Showing posts with label Revenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revenge. Show all posts

Q and A: Week of Jan. 5

Q: I was so surprised that Daniel was killed in the winter finale of “Revenge.” Is he really dead? And when will the show return? I can’t wait! — Pamela F., via email

A: I was as shocked as you were by the death of the good-boy-turned-bad-turned-good-again Daniel Grayson. “Revenge” returned last night to ABC for all new episodes. [SPOILER] And if you watched, then you know he really is dead, and we got to see the reactions to Daniels death of our favorite folks in the Hamptons, including Daniel’s mom, Victoria (played by Madeleine Stowe) and his newly pregnant girlfriend, Margaux LaMarshal (Karine Vanasse). The word “revenge” is definitely going to be taken to all new heights. And although the character is indeed dead, Joshua Bowman reprised his role last night for flashback scenes. (I also was thrilled to see Henry Czerny reprise his role of Conrad Grayson in those flashback scenes during the winter finale, weren’t you?)

Q: I know that “Parenthood” ends after this season, but I didn’t know it was so soon. I haven’t seen a new episode since November. It can’t be over already, can it? — Jeremy T., via email

A: It’s almost over, but not quite. The show went on winter hiatus — that’s the new fad these days, don’t you know? — but it will return on Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. ET on NBC for its final four episodes.

Q: I was really into the ABC show called “Selfie,” but I think it was canceled. Is there any chance to see the remaining episodes? — Gina R., via email

A: ABC and Hulu have partnered to air the remaining six episodes of the low-rated comedy starring Karen Gillan and John Cho. By the time you read this, they all should be available for viewing at hulu.com and abc.go.com.

Q: I am in serious “House of Cards” withdrawal! When will it be back? — Tillie F., Atlanta, Ga.

A: The critically acclaimed original Netflix political drama — starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright — will be return for its third season on Feb. 27. At that time, all 13 episodes will be available for streaming.

Q and A: Week of Jan. 7

Q: I can’t wait to see what’s next when “Revenge” returns from its winter break. Do you have any scoops? — Bridget W., via e-mail

A: Everyone involved with “Revenge” is either very good at keeping secrets, or they don’t know what’s going to happen from week to week. I spoke recently with series guest star Michael Nardelli (as Trey Chandler), and he wasn’t divulging much.

“So far, I’ve done the three episodes, and it seems like it’s going to go on,” Nardelli said. “I have no idea what they have in store. … They’re very secretive, but I am hopeful that Trey will return.”

You can catch Michael on the big screen in “The Collection,” which comes from the people who did “Saw,” so you can bet that sucker is pretty scary. He also produced “The Giant Mechanical Man” — starring Jenna Fischer (“The Office”) and Chris Messina (“The Mindy Project”) — which is available on DVD. I watched it the other day, and I can say that it’s one of those breath-of-fresh-air indie movies that deserves more of an audience.

Q: When will “Southland” return? — Jimmy U., Chicago

A: The fifth season of TNT’s hit police drama returns Feb. 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Joining the show as a series regular is former guest star C. Thomas Howell. Also, “One Tree Hill” star Chad Michael Murray is set to guest star in a two-episode arc.

Q: I am dying over here, suffering from “Being Human” withdrawals. Can you tell me when my favorite supernatural show will return to Syfy? — Audrina R., Seattle

A: “Being Human” begins its 13-episode third season on Monday, Jan. 14, with an episode titled “It’s a Shame About Ray.” I asked series star Kristen Hager, who plays newbie werewolf Nora, if that title bodes well for her, since when we last saw Nora and Ray, they were in a standoff, the screen faded to black, and then we heard a gunshot.

Kristen told me: “You’re most likely assuming correctly, but you’ll have to tune in to find out. Season three begins a year and a half after season two’s finale. There are a couple of new characters that are introduced in the first two episodes and recur throughout the season who are wonderful.

