Showing posts with label The Killing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Killing. Show all posts
Interview: Billy Campbell's Helix Quest
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| Billy Campbell as Dr. Alan Farragut on Helix |
Celebrity Extra: The premise behind “Helix” is fascinating and frightening. What was it about the show that appealed to you most?
Billy Campbell: I loved the premise. I loved the possibilities. This kind of show could be really spectacular. And I wanted to work with (executive producer) Ron Moore (who produced season one, but is now busy with Starz’s hit time-travel drama “Outlander”).
CE: And what did you think about your character, Alan Farragut?
BC: I thought I was right for the part; that’s about all I thought, really. A lot of the choices I’ve made over the years have to do with whether I can see myself in the role. It doesn’t matter how good the project is, if I don’t see myself in the role, I generally don’t go after it.
CE: How was it working with new cast members Matt Long and Steven Weber?
BC: They’re both, first of all, first-class gentlemen. They are wonderful actors. I’ve known Steven for many, many years. We first worked together in the mid-80s and then again on “Once and Again.” He’s a rake and a rogue and an imp, and I always knew he was a creepy guy inside. And now he’s 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. (Laughs.)
CE: What can you tell me about how season two will progress?
BC: I will say that I come uncomfortably close to realizing my quest. Everything about the second season ties very neatly into that story line. If you were shocked and surprised by season one, then 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 during season two, but it sure seems like they had a great time smoking it.
Q and A: Week of June 9
A: Ben returns to series television this fall when he stars in Fox’s “Gotham,” which is a prequel series to the “Batman” movies. Ben plays a young James Gordon — the police official whom “Batman” fans know as an eventual ally to Bruce Wayne/Batman. The cast also includes Donal Logue, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Mazouz, Robin Lord Taylor, Camren Bicondova, Erin Richards, Sean Pertwee, Zabryna Guevara and Cory Michael Smith. The series’ executive producers are Bruno Heller (“The Mentalist”), Danny Cannon (the “CSI” franchise and “Nikita”) and John Stephens (“Gossip Girl” and “The O.C.”). Judging by the teaser trailer online, this is definitely something I’m going to watch.
Q: I had heard awhile back that Robert De Niro was going to star in an HBO drama series, but I haven’t seen anything about it since. Do you know if that’s still going to happen? — Donnie F., via email
A: Well, it is and it isn’t. The series is still happening, but Robert won’t be involved. “Criminal Justice,” a seven-hour miniseries based on BBC’s 2008 Peter Moffat drama of the same name, was supposed to star James Gandolfini. When James passed away in last June (after having already filmed the pilot), Robert was tapped to star in his place. However, Robert had to pull out due to a scheduling conflict, so John Turturro has stepped in to play the lead, Jack Stone, an unscrupulous New York City lawyer who defends a Pakistani man (Riz Ahmed) accused of murder.
Q: I keep hearing rumors that a new “Star Wars” will be coming to theaters. Is that true, or is it going to be a TV series? — Freddie T., Omaha, Neb.
A: This past year’s worst-kept secret in Hollywood was verified on April 29 when director J.J. Abrams posted a picture on starwars.com of the first table read for the feature film “Star Wars: Episode VII.” Cast members include Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega and Adam Driver. Of the movie, J.J. said in a statement: “It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. Everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.” Fans don’t have to wait too long to see the much-anticipated film: Its scheduled premiere date is Dec. 18, 2015.
Q: Can you tell me if “Almost Human” will be back for another season? — John J., via email
A: Fox opted not to renew the sci-fi crime drama set in 2048, which centered on John Kennex (played by Karl Urban) and his android police partner, Dorian (played by Michael Ealy). The show had been gaining in the ratings race in recent weeks, however, there are too many new powerhouse drama series (like the aforementioned “Gotham”) that Fox has ordered to series that there just wasn’t room for “Almost Human.”
