Showing posts with label TNT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TNT. Show all posts
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.
Q and A: Week of April 7
 |
| Katherine Heigl |
A: While Katherine is still a big-screen draw — she has four movies coming out within a year of each other — she hasn’t forgotten her small-screen roots. Katherine — who got her big break on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” — is set to return to series television to star in NBC’s “State of Affairs,” a drama about a CIA attache (Katherine) who advises the president on “high-stakes incidents around the world” while trying to manage her complicated personal life. The pilot has been shot, and things are looking good for a series pickup.
Speaking of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Isaiah Washington is set to return to the series as Dr. Preston Burke for an episode in May. The show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, told “The Wrap” that Isaiah’s character is vital to wrapping up the story of Sandra Oh’s character, Cristina Yang. Shonda revealed: “It's important to me that Cristina’s journey unfolds exactly as it should. Burke is vital to that journey — he gives her story that full-circle moment we need to properly say goodbye to our beloved Cristina Yang.”
Q: Please tell me that the rumors of a Journey reunion with Steve Perry are true! — Samuel D., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
A: Not yet … but word is that they are closer than ever to working things out. In a recent interview, Steve said: “We're trying. It’s tough. I’m doing my best in that area, and I can only do so much. The older I get, the more I do realize how important what we all had together and how it worked. … I brought things out of them, and they certainly brought a lot of my vocal stuff out of me — just [lifting] each other to this place that you can’t get to alone. I think that’s probably the biggest chemistry thing I recognize now.”
And Journey’s founder, Neal Schon, wrote on his Facebook page recently: “I hope we can reach out to each other and connect once again. We had amazing chemistry together. I love him with all the love and admiration you could even have. Steve, let’s talk soon.” I have all of my fingers and toes crossed for a reunion!
Q: Can you tell me when “Falling Skies” will return? I can’t wait! — Jimmy F., via email
A: The fourth season of TNT’s hit series “Falling Skies,” which stars Noah Wylie and Will Patton, premieres Sunday, June 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The series is about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Before that at 9 p.m., check out the new action series “The Last Ship,” from executive producer Michael Bay and starring Eric Dane. The series is about a Navy vessel that may be humanity’s last hope in the wake of a worldwide catastrophe.
Q: With “Games of Thrones” returning for its fourth season this past Sunday, it got me wondering what Sean Bean is up to. Can you tell me what he’ll be in next? — Alicia W., via email
 |
| Sean Bean in TNT's Legends |
Q: I was happy to read in your column that Kiss will be inducted into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame tonight. Will they be touring to support their induction? — Gary T., Cleveland, Ohio
A: Kiss will indeed be embarking on a joint project this summer, co-headlining with hard-rock superstars Def Leppard in a 42-city summer stadium tour, which will run from June 23 to Aug. 31. Def Leppard’s lead singer, Joe Elliott, said that he and Kiss bassist, Gene Simmons, first discussed the idea of the two bands touring together when he and Gene played some South American dates two years ago as part of a rock-and-roll all-stars tour. “It’s finally happened, which is fantastic,” Joe said. Also, a dollar from each ticket sold on the tour will go to the Wounded Warrior Project and other military nonprofits. (Go to livenation.com for ticket info.)
Q: Starz canceled “Magic City” just as season two ended. What a disappointment. The show was never given much publicity, but it was wonderfully done. I love it and miss it so much, and so do my friends. Is there any chance of “Magic City” going to another cable network? — Dale P., Fort Worth, Texas
A: While I never say never (see “Scrubs” and “Cougar Town” for examples), there hasn’t been much talk about the series continuing. Set in 1959 in Miami shortly after the Cuban Revolution, “Magic City” centered on the story of Ike Evans, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who owned Miami’s most glamorous hotel, the Miramar Playa. I do have slightly good news for you, though: The entire 16-episode “Magic City” series will be released by Starz and Anchor Bay on Blu-ray and DVD on May 13, 2014.
Q: Can you tell me if “Unforgettable” will be back? — Tom V., The Villages, Fla.
A: The CBS drama series starring Poppy Montgomery as Carrie Wells, a woman with hyperthymesia — a rare medical condition that gives her the ability to visually remember everything — will return with a 13-episode third season beginning in June.
Interview: Dana Davis — The Rewards of Perseverance
Celebrity Extra: Looking back at your body of work, you’ve done so much already, and you’re only in your 30s! It must be quite an acting education in itself to have such a varied and exciting resume to build off.
Dana Davis: It’s definitely rewarding, fun and a lot of hard work. There are times I look back at my resume and I do remember the struggle of it all, but there is a balance. You know, pleasure and pain. I realized that I had 300 auditions in one year. I had 300 auditions and I did three jobs. It’s pretty grueling, but definitely rewarding.
CE: Now that “Franklin and Bash” has been renewed for a fourth season, let’s talk about Carmen. When you first got the call about auditioning for this role, what did you think about her?
DD: I always like bringing a fresh prospective to a character. I remember when I first got the script for “Franklin and Bash,” I called my agent to say I didn’t think I’d be able to do this. I didn’t feel I was right for the part. But they knew I’d be missing out on a great opportunity. They told me, “Dana, we insist you go to this audition because we don’t think they know exactly what they want.”
The part was initially written — I don’t want it to come off wrong here — but Carmen was literally written as a super-tough and rough lesbian. I have no problems playing lesbians. That wasn’t the problem for me. The problem was the stereotype; I don’t like playing roles that are stereotypical. I like to invent something fresh and something new. So when I saw it, I was like, “This is not me.” But my agents encouraged me. They were like, “Go in there and make it your own.” And so I did just that.
CE: If I recall correctly, the show, as it is now, doesn’t really touch on her sexuality.
DD: Yeah, it’s not that she’s not a lesbian, it’s just something that was never talked about anymore. They ended up not going with that story line, that direction.
CE: Tell me about Carmen.
DD: She is the assistant to Franklin and Bash. She has kind of a shady past. They bailed her out of it and wanted to use her street smarts to their advantage. I always joke to our producers and say: “If we had the budget, I imagine Carmen would be jumping out of planes to get information. Or under a moving train.” She is able to get things that other people can’t get. She has a kind of brother/sister relationship with Franklin and Bash, which is so funny, because I feel like when you have someone as attractive as Mark-Paul Gosselaar, you think, “Why don’t they hook up? What’s going on?” But it’s not like that; they’re family.
