will introduce fans to a Tim Burton-ish character named Hector Lime, an unkempt sculptor who makes props and statues for horror movies. Oh, and he specializes in masks. Hmmm…

Question: Any news on what Supernatural‘s Dean will be doing while Sam is dealing with the Trials? –Sue

Mitovich: I turned your query over to exec producer Jeremy Carver, and his response was: “I can’t say much about the Trials, but when it comes to what might be in store for Dean, I have one word: Tron.” (Could that be, as I suspect, a reference to a recent casting notice that circulated last month?)

Question: Do you have any news on when Nick’s mother (played by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) will show back up on Grimm? –Amanda

Mitovich: I do not — and apparently I am in the best of company in that respect. “Truth be told, we have absolutely no idea,” the NBC drama’s producers say in a statement to Inside Line. “Hopefully next season!!”

Question: There’s conflicting information out there about whether or not the whole cast of The Vampire Diaries has been filming scenes in New Orleans for the back-door pilot episode, or if it’s just the Originals cast. Can you confirm which one is true? – Audrey

Mitovich: I am assured that TVD regulars definitely appear in the planted pilot, but the exact and complete RSVP list is a well-guarded secret – including who appears in New Orleans, in Mystic Falls or in both settings.

Question: Now that Mr. Gold is alive and well on Once Upon a Time, what will happen to the relationship between him and Neal? –Margena

Mitovich: “Gold, he’s such a flawed character, so he’s trying to do the right thing but he doesn’t really know how,” says Robert Carlyle. Meaning, above and beyond that wacky offer to turn Neal into a teenager again, “He doesn’t know how to take that further, so it’s going to take a
while to get any kind of resolution on that. But in Episode 21 or 22, something happens which changes [their relationship] forever.” For the better…? “Maybe,” Carlyle teases.

Question: Once Upon a Time fans were given a hint about a connection between Neal and Hook in Neverland. Do you have any scoop about what their history might be? –Stef

Mitovich: For now I will just say that one rumor making rounds as of late absolutely will not pan out.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

NBC has picked up the TV rights to the action series Crossing Lines and is set to air the 10-episode series this summer. The show is set in exotic locations, tapping into the charter of the International Criminal Court to investigate serialized cross-border crimes and to hunt down global criminals. The series stars William Fichtner (24) and legendary actor Donald Sutherland (among others). (TV By the Numbers)

CBS has renewed CSI for a 14th season. [Shock and awe, folks; shock and awe!] (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Michael Angarano will co-star alongside Jason Statham in the movie remake of the 1986 film Heat. Statham will play Nick, a recovering gambling addict working as a for-hire tough guy while Angarano will play Cyrus Kinnick, a tech billionaire who hires Nick as a bodyguard and gambling tutor. (The Deadline Team)

BOX OFFICE TRAILERS

Watch: DreamWorks Animation’s Speedy Theatrical Trailer for ‘Turbo’

Hot Trailer: ‘Welcome To The Punch’

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

Question: I really hope Beauty and the Beast gets renewed for a second season! Got any scoop for us Beasties?! – Matthew

Team Watch with Kristin: Things will get (even more) complicated for Catherine at work thanks to her feelings for Vincent and her desire to protect him, something Gabe is picking up on.

Question: Is winter here yet? I need some Game of Thrones scoop to hold me over until the premiere! — Philip

NATALIE: Watch out, Khaleesi! When Daenerys visits Slaver’s Bay to recruit help for her quest to reclaim the Iron Throne, another attempt will be made on her life. Never fear though. We won’t lose the dragon mother that easily. A familiar face arrives unexpectedly to save her, and this person could provide important insight into her enemy.

Question: I can’t believe Klaus and Haley hooked up! Will that continue on The Vampire Diaries spin-off? — Charlie

NATALIE: Not so fast. While we loved the fact that Klaus finally got some, Joseph Morgan says this is not a story line that will continue on The Originals. “Because we were the first people cast — myself, Daniel Gillies and Phoebe Tonkin — it’s easy to assume that it’ll be a love triangle with Haley and the two brothers, but it’s something so utterly different,” Morgan says, adding, “That would be a cheap shot to have a carbon copy of The Vampire Diaries, which [the spin-off] really isn’t.” Well, it was fun while it lasted.

Question: What can you tell me about Deacon’s new love interest on Nashville? — Heather

ADAM: Although the character, played by Susan Misner, is a veterinarian, she is also a West Coast Nashville transplant — which means she’s not intimidated by Deacon’s celebrity status. And although Deacon is drawn to her “outsider” ways —a tour of the city ends in Deacon’s bedroom — she’s none too impressed by the way he just drops everything for a gig.