Q: Years ago, I used to watch “Project Greenlight” on HBO, and I really enjoyed it. Is it true that HBO is bringing the series back? Are Matt and Ben involved?— George S. in Kentucky
A: After being off the air for more than a decade, HBO has opted to bring back Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s filmmaker competition series for a third season. Ben revealed of the 2001/2003 series in a press statement: “‘Project Greenlight’ was ahead of its time. Now that technology has caught up to the concept, we thought it was a perfect time to bring it back. It is great having ‘Project Greenlight’ back at HBO.”
A: A and E’s highest-rated original drama of all time returned for a 10-episode third season this past June 2 at 10/9c. I recently spoke with series star, Cassidy Freeman (who plays Cady Longmire), and she gave me a little hint as to what to expect this season: “The first season of the show really set up who these character are. We got into the rhythm of having a crime every week or every two weeks, and then last season I felt like we started to see things happen to each of these characters, and the proverbial sh!t hit the fan. Last season’s tagline was: ‘A storm is coming.’ And now this season, the storm has come, and you’ll see how people deal with the wreckage. There’s going to be a lot of change. How do they put their lives back together? How do they fight to keep what they love?”
And speaking of love, will Cady and Branch continue to explore their on-again/off-again relationship? “Absolutely. It’s really, really complicated. At this point, it is no longer a don’t-tell-my-dad taboo. Now it’s more about if they really want to be together, and if they are each other’s priority.”
Check back Monday for my full interview with Cassidy.
Q: Is “The Killing” coming back for another season? I know it was canceled last season, and then AMC decided to give it a third season. Has it escaped death again? — Carl T., Seattle
A: In an almost-unprecedented move, “The Killing” has escaped yet another cancelation. This past September, AMC did indeed decide not to renew the crime/mystery drama for a fourth season, and that’s when Netflix stepped up to the plate. Netflix, which has been the series’ exclusive digital partner for all three seasons, will air a six-episode fourth (and final) season, with “The Killing” joining the ranks of superb Netflix original series like “Arrested Development,” “Orange Is the New Black,” “House of Cards” and many more. The complete fourth season of “The Killing” will be available beginning Aug. 1.
Q: Can you tell me if “The Carries Diaries” will return this fall? — Denise G., via email
A: Along with “The Tomorrow People” and “Star-Crossed,” the not-so-great-in-the-ratings “The Carrie Diaries” has been canceled by the CW to make room for new programming. “The Flash,” “iZombie,” “Jane the Virgin,” and “The Messengers” will join the CW’s growing lineup of supernatural and edgy dramas.
Q: I am amazed every week by “Hannibal,” especially the writing and all of the actors. Do you know yet if it’ll be back for another season? — Scott R., via email
A: The dark and brilliant psychological thriller — which stars Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen — will return to NBC for a third season (which is rumored to take place in France), most likely in spring 2015. Come back next week, when I’ll be sharing NBC’s entire 2014-15 schedule (with each networks’ schedules to follow in subsequent weeks).
Q and A: Week of June 10
Q: A while ago you said “The Killing” would be back for a third season, and I was thrilled. I have yet to see it on AMC’s schedule. Can you tell me when it will return? — Holly G., via emailA: “The Killing” returned June 2 for its 12-episode third season. This season will explore the dark world of a serial killer, Ray Seward (played by Peter Sarsgaard), who has a connection to Sarah Linden’s past. According to executive producer Veena Sud, Peter had a big hand in creating his character, saying: “He came in with really great ideas. … There is something that is so brilliantly internal about Peter. He takes all these characteristics of extreme violence, and he sucks it deep within him, and it becomes more terrifying because of it.”
Q: The actor who played Jake Abernathy on “Bates Motel” was in a sitcom several years ago. Can you tell me what show I am thinking of? — Shirley T., via email
A: The actor in question is Jere Burns, who is perhaps most recognized for his role as ladies’ man Kirk Morris on the Judd Hirsch sitcom “Dear John,” which ran on NBC from 1988-92. He has done a ton of stuff since then, including “Justified,” “Burn Notice,” “Breaking Bad,” “Hawaii Five-0” and many others.
