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Moonlight fans, do I have a treat for you. Earlier today I spoke with one of the show’s stars, Jason Dohring, or as you know him, Josef, one of the world’s oldest vampires.
Dohring was kind enough to take time to speak me and a few other TV press folks and was as charming as ever.
He’s so excited for us to see the upcoming episodes he could hardly contain himself. From the spoilers he gave us, the future episodes sound awesome, or as Jason put it, “F------ awesome!”
Thanks again to Jason and to CBS for this interview. And don’t forget to watch Moonlight this Friday at 9 p.m. I don’t think I’m alone here when I say, “Don’t die Coraline!”
Here’s the interview transcript. CBS did not provide a transcript, so I transcribed our conversation from my tape to the best of my abilities. In places, the word "frakking" has been substituted for another F word that we can't print here.
Do you know if the show will be delving more into Josef’s past to explore his past loves and how he’s managed to become so successful? Yes, absolutely. I think the successful thing [came] more in the first episode, with the hedge fund trader, and the real estate. In the episode this Friday, you find out basically why he’s always concerned about Mick dating humans and being with humans, like what is that? There’s basically a personal reason that Josef’s gone through. I don’t know if it’s proper or whatever, but I always kind of take the idea that maybe Josef has gone through what Mick’s going through. Maybe one time he was a good person, and you’ll sort of see glimpses of that, you know, with my former hairstyle, and my really nice suit in New York in this week’s episode.
Is Josef going to get a love interest? That’s fantastic man. You’re going to find out. You’ll see some really cool stuff in this next episode. I don’t know if that’s too much of a spoiler or whatever, but you’ll definitely see some love interest. You’ll see. I don’t know how to explain it or whatever. I think he would. Like Logan, he’s probably a tough guy to live with. There was an episode with Lola or whatever. They had the on again off again thing. I would really like to see someone that could match him, they fight, they get back together. I think it would be quite a passionate relationship.
How many episodes are left with the strike, what are we going to see, what does the future hold?
Les Moonves said a few days ago, some kind stuff about our show and The Big Bang Theory, about us coming back for a second season. I can’t speak for the producers, but that was given in a press interview, which is obviously a good sign. There’s a lot of plus points. Our show is one of two shows that have been up-trending in viewership. So obviously that’s a good sign. We’re right around 8 million, which is pretty high. Having CBS as backup, promo-ing the show, you’re sitting there watching golf and see a promo, which helps out a lot. We just finished shooting number 12 about 3 or 4 days ago. It was very good. There’s a vampire that comes that makes me look like a pauper which is cool. It goes back in history. We have some great history, makeup and sets, and like an old world, from a different time feel to the show and the storyline comes out. I think it’ll be really cool to see how it all turns out. Great makeup and George Washington hair and all that cool stuff. [Air date] is sometime in January. (Episodes) 11 and 12 will both air in January [January 4th and 11th].
How is the experience on Moonlight different from your experience on Veronica Mars?
Yeah, there’s a couple things I guess. The characters are obviously a bit different. You know, I think, they both have really interesting stories. Josef was kind of the expansion of a character, it’s like the 400 years aspect, as we’ll find more about as the story unfolds. There’s so much history. As an actor, each new script that comes out, you kind of add to that. You don’t know beforehand, when you first started, what your history is, but you sort of learn as you do it. You’re sort of picking that up and putting that in your character as you go. So I think it adds more to the storyline like that. And I think, just being on CBS is quite a bit different. It’s a bigger cast. You’re at Warner Bros which is quite close to my house so I don’t have to trek down to San Diego, which is kind of nicer. Just those two aspects more than anything else.
The blood on this show – what is that?
There’s two generations. We got love handles from the first one. It was pure sugar and you just wake up feeling horrible so you have to change it. The new generation is pomegranate juice and something else. It’s a concoction that the props guys make up. Yeah, it’s good. It’s quite sweet. It’s a little hard to keep a straight face when you’re taking it down, but [adopts awesomely cocky attitude voice] that’s why they pay us the big bucks.
What are some shows that you watch on TV?
Oh boy, I really enjoy Deadwood. I enjoy The Office, Family Guy. Moonlight, Veronica Mars, I don’t know, that’s about it (laughter.)
