Category Archives: Television

David Cross joins FOX’s ‘Running Wilde’

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Now this is fantastic news!  Actor David Cross is joining the new FOX comedy Running Wilde.  The show stars Will Arnett.  The show is created by Mitch Hurwitz.  Have you connected the dots yet?  It’s an Arrested Developement reunion!  In Hurwitz’s Arrested Development, Cross played doctor-turned-aspiring actor Tobias Fünke, the brother-in-law of Arnett’s Gob Bluth.  Cross will be featured in 7 of the initial 13 episodes as “the radical environmentalist boyfriend of Keri Russell’s character” according to IGN.  Hurwitz and Arnett serve as creators, writers, and executive producers.  Arrested Development directors Anthony and Joe Russo and executive producer Jim Valley are also on board.

FOX is giving Hurwitz another chance with Running Wilde, so make sure you tune in Tuesday, September 21 at 9:30PM.  We can’t give the network another opportunity to shun Hurwitz & Co. away from making great TV like they did with the prematurally canned Arrested Development.  With a handful of AD alum signed on, I have a good feeling this comedy will tower over other network premieres in terms of quality.  AD‘s theme was “family first.”  From the looks of the trailer (embedded after the break, along with the synopsis), Running Wilde will take a new yet familar path: Russell’s Emmy to Arnett’s Wilde: “I am going to make you a better man.”  Family, relationships, heart, hilarity.  Welcome back, Hurwitz.

[Via IGN] Continue reading David Cross joins FOX’s ‘Running Wilde’ →

FlashForward might just live to see another day on Starz?

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Ever since ABC axed FlashForward after its first season its hardcore fanbase has been trying to pull whatever strings it can to revive the show.  A Facebook group called “SAVE FLASHFORWARD!” has gained a substantial following; these rapid fans have been sending emails and letters to ABC head Steve McPherson and other network and cable presidents demanding the sci-fi drama deserves at least a second season.  Some have even staged local “blackouts” in front of ABC offices.  It appears as if these efforts might be picking up enough steam to actually influence the fate of the show.  A fan recently posted this comment on the Facebook group wall:

“I just called Starz and the rep told me that they are aggressively seeking the license for FlashForward and that a lot of people have been calling about [the show].”

Upon seeing reading this statement the group moderator followed up with this: “McPherson is allegedly softening.”

I advise you to take what you’re reading here with a grain of salt.  These statements are merely comments by eager fans of the show, so they may or may not be true.  Whatever the case, this is great news for FlashForward fans.  It’s a win-win-lose situation and here’s how.  If these statements are true, FlashForward might just live to see another day on a cable station where Mark Benford can call D. Gibbons Dyson F**k if he really wanted to.  If the statements are false, light of this news is already garnering massive fan support and encouraging people to email and call Starz to push for a renewal.  And the lose situation–well that’s if all of this ends up being for naught and the show stays dead.

Let’s get realistic for a sec.  In order for cancelled show to get brought back to life, the main cast needs to be on board if you want to appease the fans.  As far as I know, four prominent cast members are already booked for fall and midseason shows.  James Callis (Gabriel McDow) plays a new resident in Syfy’s Eureka; Michael Ealy (Agent Marshall Vogel) is joining The Good Wife on CBS; Christine Woods (Janis Hawk) is a series regular in the new NBC comedy Perfect Couples; and Joseph Fiennes (Mark Benford), the crux of the show, is signed on to play the wizard Merlin in the upcoming 10-part series Camelot on Starz.  That’s right, Starz.  If the FlashForward showrunners could somehow replace or remove Vogel and Hawk from the story and conjure up a contract with Starz that enables Fiennes to manage Camelot and FlashForward then a revival could technically happen.  But remembering we’re talking realistically here, so I’m going to say that’s a LONG SHOT.

In the end it all comes to down to scheduling conflicts, network execs, and money.  But if the hardcore fans continue to spread the word of save FlashForward who knows what might happen.  Call Starz’ toll-free line (866-888-4010) to make yourself heard.  Cuz it would be totally awesome to find out what all of little Charlie’s future visions meant!