CE: And in real life, it’s not like you date every person you find to be attractive.
DD: Exactly! Even in our own lives, we have guy friends, and we have girl friends. Some of our guy friends are extremely attractive, but we’re not attracted to them. So, I like that element of it that they have a family-type bond. And it’s just too fun working with Mark-Paul and Breckin Meyer, because they’re really, really funny, so I’m just dying laughing all day long on the set.
And I respect them so much. I’m such a big fan of Breckin. He’s so talented and so quick on his feet. I’ve never seen someone come up with such hilarity. It’s amazing to work with people like Breckin and Kumail Nanjiani, because they’re so hilarious — and they’re not even trying. It’s really nice working on that show.
CE: Tell me about “High Moon.” From what I’ve read, it sounds like a very interesting and fun new series.
DD: “High Moon” is Bryan Fuller’s new project. It was written by Bryan and another writer named Jim Danger Gray. And as you know, Bryan Fuller has done “Pushing Daisies” and he’s doing “Hannibal” right now.
CE: That right there tells me it’s gonna be a good one!
DD: Bryan’s amazing and so talented. “High Moon” is a pilot, which could go to series. The way Syfy does things is they shoot it as a movie of the week. It will be picked up in the next couple of months if it is going to series. If it doesn’t go to series and the network passes on it, it will still air as a movie of the week on the Syfy channel. The story is based on a book called “The Lotus Caves.” And it’s about colonizing the moon and mining it for its resources and discovering life on the moon.
CE: This sounds like it would be a really fun project to be a part of.
DD: Oh my gosh. When I first read the script, my heart kind of stopped, I was so excited. I called my people and was like: “This is it. This is the show. I love it.” I’m a huge sci-fi nerd. I was super excited about doing something like this because it goes back to my childhood of watching episodes of “Star Trek” with my mom and that sort of thing.
My character, Yama, is the daughter of the general of the American Army on the moon. She is the first and last kid ever born on the moon. What they discovered was her being born on the moon actually affected her skeleton and her ability to walk. She’s not functional anywhere else but the moon, which is why she’s the last kid born on the moon. She can’t actually leave the moon. She has this dream of going to Earth someday. It’s the thing she wants so bad, but she can never have it.
CE: Tell me about your children’s show, “The Wish i Mayz.”
DD: When my daughter was born, she was born with something called infant anxiety. It’s not very common. But I literally could not put her down. If I put her down she screamed and panicked. I found out that music was very, very soothing to her. I found she had favorites, even as an infant; she loved Chopin and Michael Jackson.
As she grew, I saw that music was so important to her and how it helped her overcome the anxiety. I realized that with the music that is currently in children’s programming, we are underestimating our kids a little bit. Children have a palette for more. I know that they enjoy the simple songs and the ABC’s, but I thought it would be wonderful to expose them to an evolution of music. And so I got the idea for “The Wish i Mayz.” It’s about three aliens from the Star Planet who speak only in song, and that’s how they teach the kids on Earth the fundamentals of music.
I started to shop the idea around town, and many people became interested. I’ve got a writer on board and producers, and we finished our script and our pitch packet. Right now we are pitching it around town. I’m really passionate about it, and so many people love the idea. But right now, it’s in the beginning stages.
Q and A: Week of Sept. 9
If you read my review of “Eleanor and Park,” then you know that I love the book, and why. I spoke with Rainbow about her feelings while writing it, and she told me: “With this book, I do remember saying that I wanted people to feel in their stomach that feeling of being in love for the first time. When you’re at that age where even if you’re not actually in love, you feel those feelings so deeply. I honestly think you have the capacity to feel love and infatuation and all of those feelings to a much greater capacity when you’re that age — that intense first love, like every cell in your body is part of it.”
And if you want to explore more of Rainbow’s writings, her third book, “Fangirl,” was just released yesterday (check back here soon for my review, as well as my entire interview with Rainbow). And while I don’t like to play favorites, I think I might like “Fangirl” even more than “Eleanor and Park.”
Q: I think I’ve read this question in your column before, but I can’t remember your answer. Will “China Beach” ever be released on DVD? I loved that series, and I wish I could watch it again. — Beverly W., via e-mail
A: I’ve gotten scores of letters asking that same question, and I finally have a definitive answer for you: On Oct. 1, fans can finally own the critically acclaimed, Dana Delany-starring hit series. For the show’s 25th anniversary, the complete series will be available in a 21-disc collector’s set in stores and online. You can also buy them one season at a time, if you prefer, but the collector’s set is way cool.
Q: With Halloween approaching, it got me to wondering if Catherine Bell will be in another “Good Witch” movie on the Hallmark Channel? Those are my favorite. — Betty S., Tulsa, Okla.
A: Catherine and company will return to the Hallmark Channel on Oct. 26 with “The Good Witch’s Destiny.” In this sixth installment of the series, all Cassie Nightingale (Catherine) wants for her birthday is for her family and friends to be together. As her special day approaches, Lori discovers signs of a curse looming over Cassie. Check back in October for my exclusive interview with Catherine where I'll get all the details!
Q: You mentioned a show set in the 1940s about the mafia that was supposed to air on TNT called “Lost Angels,” but I can’t find mention of it anywhere. Can you help? — Douglas B. in Ohio
A: The latest TNT drama has been renamed “Mob City” and is set to premiere Dec. 4. The show centers on the epic battle between a determined police chief and a dangerous mobster that inflames 1940s Los Angeles, and stars Jon Bernthal, Neal McDonough and Ed Burns.
Q: Can you tell me what to look forward to in the next season of “The Mindy Project”? Will she still be with Casey? — Deanna W., via e-mail
A: Well, it looks as if Mindy and Casey might be kaput after returning from their yearlong good-will trip to Haiti. “Justified” star Timothy Olyphant has signed on to guest star as a love interest of Mindy. Viewers will note that this isn’t Timothy’s first foray into sitcoms — he guest-starred on two episodes of “The Office” back in 2010.
Head over to Hulu to get a sneak peek at the entire first episode of the season, which returns to Fox on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 9:30/8:30c.
Q: You mentioned a while back that “Eastbound and Down” had been resurrected for a fourth season. Can you tell me when it’ll premiere? — Donnie R., via e-mail
A: Danny McBride and his glorious mullet will be back for eight new raucous episodes beginning Sept. 29 on HBO for its “epic final season.” Lindsay Lohan is set to make a cameo (as who, I won’t say, so as not to spoil it for you).