Q: Can you give me any hints as to what we can expect this season on “Perception”? — Michelle W., via email
A: The second season of “Perception,” which begins Tuesday, June 25, brings aboard a new — but familiar — face. Scott Wolf joins the cast as Donny Ryan, Kate’s (Rachael Leigh Cooke) estranged, soon-to-be ex-husband. I spoke with Scott recently, who’s excited to play this new role, and he gave me a sneak peak as to what to expect:
“Donny’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 pretty quickly he reveals that he’s come back there to be closer to Kate. Soon, it becomes clear that Daniel (Eric McCormack) and Kate have feelings for each other, whether friendship or romantic. So, there’s a little bit of a triangle between the three of them.”
Check back later this week for my entire interview with Scott.
Q and A: Week of Feb. 4
A: I agree with you, Trudy. Scott Foley is one of those underrated, underutilized actors who we need to see much more of. So, you can imagine my happiness upon discovering that he is set to guest-star on one of my favorite shows, ABC’s “Scandal.” His character is said to be a part of a major story arc that will play out toward the end of the current season. Creator and head writer Shonda Rhimes was eager to work with Scott again after his run on “Grey’s,” so one show’s loss is another’s gain!
Q: I’ve always really liked Anthony Michael Hall, especially his recent sci-fi series, “Warehouse 13.” However, I do miss seeing him in comedies: His guest-starring turn on “Community” a few seasons back was hilarious. Can you tell me if he’ll be on a comedy soon? — Audrey W., via e-mail
A: When “Awkward” returns to MTV this summer for its super-size third season, Anthony Michael Hall will join the hit series as a teacher at Jenna’s high school. According to those in the know, Anthony will play a sadistic creative-writing teacher who insists on pushing his students beyond their academic limits. Anthony also co-stars in the feature-film comedy, “Sexy Evil Genius,” along with Michelle Trachtenberg, Seth Green and William Baldwin.
Q: A while back you wrote that “Unforgettable” had belatedly been renewed for a second season; however, I’ve seen neither hide nor hair of it yet. Please tell me that the suits didn’t change their minds again! — Hilary S., Portland, Maine
A: Don’t worry, Hilary, the Poppy Montgomery-starring police procedural will indeed have its second season on CBS. And we now have a premiere date, which is Sunday, July 28 at 9/8c. As I reported previously, season two will comprise 13 episodes, with Dylan Walsh, Jane Curtin and most other cast members returning.
Also, a few months ago, I was disheartened to report that AMC had decided not to renew “The Killing” for a third season. In another rare reversal — along the lines of CBS’s renewal of “Unforgettable” — AMC recently announced that the crime drama WILL be back for a third season.
Season three takes place a year after the Rosie Larson case was solved, as Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) searches for a runaway girl and uncovers a string of murders connected to Sarah Linden’s (Mireille Enos) previous murder investigation. Linden, no longer a detective, must return to both a career and a case she had put behind her.
All this renewal reversal has given me new hope for ABC’s “GCB” to return, whether with ABC or another network. Let’s make this happen —TNT, I’m lookin’ at you!
Q: I remember a few months back you wrote that Shooter Jennings would be releasing an album in the new year. I’ve been looking for it but haven’t been able to find it. — Jesse W., Nashville
A: You’ll have to wait just a little longer to get your hands on Shooter’s latest album, which is a quick follow-up to “Family Man.” I spoke with Shooter about “The Other Life,” which drops on March 12, and he can’t wait for his fans to hear it. Shooter told me: “We cut 17 songs and scrapped two of them. And 10 of them ended up on ‘Family Man’ and five ended up on ‘The Other Life.’ And then over the past year, we recorded the rest of the songs.
