Rueben's Ramblings

Neil Hopkins

Jewel Staite

Around this time every year, pilot season arrives with hundreds of potential projects being filmed; but very few will actually make it on the air at the major and cable networks. And, of those few pilots that make it to series, even fewer will succeed with the viewing audience. To say the least pilot season is a tough time of year.

Dichen Lachman

Mike Dopud

Just like last year, the ladies over at NiceGirlsTV (myself included) wanted to bring you a list of just some of the hottest pilots that you will not be seeing mid-season (again at either the major or cable networks), but it certainly would be fun if these shows did actually happen. 

The pilots that follow are listed in no particular order and, yes, they are remakes/reboots of past shows, but that seems to be the norm right now:

David Blue

Kandyse McClure

1. Hart to Hart – This new ABC series, which is a remake of the popular 80’s series, chronicles what happens when billionaire tech-wizard Jonathan Hart (Neil Hopkins from Lost) meets world-renowned photo-journalist Jennifer Edwards (Jewel Staite from Firefly and Stargate Atlantis). Their first encounter was nothing short of a disaster; but out of that disaster comes a whirlwind romance and a grand-scale wedding. Now they work as amateur sleuths, combining their expertise and skills to help their clients.

TAGLINE: “They may be in over their heads, but at least they are in it together.”

April Bowlby

Ray Wise

2. I Dream of Jeannie – This remake of the 60’s classic series comes to Syfy, featuring Dichen Lachman (from Dollhouse) as a modern-day genie who wreaks havoc on the life of Major Anthony “Tony” Nelson (Mike Dopud from Stargate Universe) who is assigned to a special section of NASA. Rather than just giving the standard three wishes, Jeannie decides to stay with her “master” no matter what because while it may have been love at first sight for her, he isn’t quite so sure about her intentions.

TAGLINE: “Be careful what you wish for.”

Paul Telfer

Emmanuelle Vaugier

3. Three’s Company – This new A&E series, loosely based on the 1970’s camp comedy, stars David Blue (Stargate Universe) as Jason Thatcher, a caring nurse at a small Santa Monica clinic who ends up with two very unexpected roommates: freelance entertainment blogger Zoe Ward (Kandyse McClure from Battlestar Galactica) and her best friend Maggie Wilson (April Bowlby from Drop Dead Diva) whose career is always in flux (one week she’s a dog walker, the next week she’s a house sitter). Their friendship blossoms under the watchful eye of their obnoxious landlord Stewart “Stew” Rollins (Twin Peaks veteran Ray Wise).

TAGLINE: “They may not have a lot in common, but they are always there for each other.”

Tom Welling

Mechad Brooks

4. Cover Up – Much like the short-lived series for which this pilot from the USA Network is based, Paul Telfer (the made for TV movie Hercules) stars as former Marine Special Forces Operative Mitch Halston, who is hired to work undercover as a model for renowned fashion photographer Denise Royce (Emmanuelle Vaugier from CSI: NY and Covert Affairs) to find out who murdered her husband. When they learn that her husband was a CIA operative, his agency reluctantly hires them to continue his work in secret, bringing down mercenaries and protecting foreign diplomats.

TAGLINE: “Looks can be deceiving, but never underestimate the determination of a woman on a mission.”

Danny Strong

Zach Ward

5. Magnum, P.I. – In this modern-day retelling of the popular 80’s PI series, that will air on FX, Tom Welling (of Smallville fame) takes on the leading role of Thomas Magnum (sans the moustache), a former Iraq War veteran who decides to move to Hawaii to start fresh. There he ends up working as head of security for the reclusive Robin Masters, where he must endure dealing with Hutchens (Danny Strong from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer), the manager of the private Hawaiian estate, corralling his former Army buddies Taye “T.C.” Collins (Mechad Brooks from True Blood and My Generation) and Rick Wright (Zach Ward from Lost), who seem to get him into trouble on a daily basis, and freelancing as a private investigator to clients who have nowhere else to turn.

TAGLINE: “Who said living in paradise would be easy”.

Tyler Labine

Judy Greer

6. Mork & Mindy – The popular 80’s sitcom will be reborn on TNT, taking a slightly darker turn as Mork (Tyler Labine from Invasion and Reaper) is an alien who crash lands on Earth after his spaceship malfunctions, trapping him on our planet. But, this Mork is a bit more serious than his predecessor, as he is actually on a foraging mission for his home plant of Ork, a planet in an alternate universe, which is slowly dying. Here on Earth, he encounters Mindy Reed (Judy Greer), a research scientist, who could provide beneficial assistance in his mission; until he starts to have feelings for her.