How do you prepare for a role like this, where you’re sort of eternally young and going through these things?
I can’t quite help that, because I just am young, ya know what I mean? As far as the role, it’s an ongoing thing. You can study all the things on the vampires for as long as you can live in LA. There’s so many books on it. We kind of have our own code, and before we even started, I was reading some Ann Rice books, getting a feel of what vampires are like, why are they different from humans. I think there’s a lot to do with “esp”, they can tell when other vampires are nearby, they can tell who are humans, they can perceive what’s really going on, and these are really cool character elements for an actor to work on. I’m very happy to be able to have that opportunity. Every actor wants to play a vampire.
What about the character made him interesting to you?
It came to me, as basically two pages, was the audition scene. So originally it was an older guy and they hadn’t finished the script yet, so the two pages I got was essentially the first scene that was in the pilot episode, on the phone, and I’m sort of talking to Mick and he comes in. I was immediately fascinated with the character. Very, very, very sharp, you know? I don’t know, very keen, has a very hard edge. And then, I guess as it sort of develops, you got more that the writers do their thing, and you get more backstory and get familiar with the character and you see where he’s been, what the history was, that led to becoming who he is. It just gets more interesting over time, but it started out cool.Josef is so paranoid about the humans finding out about the vampire community.
Are we ever going to get into how he gets a hold of his staff (some who are human, some who are vampires), and how he keeps all of them, to keep the [vampirism] from getting out?
I think at some point, if it gets too out of hand, people are just like “come on please” and it doesn’t become believable. I think he has a lot of poise. He’s able to keep his guys at bay. I don’t know to what degree he disposes of these guys. There was talk in the earlier episodes that he was ruthless guy. Then you see that maybe he does have humanity. I think it would be an interesting point. Mostly he just bankrolls them. I don’t know I’ll just make it up – he wipes them out afterwards.
Going past episode 12, do you know anything about what your character is expected to see?
It’s pretty much in the formulistic stages, with regard to that. Obviously, there’s no scripts written. There’s some possible stuff. The one thing that I heard is basically a betrayal of Josef against Mick. Something Josef’s been telling him all along is not true, and it’s very important to Mick. That’ll lead to some very cool stuff. There’s some great stuff coming up. I’m so excited for you to see it. Particularly, in episode 11, I think you’re going to fall in love with this one character, she’s just unreal, this girl.
The next question kind of goes along with that – some of the readers of our site were interested in seeing Josef and Mick as possible enemies – is that something you’d want to play?
Oh absolutely, I’m always kind of in favor of changing things around. You can always come around. I think that would be great. He can stand up to the best of them, so I’d like to see him maybe tear me a new one ha.
A lot of the scenes that people have really responded to have been ones where there is real male camaraderie going on. Is there going to be more of that male bonding coming up? Or is that going to be fractured?
I hope it never gets to that. I think it’s a part of who these guys are. A big part of why Josef is in the storyline at all is because he’s somewhat of a mentor, a safe person that Mick can ask about certain experiences he’s going through and how they relate to Josef’s knowledge of the situation. They’re the scenes that I enjoy the most. A lot of that banter back and forth. Hopefully, we’ll get a lot more.
There’s a lot of action on Moonlight and I was wondering if you expect to see Josef get in on the action?
All they had was me slipping on the rooftop so far, which is the extent of my action, I don’t know if you saw that one, where I like jump up on the roof or whatever. I expect that there would be some more. I would love to se him get in a fight. I’d be curious to see how they write it. I think perhaps, he [F----], oops, sorry about that just vamps out. He goes nuts. He just totally loses his mind. I think that would be so cool.
Obviously, vampires have been the big fear of many for years. What is your own personal biggest fear? Oh my God, that’s a great question! It’s funny. I think I would have to say looking around and seeing the way that the world is now as opposed to where it was 40 to 50 years ago, it’s pretty crazy. It’s funny for like a kid my age, growing up, because it’s way different than my parents. They grew up with morals and manners and stuff like that and I look around at my friends and I think, damn, dude, where did that go and what happens when they have kids? Really, it’s not a light matter. You look at 100s and 100s and 1000s of years, it’s been that way, and in the last 40 or 50 years it’s gone down man so it’s like, damn you gotta pick it back up. That’s scary to me.
