Showing posts with label Starz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starz. Show all posts
Q and A: Week of March 2
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| Billy Campbell as Dr. Alan Farragut |
A: I spoke with series star Billy Campbell not too long ago, and he gave me enough “Helix” scoop to get you through the next few episodes. When we caught up with our season-one survivors when season two began on Jan. 16, we were introduced to two new characters, Brother Michael and Dr. Kyle Sommer, played by Steven Weber and Matt Long, respectively. Billy told me what it was like to work with them: “They’re both, first of all, first-class gentlemen. They are wonderful actors. I’ve known Steven Weber for many years. We first worked together in the mid ’80s and then again on ‘Once and Again.’ And he’s a rake and a rogue and an imp, and I always knew he was a creepy guy inside. And now he had the chance to prove it. He’s one of the funniest and now, I believe, one of the creepiest guys I’ve ever met.”
As far as season two goes, will Billy’s character, Dr. Alan Farragut, continue his quest to uncover the truth behind Ilaria and the virus outbreak? “I would say that I come uncomfortably close to realizing my quest. Everything about the second season ties very neatly into that storyline. If you were shocked and surprised by season one, you will be doubly shocked and surprised by season two. They really outdid themselves. I’m not sure exactly what they were smoking in the writers’ room for season two, but they sure seemed to be having a great time smoking it.”
Stayed tuned later this week to read my full interview with Billy.
Q: I am sad that Will Arnett’s series “The Millers” was canceled. Can you tell me if I’ll get to see him in something else soon? — Jean F., Branson, MO
A: The hilarious and talented actor is set to team up with Netflix again, this time developing a series called “Flaked,” where Will stars as a self-help guru named Chip who’s struggling to stay a step ahead of his own lies. Will also co-created, co-wrote and co-executive-produced it with Mark Chappell. The series will premiere next year with eight episodes.
Q: When will “Mad Men” be back? — Mike D., via email
A: The award-winning drama returns to AMC with its final seven episodes on April 5 at 10/9c. Regarding the finale, series star John Slattery told “Variety”: “It was surprising to the end”; while January Jones said: “It’s a beautiful story. It’s perfect in every way.”
Series creator and writer, Matthew Weiner, told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour that while he hopes fans will be pleased with the ending, “as the person telling the story, I think people sometimes have to be protected from what they want to see happen. To delight them with a surprise, you can’t give them everything they want.”
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| Christina Ricci as Lizzie Borden |
A: I do have a few more details about the Lifetime limited series, which sees Christina Ricci taking up her ax again as Lizzie Borden, with Clea DuVall returning as her sister, Emma; the series also stars John Heard, Cole Hauser, Jessy Schram and Jonathan Banks. And more great news for fans: “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles” has been extended from six episodes to eight, with the series airing sometime this April.
“Chronicles” delivers an intense and fictionalized account of actual events and people surrounding Lizzie’s life after her controversial acquittal of the horrific double murder of her father and stepmother in 1892, when the exonerated figure lives a life awash in newfound celebrity filled with scandalous love affairs. But when numerous people close to Lizzie — ranging from her half-brother, William, to Broadway luminaries to business associate/underworld kingpin Mr. Flowers — start to mysteriously die under brutal and strange circumstances, legendary Pinkerton detective Charlie Siringo becomes determined to prove her involvement in their demise. Jessy Schram plays Nancy O’Keefe, an alluring and ambitious actress and dancer who befriends Lizzie; Emmy nominee John Heard portrays William Almy, the business partner of Lizzie’s murdered father.
Q: You told us that “Hannibal” would be back as a midseason show, but I haven’t heard anything about when it will be on. Please help! — Daniel S., via email
A: I promise I did not lie to you, Daniel. NBC merely changed up the timing of the season-three premiere of cult-hit drama. The network announced recently that it will air the series this summer, which I think will actually be good news for the show, which sometimes is lacking in the all-important viewer numbers. With less competition over the summer, maybe more people will find their way to this show and help propel it to a much-deserved fourth season. The new season will take story elements from Thomas Harris’ “Hannibal Rising” and “Red Dragon” novels, and will include a different origin story for Dr. Lecter, according to show runner Bryan Fuller.
Q: I miss Eva Longoria. Will she star in something soon? — Olivia F. in Connecticut
A: NBC has given the green light for 13 episodes of a single-camera comedy called “Telenovela,” which will star Longoria as Ana Maria, the domineering-diva star of Latin America’s most popular telenovela, whose off-screen drama rivals that of her on-screen personality.
According to NBC president Jennifer Salke: “[Longoria] is a perfect fit for ‘Telenovela.’ Her character will try to navigate the hysteria and high jinks that everyone must endure in putting together a daily show.”
