Q and A: Week of July 21

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Q and A: Week of July 21

Q: I am in love with the “Outlander” book series. Is it true that it’s going to be a series on TV? — Nina H., via email

A: It is indeed, Nina. In fact, the sweeping historical drama premieres on Starz beginning Saturday, Aug. 9, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The first eight episodes will air through Sept. 27, with the second half of the season returning in early 2015. However, if you’re like me and can’t wait to see the first episode, starting Aug. 2, you can watch it online at starz.com, on Starz’s Twitter, YouTube and Facebook pages, as well as select cable/satellite outlets.

For those unfamiliar with the books, the “Outlander” series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history and adventure in one epic tale. The series — adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling books — follows the story of Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a married combat nurse from 1945, who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743’s Scottish Highlands. Upon her arrival, she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. But when she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) — a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior — for her own protection, a passionate relationship is ignited.

Q: I never knew until recently that actor Christopher Walken also is a song-and-dance man. Will he be showing off his skills in anything soon? I’d love to see that! — Priscilla J., via email

A: NBC recently announced that the award-winning actor and talented hoofer will portray the iconic character of Captain Hook in the network’s live musical adaptation of “Peter Pan,” which is set to premiere in December. The success of last Thanksgiving’s “The Sound of Music Live” has proved that America loves a good, live musical, and I have a feeling that Christopher and the rest of the as-yet-uncast cast will deliver.

Q: Will “The Unexplained Files” be back? I love that show. — Peter H., Wooster, Ohio

A: The Science Channel’s most watched series of 2013 is returning for its second season on Tuesday, July 29, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Season two’s 12 all-new episodes will launch viewers into another gripping exploration of the unknown by investigating more of the most puzzling, global incidents from the United States to Russia to Bosnia-Herzegovina to Mexico and more.

Q: I know how busy Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are, but please tell me that there will be another season of “Sherlock.” — Jenny T., via email

A: I am happy to report that there shall indeed be another season of the BBC/PBS hit mystery series based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective book series. The show will return with a three-episode fourth season, which will start with a one-off Christmas special (most likely) in December 2015. You heard me right: That’s a Christmas special PLUS a regular three-episode season.

According to “Sherlock” co-creator and actor Mark Gatiss: “At last! It’s always special to return to ‘Sherlock,’ but this time it’s even more special as we’re doing … a special! Not only THAT, we’ll then be shooting three more episodes, which will take Sherlock and John Watson into deeper and darker water than ever before. The whole ‘Sherlock’ team are terrifically excited to return for four new adventures. The game is on — again!”

Q: Is it true that characters from the hit Disney film “Frozen” are coming to “Once Upon a Time”? Judging by the tease from this season’s finale, I’d say yes. — Steff S. in Florida

A: That is indeed true, Steff. Characters loosely based on Kristoff, Anna and Queen Elsa — who will be played by Scott Michael Foster (“Greek”), newcomer Elizabeth Lail and Georgina Haig (“Fringe,” “Reckless”), respectively — will cool their heels in Storybrooke, Maine, in season four of ABC’s red-hot fantasy/drama series. The “Frozen” story arc on “Once Upon a Time” is expected to pick up after the events of the film.

Q: I saw an ad for a show called “The Quest,” but I can’t figure out if it’s a competition show, or an actual drama/adventure series. Can you tell me what it’s about? — Paul I., Wooster, Ohio



A: “The Quest” is a new reality competition show from executive producers of “The Amazing Race,” teaming up with an executive producer of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Premiering on ABC on Thursday, July 31, at 8/7c, the series is billed as: “a thrilling race against time, fantasy, reality and scripted drama … a new reality-based competition series unlike anything else on television.”

“The show takes 12 unsuspecting contestants to an imaginative realm where ogres run free in the forest, dragons stir, agents of a dark lord infiltrate the keep, and the only thing standing between peace and chaos are a dozen very unlikely heroes. ‘The Quest’ will be a fully immersive experience. In and around the castle, the fantasy realm will come to life with state-of-the art projections, animatronics, prosthetics and art direction. The narrative and mythology of ‘The Quest’ is deep and fully imagined, and it has been designed to incorporate seamlessly with the unexpected actions and decisions of the contestants. Fantasy comes alive as never before in this genre-bending series.”