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.
Q and A: Week of July 15
A: Dirk, who also starred in the original “Battlestar Galactica,” has been embracing his sci-fi roots in recent years. He’s provided his vocal talents for a number of “Battlestar”-related videogames, attended numerous sci-fi conventions and co-starred in the original SyFy channel movie “Earthstorm.” Also, if you saw the 2010 big-screen version of “The A-Team,” then you know he made a cameo appearance, dispensing helpful tanning advice to the new “Face,” Bradley Cooper.
Q: I just read that production on “Hell on Wheels” might be delayed due to flooding in Calgary, where the series is filmed. Do you have any info on that? — Windell S., Port Wentworth, Ga.
A: Production of the Western — which centers on the settlement that accompanied the building of the transcontinental railroad on 1865 — was delayed a bit as rising waters flooded the show’s set. Instead of season three premiering on AMC on Aug. 3, it has been pushed back to Saturday, Aug. 10. The two-hour season premiere begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Q: Please tell me “Monday Mornings” will be back on TV soon. I really have missed that show! — F. Gill, via e-mail
A: I am sorry to have to tell you that the medical drama — which was based on the novel of the same name by CNN’s chief medical correspondent, journalist and neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta — has been canceled after only one season on TNT. Even with the star power of Ving Rhames and Alfred Molina, it couldn’t survive its dismal ratings.
CONTEST!
Readers: For most of us, this summer has been a scorcher! And I can tell you that my list of summertime books to read is even hotter than my summer has been. While I can go on and on about my favorite beach reads this year — the list is long and distinguished — there is one that is head and shoulders above the rest: Rainbow Rowell’s “Eleanor and Park.”
I’ve been following Rainbow since her debut novel, “Attachments,” made me late to work a few mornings because I was up too late reading the night before, and her sophomore effort is no different. “Eleanor and Park,” which is set in 1986, is a beautiful story of discovery and first love. (Go to www.celebrityextraonline.com/p/reviews.html to read my review of the book.)
One of my lucky readers will have a chance to win an autographed copy of this book, so you can fall in love for the first time all over again. Entering the contest is simple: Email me at letters@cindyelavsky.com and tell me which book(s) made you fall in love with reading. You can also send me a snail-mail letter — ATTN: Cindy Elavsky, KFWS, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Entries must be received by Aug. 31.
Q and A: Week of July 8
 |
| Krysten Ritter |
A: The hilarious and gorgeous actress is set to reprise her role of Gia Goodman in the “Veronica Mars” movie. Krysten recently tweeted: “Veronica Mars has a special place in my heart because it was my first big acting job, and it was also one of the loveliest on-set experiences you could ever ask for.”
Q: I read about a year ago that TNT was planning a mobster-type series based on the book “L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City” by John Buntin. Is that project still happening, or did it get canceled? — Freddie T., via e-mail
A: “Lost Angels” is indeed going full-steam ahead, with a projected debut on TNT later this year. The cast includes Jon Bernthal, Neal McDonough, Milo Ventimiglia, Jeffrey DeMunn, Jeremy Strong, Alexa Davalos, Thomas Jane, Simon Pegg and, recently announced, Edward Burns. The story centers on the true, decades-long battle between the LAPD — under legendary Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker — and the West Coast gang, led by mob boss Mickey Cohen.
 |
| Eric Winter, photo by Gabriel Goldberg |
A: The handsome actor, who played the duplicitous FBI agent Craig O’Laughlin on CBS’s “The Mentalist,” has a couple of projects in the pipeline. According to Eric, right now he is having a blast working on the set of “Rizzoli and Isles,” calling Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon two of the best ladies in the business.
“I am so happy to be a part of this show,” he told me. “It’s a huge hit on TNT, and it’s such a great cast. I love the dynamic between my character (BT) and Maura. I really hope the fans enjoy it!”
Eric also co-stars with Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe in the PlayStation 3 videogame, “Beyond: Two Souls,” which will be released Oct. 8. For all you nongamers out there, this game is a pretty big deal, with a storyline rivaling a big-screen movie. It will contain extended scenes, bonus scenes and features, and a bunch of other cool stuff for excited “Beyond” fans.
Q: We seem to be inundated with reality TV shows, and I just read about one more being added to the list, called “Summer Camp.” What can you tell me about this show? — Kevin H., Tallahassee, Fla.
A: “Summer Camp” is a new reality competition series from the producers of “Big Brother,” where the cast competes in summer camp-style events to win cold hard cash. The show premieres on the USA network July 11, airing at 8/7c.
Interview: Sasha Alexander, "Maura Is in a Funky Place"
The dynamic duo of “Rizzoli and Isles” — played by Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, respectively — is back and better than ever this fourth season of the TNT hit cop-show drama, which airs Tuesday nights at 9/8c. I spoke with the doctor half of the duo, Sasha Alexander, about the new season and what’s in store for chief medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles. And yes, I also asked her about “Dawson’s Creek.” I just couldn’t resist. Celebrity Extra: Last we saw Maura, she was going to anonymously donate a kidney to her sister. Where does season four pick up?
Sasha Alexander: We start about three months after Maura has donated her kidney to her sister. Like you said, her sister doesn’t know. Maura’s in a funky place, because emotionally I think she is recovering from the surgery, but she’s kind of bummed out that nobody has really reached out and thanked her. Not her mom, not her sister, not anyone. And so she’s just feeling a little bit vulnerable and fragile. And she’s not her normal sunny self, and it’s kind of a bummer for Jane (Rizzoli) and for everyone else, because they are having to tiptoe around her.
But I think it’s funny to see her that way. Watching Jane try to help lift her spirits, it leads to some funny antics. Like, Maura wants to spy on her kidney to make sure that Kayleen’s taking care of it properly. There’s a scene where she spies on her and she’s pumping all this artificial sweetener into her coffee, and she’s like: “That is just not OK. It’s so unhealthy. She’s not treating my kidney well.” It was really funny.
It’s sweet because it brings Maura and Kayleen together. They do end up forming a relationship, which is going to lead to Maura playing big sister to Kayleen. And Kayleen’s going to come to her for help with their mom, Hope, and it leads to a lot more of the family drama. Paddy Doyle is on trial, and we’re going to uncover what really went on with Hope and with Paddy. There’s a lot of cover-up. A lot of secrets. A lot of lies. And it’s going to put Maura in a position of having to choose between these people that she’s just met who she’s related to and her real friends and family, Jane and the Rizzolis.