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A: As I reported earlier, “Heroes Reborn,” which will air on NBC sometime in 2015 (an exact airdate had not been set as of this writing), will be a 13-episode event series. Although this reboot will be a brand-new series featuring new, extraordinary characters, Jack Coleman will return as Noah Bennet, aka HRG. “Chuck” alumnus Zachary Levi has joined the show in an undisclosed role.
Regarding other former cast members returning for the reboot, NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt recently revealed: “I’m not trying to be coy, because we just don’t know, but I think you’ll see several of the old cast popping in to episodes.”
Q: I think this season of “Portlandia” might be the funniest one yet. Please tell me I’ll get to enjoy new episodes for years to come. — Paula T., via email
A: I am happy to tell you that you’ll get at least two more seasons of funny from Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. IFC announced that it has picked up the hit comedy for seasons six and seven, each encompassing 10 half-hour episodes.
Q: I wanted to ask about two ABC shows that I very much miss and wondered if there's any chance they'll be aired again: “Red Widow” and “666 Park Avenue.” I very much enjoyed both shows, especially the eye candy in “Red Widow.”—Marsha R., Naples, Fla.
A: Both ABC series premiered in the 2012-13 season — “666 Park Avenue” in September and “Red Widow” as a midseason replacement — to much hullabaloo and fanfare, however, both were canceled due to low ratings. Of the two series, “Red Widow” is available on DVD, in case you are feeling nostalgic, and want to relive the drama and intrigue and eye candy.
Q: I truly hope the writers and producers of “Galavant” know what a superb show it is. I laugh so hard and watch each episode several times since there are so many jokes and bits every second. I thank them for this wonderful production. If it comes out on DVD, I will buy it! — Nancy M., Venice, Fla.
A: I know a lot of people who feel the way you do, Nancy. And they are all hoping for a second season, as I’m sure you are. If anything, it’s just nice to have the option to watch a series that is inventive and unique, and there really is no other show out there like it right now. I believe in rewarding people for thinking outside the box, and I hope ABC does too. While “Galavant” is one of the shows that started out really strong, it then slipped in numbers as the limited series went on. However, since it is a limited series (meaning each season has fewer episodes than a normal series, and it can air at any time during the season as a place-filler or replacement), its low numbers won’t necessary be nails in its coffin, but I’d still place this show very much on the bubble. We’ll keep our fingers crossed!
Q: I read that Andrew Garfield will no longer star in “Spider-Man.” Does that mean the franchise will be ending? — DeeDee R., via email
A: The franchise will go on — but with a new Spidey. Like Tobey Maguire before him, Andrew is moving on to other things, and a new (not-yet-cast) actor will take his place. The premiere date for the new “Spider-Man” movie has been set for July 28, 2017. Because of this, “Thor: Ragnorak” will now open in November 2017, since Peter Parker and company have taken his release date.
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Q and A: Week of Feb. 2
A: Season one of this wonderful FX drama/suspense series — starring Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks, Allison Tolman and Martin Freeman — is now available on DVD. And Hulu recently announced that it has acquired the streaming rights for the series. No exact date has been announced, only that we should be on the lookout for it ahead of the series’ season two premiere this fall on FX.
Q: Can you tell me when “Game of Thrones” will be back for a new season? — Bobby T., via email
A: The phenomenal drama/historical-fantasy series will be back for its fifth season on April 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. HBO also revealed that “Silicon Valley” would be begin its second season at 10 p.m., following the “GoT” premiere, and season four of “Veep” will follow that at 10:30 p.m. All three series will have 10-episode seasons.
In the meantime, you can relive some of season four on the big screen in IMAX format before that. In limited release (about 150 IMAX theaters), the last two episodes of season four’s “Game of Thrones” will be shown the way lots of fans think it should be aired all the time: in movie theaters. Those who do attend these limited showings will also be treated to an exclusive trailer for season five. Check your local listings to see if it is on the big screen in your town. According to “Entertainment Weekly,” there have also been reports of a season-five preview special to air on HBO, perhaps as soon as February. Fingers crossed for that too!
Q: My husband recently introduced me to the “Evil Dead” movies. He heard they are making it into a TV series. Is that true? — Nancy P. in Indiana
A: Your husband heard correctly. Starz is bringing the series to the small screen via an original series called “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” which takes place after the action of the movie series. The series’ star and the director of “Evil Dead” — Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi, respectively — are set to return to the production, which will consist of 10 half-hour episodes. The story begins three decades later, where Ash (Campbell) is forced to face his demons and fight the Evil Dead yet again when a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all mankind.
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| Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt in Jurassic World |
Q: I know the project is all hush-hush, but is there anything you can tell me about “Jurassic World”? — George F., Montgomery, Ala.
