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Despite the rumor, Smallville’s Tom Welling will not play Superman in the big-screen Justice League film, according to Smallville executive producer Al Gough. Gough answered that and other fan questions at TV Guide.

Seth Green has signed on for two episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Buffy fans, I have a feeling Oz is all grown up now.

Life is Wild star D.W. Moffet stopped by Tube Talk to weigh in on my review of the show. Cool, huh?

Former Freaks and Geeks star John Francis Daley has landed the role of Booth and Brennan’s therapist on the FOX show Bones. Is he old enough to be a therapist? No matter. The trials and tribulations his character suffered through on Freaks and Geeks, including that dodge ball episode, have entitled him to many years on the sofa.

One of my TV boyfriends, Eddie Cibrian, has landed upcoming guest roles on ABC’s Samantha Who and Dirty Sexy Money. Someone at ABC loves Cibrian as much as I do.

Actor Steven Weber is headed to Brothers & Sisters as a love interest for Sarah, according to TV Guide. I guess that means Joe had better step it up. In other Brothers & Sisters news, Chevy Chase is scheduled to star as a love interest for Sally Field’s character.

ABC is resurrecting the short-lived 1998-99 series Cupid. Cupid’s creator, Rob Thomas, is developing the new version of the show. The new pilot will move its setting from Chicago to Los Angeles. The original Cupid starred Jeremy Piven, but this one won’t.

There are a few days left to register to win the hot new Nip/Tuck posters we’re giving away here at Tube Talk. The contest ends Monday. Good luck.

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The best and worst of Emmys 2007

Tony Soprano didn’t take home the gold. Neither did Denny Crane.

But those weren’t the most shocking moments of Emmy night. Nope, that honor goes to Sally Field, Ray Romano and Katherine Heigl for their potty mouths. And you thought the Emmys was just another boring award show.

Host Ryan Seacrest did a decent job, but quite frankly, he didn’t do much “hosting.” Thankfully, he left the stand-up comedy bits to the likes of Ray Romano and Ellen DeGeneres. Wise move, Ryan.

Here’s a rundown of the best and worst moments of the night.

Oh no, he didn’t!: During his opening monologue, Ryan Seacrest struck up a conversation with Eva Longoria about her dress and shoes, when he noticed her costar and his former dating companion Teri Hatcher. “Hello, Teri,” Seacrest purred seductively, as the audience erupted in laughter. Hatcher smiled awkwardly, as he added a quick, “You look great!” Nice save, Seacrest.

Worst skit: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and a leaf blower. It pains me to list two of the funniest guys on the planet under worst skit, but their bit about the “green Emmys” and a leaf blower, well, blew. It was so strained, that it appeared even they knew it wasn’t working. Colbert did have one funny line. He said his leaf blower ran on alternative fuel: “Al Gore’s tears; he’s a crybaby.”

Best ad-libbed moment: Jon Stewart redeemed himself when he and Colbert announced Ricky Gervais as the winner for best actor in a comedy. Gervais was a no-show to the event, so Stewart decided to give the award to someone else. “Ricky Gervais couldn’t be here tonight, so instead we’re going to give this to our friend Steve Carell.” The audience howled as Carell ran onstage, jumping in glee.

Strangest moment: Ryan Seacrest took the stage wearing a Henry VIII costume from the show The Tudors to do a gay joke. “This looked a lot less gay on the rack. Can I keep it?” Somewhere, Simon Cowell was rolling his eyes.

The musical montage: Ryan Seacrest didn’t sing. Lucky for us, he knows his limits. Instead, the Family Guy’s Brian and Stewey took the stage and delivered some funny musical lines including this gem: “ABC has got a lineup that is refreshing and alive, with its hits like Desperate Housewives just continuing to thrive. And those women look sensational for being 65!” Then, they went on to pick on The Sopranos infamous series ending, as they sang: “The Sopranos is a show I’d recommend, because you never know just how it’s gonna”…(the screen faded to black and silence, as the audience roared with laughter.) The singing duo also joked about the Grey’s Anatomy controversy. They sang that NBC was looking at bringing back Seinfeld, but with Isaiah Washington as Kramer. The camera then cut to T.R. Knight, smiling awkwardly. Ouch.