“For example, the twins’ father comes looking for them, and he’s played by Xander Berkley, who’s a wonderful actor to get to work with. That’s a very big story line for Josh and Nora. There are some new supernatural elements that are exciting. The show went to some really dark places in season two, and although it still does, I find that a lot of the fun that was in season one is back. In my opinion, this is the best season.”

Check back next Monday for my full interview with this lovely lady.

(L to R) Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ryan Seacrest,
Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban
Q: Everywhere I go online, I keep reading all about the “feud” between “American Idol” judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, but all I am interested in is the actual show. When does it start back up? — Julie W., via e-mail

A: The 12th season of America’s No. 1 reality singing competition airs on Fox beginning Jan. 16 at 8/7c, with the always-entertaining audition shows. Mariah and Nicki join fellow new judge Keith Urban with mainstays Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest, as they search high and low for America’s next singing sensation. Personally, I hope they find the next William Hung.

Q: I saw an article for a movie starring Keri Russell called “Austenland,” and it looks really good. When will it be in theaters? — Anna Y., via e-mail

A: “Austenland” will debut in January at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. If it’s received well, it could find a distributor and open to a wider audience by spring or summer. The sooner the better, because I agree with you that this one looks like a winner.

Readers: In a column this past summer, I told you I’d let you know when “Cold Case” alumna Kathryn Morris could be seen on your TV again, and that time has come. Kathryn stars in “The Sweeter Side of Life,” a Hallmark Channel original movie that airs Jan. 19 at 9/8c. Kathryn plays a New York City socialite who loses everything after she’s dumped by her wealthy husband and is forced to redefine herself at her father’s struggling New Jersey bakery.

Q: When can I see my favorite actor, Kevin Bacon, on the big or small screen again? — Holly T., via email

A: Kevin Bacon can be seen next on the small screen, where he’ll be starring in “The Following” on Fox, which premieres on Monday, Jan. 21, at 9/8c. The series is described as an “intense, spellbinding drama that follows Ryan Hardy (played by Kevin), an ex-FBI agent called out of retirement to track down Joe Carroll (James Purefoy of ’Rome’), a devious and diabolical serial killer, and the mastermind behind an ever-growing web of killers.” The series is created, written and executive-produced by Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek” and “The Vampire Diaries”), and also stars Maggie Grace (“Lost,” “Taken” and “Breaking Dawn”) and Natalie Zea (“Justified” and “Dirty Sexy Money”).

Q: Since “Cougar Town” is returning to TV this month on TBS, is there any chance I’ll see my favorite “Scrubs” alum, John C. McGinley, make a guest appearance? — Mark W., Boston

A: I recently spoke with the multitalented actor (who finishes up a run on Broadway with Al Pacino in “Glengarry Glen Ross” this month), and I asked him just that. He told me: “I love Billy Lawrence (’Scrubs’ and ’Cougar Town’ creator) more than anything. Maybe it’ll happen down the road.” For now, if you’re in New York, you can see him treading the boards in person. Or you can wait until Feb. 5 to catch him in the DVD release of the feature film “Alex Cross,” or you can see him on the big screen April 12 in “42” playing Red Barber.

Of his role as the legendary baseball announcer, John told me: “Red Barber was an iconic radio pioneer who was kind of the co-inventor of the live [play-by-play sports] broadcast. The film is as much a celebration of one of the great civil-rights stories of the last century as it is a sports story. I’ve seen about 20 minutes of the film, and I just thought it was phenomenal. I haven’t seen the whole film yet, but I can’t wait.”

Check back here later this week to read my entire interview with John.

Q: With the passing of Larry Hagman in November, what will become of J.R. Ewing and the future of “Dallas”? — Marianne E., West Palm Beach, Fla.

A: I am sure you agree with me that recasting this iconic role would be pure folly. Larry had filmed several episodes of the new season before he died, with “TV Line” reporting that “Dallas” will bid farewell to J.R., with his funeral taking place during the season’s eighth episode, which is set to air in March.