TAGLINE: “What if your mission saved your home but would take the home of the woman you love?”

The above list, of course, does not represent actual television pilots that are being considered or even being pitched this television season; instead they are the fictitious fancy of those of us at NiceGirlsTV. They are shows, however, that we would really like to see included in the next television season because they are shows we would watch. Now if only Hollywood was listening.

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Over the last week there have been a number of familiar faces on many of the shows I watch on a regular basis. Here are the faces that I recognized:

Emmanuelle Vaugier

Max Martini

November 15 – In the episode of Hawaii Five-0 about the ruthless dictator who is being hunted by an assassin; the assassin was played by actress Emmanuelle Vaugier while the former Navy Seal who was a friend of McGarrett’s was played by actor Max Martini. Max is best known for his role in the CBS series The Unit and has appeared in Lie To Me and 24 while Emmanuelle has been seen in Human Target, Supernatural, One Tree Hill and Covert Affairs.

Jean-Luc Bilodeau

Amy Acker

November 16 – The episode of No Ordinary Family that was about a dangerous mobster who learns Jim’s identity and who was being prosecuted by George and his co-counselor while Daphne uses her ability to impress a popular boy at school; the popular boy was played by actor Jean-Luc Bilodeau and George’s co-counselor was played by actress Amy Acker. Amy is best known for her role in Angel but also appeared in Dollhouse meanwhile Jean-Luc appeared in the ABC Family Channel series Kyle XY and the Disney movie 16 Wishes.

Tahmoh Penikett

November 17 – In the premiere episode of Human Target about the rich woman, who hires Chance to find out who is trying to kill her and previously killed her husband, actor Tahmoh Penikett played the head of her security detail. Tahmoh is best known for his role in the remake of Battlestar Galactica as well as his role in Dollhouse.

Chris William Martin

November 17 – The episode of Terriers about showed up Hank and Britt came to be friends and partners and focused on serial rapist; the presumed rapist was played by actor Chris William Martin, who has appeared on The Vampire Diaries, the short-lived series Heartland and has been seen in Lincoln Heights, Huge, Felicity, Veronica Mars and The L Word.

April Matson

Rob Labelle

November 17 – In the episode of Psych about the murder that took place at an amusement park; the amusement park worker who turned out to the murderer was played by actress April Matson and the amusement park Vice President was played by actor Rob Labelle. April is best known for her role in the ABC Family series Kyle XY and the short-lived comedy Quintuplets while Rob has appeared in Smallville, Eureka, The 4400 and the sci-fi series First Wave.

Michael Logan

November 19 – The episode of Smallville in which a new General is in charge of the vigilante registration, which is actually just a front for put them into holding facilities was played by actor Michael Hogan, who played Colonel Tigh in the remake of Battlestar Galactica.

Robert Picardo

November 19 – In the episode of Supernatural about leprechauns and fairies; the UFO follower who turned out to be a leprechaun was played by actor Robert Picardo, who is best known for his sci-fi roles in Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis as well as Star Trek Voyager and he also appeared in China Beach.

What were some of the familiar faces you saw over the last few weeks? Please share as I’d love to hear who you recognized in your favorite shows or TV movies.

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Christopher J. Hanke

Adam Beach

Over the last couple of weeks, there have been a number of familiar faces on many of the shows I watch on a regular basis. Here are the faces that I recognized:

October 31 – In the episode of Brothers & Sisters in which the viewers learned the identity of the person for whom Scottie had an affair was actor Christopher J. Hanke. Christopher starred in the short-lived CBS medical drama Three Rivers.

Louis Lombardi

Mackenzie Foy

November 1 – The episode of Hawaii Five-0 in which a Navy Seal with post-traumatic stress disorder takes visitors on one of the ships at Pearl Harbor hostage after he is chased by police who believe he murdered his wife had a number of familiar guest stars. Actor Adam Beach played the Navy Seal; he has appeared in Big Love, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the made-for-TV movies Comanche Moon and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee; actor Louis Lombardi was one of the visitors to the ship who was taken hostage, he appeared in season 5 of 24 and the box office movie The Spirit; child actress Mackenzie Foy was the daughter of the Navy Seal (Adam Beach), Mackenzie will be seen in the box office movie Breaking Dawn as the daughter of Bella and Edward; and actress Kelly Hu played the hostage negotiator, Kelly has been seen in the box office movie X-Men 2 and has appeared in The Vampire Diaries and Army Wives.