Question: Do you have any scoop on the Arrow season finale? — John

NATALIE: The finale will include a “seminal moment in Oliver’s evolution on the island,” executive producer Marc Guggenheim tells me, noting that the climax of the season in flashback will be as pivotal as the one in present day. “What’s Fyres up to, where do Yao-Fei’s allegiances lie, why is Shado on the island, the missile launcher that you saw at the end of Episode 16; all these things will get paid off in the last episode of Season 1.”

Question: What can you tell me about Ryan’s undercover episode on Castle? — Brittney

ADAM: When the team’s murder investigation leads to an Irish crime family Ryan once infiltrated, he dusts off his old tough-guy persona (and clothes), which comes as a major shock to his colleagues. “He’s mild-mannered and he’s a family man. We always see him in the sweater vests and the ties,” Seamus Dever jokes. But perhaps worse, Ryan has to reconnect with an old flame, which he can’t tell his wife. “It cuts close to the bone,” Dever says. “He can’t explain all the things and he doesn’t want to scare her and tell her that he’s walking back into the hornet’s nest.”

Question: Do you know when we’re going to see the showdown between Neville and his son on Revolution? — Terri

Sandra: In the first episode back! “There is this sort of unforgivable schism between father and son. And from that point on, their paths diverge,” says executive producer Eric Kripke. “Jason makes some radical changes and Neville is left to deal with them.” It’s so bad, says Kripke, that it “sets them on different paths for really most of the season.”

Question: I’m so excited for the return of Revolution. Anything new you can share about the return? — Anne

Sandra: In this second half, don’t expect the heroes to be traveling in one big happy bunch. According to Kripke, there’s a split-up coming. “I don’t want to say who goes where, but in our classic Lord of the Rings-way, different epic quests end up evolving and our little fellowship ends up having to split up and head off into different directions in the most emotional and fraught way possible to accomplish their goals,” he says. These quests will take them into the two new lands that have been teased — Georgia Federation and Plains Nation.

Question: I’m going to marathon Revolution this weekend to prepare for the return. I’m hoping the lights don’t go out because I need this refresher course. Anything juicy to share to help me get through my quest? — Melissa

Sandra: “If the first half of the season was to find Danny, the second half of the season, this war really begins,” teases Kripke. “It’s about this rag-tag group of rebels up against the evil empire — it’s as fun as that. It’s the good guys versus the bad guys and overwhelming battles and love and romance and loyalty.”

Question: The April 6 episode of NCIS is getting a lot of buzz. What can you tell us about the episode, especially on the Tony/Ziva front? Can we expect some explosive moments with these two? — Cheryl

Sandra: Explosive? In a literal sense, not so much. Incredibly sweet? Yes. (…and there’s more than one!) Also, prepare yourself for the ending. In one word: Cliffhanger. In three words: Oh. My. God.

Question: When’s the next time Liv and Fitz see each other on Scandal? Or really ANYTHING on these two would help me get through these last few days until the new episode! — Gina

Sandra: Fitz and Liv have another one of their famous phone calls in this week’s episode, but it’s definitely more business than pleasure. And you won’t have to wait too long for their next face-to-face meeting — but the circumstances are less than ideal.

Question: I hope this makes it in, but WHAT’S IN THE BOX?! (Re: NCIS: LA) – Samantha

Sandra: I know you all were dying to find out what’s inside, but I promise your patience will pay off. So does exec producer Shane Brennan! “Deeks will look at Kensi in a slightly different way now,” he says. “And without giving too much away, we haven’t seen the last of the box. Even though the box returns, it isn’t the last time we see the box.”

Question: Any word on The Lying Game renewal? This delay is making me nervous! — B.A.

Sandra: No word yet, according to Andy Buckley, but he is feeling confident. “Technically they have a month to tell us, but I tend to think they will pick us up,” he says. “I would be very surprised [if we didn’t].”

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

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

TELEVISION

Actor James Callis (Battlestar Galactica) will star in the season finale of CSI on May 15. He will play a journalist who has the Las Vegas Police Department in his crosshairs, as he aims to expose the corruption and hypocrisy of those tasked with policing Sin City. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

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

Question: Loving all the Sherlock scoop you’ve been sharing recently. I can have more? – Colin

Team Watch with Kristin: But of course! Any excuse to talk about Sherlock. Co-creator and star Mark Gatiss revealed on his Twitter the title of the first episode of season four: “The Empty Hearse.” Sounds like the episode will be based on the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story The Adventure of the Empty House. And hopefully, having the word “hearse” in the title means that we will find out just how Sherlock faked his death.

