Q and A: Week of Jan. 21
A: When I spoke with Luke recently, he was mum on the subject of Jennie, but he WAS eager to tell me about his latest Hallmark Movie Channel movie: “Goodnight for Justice: Queen of Hearts,” which premieres Saturday, Jan. 26, and re-airs throughout the week. (Check local listings.)
On his love for his “Goodnight” series, and Westerns in general, Luke told me: “I don’t need any aliens with my cowboys. I’ll just take my cowboys straight up if that’s OK with everybody else. We all talk about Westerns. There were some great ones made.
“What I love about (the ‘Goodnight’) movies is that you know what you’re going to get going in, which makes it like the old Western serials that would play before the movies. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger element, and the guy rides off in the end. But if he comes back the next time, you know there’ll be some more shooting and some girls and some action, and another little bit of the story will get told. That’s what I wanna do. I’ve never felt really compelled to do the bigger, better, more bang, more stuff. You can still make a good Western.”
Check back later this week for my entire interview with Luke. You don't want to miss it!
Q: Has “Body of Proof” been renewed for another season? — George T., via e-mail
A: The Dana Delany-starring medical drama will return to ABC for its third season on Feb. 5 at 10/9c with a two-part season premiere (with the conclusion airing the following Tuesday). This season, Dr. Megan Hunt tackles the biggest case of her career, and her biggest personal mystery life: Did her father really commit suicide, or was he murdered?
A: I spoke with host Alison Sweeney and asked her just that. Being a mom herself, she told me that the show plans to help these kids in the best way possible, and won’t make them submit to the grueling programs that the adults go through.
“The first thing we did was to take into consideration the age of the contestants, and how we could best help and guide them,” she said. “They don’t live on the ranch; they are not going to be competing. We encourage the families to also change their nutrition choices, and get them out there and exercising. This is all done in a kid-friendly way.”
Q: Can you tell me when Charlie Sheen’s “Anger Management” returns for a new season? — John R., via e-mail
A: The FX comedy — whose series premiere was the most watched cable-sitcom premiere in history — returned on Jan. 17. The network has ordered 90 new episodes, which will be produced over the next two years.
Q and A: Week of Jan. 14
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| Eden Sher, photo by Kate Romero |
A: Twenty-one-year-old Eden Sher plays the middle child, Sue Heck, on the hilarious ABC comedy. Eden told me she’s known since she was a little girl that she wanted to be an actress: “It always felt natural, and I was just always performing. And then when I was 8 or 9 is when I finally convinced my mom to let me try it professionally. I would just see TV shows, and I was like, ’I can do that! I can do that better! Please let me try.’ Then when I was, like, 15, I thought, ’OK, this is not just something that I love to do, but I think I can actually make money doing this.’”
And what makes it even better is that her on-set family actually feels like family. Eden told me: “I love them. Like when we’re on hiatus, we still see each other. I always hang out with Charlie (McDermott), and I have lunch with Neil (Flynn). And I see Patty (Heaton) a lot. I don’t see Atticus (Shaffer) outside the set as much, but he doesn’t live in L.A. When we’re all working together, there aren’t words to express the immense feeling of gratitude that I feel on a daily basis. You just don’t get a work environment where you truly enjoy every person you work with.”
Q: I just saw Dean Cain play himself in a hilarious episode of “Don’t Trust the B—— in Apt. 23,” and I wondered if he’ll be a regular on a series again. — Janet W., Fresno, Calif.
A: Wasn't he great? That show makes me laugh out loud every episode, and I really wish more people were watching it. "Apt. 23" aside, Dean is set to begin production this month on the original VH1 series called “Bounce,” which also stars Taylour Page, Charlotte Ross, Kimberly Elise and Logan Browning. The series follows Ahsha (played by Taylour), a girl who joins the professional basketball dance team the Los Angeles Devil Girls, unaware of the treacherous and tempting world that follows. Dean plays Pete, the team’s coach. It most likely will air this spring.