CE: Your show always has the best guest stars. Who’s on board for this season?
SA: Sharon Lawrence is back as Hope. And John Doman is back as Paddy Doyle. Amaury Nolasco joins us as Lt. Martinez, who is a person from Jane’s past who we’re going to find out about. Eric Winter is a love interest for Maura. He plays a bomb-squad tech who Maura’s attracted to.
CE: Switching gears a bit, I am a huge “Dawson’s Creek” fan, so I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you about your experience on that show.
SA: I had a wonderful experience there, and the thing that always makes me laugh is that I went to prom with Dawson. I remember Katie (Holmes), Michelle (Williams) and I trying on so many dresses over the course of the three months. They were really, really picky about the prom dress. It was a big deal. But I had a wonderful time. All of them were wonderful. James (Van Der Beek), Josh (Jackson) and Michelle are all still dear friends. You know, we don’t have shows like that anymore. I loved the innocence and the beauty of that show. And I just thought it was a really fun experience for me, and I thought it was a really positive show. I wish there was something like it on the air now.
DD: Another big role for you was as Kate Todd on “NCIS” — and boy, what an exit! Her death was so startling.
SA: The reactions were just enormous. I remember I took off for Europe that summer, and when it aired, people just went nuts, and CBS called and was like: “Oh my God! You have to come back. We have to figure out what to do.” And it was wonderful to have such a positive reaction in the sense that people really loved Kate, and they still do. I think it was shocking because nobody saw it coming. I can say that I don’t like it when people walk up to me and re-enact it for me. It’s not an image of oneself that we like to keep reliving. But, it is what it is. It was a good, shocking TV moment.
Interview: Scott Wolf — The Likable Bad Guy
.jpg) |
| Scott Wolf (photo by Trae Patton/ABC Studios) |
Scott comes aboard as Donnie Ryan, Kate’s soon-to-be ex-husband, an assistant U.S. Attorney who is transferred back to Chicago, and ends up working with Daniel and Kate on cases. And a little birdie told me he might still be carrying a torch for his estranged wife. I spoke with Scott recently about his new role, and he told me all about life in the world of “Perception.”
Celebrity Extra: Tell me how your latest role came about, how you landed the role of Donnie Ryan.
Scott Wolf: First off, I am a fan of the show, and a big fan of both Eric and Rachael, so when the opportunity came about, I was really excited. Before I was cast, we did a “chemistry meeting” with Eric and Rachael, where I went in and the three of us just read through some of the material. Right from the beginning, there was just something very easy about it. Coming into a situation like that where they have a really great thing going, and they have this great relationship, you want to be respectful of that. And then at the same time, you want to bring something new and be a good addition to everything.
They’re both pretty great people. They’re really talented artists, but they’re really cool people. They could not have been more welcoming and generous and glad to have me join the show. I think the character of Donnie has added a pretty cool, interesting, sometimes disturbing new dynamic to the proceedings. And in a way, I think it’s allowed Daniel and Kate to show sides of themselves that would be difficult to show otherwise.
CE: Tell me about Donnie.
SW: Donnie Ryan is Kate’s estranged husband, soon to be ex-husband, who had a very bad indiscretion in their relationship and caused things to fall apart. He’s been in D.C. working as an assistant U.S. Attorney, and he winds up coming back to Chicago. It doesn’t take very long for him to reveal what his true intentions are. He says he just got transferred back there for work, but it becomes obvious that he’s come back there to be closer to her.
On the professional side, he winds up being integral to a lot of the cases that Daniel and Kate are working on. So, they end up working together a lot. At some point, it becomes clear that Daniel and Kate have feelings for each other, whether they’re romantic or they’re just friendship or whatever they are. That becomes something that Donnie is conscious of, so there’s a little bit of a triangle between the three of them. But the journey that the three of them go on is really interesting because in a sense, they find sides of each other that you wouldn’t expect them to when we see them crossing paths at the beginning of the season.
CE: The ambiguity of Donnie reminds me of another role you played, reporter Chad Decker on “V.” Is it fun to play a character where the audience isn’t quite sure whether to love him or hate him?
SW: It absolutely is. It’s always fun to be cast in a role where the character is a little ambiguous, and you’re not quite sure whether you’re rooting for him or not. And I think it’s fun to play characters like that. I think if you cast a guy who always plays the bad guy, and then he does these awful things, then it’s difficult for an audience to root for him.
It’s hard to even talk about without sounding silly, but you know me — I don’t have a bad-guy face, and I’m not the least-likable guy in the universe. So if you can get past the idea of somebody who’s not the least-likable person in the universe in a role where he’s doing despicable things, it creates this tension. When the season begins, a lot of people will wonder what Kate ever saw in this guy.
Interview: Mary McDonnell Is the Woman in Charge
Mary McDonnell and the rest of her crew are back on TNT June 10, when “Major Crimes” begins its second season. A successful spin-off of the equally successful “The Closer,” “Major Crimes” follows Mary’s Capt. Sharon Raydor, who took over the major crimes division last year when Dep. Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) left, and since then, she’s certainly made her mark within the division. Coming from the “enemy camp” of Internal Affairs, Capt. Raydor brings a new perspective to the department’s investigations, and, likewise, stage and screen vet Mary McDonnell brings her own brand of justice to the role. I spoke with Mary recently about the show’s premiere, and she assured me that fans won’t be disappointed. Celebrity Extra: First of all, a lot of new shows don’t even make it to a second season, so you all must be excited that you have indeed been renewed — and not just for the normal order of 13 episodes, but for a super-size season of 19 episodes.
Mary McDonnell: Yes, we’re really, really happy. We are about to finish shooting episode number five, so we already have a strong sense of at least the beginning of the season, and we’re pretty excited. It’s fantastic. And it’s new and it’s interesting and it’s complicated. It reveals more of all the characters and new characters. And it’s just really great. We’re very excited to premiere.
CE: I am not only excited to see how this new season picks up, I’m also eager to see what new cast member Tom Berenger will bring to the show. Are you excited to work with him?
MM: We’ve worked together before, so we know each other, and we knew that it would be awesome to work together again. He’s been on the set for the past couple of weeks, and it’s been absolutely great!