Question: Would love some scoop on Once Upon a Time’s finale! – Hank

Team Watch with Kristin: The ABC fantasy hit is currently casting three 16-year-old boys who are part of a sinister group. The leader Felix is tough; while the other two are identical twins and all three roles could becoming recurring. Hmm…could we be meeting the Lost Boys?!

Question: Beauty and the Beast spoilers? – Erika

Team Watch with Kristin: Sounds like Beauty and the Beast is hopping on the Star Wars train because soon they’ll be introducing Chewy! Obviously it’s not actually Chewbacca, but there is a character named Chewy who will first hit on Catherine, and then try and beat her up, and then threaten her life. And that’s just the first scene with him. All in a day’s work as a really attractive detective.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actors Jack Coleman (Heroes) and Stephen Martines (The Closer) have been cast in recurring roles on Burn Notice when the show returns later this year for its seventh (and potentially final season. Coleman will play Andrew Strong, a ranking CIA officer who has seen it all. Noble, but also obsessive at times, Strong is a relentless taskmaster who pushes Michael to do whatever it takes to complete the mission. Martines will play Carlos Cruz, a swashbuckling bounty hunter and Fiona’s charming new boyfriend (SAY WHAT?!) (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Actor Dallas Roberts (The Walking Dead) has joined the cast of the returning CBS drama Unforgettable where he will play Eliot, who is in charge of the Major Cases Section of the NYPD. Unforgettable returns on July 28. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Actor Gregg Henry (Scandal) is joining the cast of The Killing, playing Carl Reddick, Holder’s seasoned new partner, a career cop who’s managed to neither excel to the top ranks nor ruffle anyone’s feathers. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Season three of the MTV comedy Awkward. will be back with its third season on April 16, airing two back-to-back episodes at 10 and 10:30 PM. (TV By the Numbers)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

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

1. Oz the Great and Powerful, $42.2 million
2. The Call, $17.1 million
3. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, $10.3 million
4. Jack the Giant Slayer, $6.2 million
5. Identity Thief, $4.8 million
6. Snitch, $3.5 million
7. 21 and Over, $2.6 million
8. Silver Linings Playbook, $2.59 million
9. Safe Haven, $2.5 million
10. Escape From Planet Earth, $2.3 million

Actress Elisabeth Rohm (Law & Order) has joined the cast of the as-yet titled film from David O. Russell that stars Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner and Amy Adams. The story revolves around a real-life FBI sting operation in the 1970s that led to the conviction of U.S. political figures for corruption. Rohm will play the wife of Renner’s character. (Variety and Dark Horizons)

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

Question: I’m thrilled that Veronica Mars fans will be getting a long-awaited movie. I have a few questions related to the Kickstarter campaign that made it possible: 1) Were you surprised that the goal of $2 million was reached in only 24 hours given the ratings challenges the show always faced as a TV series? 2) There was some controversy about whether asking fans to fund the project instead of having the studio fund it was setting a bad precedent and whether such a “mainstream” project should have been conducted through Kickstarter. What are your thoughts? Lastly, what other cancelled TV shows do you think would be worthy of fan-funded movie resurrections? — Brian

Matt Roush: 1) I’m pretty sure everyone in the industry and beyond was astonished — gobsmacked is another favorite word that comes to mind — at how quickly this all happened, in part because as you noted Veronica Mars was the cult-iest of cult shows and has been off the air (though apparently not out of mind) for six years. But as we all know, fan passion runs deep, and in this case, they put their money where it mattered, in a unique (for now) circumstance that gives them pride of participation, if not ownership. Which brings up 2) the question of whether the Kickstarter method is appropriate for projects like this. I don’t see a problem, in part because Veronica Mars feels less “mainstream” than underdog, as close to indie-film status as anything from a major studio can be. This wasn’t going to happen any other way, and it’s unlikely anyone’s going to make a fortune from this once it heads to its ultimate destination: online, On Demand, video. It’s a win for fans and for the creative team that has stayed remarkably committed to seeing this become a reality.