Q: One of my favorite shows was “Brothers and Sisters.” Can you tell me what my favorite actor from that show, Luke Macfarlane, has coming up next? — Vivian R., Brunswick, Ga.

A: Luke can be seen next starring in the Hallmark Movie Channel’s original movie “The Memory Book,” which premieres Saturday, July 26, at 9/8c. The story centers on photographer Chloe (played by Meghan Ory), who stumbles upon an old photo album from the 1970s. She sets out to find the couple in the album to prove that true love exists. Along the way, she meets Gabe Sinclair (Luke), a mysterious but charming bartender who soon finds himself falling in love with her.

I spoke with Luke about what the movie means to him: “I think it’s about investigating the past and learning from those who’ve come before us about how to live our lives. That sounds a little over the top, but I think the movie is about what the generation before us has to teach us. I’m a big history buff myself. I always look to the past, and I think that’s what our main characters are doing — looking to the past and seeing how it formed them. I think it’s also about staying open to the possibility of love.”

Luke looks back fondly on his time on “Brothers and Sisters”: “It was a great experience. It’s so rare that something lasts for five years. We got to tell a lot of really good stories. As far as the cast goes, I see Matthew Rhys whenever I’m in New York. I love Sally Field. She’s everything that everyone wants her to be. And Calista Flockhart — it was an amazing, positive experience.”

Check back in a few days for my full interview with this talented young actor.

Q: I was super excited about the new series “Hieroglyph,” and now I hear it won’t be airing. What’s up with that? — Gina R., via email

A: Fox recently announced that it’s decided to pull the plug on the historical fantasy/thriller centered on ancient Egypt, even though it gave the green light and shot the pilot episode. According to insiders: “The series wasn’t creatively coming together the way executives had hoped.” After watching the trailer for the series, to me it looked like a cheap “Game of Thrones” rip-off, so maybe Fox execs were saving us from finding that out for ourselves.

Q: You mentioned a while back that “A Young Doctor’s Notebook and Other Stories” would be back for another season, but I’ve heard nothing more about it. Do you know when or if it will return? — Jennifer D., via email

A: Season two of this darkly humorous series, which stars Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe as television’s most unlikely alter egos, premieres Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 10 p.m. ET on Ovation. It will continue on consecutive Tuesdays nights thereafter: Aug. 26, Sept. 2 and Sept. 9. The series is based on tales inspired by renowned Russian writer and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov, who also just happens to be my favorite Russian Lit author. (When you get the chance, you must read his seminal novel, “The Master and Margarita.” It’s in my top-three books of all time, along with “A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving and “Sophie’s Choice” by William Styron.)

“Bulgakov’s writing has a special quality and tone that really resonated with all of us on the cast and crew,” says Jon Hamm, who plays the older version of the young doctor. “It’s so unique that we all were eager to come back for a second season that would further explore the character dynamics and pathos of this time and place. It’s fortunate that we have found such a supportive and enthusiastic U.S. broadcast partner in Ovation to showcase this one-of-a-kind series.”

Q: I’ve heard about a new series called “Gunslingers,” but I have no idea what channel it’s on, or when it premieres. Can you help? — Donald R., Bethesda, Md.

A: I certainly can help. The American Hero Channel’s new original series, “Gunslingers,” debuted last night, Sunday, July 20, at 10/9c. The series focuses on the few brave men who protected the innocent from an endless stream of gun-wielding outlaws throughout the 19th century. The thrilling six-part historical docudrama immerses viewers in the true stories behind infamous icons and legendary conflicts of the Wild West.

The series showcases the real, often little-known adventures of the Wild West’s iconic characters (Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok, etc.), and how their fearless pursuit of freedom and profit still resonate in America today. Contributors include: David Milch, the creator of “Deadwood”; Bob Boze Bell, the executive editor of “True West Magazine”; and actor Kurt Russell, who portrayed his favorite Western icon, Wyatt Earp, in the classic film “Tombstone.”

Q: I can’t find “I Wanna Marry Harry” on Fox anymore. Do you know why the series about the pretend prince has not been airing? — Dave L., via email

A: The Fox reality series, which flew 12 American women to a stately home outside of London for a dating-competition show, was pulled from Fox after the fourth episode for dismal ratings. If you want to see how the show turned out, the whole series is available on Hulu and at Fox.com.