Who are some of your favorite actors/actresses, who would you love to work with?
Dude, I always see movies and say “oh I would add that to my list” and then someone asks me and I can’t think. Brando, Dean, and Clift. Those are all no longer here, but Kevin Kline would be awesome to work with. I’d love to work with Ryan Gosling, I think he’s awesome. I think Jeff Bridges is unbelievable. I think he’s very underrated. Alfred Molina I love. I think Meryl Streep is fantastic, I think she does amazing work. Jessica Lange is beautiful.
To go along with that question, if you could do anything in the world, any type of project, what would it be?
Gosh, I would probably do Shakespeare with the above guys. It would just be so amazing. The concepts in that, I don’t know, just with my horrible answer to what am I scared of, they deal with concepts like that in Shakespeare, you know what I mean? He saw these things and he saw that sort of stuff, so when you get actors that can play that sort of thing. Like, did you guys see Love Actually? There’s this scene with Emma Thompson. It breaks your heart, man. She’s just talking to her husband, talking basically about this girl that he might be in love with or whatever, and then she totally lets it go, and goes on to the next thing and shuts it out of her life. You just go, oh my god, it just breaks your heart. I love those moments in acting. That’s what I try to find sometimes. What that actually does, you take it on as a universal concept. You see like this kid who gets hit by his dad, but you really see that dude, and you see what that does to that kid. Then when you talk about it, it’s a little bit different, if you can actually see what that does, what the ramifications are. That’s why these great actors are so good, because they make you feel it man, and they see it. If you can see it, then you can put it in your act.
Do you have any upcoming movie projects?
I just messed around with some friends of mine. We did a little short film [called Struck] that you’ll probably wind up seeing at some point. It’s only about 7 minutes long. I play a guy that’s not like any of these guys. It’s a really lovely story. I think you’ll see. I play like a really loose nice guy, and it’s a little bit cool for a change of pace. There are a couple movies I might be working on soon. It more or less depends on the strike though. I can’t be in the middle of a movie, and they call you back to work on this project and have to abandon the movie.
How do you prepare to play this part? Do you have a technique, do you use Method?
I suppose I just read it over and over and over and get my idea of things. I think what I said earlier is kind of like more how I approach it. If you can look at life, man if you can really see life, you can bring that sort of knowledge to your acting. Gosh, it’s amazing man. I think the people that can’t, don’t get it, don’t see that, are missing lots of things that they could bring to their work. I just read it over and over and kind of more, dramatize it. You take a little line or a little piece of something and you look at it a bunch of different ways, you can add a story to it yourself if it’s not in the script and make it bigger for yourself. And then when you say it…you know what I mean? If you’re talking about, say your father, who is never mentioned before and that sort of thing, what that relationship is like, you know, so when you talk about it, you know. People feel that. When people are just talking to you in their everyday life and they’re talking to you about experiences that they’ve had, you get what they’re talking about, what they’re looking at when they’re talking to you. I think it’s great that as an actor you can create it how you want. It’s very creative; it doesn’t leave you in the past. Method is, I don’t know. It’s just the people I’ve seen do it, I don’t know, I don’t want to say anything I guess because there’s people that do it with great success. I think there’s another way to do it that it’s not so hard on yourself. You can take it and make it whatever you want, based on your ideas of life, or your ideas about that certain situation. You can create it whatever way you want, based on the story, and how you want it to be looked at and what you want people to feel from it. It’s beautiful actually.
You don’t take anything from your life, you’d rather imagine it?
Yeah, totally, but not to the point where it’s like, oh I don’t know about that, when I do? If I’ve seen something in my life, I know what that’s like. I’m not going to not use my knowledge of life, you know what I mean? I don’t consciously go back to that moment and feel that pain. It’s like, yeah I know what it’s like to be broken up with; I know what the feels like. It’s like [frakking] time just caves in on you, it’s [frakking] unbelievable. It’s the worst feeling in the [frakking] world or when you break up with somebody else. You see that all the time in drama, and if you really look at it, it’s probably one of the top five worst things that’s ever happened to you and if you look at it like that, you really look at it, you come up with some really special stuff for those moments.