Kelly Hu

David Anders

November 2 – In the episode of Undercovers about an assassination attempt on a would-be president of a third world country, actor David Anders played the real assassin for whom the Blooms were targeted to take down. David had recurring roles in Alias and Heroes; he also appeared in episodes of 24 and has been most recently been seen in The Vampire Diaries.

Sarah Strange

November 2 and 9 – The episodes of Life Unexpected where Cate and Ryan visit a therapist about the difficulties they are having in their marriage, the therapist was played by actress Sarah Strange. Sarah has appeared in Men in Trees, Stargate SG-1 and the short-lived series life as we know it.

Rick Worthy

November 5 – In the Supernatural episode where the Winchester brothers and their grandfather captured the alpha vampire, that vampire was played by actor Rick Worthy. Rick has a recurring role in Battlestar Galactica, appeared in a number of short-lived shows like Eyes, The Magnificent Seven and Murder One as well as appearing in episodes of Heroes, and Felicity and starred in the made-for-TV mini-series Fallen.

Gina Holden

Jon Pyper-Ferguson

November 6 – The Hallmark Channel movie A Family Thanksgiving was about a very dedicated attorney who hits her head and finds herself in a different life, that of a housewife and mother. Her sister was played by actress Gina Holden. Gina has appeared in Flash Gordon and Blood Ties as well as Harper’s Island, Life Unexpected and Smallville.

Carmen Argenziano

Dichen Lachman

November 8 – The episode of Castle about a transit worker who was murdered because he witnessed a child being abducted; the father of the abducted child was played by actor Jon Pyper-Ferguson and the supervisor of the transit worker who was killed was played by actor Carmen Argenziano. Jon has appeared in Brothers & Sisters and Caprica while Carmen has been seen in Stargate SG-1, the 1990’s version of Melrose Place and the short-lived 21 Jump Street series called Booker.

Jon Seda

Bronson Pinchot

November 8 – The episode of Hawaii Five-0 about the murder of Danny’s former partner, which led to a drug dealer and ultimately to the dirty cop who nearly got Kono killed (in a previous episode), the widow of the slain police officer was played by actress Dichen Lachman; the Internal Affairs officer who was looking into the slain police officers alleged illegal activities was played by actor Jon Seda and the middle man for the drug dealer was played by actor Bronson Pinchot.  Bronson is best known for the 80’s sitcom Perfect Strangers and appeared in the made-for-TV movie The Langoliers, the series Step by Step and more recently The Young and the Restless.  Dichen was a regular on Dollhouse and Jon has been seen in the movie Selena, the mini-series The Pacific and the series Kevin Hill, Third Watch and Close to Home.

Jackson Rathbone

November 9 – In the episode of No Ordinary Family where Stephanie’s parents came for a visit and home invasion was investigated by Jim, the son of the family victimized by the home invaders was played by actor Jackson Rathbone. Jackson appeared in the short-lived series Beautiful People, but he is best known for his role in the Twilight franchise movies.

What were some of the familiar faces you saw last month? Please share as I’d love to hear who you recognized in your favorite shows or TV movies.

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Did you notice any familiar faces in your favorite shows last month? I know that I did and the following list is just a small sample of the actors and actresses who showed up in some of the shows that I watched throughout October:

Clea Duvall

October 4 – During the episode of The Event where one of the presumed aliens is released because she is the girlfriend of the only detainee willing to talk to the President about who they really are, was portrayed by actress Clea Duvall. Clea appeared in the first season of Heroes and had a role in Carnivale.

Bianca Lawson

October 7 – In the episode of Nikita where a botched bank robbery leads Nikita to a rogue cleaner who works for Percy and was the guardian of one of many black boxes that Percy uses as leverage to protect himself and Division; the girlfriend of the rogue cleaner was played by actress Bianca Lawson. Bianca appeared in the first season of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and has more recently been seen as Emily Bennett in The Vampire Diaries and as Maya in Pretty Little Liars.

Muse Watson

October 11 – In the episode of Castle about a man who was killed by a 200 year old bullet that lead to an underground steampunk club, there was a suspect who was an antique gun collector with a Yosemite Sam-like mustache. That character was portrayed by actor Muse Watson, who is best known for his role of Charles Westmoreland in the first season of Prison Break as well as his recurring role of Mike Franks on NCIS.

Michael Cassidy

October 18 – In the Castle episode about the doctor who was find inside the coffin of a deceased Jewish man, which led to an undercover investigation into the hospital for which the doctor worked; one of the nurses at that hospital was played by actor Michael Cassidy. Michael appeared in the short-lived series Privileged and got his big break on The O.C.