CE: He plays your character’s estranged husband, who we learn has a gambling problem. Are you glad to be able to explore more of Raydor’s personal side?
MM: It really is exciting, because any time you can start to fill in the gaps, start to have a larger container through which to view any character, it’s always refreshing and exciting and reassuring. The more I find out about the moment-to-moment experience of some of her past, the more I understand her present. And then you can start to share some of what you learned; it’s a wonderful, wonderful process to go forward and backward and forward. It’s really gratifying as a performer.
CE: What do we get to learn about her past?
MM: Well, we learn about her and how she deals with having him back in her life; whether or not it’s estranged. We learn a lot about her at work through the relationships there. We get to have a much more revealing picture of a woman. I don’t want to say too much about this because I certainly don’t want to give too much away. But let’s just say, there’s a lot to be learned, and it’s complex, and it’s been a tremendous amount of fun to shoot.
CE: A lot of last year was about Capt. Raydor’s career change, going from an “outsider” to an “insider” when she left her job at internal affairs to take charge of the major crimes unit. How difficult or challenging has the change been for her?
MM: She’s a very bright woman, and she knew that part of her job in internal affairs was not to make friends with people; you can’t keep your eye on the police while being friends with them. Sharon is very comfortable being an outsider. So, to have to then suddenly develop trust among those who you had been monitoring, she knew it would be a very difficult thing to do. It required tremendous discipline and humility. It also speaks to a kind of management style that I think she represents, which I think a lot of women who are in higher positions can relate to. There is an emergence of women in upper management in the workplace — women my age who are close to retiring are getting even bigger jobs.
So the question was, How does one step into hostile territory and begin to go about working with them? How to deal with oneself while making it very clear that she was the boss, but that she also respects their talents as great cops. She also needed to be really open about the fact that she has never been in the position where she sends her horse into the line of fire, literally. With internal affairs, they show up when the crime is finished. She wasn’t necessarily putting her people in harm’s way. They were there to investigate what went wrong. That’s a very different way that you go to sleep at night, where you worry about your people.
CE: What are some of the more difficult aspects of your job?
MM: I’m just beginning to understand the difficulty in having three scripts running in my mind at once. There’s the script that I’m shooting, there’s the script that I’m memorizing to shoot, and there’s the script that I’m just starting to read. As an actress, I have this wonderful gift: Our wonderful writers and producers trust us, and we have the chance to inject our opinions about the script, and think and talk to the writer. We’re not in the situation like a lot of television shows where you get the script the night before. So because of that luxury of having three scripts to work with at any given time, I’m finding that every once in a while, I go to shoot a scene, and I say, “This isn’t making any sense, because in the other scene I said, ‘blah-blah-blah-blah.’” And everyone looks at me like I’m out of my mind, and I realize I’ve already jumped to another script. My imagination has already started to work on one of the others, and so I’ve gotten mixed up.
It made me remember the organizational skills and the discipline that it takes to do this. I learned a lot from Kyra (Sedgwick). She was very generous with me about how to keep an ongoing story going and how to organize things. That’s when I start to feel the heat, keeping track of the overall arc and how to keep it moving. That’s been a huge challenge.
CE: I follow you on Twitter, so I was wondering if you’ll be live-tweeting the premiere episode?
MM: No, I won’t be. I love developing that social-media relationship with the fans, I really do. But I think that the actress’ primary job is that when it comes to the actual product, you do it and stay quiet and let the audience enjoy it. If you’re constantly chatting with them while they are watching it, you’re editorializing, and to me, it interrupts what’s supposed to be happening onscreen.
I tried to do it during my “Battlestar Galactica” days, but I couldn’t do it. I know that a lot of the shows’ fans are really tech-savvy and they really get the process. But they’re used to me. They’re like: “Oh, yeah, that’s Mary. She’s old-school. We know.”
Interview: Josh Henderson Is Having the Time of His Life
 |
| Josh Henderson, photo by Mark Seliger |
Celebrity Extra: Season one of “Dallas” premiered in summer 2012, so I was worried I’d have to wait until this summer for season two. I am so happy that you guys started back up at the end of January. You all must have been excited to be getting back to work so soon.
Josh Henderson: It’s a nice turnaround. Some of those cable shows, you have to wait for a year or more, and people don’t think it’s even on the air anymore, so it’s nice that we got to come back sooner. It’s been a crazy season so far, and we’re only halfway through shooting, and the excitement is definitely there, even worldwide. I see it through social networks — whether it’s the U.K. or now in the Asian markets and Central and Latin America — it’s like everyone all around the world is so excited, so it makes me feel pretty darn good.
CE: What did you think when you first heard they were doing this remake/continuation of “Dallas,” and what made you decide to go after the role of John Ross?
JH: I remember the show because I am from Dallas originally, so I knew of it, but I was young. It was a big deal in my family back in the day. So, when I heard it was coming back and I read the script, and I realized that not only Linda, Larry (Hagman) and Patrick (Duffy) were a part of this — which, if you were going to redo “Dallas,” you had to have them — but then I also read the script and realized that it was perfect. You’ve got the two kids (John Ross and Christopher) who are now grown up, and they’re trying to come into manhood, come into their own, and really impress their fathers and everything else. But they also have completely separate beliefs about where the Ewing family should go — whether it’s green energy or, obviously, sticking with oil. And it’s just the perfect time for the conflict and to pick up with the Ewings 20 years later.
When I heard about the show coming back, I just felt like I was supposed to be a part of it. It was one of those things where I was like, “I feel like this is supposed to be my role.” And I think I took that confidence in with me on my first audition, and it worked. Cynthia Cidre — our head writer and executive producer — said by the second line out of my mouth, she knew that I was John Ross. It was an amazing day for me. And here we are now in season two, and I’m just having the time of my life.
CE: Were you nervous at all, coming onto such a legendary, groundbreaking show?