Q: When will HBO’s “Game of Thrones” return? — Paul R., via email

A: The hit fantasy-drama series will return on March 31 with 10 all-new super-size episodes. Each episode will be a few minutes longer than previous seasons’ episodes, with the season finale expected to exceed the allotted 60 minutes.

Q: There is a show on cable that my husband and I really love called “Paranormal Paparazzi.” Can you tell me if/when the second season will air? — Trudy T., via e-mail

A: I spoke with “Paranormal” host Rachel Fine, and she told me that it might be up to the fans as to whether it gets a second season. “‘Paranormal Paparazzi’ is one of the most interesting projects I’ve ever worked on. While I was excited to take a fun, ’TMZ’-style approach to the paranormal, I was seriously surprised by some of the things I encountered. Working on this show for the Travel Channel really changed my outlook on the world — I legitimately had experiences I can’t explain. My eyes were opened this season, and I definitely hope we’ll come back for more!”

To help facilitate the approval of a second season, I suggest you head over to travelchannel.com/about/viewer-relations. Click on General Comment, then TV Shows, then Other. And then write a couple sentences about how much you loved “Paranormal Paparazzi” and really hope they renew it for a second season.

Q: I read on your Twitter feed that Heart had been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recently, and I wondered if they had gotten in? — Jeremy S., Springfield, Ill.

A: In December, the HOF committee announced that Heart — including sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson — would indeed be in the class of 2013. Other inductees include Canadian rockers Rush, the late disco queen Donna Summer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman, hip-hop group Public Enemy and blues guitarist and singer Albert King. * * * Q: I thought I had seen or read that Elizabeth Perkins would be a new sitcom this fall, but I haven’t seen her anywhere. Was it canceled? — Patricia L., via e-mail

(L to R) Actors Brad Garrett, Elizabeth Perkins, Sarah Chalke; executive producers Claudia Lonow and Francie Calfo
Q: I thought I had seen or read that Elizabeth Perkins would be a new sitcom this fall, but I haven’t seen her anywhere. Was it canceled? — Patricia L., via e-mail

A: Elizabeth can be seen this spring — April 3 at 9:30/8:30c to be exact — in the new ABC comedy “How to Live With Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life).” She co-stars with Sarah Chalke and Brad Garrett. Of the show, Elizabeth told me: “What I love about this show is you’ve got three generations of people living in the same household, mostly because of the economy, which is happening all over the country.

“It’s wacky in the way that real life is wacky. It’s not this big style of sitcom acting; it’s funny in a character-driven way. It’s the situations we find ourselves in that are funny, as opposed to setting up this whole big plot point.”

Check back here in March to read my entire interview with the lovely and talented actress.

Q: I love Steven Pasquale of “Rescue Me.” What can I see him on now? — Yolanda W. in Pennsylvania

A: Beginning Thursday, Jan. 31, you can catch Steven in NBC’s new drama called “Do No Harm.” Steven plays a neurosurgeon who has a serious problem when he learns that his body is no longer responding to the serum that keeps his dangerous alter ego in check.

Q and A: Week of Oct. 1

Tim Matheson, photo by David Zaugh
Q: I’ve loved Tim Matheson since I first saw him in “Animal House” all those years ago. Can you tell me what he’s doing now? — Tracey P., Allentown, Pa.

A: You and me both, Tracey. Tim is as busy as ever, directing and co-starring in the CW’s “Hart of Dixie” (airing Tuesday nights at 8/7c), and he couldn’t be happier in this latest gig. He told me recently what he likes so much about the show: “We’re this crazy, totally disparate group of people in this small Southern town — kind of a magical town — and despite all our differences and conflicts and strong feelings, we all somehow manage to get along.