Which brings up 3) the fact that an awful lot needs to go right in terms of assembling cast, writers and production team for a project of the right scale to get this sort of go-ahead. (Even another watershed event like Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog only happened because of “favors and waivers,” as he put it to me back in 2008. And we’re still waiting for the sequel.) Among the titles I’ve seen discussed in the wake of this Veronica Mars news are even cult-ier shows like Party Down and Terriers — which probably could produce a movie version on this scale — as well as fan faves like Chuck (which got five seasons, but Zachary Levi still dreams of doing a movie, and why not). Many shows are “worthy” (as Brian puts it) of resurrection, but like Arrested Development’s comeback on Netflix, they’re still likely to be the exception to the rule that once a show’s canceled, it’s over. Which won’t stop the clamoring for more, so it will be interesting to see what happens next.

Question: Should we Once Upon a Time fans be worried with the low ratings the show has oddly been getting lately? I don’t understand why the show is getting such low ratings as all of my family and friends still watch the series and the online fanbase is so large. I know the ratings really aren’t the full picture anymore, and a Season 3 renewal is pretty much a given, but should we be worried that Season 3 could be the last? A lot of my friends now watch the show with their DVRs or online which I know the overnight ratings don’t include. Once they add those factors in, plus how popular the show is on social networking sites like Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook, it has to change the story. I’m sure ABC knows how large the fandom actually is and I’m sure if we have to, there will be online campaigns to keep the show on the air like there have been with Chuck and Fringe. I’m starting to wonder if next season ABC will pair OUAT with S.H.I.E.L.D. by either keeping it on Sundays or moving it to another day, or if it will go the route of Lost and schedule an end date with a multiple-season renewal? I just hope this show is able to end the way the writers want it to. I think they, the cast and we as fans deserve to have a proper ending. — Amanda

Matt Roush: It’s a little early to start worrying about renewal beyond this season, don’t you think? Once was not helped by ABC scheduling first-run episodes against big events in January and February, but any show on Sundays faces that problem. Daylight savings is also no friend to shows that air at 8/7c. But in the bigger picture, as you suggested, the networks are taking into account many more factors than the immediate overnight ratings to calculate what makes a show a success in this increasingly fragmented marketplace. I like your idea of pairing Once with a similarly fantastic show, but I’d be surprised if ABC moves this show off of Sundays, where it still performs an important function as a family-friendly show in a critical hour. Either way, it seems too early for the Once producers to start thinking about an endgame or for fans to be worrying about an unhappily-ever-after scenario.

Question: I’ve recently become a fan of Bryan Fuller (always loved Pushing Daisies, but just got into Wonderfalls and Dead Like Me). Was bummed that Mockingbird Lane didn’t go further, but Hannibal has my hopes up. Why don’t Fuller’s shows seem to last more than two seasons (see all the above-mentioned shows), and do you think Hannibal will have a better chance of lasting? — Mottel

Matt Roush: Bryan Fuller doesn’t make ordinary TV, and taking extraordinary risks often presents challenges in such a mainstream medium. I’ve seen five episodes of Hannibal (which premieres April 4), and it’s as freaky, visually stimulating and fascinating as any of Fuller’s best work, but this one also has a brand name (Hannibal Lecter from Thomas Harris’ best-sellers) attached, so I’m hoping this will be the long-awaited new hit NBC so desperately needs and Fuller deserves. The Thursday time period (10/9c) will be challenging, since it’s been such a dead zone for NBC in recent years.

UPDATE: Regarding last week’s NCIS question about Ziva and the aftermath of her father’s assassination, the show’s executive producer Gary Glasberg sent in this quote to reconfirm my answer: “Revenge is often better served slowly and deliberately. And the ramifications of what’s to come at the end of the season will be significant and, to say the least, surprising.” To that end, the April 9 episode includes a storyline in which “Tony suspects that Ziva is planning a risky move to avenge her father’s death.” In other NCIS news, because I get so many questions about McGee and when we’ll ever meet his father, that will be addressed in the March 26 episode, introducing Jamey Sheridan (the ill-fated vice president on Homeland) as Navy Admiral John McGee, who in classic NCIS tradition is implicated in a murder at sea.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

The cable channel Cloo will air a marathon of episodes of Psych in honor of the show’s upcoming 100th episode. The event will be called “99 Psychs on the Wall” and will feature all 99 episodes leading up to the 100th episode, airing on Saturday, March 23 starting at 7 PM. (The Futon Critic)

INSIDE SCOOP (from Matt Mitovich at TV Line)

NCIS: On the short-term spoiler front, I’ve got Pauley Perrette teasing a bit of high drama on March 19, when the NCIS team swings into action to… help Vance hire a nanny for his kids. “But Vance is such an independent person that all the help from the crew is not making him happy,” the actress says of the Michael Weatherly-directed episode. “He’s kind of like, ‘I love you, but leave me alone!’” Now, looking in the general direction of the Season 10 finale, show boss Gary Glasberg has been telling his cast, “‘The last half of this season is going to be unlike any season’ — and I’m not sure what that means, to be honest,” Brian Dietzen reports. “All of us are on pins and needles, like, ‘What are we going to do? What does that really mean?’ But he’s not giving anything away!”