[Via DigitalSpy; io9]

Lost’s Michael Emerson teases DVD bonus “The New Man in Charge”

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When the Lost season 6 and complete series collection DVD/Blu-ray packages were first detailed, we were informed that a bonus footage would “go deeper into the world of LOST with a much-anticipated new chapter of the island’s story from executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse.”  This week more details surrounding said footage have surfaced.  According to EW, it is an “original, 12-minute vignette called “The New Man in Charge,” a tantalizing look at what Hurley (Jorge Garcia) and Ben (Michael Emerson) do as the new Island overseers.”  They even got their hands on a still (see above)!  What’s that Ben doing in a Dharma jumpsuit?  Emerson says, “Ben is going around to Dharma installations and closing some down.  There are some good surprises…it does answer questions.”  August 24, come sooner please?

[Via EW; HDR]

Dollhouse “Epitaphs” comic book bundled with season 2 DVD/BD release

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FOX might have cancelled the sci-fi adventure Dollhouse due to dismal ratings, but that won’t keep the show from living on–in comic book form that is.  When Dollhouse season 2 releases on DVD and Blu-ray on October 12, a single comic book issue titled “Epitaphs” will come bundled inside.  It’s exclusive to the DVD/BD release meaning you won’t find it in comic book stores.  “Epitaphs” was written by Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen (newly husband and wife, Dollhouse creator Joss Whedon’s brother and sister-in-law, respectively).  If you happen to be at Comic Con right now, (Jed) Whedon and Tancharoen will be on hand to sign a litho created by Dark Horse Comics on Friday (7/23) from 11am-noon.  I will leave you with the official synopsis:

“Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, joined by longtime Buffy the Vampire Slayer artist Cliff Richards, take us on an intricate trip through the precise moment when the Active technology went global, and how the protagonists from Epitaph One and Two narrowly avoided death, and worse.Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen wrote the Epitaph episodes of Dollhouse Seasons One and Two, and currently write for the Starz series Spartacus. This is their first work in comics. Artist Cliff Richards has drawn more Joss Whedon-related comics than any other artist, including issues of Buffy Season Eight.”

[Via UGO]

2010 Emmy nods: Glee, Lost, Modern Family lead the pack

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Earlier this month the 2010 Emmy nominations were announced.  Let’s start with the drama categories.  Outstanding drama nominees include Lost, Breaking Bad, Dexter, Mad Men, True Blood, and The Good Wife.  Lost received 12 Emmy nominations.  In addition to the outstanding drama nod, Matthew Fox is up for outstanding actor, Terry O’Quinn and Michael Emerson are up for outstanding supporting actor, and Elizabeth Mitchell is up for outstanding guest actress.  Also executive producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof were nominated for writing the show’s series finale, “The End.”  Jon Hamm, Kyle Chandler, Bryan Cranston, Hugh Laurie, and Michael C. Hall join Fox in the outstanding actor category.  24’s Gregory Itzin got a nod for outstanding guest actor.

Moving on to the comedy categories.  Outstanding comedy nominees include Glee, Modern Family, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Nurse Jackie, 30 Rock , and The Office.  Glee received a total of 19 nominations.  Matthew Morrison is up for outstanding actor, Lea Michele for outstanding actress, Chris Colfer for outstanding supporting actor, Jane Lynch for outstanding supporting actress, Mike O’Malley for outstanding guest actor, and Kristin Chenoweth for outstanding guest actress.  Modern Family also led the way with 14 Emmy nominations.  Ty Burrell, Eric Stonestreet, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson are all up for outstanding supporting actor, Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara will duke it out for outstanding supporting actress, and Fred Willard got a nod for outstanding guest actor.  Only patriarch Ed O’Neill was left out.  The Glee (Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan) and Modern Family (Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd) pilot episodes received nods for best writing.  Here’s a few more worthy mentions: Amy Poehler (Parks & Rec) is up for outstanding actress, Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) is up for outstanding actor, NPH (How I Met Your Mother) is up for outstanding supporting actor, and SNL‘s Kristen Wiig nabbed a nod for outstanding supporting actress.  And finally, The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien (that’s right–suck it Leno!) got a nod for outstanding variety, music, or comedy series along with SNL, The Daily Show with John Stewart, and The Colbert Report.