A: Recently I spoke with James DuMont, who just finished another wonderfully disturbing season of “American Horror Story,” and who also plays a role in the sure-to-be summer blockbuster, which opens June 12. However, things are so hush-hush that he can’t even tell me what role he plays. This is what he could tell me: “I can’t tell you anything about story, plot, my character. I’ve signed all these very heavy-duty nondisclosure agreements up and down the street. But the good news to tell you is that it’s amazing. The cast is amazing. There are so many cool things about this movie. They got it right. Steven Spielberg’s on board. The director, Colin Trevorrow, is amazing. I think it’s going to be a really, really good movie. I’m just excited to be a part of a big movie like this.” Stop by tomorrow to read my entire interview with James.
Q: All last year I read rumors about a “Wet Hot American Summer” sequel, even on your Twitter feed, but I’ve seen neither hide nor hair of it anywhere. Is this really going to happen? — Megan M., via Facebook
A: I have good news for you, and for lovers of this outrageous and brilliant comedy everywhere. There will indeed be a sequel, but not in feature-film form. Netflix, which is quickly becoming my favorite outlet for original programming, has picked it up for an eight-episode limited series. And pretty much all of the film’s original stars will return: Elizabeth Banks, H. Jon Benjamin, Michael Ian Black, Bradley Cooper, Judah Friedlander, Janeane Garofalo, Nina Hellman, Ken Marino, Zak Orth, David Hyde Pierce, Joe LoTruglio, Christopher Meloni, A.D. Miles, Marguerite Moreau, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Marisa Ryan, Molly Shannon, Michael Showalter and Kevin Sussman. To say that I am excited about this doesn’t nearly cover the emotions I am feeling about this series. I’m thinking you’re feeling the same way right about now.
Q: I loved your interview with CCH Pounder about “NCIS: New Orleans” a few months back, and I love the show. Will it be back for another season? — Janice T., via email
A: “NCIS: New Orleans,” which is the No. 1 new TV series on broadcast television, has indeed received a second season pickup from CBS. “Madam Secretary,” which is the No. 2 most watched new series, and “Scorpion,” which is No. 3, have both also received a second season.
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.”
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.
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.
Interview: Nicole Forester Shows Us Who's Boss
As Starz’s political drama “Boss” enters its second season, I spoke with series co-star Nicole Forester about the new season and her character, Maggie Zajac. She gave me a few hints as to what viewers can expect when the series returns to its Friday-night timeslot on Aug. 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with 13 all-new episodes of the Kelsey Grammer-starring political drama. She also told me what it was like working with Tom Cruise on his new movie, “Jack Reacher,” which is scheduled for a December premiere. Celebrity Extra: When you were first approached about the role of Maggie on this gritty drama, what were your thoughts about the show?
Nicole Forester: My reaction was perhaps similar to a lot of people’s. I was really struck by the writing, and how smart it is and how intense it is. Every week — even though I’ve read the script and shot the episode — when I watch that episode on television, I’m blown away. It is so dark and it’s so intense. Kelsey’s character is written beautifully, and then the way he delivers it: He has such a presence, and his voice and his whole energy — there’s a weight and strength to it. The show is raw and really shocking.
CE: You and I know that Kelsey is a lot more than Frasier Crane, but I think a lot of people were blown away when they first got a glimpse of Mayor Tom Kane.
NF: It’s fun for me when people ask me about the show. It takes awhile for it to sink in. Even after I describe it, they ask, “Oh, it’s not a comedy?” I say: “No, it’s not a comedy. It’s a one-hour drama, and Kelsey’s really dark and really intense and really mean.” It takes awhile for people to wrap their brains around the fact that he’s not Frasier.
CE: Because the show is on cable, you get a lot more freedom and leeway as to what you can say and the subjects you can cover. That must be exciting for you as an actress.
NF: Yeah, it is exciting for me. All the series I’ve ever done before have been network television. I love them, too, but this was just a new frontier for me. I’m dropping the “F” bomb left and right. It allows the writers to be edgier and the scenes to be edgier. It feels like we’re shooting a one-hour movie every week.
CE: That’s what I think, too; like it feels bigger than a TV show.
NF: I like that. That’s a good way to put it. It does feel bigger than a TV show. I don’t understand how the writers have time to come up with this, because the schedule is very quick. But there are so many levels to the writing, and every character is complex — and there are so many intricacies and subtleties and details.
CE: What do you like about Maggie? She must be great fun to portray.
NF: I love Maggie because she’s smart. I think she’s smarter than I am. There’s the duality of her public face and her private face, which I suppose any political person could relate to, but in some way we all do. In season one, Maggie just appears to be the smiling, dutiful politician’s wife, but she’s a lot deeper than that. She has no problems stepping up and calling the shots with her husband. I think people were really surprised by Maggie at the end of the season. They did not see coming what her response was going to be when she discovered photos of her husband’s inappropriate behavior. My heart starts racing when I read these scripts, and I think: “I can’t believe I get to play that! I get to say all of those words!”
