As we get ready for the season finale of Smallville this Thursday, May 14, on The CW, IGN got a chance to chat with Cassidy Freeman. Her character, Tess Mercer, has come a long way since the beginning of the season, going from a search for Lex Luthor to gathering forces to help Clark (Tom Welling) find (and maybe kill) Doomsday (Sam Witwer).
Freeman gave us a sneak peak at the finale, her throwdown with Lois Lane (Erica Durance) and a preview of her upcoming horror film YellowBrickRoad which also stars her brother Clark.
2009年5月14日星期四
ANTM crowns a winner!
So, it's Kris Allen versus Adam Lambert for the title of American Idol. Crazy! Like I've been saying, I adore Kris but I thought Danny Gokey had more star power. Do I think Kris can beat Adam in the American Idol finale? No. But the way things have been going on the show, who knows! Not that it really matters as all three of them are sure to have fine careers going forward after American Idol.
Reality TV Magazine's Britteny Elrick tells us all about Adam Lambert's Entertainment Weekly cover here!
America's Next Top Model crowned a winner last night - the sweet Teyona took home the prize over Allison. I didn't feel invested in either girl, so it was an anticlimactic ending.
Check out Reality TV's Elrick's full run-down here!
Last night's America's Next Top Model was also the last we'll be seeing of Paulina Porizkova, too. She told Craig Ferguson on The Late, Late Show that she was fired -- over the phone and on her birthday. I'm good with that. Porizkova adds nothing to the show and I'd rather see Jay Manuel sitting in the last chair. He'd make a fine judge!
Tonight there are seven season finales! Tonight’s must-watch leads with the Grey’s Anatomy season finale:
Grey's Anatomy
As if last week's episode wasn't heart breaking enough, we have tonight's stunning finale. Izzie must decide whether or not to undergo the cancer surgery while several of the gang have big announcements to make. Are they really going to kill off Izzie? Does it matter?
Like Supernatural, dead doesn't always mean dead on Grey's. It would simply mean that she and Denny can now haunt the place, together.
Reality TV Magazine's Britteny Elrick tells us all about Adam Lambert's Entertainment Weekly cover here!
America's Next Top Model crowned a winner last night - the sweet Teyona took home the prize over Allison. I didn't feel invested in either girl, so it was an anticlimactic ending.
Check out Reality TV's Elrick's full run-down here!
Last night's America's Next Top Model was also the last we'll be seeing of Paulina Porizkova, too. She told Craig Ferguson on The Late, Late Show that she was fired -- over the phone and on her birthday. I'm good with that. Porizkova adds nothing to the show and I'd rather see Jay Manuel sitting in the last chair. He'd make a fine judge!
Tonight there are seven season finales! Tonight’s must-watch leads with the Grey’s Anatomy season finale:
Grey's Anatomy
As if last week's episode wasn't heart breaking enough, we have tonight's stunning finale. Izzie must decide whether or not to undergo the cancer surgery while several of the gang have big announcements to make. Are they really going to kill off Izzie? Does it matter?
Like Supernatural, dead doesn't always mean dead on Grey's. It would simply mean that she and Denny can now haunt the place, together.
Deconstructing Lost's season finale: Does Jesus Christ run the island?
Besides being a little freaked to find the guy who played an abusive ex-husband on Dexter now playing the mysterious figure who runs Lost's island, Jacob, I had a few thoughts about Wednesday's appropriately mind-bending, two-hour Season Five finale, "The Incident."
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
--Somehow, dark-shirted Titus Welliver -- who popped up in the episode's opening moments as a politely murderous foil to Jacob -- morphed into John Locke to manipulate Ben into killing Jacob.
--Vowing to find a "loophole" allowing him to kill Jacob, Welliver's character must somehow be prevented from killing Jacob himself. Thus the manipulation of Ben, until now the show's best manipulator. Ironies abound.
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
--Somehow, dark-shirted Titus Welliver -- who popped up in the episode's opening moments as a politely murderous foil to Jacob -- morphed into John Locke to manipulate Ben into killing Jacob.
--Vowing to find a "loophole" allowing him to kill Jacob, Welliver's character must somehow be prevented from killing Jacob himself. Thus the manipulation of Ben, until now the show's best manipulator. Ironies abound.
'Supernatural': Is Bobby kicking the bucket?
Tonight, “Supernatural” wraps its fourth season and the finale promises to bring the mayhem that's been brewing to a boiling point. The race is on to prevent the final seals from being broken and there will be causalities.
One person whose future isn’t looking so bright? Bobby.
Yes, I know. It breaks my heart, too. But when I caught up with Jim Beaver (Bobby) at a signing to promote his new book this week, I questioned him on the rumors that his character isn't long for the "Supernatural" world, and his words weren’t promising. “I wish I had something encouraging to say about Bobby,” he told me. “There are some big surprises coming up.”
And if this is Bobby’s swan song, fans will be disappointed to hear that he’s not even a major part of the episode. “Bobby’s appearance in the season finale is relatively brief,” Jim shared. “He comes in and then kind of disappears.”
But whatever the outcome for Bobby is, Jim believes it’s all good. “[Creator] Eric [Kripke]’s going to do what’s best for the show,” he said. “He’s very attentive to the fans [and their wishes], but the fans don’t ever have to worry about him bending the show just to accommodate what they would like [to see]. At the same time, he cares what they would like, and I think the very fact that Bobby is still around this long is very much in part because he picked up that the fans liked him.”
If Bobby does end up meeting his maker, Jim isn't sure how that would impact his role on the show. “People do worry an awful lot about characters dying on "Supernatural" even though we’ve pretty much proven [death] doesn’t mean all that much,” he mused. He pointed out that characters that have died often pop back up on the show, long after they were killed off.
So, would you be okay if they axed Bobby?
Don't you think the boys need a father figure around? Someone that doesn't put up with their crap? Especially given their recent problems?
-Reporting by Marisa Roffman
One person whose future isn’t looking so bright? Bobby.
Yes, I know. It breaks my heart, too. But when I caught up with Jim Beaver (Bobby) at a signing to promote his new book this week, I questioned him on the rumors that his character isn't long for the "Supernatural" world, and his words weren’t promising. “I wish I had something encouraging to say about Bobby,” he told me. “There are some big surprises coming up.”
And if this is Bobby’s swan song, fans will be disappointed to hear that he’s not even a major part of the episode. “Bobby’s appearance in the season finale is relatively brief,” Jim shared. “He comes in and then kind of disappears.”
But whatever the outcome for Bobby is, Jim believes it’s all good. “[Creator] Eric [Kripke]’s going to do what’s best for the show,” he said. “He’s very attentive to the fans [and their wishes], but the fans don’t ever have to worry about him bending the show just to accommodate what they would like [to see]. At the same time, he cares what they would like, and I think the very fact that Bobby is still around this long is very much in part because he picked up that the fans liked him.”
If Bobby does end up meeting his maker, Jim isn't sure how that would impact his role on the show. “People do worry an awful lot about characters dying on "Supernatural" even though we’ve pretty much proven [death] doesn’t mean all that much,” he mused. He pointed out that characters that have died often pop back up on the show, long after they were killed off.
So, would you be okay if they axed Bobby?
Don't you think the boys need a father figure around? Someone that doesn't put up with their crap? Especially given their recent problems?
-Reporting by Marisa Roffman
'Grey's,' 'Supernatural' sign off for the season
Before last week's episode of "Grey's Anatomy," yours truly was once again making empty threats.
If Derek (Patrick Dempsey) and Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) didn't walk down the aisle — if the writers found some way to delay the big day once again — that would be it for me. I'd give up altogether on the show, which was remarkably annoying for much of this season.
And yet I have to give credit where credit is due. Creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes, who also wrote the episode, managed to put the wedding off for at least a while. And I'm not even considering going through with my threat to remove "Grey's Anatomy" from by DVR recording list.
If you haven't been watching, neither Meredith nor Derek really wanted a big wedding. But they allowed Izzie (Katherine Heigl) to plan one for them because it kept her occupied while she fought a potentially fatal form of cancer.
When Izzie's condition took a turn for the worse, Meredith and Derek turned the big wedding Izzie had planned over to her — and Izzie married Alex (Justin Chambers).
I didn't shed any tears (really), but my two daughters were both openly crying as the scenes played out.
If Derek (Patrick Dempsey) and Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) didn't walk down the aisle — if the writers found some way to delay the big day once again — that would be it for me. I'd give up altogether on the show, which was remarkably annoying for much of this season.
And yet I have to give credit where credit is due. Creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes, who also wrote the episode, managed to put the wedding off for at least a while. And I'm not even considering going through with my threat to remove "Grey's Anatomy" from by DVR recording list.
If you haven't been watching, neither Meredith nor Derek really wanted a big wedding. But they allowed Izzie (Katherine Heigl) to plan one for them because it kept her occupied while she fought a potentially fatal form of cancer.
When Izzie's condition took a turn for the worse, Meredith and Derek turned the big wedding Izzie had planned over to her — and Izzie married Alex (Justin Chambers).
I didn't shed any tears (really), but my two daughters were both openly crying as the scenes played out.
2009年5月12日星期二
Bryan Q. Miller Talks Teen Titans, Batgirl
Bryan Q. Miller pulled a rabbit out his hat earlier this year when he introduced Zatanna to the “Smallville” mythos by writing the Season 8 episode, “Hex.” DC Comics obviously thought Miller had a handle on scripting young heroes, because after penning three episodes of the CW hit series, the publisher gave him a multi-issue arc on “Teen Titans” for his first assignment in comics.
For Miller’s debut effort, he serves as co-writer on “Teen Titans” #72 with Sean McKeever (who also scripts Ravager back-up stories), and finishes the next two issues on his own. The writer says the fill-in story serves as a “pivotal narrative bridge” for the title moving forward.
But that’s not all for the relative newcomer.
DC revealed via its blog The Source that Miller will launch “Batgirl” in August – the final piece to the puzzle that is the Batverse post-“Battle for the Cowl.”
CBR sat down with Bryan Q. Miller to talk about these projects and more.
For Miller’s debut effort, he serves as co-writer on “Teen Titans” #72 with Sean McKeever (who also scripts Ravager back-up stories), and finishes the next two issues on his own. The writer says the fill-in story serves as a “pivotal narrative bridge” for the title moving forward.
But that’s not all for the relative newcomer.
DC revealed via its blog The Source that Miller will launch “Batgirl” in August – the final piece to the puzzle that is the Batverse post-“Battle for the Cowl.”
CBR sat down with Bryan Q. Miller to talk about these projects and more.
New Smallville season finale clip blames Chloe for everything
I'm not even gonna try to guess who will die in Thursday's season finale of Smallville. If the show wants to line up with Superman lore, then Clark will definitely bite it and be resurrected next season. If not, then almost anyone could be dead by episode's end (except Lois, Erica Durance has already signed on for season nine).
Of course, I wouldn't mind seeing Chloe go. I don't hate the character, but it seems like she's caused nothing but problems for Clark this season. It looks like the latest preview clip for this week's season ender, "Doomsday" agrees with me.
"And now because of Chloe, you cannot defeat him." Oh, that's hilarious. I love how Cosmic Boy blames the rise of Doomsday and the future death of Clark all on poor little Chloe. His list of Chloe's mistakes seems to go on and on and it basically ends with, "Everything's gonna go to hell because Chloe, you know, exists!"
Of course, this probably means Chloe will not die in the finale. It's more likely that somebody like Tess Mercer, The Dark Arrow or another Justice Leaguer will meet his or her end. Check out this spoiler page for more clues.
Of course, I wouldn't mind seeing Chloe go. I don't hate the character, but it seems like she's caused nothing but problems for Clark this season. It looks like the latest preview clip for this week's season ender, "Doomsday" agrees with me.
"And now because of Chloe, you cannot defeat him." Oh, that's hilarious. I love how Cosmic Boy blames the rise of Doomsday and the future death of Clark all on poor little Chloe. His list of Chloe's mistakes seems to go on and on and it basically ends with, "Everything's gonna go to hell because Chloe, you know, exists!"
Of course, this probably means Chloe will not die in the finale. It's more likely that somebody like Tess Mercer, The Dark Arrow or another Justice Leaguer will meet his or her end. Check out this spoiler page for more clues.
Lots Of Grand Finales On Television This Week
It's the biggest week of the year for TV series finales.
Dozens of shows say farewell for now, either by tying up their action or leaving stories gaping wide open with cliffhangers.
Prominent among them tonight is the finale of "Brothers & Sisters" (ABC, 10 p.m.), which promises a resolution to its most recent crisis (a brother missing in Mexico, even before flu is detected).
The second half of a two-part murder case on "Cold Case" ( CBS, 9 p.m.) closes that show's season. And a nuclear crisis is part of the fourth-season finale of "The Unit" (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Dozens of shows say farewell for now, either by tying up their action or leaving stories gaping wide open with cliffhangers.
Prominent among them tonight is the finale of "Brothers & Sisters" (ABC, 10 p.m.), which promises a resolution to its most recent crisis (a brother missing in Mexico, even before flu is detected).
The second half of a two-part murder case on "Cold Case" ( CBS, 9 p.m.) closes that show's season. And a nuclear crisis is part of the fourth-season finale of "The Unit" (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Eddie Kaye Thomas cast in 'America'
Eddie Kaye Thomas has joined HBO's upcoming comedy series "How to Make It in America" as a regular.
Additionally, Misha Collins has been upped to a regular on the CW drama "Supernatural," and Stephen Dunham has been added to TBS' comedy "The Bill Engvall Show."
Thomas guest-starred on the pilot for "How to Make It," which revolves around Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and his friend Cam (Victor Rasuk), enterprising twentysomethings who hustle their way through New York determined to achieve the American dream.
Thomas plays a guy who went to high school with Ben. He now runs a hedge fund and is extremely rich but wants to be cool -- at any price.
Thomas, who starred on Fox's " 'Til Death" and voices a character on "American Dad!" is repped by Gersh and Untitled.
Collins had recurred on 12 episodes of "Supernatural," morphing between otherworldly angel Castiel and hapless family man Jimmy Novak. He is repped by SMS and Framework.
On "Bill Engvall," Dunham will play Engvall's brother Kenny, a likable ne'er-do-well who gets by on his charm. Domain-repped Dunham ("What I Like About You") joins as a recurring this season with an option to become a series regular.
Eddie Kaye Thomas cast in 'America'
Misha Collins becomes 'Supernatural' regular
By Nellie Andreeva
May 10, 2009, 11:00 PM ET
Eddie Kaye Thomas has joined HBO's upcoming comedy series "How to Make It in America" as a regular.
Additionally, Misha Collins has been upped to a regular on the CW drama "Supernatural," and Stephen Dunham has been added to TBS' comedy "The Bill Engvall Show."
Thomas guest-starred on the pilot for "How to Make It," which revolves around Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and his friend Cam (Victor Rasuk), enterprising twentysomethings who hustle their way through New York determined to achieve the American dream.
Thomas plays a guy who went to high school with Ben. He now runs a hedge fund and is extremely rich but wants to be cool -- at any price.
Thomas, who starred on Fox's " 'Til Death" and voices a character on "American Dad!" is repped by Gersh and Untitled.
Collins had recurred on 12 episodes of "Supernatural," morphing between otherworldly angel Castiel and hapless family man Jimmy Novak. He is repped by SMS and Framework.
On "Bill Engvall," Dunham will play Engvall's brother Kenny, a likable ne'er-do-well who gets by on his charm. Domain-repped Dunham ("What I Like About You") joins as a recurring this season with an option to become a series regular.
Additionally, Misha Collins has been upped to a regular on the CW drama "Supernatural," and Stephen Dunham has been added to TBS' comedy "The Bill Engvall Show."
Thomas guest-starred on the pilot for "How to Make It," which revolves around Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and his friend Cam (Victor Rasuk), enterprising twentysomethings who hustle their way through New York determined to achieve the American dream.
Thomas plays a guy who went to high school with Ben. He now runs a hedge fund and is extremely rich but wants to be cool -- at any price.
Thomas, who starred on Fox's " 'Til Death" and voices a character on "American Dad!" is repped by Gersh and Untitled.
Collins had recurred on 12 episodes of "Supernatural," morphing between otherworldly angel Castiel and hapless family man Jimmy Novak. He is repped by SMS and Framework.
On "Bill Engvall," Dunham will play Engvall's brother Kenny, a likable ne'er-do-well who gets by on his charm. Domain-repped Dunham ("What I Like About You") joins as a recurring this season with an option to become a series regular.
Eddie Kaye Thomas cast in 'America'
Misha Collins becomes 'Supernatural' regular
By Nellie Andreeva
May 10, 2009, 11:00 PM ET
Eddie Kaye Thomas has joined HBO's upcoming comedy series "How to Make It in America" as a regular.
Additionally, Misha Collins has been upped to a regular on the CW drama "Supernatural," and Stephen Dunham has been added to TBS' comedy "The Bill Engvall Show."