Q: I loved “Six Feet Under,” and wondered what one of my favorite actresses from that show, Lauren Ambrose, has been doing lately. When can I see her in a TV show again? — Ashley A., via email

A: Lauren stars in the new Lifetime movie called “Deliverance Creek,” which premieres Saturday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The movie is executive-produced by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks (“The Notebook,” “Safe Haven”). It is a revenge drama centering on a widow and mother of three, Belle Gatlin Barlowe (played by Lauren), who is determined to protect her family and land at any cost during the Civil War. When the corrupt bank that runs their town pushes Belle into becoming an outlaw, the stakes become personal, setting off a chain of events that force her to question whether it’s better to be good or to survive.

Q: Angela Kinsey has to be one of the funniest women on television; I love her recurring role on “New Girl.” Will she star in anything of her own soon? — Judy T., Santa Fe, N.M.

A: The talented actress, who’s perhaps best known for co-starring on “The Office,” currently co-stars in “The Hotwives of Orlando,” a Hulu original series that premiered Tuesday, July 15. As you can probably tell by the title, the series is a riff on all the “Real Housewives” series, which follows Angela as the Religious Zealot, Casey Wilson as the Trophy Wife, Kristen Schaal as the Drug-Addled Former Child Star, Tymberlee Hill as the Entrepreneur, Danielle Schneider as the Bankrupt Overspender, and Andrea Savage as the Cougar. Paul Scheer (who also is a producer on the series) co-stars as Matty Green, the Enthusiastic TV Producer.

Q: Will “Downton Abbey” ever come back? — Hope M., via email

A: The popular Masterpiece Classic period drama — which airs on ITV in England and on PBS in the U.S. — will return for a fifth season in January 2015. It does air first across the pond (which should be sometime this fall), so try to stay away from spoilers, if you can, until it airs here in America.

Q: I loved Callum Blue in “The Tudors” and “Dead Like Me.” When will he return to series television? — Brittany T., via email

A: Callum has been tapped to co-star in the Kyra Sedgwick-produced pilot for TNT called “Proof,” which is currently filming. The series also stars Jennifer Beals, Matthew Modine, Edi Gathegi and Joe Morton, to name just a few. The series centers on a brilliant surgeon (played by Jennifer) who begins investigating supernatural phenomena, including resurrections, out-of-body experiences and hauntings. No word yet on when the series will premiere.

Q: I read in “Billboard” last month that Journey and Steve Perry were not going to reunite, despite the rumors to the contrary. What can you tell me about that? — Peter F., Tempe, Ariz.

A: Neal Schon of Journey has indeed spoken out against the rumors of a Journey reunion with Steve Perry. In fact, the rock band is presently touring with current lead singer Arnel Pineda. However, last month, Steve Perry made a rare and unannounced appearance (he hasn’t sung publicly since 1995) with the indie band the Eels at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minn., singing an Eels song with the band, as well as Journey classics “Open Arms” and “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’.” He sounded absolutely fabulous, and I hope this is an indication that he is ready to step back into the spotlight, make a new album and go on tour.

Q: There was a TV show on last year about two LAPD cops who didn’t get along, so their captain sent them to couples’ counseling. My wife and I really enjoyed the show, and we were wondering if it’s coming back. — Tom W., Palm Desert, Calif.

A: The show you are thinking of is USA’s “Common Law,” which starred Michael Ealy and Warren Kole. It was canceled by the network in fall 2012. Michael has since co-starred in “Almost Human” (which recently was canceled), and Warren played a juicy role in “The Following,” although his character died last season.

Q and A: Week of December 16

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Q and A: Week of December 16

Heather Graham

Q: My sister told me that there is a remake of the movie “Flowers in the Attic” in the works. Is that true? I don’t think anything can top the original movie in campiness, that’s for sure! — Becky G., via email

A: The 1987 feature film starring Kristy Swanson, Louise Fletcher and Victoria Tennant certainly was awash in awful-movie goodness. While I don’t think that can be replicated (at least I hope not), Lifetime Television is having a go at the cult favorite, based on the hit book by V.C. Andrews. On Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, we’ll get to see what Heather Graham, Kiernan Shipka and Ellen Burstyn do with this gothic tale. If you’re familiar with the book, I can tell you that the movie is faithful to it; they do indeed “go there.” If you don’t know what “there” is, you’ll have to tune in to find out.