Q: I remember you said that they were going to make a sequel to “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” Is that still happening? If so, when can I see it? —Freddie F., via e-mail
A: Mark your calendar, Freddie, because “Anchorman: The Legend Continues” will hit theaters on Dec. 20, 2013. This go ’round will star the Channel 4 news team from the original movie, and will add funny lady Kristen Wiig in a supporting role.
Q: Did Claire Danes have her baby yet? — Genie R., Boulder, Colo.
A: Claire and hubby Hugh Dancy welcomed a health baby boy, Cyrus Michael Christopher Dancy, on Dec. 17. And I have to say that I am slightly green with envy upon seeing Claire debut her absolutely smashing post-baby body at the Golden Globes (where she won for Best Actress in a Drama Series). So double congrats on your new bundle of joy and your Golden Globe!
85th Annual Academy Award Nominations
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| Actress Emma Stone and 2013 Oscar host Seth MacFarlane present the 85th Academy Awards nominations for Best Picture on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2012 in Beverly Hills, Calif. |
1. Best Picture: "Amour," ''Argo," ''Beasts of the Southern Wild," ''Django Unchained," ''Les Miserables," ''Life of Pi," ''Lincoln," ''Silver Linings Playbook," ''Zero Dark Thirty."
2. Actor: Bradley Cooper, "Silver Linings Playbook"; Daniel Day-Lewis, "Lincoln"; Hugh Jackman, "Les Miserables"; Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"; Denzel Washington, "Flight."
3. Actress: Jessica Chastain, "Zero Dark Thirty"; Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook"; Emmanuelle Riva, "Amour"; Quvenzhane Wallis, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"; Naomi Watts, "The Impossible."
4. Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin, "Argo"; Robert De Niro, "Silver Linings Playbook"; Philip Seymour Hoffman, "The Master"; Tommy Lee Jones, "Lincoln"; Christoph Waltz, "Django Unchained."
5. Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, "The Master"; Sally Field, "Lincoln"; Anne Hathaway, "Les Miserables"; Helen Hunt, "The Sessions"; Jacki Weaver, "Silver Linings Playbook."
6. Directing: Michael Haneke, "Amour"; Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"; Ang Lee, "Life of Pi"; Steven Spielberg, "Lincoln"; David O. Russell, "Silver Linings Playbook."
7. Foreign Language Film: "Amour," Austria; "Kon-Tiki," Norway; "No," Chile; "A Royal Affair," Denmark; "War Witch," Canada.
8. Adapted Screenplay: Chris Terrio, "Argo"; Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"; David Magee, "Life of Pi"; Tony Kushner, "Lincoln"; David O. Russell, "Silver Linings Playbook."
9. Original Screenplay: Michael Haneke, "Amour"; Quentin Tarantino, "Django Unchained"; John Gatins, "Flight"; Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola, "Moonrise Kingdom"; Mark Boal, "Zero Dark Thirty."
10. Animated Feature Film: "Brave"; "Frankenweenie"; "ParaNorman"; "The Pirates! Band of Misfits"; "Wreck-It Ralph."
11. Production Design: "Anna Karenina," ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," ''Les Miserables," ''Life of Pi," ''Lincoln."
12. Cinematography: "Anna Karenina," ''Django Unchained," ''Life of Pi," ''Lincoln," ''Skyfall."
13. Sound Mixing: "Argo," ''Les Miserables," ''Life of Pi," ''Lincoln," ''Skyfall."
14. Sound Editing: "Argo," ''Django Unchained," ''Life of Pi," ''Skyfall," ''Zero Dark Thirty."
15. Original Score: "Anna Karenina," Dario Marianelli; "Argo," Alexandre Desplat; "Life of Pi," Mychael Danna; "Lincoln," John Williams; "Skyfall," Thomas Newman.