Thomas guest-starred on the pilot for "How to Make It," which revolves around Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and his friend Cam (Victor Rasuk), enterprising twentysomethings who hustle their way through New York determined to achieve the American dream.
Thomas plays a guy who went to high school with Ben. He now runs a hedge fund and is extremely rich but wants to be cool -- at any price.
Thomas, who starred on Fox's " 'Til Death" and voices a character on "American Dad!" is repped by Gersh and Untitled.
Collins had recurred on 12 episodes of "Supernatural," morphing between otherworldly angel Castiel and hapless family man Jimmy Novak. He is repped by SMS and Framework.
On "Bill Engvall," Dunham will play Engvall's brother Kenny, a likable ne'er-do-well who gets by on his charm. Domain-repped Dunham ("What I Like About You") joins as a recurring this season with an option to become a series regular.
Supernaturally sexy
Like Buffy Summers before them, brothers Dean and Sam Winchester carry a heavy load: protecting the world from evil.
While Buffy the Vampire Slayer spent most of her time warding off demons and other supernatural creatures that emerged from the Hellmouth beneath her high school, Dean and Sam have no such geographical restrictions.
In the cult hit Supernatural, Dean and Sam crisscross the US in their distinctive 1967 Chevy Impala, following up reports of unusual and/or paranormal activity and hunting for the demon that killed their mother.
Since the show’s debut in 2005, the brothers have fought off everything from demons and shape-shifters to zombies and vampires.
Supernatural was recently ranked at No. 11 on The Times Online’s list of the top 50 recent US TV shows, ahead of Law and Order, ER, House and Mad Men and not far behind The Shield, 24, The Sopranos and list-topper, The Wire.
The show has a well-credentialled creative team — one of its executive producers, McG, directed the soon-to-be released Terminator Salvation.
Director and executive producer Kim Manners, who died in January after battling cancer, earned four Emmy nominations for his work on The X-Files
In the US, season four of Supernatural increased its audience by 13 per cent and attracts about 3.3 million viewers against Grey’s Anatomy and CSI.
Although you are unlikely to find Supernatural listed among Australia’s top-rated TV shows, it has a devoted cult following here, just as it does overseas.
Last year when season four was fast-tracked from the US it was attracting an average of 652,000 viewers nationally and just under 100,000 viewers in Perth.
More important for Ten, Supernatural last year attracted a 41.2 per cent share (48.9 per cent in Perth) of viewers in the 16 to 39 age group and pulled a 34.7 per cent national share and 41.8 per cent Perth share on its return last week..
Although many sci-fi inspired shows skew towards young males, having handsome leads in Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki has brought in a 54 per cent female audience.
It was the show’s strong female fan base that helped bring the stars to Sydney last month for the Supernatural convention All Hell Breaks Loose.
Perth fan Renae Nahajski says she doesn’t consider herself to be a sci-fi fan and never watched Smallville or Buffy but was immediately hooked on Supernatural.
“It’s scary, I like a bit of a scare every now and then and I really like the relationship between the brothers,” says the Mt Hawthorn teacher and mother-of-three.
Mrs Nahajski is among the thousands of fans who frequent Supernatural fan forums and websites to find out the latest gossip and express their thoughts on plot-twists and casting.
One criticism of shows such as Supernatural and Lost is that mythology and back stories make it hard to follow for casual viewers. But Supernatural’s standalone episodes, often with a humorous twist, have made it easier for the casual viewer to enjoy Dean and Sam’s adventures.
While the majority of viewers tune in because of Sam and Dean and the recurring theme of good versus evil, others love the show because of its pop culture references, the soundtrack and that cool Chevy.
Supernatural returns to Australian screens tonight at episode nine of season four, with Sam explaining how he became so close to Ruby (played this season by Genevieve Cortese) while Dean was in hell. This has been regarded as a landmark and daring season because it is also quite likely to be the penultimate one.
Creator and executive producer Eric Kripke has always maintained he only wants Supernatural to run for five seasons.
Hunky stars Ackles (Dean) and Padalecki (Sam) have also expressed a desire to see the show come to its natural end after five seasons, with Ackles stating recently he’d rather see the brothers go out in a blaze of glory than happily ever after.
Supernatural has made household names of the pair but they barely get to see family and friends while filming on location in Vancouver.
The pair carry a heavy workload, appearing in almost every scene and attempts to introduce other series regulars to lessen their workloads have not always been welcomed by vocal fans.
That changed somewhat this season with the arrival of Misha Collins as Castiel, the trench coat-wearing male angel responsible for helping Dean escape hell. Dean was dragged to hell kicking and screaming at the end of the third season as part of an earlier deal to save Sam’s life.
Mrs Nahajski says most fans have not liked the brothers having potential love interests — some have accused producers of hiring attractive females to boost young male viewers — but have accepted the arrival of Castiel.
Later this season fans will also be tested by the arrival of a third Winchester brother, Adam (Jake Abel).
Supernatural airs tonight at 9.30 on Ten.
SUE YEAP
While Buffy the Vampire Slayer spent most of her time warding off demons and other supernatural creatures that emerged from the Hellmouth beneath her high school, Dean and Sam have no such geographical restrictions.
In the cult hit Supernatural, Dean and Sam crisscross the US in their distinctive 1967 Chevy Impala, following up reports of unusual and/or paranormal activity and hunting for the demon that killed their mother.
Since the show’s debut in 2005, the brothers have fought off everything from demons and shape-shifters to zombies and vampires.
Supernatural was recently ranked at No. 11 on The Times Online’s list of the top 50 recent US TV shows, ahead of Law and Order, ER, House and Mad Men and not far behind The Shield, 24, The Sopranos and list-topper, The Wire.
The show has a well-credentialled creative team — one of its executive producers, McG, directed the soon-to-be released Terminator Salvation.
Director and executive producer Kim Manners, who died in January after battling cancer, earned four Emmy nominations for his work on The X-Files
In the US, season four of Supernatural increased its audience by 13 per cent and attracts about 3.3 million viewers against Grey’s Anatomy and CSI.
Although you are unlikely to find Supernatural listed among Australia’s top-rated TV shows, it has a devoted cult following here, just as it does overseas.
Last year when season four was fast-tracked from the US it was attracting an average of 652,000 viewers nationally and just under 100,000 viewers in Perth.
More important for Ten, Supernatural last year attracted a 41.2 per cent share (48.9 per cent in Perth) of viewers in the 16 to 39 age group and pulled a 34.7 per cent national share and 41.8 per cent Perth share on its return last week..
Although many sci-fi inspired shows skew towards young males, having handsome leads in Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki has brought in a 54 per cent female audience.
It was the show’s strong female fan base that helped bring the stars to Sydney last month for the Supernatural convention All Hell Breaks Loose.
Perth fan Renae Nahajski says she doesn’t consider herself to be a sci-fi fan and never watched Smallville or Buffy but was immediately hooked on Supernatural.
“It’s scary, I like a bit of a scare every now and then and I really like the relationship between the brothers,” says the Mt Hawthorn teacher and mother-of-three.
Mrs Nahajski is among the thousands of fans who frequent Supernatural fan forums and websites to find out the latest gossip and express their thoughts on plot-twists and casting.
One criticism of shows such as Supernatural and Lost is that mythology and back stories make it hard to follow for casual viewers. But Supernatural’s standalone episodes, often with a humorous twist, have made it easier for the casual viewer to enjoy Dean and Sam’s adventures.
While the majority of viewers tune in because of Sam and Dean and the recurring theme of good versus evil, others love the show because of its pop culture references, the soundtrack and that cool Chevy.
Supernatural returns to Australian screens tonight at episode nine of season four, with Sam explaining how he became so close to Ruby (played this season by Genevieve Cortese) while Dean was in hell. This has been regarded as a landmark and daring season because it is also quite likely to be the penultimate one.
Creator and executive producer Eric Kripke has always maintained he only wants Supernatural to run for five seasons.
Hunky stars Ackles (Dean) and Padalecki (Sam) have also expressed a desire to see the show come to its natural end after five seasons, with Ackles stating recently he’d rather see the brothers go out in a blaze of glory than happily ever after.
Supernatural has made household names of the pair but they barely get to see family and friends while filming on location in Vancouver.
The pair carry a heavy workload, appearing in almost every scene and attempts to introduce other series regulars to lessen their workloads have not always been welcomed by vocal fans.
That changed somewhat this season with the arrival of Misha Collins as Castiel, the trench coat-wearing male angel responsible for helping Dean escape hell. Dean was dragged to hell kicking and screaming at the end of the third season as part of an earlier deal to save Sam’s life.
Mrs Nahajski says most fans have not liked the brothers having potential love interests — some have accused producers of hiring attractive females to boost young male viewers — but have accepted the arrival of Castiel.
Later this season fans will also be tested by the arrival of a third Winchester brother, Adam (Jake Abel).
Supernatural airs tonight at 9.30 on Ten.
SUE YEAP
2009年5月8日星期五
Preview of 'Smallville' Season 8 Finale: Doomsday
Through the just-released preview, Clark finally comes to knowledge of what he has to do in the final battle against Doomsday. The season finale of "Smallville" airs May 14, bringing back one of the Legionnaires as well as other Justice Leaguers.
Oliver tells Clark he must kill Davis, as Doomsday is a serious threat and must be stopped at all costs. However, Clark struggles with taking a human life, so the Green Arrow and his team decide to take matters into their own hands. Lois takes on Tess, but the fight takes a shocking turn. Meanwhile, Chloe gets caught in the middle of Oliver and Clark's battle over killing Davis.
Based on some scoops released in prior weeks, the members of Justice League that will assist Clark in defeating Doomsday are Bart Allen aka Impulse, and Dinah Lance aka Black Canary. While the Legionnaire that returns is reportedly Rokk Krinn aka Cosmic Boy.
"Smallville" has been picked up for a ninth season. Co-executive producer Brian W. Peterson said that they have had some preparations on who will be back in the new season. He said, "We introduced several this year that we'll probably bring back next year. We loved Zatanna. We looked at a few others that we want to introduce, but we're going to wait for Comic-Con to release all that."
Oliver tells Clark he must kill Davis, as Doomsday is a serious threat and must be stopped at all costs. However, Clark struggles with taking a human life, so the Green Arrow and his team decide to take matters into their own hands. Lois takes on Tess, but the fight takes a shocking turn. Meanwhile, Chloe gets caught in the middle of Oliver and Clark's battle over killing Davis.
Based on some scoops released in prior weeks, the members of Justice League that will assist Clark in defeating Doomsday are Bart Allen aka Impulse, and Dinah Lance aka Black Canary. While the Legionnaire that returns is reportedly Rokk Krinn aka Cosmic Boy.
"Smallville" has been picked up for a ninth season. Co-executive producer Brian W. Peterson said that they have had some preparations on who will be back in the new season. He said, "We introduced several this year that we'll probably bring back next year. We loved Zatanna. We looked at a few others that we want to introduce, but we're going to wait for Comic-Con to release all that."
TV Review: SMALLVILLE - SEASON EIGHT - 'Injustice'
It’s drama drama drama drama drama followed by more drama on SMALLVILLE, “Injustice”. Next week is the season finale, so they had to throw some extra spice in this episode for the final build up. I’m sure die hard fans of SMALLVILLE thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Me, I was entertained, but not blown away.
was caught off guard by Chloe’s (Allison Mack) seeming 180 turn around on what should be done about Davis (Sam Witwer, who, incidentally, did not make an appearance this episode). She turned from his sole advocate into one of the lynch mob out to execute him. The presence of Bette (Jessica Parker Kennedy), AKA Plastique and Parasite (Brendan Fletcher) added to my suspicion that something was very wrong with Chloe.
In what felt like a lazy bail out, it turns out that it wasn’t really Chloe at all. It was Eva (Anna Williams), Tess Mercer’s (Cassidy Freeman) personal assistant, who just also happens to be a shape shifter. It seemed week, being that I don’t remember any mention of her having any abilities, much less that of a shape shifter. No matter, this little sleight of hand finally allows Tess to confirm that Clark (Tom Welling) is really of alien origin, and the one mentioned in the prophecy to battle Doomsday.
I suppose what we can take from “Injustice” is that all the cards are laid out now. Davis will not be saved (anyone who has read the comics knows that, but at least now it’s official on SMALLVILLE). The battle between Clark and Doomsday will happen.
was caught off guard by Chloe’s (Allison Mack) seeming 180 turn around on what should be done about Davis (Sam Witwer, who, incidentally, did not make an appearance this episode). She turned from his sole advocate into one of the lynch mob out to execute him. The presence of Bette (Jessica Parker Kennedy), AKA Plastique and Parasite (Brendan Fletcher) added to my suspicion that something was very wrong with Chloe.
In what felt like a lazy bail out, it turns out that it wasn’t really Chloe at all. It was Eva (Anna Williams), Tess Mercer’s (Cassidy Freeman) personal assistant, who just also happens to be a shape shifter. It seemed week, being that I don’t remember any mention of her having any abilities, much less that of a shape shifter. No matter, this little sleight of hand finally allows Tess to confirm that Clark (Tom Welling) is really of alien origin, and the one mentioned in the prophecy to battle Doomsday.
I suppose what we can take from “Injustice” is that all the cards are laid out now. Davis will not be saved (anyone who has read the comics knows that, but at least now it’s official on SMALLVILLE). The battle between Clark and Doomsday will happen.
On TV this week, May 11-15
SEASON FINALE Supernatural, 9 p.m., CW What's with these TV shows? The apocalypse is always nigh just as the season is coming to a close.
True Blood: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Review
It isn't easy being a bloodsucker in the twenty-first century. Mass media has made their seedy behavior impossible to hide, lore and legend have revealed their snazziest tricks, and armed religious zealots have equipped themselves with better weapons to jab through their unbeating hearts. Gone are the days of romantic delusions of grandeur... gone are the days of prowling on unsuspecting weaklings who foolishly separate from the herd... gone are the days of rule. Such are the challenges faced by vampiric society in creator Alan Ball's True Blood, an ongoing HBO series based on bestselling author Charlaine Harris' nine Southern Vampire Mysteries novels. In Harris and Ball's intriguing alternate reality, vampires have come out of the coffin to a slack-jawed public and began to request equal rights (no subtext there). But even though the invention and widespread distribution of synthetic blood has relieved the creatures of their need to kill, the vamps find it increasingly difficult to integrate into society. Lawmakers debate the extent to which the supernatural beings should be considered citizens, staunch traditionalists demand blood of their own, and everyday people are forced to choose between tolerance and extinction.
'Supernatural' 4th Season Finale Preview: Lucifer Rising
The season finale of "Supernatural" will air next week, May 14 with the apocalypse finally arriving. Sam and Dean prepare for the fight in very different ways. Sam joins Ruby on a final run to kill Lilith (guest star Katherine Boecher), while Castiel and Zachariah (guest star Kurt Fuller) tell Dean it's time to play his part in stopping Lucifer.
Creator Eric Kripke who directs the episode, has shared some hints to TV Guide regarding the characters on the verge of Apocalypse. He said, "The Apocalypse is coming down to the wire, and it's time for Dean to play his part. While we're on the subject, besides Zach and Cass, a lot of the Angel gang are coming back. Anna makes an appearance, and even the Prophet Chuck pops in for a bit."
He also confirmed that there will be a "big cliffhanger" as well as major deaths that will affect the storyline of the fifth season.
Creator Eric Kripke who directs the episode, has shared some hints to TV Guide regarding the characters on the verge of Apocalypse. He said, "The Apocalypse is coming down to the wire, and it's time for Dean to play his part. While we're on the subject, besides Zach and Cass, a lot of the Angel gang are coming back. Anna makes an appearance, and even the Prophet Chuck pops in for a bit."
He also confirmed that there will be a "big cliffhanger" as well as major deaths that will affect the storyline of the fifth season.
2009年5月6日星期三
NCIS' Final Four: Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool & More
The much-talked about final four episodes are finally upon us, and for fans of CBS' kooky clan of Naval criminal investigators on NCIS, that means we get to see the backdoor episode to the planned spinoff featuring Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J.
Chris and LL show up in tonight's episode, "Legend Part 1," and in next Tuesday's "Legend Part 2." But contrary to published reports, the spinoff—which has yet to be picked up (wait for after the May 20 CBS Upfronts in New York for that)—is not titled NCIS: Legend, according to show runner Shane Brennan.
Legend's Meaning: "Legend is a word coined by the East German secret police, the Stasi, and it means deep background. If you're going undercover, you need to have a legend, a backstory that holds up under scrutiny. The new show, which takes place in Los Angeles, takes a look at what it's like to be an undercover agent. That is, how it differs from NCIS. No one from NCIS is moving over to this new show. We'll announce the spinoff title when the show gets picked up."
Chris and LL show up in tonight's episode, "Legend Part 1," and in next Tuesday's "Legend Part 2." But contrary to published reports, the spinoff—which has yet to be picked up (wait for after the May 20 CBS Upfronts in New York for that)—is not titled NCIS: Legend, according to show runner Shane Brennan.