JH: That was exactly it. It’s essentially the biggest TV show in history, and now I’m a part of it. Realizing that as I was shooting the pilot episode was the biggest moment of clarity I’ve ever had in my life, but also the most real moment. I kept thanking God and thinking, “How did this happen?” I’ve been in the business for 11 years, but this was the most comfortable and the most right I’ve ever felt in anything. So, I’m just so appreciative and just really enjoying it.
 |
| Josh, photo by Skip Bolen |
JH: We go to work every day, and everyone knows everyone’s name, and it is completely like a family. When Larry (Hagman) passed, it was a big blow — not just to Linda (Gray) or Patrick (Duffy) or to me or to the rest of the cast, but to everyone. Everyone goes to work on this show and just enjoys being together. I can’t think of one person out of our entire crew who sticks to himself. We really are family. I’ve been on a lot of sets and a lot of different shows and films, and it’s always different, but this just makes sense, and it feels right. I don’t think that happens too often. I also think that translates into a better show, because we trust each other as a cast, and we can take all of the walls down, and just really get deep into our characters.
CE: There are a lot of expectations for John Ross, being J.R. Ewing’s son. How will he handle that this season?
JH: Yeah, I knew there was going to be a lot of expectation on who is this, who’s going to be J.R.’s son, and what are they going to be like. He’s a very complex person; he’s got a lot of issues, and he grew up with not the best relationship with his parents. He has a lot of chips on his shoulders, and now, obviously, with what he’s gone through of trying to prove his worth, prove that he can make his father proud and be like his father in business and blackmail, and do all those things that J.R. was so good at. He’s going through so much emotionally in season two that we’re going to see many more colors to him. As an actor, this is just an amazing opportunity.
CE: John Ross definitely ended season one with a bang! What can we expect from him this season?
JH: He was on fire, wasn’t he? Season two picked up a month later, and he had cooled off a little bit. He knows that if he actually wants to achieve what he wants, then he’s going to have to fly under the radar. He has to keep his emotions and anger and everything else buried. But, he’s definitely on a mission, and he definitely wants to take down Christopher and Elena. And he also wants to take over Ewing Energies, which is a main goal of his. But he knows he’s going to have to be a little smarter about it and not just come in guns a’blazing.
CE: And he and his new ally/lover, Pamela Barnes, are certainly going to be a force to be reckoned with.
JH: The fun thing about that is the audience now knows that Pamela is Cliff’s daughter. And for them to work together … they are two people who know they are never supposed to be together. Their fathers are enemies, but they don’t care. They’re both after something, and they will try to help each other. It’s such a fun thing on and off camera. Julie (Gonzalo) and I get along so well. We have a ton of fun together. I really think it plays on screen, and it’s going to be a fun thing for people to watch throughout season two.
CE: Can you give me any clues about the rest of season two?
JH: Right now we’re only about halfway through shooting this season, so I don’t know what the second half brings. None of us do. With Larry passing, they’ve had to rewrite the second half of season two completely. I can tell you that season two is like season one on steroids. It’s everything that people re-fell in love with “Dallas” for. I really do think it’s going to take people, not only entertainment-wise, but on an emotional journey, because there are all kinds of things happening. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed.
Interview: Linda Gray, "It's a Joy to Play Sue Ellen"
The second season of TNT’s reboot of “Dallas” (which airs Monday nights at 9/8c) has started with a bang. While the new season will be bittersweet — with the recent death of series star and legendary actor Larry Hagman — the cast is eager for fans to see what the Ewings are up to now. I recently spoke with longtime “Dallas” star Linda Gray, and she can’t wait for viewers to experience the new season. Celebrity Extra: First and foremost, I must tell you how sorry I am about the passing of your dear friend and castmate Larry Hagman. What will you remember most about him, and about working with him?
Linda Gray: Thank you very much. From day one, he was magic to work with, and it never stopped being magic. He was a joy to watch, and looking into those baby-blue eyes and going, “You little rat, what are you doing now?” When Larry and I worked together, it was really like a Ping-Pong game. It wasn’t a tennis game; it was faster, like Ping-Pong.
He was a great, generous actor. I remember in 1978, I was coming at him (in a scene between Sue Ellen and J.R.) and just yelling at him or something, and he gently took my shoulders and moved me; I didn’t realize it, but I had gotten out of my light. Another actor would have thought: “Let her bury herself. She’ll be in the dark; I’ll be in the light. Perfect.” But he wasn’t like that. He was gentle like that. It was an unspoken chemistry that happens so rarely in life, and I was blessed to know him.
CE: When TNT first approached you about the resurrection of “Dallas,” what did you think about coming back to the show, and to the character of Sue Ellen Ewing?
LG: That was just beyond fabulous. It was a big surprise for Patrick (Duffy, who plays Bobby Ewing), Larry and I. We called each other immediately, shouting: “Oh my God! We get to work together in the same characters that we love.” And that wouldn’t have happened before, because we are too recognizable. We never, ever get to work together in anything (other than “Dallas”), so this was a win-win situation. I am loving every second of it.
CE: How has Sue Ellen changed in the 20-year interim between the series?
LG: I really did some wonderful homework for this. That’s the fun part of being an actor. She was born and raised in Texas. She was Miss Texas. She knew everybody in Texas. She knew all the oil deals that J.R. had done — good, bad or indifferent. She knew all those politicians; she knew all the oil men; she knew everything and everybody.
It’s 20 years later, and she’s now sober. Lots of things went on in her life prior to coming back. She’s no longer the victim; she’s a survivor. Life is different for her. I didn’t want her to be the same. She couldn’t have been the same. Bobby could still be the good guy, J.R. could still be the bad guy — but adored by fans with that cute little smile — but Sue Ellen had to be different.
CE: I am bummed that she lost the election to become Texas’ new governor.
LG: This is a little tidbit that I like to tell people: The governor lives in Austin, so if she had won, she would have had to live in Austin. The show’s called “Dallas,” so we didn’t need that. (Laughs.) We need her in Dallas. It’s OK she lost. She can move on to what’s next. This is the fun part, the absolute joy. You don’t ever know where Sue Ellen is going. That’s why I love this character.
CE: Can you give me any clues as to what the rest of the season has in store for us?
LG: Not a clue. You have to stay tuned. I can’t tell you anything, and I won’t, because I don’t want to spoil the surprise for you. It’s a surprise for us each week when we get our scripts, so for me to take away that surprise for you would be very bad for me to do.
Q and A: Week of Aug. 27
Q: I’ve really been looking forward to Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Great Gatsby” coming out for Christmas, but now I hear it’s been postponed. Why the delay, and when will it come out? — Cassandra W., via e-mail A: The Baz Luhrmann 3-D adaptation of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald — which also stars Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton — is now slated for a summer 2013 release. Warner Bros. president of distribution, Dan Fellman, reasoned: “We think moviegoers of all ages are going to embrace it, and it makes sense to ensure this unique film reaches the largest audience possible” [by giving it a summer release].