16. Original Song: "Before My Time" from "Chasing Ice," J. Ralph; "Everybody Needs a Best Friend" from "Ted," Walter Murphy and Seth MacFarlane; "Pi's Lullaby" from "Life of Pi," Mychael Danna and Bombay Jayashri; "Skyfall" from "Skyfall," Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth; "Suddenly" from "Les Miserables," Claude-Michel Schonberg, Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil.
17. Costume: "Anna Karenina," ''Les Miserables," ''Lincoln," ''Mirror Mirror," ''Snow White and the Huntsman."
18. Documentary Feature: "5 Broken Cameras," ''The Gatekeepers," ''How to Survive a Plague," ''The Invisible War," ''Searching for Sugar Man."
19. Documentary (short subject): "Inocente," ''Kings Point," ''Mondays at Racine," ''Open Heart," ''Redemption."
20. Film Editing: "Argo," ''Life of Pi," ''Lincoln," ''Silver Linings Playbook," ''Zero Dark Thirty."
21. Makeup and Hairstyling: "Hitchcock," ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," ''Les Miserables."
22. Animated Short Film: "Adam and Dog," ''Fresh Guacamole," ''Head over Heels," ''Maggie Simpson in 'The Longest Daycare,'" "Paperman."
23. Live Action Short Film: "Asad," ''Buzkashi Boys," ''Curfew," ''Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduw)," ''Henry."
24. Visual Effects: "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," ''Life of Pi," ''Marvel's The Avengers," ''Prometheus," ''Snow White and the Huntsman."
Q and A: Week of Jan. 7
Q: I can’t wait to see what’s next when “Revenge” returns from its winter break. Do you have any scoops? — Bridget W., via e-mail A: Everyone involved with “Revenge” is either very good at keeping secrets, or they don’t know what’s going to happen from week to week. I spoke recently with series guest star Michael Nardelli (as Trey Chandler), and he wasn’t divulging much.
“So far, I’ve done the three episodes, and it seems like it’s going to go on,” Nardelli said. “I have no idea what they have in store. … They’re very secretive, but I am hopeful that Trey will return.”
You can catch Michael on the big screen in “The Collection,” which comes from the people who did “Saw,” so you can bet that sucker is pretty scary. He also produced “The Giant Mechanical Man” — starring Jenna Fischer (“The Office”) and Chris Messina (“The Mindy Project”) — which is available on DVD. I watched it the other day, and I can say that it’s one of those breath-of-fresh-air indie movies that deserves more of an audience.
Q: When will “Southland” return? — Jimmy U., Chicago
A: The fifth season of TNT’s hit police drama returns Feb. 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Joining the show as a series regular is former guest star C. Thomas Howell. Also, “One Tree Hill” star Chad Michael Murray is set to guest star in a two-episode arc.
A: “Being Human” begins its 13-episode third season on Monday, Jan. 14, with an episode titled “It’s a Shame About Ray.” I asked series star Kristen Hager, who plays newbie werewolf Nora, if that title bodes well for her, since when we last saw Nora and Ray, they were in a standoff, the screen faded to black, and then we heard a gunshot.
Kristen told me: “You’re most likely assuming correctly, but you’ll have to tune in to find out. Season three begins a year and a half after season two’s finale. There are a couple of new characters that are introduced in the first two episodes and recur throughout the season who are wonderful.
“For example, the twins’ father comes looking for them, and he’s played by Xander Berkley, who’s a wonderful actor to get to work with. That’s a very big story line for Josh and Nora. There are some new supernatural elements that are exciting. The show went to some really dark places in season two, and although it still does, I find that a lot of the fun that was in season one is back. In my opinion, this is the best season.”
Check back next Monday for my full interview with this lovely lady.
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| (L to R) Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ryan Seacrest, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban |
A: The 12th season of America’s No. 1 reality singing competition airs on Fox beginning Jan. 16 at 8/7c, with the always-entertaining audition shows. Mariah and Nicki join fellow new judge Keith Urban with mainstays Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest, as they search high and low for America’s next singing sensation. Personally, I hope they find the next William Hung.