I read somewhere that you have two sets of identical twin siblings. Is that true?
They’re both identical, which doesn’t run in the family, like we don’t have twins anywhere in the family, like it’s not hereditary. We don’t have twins anywhere in the family, so it’s like one in a million chance.
Thank you guys so much, I really appreciate it, thanks for letting me talk about the acting for a little bit!
That's it Tubers. Don't forget to vote for Moonlight in the People's Choice Awards.
It always amazes me the entertainment treasures one can find lurking on You Tube. Check out this 1990 Doritos commercial with Jay Leno. If you watch until 17 seconds in, you’ll see the former man-of-steel, Dean Cain, at 17 seconds in. Yes, Cain is hawking Jumpin’ Jack Cheese flavor Doritos. (It’s been a while since I posted my Dean Cain post of the week, so here it is.) Also, I’m pretty sure that the girl with the crazy curly hair was on Saved by the Bell. Am I wrong?
In an open letter to fans from their My Space page, writers/producers Carter Bays and Craig Thomas spilled the beans about the much-debated identity of the show’s self-titled “mother,” just in case television doesn’t survive the strike.
I’m sure they’re joking, but take it for what you will. Here’s the quote:
“And just in case the strike goes on so long that the medium of television goes out of business forever and we never get to make another episode, the mother is the coat check girl.”
Funny, right?
Here is the duo’s open letter to fans about what’s happening with the show since the strike.
LETTER TO THE FANS
Hello HIMYM fans. Motherheads? Howsiers? What are you calling yourselves these days? So first things first, thank you for the incredible support you guys have given us over the years. We mean it. When you create a show, you never think you're doing anything more than telling a funny story. But apparently we've created a community, and it seems to be a community of pretty decent people. It's a community we'd probably want to have a beer with.
Our fans seem cool and smart and funny, and it drives us to want to make the show better, to never let it stagnate, to always push ourselves to try something interesting and new. So thank you. Anyway, we'd like to take a little moment here to come out from behind the desk, cool-11th-grade-english-teacher-style, roll up our sleeves and "rap" at you guys for a bit. We want to talk about the strike.
By now you probably know what strike we're talking about, but if you don't, watch this movie. What it boils down to is this: Tonight’s episode of “How I Met Your Mother” is the last new one for a while. Starting next week, we grimly trudge off the map and into the desert of reruns and reality TV. We can’t tell you how difficult this last month and a half has been for us, both personally and professionally. We work with the best people in this business – the best at their jobs, the best at being nice and decent human beings – and the thought of all of them out of work over the holidays is almost too much to bear. We miss them all every day.That’s by far the suckiest part of the strike – nothing tops that.
But there’s other suckiness, such as the suckiness of having to put this story on pause. We love our show. We love the stories we get to tell. And this year on How I Met Your Mother, we think the story is particularly great. A very juicy, breathtaking, funny, and (to use our director Pam's word) yummy story was just starting to unfold as the ax began to fall. We're very excited about the second half of this season, and not bringing it to you right now, factory-direct, sparkling-new, is simply killing us.But enough with our problems.
The reason we’re writing today is to beseech you guys, the fans of this show, to bear with us. The love and support you’ve shown us over the last two and a half seasons has been truly surprising and awesome, and we hope you’ll rejoin us when this whole mess is over with. But for now, this is going to have to be a long distance relationship. We know you’ll get lonely, and Mario Lopez is such a good dancer… but come on, hang in there. Sure, long distance doesn’t ever work for anyone, but we’re different. What we’ve got is special. We can make this work.
But in the meantime, if you want to help us end this strike quickly, please visit www.fans4writers.com. That site explains exactly what the WGA is asking for, exactly why it’s completely reasonable, and exactly how you can show your support. And just in case the strike goes on so long that the medium of television goes out of business forever and we never get to make another episode, the mother is the coat check girl.
I don’t usually plug game shows here at Tube Talk, but I’m making an exception for this news, as I know many of you are huge fans of The Office.
On Wednesday from 8-10 p.m., The Office accounting department will join a Florida man, on Deal or No Deal on NBC, as he tries to win $1 million. Brian Baumgartner, Angela Kinsey and Oscar Nunez show up to offer support. The Office is the man’s favorite show, according to NBC.