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| Nicole Forester |
CE: Without getting yourself into trouble, can you give me any season two spoilers for “Boss”?
NF: I won’t get myself in trouble. No, I won’t do that. (Laughs.) I can just tell you that what you saw at the end of season one between Ben and Maggie is a good indicator of where they’re going, as far as Maggie taking the reins and doing whatever she has to do to keep her husband in a direction that will result in them going all the way to the Governor’s Mansion. She has no intention of stopping short of the Governor’s Mansion.
CE: As you read each episode’s script, does your mouth just drop by what happens each show?
NF: Absolutely! When I was at home watching season one, I’m thinking, “Holy crap, I can’t believe it.” And that’s only going to be more so in season two. Every episode is just loaded, and there are surprises, and it’s just intense all the way around — in a good way.
CE: Since Maggie is taking the reins, will you be in more episodes this season?
NF: Yes. There’s a lot more of Maggie in season two. You see her more frequently and — how do I say this? — a lot more of her as well. You see a lot more of Maggie. We’ll just put it simply like that.
CE: I won’t ask you to divulge any more, because as a fan of the show, I want to be surprised.
NF: I’m with you. I think you’ve got to watch and let it unfold. I think that’s the way you get the most out of it and enjoy it. When I was on the soaps, I never wanted to give away spoilers. People were always asking — not just the press, but family, too — and I’m thinking: “No, you’ve got to watch the show. If I tell you, then you ruin all the fun for yourself.” So, no, I wouldn’t want to give away any plotlines anyway, except to tell you that there’s certainly some surprises and some shocking moments. If you tune in, you’ll be entertained week after week.
CE: You’re in Tom Cruise’s movie, “Jack Reacher.” What was that experience like, and how was it to work with Tom?
NF: That was a thrill to do. To work with Tom Cruise was a blast, as you might imagine. He was an absolute gentleman. He went out of his way to be chivalrous toward me and everyone I saw him interact with on set. He was absolutely lovely. He tried to make everyone comfortable and was just an absolute pleasure on set. He did things like have the local doughnut shop come at 3 o’clock, when everybody’s ready for a nap, and here comes the local doughnut guy making freshly made doughnuts in front of you. Or he’d have the espresso guy come out. He was just very generous. It was directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who is an Academy Award winner for writing “The Usual Suspects,” which is a classic. The whole set was just tops.
Q and A: Week of Aug. 6
 |
| Nicole Forester |
A: Kelsey Grammer’s political drama returns for its second sea¬son on Starz starting Friday, Aug. 17, for 13 all-new episodes. (In the week leading up to its premiere, Starz will be re-airing season one, so you can either get caught up on what you missed or refresh your memory.) I spoke with series co-star Nicole Forester, who plays Maggie, ambitious wife of Illinois State Senator Ben Zajac, and she gave me some teasers about what to expect this season.
“What you saw at the end of season one with Ben and Maggie is a good indicator of where they’re going, as far as Maggie taking the reins and doing whatever she has to do to keep her husband in a direction that will result in them going all the way to the Governor’s Mansion,” Nichole said. “This season is totally intense. Even though I’ve read the scripts and I know what’s coming, when I’m at home watching the episodes, I’m going: ‘Holy crap! I can‘t believe it!’ And there’s only going to be more of that in season two. Every episode is just loaded with surprises, and it’s just intense all the way around.”
Q: Can you tell me if “Justified” will be back for another sea¬son, and if so, when? Also, when will season three be out on video? This is my favorite show. — Peggy E., via e-mail
A: The Timothy Olyphant-starring Western crime drama will return to FX for a 13-episode fourth season in the beginning of 2013, although an exact date has not been given yet. If the release of the season three DVD follows in the pattern of the previous two, then it should be released in the weeks leading up to the season four premiere.
Q: I have not seen any information on Alex Trebek since the news of his heart attack in June. Is he out of the hospital? Is he back to taping “Jeopardy”? — Lori Engel, via e-mail
A: Alex’s heart attack, which he suffered June 23 after doing some work around the house, was a mild one. He was released from the hospital after a few days and is doing very well. He even returned to work last month to tape new episodes of “Jeopardy.”
Q: My wife and I have enjoyed watching “Memphis Beat” on TNT for the past couple of years, but we haven’t heard anything about its return. Any news would be appreciated. — David D., via e-mail
A: The crime dramedy starring Jason Lee was canceled by TNT in October 2011 after the show’s second season. The series is not yet available on DVD.
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