Q: I saw an article for a movie starring Keri Russell called “Austenland,” and it looks really good. When will it be in theaters? — Anna Y., via e-mail
A: “Austenland” will debut in January at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. If it’s received well, it could find a distributor and open to a wider audience by spring or summer. The sooner the better, because I agree with you that this one looks like a winner.
Readers: In a column this past summer, I told you I’d let you know when “Cold Case” alumna Kathryn Morris could be seen on your TV again, and that time has come. Kathryn stars in “The Sweeter Side of Life,” a Hallmark Channel original movie that airs Jan. 19 at 9/8c. Kathryn plays a New York City socialite who loses everything after she’s dumped by her wealthy husband and is forced to redefine herself at her father’s struggling New Jersey bakery.
Q: When can I see my favorite actor, Kevin Bacon, on the big or small screen again? — Holly T., via email
A: Kevin Bacon can be seen next on the small screen, where he’ll be starring in “The Following” on Fox, which premieres on Monday, Jan. 21, at 9/8c. The series is described as an “intense, spellbinding drama that follows Ryan Hardy (played by Kevin), an ex-FBI agent called out of retirement to track down Joe Carroll (James Purefoy of ’Rome’), a devious and diabolical serial killer, and the mastermind behind an ever-growing web of killers.” The series is created, written and executive-produced by Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek” and “The Vampire Diaries”), and also stars Maggie Grace (“Lost,” “Taken” and “Breaking Dawn”) and Natalie Zea (“Justified” and “Dirty Sexy Money”).
A: I recently spoke with the multitalented actor (who finishes up a run on Broadway with Al Pacino in “Glengarry Glen Ross” this month), and I asked him just that. He told me: “I love Billy Lawrence (’Scrubs’ and ’Cougar Town’ creator) more than anything. Maybe it’ll happen down the road.” For now, if you’re in New York, you can see him treading the boards in person. Or you can wait until Feb. 5 to catch him in the DVD release of the feature film “Alex Cross,” or you can see him on the big screen April 12 in “42” playing Red Barber.
Of his role as the legendary baseball announcer, John told me: “Red Barber was an iconic radio pioneer who was kind of the co-inventor of the live [play-by-play sports] broadcast. The film is as much a celebration of one of the great civil-rights stories of the last century as it is a sports story. I’ve seen about 20 minutes of the film, and I just thought it was phenomenal. I haven’t seen the whole film yet, but I can’t wait.”
Check back here later this week to read my entire interview with John.
Q: With the passing of Larry Hagman in November, what will become of J.R. Ewing and the future of “Dallas”? — Marianne E., West Palm Beach, Fla.
A: I am sure you agree with me that recasting this iconic role would be pure folly. Larry had filmed several episodes of the new season before he died, with “TV Line” reporting that “Dallas” will bid farewell to J.R., with his funeral taking place during the season’s eighth episode, which is set to air in March.
Q: When will HBO’s “Game of Thrones” return? — Paul R., via email
A: The hit fantasy-drama series will return on March 31 with 10 all-new super-size episodes. Each episode will be a few minutes longer than previous seasons’ episodes, with the season finale expected to exceed the allotted 60 minutes.
A: I spoke with “Paranormal” host Rachel Fine, and she told me that it might be up to the fans as to whether it gets a second season. “‘Paranormal Paparazzi’ is one of the most interesting projects I’ve ever worked on. While I was excited to take a fun, ’TMZ’-style approach to the paranormal, I was seriously surprised by some of the things I encountered. Working on this show for the Travel Channel really changed my outlook on the world — I legitimately had experiences I can’t explain. My eyes were opened this season, and I definitely hope we’ll come back for more!”
To help facilitate the approval of a second season, I suggest you head over to travelchannel.com/about/viewer-relations. Click on General Comment, then TV Shows, then Other. And then write a couple sentences about how much you loved “Paranormal Paparazzi” and really hope they renew it for a second season.