Once Upon a Time: As previously previewed, Regina is most definitely out for blood, having realized that Mary Margaret orchestrated Cora’s death. But how exactly will the Evil Queen go about exacting her revenge? “I honestly can’t say — it’ll just give away too much,” Lana Parrilla (sorta) tells us. “But I think she’s going to ‘rely a little bit on the universe’ and let things unfold as they’re meant to be.” Said differently: “She’s going to stalk her for a little bit, and then try to take her down.”

Castle: First, there was the Valentine’s Day jewelry jumble. Then, during Alexis’ kidnapping, Gates urged Kate to do whatever is necessary to help Rick. Was the latter a sign that the captain is wise to the workplace romance? “Do you know what that [line] came after? Seeing or not seeing them hug,” Penny Johnson Jerald reminds. “In fact, I remember the director saying, ‘I want you to turn around,’ and I go, ‘I don’t think I ever look at [Beckett]. ‘Cause I always think it’s about [Castle].’ So that was a good call.” Jerald can’t say if Gates in fact is onto the lovebirds, but in her mind, “It’s not whether she knows or not; it’s how she’s going to handle to truth.”

BONUS SCOOP: Seamus Dever tells us that by Episode 18 (airing March 25 and revolving around Ryan’s past), we’ll know if his detective is gonna be a dad.

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Theo James (Golden Boy) has landed the lead role in the upcoming box office movie Divergent based on the Veronica Roth best-selling novel. He will star alongside Shailene Woodley (The Secret Life of the American Teenager), who plays the lead female role. The cast includes Jai Courtney (Jack Reacher), Zoe Kravitz (X-Men: First Class) and Maggie Q (Nikita). Word has it that Kate Winslet is reportedly in talks to star in the film as well. (Sara Vilkomerson at Entertainment Weekly)

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

Question: On Once Upon a Time, does Neil’s fiancée possibly have a fairytale background? –Tedi

Mitovich: Ooh, I like this question. Let me say this: Soon enough, you won’t be wondering who Tamara might be so much as wondering what the [bleep] her agenda is.

Question: Can you tell us anything about the upcoming NCIS: LA spin-off? –Ali

Mitovich: Though Daniela Ruah doesn’t share many scenes with the “Red” team, she did share this observation with us: “There’s a lot of tension going on between Callen and the female lead” aka Agent Paris, played by Kim Raver. They’re just throwing more wood in a fire.” (Reminder: The two-part planted pilot kicks off March 19.)

Question: Pretty Little Liars! I’ll take anything, except if anyone is dying. I hate it when someone dies. –Elke

Mitovich: Though I cannot vouch if any of the following pertains to death, you’re getting it nonetheless. Exec producer Oliver Goldstick gave us this three-word tease for Tuesday’s season finale: “Haunting. Mind-blowing. Smoldering.”

Question: Anything on Teen Wolf? – TeenWolfDaily

Team Watch with Kristin: “Danny is definitely, whether intentional or not, being brought more into everything going on,” teases actor Keahu Kahuanui (who plays Danny). “It does somewhat have to do with his involvement in his new relationship.” Which would be with new Alpha Ethan, but is the relationship sincere? “It seems genuine,” Keahu tells us.

Question: Will Castle or Beckett (or both) be seriously injured in this season finale? -Grycloudyskies

Team Watch with Kristin: Our lips are sealed in regard to the finale (but we can tell you there’s a bomb involved), but the ABC hit’s 100th episode will pay homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window when Castle breaks his leg (thanks to a skiing accident while on vacation with Beckett!) and witnesses a crime.

Question: Wade and Zoe scoop, please. – TeamZade

Team Watch with Kristin: Though Hart of Dixie fans, some of them anyway, were devastated when the duo split, their relationship isn’t completely over with and the two will share at least one major moment by finale’s end. Too bad she also shares a big moment with George and Jonah is still around in the finale. Some girls have all the luck, no?