“I’m really excited about ‘The Other Life’ because it’s a darker kind of country record, but then there’s a taste of like all the other (stuff) that I’ve done. Like a little bit of ‘Black Ribbon,’ a little bit of this and that sprinkled on the record. Like where ‘Family Man’ was a pretty traditional country record for the most part, this one definitely branches out into some really out-there territory. It’s cool — some of the songs that were on this record that we held from ‘Family Man’ are my favorite songs from the session. It was just kind of clear which songs fit on which album.”
Q and A: Week of Aug. 20
Q: Who is the beautiful young woman who plays Lilith on my favorite show, “True Blood”? Can you tell me anything about her? — Bobby R., via email A: Jessica Clark made quite an impression on “True Blood” viewers when she made her naked, bloody debut as the “mother of all vampires” back in July. Jessica herself is a “True Blood” fangirl and was thrilled to get the chance to be on one of her favorite shows.
She eventually got used to the show’s “naked rite of passage,” telling me recently: “After the first, second, third take, you just kind of go: 'OK, I’m naked. You’ve seen it.’ Most of the cast has been through it in some shape or form, so everyone is super supportive. The cast and crew are respectful and professional, but funny as well. Everyone was like: 'Welcome to “True Blood.” Here’s another Thursday.’”
It also was tough keeping her role as Lilith a secret from family and friends: “It was something the show wanted to keep under wraps, because it’s been building all season. Part of the fun and the mystery of 'True Blood’ is that you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen. So, I couldn’t tell anybody.”
Q: I am so bummed that “Unforgettable” was canceled. I love Poppy Montgomery in just about everything she’s in! Any chance we can convince CBS to bring it back? — Britney F., via email
A: In a rare turnabout, CBS recently decided to un-cancel the procedural drama, which stars Poppy and former “Nip/Tuck” star Dylan Walsh. After the May cancellation, the series was being shopped around to other networks, including TNT and Lifetime, when CBS decided to give it another go. “Unforgettable” will return with 13 all-new episodes in summer 2013.
Q: Earlier this year, I read about a man who allegedly killed his wife while scuba diving on their honeymoon in Australia. Then I believe I saw an interview with Harvey Keitel, and it was mentioned that he’s starring in a movie about the woman’s death. Is that true? If so, when will it come to theaters? — David W. in Alabama A: Mr. Keitel is indeed starring as Tommy Thomas, the father of Tina Watson, whose suspicious scuba-diving fatality made headlines all over the world when her husband was accused of orchestrating her death for insurance money. But you don’t have to go out to a movie theater to see “Fatal Honeymoon”; the movie premieres on Lifetime Television Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. ET/PT (with re-airings throughout that weekend and the next — check your local listings).
Q: Since they wrapped up the Rosie Larsen murder on “The Killing,” will it be back for another season? — Ron A., Bangor, Maine
A: It saddens me to report that AMC has decided not to pick up “The Killing” for a third season. At least we found out who killed Rosie Larsen.
Q and A: Week of Feb. 6
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| Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin |
A: Julianne does indeed star as the 2008 vice-presidential hopeful in the HBO movie “Game Change,” which is based on the 2010 book of the same name. The movie premieres on Saturday, March 10, and also stars Ed Harris as Sen. John McCain and Woody Harrelson as campaign chair Steve Schmidt, along with Peter MacNicol, Sarah Paulson and Ron Livingston. The movie will mainly track the actions of the Republican Party during the 2008 elections, while the book devotes equal time to both Republicans and Democrats.
Q: I got completely hooked on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” and I can’t wait until it returns for its second season. Would you know when that might be? — Brad F., via e-mail
A: Well, Brad, I just happen to have that little nugget of info — and I am willing to share. The next season of the medieval-fantasy series begins (no fooling) April 1 at 9 p.m., and like the first season, the second season will be 10 episodes long. And Lena Headey (who plays Ceresei) tells us that season two will bring even more drama (Is that possible?). The show also stars Peter Dinklage as Tyrion, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys, Nikolai Coster-Waldau as Jaime, Kit Harington as Jon and Michelle Fairley as Catelyn.