Debra Monk

October 24 – In Brothers & Sisters, Nora was competing against a renowned doctor-author for the new radio show “Dear Mom”. That renowned doctor-author was played by actress Debra Monk, who is remembered as mom to George O’Malley on Grey’s Anatomy and appeared in movies like The Bridges of Madison County, The Devil’s Advocate, the cult favorite Center Stage and was Will’s mom on Glee.

Meredith Monroe

October 26 – The episode of NCIS in which a Navy lieutenant turned biotech engineer dies leaving behind mountains of mysterious formulas and a history of mental illness was revealed to have been killed by a fellow co-worker. That co-worker was played by Meredith Monroe, who played Andie McPhee on the popular series Dawson’s Creek, she had a recurring role in Criminal Minds and appeared as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the two made-for-TV movies about the legendary author – Beyond the Prairie and its sequel.

Kate Levering

Christopher Judge

October 26 – In the NCIS: Los Angeles episode about a group of terrorists who killed a plastic surgeon who could identify their altered faces and searched for his wife who was the only other witness, the wife was played by actress Kate Levering and one of the terrorists was played by actor Christopher Judge. Kate appears as attorney Kim Kaswell in the Lifetime series Drop Dead Diva while Christopher appeared as Teal’c on the long-running series Stargate: SG-1.

Amy Gumenick

Max Greenfield

October 26 – The episode of No Ordinary Family about the strange earthquakes that hit the city while one of the teachers at school is suspected of having an affair with a student; the student in question was played by actress Amy Gumenick and the teacher was played by actor Max Greenfield. Meanwhile the cause of the strange earthquakes was a young woman with special abilities like the Powell family; she was played by actress Rachel Miner. Both Amy and Rachel have appeared in Supernatural with Amy playing the younger version of the Winchester brothers’ mother and Rachel portraying a newer version of the demon Meg. Meanwhile Max appeared as Leo D’Amato on Veronica Mars.

Marilyn Gann

Rachel Miner

October 29 – In the Smallville episode about Lois and Clark being stranded out in the middle of nowhere with Lois being used by a radical religious community as a sacrificial lamb while Tess works with one of the Lex’s doctors who is attempting to find a way to make clone Lex better. The wife of the leader of the religious community was played by actress Marilyn Gann while the doctor was played by actress Lexa Doig. Marilyn portrayed Rose Abbott in the series Everwood while Lexa appeared as the Andromeda Ascendant on the syndicated series Andromeda and as Dr. Carolyn Lam in Stargate: SG-1.  Note:  Lexa is also married to actor Michael Shanks (from Stargate: SG-1).

Lexa Doig

Serinda Swan

October 29 – It wasn’t until the end of the episode of Supernatural in which wishes were coming all too true with violent results that the identity of the culprit – the Goddess Veritas – was revealed. Veritas was played by actress Serinda Swan, who turned heads as Zatanna Zatara in several episodes of Smallvillle.

What were some of the familiar faces you saw last month?

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Last month I posted a list of familiar actors and actresses who guest starred on some of my favorite shows. The following list includes more familiar faces who appeared on just some of my favorite shows over the last few weeks:

Laura Breckenridge

August 1 – The episode of Drop Dead Diva about the fashion designer’s assistant who writes a tell-all book about her boss; the assistant was played by actress Laura Breckenridge, who was one of the leads in the short-lived WB series Related and had a number of appearances on Gossip Girl.

Diane Farr

August 2 – On White Collar, Mozzie (Willie Garson) has a crush on a local waitress who ends up a kidnap victim. That waitress was played by actress Diane Farr who was a regular on Numb3rs and Rescue Me and a recurring role as Maria’s mom on the WB series Roswell.

Lauren Stamile

August 8 – In the Drop Dead Diva episode about age discrimination, actress Lauren Stamile was the employee suing her employer. Lauren appeared in Grey’s Anatomy as McDreamy’s girlfriend (when he and Meredith were apart) and the Nora Roberts movie Midnight Bayou with Jerry O’Connell.

Warren Kole

August 9 – On the episode of Rizzoli & Isles about the mysterious death of a son of wealthy family, actor Warren Kole appeared as one of the surviving brothers. Warren appeared in the short-lived series Mental.

Brad William Henke

August 12 – On the episode of Royal Pains about the married couple who are recent lottery winners, actor Brad William Henke guest starred as the husband. Brad was one of the cast on the short-lived series October Road and appeared in episodes of Lost.