“Our characters have tremendous flaws and failings. Nobody’s perfect. But we somehow manage to get through our day — and life — without crashing and burning. That’s what we all kind of hope for, and I think there’s a little bit of those flaws and failings in everyone. And the show takes you someplace that you don’t expect and in ways that you don’t expect. It’s tremendous fun, and it’s very sincere.”

Check back here later this week for the full interview where Tim and I discuss his acting and directing, as well as his memorable roles, past and present.

Q: Is it true that Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green are leaving “The Voice”? — Gian W., via e-mail

A: Yes, but only temporarily. Usher and Shakira are coming to the show this spring as coaches, with Christina and Cee Lo returning next fall. The decision was made to offer contestants varied coaching styles and to accommodate the coaches’ tour schedules.

Q: What’s your favorite new show of the fall so far? — Hillary R., via e-mail

A: Hands-down, my favorite new show is “The Mindy Project,” which airs Tuesday nights at 9:30/8:30c. It’s funny, sweet, quirky and a little bit edgy, like the show’s namesake. However, I have to say that "Ben and Kate" (Fox, Tuesday, 8:30/ 7:30c) is a very very very close second. 

And I know you didn't ask, but my favorite returning shows are "Revenge, " "New Girl" and "Suburgatory" — none of which are suffering from the sophomore slump, I can tell you!

Q and A: Week of Sept. 17

Adam Ant (photo by Hannah Domogala)
Q: I saw Adam Ant on an entertainment television show recently, but I only caught the tail end of it. Can you tell me what he’s doing? Does he have a new album coming out, or is he touring? He’s always been one of my favorite musicians. — Dale W., Atlantic City, N.J.

A: Adam does indeed have a new album, “Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter,” which is due to hit stores this January. For ardent fans like us, though, the big news is that he is touring the U.S. for the first time in 17 years. (Go to adam-ant.net to see when he’s playing near you.) 

I spoke with Adam recently, and he is thrilled to play for American audiences again — this time, on HIS terms: “I think when you are able to do something that you’re getting paid for, it only becomes a job when it’s work, when you’re working on someone else’s terms, and you don’t enjoy it as much as you should. And you become exhausted, which sort of happened to me. But now I find I really appreciate the fact that there’s the opportunity to do it under my own terms. I do what is right for me and my work. You just want to do a great show and get that high off the audience. Fortunately, that’s the way (the tour’s) been going. But I just go for it. I don’t even think about it; I just get out there and do it.” 

For a rare look into the musical genius, check back here later this week to read my full interview with Adam, where he talks about his past successes, his new album, his love of Katy Perry and Pink, and his friendship with Michael Jackson.

Q: I was wondering if the “John Carter” movie you mentioned this spring is based on the science-fiction books by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I hope so, because I’ve read them all and believe they could be made into a great series of sci-fi movies. — Paul R., Marion, Indiana

A: The March release of Disney’s “John Carter” is indeed based on Burroughs’ Barsoom book series, which were published in various magazines as a serial from 1912 to 1943. Because of their popularity, they were then published as their own book series from 1917 to 1964. The film, however, didn’t prove to be quite so popular. It was received with mixed reviews and a dismal box-office take. The film was originally planned to be a trilogy, but that plan is on hold because of the film’s poor reception by moviegoers. “John Carter” is available on DVD and Bluray, so you can see for yourself whether it deserves a sequel.

Q: What was Emily VanCamp in before she was on “Revenge”? I recognized her as soon as I saw her, but I cannot remember from what! — Iris V., Suffolk, Va.

A: The gorgeous Canadian actress has been in the business since she was 13, making her debut on Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” But before “Revenge,” she was best known for her role on “Everwood,” where she played Amy Abbott. She also had a co-starring role from 2007-2010, playing Rebecca Harper, who initially was thought to be William Walker’s (Tom Skerritt) daughter with longtime mistress Holly Harper (Patricia Wettig). Take note that the second season of “Revenge” begins Sept. 30 on ABC on its new night and time, Sundays at 9/8c.