Legend's Meaning: "Legend is a word coined by the East German secret police, the Stasi, and it means deep background. If you're going undercover, you need to have a legend, a backstory that holds up under scrutiny. The new show, which takes place in Los Angeles, takes a look at what it's like to be an undercover agent. That is, how it differs from NCIS. No one from NCIS is moving over to this new show. We'll announce the spinoff title when the show gets picked up."
Comment: Heigl, 'Grey's Anatomy,' have ruined Izzie
This year, however, in Season 5, Izzie outdid herself: She had sex with a dead guy. More precisely, Izzie slept with Denny's ghost. After a bout of supernatural lovemaking, however, Izzie grew irritated with his lingering presence, leading him to apologize to her for having died.
"No. No, (expletive) you!" Izzie yelled. "No, you don't get to apologize for dying. You don't get to apologize, because I killed you!"
I don't care if she was venting a guilty conscience — only Izzie Stevens would berate the ghost of her dead fiancé because he said he was sorry for dying. We later learned that Denny was an apparition caused by skin cancer that has metastasized to Izzie's brain. This does not excuse the writers for having subjecting us to ghost sex, however, in case they were wondering.
Now Izzie is undergoing treatment for her cancer, which has made her sympathetic and vulnerable. But don't be fooled. Annoyance is ready to strike at all times, as Izzie's frenetic planning of Meredith Grey's wedding has so clearly demonstrated.
Who's fault?
"No. No, (expletive) you!" Izzie yelled. "No, you don't get to apologize for dying. You don't get to apologize, because I killed you!"
I don't care if she was venting a guilty conscience — only Izzie Stevens would berate the ghost of her dead fiancé because he said he was sorry for dying. We later learned that Denny was an apparition caused by skin cancer that has metastasized to Izzie's brain. This does not excuse the writers for having subjecting us to ghost sex, however, in case they were wondering.
Now Izzie is undergoing treatment for her cancer, which has made her sympathetic and vulnerable. But don't be fooled. Annoyance is ready to strike at all times, as Izzie's frenetic planning of Meredith Grey's wedding has so clearly demonstrated.
Who's fault?
Hot author: Charlaine Harris bites back into vampire series
On the appeal of vampires and other supernatural creatures: "We are so obsessed with youth that the idea of creatures that can remain eternally young, never have to worry about wrinkles or arthritis, is the ideal in our culture."
The other reason: "They're sexy."
Fun fact: Harris' blood type is B-negative.
First supernatural thrill: "I read Edgar Allan Poe at an early age, and that left an indelible impression."
The other reason: "They're sexy."
Fun fact: Harris' blood type is B-negative.
First supernatural thrill: "I read Edgar Allan Poe at an early age, and that left an indelible impression."
Fringe Renewed for a Full Second Season
In a move long expected, Fox had decided to bring back the supernatural thriller Fringe next year for a full 22-episode season.
We’ve had our issues with it, but the series has the considerable good fortune to be branded as part of J.J. Abrams’ creative legacy—stock that’s about to soar even higher when Star Trek opens this weekend. The show has been among the top-rated new series this season, including in advertiser-friendly demographics.
We’ve had our issues with it, but the series has the considerable good fortune to be branded as part of J.J. Abrams’ creative legacy—stock that’s about to soar even higher when Star Trek opens this weekend. The show has been among the top-rated new series this season, including in advertiser-friendly demographics.
Summer movie season begins
Star Trek' - The movie to beat this summer is a bracing overhaul of the classic franchise that shouldn't - and so far hasn't - disappoint the faithful legions. The whole thing feels meticulously worked over and is polished to a blinding sheen, like a candy-apple red Ferrari. It runs that well, and that fast, too. Best of all, it does its kinetic ballets and gripping sci-fi intrigue with scoops of humor and sprinkles of self-aware cool. Opening tonight at some theaters and wide Friday.
'Angels & Demons' - 'The Da Vinci Code' was a walkout affair for us, so hopes are slim for this supernatural thriller sequel that's sure to tweak the Vatican's nose. What's not slim? Box office potential. 'Da Vinci' hauled in nearly $800 million worldwide. Demonic. (May 15)
'Terminator Salvation' - Wherein Christian Bale berates cast and crew and anyone who trespasses into his sightlines ... and that's behind the scenes. In this fourth chapter in the lucrative series, Bale plays an adult and action-packed John Connor in 2018 (is the future really that near?). Battles remain to be fought. Someone ferocious is needed. Here's your man. (May 21)
'Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian' - Ben Stiller, Amy Adams and Robin Williams team for institutional mayhem, this time in the titular corridors and not the Museum of Natural History as in the original. Funny, we can tell exactly how this family fare will play out (frantically, exhaustingly). (May 22)
'Up' - One of these days Pixar will make a hit movie. The dazzling animation factory's at it again, this time with an old man (voiced by Ed Asner) who attaches balloons to his house so he can float away to South America. Certain to inspire many Americans facing foreclosure. (May 29)
'Angels & Demons' - 'The Da Vinci Code' was a walkout affair for us, so hopes are slim for this supernatural thriller sequel that's sure to tweak the Vatican's nose. What's not slim? Box office potential. 'Da Vinci' hauled in nearly $800 million worldwide. Demonic. (May 15)
'Terminator Salvation' - Wherein Christian Bale berates cast and crew and anyone who trespasses into his sightlines ... and that's behind the scenes. In this fourth chapter in the lucrative series, Bale plays an adult and action-packed John Connor in 2018 (is the future really that near?). Battles remain to be fought. Someone ferocious is needed. Here's your man. (May 21)
'Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian' - Ben Stiller, Amy Adams and Robin Williams team for institutional mayhem, this time in the titular corridors and not the Museum of Natural History as in the original. Funny, we can tell exactly how this family fare will play out (frantically, exhaustingly). (May 22)
'Up' - One of these days Pixar will make a hit movie. The dazzling animation factory's at it again, this time with an old man (voiced by Ed Asner) who attaches balloons to his house so he can float away to South America. Certain to inspire many Americans facing foreclosure. (May 29)
2009年5月4日星期一
Spoiler Chat: Is Trek Star Quinto Leaving Heroes for Good?
Erica in Dallas: I'm really worried about Susan after last night's episode of Desperate Housewives. Dave is out for blood. What's the scoop?
Never fear, Teri Hatcher doesn't plan on leaving anytime soon. "I intend on having a job on Desperate Housewives next year, but it's definitely [a] dramatic [finale]," she tells us. As we teased before, Susan's not the only one in trouble on Wisteria Lane, so the real question you should be asking is, How far does Dave cross the line?
Sabrina in Carmel, Calif.: Any word on if they're going to replace Edie on Desperate Housewives next season?
While that does seem to be a common occurrence on our favorite fictional street, Teri Hatcher wants to make sure fans know that Nicollette Sheridan's Edie cannot be replaced. "I don't think you can go at it like 'replacing her.' It will open up an arena for new, imaginative things to happen." But Brenda Strong teased, "I think Wisteria Lane will definitely be shy of an Edie. I don't think anything is written in stone, but there's room for a new neighbor." Thoughts on who should move in this time around?
Lonnie in Chicago: Any hints on what villains are coming to Smallville?
A few fan faves will be back next season, but we'll have to wait a while to find out the rest. Says Brian Peterson, "We introduced several this year that we'll probably bring back next year. We loved Zatanna. We looked at a few others that we want to introduce, but we're going to wait for Comic-Con to release all that." One hero you won't see stopping by is Batman. Though the producers really want to have him on the show, Kelly Sounders says there's still trouble with the franchise crossovers: "Obviously everybody wants to keep all the franchises going and give the fans what they want in each. If that opening ever, ever occurs, we'll be all over it."
Never fear, Teri Hatcher doesn't plan on leaving anytime soon. "I intend on having a job on Desperate Housewives next year, but it's definitely [a] dramatic [finale]," she tells us. As we teased before, Susan's not the only one in trouble on Wisteria Lane, so the real question you should be asking is, How far does Dave cross the line?
Sabrina in Carmel, Calif.: Any word on if they're going to replace Edie on Desperate Housewives next season?
While that does seem to be a common occurrence on our favorite fictional street, Teri Hatcher wants to make sure fans know that Nicollette Sheridan's Edie cannot be replaced. "I don't think you can go at it like 'replacing her.' It will open up an arena for new, imaginative things to happen." But Brenda Strong teased, "I think Wisteria Lane will definitely be shy of an Edie. I don't think anything is written in stone, but there's room for a new neighbor." Thoughts on who should move in this time around?
Lonnie in Chicago: Any hints on what villains are coming to Smallville?
A few fan faves will be back next season, but we'll have to wait a while to find out the rest. Says Brian Peterson, "We introduced several this year that we'll probably bring back next year. We loved Zatanna. We looked at a few others that we want to introduce, but we're going to wait for Comic-Con to release all that." One hero you won't see stopping by is Batman. Though the producers really want to have him on the show, Kelly Sounders says there's still trouble with the franchise crossovers: "Obviously everybody wants to keep all the franchises going and give the fans what they want in each. If that opening ever, ever occurs, we'll be all over it."
NBC goes back to basics after season of failures
Definitely coming this fall: Heroes, new cop drama Southland, Amy Poehler's comedy Parks and Recreation and the Thursday editions of Weekend Update which proved so popular in the fall's election season, now dubbed Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday.
NBC executives also told reporters Monday that cop drama Life was canceled and supernatural drama Medium hasn't been renewed. And, despite being barred by a judge from competing, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich remains in promotional photos for the reality show I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here, somehow.
What they didn't reveal: The fate of Chuck, the Monday adventure comedy which has mobilized a serious cult following among TV nerds and critics (okay, often the same people). Also left hanging: the fate of NBC senior citizen, Law & Order. Spinoff Special Victims Unit is expected to return — with or without its two stars, now seeking more money — along with The Biggest Loser.
This writing has been on this wall since NBC gave its 10 p.m. hour to Jay Leno for the fall and benched ambitious drama Kings, curbing a stream of expensive productions mostly designed to show that entertainment head Ben Silverman could play with the big boys.
It's back to basics for NBC, which will announce May 19 which of its current series survives to fall and where all this new stuff will land.
That's when we'll get a better look at the future of network TV — which is starting to look a lot like the past.
NBC executives also told reporters Monday that cop drama Life was canceled and supernatural drama Medium hasn't been renewed. And, despite being barred by a judge from competing, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich remains in promotional photos for the reality show I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here, somehow.
What they didn't reveal: The fate of Chuck, the Monday adventure comedy which has mobilized a serious cult following among TV nerds and critics (okay, often the same people). Also left hanging: the fate of NBC senior citizen, Law & Order. Spinoff Special Victims Unit is expected to return — with or without its two stars, now seeking more money — along with The Biggest Loser.
This writing has been on this wall since NBC gave its 10 p.m. hour to Jay Leno for the fall and benched ambitious drama Kings, curbing a stream of expensive productions mostly designed to show that entertainment head Ben Silverman could play with the big boys.
It's back to basics for NBC, which will announce May 19 which of its current series survives to fall and where all this new stuff will land.
That's when we'll get a better look at the future of network TV — which is starting to look a lot like the past.
24's frenzied finish
Gossip Girl has Blair and Georgina hatching a revenge plot while Dancing with the Stars dances towards a final fourThe CW's Gossip Girl has the gang plotting a little revenge while the lovechild that was supposedly dead of Lilly and Rufus appears to be alive and well. Blair puts Georgina on notice to make amends for her past that plays into the aforementioned revenge plot. The rivalry between Chuck and Nate over Blair reaches an explosive point. Meanwhile, remember Dan’s having trouble with paying for Yale. Lily’s going to do something about that tonight on Gossip Girl. After Gossip Girl, you're invited to Peyton's baby shower on One Tree Hill.
Hugh Jackman Looking To Scare Up Another Hit With ‘Ghostopolis’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
Despite being panned by many critics, Hugh Jackman’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” made a killing at the box office over its opening weekend, and the Aussie star hopes to continue his success with “Ghostopolis.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hugh will leave the world of mutants behind for ghosts in an adaptation of Doug TenNapel’s graphic novel.
The story reportedly centers on a government agent working for the Supernatural Immigration Task Force, whose job it is to send escaped ghosts back to Ghostopolis. When a living boy ends up in the spirit world, Hugh’s character must rescue him.
A director has not yet been selected for the project, but Hugh will produce the supernatural action movie.
Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
Despite being panned by many critics, Hugh Jackman’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” made a killing at the box office over its opening weekend, and the Aussie star hopes to continue his success with “Ghostopolis.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hugh will leave the world of mutants behind for ghosts in an adaptation of Doug TenNapel’s graphic novel.
The story reportedly centers on a government agent working for the Supernatural Immigration Task Force, whose job it is to send escaped ghosts back to Ghostopolis. When a living boy ends up in the spirit world, Hugh’s character must rescue him.
A director has not yet been selected for the project, but Hugh will produce the supernatural action movie.
Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
2009年5月3日星期日
'Supernatural' questions and answers as the finale approaches
I don't know about you, but I greatly enjoyed Thursday's Castiel-heavy episode of "Supernatural." I thought Misha Collins gave a great performance (well, two very different and excellent performances), and the ending -- what a kicker that was.
Here's a clip from the episode:
So, two things. First, I'm interviewing Jim Beaver, who plays Bobby on "Supernatural" on Monday. In the comment area below, leave any questions you may have for Beaver (regarding his roles in "Supernatural," "Harper's Island" or "Deadwood," though I'll focus most on "Supernatural"). Thanks!
Second, I've got episode summaries for the final two episodes of "Supernatural's" addictive fourth season below (spoiler alert, yada yada).The season ends on the CW on May 14. By the way, for an interview with co-executive producer Sera Gamble about the second half of the season (the interview is non-spoilery but assumes you've watched Season 4), look here.
Here are network-provided summaries of the final "Supernatural" episodes of the season:
May 7: “When the Levee Breaks”
DEAN AND BOBBY TRAP SAM IN THE PANIC ROOM — Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Bobby (Jim Beaver) lock Sam (Jared Padalecki) in Bobby’s panic room so he can detox from the demon blood. However, as Bobby sees more seals are being broken he tells Dean they should let Sam out to help them fight the impending apocalypse. Dean disagrees and goes to Castiel (Misha Collins) for help. Sam and Dean have a big blowout confrontation. Robert Singer directed the episode written by Sera Gamble.
May 14: "Lucifer Rising"
THE BATTLE BEWTEEN HEAVEN AND HELL BEGINS — The apocalypse is coming, and Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) prepare for the fight in very different ways. Sam joins Ruby (Genevieve Cortese) on a final run to kill Lilith (guest star Katherine Boecher), while Castiel (Misha Collins) and Zachariah (guest star Kurt Fuller) tell Dean it’s time to play his part in stopping Lucifer. Eric Kripke wrote and directed the episode.
Here's a clip from the episode:
So, two things. First, I'm interviewing Jim Beaver, who plays Bobby on "Supernatural" on Monday. In the comment area below, leave any questions you may have for Beaver (regarding his roles in "Supernatural," "Harper's Island" or "Deadwood," though I'll focus most on "Supernatural"). Thanks!
Second, I've got episode summaries for the final two episodes of "Supernatural's" addictive fourth season below (spoiler alert, yada yada).The season ends on the CW on May 14. By the way, for an interview with co-executive producer Sera Gamble about the second half of the season (the interview is non-spoilery but assumes you've watched Season 4), look here.
Here are network-provided summaries of the final "Supernatural" episodes of the season:
May 7: “When the Levee Breaks”
DEAN AND BOBBY TRAP SAM IN THE PANIC ROOM — Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Bobby (Jim Beaver) lock Sam (Jared Padalecki) in Bobby’s panic room so he can detox from the demon blood. However, as Bobby sees more seals are being broken he tells Dean they should let Sam out to help them fight the impending apocalypse. Dean disagrees and goes to Castiel (Misha Collins) for help. Sam and Dean have a big blowout confrontation. Robert Singer directed the episode written by Sera Gamble.
May 14: "Lucifer Rising"
THE BATTLE BEWTEEN HEAVEN AND HELL BEGINS — The apocalypse is coming, and Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) prepare for the fight in very different ways. Sam joins Ruby (Genevieve Cortese) on a final run to kill Lilith (guest star Katherine Boecher), while Castiel (Misha Collins) and Zachariah (guest star Kurt Fuller) tell Dean it’s time to play his part in stopping Lucifer. Eric Kripke wrote and directed the episode.
TV Review: SUPERNATURAL - SEASON FOUR - 'Jump the Shark'
Was it me, or was it Dean (Jensen Ackles) crawls through tight spaces week?
I love that SUPERNATURAL and its writers are so self-aware.
Two new episodes ago, they took pots shots at themselves and all the good (and bad) episodes they have done and the craziness of some of the plotlines, ripped the fanboys and fan fiction writers a new one (but in a funny, fairly nice way). Earlier this year they had an episode entitled “Criss Angel is a Douchebag” having nothing to do with anything during the episode – other than it was about magic. And now they have proclaimed that they are “jumping the shark” by introducing the third – yes third – Winchester brother into the mix.