Now it’s time to talk snubs.  There’s no better place to start than Fringe‘s John Noble.  Academy, what in the hell is wrong with you?  Are you out of your bloody minds?  John Noble, the man who plays the brilliant mad scientist and deadly serious Secretary Walter Bishop, is by far one of the greatest actors on television right now.  With the introduction of an alternate universe, Noble masterfully portrays two distinctly different characters with grace, pose, and ease.  His acting chops have been on a steady increase since season one, but it was his emotional portrayal as a broken father in season two’s episode “Peter” when I realized just how good Noble is.  I thought to myself, if John Noble does not get an outstanding actor Emmy nod for performance in this episode then the awards show is a real crockpot!  So I am very angry with the academy’s decision to overlook such a wonderful talent.  Yes, I am aware that the academy does not respect the sci-fi genre like it does straight dramas and comedies, but this is that one time they should’ve made an exception.  Moving on… where’s the love for Parks & Rec and Community in the outstanding comedy series category?  After a lackluster first season, Parks picked itself up to quickly become one of the funniest sitcoms, like ever.  I’m glad Poehler got a nod for her great work, but it would have been nice for the entire hilarious ensemble cast to be recognized.  Last, this was the final year for Lost and 24.  I am elated that Lost picked up so many nods, but I’m somewhat disappointed that 24 wasn’t nominated in the big categories.  I agree that the final season was not nearly as spectacular as season’s past, but Kiefer Sutherland continued to dominate as the indestructable Jack Bauer with yet another exciting performance.  You know I’ll be cheering for Itzin (who played President Charles Logan to perfect, yet again) when the nominees for outstanding guest actor in a drama roll around.

The 62nd Annual Emmy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, airs live on August 29 on NBC at 8PM.  Look after the break for the full nomination list and my predictions.

[Via IGN] Continue reading 2010 Emmy nods: Glee, Lost, Modern Family lead the pack →

Creator Mike Judge wants Beavis and Butt-head back on the airwaves

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Remember Beavis and Butt-head?  Of course you do!  It was that odd-ball animated show created by Mike Judge (King of the Hill) that aired on MTV from 1993-1997.  In 1996 the show jumped to the big screen in Beavis and Butt-head Do America.  According to REVIEWniverse, Judge is ready to bring the show back.  In fact, he’s currently penning 30 new episodes.  Judge said that he plans to keep the show in its original aesthetic, faded color palatte and all.  The show’s format will also remain the same: “original sketch-music videos-sketch” with modern music videos for the duo to rip on.  Judge hopes that MTV will pick up the show; the network has not commented on the matter.

[Via REVIEWniverse; IGN]

Starz cancels ‘Party Down’

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Let me start with the official statement from executive vice president of programming Stephan Shelanski because I’m speechless right now.  “After careful consideration, we’ve decided not to continue on with subsequent seasons of Party Down and Gravity.  We’re grateful to everyone involved in the shows, and are proud to have had them on the channel.  Starz remains committed to aggressively expanding our original programming lineup.”

Damn you Starz!  I mean, give me a break!  Party Down is (grr) was one of the most original shows on television.  Sure it’s ratings were abysmal and its two biggest starts moved on to other network projects (Jane Lynch to Glee, Adam Scott to Parks & Rec) but you still could’ve made things work!  After only two season on the air Party Down garnered a decent following (who apparently watched episodes soley on the Internet via Netflix) and received rave reviews from critics.  Even a slight marketing push for season 2 (I saw posters everywhere for it) wasn’t enough to attract more eyeballs to the show’s Friday night 10PM timeslot.  I’m going to place this premature death alongside the ranks of Arrested Development; both shows were ahead of their time, too smart for television, and…damnit I’m angry.