Who knew John Locke was funny? Claiming the prize for best supporting actor in a a drama series, Lost actor Terry O’Quinn delivered a funny speech about his working conditions: “Sometimes, when we’re rolling around in the jungle in the mud, and we’re hitting each other and stabbing each other and shooting each other and they’re pouring on the blood, I wonder what it would be like to bake up a sheet of cookies on Wisteria Lane. And get one of their checks.”

Best looking couple: Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl and Friday Night Lights star Kyle Chandler took the stage to present an award, but the two looked like they belonged on top of a wedding cake, instead. She was stunning in a long white gown, and he was equally stunning in an elegant black suit. Sadly, these two won’t ever get to share a scene on Grey’s; they blew him to bits in last year’s season finale.

Inside joke or coincidence?: I couldn’t help but laugh when Christina Aguilera sang Stepping out With my Baby with Tony Bennett. The pop star is rumored to be pregnant.

No one delivers a joke like Doogie: Neil Patrick Harris is a gem on How I Met Your Mother as ladies man Barney, where he delivers some of the best comedy on the tube. (Yes, I’m ticked he didn’t win for supporting actor.) In one of the funniest jokes of the night, Harris took aim at fellow presenter Hayden Panettiere when he delivered this line: “Hayden just turned 18. You know what that means ….new voter.”

You can’t say that!: The censors got a workout during the ceremony, but didn’t do the censoring very smoothly. Those watching at home weren’t sure what happened when the sound was cut and the screen showed a weird shot of the set, during Ray Romano’s comedy bit. He apparently used another word for “sleeping with” when taking a jab at his former costar Patricia Heaton’s new TV job. Later, the censors tried, awkwardly, to quickly cut away from Katherine Heigl as she uttered the word “S---“ on hearing her name called for best supporting actress in a drama. And finally, the censors silenced they flying nun. Yep, the censors cut the end of Sally Field’s acceptance speech for lead actress in a drama. She was almost finished with her “if mothers ruled the world” anti-war speech when she got a little too passionate and used the word “God” in front of “damned.”

Seacrest’s best joke: Taking a jab at notorious ladies man Jeremy Piven, of Entourage, Seacrest spotted gorgeous Heroes star Hayden Panettiere in the audience. “Congratulations on turning 18, Hayden. My gift: seating you as far away from Jeremy Piven as possible.”

You say “toe-may-toe” I say “toe-mah-toe”: The announcer mispronounced Katherine Heigl’s last name as “high-gel,” as she took the stage to present an award. Katherine quickly corrected the woman, saying, “It’s Hi-Gul,” laughing along with the audience. “It’s alright. It’s a hard name.” Later, when Heigl’s name was called for the best supporting actress in a drama, she acknowledged the announcer’s effort:“Thanks for getting my name right!”

Tell it like it is: Comedian Lewis Black did a stand-up bit during the show that at first seemed out of place. That was, until he began ranting against the TV networks for their ubuiquitous pop-up adverstisements, during programs, telling us what’s on next and for replacing the credits at the end of the shows with previews of what’s coming on next. As you know, I share his passion on the subject. He then took the news stations to task for the continuous crawl at the bottom of the screen: “The only thing you give us is attention deficit disorder!” Preach it, brother.


Elaine Stritch is hilarious: Whenever Elaine Stritch takes the Emmy stage, you know something intersting is about to happen. She usually keeps the audience in stitches and this year was no exception. She bumbled the reading of the teleprompter during her presenting gig before explaining to the audience that the mistake wasn’t planned: “I’m not faking this. I really don’t know what the Hell I’m doing.”

Best speech: James Spader delivered the goods. Looking completely stunned that TV mob boss James Gandolfini didn’t win, Spader began his speech with that acknowledgement. “I feel like I just stole a pile of money from the mob,” he quipped. Still shocked, he continued, “Where the Hell is Elaine Stritch when you need her?” Spader then went on to scold the Emmy folks for seating his bosses and half the audience behind the stage, where they could see only the backs of those on stage: “I’ve been to thousands of concerts in my life, and these are the worst seats I’ve ever had.” The audience erupted in laughter. Hey, I’d be pissed, too, if I had to watch the backs of people heads for the entire night. Spader then acknowledged the other nominees and issued a quick thank you.

Funniest presenters: Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher were hysterical during their presenting bit. “Do you like my dress,” Fisher asked, about her sexy gown with a plunging neckline. The 6-foot-plus Garrett glanced down and joked, “You should see it from up here. Note to self: Buy milk.” Garrett went on to complement Fisher’s appearance: “I think you just made Charlie Sheen’s to do list: that’s how amazing you look.” Cut to Charlie Sheen in the audience, shaking his head and laughing.