“Jump the shark” is the coined phrase for when a show had reached a point in its history where it veers into absurd storylines or out-of-the-ordinary characterizations. Originally was pointed out in HAPPY DAYS when Fonzie literally jumped a shark while water skiing.
Here, they are poking fun at themselves because after four years and introducing a potentially major new character into the mix – a brother no less – is a little hard to imagine. Luckily, by naming the episode “Jump the Shark” they realize this and are giving us the nod once again that they know, they know.
But in true SUPERNATURAL fashion, they took the premise and made it their own – aw damn I’ve been reviewing too much AMERICAN IDOL, I’m sounding like Paula Abdul. Instead of introducing a lame character everyone will hate because he’s the third (or fourth, or fifth) wheel. Sure, we were introduced to Sam (Jared Padaleki) and Dean’s brother, Adam, but it is a ghoul that assumed his identity – along with his mother and another ghoul. And they feasted on the real Adam and his mother for a long time before ending their lives and stuffing them in a crypt and stealing their identities.
See John Winchester – the boys father and also father to real Adam – killed the ghouls father and, well, pay back’s a bitch. So they took revenge on Adam and gunned for the other Winchester brothers by posing as their long lost brother seeking their help. A good ruse but luckily for us, the writers did the right thing and made for a decent filler episode.
But next week it is straight back to business with angels and demons back in action and a furthering of the mythology. That’s a good thing since there are only three episodes left still the season is over and we have many questions to answer.
I love that SUPERNATURAL and its writers are so self-aware.
Two new episodes ago, they took pots shots at themselves and all the good (and bad) episodes they have done and the craziness of some of the plotlines, ripped the fanboys and fan fiction writers a new one (but in a funny, fairly nice way). Earlier this year they had an episode entitled “Criss Angel is a Douchebag” having nothing to do with anything during the episode – other than it was about magic. And now they have proclaimed that they are “jumping the shark” by introducing the third – yes third – Winchester brother into the mix.
“Jump the shark” is the coined phrase for when a show had reached a point in its history where it veers into absurd storylines or out-of-the-ordinary characterizations. Originally was pointed out in HAPPY DAYS when Fonzie literally jumped a shark while water skiing.
Here, they are poking fun at themselves because after four years and introducing a potentially major new character into the mix – a brother no less – is a little hard to imagine. Luckily, by naming the episode “Jump the Shark” they realize this and are giving us the nod once again that they know, they know.
But in true SUPERNATURAL fashion, they took the premise and made it their own – aw damn I’ve been reviewing too much AMERICAN IDOL, I’m sounding like Paula Abdul. Instead of introducing a lame character everyone will hate because he’s the third (or fourth, or fifth) wheel. Sure, we were introduced to Sam (Jared Padaleki) and Dean’s brother, Adam, but it is a ghoul that assumed his identity – along with his mother and another ghoul. And they feasted on the real Adam and his mother for a long time before ending their lives and stuffing them in a crypt and stealing their identities.
See John Winchester – the boys father and also father to real Adam – killed the ghouls father and, well, pay back’s a bitch. So they took revenge on Adam and gunned for the other Winchester brothers by posing as their long lost brother seeking their help. A good ruse but luckily for us, the writers did the right thing and made for a decent filler episode.
But next week it is straight back to business with angels and demons back in action and a furthering of the mythology. That’s a good thing since there are only three episodes left still the season is over and we have many questions to answer.
Gay Tube: Smallville Season 8 on DVD, Lost's 100th Episode
It's always sad to see the end of the line for a long running TV show.
When shows like Smallville, CSI, and Law & Order appear in our living rooms, year after year, there's solid comfort in the familiarity of the story and the complexities of the characters who seem to grow with us in every season. Over time they develop a history and we begin to talk about these characters as if they were real.
If our own lives are falling apart around us we can take comfort in the knowledge that our favorite cast of characters will never let us down or beat up on us. Television writers are careful not to BS the fan base with lame Dallas-like dream plots or heroes getting over death and destruction as quickly as the commercial break ends. Seeing a character leave a show feels as bad as having to say goodbye to a much loved work colleague or secret love who dares not speak his name.
When the end is near and characters are left dangling without ever getting the boy or receiving a resolution, we are left with an empty void that begs comparisons to the end of relationships. Only a new lover or fresh new TV show can fill the void. And so it is with Smallville, now in its eighth season and arguably its last. It is time to cut the cord and let this one go.
When shows like Smallville, CSI, and Law & Order appear in our living rooms, year after year, there's solid comfort in the familiarity of the story and the complexities of the characters who seem to grow with us in every season. Over time they develop a history and we begin to talk about these characters as if they were real.
If our own lives are falling apart around us we can take comfort in the knowledge that our favorite cast of characters will never let us down or beat up on us. Television writers are careful not to BS the fan base with lame Dallas-like dream plots or heroes getting over death and destruction as quickly as the commercial break ends. Seeing a character leave a show feels as bad as having to say goodbye to a much loved work colleague or secret love who dares not speak his name.
When the end is near and characters are left dangling without ever getting the boy or receiving a resolution, we are left with an empty void that begs comparisons to the end of relationships. Only a new lover or fresh new TV show can fill the void. And so it is with Smallville, now in its eighth season and arguably its last. It is time to cut the cord and let this one go.
Smallville's Season Finale Introduces Next Season's Big Villain
We know that the season finale of Smallville - Doomsday - will feature the first time that Clark and Doomsday really get to throw down, and that two major characters will die. Now, according to Entertainment Weekly's Mike Ausiello we also know that there will be a major special guest who appears in the episode - and that same guest will be a source of major problems in Smallville's ninth season.
Ausiello says about the guest "He shows up in the final scene, and he's going to cause big problems next season." He continued on to say "I can confirm that there is a twist, but it doesn't involve anyone coming back to life." This suggests that the special guest is not, in fact, Michael Rosenbaum, returning to menace Clark as Lex Luthor. The emphasis placed on the word "big" suggests that the guest might be another hulking monster, but since he says that "it doesn't involve anyone coming back to life", most likely that won't mean that Doomsday somehow survives.
Other possibilities exist, of course. There are still a multitude of villains that the producers could bring to the show, or other major baddies like Braniac may end up returning. The guest might not even be a villain - certain heroes, such as Green Arrow, Supergirl and the Martian Manhunter have all caused big problems for Clark.
We'll find out for certain when Doomsday airs on May 14. Smallville airs Thursday nights on the CW. The drama about the early days of Clark Kent stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Aaron Ashmore, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and Sam Witwer.
Ausiello says about the guest "He shows up in the final scene, and he's going to cause big problems next season." He continued on to say "I can confirm that there is a twist, but it doesn't involve anyone coming back to life." This suggests that the special guest is not, in fact, Michael Rosenbaum, returning to menace Clark as Lex Luthor. The emphasis placed on the word "big" suggests that the guest might be another hulking monster, but since he says that "it doesn't involve anyone coming back to life", most likely that won't mean that Doomsday somehow survives.
Other possibilities exist, of course. There are still a multitude of villains that the producers could bring to the show, or other major baddies like Braniac may end up returning. The guest might not even be a villain - certain heroes, such as Green Arrow, Supergirl and the Martian Manhunter have all caused big problems for Clark.
We'll find out for certain when Doomsday airs on May 14. Smallville airs Thursday nights on the CW. The drama about the early days of Clark Kent stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Aaron Ashmore, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and Sam Witwer.
Prime choices
Lauren Conrad plays a genius on a new episode of "Family Guy." She told reporters she studied up for the role: "I had to research some of [the words] because the acting coach I worked with told me if I really understood what I was talking about, it would come through a little more true." Tune in to see if she pulls it off. (Fox, 9 p.m.)
VH1 loves itself some Tiffany "New York" Pollard. The former "Flavor of Love" contestant is back in yet another series, "New York Goes to Work," where each week America will vote on what they want her to be -- i.e. a Caltrans sewer worker, a mortuary beautician or a fast-food employee -- and if she gets through it, she'll get a cash prize. (VH1, 10 p.m.)
TUESDAY
The stars of a possible "NCIS" spinoff -- Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J -- go undercover to bring down a terrorist cell during the conclusion of the show's two-part event. (CBS, 8 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY
It's the last episode of "Scrubs" on ABC: J.D (Zach Braff, below left, with Donald Faison) bids Sacred Heart farewell. Will he score that hug from Dr. Cox? Learn the Janitor's real name? He's got one hour. (ABC, 8 p.m.)
THURSDAY
Can Bravo possibly replace "Project Runway" (which relocates to Lifetime this summer)? It's going to try. In "The Fashion Show," 15 professional designers compete for a chance to have their designs sold in the retail market and win a $125,000 prize. Isaac Mizrahi hosts alongside singer Kelly Rowland. (Bravo, 10 p.m.)
FRIDAY
Where does the fourth-season finale of "Everybody Hates Chris" leave our intrepid 10th grader (Tyler Williams, above)? Possibly repeating his year? For tardiness? That's no way to go! (KTLA, 8 p.m.)
SATURDAY
It's "Intervention" meets "The Biggest Loser." In "I Want to Save Your Life," Charles Stuart Platkin goes undercover to help people whose friends, family or co-workers could stand to change their ways. (WE, 10 p.m.)
VH1 loves itself some Tiffany "New York" Pollard. The former "Flavor of Love" contestant is back in yet another series, "New York Goes to Work," where each week America will vote on what they want her to be -- i.e. a Caltrans sewer worker, a mortuary beautician or a fast-food employee -- and if she gets through it, she'll get a cash prize. (VH1, 10 p.m.)
TUESDAY
The stars of a possible "NCIS" spinoff -- Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J -- go undercover to bring down a terrorist cell during the conclusion of the show's two-part event. (CBS, 8 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY
It's the last episode of "Scrubs" on ABC: J.D (Zach Braff, below left, with Donald Faison) bids Sacred Heart farewell. Will he score that hug from Dr. Cox? Learn the Janitor's real name? He's got one hour. (ABC, 8 p.m.)
THURSDAY
Can Bravo possibly replace "Project Runway" (which relocates to Lifetime this summer)? It's going to try. In "The Fashion Show," 15 professional designers compete for a chance to have their designs sold in the retail market and win a $125,000 prize. Isaac Mizrahi hosts alongside singer Kelly Rowland. (Bravo, 10 p.m.)
FRIDAY
Where does the fourth-season finale of "Everybody Hates Chris" leave our intrepid 10th grader (Tyler Williams, above)? Possibly repeating his year? For tardiness? That's no way to go! (KTLA, 8 p.m.)
SATURDAY
It's "Intervention" meets "The Biggest Loser." In "I Want to Save Your Life," Charles Stuart Platkin goes undercover to help people whose friends, family or co-workers could stand to change their ways. (WE, 10 p.m.)
2009年4月28日星期二
TV is a social surrogate, studies say. Which show is yours?
I wasn't sure how to take it when my editor sent me the link to a Variety story with the headline "Studies: TV pushes away loneliness," the subhead "Viewers have illusion their social needs are being met," and the note, "Can you do something with this?" But he assures me it wasn't a comment on my personal life (or lack thereof) but on my "uncanny knack for making those kinds of stories into relatable PopWatch items." Right.
So according to four new studies reported in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and distilled by Variety's James Hibberd, viewers can experience a profound sense of belonging, a "social surrogacy," when watching their favorite programs. Subjects reported feeling "less lonely" when viewing the shows. They "verbally expressed fewer feelings of loneliness" after writing about the shows. Even just thinking about the shows "buffered subjects against drops in self-esteem, increases in negative mood and feelings of rejection."
All that is normal, right? TV is supposed to be an escape. If you're not thinking about yourself for an hour, it would make sense that your self-esteem isn't going to drop. It's also supposed to engage you. What's the point of watching a show every week if you're not going to get to know the characters well enough that you can call out the writers when they have them do something that they never would have done? I suppose the finding that "subjects whose 'belongingness needs were aroused' wrote longer essays about their favored TV programs" is a little worrisome. Maybe I want to belong at the Jeffersonian and that's why my Bones recaps are always twice as long as they need to be for a PopWatch recap. That could also explain why I used the "we" in my lengthy Brothers & Sisters recap yesterday -- as in, Kitty and I were both having an emotional affair on Robert -- and talked about going to Happy Hour with Kitty, Kevin, and Sarah. Now that I'm thinking about it, I also recall imagining myself in bed with Richard Castle and his daughter, Alexis, watching TV, and eating ice cream for breakfast in an item about Nathan Fillion's new show. And didn't I once do a Valentine's Day-themed post about which TV character I'd date? (I was going to end with the question 'When does your TV officially become a surrogate?' but then I remembered how I recently named my DVR "Peter" and spent, like, 15 minutes during a morning commute pondering whether or not he was gay, and I got my answer.)
Let's all pretend that our relationship with "our shows" is healthy for a moment, and that we've never missed out on a real-life experience to stay in and watch one of them (The PopWatch Confessional that started it all!). Which show is your social surrogate and what needs do its characters fulfill?
So according to four new studies reported in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and distilled by Variety's James Hibberd, viewers can experience a profound sense of belonging, a "social surrogacy," when watching their favorite programs. Subjects reported feeling "less lonely" when viewing the shows. They "verbally expressed fewer feelings of loneliness" after writing about the shows. Even just thinking about the shows "buffered subjects against drops in self-esteem, increases in negative mood and feelings of rejection."
All that is normal, right? TV is supposed to be an escape. If you're not thinking about yourself for an hour, it would make sense that your self-esteem isn't going to drop. It's also supposed to engage you. What's the point of watching a show every week if you're not going to get to know the characters well enough that you can call out the writers when they have them do something that they never would have done? I suppose the finding that "subjects whose 'belongingness needs were aroused' wrote longer essays about their favored TV programs" is a little worrisome. Maybe I want to belong at the Jeffersonian and that's why my Bones recaps are always twice as long as they need to be for a PopWatch recap. That could also explain why I used the "we" in my lengthy Brothers & Sisters recap yesterday -- as in, Kitty and I were both having an emotional affair on Robert -- and talked about going to Happy Hour with Kitty, Kevin, and Sarah. Now that I'm thinking about it, I also recall imagining myself in bed with Richard Castle and his daughter, Alexis, watching TV, and eating ice cream for breakfast in an item about Nathan Fillion's new show. And didn't I once do a Valentine's Day-themed post about which TV character I'd date? (I was going to end with the question 'When does your TV officially become a surrogate?' but then I remembered how I recently named my DVR "Peter" and spent, like, 15 minutes during a morning commute pondering whether or not he was gay, and I got my answer.)
Let's all pretend that our relationship with "our shows" is healthy for a moment, and that we've never missed out on a real-life experience to stay in and watch one of them (The PopWatch Confessional that started it all!). Which show is your social surrogate and what needs do its characters fulfill?
16 TV shows we'd like to see next season
Shows we'd like to see
A handful of pilots -- spinoffs of "NCIS" and " "Gossip Girl"," The CW's "Melrose Place" update and ABC's "Flash Forward" -- are all but certain to wind up on their respective networks' schedules for 2009-10. That's not what we want to talk about now, though. We wanted to highlight a few of the other 70-plus pilots that, based on interesting premises, strong casts or some combination … Read More
A handful of pilots -- spinoffs of "NCIS" and " "Gossip Girl"," The CW's "Melrose Place" update and ABC's "Flash Forward" -- are all but certain to wind up on their respective networks' schedules for 2009-10. That's not what we want to talk about now, though. We wanted to highlight a few of the other 70-plus pilots that, based on interesting premises, strong casts or some combination … Read More
Two-parter lets fans meet new NCIS team
As an NCIS fan, LL Cool J knows what needs to be retained for a spinoff to succeed.
"The chemistry between the characters is incredible: the banter, the way they've developed over the years," says the rapper/actor. "That is probably the best thing about the show."
MORE: 'NCIS' spinoff could ride on original series' coattails
Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J and the rest of the NCIS Office of Special Projects (OSP) team will get their chance to impress viewers in two episodes (CBS, tonight and May 5, 8 p.m. ET/PT) that could result in a new series.
LL Cool J says it was great to work with Harmon, and he appreciates this opportunity. "I let him know I respect the franchise and want to do it justice. I don't want to be the one to wreck it."
The spinoff, whose title will be revealed if and when CBS announces a fall pickup next month, also features a tight-knit NCIS team, but it spends more time undercover on national security, including terrorism.
The episodes highlight the units' differences: The murder of a Marine, the kind of case the original investigates, evolves into an attempt to thwart a security threat, the specialty of the OSP.
NCIS's Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and McGee (Sean Murray) head to Los Angeles to team with OSP's G. Callen (O'Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) to investigate.
Callen, a loose cannon with a mysterious past, was fired by other agencies before finding a home at NCIS, while Hanna, a former Navy SEAL, is a family man with four kids, executive producer Shane Brennan says.
Callen "moved around to a lot of foster homes as a kid, had a lot of different influences," O'Donnell says. "That's part of what makes him unique; (he can) slip into so many different roles."