Q: I’m confused: First I heard Marg Helgenberger is leaving “CSI” for good, then I heard she’s not, and now I hear she is again. Can you clear this up for me? — Constance D., Newport, Conn.
A: I’ll try. Marg, who left the top-rated CBS crime drama at the end of January, is pretty much gone — as a regular castmember. However, her character’s future has been left open so Marg can return for a guest appearance, if she wishes. Marg assures her fans that they haven’t seen the last of Catherine Willows: “That was one of the reasons why it was a little easier for me to leave the show, because the producers said to me practically every day that the door is wide open. If I’m available and I’m up for it, you betcha.”
Q: I am dying to find out who killed Rosie Larson! When will “The Killing” return? — Darla A., Portland, Ore.
A: Hang in there just a few more months, Darla! Sunday, April 1 marks the return of the suspense drama to AMC with a two-hour premiere starting at 8/7c. The following week, the series returns to its normal timeslot of 9/8c. If you need to catch up or want to refresh your memory, you can see the entire 13-episode first season On Demand starting Monday, March 5.
Q and A: Week of Dec. 12
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| Lucy Hale |
A: I love to be the bearer of good news. Your favorite bad girls, led by Aria Montgomery (played by Lucy Hale), will be back with new episodes on ABC Family on its new night starting Monday, Jan. 2. Watch as Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer take matters into their own hands to try to finally put a stop to their tormentor, the mysterious “A.”
Also, I spoke with Annabeth Gish recently, who played/plays Dr. Sullivan on the show, and I asked her if she'd be back when the show returned. While she couldn't tell me much, she could say this: "I don’t know if I’m at liberty to say. You will see Dr. Sullivan again. In what way shape or form I cannot say." Don't miss Annabeth on A&E's "Bag of Bones," the second half of which airs tonight at 9/8c, and check out my interview with the talented actress here.
Q: I love watching one of my favorite “classic” TV shows, “Designing Women,” in reruns whenever I get the chance. I’ve decided to ask Santa for the boxed sets on DVD, but can only find seasons one through four. Will season five be out before the holidays? — Jeanne C., Conyers, Ga.
A: You, and the rest of us “Designing Women” fans, are in luck — season five was released on DVD Dec. 6, right in the nick of time for Jolly Ole St. Nick to place a copy in your stocking. Season five begins with Charlene enrolling in college, Suzanne accidentally bidding on a date with Anthony, Mary Jo deciding to want a baby, and Julia secretly moonlighting as a nightclub songstress. The four-disc set includes all 24 original episodes — with all the hairspray and shoulder pads that that entails. This season is also the last to include original cast members Jean Smart and Delta Burke, who left before season six to be replaced by Jan Hooks (who stayed for seasons six and seven) and Julia Duffy (who was in season six only).
Q: Can you tell me if one of my favorite shows on TV will return? “The Killing” on AMC was riveting, and the twist at the very end of the last show blindsided me! — Ann in Minnesota
A: I was just thinking about that show the other day, so thank you for reminding me. I too love “The Killing” and was glued to my seat for the entire 13-episode first season. The show will be back for a second season — thank goodness! — most likely in late spring, although an official date has not been set. If you’re not already following me on Twitter (twitter.com/celebrity_extra), you should, because I always post up-to-the-minute news on casting and returning series.
Q: “Downton Abbey” on PBS was one of my favorite shows of 2011. I remember reading in your column that it would be back for a second season. If so, when? — Donna B., Tulsa, Okla.
A: “Downton Abbey” season two returns to PBS’s Masterpiece Classic on Sunday nights beginning Jan. 9 and running through Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. ET. Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Dan Stevens headline the remarkable cast as World War I shakes Downton Abbey to its very foundations.
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