That’s it. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

Here are the news items for toddy:

TELEVISION

Actress Jasika Nicole (Fringe) will guest star in an upcoming episode of Scandal. The role she will play is being kept under wraps, though. (Natalie Abrams at TV Guide)

Actor Jonathan Del Arco has been made a series regular on Major Crimes when the series returns later this year for its sophomore season. He plays Dr. Morales, the medical examiner. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Actor Dougray Scott (Desperate Housewives) has joined the cast of the Cinemax action drama Strike Back. He will play a rogue operative James Leatherby. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Young British actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually and soon to be seen on Game of Thrones) has joined the cast of The Maze Runner where he will play Newt in the film that is a post-apocalyptic tale about a group of boys trapped in an enormous maze who seek their freedom. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

Actor Jai Courtney (A Good Day to Die Hard and Jack Reacher) has joined the cast of the young adult sci-fi adaptation Divergent based on the book of the same name that deals with a society divided into factions based on personality. Courtney will play Eric, who is a leader of the Dauntless faction. (Variety and Dark Horizons)

EDITORIAL

‘Veronica Mars’ Movie’s Kickstarter Success Could Change Everything

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

Question: PLL scoop please! – Lyndsey

Team Watch with Kristin: In episode two of the fourth season, which we can reveal is called “Turn of the Shoe,” fans will meet a very attractive martial arts instructor named Jake, who is patient, sensitive and insightful.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

NBC is moving Smash to Saturday nights at 9 PM starting on April 6, but claims they will air all remaining episodes. (Philiana Ng at The Hollywood Reporter)

Actor John Stamos will have a major recurring role, appearing in 10 episodes, on Necessary Roughness when the show returns for its third season sometime later this year. He will play Connor McClane, the founder of V3, a big global sports and entertainment management company who sees Dr. Dani’s (series lead Callie Thorne) success with TK (Mehcad Brooks) and the New York Hawks, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get her into the V3 family. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

Actor Colton Haynes (Teen Wolf) has been promoted to series regular status on Arrow when it returns in the fall for its sophomore season on The CW. He has appeared, so far, in one episode of the hot new drama as Roy Harper. (Zap2It and Green Arrow TV)

Actress Amanda Foreman (Felicity) will guest star in an upcoming episode of Awkward., playing Matty’s mom (Beau Mirchoff), who is being described as very conservative. (Megan Masters and Vlada Gelman at TV Line)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actress Cate Blanchett will executive produce and star in the HBO Films adaptation of the Marisa Acocella Marchetto memoir “Cancer Vixen: A True Story”. The protagonist is a cartoonist for magazines like The New Yorker and Glamour with a supercharged Manhattan lifestyle, who is about to get married but must re-examine her life through wit and her animation when she is diagnosed with breast cancer. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)

Universal Pictures has acquired an original sci-fi thriller pitch called Sagittarius from Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)

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

Question: When is my handsome sheriff returning to Once Upon a Time? – Mona

Team Watch with Kristin: You must be talking about the one and only hipster Sheriff Graham, aka Jamie Dornan. He is set to return in an upcoming flashback episode, and most of his scenes will be with Lana Parrilla. “You’ll see the charming, handsome Jamie Dorman and I think there’s a cute flirtation between them,” she tells us. “Regina is excited to have him back in her life.”

Question: I love Rayna and Deacon on Nashville and would love some scoop on their future! – Kassandra

Team Watch with Kristin: Well, we’re sorry to be the ones bursting your bubble, but it seems Rayna will be spending a whole lot of time with another country guy on the ABC hit: Liam! Yes, Rayna and Liam will definitely be together by episode 18, like the kind of together where they are planning weekend trips.

Question: Pretty Little Liars scoop please! – Maakevdi

Team Watch with Kristin: Mark your calendars: The ABC Family hit returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, June 11! But looking to next week’s finale, we’ll see how “A” has assembled his or her team: Is it recruitment or blackmail?

Question: What’s next for Juliette on Nashville after she fired her manager? — Emily

ADAM: “[She’s] taking her career into her own hands and singing the things that she’s really passionate about,” Hayden Panettiere says. “People assume… that she’s just somebody’s puppet, and she wants to prove everyone wrong.” But will that ambition come back to bite her in the long run? “[Taking] hold of her own empire … can be good or it could be disastrous,” executive producer Dee Johnson says. “But I think she is largely going to continue to be successful. The question is: What’s it like when you get everything you want?”

Question: I can’t wait for Annie Wersching on Revolution! Got any scoop? — John

NATALIE: As you may have heard, Wersching’s character Emma was actually Miles’ first love, but Billy Burke told us at PaleyFest that the two share an even deeper connection. “She’s his high school sweetheart,” Burke says. “They were actually engaged at one point, but as life happens, something came between them much earlier than the event that the show is about. We revisit Bass and Miles’ hometown and that’s where we’ll find her.”