Hollywood loves Al Gore: At first I was confused as to why Al Gore was getting a standing ovation for co-founding Current TV, an interactive TV network. I’d never even heard of Current TV. (I know I’m not alone here, so Google it.) Then, I realized the audience wasn’t applauding his TV venture, just Al. They love this guy and his efforts to save the environement.

Dead people can’t hear, but we can: One of my pet peeves at these awards shows involves the somber memoriam tributes. As clips of the dearly departed are shown, from time to time, the audience erupts in applause. I propose that they either hold their applause to the end, or clap for all of the deceased. It’s offensive that some dead folks seem worthy of applause, but not all. Dead people can’t hear, but we can, and their families can, too.

Fashion notes: Strapless is in, ladies, in a big way. A slew of ladies wore strapless gowns to the event. As for best and worst dressed, no one pulled a Bjork this year, so I won’t pick on anyone particular. I loved Kate Walsh and Ali Larter’s red gowns. Vanessa Williams ruled the roost in a gorgeous green-feathered number. Felicity Huffman went glam with a hot pink plunging neckline, and Sandra Oh looked the best I’ve ever seen her at an awards show. Oh, when did Ugly Betty get so thin? America Ferrara looked beautiful in blue but very skinny compared to last year. I didn’t love Jaime Pressly’s gown. It seemed a little too “old” for her. In other words, her character Joy wouldn’t be caught dead in it. McDreamy, aka Patrick Dempsey, looked gorgeous, but why didn’t he do any of the red-carpet pre-show interviews?

Preshow fun: E! still does the best pre-show, but their entertainment news crawl at the bottom of the screen drove me insane! I was trying to listen to the stars’ interviews, look at their gowns, shoes, jewels, watch the cut-in box to see who else was arriving, and read the crawl at the bottom of the screen. No one’s brain can take in that much information, unless they have ADD. The crawl did reveal some fun facts: Lost’s Evangeline Lilly changed oil on big rigs to earn money for college and worked as a waitress and flight attendant, and Grey’s Anatomy’s Katherine Heigl starred in the lowest-earning movie in history, the 2006 thriller Zyzzyx Road grossed $30 t the box office. Over on the TV Guide channel, Joey Fatone and Lisa Rinna seemed nervous and anxious and rushed the celebrities off instead of chatting with them about their shows. Rinna’s catchphrase of “Have fun tonight” started to grate my nerves after she said it a hundred times. Is it too late to get Joan and Melissa back?

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Primetime Emmys 2007: Tube Talk Girl’s picks

It’s Emmy night! Tonight, our favorite TV stars will paint on the spray tans, put on double-stick tape to hold their barely-there evening gowns in place, and strut their stuff down the red carpet. Good times, Tubers. Good times.

I’m almost more excited about the pre-show coverage this year than the actual event. In the past, most of the hosts interviewing the TV stars knew nothing about the shows and failed to ask good questions. This year, I think things may be different. E!’s Kristin Veitch is helping out Ryan Seacrest, and she’s as big a TV buff as I am. So, I’m sure she’ll ask what enquiring minds want to know. Also, the TV Guide channel has Lisa Rinna and Joey Fatone pulling red-carpet duty, and that should be a hoot.

As for the Emmy show, here are my picks for who I want to win, not for who should win or will win. You’ve already seen those predictions from every other TV blog and magazine. So, these are my selfish picks with an explanation of why I chose them, because really, it all comes back to me.

My picks are highlighted in bold.

BEST DRAMA SERIES

“Sopranos”
“Grey’s Anatomy”

“Heroes”

“House”

“Boston Legal”

The Sopranos is favored to win by a landslide, and probably deserves it based on that brilliant finale. But I don’t care. I don’t get HBO and don’t watch the show regularly. My pick: Grey’s Anatomy. Yes, there were a few subpar episodes, but it’s still better than the too-scattered Heroes. House is too procedural for my taste, and while I adore Boston Legal, it’s a bit preachy and silly at times to win for best drama. Although, it might be fun to see William Shatner get up and thank “Denny Crane!”