Other guest stars this week on Deal or No Deal are Sugar Ray Leonard on Monday and actress Megan Hilty on Tuesday.
The wedding was a small affair on the roof of a luxury high-rise with Baio and Sloan’s new baby daughter in attendance, as well as Sloan’s 18-year-old daughter. The wedding was filmed for the VH1 reality show Scott Baio is 45 …and Single, premiering next month. (Of course it was.)
Baio returned to television last year in the reality series that examined his fear of marriage. At the end of the show, Sloan told Baio she was pregnant.
I’m curious as to whether VH1 will change the name of the show now to Scott Baio is 46…and Married?
On Friday, negotiations between Hollywood producers and writers stalled. Instead of an agreement that would end the five-week old strike, it seems the two sides are farther apart than ever on key issues.
Producers claim that the writers are simply stalling talks and being unreasonable in their demands, even wanting jurisdiction over reality TV. The writers claim producers aren’t listening to their demands on new media compensation such as Internet downloads.
I think I speak for all of us when I say, “Why can’t this be resolved?” Is it greed, years of resentment for past treatment, or a simple power struggle?
Whatever the underlying reasons, prolonging the strike is a detriment for the television genre. It means a schedule full of reality programs and game shows, which for the record, I refuse to watch.
On behalf of TV fans everywhere, I’m begging, folks, end this thing now. Call in Jimmy Carter, put on some Beatles music, and let’s try to all get along, shall we? If TV fans walk away from their favorite past time completely, while the two sides are fighting, the fans may not come back, ever. That would be a loss for writers and producers. And that’s something we can all agree on.
To read the official statement from the WGA after Friday’s talks, click here.
Those of you who couldn’t wait to see the kiss between Brennan and Booth on Bones, consider this an early Christmas present.
Here is some behind-the-scenes footage of David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel before, after, and during the kiss. This is a longer version that actually aired. (In other word, I counted to at least nine steamboats.)
Our favorite detectives have been on hiatus since the end of summer, but they’re back tonight in special Christmas-themed episodes.
So, get out marshmallows and hot chocolate, kick up your feet and take a break from all the shopping, wrapping, decorating and socializing.
I’ve seen both shows, and they provide a fun-filled relief from all the holiday craziness. Get your laugh on starting with Monk at 9 p.m. ET. Monk becomes the town Grinch when he shoots a man dressed as Santa Claus. Monk is desperate to clear his name and foil a criminal plot before Christmas.
Then, on Psych, at 10 p.m.,Shawn and Gus spend Christmas with the Gusters. Gus’ father is fingered as the main suspect in a murder case. Shawn uses his “psychic” ability to solve the “ho-ho-homicide.”
Is there any better storytelling device than unrequited love? I don’t think so.
It’s what keeps us TV romantic types watching with the hope that someday Booth and Brennan will fall in love, on Bones, or that Clark will realize that Chloe is his true Lois Lane, on Smallville.
Sometimes, unrequited love works out. (Jim got Pam, Felicity got Ben, and Pacey got Joey. Woo HOO!) Other times, not so much. (Sorry Buffy and Angel and Joey and Rachel.)
In all my years of TV watching, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a fan following for unrequited love, as I’ve seen for Chloe and Clark on Smallville. Fan fiction stories and You Tube videos are created for them daily, and message boards are filled with viewers analyzing every single word and gesture of Clark and Chloe's scenes together for subtext.
It could be that the masses identify with Chloe, a normal gal, who will always be in love with her super hero Clark, only for him to be in love with the town’s most popular dark-haired beauty. Or it could be that folks just can’t get enough of an unrequited love story.
Whatever the reason for the fan fascination with this couple, it’s evident that Clark and Chloe are a draw for viewers. The Smallville writers have blown it big time in not pursuing a bigger story there. (My apologies to the Smallville folks if in fact that is planned in upcoming episodes, but I’m not holding my breath.) The opportunity was ripe this year, with Jimmy Olsen entering the scene to give Clark a wake-up call, but the future man of steel has been too bogged down in the adventures of his super girl cousin, visits from his mother and other aliens, and his continued obsession with Lana Lang to notice much going on in Chloe’s life.