Question: Do you have any hints about this year’s Castle finale? Will Jack Coleman’s Bracken be back? — Kristen

ADAM: While executive producer Andrew W. Marlowe doesn’t rule out a return from Sen. Bracken this season, he says that character doesn’t really figure into the finale. Instead, expect an “emotional” season-ender that pays off some of Beckett’s season-long questions about her man. “We’ve spent four and a half years really unpeeling who Beckett is, but we haven’t learned a lot about Castle,” Marlowe says. “We want to have Beckett look at that and wonder what kind of relationship she’s going to be in if he is withholding stuff. To what extent can he open up and be secure enough with her?” But before you start thinking breakup, let Stana Katic calm your fears. “There are some mini bumps,” she says,” but there is some high-stakes stuff that brings them even closer.”

Question: The Evil Queen rides again! How will Regina get her revenge on Once Upon a Time? — Alison

NATALIE: “All bets are off,” Lana Parrilla tells me and adds that Regina with be more than pissed off with both the Charming Family and Rumplestiltskin. “I think she’s more dangerous than she’s ever been. She’s even more dangerous because… she makes the choice to be the bad girl again and that’s scary because she’s just so angry. Her relationship with Rumple before was a game, but now I think she’s going to really go after him.”

Question: OMG, is Sarah really alive on Arrow? — Mellie

NATALIE: The Arrow writers are masterful magicians, because while we’re all focused on that question, there’s an even bigger reveal on the horizon. “Believe me when I tell you there is another bombshell that will really… shake Laurel down to her core,” Marc Guggenheim says. But there is a chance of seeing Sarah again; the show will eventually flash back to before the Queen’s Gambit sunk to reveal why Oliver brought that Lance sister along.

Question: On Justified, Boyd is in deep. Will he survive this season? — Terry, via Twitter

ADAM: The better question might be: Will he survive next week’s episode? At least a couple of bodies will pile up as seemingly every thug in Harlan County tries to kill Drew Thompson, despite his being in Marshal Service’s custody. That leads to a number of intense, hold-your-breath standoffs between Raylan and Boyd as well as a particularly bloody showdown between Boyd and Mike O’Malley’s Nicky Augustine. Somebody will lose a body part….

Question: Break it to me gently — what’s the fate of Bunheads? Will it live or die? —Audrey

Ausiello: Contrary to rumors, it has not been picked up for a second season by ABC Family. That said, I firmly believe it will be.

Question: Any news yet on whether Cote de Pablo has/or will sign her contract to remain on NCIS? —Linda

Ausiello: Only that her castmates “hope that’s the case,” Brian Dietzen tells TVLine. “I’m optimistic,” he added. “But who knows? All I know is that everyone has been pretty close for a long time, and [no one] is unhappy on the show. If the cast doesn’t stay intact, I don’t think it’ll be because, ‘Oh, we don’t want to be here.’ It’ll be because of other opportunities or something. But hopefully we don’t discuss that for a while because the show is going really, really well, and people enjoy working on it. I know I’ll be there next year!”

Question: I need scoop on NCIS: LA‘s Deeks/Kensi. Anything would be awesome! —Christy

Ausiello: Oh, I’ve got much more than “anything.” Daniela Ruah shared with TVLine this sexy scoop at Monday’s TV Academy Hall of Fame event: “Considering how fun it was to see Kensi and Deeks go undercover as a married couple, they’re doing it again” — not long before the season ends. “I just found out today,” she added, “so that’s pretty much the extent of my knowledge.”

Question: Any scoop on Castle‘s Lanie/Esposito? Will they be getting more airtime? —Katherine

Ausiello: At minimum, they’ll get some sexy-looking-time. Tamala Jones confirms that, as hinted in the Valentine’s Day episode, the 12th precinct’s M.E. and detective “are seeing each other, and have been secretly seeing each other.” Moving forward, she teased, “I think possibly you’ll see a little bit more action between them [in Episode 100, airing April 1]. Everybody’s going to be looking spectacular, I can tell you that.”

Question: A while ago, Nashville kind of made it sound like Deacon had caused an accident back when he wasn’t sober. Any details on that? —Makenna

Ausiello: I can’t tell you exactly what happened when Deacon was on the sauce/pills/whatever, but I can tell you that Nashville creator and EP Callie Khouri promises a big reveal. “It’ll come up later,” she says. “We’ll find out more about that time in his life.” Bonus Scoop: Look for Liam to ask Rayna to go away with him for a long weekend. And look for her to say yes.