[Via EW-AusielloFiles]

24’s Jon Cassar joins ‘Terra Nova’ as regular series director & exec producer

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Terra Nova just keeps getting better–and it hasn’t even started yet!  The Steven Spielberg/Peter Chernin sci-fi drama is starting to look like a 24 reunion nowadays.  Executive producers Brandon Braga (24, FlashForward) and David Fury (24, Lost) are joined by Jon Cessar who served as executive producer and recurring director on every season of 24 (with the exception of season 8).  Cessar joins Terra Nova as executive producer and regular series director.  He will take over as director for a multi-episode arc after taking the reins from Alex Graves (Fringe) who is set to direct the pilot.

Terra Nova stars Jason O’Mara as Jim Shannon, a man who is sent back in time to prehistoric Earth with family in an attempt to save the human race.  Production is set to being at the end of this summer in Australia and the show is expected to debut its thirteen-episode order midseason on FOX.

[Via Deadline]

Steve Carell is ready to leave ‘The Office’ next season

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You read that right, folks.  At the end of the upcoming seventh season of NBC’s The Office star Steve Carell will leave his post as moronic boss Michael Scott.  His contract is up next season and he simply wants to spend more time with his family.  In his words: “I just think it’s time.  I want to fulfill my contract.  When I first signed on I had a contract for seven seasons, and this coming year is my seventh.  I just thought it was time for my character to go.”  With Michael Scott of out the picture, can the show still go on?  According to Carell the answer is a resounding yes.  “It doesn’t certainly mean the end of the show. I think it’s just a dynamic change to the show, which could be a good thing, actually.  Add some new life and some new energy…I see it as a positive in general for the show.”  When news broke of his potential exit from the show, he quickly became a trending topic on Twitter; fans were pretty upset.  Carell addressed the reaction, too.  “I didn’t see it as a huge thing and I certainly didn’t anticipate any sort of hubbub over it.  I’m just not going to extend my contract, but I didn’t see it as a huge deal.  And the show is great, and the ensemble is so strong, and the writers are great, so it’s just one part of that ensemble drifting off.  They’ve incorporated so many new characters and so many new, great storylines that I have no doubt it’ll continue as strong if not stronger than ever.”  While that is likely true, the show will not be the same with Carell absent.  Though negociations are still open for debate, it certainly seems like Carell is ready to call it quits.  And that’s what she said.

[Via E!Online]

Look! It’s The Walking Dead’s Rick Grimes brought to life

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Andrew Lincoln is ready to turn comic book hero Rick Grimes to life in AMC’s adaptation of Robert Kirkman’s fantastic comic book The Walking Dead.  Says Kirkman: “Writing this book for the past seven years I’ve gotten very close to the character of Rick.  Andrew Lincoln embodies every aspect of the character that fans know and love.  After seeing this photo I don’t think that there will be a doubt in anyone’s mind that he’s perfect for the role.”  The anticipation is killing me.  The Walking Dead premieres in October on AMC.

[Via IGN]

Glee’s panel at Comic Con will not include Shue, Finn, Rachel & Quinn

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With Comic Con just around the corner, Gleeks (or ultimate fans of the show Glee) are getting hyped for the Glee panel.  Typically Comic Con TV show panels include the show’s biggest stars.  For example, at last year’s Glee panel Matthew Morrison, Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, and Dianna Agron took the stage to interact with fans.  This year, however, none of those actors will be present.  Why?  Well it’s because FOX wants to give the rest of the cast time to shine in the spotlight amongst the show’s most rabid fans.  Twentieth Century Fox Television rep: “Last year, we brought down Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, and Dianna Agron.  Because we have such a large cast and we can’t bring everyone every year, this year we decided to bring down some of the cast who didn’t get to go last summer.  So this year, Chris Colfer [Curt], Amber Riley [Mercedes], Jenna Ushkowitz [Tina], Kevin McHale [Artie], Mark Salling [Puck], Heather Morris [Brittany], and Naya Rivera [Santana] will get to experience the convention, as well as co-creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.”  And Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester) is a no show (again) due to a scheduling conflict.  Bummer.  But it’ll be a blast to see Heather Morris live in person–she’s got great delivery (who could forget the “Dolphins are just gay sharks” line?).  With the promise of never-before-seen clips, I’m sure this year’s Glee panel will be just as memorable as the last.

[Via EW-AusielloFiles]