If you think I’m exaggerating the appeal of this non-couple, please check out this superb video from the incredibly talented Ashley, who I’m sure has a successful future in video production if she chooses.
NBC just announced its schedule for the upcoming months.
It’s a blend of reality programming, new original programs, and new episodes of old favorites such as Friday Night Lights, Las Vegas, Scrubs, ER, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and the returns of Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
I’m most looking forward to the new dramedy Lipstick Jungle, starring Brooke Shields. It premieres February 7, so mark your calendars. I haven’t seen a screener yet, but I’ll keep you posted.
Here’s the official schedule, according to a press release. All times are ET.
Mondays (effective January 7, 2008)
8-9 p.m. -- "American Gladiators"; (premieres Sunday, January 6, 9-11p.m.)
10-11 p.m. - "Law & Order" (premieres January 2 with a two-hour debut)
Thursdays (effective January 3, 2008)
8-8:30 p.m. - NBC Comedy Series
8:30-9 p.m. - NBC Comedy Series
9-10 p.m. - "The Celebrity Apprentice" (season premiere)
10-11 p.m. - "ER" ("Lipstick Jungle" premieres February 7 in time slot)
Fridays (effective January 4, 2008)
8-9 p.m. - "1 vs. 100"
9-10 p.m. - "Friday Night Lights"
10-11 p.m. - "Las Vegas"
Additional dates:
Sunday, January 6, 2008
7-9 p.m. - "Deal or No Deal"
9-11 p.m. - "American Gladiators" (two-hour series premiere; regularnight January 7)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
8-11 p.m. - "The 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards"
Sunday, January 27, 2008
9-11 p.m. - "The Guinness Book of World Records - Live!"
Thursday, February 7, 2008
10-11 p.m. - "Lipstick Jungle"
Sunday, February 10, 2008
9-11 p.m. -- "Top 100 Most Outrageous Moments"Mondays (effective February 18, 2008)
8-9 p.m. -- "The Baby Borrowers" (series premiere)
NBC's reality series "The Baby Borrowers" is an intriguing new socialexperiment based on the hit British program that asks five diverseteenage couples -- ages 18-20 -- to fast-track to adulthood by settingup a home, getting a job and becoming caring parents first to babies,toddlers, pre-teens and their pets, teenagers and senior citizens -- allover the course of three weeks. Through this emotional, dramatic journey, each young couple will get a unique opportunity to peer into the future and see what they (and their partners) might be like if they remain together and decide to build a family. Tested by the everyday ups and downs of taking care of others and maintaining a relationship, most of the teens find themselves looking at all of their relationships and notions of parenthood in a new light. "The Baby Borrowers" is produced by Love Productions. Richard McKerrow (the U.K.'s "Cirque de Celebrite") and Tom Shelly ("Survivor") are executive producers."The Guinness Book of World Records - Live!" special will feature acountdown to the craziest world records held in history leading up to alive, death-defying stunt never seen before on television.
"TheGuinness Book of World Records - Live!" is produced by TrueEntertainment. "Top 100 Most Outrageous Moments" is a fun-filled special featuring 100 of the most outrageous moments of all time. It's the ultimate countdown to the best of the best clips that will keep viewers laughing out loud for hours. Clips include viewer submissions, TV show bloopers, games show flubs, classic outrageous moments and all-new never before-seen moments.
"Top 100 Most Outrageous Moments" is a follow-up to NBC's successful "Outrageous Moments" franchise. "Top 100 Most Outrageous Moments" is produced by Scott Satin ("Who Wants to Be a Superhero?")
A voice from beyond just passed on this ghostly secret. (OK, not a voice so much, but an official e-mail from NBC.)
Medium is returning to NBC for its fourth season on January 7 at 10 p.m. ET.
(This post is for Sally, one of the trainers at my gym, who keeps asking me when Medium is returning.) Here’s the scoop, Sally, on what’s ahead this season on Medium.
Allison (Emmy winner Patricia Arquette) and her family's world is turned upside down after her abilities are publicly exposed, resulting in sweeping changes both professionally and personally. For the past three seasons, Allison has served as a part-time consultant to the district attorney's office in Phoenix, Arizona, using her psychic abilities to solve violent and horrifying crimes that have mystified authorities, including her nowformer boss D.A. Devalos (Miguel Sandoval, "The Division") and others within the criminal justice system.