Question: You guys got any good Grimm scoop? —Ron

Ausiello: If you’re a fan of Monroe and Rosalee as a couple, Ron, you won’t like this: I’m hearing that because of the bigger stories going on (like Adalind’s Wesen bun in the oven and the Juliette-Renard-Nick triangle), the Spice Shop proprietress and her suitor will be backburnered for a while. “I think that Monroe and Rosalee are more in the service of a bigger story right now,” notes Silas Weir Mitchell.

Question: Scandal fan here with an urgent question: Who is Jake? —Nancy

Ausiello: A new woman’s about to come between the POTUS and the first lady, and her name is Lauren. She’s Fitz’s new assistant, and her primary job responsibility is to keep Mellie at bay (no small task). Oh, and to answer your question: No clue who Jake is. But I have my theories.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Hey All,

Here are the news items for today:

TELEVISION

Actress Jenna-Louise Coleman has confirmed that she will continue time-travelling with the Doctor on Doctor who all through the second half of season seven and through season eight. (Doctor Who TV and Blastr)

Actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have agreed to two more series of Sherlock, which means that season four is guaranteed. (Collider)

Actor Fran Kranz (Dollhouse and Cabin in the Woods) will guest star in an upcoming episode of The Good Wife, playing Eugene a creative-yet-overworked software coder. Alicia (Julianna Margulies will represent Eugene’s company when his colleague dies in a car accident. (Shaunna Murphy at Hollywood.com)

MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE NEWS

Actor Lane Garrison (Prison Break) has been cast in the upcoming four-hour mini-series Bonnie & Clyde that will tell the true story of Clyde Barrow (Emile Hirsch), a charismatic convicted armed robber who sweeps Bonnie Parker (Holliday Grainger), an impressionable small-town waitress, off her feet, and the two embark on one of most infamous bank-robbing sprees in history. Garrison will play Clyde’s older brother. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)

ONLINE DEVELOPMENT

Director Ridley Scott and his commercial production company will team with Machinima to produce 12 short films that will focus on science fiction content that might be grown into feature franchises. He won’t direct any of these short films but will be a hands-on executive producer. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)

BOX OFFICE NEWS

Actor Cheyenne Jackson (Smash) will replace actor Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) in the role of Michael Minetti in the independent feature film called 6 Dance Lessons in 6 Weeks that will co-star Gena Rowlands (The Notebook). Rowlands will play Lily Harrison, a retiree who hires Minetti to give her private dance lessons in her St. Petersburg Beach, FL condo. The unlikely pair soon develops a friendship apart from dance. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

Actress S. Epatha Merkerson (Law & Order) will play Marvin Gaye’s mother Alberta in the upcoming biopic about the late singer’s life that will star Jesse L. Martin in the lead role. (Dominic Patten at Deadline)

Actor Joel Edgerton has taken over for Michael Fassbender in the upcoming film called Jane Got A Gun that will star Natalie Portman in the lead female role that centers on a woman whose outlaw husband returns home riddled with bullet wounds and barely alive. When her husband’s gang eventually tracks him down to finish the job, she is forced to reach out to an ex-lover and ask if he will help defend her farm. Fassbender was to play the ex-lover, while Edgerton to play the villain – the head of her husband’s gang who lays siege to the homestead. Fassbender has left the film with Edgerton stepping into the ex-lover role. Jude Law will now play the villain. (The Hollywood Reporter and Dark Horizons)

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

Question: So excited that The Vampire Diaries is coming back this week. Got any scoop on what we can expect from Elena now that she’s flipped the switch? – Katie

Team Watch with Kristin: Well, we can tell you that Ian Somerhalder is definitely enjoying the new Elena. “Now she’s a badass and she can crack jokes,” he says of Elena with her humanity turned off. “Every time she walks out of the house we’re not biting our nails thinking someone is going to come kill her. She can fight for herself.”

Question: Since Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are doing big movies, does that mean Sherlock’s third season is a no-go? – Manny

Team Watch with Kristin: Hardly! In fact, they are gearing up for the third season right now, and the evidence is in this adorable photo that BBC One’s Twitter account posted with the caption: “Sherlock read-through over, plenty of surprises in store for series three!” It’s real, it’s happening, and we could not be more excited!

Question: I need Nashville scoop STAT! How about what’s going to happen with my favorite character Juliette? – Georgia

Team Watch with Kristin: “There are going to be some new characters coming in that are going to throw a twist on things” Hayden Panettiere teases. “As for Deacon and Juliette’s complicated relationship? Panettiere says to expect a whole lot of ups and downs.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Read Full Post »