BEST COMEDY SERIES

“Ugly Betty”

“The Office”

“Two and a Half Men”

“30 Rock”
“Entourage”

I’m torn on this one. Let’s just say I’ll be cheering in delight if either my beloved Ugly Betty or The Office take the prize. On the flip side, if Two and a Half Men lands this one, I may swear off television forever.

BEST DRAMA ACTOR

James Gandolfini, “The Sopranos”

Hugh Laurie, “House”

Denis Leary, “Rescue Me”

James Spader, “Boston Legal”

Kiefer Sutherland, “24″

I love Leary, but Laurie is my pick. Laurie always gives an interesting, funny speech, and let’s face it. I’m that shallow. It’s a long show. I also wouldn’t mind seeing Spader take the prize. He also gives good gab in acceptance speeches and once complimented the audience on their “wonderful choices in dresses and shoes.” No one does deadpan better. Gandolfini will probably win, as Emmy voters may give him a nice present to end his run as Tony Soprano.

BEST DRAMA ACTRESS

Sally Field, “Brothers and Sisters”

Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: SVU”

Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”

Edie Falco, “The Sopranos”

Minnie Driver, “The Riches”

Patricia Arquette, “Medium”

My pick: The flying nun all the way. Field is hilarious, neurotic and a complete joy to watch as the matriarch of the nutty Walker clan. She leaves me giggling or in tears on a weekly basis. I’m sure the other ladies in this category are equally talented, as well, but I don’t watch any of those shows so that’s no fun for me if they win. Plus, Field is known for her award show speeches. Maybe she’ll coin another “You like me” phrase at the podium.

BEST SUPPORTING DRAMA ACTOR
Michael Imperioli, “The Sopranos”

William Shatner, “Boston Legal”
Terry O’Quinn, “Lost”

T.R. Knight, “Grey’s Anatomy”

Masi Oka, “Heroes”

Michael Emerson, “Lost”

For me, the best reason to watch Heroes is Masi Oka. The show is too discombobulated at times with too many characters, but when Oka is on, I’m glued to the screen. He’s funny and often gives that dark show some much-needed light moments. A Shatner win would also make me smile because I love Denny Crane. Emerson is so creepy that he stands a good shot at winning, but he’s an Other and well, you know, I hate them.

BEST SUPPORTING DRAMA ACTRESS

Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy”

Sandra Oh, “Grey’s Anatomy”
Katherine Heigl, “Grey’s Anatomy”

Rachel Griffiths, “Brothers & Sisters”

Lorraine Bracco, “The Sopranos”

Aida Turturro, “The Sopranos”

There is no other choice for me in this category but the talented Wilson. I’m going to be one McAngry blogger if she doesn’t win. She’s been the one constant on Grey’s since its debut.

BEST COMEDY ACTOR

Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”

Tony Shalhoub, “Monk”

Steve Carell , “The Office”

Charlie Sheen, “Two and a Half Men”

Ricky Gervais” Extras”

Steve Carell is hysterical as Michael Scott. But the real reason he should take the gold: He has a proven track record at delivering entertaining award show acceptance speeches. His Golden Globe 2006 speech is legendary. He humorously claimed his wife wrote it. Let’s hope she fired up the computer this year.

BEST COMEDY ACTRESS

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “New Adventures of Old Christine”

America Ferrera, “Ugly Betty”

Tina Fey, “30 Rock”

Felicity Huffman, “Desperate Housewives”

Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds”

Ugly Betty, this had better be your night. Ferrera shines on a weekly basis as sweetheart Betty, so even if the show doesn’t win for best comedy, I’m hoping Ferrera will score the prize. The girl deserves it not just for her acting skills, but for having to wear that hideous wardrobe. What? Like you’d be caught dead in a red, “Guadalajaro” poncho.

BEST SUPPORTING COMEDY ACTOR

Jon Cryer, “Two and a Half Men”

Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”

Kevin Dillon “How I Met Your Mother”

Rainn Wilson, “The Office”
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”

Doogie is the man. Harris makes me laugh out loud every week as "legendary" Barney on How I Met Your Mother. He’s the best part of the show. I also wouldn’t mind Wilson scoring a win for Dwight Schrute. The guy his has own bobblehead, shouldn’t he have an Emmy?