The two report to special agent Lara Macy (Louise Lombard), with another agent (Daniela Ruah) and a psychologist (Peter Cambor) rounding out the team. "Gibbs isn't particularly happy to be working with Macy. They have some history," Brennan says. "People will find out something new about Gibbs."
The two hours, besides introducing the new team, figure significantly in the season's conclusion, Brennan says.
Fans will see the return of Michael Rivkin (Merik Tadros), a mysterious Mossad agent with ties to Ziva (Cote de Pablo), and they need to watch the episodes "if they want to see what happens to Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva." Their relationship, which has been heating up this season, is at the core of the final episodes, Brennan says. Rivkin's return "causes friction between Tony and Ziva. He has an integral part in the last four episodes
"The chemistry between the characters is incredible: the banter, the way they've developed over the years," says the rapper/actor. "That is probably the best thing about the show."
MORE: 'NCIS' spinoff could ride on original series' coattails
Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J and the rest of the NCIS Office of Special Projects (OSP) team will get their chance to impress viewers in two episodes (CBS, tonight and May 5, 8 p.m. ET/PT) that could result in a new series.
LL Cool J says it was great to work with Harmon, and he appreciates this opportunity. "I let him know I respect the franchise and want to do it justice. I don't want to be the one to wreck it."
The spinoff, whose title will be revealed if and when CBS announces a fall pickup next month, also features a tight-knit NCIS team, but it spends more time undercover on national security, including terrorism.
The episodes highlight the units' differences: The murder of a Marine, the kind of case the original investigates, evolves into an attempt to thwart a security threat, the specialty of the OSP.
NCIS's Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and McGee (Sean Murray) head to Los Angeles to team with OSP's G. Callen (O'Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) to investigate.
Callen, a loose cannon with a mysterious past, was fired by other agencies before finding a home at NCIS, while Hanna, a former Navy SEAL, is a family man with four kids, executive producer Shane Brennan says.
Callen "moved around to a lot of foster homes as a kid, had a lot of different influences," O'Donnell says. "That's part of what makes him unique; (he can) slip into so many different roles."
The two report to special agent Lara Macy (Louise Lombard), with another agent (Daniela Ruah) and a psychologist (Peter Cambor) rounding out the team. "Gibbs isn't particularly happy to be working with Macy. They have some history," Brennan says. "People will find out something new about Gibbs."
The two hours, besides introducing the new team, figure significantly in the season's conclusion, Brennan says.
Fans will see the return of Michael Rivkin (Merik Tadros), a mysterious Mossad agent with ties to Ziva (Cote de Pablo), and they need to watch the episodes "if they want to see what happens to Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva." Their relationship, which has been heating up this season, is at the core of the final episodes, Brennan says. Rivkin's return "causes friction between Tony and Ziva. He has an integral part in the last four episodes
NCIS' Final Four: Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool & More
The much-talked about final four episodes are finally upon us, and for fans of CBS' kooky clan of Naval criminal investigators on NCIS, that means we get to see the backdoor episode to the planned spinoff featuring Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J.
Chris and LL show up in tonight's episode, "Legend Part 1," and in next Tuesday's "Legend Part 2." But contrary to published reports, the spinoff—which has yet to be picked up (wait for after the May 20 CBS Upfronts in New York for that)—is not titled NCIS: Legend, according to show runner Shane Brennan.
We caught up with Shane to give us the lowdown on what's in store for these explosive last episodes of the season and what the spinoff is all about...
Ziva's Wild Ride: "It's an emotional rollercoaster for Ziva [Officer Ziva David, played by Cote de Pablo], but it's also physical. It's the most physical she's been, and Cote does all her own stunts. It gets very intense, and Ziva's character is taken right to the edge emotionally in these last four episodes. She is in extreme jeopardy, and no one can help her. It's the nature of the work she does. Basically, Ziva's loyalties are tested, and she is forced to make some life-changing choices, both professionally and emotionally."
Tony's Tragic Tale: "[Michael Weatherly's Special Agent Tony DiNozzo] has his own set of problems in these last four episodes. Tragic things happen to Tony and Ziva together, and to them separately as well. It definitely does not end up OK for either Tony or Ziva."
Michael Rifkin's Return: "Michael Rifkin [Merik Tadros] was set up in the first episode this season in the Moroccan bar. He didn't utter a word. Then we revisited him twice with photos and phone calls. On [tonight's] episode, he arrives on the scene, and he definitely speaks. He's handsome, charming and dangerous. And he's also clearly someone Ziva really cares for."
Jaime Murray's Role: "She comes in the second-to-last episode of the year. She's a strikingly attractive woman, and she causes some jealousy, but not between the people you think. Let me say that Abby [Pauley Perrette] gets jealous in that episode."
Legend's Meaning: "Legend is a word coined by the East German secret police, the Stasi, and it means deep background. If you're going undercover, you need to have a legend, a backstory that holds up under scrutiny. The new show, which takes place in Los Angeles, takes a look at what it's like to be an undercover agent. That is, how it differs from NCIS. No one from NCIS is moving over to this new show. We'll announce the spinoff title when the show gets picked up."
Chris O'Donnell's Character: "Chris plays Special Agent Callen, who has worked undercover for CIA, FBI and DEA, and he's been fired by all of the agencies. He's very good at what he does, but he doesn't like to be told how to do his job. And he's found a home here because Louise Lombard [who plays Special Agent Lara Macy] understands his value and his worth, and she knows he can be a loose cannon, but is willing to work with him." (Fun fact: Callen speaks Russian.)
LL Cool J's Character: "LL plays Special Agent Sam Hanna, the only married member of the team. Sam is married with four kids and is a former Navy SEAL. He's very close with Callen; he's like his big brother, and he looks out for him and protects him. He's a wiser guy—an older guy with a different perspective on the world."
Louise Lombard's Character: "We set up straight away that there is tension between Louise's character, Lara Macy, and Special Agent Jethro Gibbs [Mark Harmon]. You will go, 'Oh my God' and you'll get goose bumps. There is an emotional connection between the two of them that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. We learn more about Gibbs through Macy. They go back 18 years. I'm not going to eliminate romance and not going to confirm romance. They could've worked together."
NCIS' May 19 Finale: "These four episodes are really four finales in a row. Everything is designed for the fifth episode in this arc, which is the first episode of next season. Over the summer, people are going to wring their hands and wonder what's going to happen. The first episode next season will be unexpected. People's expectations of what they see in the first 30 seconds will be stood on their head."
What do you think is going to happen to Tony and Ziva? How does the spinoff sound to you? Chat about it below and sneak a peek at the season finale in our Snapped on the Set: TV gallery
Chris and LL show up in tonight's episode, "Legend Part 1," and in next Tuesday's "Legend Part 2." But contrary to published reports, the spinoff—which has yet to be picked up (wait for after the May 20 CBS Upfronts in New York for that)—is not titled NCIS: Legend, according to show runner Shane Brennan.
We caught up with Shane to give us the lowdown on what's in store for these explosive last episodes of the season and what the spinoff is all about...
Ziva's Wild Ride: "It's an emotional rollercoaster for Ziva [Officer Ziva David, played by Cote de Pablo], but it's also physical. It's the most physical she's been, and Cote does all her own stunts. It gets very intense, and Ziva's character is taken right to the edge emotionally in these last four episodes. She is in extreme jeopardy, and no one can help her. It's the nature of the work she does. Basically, Ziva's loyalties are tested, and she is forced to make some life-changing choices, both professionally and emotionally."
Tony's Tragic Tale: "[Michael Weatherly's Special Agent Tony DiNozzo] has his own set of problems in these last four episodes. Tragic things happen to Tony and Ziva together, and to them separately as well. It definitely does not end up OK for either Tony or Ziva."
Michael Rifkin's Return: "Michael Rifkin [Merik Tadros] was set up in the first episode this season in the Moroccan bar. He didn't utter a word. Then we revisited him twice with photos and phone calls. On [tonight's] episode, he arrives on the scene, and he definitely speaks. He's handsome, charming and dangerous. And he's also clearly someone Ziva really cares for."
Jaime Murray's Role: "She comes in the second-to-last episode of the year. She's a strikingly attractive woman, and she causes some jealousy, but not between the people you think. Let me say that Abby [Pauley Perrette] gets jealous in that episode."
Legend's Meaning: "Legend is a word coined by the East German secret police, the Stasi, and it means deep background. If you're going undercover, you need to have a legend, a backstory that holds up under scrutiny. The new show, which takes place in Los Angeles, takes a look at what it's like to be an undercover agent. That is, how it differs from NCIS. No one from NCIS is moving over to this new show. We'll announce the spinoff title when the show gets picked up."
Chris O'Donnell's Character: "Chris plays Special Agent Callen, who has worked undercover for CIA, FBI and DEA, and he's been fired by all of the agencies. He's very good at what he does, but he doesn't like to be told how to do his job. And he's found a home here because Louise Lombard [who plays Special Agent Lara Macy] understands his value and his worth, and she knows he can be a loose cannon, but is willing to work with him." (Fun fact: Callen speaks Russian.)
LL Cool J's Character: "LL plays Special Agent Sam Hanna, the only married member of the team. Sam is married with four kids and is a former Navy SEAL. He's very close with Callen; he's like his big brother, and he looks out for him and protects him. He's a wiser guy—an older guy with a different perspective on the world."
Louise Lombard's Character: "We set up straight away that there is tension between Louise's character, Lara Macy, and Special Agent Jethro Gibbs [Mark Harmon]. You will go, 'Oh my God' and you'll get goose bumps. There is an emotional connection between the two of them that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. We learn more about Gibbs through Macy. They go back 18 years. I'm not going to eliminate romance and not going to confirm romance. They could've worked together."
NCIS' May 19 Finale: "These four episodes are really four finales in a row. Everything is designed for the fifth episode in this arc, which is the first episode of next season. Over the summer, people are going to wring their hands and wonder what's going to happen. The first episode next season will be unexpected. People's expectations of what they see in the first 30 seconds will be stood on their head."
What do you think is going to happen to Tony and Ziva? How does the spinoff sound to you? Chat about it below and sneak a peek at the season finale in our Snapped on the Set: TV gallery
NCIS Spin-Off Preview: Inside the Making of a "Legend"
Just as JAG begot NCIS, CBS' NCIS is poised to produce its own progeny. In a two-part arc airing April 28 and May 5 and titled "Legend," Gibbs and the gang will interact with the Official of Special Projects, a Los Angeles-based agency populated by Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J, Louise Lombard and other familiar faces. If all goes well, CBS will order this "backdoor pilot" to series for the 2009-10 TV season.
Here in Part 1 of our Q&A with Shane Brennan, the NCIS executive producer shared a look at what fans of the original series can expect from its offshoot, and in what way it will be like nothing ever seen before on TV.
TVGuide.com: Before we get started here, I wanted to tell you that Rocky Carroll is one helluva celebrity blogger for TVGuide.com.
Shane Brennan: Yeah, he's a great guy. One of the great things that happened to the show this season was bringing Rocky on [as a series regular], and I think he has delivered in spades. He's a great actor.
TVGuide.com: He's secretly hoping that Vance occasionally pops up in the NCIS spin-off.
Brennan: Well, you never know. Let me say something — no one will leave the current show. Everyone is staying. So everyone can relax on the NCIS front! You never know, someone like the director of NCIS might end up having to work with the other agency at some point. That could very well happen.
TVGuide.com: So let's talk about the spin-off's backdoor pilot. How good are you feeling about it?
Brennan: We put together a two-parter that really does everything that I hoped it would do, and then some. It was very important to me that these were episodes of NCIS first, and I made that clear to everyone. I didn't want fans of the show feeling alienated by having to sit down and watch these new characters they knew nothing about. That's why I made it a two-hour episode, so that we could integrate the new characters into the story and still give people their dose of NCIS. I am very, very happy with it. The cast and crew did an amazing job, working extremely hard under a tight deadline. When you make a pilot episode you [typically] don't have an airdate, there's no ticking clock. Well, we've had a very loud ticking clock, but it's come together beautifully.
TVGuide.com: Will the spin-off be tonally the same as NCIS?
Brennan: The audience, when they hold these two shows up, will see that nothing has changed from the original. The new show reflects some of the tone of the original show in that, you've got a group of people working closely together in sometimes quite extreme conditions, in terms of jeopardy and the intensity of the operations.
TVGuide.com: But this is not a simple case of, "If you like Gibbs, you'll love Chris O'Donnell's Agent Callen!"
Brennan: I'm a little careful about holding up comparisons. We could have mixed up any bunch of characters and made them as different as we can, but they're still going to be held up to the original team, and that's fine. I understand that. What people will find is that this ensemble is different because the cases they handle are different, and the way they approach their stories are different. And yet at the same time they are a group of people working together having fun together and being in danger together. It is still very much a family; it's just another part of the family. It's the neighbors down the street, and the audience will fall in love with them.
TVGuide.com: Do we have a title yet? Will it invariably be NCIS-colon-something?
Brennan: We haven't officially come out with a title. We will do that if the show is picked up.
TVGuide.com: I hear that you show off some nifty technology at the OSP.
Brennan: In "Legend" Part 1 and Part 2, we get insight into some technology that to the best of our knowledge hasn't been seen on television before. Back during the election, there was a touch screen where they dragged images around using their hands; we actually have that technology, and this is the first time it's been used in a scripted drama. But we also have some technology that's never been seen where we actually shoot through the screen, so you can see the image on the screen and the person standing looking at that image.
TVGuide.com: Kind of like, say, Minority Report.
Brennan: But it's real technology. Ninety percent what people are going to see on this show is realistic, and it's the actors doing it. It's not a special effect. It's hand-on and it's all happening in front your eyes. Everyone who has stepped onto that set has been blown away by it. In fact, when McGee learns that he is going to the OSP, Ziva says, "OSP — what's that?" And McGee's face just beams: "Cool toys." He's a kid in a candy store and has a lot of fun in both episodes. But the audience also is going to be pretty blown away by what they see.
Next week, in Part 2 of our Q&A: Shane Brennan finally broaches the topic of "Tiva" and hints at why he'll probably take some heat — as he did a year ago — for NCIS' season finale.
Here in Part 1 of our Q&A with Shane Brennan, the NCIS executive producer shared a look at what fans of the original series can expect from its offshoot, and in what way it will be like nothing ever seen before on TV.
TVGuide.com: Before we get started here, I wanted to tell you that Rocky Carroll is one helluva celebrity blogger for TVGuide.com.
Shane Brennan: Yeah, he's a great guy. One of the great things that happened to the show this season was bringing Rocky on [as a series regular], and I think he has delivered in spades. He's a great actor.
TVGuide.com: He's secretly hoping that Vance occasionally pops up in the NCIS spin-off.
Brennan: Well, you never know. Let me say something — no one will leave the current show. Everyone is staying. So everyone can relax on the NCIS front! You never know, someone like the director of NCIS might end up having to work with the other agency at some point. That could very well happen.
TVGuide.com: So let's talk about the spin-off's backdoor pilot. How good are you feeling about it?
Brennan: We put together a two-parter that really does everything that I hoped it would do, and then some. It was very important to me that these were episodes of NCIS first, and I made that clear to everyone. I didn't want fans of the show feeling alienated by having to sit down and watch these new characters they knew nothing about. That's why I made it a two-hour episode, so that we could integrate the new characters into the story and still give people their dose of NCIS. I am very, very happy with it. The cast and crew did an amazing job, working extremely hard under a tight deadline. When you make a pilot episode you [typically] don't have an airdate, there's no ticking clock. Well, we've had a very loud ticking clock, but it's come together beautifully.
TVGuide.com: Will the spin-off be tonally the same as NCIS?
Brennan: The audience, when they hold these two shows up, will see that nothing has changed from the original. The new show reflects some of the tone of the original show in that, you've got a group of people working closely together in sometimes quite extreme conditions, in terms of jeopardy and the intensity of the operations.
TVGuide.com: But this is not a simple case of, "If you like Gibbs, you'll love Chris O'Donnell's Agent Callen!"
Brennan: I'm a little careful about holding up comparisons. We could have mixed up any bunch of characters and made them as different as we can, but they're still going to be held up to the original team, and that's fine. I understand that. What people will find is that this ensemble is different because the cases they handle are different, and the way they approach their stories are different. And yet at the same time they are a group of people working together having fun together and being in danger together. It is still very much a family; it's just another part of the family. It's the neighbors down the street, and the audience will fall in love with them.
TVGuide.com: Do we have a title yet? Will it invariably be NCIS-colon-something?
Brennan: We haven't officially come out with a title. We will do that if the show is picked up.
TVGuide.com: I hear that you show off some nifty technology at the OSP.
Brennan: In "Legend" Part 1 and Part 2, we get insight into some technology that to the best of our knowledge hasn't been seen on television before. Back during the election, there was a touch screen where they dragged images around using their hands; we actually have that technology, and this is the first time it's been used in a scripted drama. But we also have some technology that's never been seen where we actually shoot through the screen, so you can see the image on the screen and the person standing looking at that image.