Zach Ward

August 13 – The crossover episode of Warehouse 13, featuring Neil Grayston as a guest star, included actor Zach Ward, as a store clerk. Zach has appeared in episodes of Lost, Dollhouse, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Titus.

Rachel Miner

August 15 – The episode of Army Wives about a murder involving an Atlanta police detective, guest star actress Rachel Miner, as a confidential informant. Rachel appeared in numerous episodes of Supernatural.  Sidebar:  She was also briefly married to Home Alone actor Macaulay Culkin.

Leisha Hailey

August 15 – On the episode of Drop Dead Diva about the cop who was wrongfully accused of a crime he didn’t commit, actress Leisha Hailey appeared as the cop’s wife. Leisha was a regular on the series The L Word.  Leisha is also a recording artist with her band Uh Huh Her, which includes band mate Camilla Grey.

Missi Pyle

August 16 – This Rizzoli & Isles episode that was about the married lesbian who was murder outside a lesbian bar. The owner of that bar was played by actress Missi Pyle, who has appeared in episodes of Heroes, Boston Legal, Pushing Daisies and the short-lived series The Wedding Bells.

Anna Camp

August 17 – It was the episode of Covert Affairs about the chief of staff for a senator who was going to be falsely accused of a crime instigated by the Senator’s wife. The chief of staff was played by actress Anna Camp, who appeared as the pastor’s wife on True Blood and has appeared in episodes of Mad Men.

Zak Santiago

August 17 – In the episode of Psych about the illegal car race group, actor Zak Santiago was one of the guys who “got into Shawn’s face” about his less-than-stellar- car.  Zak has appeared in syndicated series Young Blades and the made-for-TV movies Alice, The Front and At Risk.

Keegan Connor Tracy

August 20 – In this episode of Eureka, people starting turning into stone statues and a mist used at the Eureka health spa was crucial in healing those affected. Actress Keegan Connor Tracy played the owner of the spa; she was a regular on the short-lived series Jake 2.0 and appeared in episodes of Battlestar Galactica.

Devon Bostick

August 20 – On this episode of Haven, sketches by a talented local artist was being used to harm people and then the town by a devious ship boat owner; one of the victims of this crime was actor Devon Bostick, who has a recurring role on Being Erica and appeared in the pilot episode of Rookie Blue.

Matt Letscher

August 22 – On the episode of Drop Dead Diva about the Bachelor-like reality show producer who gets sued by a disgruntled contestant, the producer was played by actor Matt Letscher, who played Eli’s brother on Eli Stone and appeared in Brothers & Sisters as well as the comedy Good Morning, Miami. While the disgruntled contestant was played by actress Camille Gauty who appeared in the first season of Prison Break and the short-lived shows The Nine and Cupid.

Camille Gauty

August 23 – On the episode of The Closer about the bank robbers who were family members; one of the robbers was played by actor-singer Andrew “Drew” Seeley, who appeared in the made-for-TV movie Another Cinderella Story and was the singing voice of Troy in the original High School Musical movie.

Drew Seeley

August 24 – On the episode of Warehouse 13 about the Griffin statues that made Pete and Myka switch bodies during her high school reunion while Claudia and Artie chased after a femme fatale, the femme fatale was played by actress Laura Harris, who appeared in the 24, Dead Like Me, Women’s Murder Club and Defying Gravity.

Laura Harris

August 24 – On the episode of White Collar about the FBI agent who had gone rogue, the rogue agent was played by actor Jeremy Davidson, who guest starred in Roswell and has a recurring role in Army Wives. And the US marshal who was chasing after the rogue agent was played by actor Max Martini, who was a regular on The Unit.

Jeremy Davidson

August 30 – On the episode of Rizzoli & Isles in which serial killer Hoyt is once again after Jane Rizzoli with the help of what turns out to be another one of his victims-turned assistants, the assistant was played by actress Scottie Thompson, who played a recurring role in NCIS as the girlfriend of Tony DiNozzo and appeared in a recurring role in the short-lived series Trauma on NBC.

Max Martini

Did you recognize any familiar faces during your TV viewing this past month? Is there anyone you feel I missed out on spotlighting?  Please share your sightings, as I’d love to hear who you saw.

Scottie Thompson

Note:  It is my hope to do more of these “Where Have I Seen Them Before” articles, chronicling each month’s worth of my viewing.  But, if you recognize an actor and actress who you would like to see spotlighted here, please drop me a line and I’ll include them.

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