BEST SUPPORTING COMEDY ACTRESS

Conchata Ferrell, “Two and a Half Men”

Jenna Fischer, “The Office”

Holland Taylor,“Two and a Half Men”

Jaime Pressly, “My Name Is Earl”

Vanessa Williams, “Ugly Betty”

Elizabeth Perkins, “Weeds”

This is like choosing my favorite chocolate. Williams is downright delicious as evil Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty. The show would have a huge void if she weren’t there plotting her evil plots. She’s a villain, but plays her with enough layers that we sometimes feel for her. I also wouldn’t mind to see Fischer win because we all know that Pam is the glue that holds The Office together. Pressly is also impressive as crazy Joy on Earl. No one does white trash better. It’s too hard to pick one choice here. If any of these three win, I’ll do a happy dance.

BEST REALITY SHOW - COMPETITION

“The Amazing Race”
“American Idol”

“Dancing with the Stars”

“Project Runway”

“Top Chef”

You know I LOATHE reality TV, but I’m smitten with Dancing with the Stars. Any show that can get Billy Ray Cyrus and Ian Ziering on the dance floor without coming across as cheesy is a winner in my book. Plus, it inspired me to take ballroom classes, and now I can cha-cha like Jerry Springer.

BEST REALITY SHOW

“Antiques Roadshow”

“The Dog Whisperer”

“Extreme Makeover”

“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List”

“Penn & Teller: Bullshit”

No comment. Enough said.

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Commentary with a Co-Ed: "Brothers and Sisters," It's New to Me

by Ashley Gouveia

For this week’s It’s New to Me, I’ve chosen a show that I’ve heard so much about but never watched an episode. I’m talking about ABC’s dysfunctional family drama Brothers and Sisters. I sat down with my box of Kleenex and prepared myself for a tear-jerking forty-something minutes. I know Sally Field stars in it, so I started getting flashbacks of Forrest Gump and knew I’d better be prepared.

The Walker clan seemed like a perfect American family. But, man, do they have problems. In the first episode, they weren’t aware of the secrets that Papa Walker kept from his wife and grown-up children. Sara, one of his daughters, only got an inkling of her father’s shady dealings, before he collapsed into the pool, after suffering a heart attack. I knew the father died in the first episode, so that wasn’t a shocker for me.

During the first thirty minutes, it felt a little slow. I think it might have been due to trying to keep up with all the new characters. However, it did speed up whenever Dave Annable came onscreen. I got to have the eye candy! It’s a key ingredient to any show I watch. What’s also a key factor is the likeability of the characters and their respective storylines. I have to be invested in the characters in order for me to continue to watch.

That only kicked in for me after the Sally Field/Calista Flockhart scene, where Nora (Field) confronted her daughter Kitty (that’s short for something, right?) on the reasons they haven’t spoken in three years. That’s when I grabbed for the Kleenex. Sally Field is amazing! I wished she had more time on screen in the episode. That’s the scene that got me sucked in wanting to find out what happens next.

Kitty’s relationship with her mother and Justin’s storyline are probably the most interesting to me. I know that Emily VanCamp eventually joins the cast, and I am a huge fan from her Everwood days. Actually, this show kind of reminds me of Everwood in some ways. That’s a reason to tune in every week.

What do you think? Do you think I should keep on watching or find something else? B&S fans, what’s your favorite aspect of the show?

Let me know of any show that you think could be ‘new to me.’ I appreciate all the comments from last week. I am now officially hooked on Ugly Betty. Keep them coming! Until next week.

Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Thursday.

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Rob Lowe joins Brothers and Sisters

Rob Lowe is returning to television. The good news is that it’s not for a stinker-of-a-show like Dr. Vegas. Instead, Lowe is joining one of the season’s best new shows, Brothers and Sisters on ABC.

Lowe will play a Republican senator, who becomes a love interest for Calista Flockhart, according to TV Guide. He debuts on Nov. 19.

Lowe is most well-known to TV addicts for his role on The West Wing. But those of us who grew up in the 1980s will forever know him as Sodapop from The Outsiders and for his roles in Class and St. Elmo’s Fire.

Those of you who’ve been lukewarm toward Brothers and Sisters, believe me when I tell you the show has improved with each episode. (Greg Berlanti of Dawson’s Creek and Jack and Bobby fame is one of the executive producers.) Sally Field, Calista Flockhart and Dave Annable are the reasons to watch, and the newly added Treat Williams is — yes I’m going to say it — a real treat.

Catch Brothers and Sisters on ABC Sundays at 10 p.m. EST.

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