TVGuide.com: Kind of like, say, Minority Report.
Brennan: But it's real technology. Ninety percent what people are going to see on this show is realistic, and it's the actors doing it. It's not a special effect. It's hand-on and it's all happening in front your eyes. Everyone who has stepped onto that set has been blown away by it. In fact, when McGee learns that he is going to the OSP, Ziva says, "OSP — what's that?" And McGee's face just beams: "Cool toys." He's a kid in a candy store and has a lot of fun in both episodes. But the audience also is going to be pretty blown away by what they see.
Next week, in Part 2 of our Q&A: Shane Brennan finally broaches the topic of "Tiva" and hints at why he'll probably take some heat — as he did a year ago — for NCIS' season finale.
2009年4月26日星期日
Who Will Die in Smallville's Season Finale?The StoryEmail This Submit Scoops Discuss It Lists
Souders and Peterson also provided the following hints that in the following season we will continue to see the trend of introducing more heroes and villains from DC continuity into Smallville. "We started what will hopefully be a new focus of the show that we'll be bringing in allies for Clark next year," Peterson said. "We had a lot of DC villains this year and a lot of DC heroes, and we're hoping to continue that into next year. We teased a little piece of Chloe and her arc and how she might play a role in that next year." For fans of Chloe and Allison Mack, this is a good time to point out that if she has a role in the events of next season, we likely won't be seeing her depart the screen in this year's finale.
For the final word on what Season nine of Smallville might hold, Peterson says "Clark may have some significant obstacles in his destiny next year. It may be the darkness before the rise of Superman. He's going to face probably his darkest hour I would say. He really was on a trajectory this year, but he's made some decisions that put him down a different path." Souders finished up by ominously hinting "He's going to be paying the price for some rather large mistakes from the finale."
Smallville airs Thursday nights on the CW. The drama about the early days of Clark Kent stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Aaron Ashmore, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and Sam Witwer.
For the final word on what Season nine of Smallville might hold, Peterson says "Clark may have some significant obstacles in his destiny next year. It may be the darkness before the rise of Superman. He's going to face probably his darkest hour I would say. He really was on a trajectory this year, but he's made some decisions that put him down a different path." Souders finished up by ominously hinting "He's going to be paying the price for some rather large mistakes from the finale."
Smallville airs Thursday nights on the CW. The drama about the early days of Clark Kent stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Aaron Ashmore, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and Sam Witwer.
Erica Durance: The "Smallville" Death Will Break Your Heart
With only four episodes left this season on "Smallville" every moment counts -- especially since it's been revealed that at least two characters aren't making it to year nine alive!
And to any fans who think the characters that were transplanted from the comics -- Jimmy, Lois, Lex -- live in an immunity bubble, think again! To hear Erica Durance tell it, every single actor has been left hanging over the season ending cliffhanger that's so big, it makes The Fortress of Solitude look like a melted icicle.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's focus on tonight's Lois-centric installment which sees the scrappy reporter slip back into another one of her miraculously materialized costumes. I got the scoop on Lois' sewing skills, Erica's future on "Smallville" and her habit of almost killing Tom Welling.
PopWrap: When we talked at the start of the season you said year eight would blow our minds, and you have not been wrong!
Erica Durance: Oh good, I'm so glad to hear you say that because I am biased. I have been so excited by what they've given Lois to explore this season. And I had no idea about some of the little surprises that they've thrown in along the way. Like "Stiletto!" When I read that script, I had a good laugh.
PW: Yes, that's tonight's episode -- and you play a superhero?
Erica: Yes, basically Lois gets in a fight to protect Chloe and she beats up this mugger while wearing spiked heels. And he gives her an idea by asking, "What are you a superhero?"
PW: And that gets her gears turning?
Erica: Well, Lois has hit a bit of a cold patch professionally, she's not succeeding in the way she wants, so she hears this and thinks, "Great! I can get more stories this way!" But then it all starts to unravel and she gets caught in a tailspin trying to undo the damage she's caused.
PW: And naturally we get a wacky Lois costume, right?
Erica: Of course! And Lois apparently has a side hobby because she's quite adept at sewing together this pleather outfit!
PW: Well, if The Daily Planet doesn't work out, there's always "Project Runway."
Erica: You never know! She seems to have all these hidden talents that come out of nowhere when she needs them the most. She's got all these great accents and sewing skills, it's hilarious.
And to any fans who think the characters that were transplanted from the comics -- Jimmy, Lois, Lex -- live in an immunity bubble, think again! To hear Erica Durance tell it, every single actor has been left hanging over the season ending cliffhanger that's so big, it makes The Fortress of Solitude look like a melted icicle.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's focus on tonight's Lois-centric installment which sees the scrappy reporter slip back into another one of her miraculously materialized costumes. I got the scoop on Lois' sewing skills, Erica's future on "Smallville" and her habit of almost killing Tom Welling.
PopWrap: When we talked at the start of the season you said year eight would blow our minds, and you have not been wrong!
Erica Durance: Oh good, I'm so glad to hear you say that because I am biased. I have been so excited by what they've given Lois to explore this season. And I had no idea about some of the little surprises that they've thrown in along the way. Like "Stiletto!" When I read that script, I had a good laugh.
PW: Yes, that's tonight's episode -- and you play a superhero?
Erica: Yes, basically Lois gets in a fight to protect Chloe and she beats up this mugger while wearing spiked heels. And he gives her an idea by asking, "What are you a superhero?"
PW: And that gets her gears turning?
Erica: Well, Lois has hit a bit of a cold patch professionally, she's not succeeding in the way she wants, so she hears this and thinks, "Great! I can get more stories this way!" But then it all starts to unravel and she gets caught in a tailspin trying to undo the damage she's caused.
PW: And naturally we get a wacky Lois costume, right?
Erica: Of course! And Lois apparently has a side hobby because she's quite adept at sewing together this pleather outfit!
PW: Well, if The Daily Planet doesn't work out, there's always "Project Runway."
Erica: You never know! She seems to have all these hidden talents that come out of nowhere when she needs them the most. She's got all these great accents and sewing skills, it's hilarious.
Post Game: Smallville 8.19 - 'Stiletto'
posted 04/25/2009 09:52:48 AMsphinx69 wrote:
This episode was garbage. However, I will admit I am intrigued by the Intergang/Mannheim set up.
I will also say it is about time for the Smallville producers to get off the air (I do realize they are renewed for season nine.) or break their cardinal rule and put Tom Welling in the Superman suit.
If Clark becomes Superman and they decide the explore the Intergang/Mannheim thread next season I will turn in, but I think I will be done watching Smallville after this season
This episode was garbage. However, I will admit I am intrigued by the Intergang/Mannheim set up.
I will also say it is about time for the Smallville producers to get off the air (I do realize they are renewed for season nine.) or break their cardinal rule and put Tom Welling in the Superman suit.
If Clark becomes Superman and they decide the explore the Intergang/Mannheim thread next season I will turn in, but I think I will be done watching Smallville after this season
THE CW
Data dive: Looking at the network’s core programming block of Monday-Thursday, The CW is up 8% in adults 18-34 (1/3/4) and ahead by 6% in women 18-34 (1.7/5), its target demographic. Among all adults 18-34, on every night it programs, The CW is averaging a 1.0/3, down 9%. The decision to dump wrestling has hurt the network’s overall numbers.
Freshman series: The network poured all its energies into launching the new “90210,” and the effort paid off with a huge debut. Since then the show has faded a bit, but it has improved the network’s Tuesday ratings by 47% in adults 18-34 and has already been renewed. Fellow fall newcomer “Privileged” didn’t fare as well, but it has fans at the network. Reality show “13: Fear Is Real” was dead on arrival, as was a Sunday night lineup leased by Media Rights Capital.
Long-term assets: “Gossip Girl” exploded in season two, gaining 32% in women 18-34. “One Tree Hill,” in its sixth season, managed a 15% uptick in the same demographic, while Thursday player “Supernatural” gained 8%. “Smallville” and “America’s Next Top Model” are hanging in there, but “Reaper” and “Everybody Hates Chris” were down notably in women 18-34.
Internal affairs: Dawn Ostroff still oversees the entertainment division, with input from co-owners CBS Corp. and Warner Bros.
Self-evaluation: “The real goal of the year for CW was launching franchises, and we did that with ‘90210,’” Mr. Kahl said. “We knew by getting rid of wrestling, it was going to be tough to see plus signs. But it didn’t fit the brand.”
Overall grade: B-. The CW is surviving, which, given the odds against it, is impressive.
Freshman series: The network poured all its energies into launching the new “90210,” and the effort paid off with a huge debut. Since then the show has faded a bit, but it has improved the network’s Tuesday ratings by 47% in adults 18-34 and has already been renewed. Fellow fall newcomer “Privileged” didn’t fare as well, but it has fans at the network. Reality show “13: Fear Is Real” was dead on arrival, as was a Sunday night lineup leased by Media Rights Capital.
Long-term assets: “Gossip Girl” exploded in season two, gaining 32% in women 18-34. “One Tree Hill,” in its sixth season, managed a 15% uptick in the same demographic, while Thursday player “Supernatural” gained 8%. “Smallville” and “America’s Next Top Model” are hanging in there, but “Reaper” and “Everybody Hates Chris” were down notably in women 18-34.
Internal affairs: Dawn Ostroff still oversees the entertainment division, with input from co-owners CBS Corp. and Warner Bros.
Self-evaluation: “The real goal of the year for CW was launching franchises, and we did that with ‘90210,’” Mr. Kahl said. “We knew by getting rid of wrestling, it was going to be tough to see plus signs. But it didn’t fit the brand.”
Overall grade: B-. The CW is surviving, which, given the odds against it, is impressive.
Supernatural: Jump the Shark
This week’s episode just gives the brothers Winchester more to cry about. It’s a long running joke that female fans love to see these two guys cry. So now if they weren't carrying enough emotional baggage, they have a brother to deal with, another reason for an emo breakdown. It is however always interesting when the creators of the show are able to work in themes and characters relating to Sam and Dean’s father. Their father is at the center of who both of these buys have become and his influence is on every decision they make. For a long time, it seemed that Dean was more like his father in the way he acted and in the decisions he made but now the tables have turned. The reality is that Dean has always tried to hard to be like his father but now after a little trip to hell, he’s not so keen on completely following his father’s path. Sam is different now too. He’s apparently embraced who his father was and now more than ever, he understands his father.
One of the better scenes in the episode comes when Dean confronts Sam over Sam’s desire to make their younger brother a hunter. Dean explains that he accepts the life they have but he believes that the kid still has a chance, a chance to go to college and have a life. It’s a shame Sam didn’t think that way back in season one. If he had, Sam would be leading a much different life himself. The scene ends with both of the brothers contemplating their jealousy over the kid. They are jealous of him for very different reasons. Easily the best scene comes when Dean is investigating the grave robberies and he’s asked if he’s ever thought about how he would like to spend eternity. His response is classic Dean, it’s meant to be a joke but it’s also probably true.
They discover their brother when their father’s cell phone rings and he’s on the other end of the line looking for help after his mother disappears. This episode deals with a couple of thematic elements; family and revenge. These elements are portrayed on both the side of Sam and Dean and on the side of the monsters of the week. Even ghouls can have families after all. In the small town of the week, not only has Sam and Dean’s newly discovered brother’s mom disappeared, but a local bar owner has also went missing. At the same time, bodies are disappearing from graves. Sam’s father came to this town twenty years ago to stop a grave robbing monster and now it appears the cycle has started again when Sam and Dean arrive in town.
The episode features a minimum of action and no classic rock blasting from the car. It does however feature some nice twists and turns and dramatic moments. The episode is a single story that doesn’t really play into the overall story arc but the discovery of a brother and the realization by Sam and Dean of who they’ve become will most likely be factors in some way over the next few episodes. It’s time to get serious about the bigger story though. Often this season’s episodes have felt like false starters. An episode appears to be the beginning of something important only to be followed by a few episodes that don’t really matter. I’m not talking about single story episodes I’m talking about episodes tied in some way to the bigger story but what happened in them doesn’t carry over in the story arc. By the end of this season, there’ll be many things that seemed important at the time they happened that won’t matter when it’s all said and done. This week’s episode isn’t as epic as most of this season’s installments have been but it was a nice way to ease back into the world of Supernatural after being away for a few weeks
One of the better scenes in the episode comes when Dean confronts Sam over Sam’s desire to make their younger brother a hunter. Dean explains that he accepts the life they have but he believes that the kid still has a chance, a chance to go to college and have a life. It’s a shame Sam didn’t think that way back in season one. If he had, Sam would be leading a much different life himself. The scene ends with both of the brothers contemplating their jealousy over the kid. They are jealous of him for very different reasons. Easily the best scene comes when Dean is investigating the grave robberies and he’s asked if he’s ever thought about how he would like to spend eternity. His response is classic Dean, it’s meant to be a joke but it’s also probably true.
They discover their brother when their father’s cell phone rings and he’s on the other end of the line looking for help after his mother disappears. This episode deals with a couple of thematic elements; family and revenge. These elements are portrayed on both the side of Sam and Dean and on the side of the monsters of the week. Even ghouls can have families after all. In the small town of the week, not only has Sam and Dean’s newly discovered brother’s mom disappeared, but a local bar owner has also went missing. At the same time, bodies are disappearing from graves. Sam’s father came to this town twenty years ago to stop a grave robbing monster and now it appears the cycle has started again when Sam and Dean arrive in town.
The episode features a minimum of action and no classic rock blasting from the car. It does however feature some nice twists and turns and dramatic moments. The episode is a single story that doesn’t really play into the overall story arc but the discovery of a brother and the realization by Sam and Dean of who they’ve become will most likely be factors in some way over the next few episodes. It’s time to get serious about the bigger story though. Often this season’s episodes have felt like false starters. An episode appears to be the beginning of something important only to be followed by a few episodes that don’t really matter. I’m not talking about single story episodes I’m talking about episodes tied in some way to the bigger story but what happened in them doesn’t carry over in the story arc. By the end of this season, there’ll be many things that seemed important at the time they happened that won’t matter when it’s all said and done. This week’s episode isn’t as epic as most of this season’s installments have been but it was a nice way to ease back into the world of Supernatural after being away for a few weeks
2009年4月22日星期三
Making the case for 'Reaper'
There are still many reasons for The CW to want to stay in the "Reaper" business. The first is still Harrison, who I continue to maintain will eventually find the vehicle that will make him a TV star. There's no reason why "Reaper" shouldn't be that vehicle and maybe The CW should just keep him around in case the right project moves into the development pipeline and they want to have him handy. The other main reason would be Wise, whose Devil is one of TV's singular creations, dapper, charismatic and vicious when he needs to be. I argued that Wise deserved an Emmy nomination last year and while I don't know if he's had the perfect showcase episode, he's every bit as deserving.
That's part of the problem. The two reasons to watch the show are a 27-year-old leading man and its 61-year-old villain. If I were to expand my list, I'd go to Gonzalez and then Labine. The CW, with its love of young female viewers, isn't going to go to the mattresses for this sort of supernatural sausage-fest unless the "Supernatural" men have the last name "Winchester."
When asked, a CW source stuck to what would logically be the party line: The fate of "Reaper" has not yet be determined and nothing will be made official until the upfronts. Of course not.
The signs of pending demise are myriad. "Reaper" went unmentioned when The CW renewed "Gossip Girl," "One Tree Hill," "90210," "Smallville," "Supernatural" and "America's Next Top Model" in a single pen-stroke. The perception has been that despite low ratings, "Privileged" is where "Reaper" is last year -- a ratings-starved first-year series with a passionate fanbase and an up-and-coming lead (Joanna Garcia) -- with the logic saying that the chances of such a show breaking out in its second season is better than in its third go-round.
That's part of the problem. The two reasons to watch the show are a 27-year-old leading man and its 61-year-old villain. If I were to expand my list, I'd go to Gonzalez and then Labine. The CW, with its love of young female viewers, isn't going to go to the mattresses for this sort of supernatural sausage-fest unless the "Supernatural" men have the last name "Winchester."
When asked, a CW source stuck to what would logically be the party line: The fate of "Reaper" has not yet be determined and nothing will be made official until the upfronts. Of course not.
The signs of pending demise are myriad. "Reaper" went unmentioned when The CW renewed "Gossip Girl," "One Tree Hill," "90210," "Smallville," "Supernatural" and "America's Next Top Model" in a single pen-stroke. The perception has been that despite low ratings, "Privileged" is where "Reaper" is last year -- a ratings-starved first-year series with a passionate fanbase and an up-and-coming lead (Joanna Garcia) -- with the logic saying that the chances of such a show breaking out in its second season is better than in its third go-round.
TELEVISION: 12 Shows That Are Not In Danger of Cancellation
t’s the time of the year where the networks and fans gather together in an annual dance of Save our Show-itist. Everyone is stressed and upset at the unsettled nature of everything – is Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles gone? What’s going on with Chuck, Reaper, etc. Instead of wasting energy being worried about things we have little control over, let’s appreciate the programs that survived. I thought it’s time to take stock and see what “genre” shows are in no danger of being cancelled. I’ll start by saying for some reason Navy NCIS is still going. Who watches this show?