Q: I really enjoyed the most recent “Mission: Impossible” movie, and I loved the addition of Jeremy Renner. Are there more of these movies in the works? — Patrick D. in West Virginia

A: The fifth installment in “Mission: Impossible” franchise will premiere Christmas Day 2015. “Mission: Impossible 5” — which doesn’t yet have a subtitle — will star Tom Cruise, and Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames are rumored to be returning as well. The story line, as well as mention of any villains, has been kept pretty hush-hush so far, but I’ll be sure to share what I find out as the news begins to leak.

Q: Can you tell me anything about Russell Crowe’s upcoming film “Noah”? — Jon W., Redding, Calif.

A: “Noah” — which stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and Logan Lerman — will flood theaters March 28. The story is about the biblical Noah (played by Russell), his family, and their quest to build the Ark to save human- and animal-kind from complete annihilation in the upcoming Great Flood. After watching the online trailers, I can tell you this is one you shouldn’t miss.

Q: My favorite show, “Rizzoli and Isles,” hasn’t been on in ages! Has season four ended already? — Pauline F., via email

A: Don’t worry, “Rizzoli and Isles” didn’t dump you; they were on a break. Your favorite show will return from its hiatus on Feb. 25 at 9/8c with the final four new shows of the season. And premiering right after it at 10/9c is “Perception,” which also returns from break with four new shows to round out its second season. Both shows were renewed for a fifth and third season, respectively, to begin airing summer 2014.

Speaking of hit TNT dramas, I’ve received lots of letters asking about the return of “Dallas,” and I am pleased to report that the sexy soapy drama will return for its third season Monday, Feb. 24 at 9/8c on TNT. This winter is gonna be scorching!

Mädchen Amick, Rachel Boston, Julia Ormond and Jenna Dewan Tatum
 of Witches of East End (photo by Joseph Viles)

Q: I love “The Witches of East End.” Can you tell me if it will be back for another season? — Lynn W., via email



A: Lifetime recently announced that “Witches” will return for a second 13-episode season, to air some time in 2014 (an exact date has not been decided yet). The hit drama stars Julia Ormond, Mädchen Amick, Jenna Dewan Tatum and Rachel Boston as a family of witches living in the secluded seaside town of East Haven. The show also stars Eric Winter, Daniel DiTomasso and Virginia Madsen. In the meantime, all of the show's cast is on Twitter, so if you need to get your WitchEE fix, head to twitter.com and search #WitchEE.

Q: Can you tell me why “King and Maxwell” wasn't renewed? My husband and I really liked that show. We like most of the TNT shows; we especially miss Brenda and “The Closer.” — Karen J. in Florida

A: The consensus for reason of the show’s demise is the ever-popular “low ratings.” And while the drama series — which centered on former Secret Service agents who become private detectives, played by Rebecca Romijn and Jon Tenney — didn’t have rock-bottom ratings, the show was enough on the bubble that TNT decided not to renew. On top of low ratings, “King and Maxwell” also lost one-third of its “Major Crimes” lead-in audience, which is usually a nail in the coffin for any struggling freshman series.

Q: We are huge fans of “Person of Interest.” We were not expecting Carter to be killed off! She, Reese and Finch are the program. Without her, it won't be the same. Why was Carter written out? — Laura K., via email

A: Taraji P. Henson, who played Officer Joss Carter for two-and-a-half seasons on the CBS drama, was just as surprised as you were that her character died. However, she knows it was time for her character to go, and it was a great way to surprise and stun the audience. She recently told “Entertainment Weekly”: “You portray a character for so long, you care about her and her life. But art imitates life — it comes to an end unexpectedly. It was bittersweet, because I enjoyed portraying Carter. What a strong, powerful woman on television.”

But don’t get too sad about Carter’s death because you could see her again someday — in a flashback. The show is known for using flashbacks to propel the story lines, and Taraji said she would definitely be up for returning to film flashback scenes.

Q: Can you please tell me if “Bunheads” will return to ABC Family anytime this year? — Frank W., via email

A: ABC Family canceled the ballerina dramedy after only one season, which many critics say was entirely too soon, and that the show was just finding its ground and still had a lot more to give. But fan and critical favor couldn’t save this Amy Sherman Palladino-created show (who’s most famous for “Gilmore Girls”), with “Bunheads” airing its last dance this past February.