Q: I read on your Twitter feed that Heart had been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recently, and I wondered if they had gotten in? — Jeremy S., Springfield, Ill.
A: In December, the HOF committee announced that Heart — including sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson — would indeed be in the class of 2013. Other inductees include Canadian rockers Rush, the late disco queen Donna Summer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman, hip-hop group Public Enemy and blues guitarist and singer Albert King. * * * Q: I thought I had seen or read that Elizabeth Perkins would be a new sitcom this fall, but I haven’t seen her anywhere. Was it canceled? — Patricia L., via e-mail
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| (L to R) Actors Brad Garrett, Elizabeth Perkins, Sarah Chalke; executive producers Claudia Lonow and Francie Calfo |
A: Elizabeth can be seen this spring — April 3 at 9:30/8:30c to be exact — in the new ABC comedy “How to Live With Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life).” She co-stars with Sarah Chalke and Brad Garrett. Of the show, Elizabeth told me: “What I love about this show is you’ve got three generations of people living in the same household, mostly because of the economy, which is happening all over the country.
“It’s wacky in the way that real life is wacky. It’s not this big style of sitcom acting; it’s funny in a character-driven way. It’s the situations we find ourselves in that are funny, as opposed to setting up this whole big plot point.”
Check back here in March to read my entire interview with the lovely and talented actress.
Q: I love Steven Pasquale of “Rescue Me.” What can I see him on now? — Yolanda W. in Pennsylvania
A: Beginning Thursday, Jan. 31, you can catch Steven in NBC’s new drama called “Do No Harm.” Steven plays a neurosurgeon who has a serious problem when he learns that his body is no longer responding to the serum that keeps his dangerous alter ego in check.
Interview: Alison Sweeney Discusses New Biggest Loser
January is a big month for Alison Sweeney: NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” — which she hosts — returns for its 14th season, and it also marks Alison’s 20th year playing Sami Brady on “Days of Our Lives.” She was thrilled to discuss these two milestones recently, talking about the newest “Loser” and its focus on childhood obesity, as well as Sami’s 20-year reign (some would say “of terror”) in Salem. “The Biggest Loser,” which returns to NBC this Sunday, is tackling the growing issue of childhood obesity. Alison is quick to support the show’s decision to do this despite some apprehension and controversy, explaining: “The first thing we did was to take into consideration the age of the contestants, and how we could best help and guide them. (Unlike previous adult contestants,) they don’t live on the ranch. They are not going to be competing. We are there to help them learn how to care for themselves in their everyday lives.”
One way the trainers try to help them change is to include the family. “We encourage the families to also change their nutrition choices, and get them out there and exercising. This is all done in a kid-friendly way. We don’t put the same pressure on them that we’d put on adult contestants.”
As a mother herself, you can bet Alison wouldn’t stand for any kind of unnecessary pressure, criticism or unachievable goals being placed on these kids. “I am a mom myself, and I know that (childhood obesity) is an important issue. On a personal level, I see kids all the time who are struggling with obesity. It’s important to talk about it and figure out what we can do to heal and help these kids.”
Much talk has been circulating about the dynamic of the three trainers: Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince, especially since Jillian and Dolvett haven’t worked together previous to this. In Alison’s words, the dynamic is “amazing. It was super awesome to watch the three of them interact — (that alone is) a great part of the season. It’s been very interesting to see their different styles of training. They each have a great respect for each other, and they complement each other in amazing ways.” Jillian, who is a new mom herself, has said that because there will be three teenagers on each team was the reason she decided to return to the show after leaving to start a family in 2011.
Audiences will see that this new season has something for everyone — and, as usual, will have its share of triumphs and tears. So tune in to NBC this Sunday at 9/8c and Monday at 8/7c for a two-night premiere event of the newest season of "The Biggest Loser." And keep tuned in each Monday after that at 8/7c to witness the transformations yourself.
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