I’ll start with a show that I could be proven wrong on, but come on Cold Case gets over 10 million viewers a week, this despite the fact that it’s an amazingly hard show to watch. It’s never airs on time due to CBS Football and other sports coverage so it’s almost impossible to DVR. And it will most likely “never” be on DVD due to the incredibly high cost of music licensing so there’s no DVD business. But really, CBS is already invested in the show, what else do they have to put in that horrible “floating” timeslot?
I’ll start with a show that I could be proven wrong on, but come on Cold Case gets over 10 million viewers a week, this despite the fact that it’s an amazingly hard show to watch. It’s never airs on time due to CBS Football and other sports coverage so it’s almost impossible to DVR. And it will most likely “never” be on DVD due to the incredibly high cost of music licensing so there’s no DVD business. But really, CBS is already invested in the show, what else do they have to put in that horrible “floating” timeslot?
Critic's Corner Thursday
n preparation for the upcoming sweeps, ABC is sweeping out In the Motherhood (tonight, 8 ET/PT) and Samantha Who? (8:30 ET/PT) a week earlier than planned. Motherhood won't be much missed, but it is a shame that the much-better Samantha is getting the bum's rush — after already suffering from a bad time slot and an unsuitable slot mate. At any rate, tonight's exit features a guest turn by Billy Zane, stepping in for Timothy Olyphant as Sam's billionaire boss.
REVIEW: 'Grey's Anatomy' finally snaps back
•Unhappy with the course of her career, Lois invents a new Smallville (CW, 8 ET/PT) superhero and pretends to be getting super-exclusives. Clark is worried she'll get hurt, when clearly he should be worried she'll get fired. Reporters do not make up sources, at least not if they want to work for Perry White.
•Look what they've found on Supernatural (CW, 9 ET/PT): a third Winchester brother, Adam, who comes out of the woodwork, much to his newfound siblings' surprise. Don't panic: The writers clearly know just how cheesy that sounds. The episode is titled "Jump the Shark."
FIND MORE STORIES IN: AmerisourceBergen Corp. | Adam | Winchester | Beast | Smallville | Shark | Patrick Swayze | Supernatural | Samantha Who | Barker | Lois | Motherhood | Timothy Olyphant | Billy Zane | Perry White | Unhappy
•The Beast (A&E, 10 ET/PT) ends its first season with Barker hunting for the people who are hunting him. For fans, star Patrick Swayze may be incentive enough to watch.
REVIEW: 'Grey's Anatomy' finally snaps back
•Unhappy with the course of her career, Lois invents a new Smallville (CW, 8 ET/PT) superhero and pretends to be getting super-exclusives. Clark is worried she'll get hurt, when clearly he should be worried she'll get fired. Reporters do not make up sources, at least not if they want to work for Perry White.
•Look what they've found on Supernatural (CW, 9 ET/PT): a third Winchester brother, Adam, who comes out of the woodwork, much to his newfound siblings' surprise. Don't panic: The writers clearly know just how cheesy that sounds. The episode is titled "Jump the Shark."
FIND MORE STORIES IN: AmerisourceBergen Corp. | Adam | Winchester | Beast | Smallville | Shark | Patrick Swayze | Supernatural | Samantha Who | Barker | Lois | Motherhood | Timothy Olyphant | Billy Zane | Perry White | Unhappy
•The Beast (A&E, 10 ET/PT) ends its first season with Barker hunting for the people who are hunting him. For fans, star Patrick Swayze may be incentive enough to watch.
Idol’s’ run of changes make disjointed season
Is there something wrong with "American Idol"?
Lately, something seems off, like the show is fidgeting and can't quite find its groove. Since the start of the current season, "Idol" has been peppered with a steady diet of small changes that subtly suggest a newfound crisis of confidence.
How else to explain the events of movie-song night, when it was decided that each contestant would face the wrath of only two judges? The official explanation was that it was to prevent the show from running long yet again. For that to make sense, though, you'd have to assume that nobody who works for "Idol" has ever heard of such concepts as "editing" and "cutting down on the filler." (It's "Idol," so they may not have.)
Lately, something seems off, like the show is fidgeting and can't quite find its groove. Since the start of the current season, "Idol" has been peppered with a steady diet of small changes that subtly suggest a newfound crisis of confidence.
How else to explain the events of movie-song night, when it was decided that each contestant would face the wrath of only two judges? The official explanation was that it was to prevent the show from running long yet again. For that to make sense, though, you'd have to assume that nobody who works for "Idol" has ever heard of such concepts as "editing" and "cutting down on the filler." (It's "Idol," so they may not have.)
Love is in the air on TV
It’s springtime and love is in the air.
But, much like life, we don’t always agree on who should be together. I really like P.J. and Bobby together on "My Boys" but I’ve learned many of you don’t. So I thought we would take a look at the new couples who have popped up this season and discuss . . .
Juliet and Sawyer on "Lost:" One of the smartest decisions "Lost" made this season was the role reversal between Jack and Sawyer. Sawyer is in charge and Jack is surprisingly okay with that. While this quadrangle (Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Juliet) was brewing last season, it was with Jack being torn between the two women and Kate being torn between two men. But when the timeline advanced three years and showed Juliet and James (as she and Locke call him) in domestic bliss it somehow made perfect sense. And their union was a nice departure for the show in that it was free of angst. I’m rooting for them to stay together, how about you?
Charlie and Chelsea on "Two and a Half Men:" Even in comedies, characters need to evolve so they aren’t perpetually stuck in a revolving story line. We had seasons of Charlie’s womanizing, it’s been great and very funny to see him commit to one woman.
Owen and Cristina on "Grey’s Anatomy:" I really like this relationship because it made sense to me that Cristina would wait to date again after her break-up with Burke and it made sense to me that she would be drawn to someone as complex as Owen. Sometimes it really does seem like this is the only adult relationship on the show. I fear their relationship has the potential to become melodramatic but so far it's been the season's bright spot.
Barney and Robin on "How I Met Your Mother:" I’ve been a fan of this pairing since it was first hinted at and this season Barney’s silently pining for Robin has added depth to his character (Barney has feelings!) while placing him in an unfamiliar situation (he doesn’t have confidence to declare his love). Plus it’s allowed the show runners to write more scenes between Barney and Lilly, who became Barney's exclusive confidant. Now I’ve heard the concerns that if Barney starts dating Robin, he won’t be Barney anymore. But I have faith that the show runners won’t let us down.
Penny and Leonard on "The Big Bang Theory:" The comedy has successfully avoided letting the series wallow in a "will they or won’t they" dynamic. I kind of think they should let Penny and Leonard date for more than five seconds and see what happens. I don't think it will take away from the show at all.
So that’s how I’m feeling about some of the new couples who have gotten together (or almost gotten together) this season? How about you? Also want new couples have you liked this season? Talk about it below.
But, much like life, we don’t always agree on who should be together. I really like P.J. and Bobby together on "My Boys" but I’ve learned many of you don’t. So I thought we would take a look at the new couples who have popped up this season and discuss . . .
Juliet and Sawyer on "Lost:" One of the smartest decisions "Lost" made this season was the role reversal between Jack and Sawyer. Sawyer is in charge and Jack is surprisingly okay with that. While this quadrangle (Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Juliet) was brewing last season, it was with Jack being torn between the two women and Kate being torn between two men. But when the timeline advanced three years and showed Juliet and James (as she and Locke call him) in domestic bliss it somehow made perfect sense. And their union was a nice departure for the show in that it was free of angst. I’m rooting for them to stay together, how about you?
Charlie and Chelsea on "Two and a Half Men:" Even in comedies, characters need to evolve so they aren’t perpetually stuck in a revolving story line. We had seasons of Charlie’s womanizing, it’s been great and very funny to see him commit to one woman.
Owen and Cristina on "Grey’s Anatomy:" I really like this relationship because it made sense to me that Cristina would wait to date again after her break-up with Burke and it made sense to me that she would be drawn to someone as complex as Owen. Sometimes it really does seem like this is the only adult relationship on the show. I fear their relationship has the potential to become melodramatic but so far it's been the season's bright spot.
Barney and Robin on "How I Met Your Mother:" I’ve been a fan of this pairing since it was first hinted at and this season Barney’s silently pining for Robin has added depth to his character (Barney has feelings!) while placing him in an unfamiliar situation (he doesn’t have confidence to declare his love). Plus it’s allowed the show runners to write more scenes between Barney and Lilly, who became Barney's exclusive confidant. Now I’ve heard the concerns that if Barney starts dating Robin, he won’t be Barney anymore. But I have faith that the show runners won’t let us down.
Penny and Leonard on "The Big Bang Theory:" The comedy has successfully avoided letting the series wallow in a "will they or won’t they" dynamic. I kind of think they should let Penny and Leonard date for more than five seconds and see what happens. I don't think it will take away from the show at all.
So that’s how I’m feeling about some of the new couples who have gotten together (or almost gotten together) this season? How about you? Also want new couples have you liked this season? Talk about it below.
2009年4月20日星期一
Spoiler alert: Is House going to the l***y **n?
Stop reading if you don't want to know what may possibly happen in the May 11 season finale of House. Everyone else, onward and downward...
For the asterisk quiz-challenged, the above headline poses the provocative question, "Is House going to the loony bin?"
And the answer is... I honestly don't know, but it sure looks like it. Let's review the evidence:
• House is currently seeing dead people (in this case, Wilson's cutthroat bitch of an ex, Amber).
• The logline for the May 4 episode says, "House is willing to do the unthinkable to make his visions stop."
• Last week, the show set up shop at New Jersey's abandoned Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital to shoot scenes for next season.
• I'm told something happens in the finale that is so shocking cast and crew were forced to sign confidentiality agreements.
The verdict: Duh. The only question is, will the Huddy sex happen before or after Dr. Crabby Crazy gets fitted for a straitjacket? Post your theories below! And if you can think of some other plot twist that would have prompted the show to travel 3000 miles to shoot scenes at a funny farm, I'm all ears!
For the asterisk quiz-challenged, the above headline poses the provocative question, "Is House going to the loony bin?"
And the answer is... I honestly don't know, but it sure looks like it. Let's review the evidence:
• House is currently seeing dead people (in this case, Wilson's cutthroat bitch of an ex, Amber).
• The logline for the May 4 episode says, "House is willing to do the unthinkable to make his visions stop."
• Last week, the show set up shop at New Jersey's abandoned Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital to shoot scenes for next season.
• I'm told something happens in the finale that is so shocking cast and crew were forced to sign confidentiality agreements.
The verdict: Duh. The only question is, will the Huddy sex happen before or after Dr. Crabby Crazy gets fitted for a straitjacket? Post your theories below! And if you can think of some other plot twist that would have prompted the show to travel 3000 miles to shoot scenes at a funny farm, I'm all ears!
House, M.D. Builds Toward the Season Five Finale
After the shock of Lawrence Kutner’s (Kal Penn) suicide in the last episode of House, M.D., it’s hard to think of what might happen next. The shock of Kutner’s abrupt departure is the sort of thing usually reserved for season finales. However, there are still four more episodes to go! I can’t even imagine what the House brain trust has in store for us in the weeks to come. But I can tell you a one or two things I do know for certain. First, expect to see more of Cameron and Chase in the coming weeks, and look for House to react to Kutner’s death in unexpected ways. And--a television icon makes an appearance in the season finale.
In the aftermath of Kutner’s suicide, House (the brilliant Hugh Laurie) suffers from apparent insomnia. Or could it be something more serious? House, M.D. builds up to its May 11 season finale over the next several weeks, as the folks at Princeton Plainsboro continue to deal with tragedy of Kutner’s death.
The entire staff reacts to the suicide, but none more so than House, himself. In “House Divided” (April 27), Ryan Lane guest stars as Seth, a deaf teenager who “hears” explosions, while House’s insomnia play tricks on his mind.
In “Under My Skin” airing May 4, House and his team treat a ballerina (Jamie Tisdale), whose lungs collapse during a performance. House, still unable to sleep, tries desperate measures to find rest. And in the season five finale, written by Doris Egan “Both Sides Now,” comedy legend Carl Reiner appears as a clinic patient.
House airs Mondays at 8:00 p.m. (ET).
In the aftermath of Kutner’s suicide, House (the brilliant Hugh Laurie) suffers from apparent insomnia. Or could it be something more serious? House, M.D. builds up to its May 11 season finale over the next several weeks, as the folks at Princeton Plainsboro continue to deal with tragedy of Kutner’s death.
The entire staff reacts to the suicide, but none more so than House, himself. In “House Divided” (April 27), Ryan Lane guest stars as Seth, a deaf teenager who “hears” explosions, while House’s insomnia play tricks on his mind.
In “Under My Skin” airing May 4, House and his team treat a ballerina (Jamie Tisdale), whose lungs collapse during a performance. House, still unable to sleep, tries desperate measures to find rest. And in the season five finale, written by Doris Egan “Both Sides Now,” comedy legend Carl Reiner appears as a clinic patient.
House airs Mondays at 8:00 p.m. (ET).
In Plain Sight: Gilted Lily (season premiere
(S02E01) After the harrowing conclusion from last season, Mary Shannon was back and after 30 hours of sleep, she actually seemed ready to return to work. However, as Marshall soon found out, looks can be deceiving. Mary and Jinx and Brandi were still together and coping, but the effects of one of them nearly being raped, killing a man, concealing drugs, having their home turned inside out and suffering the indignity of the FBI invading every corner of your life took a toll. They thought they had come out the other side unscathed, but as the episode unfolded, damage was evident.csi ncis
For Mary, getting back on a case, even as Marshall's sidekick, was a welcomed relief from administrative leave. Her denial of post-traumatic stress disorder was typical for her. In fact, she was suffering, but it manifested itself as a happy, chipper and congenial Mary. Stan, Marshall and Bobby D. were baffled by this alternate universe Agent Shannon, but for viewers wise to the ways of TV, it was clear that something was amiss.
Mary's breakdown was triggered by the kind of thing that she would normally let roll off her back, but it was the straw that broke the camel's back. Her hyperventilating, unending walking it off, crying jag was like a dam breaking. Marshall, in his Zen like mode, tried to make her visualize the experience as a river flowing. Mary didn't heed Marshall's advice; she only heard the word peach which is nothing like river, but then that explains a lot between the two partners. Mary McCormack and Frederick Weller were excellent in this sequence.
What ultimately proved therapeutic for Mary was working the case. It was a good one, involving a family that had been in Witness Protection for 17 years, a mother's suicide that turned out to lead to a weird case of gold coins that were stolen by a biker gang. As the one surviving -- and reformed -- member of the gang put it, there was some serious bad ju-ju to those gold pieces, even if a single one was worth $45,000. It turned out that it wasn't voodoo that made the coins evil, but poison. When two of the three grown kids were nearly killed by the poison, Mary and Marshall sprinted to save the innocent children who were playing hide and seek, oblivious to the danger.
Getting back to work was the therapy Mary needed, but Brandi had to confront the corpse of her dead boyfriend to get some resolution. It wasn't a tearful goodbye for Brandi; she wanted to let the SOB know that she would have killed him herself if she had had the chance. And Jinx was obsessed with finding Mary and Brandi's dad for the same reason, or so she claimed.
For Mary, getting back on a case, even as Marshall's sidekick, was a welcomed relief from administrative leave. Her denial of post-traumatic stress disorder was typical for her. In fact, she was suffering, but it manifested itself as a happy, chipper and congenial Mary. Stan, Marshall and Bobby D. were baffled by this alternate universe Agent Shannon, but for viewers wise to the ways of TV, it was clear that something was amiss.
Mary's breakdown was triggered by the kind of thing that she would normally let roll off her back, but it was the straw that broke the camel's back. Her hyperventilating, unending walking it off, crying jag was like a dam breaking. Marshall, in his Zen like mode, tried to make her visualize the experience as a river flowing. Mary didn't heed Marshall's advice; she only heard the word peach which is nothing like river, but then that explains a lot between the two partners. Mary McCormack and Frederick Weller were excellent in this sequence.
What ultimately proved therapeutic for Mary was working the case. It was a good one, involving a family that had been in Witness Protection for 17 years, a mother's suicide that turned out to lead to a weird case of gold coins that were stolen by a biker gang. As the one surviving -- and reformed -- member of the gang put it, there was some serious bad ju-ju to those gold pieces, even if a single one was worth $45,000. It turned out that it wasn't voodoo that made the coins evil, but poison. When two of the three grown kids were nearly killed by the poison, Mary and Marshall sprinted to save the innocent children who were playing hide and seek, oblivious to the danger.
Getting back to work was the therapy Mary needed, but Brandi had to confront the corpse of her dead boyfriend to get some resolution. It wasn't a tearful goodbye for Brandi; she wanted to let the SOB know that she would have killed him herself if she had had the chance. And Jinx was obsessed with finding Mary and Brandi's dad for the same reason, or so she claimed.