E.G. Daily

Q: I was so happy to see E.G. Daily competing on “The Voice.” Of course, I was bummed when she was eliminated. Can you tell me what she’ll do next? — Tara B., via email

A: I too was excited to see E.G.’s great performances on “The Voice” a few weeks back, as I’m sure a lot of “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Rugrats” and “The Powerpuff Girls” fans were. E.G. was thrilled to get the chance to show off her singing chops, as she told me recently: “It was so much fun. All of these people where wondering who the heck E.G. Daily is. The same woman who does the theme song to ‘Two and a Half Men’? The same woman who was Dottie in ‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’? The same woman who sang on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the ’80s? The same woman who guest-starred on ‘Friends’ as Phoebe’s next songwriting partner? It was like everything came together for me on that show the day I did my blind audition and sang ‘Breathe.’ That was the day for me where, as a 51-year-old woman, everything just popped together. It was magic.”

E.G. is excited for what the future will bring for her reawakened singing career: “I’d like to see myself doing things like singing something at the music awards with Keith Urban because he’s got an edge to him — a little country rock. As far as music, I like adult country. Like Faith Hill, she does adult women music. It’s age appropriate. It’s womanly — that’s the kind of music I’d like to do. My voice has a little bit of an edge to it; it’s a little bit rock. Bonnie Raitt does stuff like that: bluesy and soulful.”

To keep up on E.G.’s career, head over to egdaily.com and check out what she has in the works.

Q: Have they canceled the new “Ironside” with Blair Underwood? I thought it was a fresh and exciting new show. — Beverly T., Richmond, Va.

A: NBC has indeed canceled the “Ironside” remake after four episodes due to low ratings. Beginning Jan. 8, the “Chicago Fire” spinoff, “Chicago P.D.,” will take over the Wednesday 10 p.m. timeslot. Until then, NBC will air “Dateline,” repeats and specials.

Readers: Just a note to let you know the premiere dates of two shows that just happen to be two of my favorite series, both of which air on PBS. The first is “Downton Abbey,” which premieres its fourth series on Jan. 5 at 9 p.m., and concludes its eight-week run on Feb. 23. More great “Downton” news: After a successful series-four run in the U.K. this past fall, the show has been renewed for a fifth series, to premiere in January 2015. And “Masterpiece Mystery” fans rejoice: “Sherlock” returns (along with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman) from its shocking series-two cliffhanger for a third series of three 90-minute episodes beginning Jan. 19 at 10 p.m.

Q and A: Week of July 22

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Q and A: Week of July 22

Q: I’ve been rewatching one of my favorite shows, Masterpiece Mystery’s “Sherlock,” and I’m hoping you’ll tell me that it’ll be back for a third series. With Benedict Cumberbatch’s and Martin Freeman’s big-screen careers really taking off, I’m worried they won’t have time for this delightful PBS show. — Darlene W., via e-mail

A: Benedict and Martin are both on board for the third installment of the hit British mystery series — as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, respectively — with “Sherlock” scheduled to begin airing new episodes in early 2014. You also can see them both together on the big screen (again) in the second and third installments of “The Hobbit” trilogy — as the Necromancer and Bilbo Baggins, respectively — when “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” hits theaters on Dec. 13, 2013, and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” on Dec. 17, 2014. 

If you want to see them earlier than this, then I suggest watching (or rewatching) Benedict's outstanding performance in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," alongside the all-star cast of Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and John Hurt. And my all-time favorite Martin project has to be the U.K. version of "The Office." The writing is sharp and witty, the acting is aces, and the chemistry between Martin and series star (and creator) Ricky Gervais is phenomenal.

Q: Is it true that a new “Chucky” horror movie is going to be made? — Freddie H. in Idaho

A: “The Curse of Chucky,” which premiered at Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival earlier this month, will be heading to DVD on Oct. 8. Brad Dourif once again provides the voice for the homicidal doll, while his real-life daughter, Fiona, stars in this sixth movie of the horror franchise.

Q: “Falling Skies” is really outdoing itself this season. Please tell me that it will return next summer with a new season. — Gary T., via e-mail

A: TNT’s execs and fans of the apocalyptic Earth-saving, alien-battling show feel the same way you do. The Noah Wyle-starring series, which wraps up its third season Aug. 4, has been renewed for a 10-episode fourth season to air summer 2014.