Q: I am a die-hard “Young and the Restless” fan. I have a question about the actress who plays Katherine Chancellor in the series. I heard that she has sons who are also actors. Could it be the Baldwins? — Janet C., Battle Creek, Mich.

A: Jeanne Cooper, who’s played matriarch Katherine Chancellor on the series since 1973, does indeed have children (two sons, one daughter) who are actors: Corbin, Collin and Caren. The eldest is Corbin Bernsen, who is best known for playing Arnold Becker on “L.A. Law” and Roger Dorn in “Major League.” He plays the recurring role of Father Todd Williams on his mom’s show, and he also is a series regular on the USA’s “Psych.”

Q: When will Syfy’s “Merlin” be back for its fifth season? Please tell me it has not been canceled — Gregory D., via e-mail

A: The British sci-fi/fantasy series will indeed be back for a fifth season, which will consist of 13 all-new episodes. The series began filming in Wales and in France this spring, and if all follows according to previous seasons’ trends, season five should premiere in the U.K. in December, and in the U.S. in late spring/early summer (although no official dates have been released yet).

Q and A: Week of Nov. 14

Q: I really like “Prime Suspect,” especially the actor who plays Detective Blando. Can you tell me a little about him? He looks so familiar. — Gennifer F., Allentown, Pa.

A: Tim Griffin, 42, has starred and guest-starred in countless TV series and big-screen movies, including “Party of Five,” “Charmed,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Bourne Supremacy,” “24,” “Iron Man,” “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” and most recently, “Super 8″ and “Abduction.”


I spoke with Tim about his role in the American version of the British cop drama and asked if he had any qualms about trying to “remake” such a popular series. Tim told me: “It wasn’t really until we started doing the initial press work that I realized, ‘OK, this is a sacred institution,’ because I was a huge fan of the British series too. It’s almost like a trial by fire that you have to go through. Can it be envisioned, reimagined with an American voice?


“Our partners are the original producers of the original ‘Prime Suspect,’ Tim said. “So we have that entire cannon of scripts at our disposal, and we have Peter Berg as the executive producer and director. It’s like its own new animal.”

Q: I am loving the new fall season so far — lots of good shows and only a few stinkers in the bunch. Which shows are you digging so far? — Clyde R., via e-mail

A: In the drama category, far and away my favorite show has to be ABC’s “Revenge,” which has injected a much-needed shot of campy, soapy, sexy drama into my Wednesday nights. (If you are on Twitter, you can follow my live-tweeting feeds at twitter.com/celebrity_extra every Wednesday starting at 10 p.m. ET, where all of us “Revenge” fans whoop and holler together.) I haven’t had this much fun watching a nighttime drama — nor have I talked to the TV screen so much — since “Melrose Place.”

On the comedy side, it’s a tie between Zooey Deschanel’s “New Girl” on Fox and ABC’s “Suburgatory,” whose ensemble cast of Jeremy Sisto, Jane Levy, Cheryl Hines, Alan Tudyk and Ana Gasteyer has me wiping tears of laughter from my face every episode.


Q: I love watching “The Talk” every afternoon. What happened to two of the original hostesses, Holly Robinson Peete and Leah Remini? — Joanne M., Fairport, N.Y.

A: Holly’s and Leah’s contracts were not renewed by CBS after the first season. As of Sept. 6 and Oct. 23, respectively, CBS officially replaced them with Sheryl Underwood and Aisha Tyler.

Q: I read somewhere that James Van Der Beek’s wife recently had another baby. Didn’t they just have a daughter? — Barb D., via e-mail

A: You are halfway correct, Barb. James and wife Kimberly have a daughter, Olivia, who recently turned 1, and are expecting their second child next year. James tweeted: “Just when we thought we couldn’t feel any more blessed, it seems the universe has plans to give our daughter a sibling.”

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