U.K.'s Sky 1 grabs keys to 'House'
LONDON -- The U.K.'s Five channel is done making "House" calls.
Sky 1 has snatched up rights for the fifth season of the Hugh Laurie medical drama from Five, after the terrestrial net said it had pulled out of the bidding for "commercial and scheduling reasons."
The decision reflects the growing difficultly that broadcasters here face when bidding for top-flight U.S. fare as a result in the collapse in the advertising market.
Sky 1, which is driven by subscription revenue, said it has signed a deal with NBC Universal International Television Distribution for first-run rights to "House" in the U.K. Second-run rights will be retained by Hallmark Channel.
Five, which has held rights to the show since 2005, said the "difficult decision" to not renew the show will free up cash for incoming director of programs Richard Woolfe to commission Five's own programs.
"We have been proud to be associated with the drama, but have taken this difficult decision for commercial and scheduling reasons," Five said in a statement.
The channel said that long-running acquired series including the "CSI" franchise and "NCIS" as well as recent addition "The Mentalist" made it "very difficult" to find a suitable slot to schedule "House."
U.K.'s Sky 1 grabs keys to 'House'
Five drops bid to Hugh Laurie medical drama
By Mimi Turner
April 20, 2009, 07:53 AM ET
LONDON -- The U.K.'s Five channel is done making "House" calls.
Sky 1 has snatched up rights for the fifth season of the Hugh Laurie medical drama from Five, after the terrestrial net said it had pulled out of the bidding for "commercial and scheduling reasons."
The decision reflects the growing difficultly that broadcasters here face when bidding for top-flight U.S. fare as a result in the collapse in the advertising market.
Sky 1, which is driven by subscription revenue, said it has signed a deal with NBC Universal International Television Distribution for first-run rights to "House" in the U.K. Second-run rights will be retained by Hallmark Channel.
Five, which has held rights to the show since 2005, said the "difficult decision" to not renew the show will free up cash for incoming director of programs Richard Woolfe to commission Five's own programs.
"We have been proud to be associated with the drama, but have taken this difficult decision for commercial and scheduling reasons," Five said in a statement.
The channel said that long-running acquired series including the "CSI" franchise and "NCIS" as well as recent addition "The Mentalist" made it "very difficult" to find a suitable slot to schedule "House."
Sky 1 has snatched up rights for the fifth season of the Hugh Laurie medical drama from Five, after the terrestrial net said it had pulled out of the bidding for "commercial and scheduling reasons."
The decision reflects the growing difficultly that broadcasters here face when bidding for top-flight U.S. fare as a result in the collapse in the advertising market.
Sky 1, which is driven by subscription revenue, said it has signed a deal with NBC Universal International Television Distribution for first-run rights to "House" in the U.K. Second-run rights will be retained by Hallmark Channel.
Five, which has held rights to the show since 2005, said the "difficult decision" to not renew the show will free up cash for incoming director of programs Richard Woolfe to commission Five's own programs.
"We have been proud to be associated with the drama, but have taken this difficult decision for commercial and scheduling reasons," Five said in a statement.
The channel said that long-running acquired series including the "CSI" franchise and "NCIS" as well as recent addition "The Mentalist" made it "very difficult" to find a suitable slot to schedule "House."
U.K.'s Sky 1 grabs keys to 'House'
Five drops bid to Hugh Laurie medical drama
By Mimi Turner
April 20, 2009, 07:53 AM ET
LONDON -- The U.K.'s Five channel is done making "House" calls.
Sky 1 has snatched up rights for the fifth season of the Hugh Laurie medical drama from Five, after the terrestrial net said it had pulled out of the bidding for "commercial and scheduling reasons."
The decision reflects the growing difficultly that broadcasters here face when bidding for top-flight U.S. fare as a result in the collapse in the advertising market.
Sky 1, which is driven by subscription revenue, said it has signed a deal with NBC Universal International Television Distribution for first-run rights to "House" in the U.K. Second-run rights will be retained by Hallmark Channel.
Five, which has held rights to the show since 2005, said the "difficult decision" to not renew the show will free up cash for incoming director of programs Richard Woolfe to commission Five's own programs.
"We have been proud to be associated with the drama, but have taken this difficult decision for commercial and scheduling reasons," Five said in a statement.
The channel said that long-running acquired series including the "CSI" franchise and "NCIS" as well as recent addition "The Mentalist" made it "very difficult" to find a suitable slot to schedule "House."
Supernatural: Sam and Dean Meet Their 'Brother' in a New Video
On this week's episode of Supernatural the question isn't whether or not Sam and Dean could have a brother - not if you ask their supposed kin Adam. He wants to know whether it's possible that he himself has brothers, whether John Winchester could have had sons other than him.
Earlier in the week The CW released two new clips from "Jump the Shark", Supernatural's none-too-soon return to the air after another tedious break. At least it's the last break of this season. One of those clips revealed that Sam's research on Adam validates his story, with college records and other official documents on file. In the other, Dean seethed with jealousy when he found out that John took Adam to a Minnesota Twins game, a day that would have meant the world to him.
Today we have another clip from "Jump The Shark," portraying the further developments in the relationship between the ghost fighting duo and their supposedly-long-lost brother, another piece in the puzzle of whether or not this goofy kid could really be who he says he is, and whether or not Supernatural has jumped the shark.
Earlier in the week The CW released two new clips from "Jump the Shark", Supernatural's none-too-soon return to the air after another tedious break. At least it's the last break of this season. One of those clips revealed that Sam's research on Adam validates his story, with college records and other official documents on file. In the other, Dean seethed with jealousy when he found out that John took Adam to a Minnesota Twins game, a day that would have meant the world to him.
Today we have another clip from "Jump The Shark," portraying the further developments in the relationship between the ghost fighting duo and their supposedly-long-lost brother, another piece in the puzzle of whether or not this goofy kid could really be who he says he is, and whether or not Supernatural has jumped the shark.
2009年4月19日星期日
MOVIE NEWS: Brand New Fugly Star Trek Ship Models
Buzz up!
Ok, I’m not sure what this is, the folks who run the Paramount Webmaster program sent over four brand new photos of Star Trek ship models. But what is this? Is it for eventual toys, is it part of some contest? Are these amateur models? I don’t know but they look pretty fugly to me. Someone please tell me what this is all about…. I do like the brown and the white one though. Not sure what’s going on with the Garden or Pink one.
Ok, I’m not sure what this is, the folks who run the Paramount Webmaster program sent over four brand new photos of Star Trek ship models. But what is this? Is it for eventual toys, is it part of some contest? Are these amateur models? I don’t know but they look pretty fugly to me. Someone please tell me what this is all about…. I do like the brown and the white one though. Not sure what’s going on with the Garden or Pink one.
A franchise is reborn, at warp speed.
n Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s inspired universe, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise set out to “boldly go where no one has gone before.” If only the same could be said of director J.J. Abrams and writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman.
Considering the franchise began on TV in 1966, spawned the first theatrical release in 1979 and nearly expired with the last edition, Star Trek: Nemesis, a worldwide flop in 2002, the creative team behind the 11th movie faced two major challenges.
In sum, Star Trek is a big, loud, fast-paced, spectacular and intermittently exciting sci-fi adventure. What it isn’t, in my view, is emotionally involving. Early US buzz indicates some Trek fans are hailing the latest incarnation for packing more thrills, energy and humour than anything the franchise has yielded since the 1980s. Paramount has already commissioned a follow-up.
Considering the franchise began on TV in 1966, spawned the first theatrical release in 1979 and nearly expired with the last edition, Star Trek: Nemesis, a worldwide flop in 2002, the creative team behind the 11th movie faced two major challenges.
In sum, Star Trek is a big, loud, fast-paced, spectacular and intermittently exciting sci-fi adventure. What it isn’t, in my view, is emotionally involving. Early US buzz indicates some Trek fans are hailing the latest incarnation for packing more thrills, energy and humour than anything the franchise has yielded since the 1980s. Paramount has already commissioned a follow-up.
'One Tree Hill' looks for a 7th Season
Many people thought that "One Tree Hill" was going to jump the shark last year when it jumped four years for its fifth season.
Season four highlighted the senior year of high school for the main characters and it ended with all the characters on the river court where the first episode of the series mainly took place.
The finale showcased songs of the '90s era like "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls, and hit at the idea of splitting ways with best friends when it comes time for college.
The show worked parallel with the high school graduating class of 2007.
Nostalgically, the Season four finale would have been the perfect series finale, but creator Mark Schwan wasn't ready for the show to end yet, and neither were cast members Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush or Bethany Joy Gaelotti. And so with that the show went on to a fifth season, placed in time, four years later.
And the jump worked. Ratings remained high, the forums on the Web site OTH Fans was filled with hundreds of thankful posts for a fifth season.
Of course, there were still negative Nancies, but for the most part it worked. New storylines opened up, fans got to see their favorite television actors and actresses portray roles closer to their own age--even though it was nice to dream that Murray was a high schooler at the same time as a lot of the fans, even if he wasn't--and Kate Voegele's singing career got jumpstarted. Overall, it was an awesome season leading to sixth season.
As the sixth season began, fans were pumped and began to assume that this would be the last season of "One Tree Hill."
All of the actors' contracts were for six seasons. This meant that unless the actors were offered new contracts, there was a slim chance for a seventh season.
Some people expressed disinterest in a seventh season, alleging storylines would get old, and that the show should go out before it got to be too repetitive.
Season four highlighted the senior year of high school for the main characters and it ended with all the characters on the river court where the first episode of the series mainly took place.
The finale showcased songs of the '90s era like "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls, and hit at the idea of splitting ways with best friends when it comes time for college.
The show worked parallel with the high school graduating class of 2007.
Nostalgically, the Season four finale would have been the perfect series finale, but creator Mark Schwan wasn't ready for the show to end yet, and neither were cast members Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush or Bethany Joy Gaelotti. And so with that the show went on to a fifth season, placed in time, four years later.
And the jump worked. Ratings remained high, the forums on the Web site OTH Fans was filled with hundreds of thankful posts for a fifth season.
Of course, there were still negative Nancies, but for the most part it worked. New storylines opened up, fans got to see their favorite television actors and actresses portray roles closer to their own age--even though it was nice to dream that Murray was a high schooler at the same time as a lot of the fans, even if he wasn't--and Kate Voegele's singing career got jumpstarted. Overall, it was an awesome season leading to sixth season.
As the sixth season began, fans were pumped and began to assume that this would be the last season of "One Tree Hill."
All of the actors' contracts were for six seasons. This meant that unless the actors were offered new contracts, there was a slim chance for a seventh season.
Some people expressed disinterest in a seventh season, alleging storylines would get old, and that the show should go out before it got to be too repetitive.
One Tree Hill's Skills Pleads Innocent in Fake ID Scam
t looks like some mad skillz have landed Skills in big trouble.
Antwon Tanner, One Tree Hill's Antwon "Skills" Taylor, has pleaded not guilty in a New York federal court to participating in a Social Security scam, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office confirms.
The 34-year-old actor, whose credits include Coach Carter with Samuel L. Jackson and that catchy "Da Da Da" Volkswagen commercial, was busted in a sting operation and charged with selling 16 Social Security numbers and three counterfeit cards to a middleman between December 2005 and last July.
Antwon Tanner, One Tree Hill's Antwon "Skills" Taylor, has pleaded not guilty in a New York federal court to participating in a Social Security scam, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office confirms.
The 34-year-old actor, whose credits include Coach Carter with Samuel L. Jackson and that catchy "Da Da Da" Volkswagen commercial, was busted in a sting operation and charged with selling 16 Social Security numbers and three counterfeit cards to a middleman between December 2005 and last July.
Television: Supernatural Behind the Scenes - Catching Up With Traci Dinwiddie
Traci Dinwiddie has been keeping busy since we last saw her on Supernatural in the season 4 episode ‘Death Takes a Holiday’ where, unfortunately, death did not take that holiday for her character of psychic Pamela Barnes.
The vivacious and beautiful Dinwiddie has been involved in a number of projects both personal and professional including writing quite a bit and looking into the Women’s Directing program at AFI and she has an upcoming guest starring role as Madame Flanagan in the CW series 90210 in an episode titled ‘Between a Sign and a Hard Place’ which will be airing this Tuesday, April 21st and repeat Wednesday, April 22 on the CW at 9pm.
“Please do tune in, if you’re able! She’s a fun character! A British fortune teller/counselor for the Stars,” Dinwiddie says of her character on the upcoming 90210 episode.
Aside from acting, Traci Dinwiddie has been keeping quite busy as a drummer for yoga classes and is often a guest musician for the world fusion band, ‘Yeh Dede’.
“I’m also a part of a very special community theater outreach group called ‘Turning the Wheel Productions’ (TTW). We are in the midst of a major residential project right here in LA.”
Traci describes TTW as a sweetly inclusive form of artistic expression on all levels including music, theater, dance, poetry and visual art within the community and it’s power transcends age, gender, race, economic status…all of it. “Basically, it rocks one’s socks off! Which is the way I like to roll, yo! Fierce artsy fartsyness!” Dinwiddie says with undisguised enthusiasm for this project.
The vivacious and beautiful Dinwiddie has been involved in a number of projects both personal and professional including writing quite a bit and looking into the Women’s Directing program at AFI and she has an upcoming guest starring role as Madame Flanagan in the CW series 90210 in an episode titled ‘Between a Sign and a Hard Place’ which will be airing this Tuesday, April 21st and repeat Wednesday, April 22 on the CW at 9pm.
“Please do tune in, if you’re able! She’s a fun character! A British fortune teller/counselor for the Stars,” Dinwiddie says of her character on the upcoming 90210 episode.
Aside from acting, Traci Dinwiddie has been keeping quite busy as a drummer for yoga classes and is often a guest musician for the world fusion band, ‘Yeh Dede’.
“I’m also a part of a very special community theater outreach group called ‘Turning the Wheel Productions’ (TTW). We are in the midst of a major residential project right here in LA.”
Traci describes TTW as a sweetly inclusive form of artistic expression on all levels including music, theater, dance, poetry and visual art within the community and it’s power transcends age, gender, race, economic status…all of it. “Basically, it rocks one’s socks off! Which is the way I like to roll, yo! Fierce artsy fartsyness!” Dinwiddie says with undisguised enthusiasm for this project.
2009年4月16日星期四
Weekly TV Wrap Up - April 16th, 2009
As if this is a surprise to Stargate fans, but Stargate Universe will be having a few notable guest stars in the form of a few veterans reprising their Stargate SG-1 roles.
Yep, you read that right.
We’ll be seeing Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks and Gary Jones reprising their roles we’ve come to love over the years. Additonally, we’re going to see Christopher McDonald (U.S. senator Alan Armstrong), Janelle Monáe (plays herself. She and her band will perform) and Carlo Rota (Carl Strom, head of the International Oversight Advisory) will also make an appearance.
If this is anything like the way Stargate Atlantis started, we’ll see them in one quick scene, making it an official Stargate send off. I can’t imagine anything else, unless there’s a holodeck on the Ancient’s ship.
Stargate Universe stars Robert Carlyle, Lou Diamond Phillips and Ming-Na and is set to premiere on SCI FI in October with a special two-hour episode.
Source: SciFi Wire
Southland
Yep, you read that right.
We’ll be seeing Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks and Gary Jones reprising their roles we’ve come to love over the years. Additonally, we’re going to see Christopher McDonald (U.S. senator Alan Armstrong), Janelle Monáe (plays herself. She and her band will perform) and Carlo Rota (Carl Strom, head of the International Oversight Advisory) will also make an appearance.
If this is anything like the way Stargate Atlantis started, we’ll see them in one quick scene, making it an official Stargate send off. I can’t imagine anything else, unless there’s a holodeck on the Ancient’s ship.
Stargate Universe stars Robert Carlyle, Lou Diamond Phillips and Ming-Na and is set to premiere on SCI FI in October with a special two-hour episode.
Source: SciFi Wire
Southland
TONIGHT ON TV — THURSDAY, APRIL 16
ABC is for the ladies tonight with In the Motherhood, Samantha Who?, then reruns of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.
CBS goes for thrills with a new Survivor and a very sci-fi CSI, while someone else bites the big one on Harper's Island.
The CW has repeats of Smallville and Supernatural.
FOX has another new Bones, this one about a death in a heavy metal band. That's followed by Hell's Kitchen.
NBC is all new with My Name is Earl, Parks and Recreation, The Office and 30 Rock, wrapping it all up with a dramatic hour of Southland.
CBS goes for thrills with a new Survivor and a very sci-fi CSI, while someone else bites the big one on Harper's Island.
The CW has repeats of Smallville and Supernatural.
FOX has another new Bones, this one about a death in a heavy metal band. That's followed by Hell's Kitchen.
NBC is all new with My Name is Earl, Parks and Recreation, The Office and 30 Rock, wrapping it all up with a dramatic hour of Southland.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)