Q: I just watched the season finale of “Rizzoli & Isles,” and already I can’t wait for the next season. Please tell me it has been renewed for a fourth season! — Dottie R., Roanoke, Va.
A: I am happy to report that there will indeed be a fourth season of TNT’s hit drama, which stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. The summer’s No. 1 returning scripted drama will be back in summer 2013 for another 15 episodes of mystery-solving fun. TNT has proved to be a summer force to be reckoned with, with such original scripted hits as “R & I,” “Falling Skies,” “Perception,” “Dallas” and more shows that are smashing viewing records all over the place.
Q: Can you tell me what one of my favorite actors, Gabriel Byrne, has been up to since “In Treatment”? What can I see him in? — Roger T., via e-mail
A: The talented Irishman stars in the new History channel scripted series called “Vikings,” which is based upon a real-life Viking king named Ragnar Lothbrok — played by Travis Fimmel — who literally exploded out of Scandinavia and onto the world stage in the 8th century. A young Norwegian farmer with a wife and family, Lothbrok is deeply frustrated by the unadventurous policies of his local chieftain, Earl Haraldson (played by Gabriel), who continues to send his Viking raiders east every summer, to the Baltic states and Russia, whose populations are as materially poor as themselves. Haraldson and Lothbrok become adversaries as Lothbrok’s ambitions threaten Haraldson’s rule. The series — now filming in Ireland — also stars Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard, Clive Standen and Katheryn Winnick. It is set for a 2013 release.
Readers: A few months back, I held a contest for one reader to win the great summer read “Eat, Drink, and Be Married” by Rebecca Bloom. After sifting through the entries, I have randomly chosen a winner: Dorine T. of Terryville, Conn. Be on the lookout for your book, and I hope you enjoy it! All others who’d like to get in one last summer pleasure, head to amazon.com and order a copy for yourself — and maybe one for a friend. And go to www.celebrityextraonline.com to read my full interview with the talented author, and to see what she has coming up next.
Interview: Connor Jessup Comes of Age
As the second season of "Falling Skies" comes to a close, I had the opportunity to talk with series star Connor Jessup, who plays Ben Mason, the son of Tom Mason (played by Noah Wylie), the co-head of the 2nd Mass rebellion against the alien invasion. Connor gave me some inside scoop as to what to expect for the second-season finale of the Steven Spielberg-produced sci-fi phenomenon (which airs Sunday night on TNT). Celebrity Extra: Without divulging too much, what can you tell me about the season finale?
Connor Jessup: Let's see ... Some new people and some new characters come in and some interesting twists come up , and this is all very general and very vague, but I can’t really go into too much more. I can say that at the end of the season, there’s a tremendous cliffhanger that boggled me when I read it, so hopefully it will boggle every one else when they watch it. The final two minutes especially are not to be missed.
CE: This has been a great opportunity for you as an actor, to have a character that has grown so much, and who has a really great story arc to present. How did you prepare to play this character?
CJ: I feel really lucky. I had this character presented to me — pretty much a full season-long arc, with each episode itself being a little arc — on a silver platter, which is something you don’t expect to be as fleshed out as it was. So, a lot of my work was done for me before I even arrived, in terms of creating this character. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time in terms of his situation and his experiences and his past to work into these new plot lines that these writers came up with. So, I was just enjoying it because last season was totally different experience. I didn’t get to participate in any of the action. This season it ramped up a lot. I have scenes with all the characters. I was in almost every action sequence. I got to participate in a whole bunch of really, really fun challenging stuff that I never got to do before and that way it felt like a totally different job. Those characters interest me if they can be done well, and our writers can do them well. I’m just excited to see what they cook up for season three.
CE: Season two was a big difference for you, compared with season one ... CJ: Yeah, definitely. In season one, there was a big difference in age. In season one, I was 16 and we’re shooting in Toronto, and the regulations are somewhat different, so the most I could work was 12 hours a day, and two of those hours had to be tutoring and then another hour for lunch. So, it’s really just nine hours a day, which is not that long on a film set. I didn’t participate in any of the action sequences, which take place almost exclusively at night, so I was shooting mostly during the day. So for me, it was relatively like a 9-to-5 job. But season two was an entirely different ballgame because I finally got a taste of the medicine of what everybody else had been going through for a year. I was 17, and the regulations there mean that when you turn 17 you can work as long as an adult. So suddenly I was working 16 to 17 hour days every day, doing night shoots every day. It became a totally different experience for me and suddenly I felt like I was with everybody else going through the most difficult times because there’s nothing quite like being on set at 6 o’clock in the morning when you’ve been shooting for 17 hours and looking around and everybody else seeing how exhausted everybody is and everyone is sort of hysterical by that point. It’s a real bonding moment.
CE: In what ways can you relate to Ben?
CJ: I felt like Ben last season was much more like I am in real life in terms of I am somewhat bookish and I wouldn’t be much good in a battle. He wasn’t exactly like me, but there are more similarities. This season Ben is cold, distant, angry, violent. I’m generally not an angry or violent or hateful person for the most part. So that part of Ben was foreign to me, which is fun because as an actor, that’s a little more challenging. What I do like about Ben, what I think everyone could relate to, is that he under all this coldness and hardness that he’s built up between the two seasons is also a kind of childlike innocence and optimism that still hasn’t quite been shattered by the horrors of war. It's because of that optimism and childlike quality that he grasps so quickly onto the idea of a skitter rebellion and skitter resistance. He’s so optimistic about this for very little reason. You do feel like there’s a conflict between the new and the old, the adult and the child, and that exemplifies that conflict. And that’s what I’ve found most interesting. I like to call it puberty on steroids.
CE: A few months back, I interviewed Will Patton, who plays Capt. Weaver, and he is nothing like you'd expect if you went only by his character ...
CJ: Isn’t he the best? I love that guy. He has a caramel core. He’s like the sweetest, kindest man I’ve ever met. I could sing Will Patton’s praises for a year because he’s the most down to earth man, but so unbelievably dedicated. He puts all of us to shame. I don’t want to go on and on and on about Will Patton, but he’s one of my favorite people in the world.
CE: Are you excited for the season finale? Will jaws be dropping?
CJ: I think so, because mine did. It’s always interesting because for me, reading the script is entirely different from watching it on TV, obviously because it’s not quite the same with the visuals and the special effects and acting. But my jaw dropped when I read the ending, so I imagine anyone’s will. It’s quite the ending and it’s quite unexpected, and it doesn’t feel like a lot of cliffhangers on a lot of shows. I feel like this one makes sense in the context of the show and also it expands the scope of the show unbelievably. I hope everyone enjoys it.
Q and A: Week of Aug. 13
 |
| Beth Riesgraf |
A: I recently spoke with Beth Riesgraf, who plays Parker, the Leverage team’s resident thief, cat burglar, pickpocket and safecracker extraordinaire. Like you, Beth is excited for the action/dramedy’s fifth season, telling me: “All I can say is that there is a reason that we are in Portland, and there will be a payoff to that toward the end of the season.
“For Parker personally, she’s in a good place. Now she’s able to be a part of something bigger, and she’s able to socialize. No one’s going to (mess) with her because she’s still got her edge, and she’s smart as a whip. I think she’s opened up socially and emotionally. Some of those boundaries have been let down and she kind of understands how to get along in society.”
Q: I haven’t heard much about the upcoming movie “The Lone Ranger,” starring my favorite actor, Johnny Depp. Please tell me that the movie is still being made and will be released! — Pauli A., Colchester, Vt.
A: The big-screen version of the small-screen classic — starring Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger — is on track for a July 3, 2013, release. The movie, which also stars Johnny’s “Sweeney Todd” co-star Helena Bonham Carter, ran into some delays earlier on due to rewrites, and more recently because of budgetary concerns.
 |
| Connor Jessup |
A: Toronto native Connor Jessup — who plays the middle son of Noah Wylie’s character, Tom Mason — started acting at the age of 11 and counts among his loves directing, writing and producing along with acting. The 18-year-old stars in the big-screen drama “Blackbird,” which premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, where he will be presented with the Toronto Rising Star Award (along with three or four other recipients).
Connor is thrilled to be chosen as a Rising Star, and he told me: “TIFF means a lot to me. It’s a big part of my life. It was probably a main factor in influencing my love of movies and my discovery of film. I’m very honored to be chosen, especially since it’s my hometown, home festival. I’m looking forward to it.”
Q: I love the new “Dallas” — it’s just what I’ve been missing from my regular TV lineup. Will it be back for another season? — Gail W., via e-mail
A: I wholeheartedly agree with you. I got chills as I watched the premiere episode and those familiar strains of the “Dallas” theme started up. TNT has indeed renewed the hit series. The network has ordered 15 episodes for its second season, which is scheduled to air in 2013.
Q and A: Week of July 2
Q: I was thrilled to read in your column that “Falling Skies” is back on TNT, and I am loving every minute of season two. Can you give me any spoilers for what to expect in coming episodes? — Jack I., via e-mail A: I spoke with series star and all-around good guy Will Patton recently (but keep the “all-around good guy” comment between us, as Will’s Capt. Weaver has a tough-guy rep to protect!), and while he didn’t want to ruin any surprises for the fans, he did give me a little bit of a scoop on what’s to become of 2nd Mass.
“We’re all working toward a common goal, with some dissension. Many of us have bonded in a new way. I think those of us who can step up to the plate and have a solidity are becoming more solid. For those who aren’t, it’s becoming more clear that they’re not, and it becomes a little more troublesome,” he said. “I think we’re going to go through hell, that’s what I can tell you. We go through a lot of hell, but there are moments of blue sky. I think there’s probably more moments of blue sky in this season than there were in last season, but there’s a great deal of dark danger too.”
That “dark danger” is what makes Weaver so much fun for Will to play, as well as letting viewers catch a glimpse of his softer side. Will told me: “It’s very interesting when you think about what it would be like to have to command in a situation like this. What is it you would have to do is maybe not what you would think, and being fair is not necessarily what we would normally think it would be.
“I think it requires not allowing people to see certain things about you. The greatest commanders had to find ways to wear masks, which was the greatness of their command. That’s what’s interesting about Weaver: When that mask comes down a little bit, it’s powerful. That’s intriguing to me about people because I think we all, in order to survive, have to pretend sometimes to be something that we’re not.”
Q: Both “NCIS” and “Missing” did not caption their finale show with “to be continued.” I am anxious to find out if they will return to TV in the fall? — P.R., via e-mail
A: “NCIS” consistently places in the top 20 — often top 10 — of television ratings, so you can bet it will be back for a 10th season. The Ashley Judd show, “Missing,” wasn’t so lucky. ABC decided to cancel the ratings-challenged series back in May.
Q: What has Charles Dutton been up to lately? — Gerry F., Atlanta
A: Charles has a new movie opening July 13 in select markets called “The Obama Effect,” which he stars in and marks his directorial debut. Keep an eye out for it in local theaters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
You might be used to seeing Brooke Burns cast as, in her words, “the apple-pie, blond-haired, blue-eyed, all-American girl.” Her various ro... -
If you don't yet know who Ana de la Reguera is, you soon will. She has starred opposite some of the hottest A-listers in Hollywood, and... -
When I think of Beth Littleford , the first thing that comes to my mind are those hilarious mockumentary-type interviews she did with celebr... -
Courtney Thorne-Smith is no stranger to comedy. While she may have had her big break starring as Allison Parker on nighttime soap “Melrose ... -
After finishing up seven seasons of one of Lifetime Television’s highest rated, most critically acclaimed nighttime dramas, “Army Wives,” Ca... -
Jim Carrey , 48, and Jenny McCarthy , 37, (pictured left, at Jim's Yes Man premiere) have taken to Twitter to announce their breakup. T... -
(ABC/RICHARD FOREMAN) MIRIAM SHOR, MARK DEKLIN Touted as “Dallas” meets “Desperate Housewives” meets awesome, ABC’s newest nighttime drama, ... -
To most of her fans, Rachel Fine is known as the co-host of the weekly comedy news series “The Bonus Show” for Howard TV on Demand, the cab... -
Annie Potts, photo by Bob D'Amico/ABC Unless you've been living under a rock these past few weeks, you know that ABC's new hour-... -
For those of you who know Lacey Chabert only from her role of the young and sweet Claudia Salinger from the 1990s hit nighttime drama “Part...