Academy Award-winning screen legend Anjelica Huston ("Prizzi's Honor")will guest-star this season as Cynthia Keener, an investigator for anational firm called "Ameritips," who strikes an unusual professionalarrangement with Allison for her crime-solving abilities.Jake Weber ("Meet Joe Black") stars as Allison's exceptionallysupportive husband Joe, also left looking for work after recenttraumatic events. Sofia Vassilieva ("Eloise at the Plaza") and MariaLark ("10.5") star as Ariel and Bridget, the two eldest DuBois children,who both share their mother's psychic gift to varying degrees. DavidCubitt ("10.5: Apocalypse") stars as Detective Lee Scanlon and MadisonCarabello plays the DuBois' youngest daughter, Marie.
There have been plenty of new shows this season to get excited about (Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money and Chuck) but it was the last installment of Moonlight that really solidified this show as a must see.
The final shower scene was so deliciously good that it left me wanting more. Did Beth really kill Coraline? I’m guessing yes, since she apparently had the cure to turn vampires back to humans. (It’s hard to have a show about vampires if they’re not vampires.)
But for the sake of entertainment, I hope Coraline isn't dead. She really knows how to push Mick’s buttons.
Moonlight has been fantastic so far, but the last episode was exceptional. Coraline and Mick have off-the-charts chemistry. And I think everyone can understand what it’s like to love someone who isn’t good for them.
Sadly, there was no new episode last week and there isn’t one this week either. We have to wait until December 14 for the next new show.
Meanwhile, for all of you who are missing Mick and the gang, please check out this video behind the scenes at Moonlight. It’s quite a shocker for those of you who’ve never seen Alex O’Loughlin or Sophia Myles in an interview. Let’s just say, they’re not from around here! Enjoy the accents.
Barely a day had passed since Dancing With the Stars pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy told TV Guide he wouldn’t return next season to the popular ABC show, before he apparently changed his mind.
Chmerkovskiy told the magazine that seeing the story in print and the outpouring of support helped change his mind.
"When I read the article, I was like, 'ah… what have I said?' It was very tear-jerky for me," he said. "I'm honored to be part of this show, and the most important thing is the promotion of ballroom dance. When I had a free moment, I read all the e-mails and looked at my fan site and people were just devastated, to say the least. I didn't mean to do that."
He apparently misses home and was exhausted from the grueling dance schedule. But, Maks hopes to be asked back next season.
Can I get a woo-hoo? I know many of you were freaking out that Maks wouldn’t be shaking his booty on the next installment, if my overflowing e-mail box was any indication.
Let’s hope the DWTS people realize that Maks is one of the reasons so many folks tune in to the show and ask him to return.
To read the complete interview on why Maks had a change of heart, click here.
Volume Two has come to an end and can I just say, “Why?!” It was finally getting over the sophomore slump and it had to end now?
Anyway, rant over. The episode was fantastic. The show definitely brought it’s A game all the way to the last second. The ending left me feeling oddly nostalgic but hyped for the continuing chapters. Throughout the hour there were moments where I felt like I was watching season one Heroes. In this case, that’s a very good thing.
Hiro stopping time and meeting Peter brought flashbacks to the subway scene where we heard for the first time, “Save the Cheerleader, Save the World.” But this time there was not even a mention about the cheerleader. It was all about Hiro attacking him with the sword. How cool was the PrimaTech break in scene with people getting thrown all over the place by Peter and Adam? That was all sorts of cool.
One of my favorite moments of the night was Hiro’s reaction to seeing Nathan again. “Flying Man!” There is the Hiro I know and love. Oh, how I have missed you. Please don’t ever go back to 1671 Japan. You are needed for the comic relief that was lacking this season. I have a feeling that because of what he ended up doing to Adam (buried alive, creepy!) it might change him. The lovable naïve Trekkie, with an ambition to be a hero, might be gone for good.
I wasn’t annoyed with Elle’s character this week. I found her to be a lot more interesting than I previously did. Maybe because she had more to do than just being a loony toon with a shock treatment. It was great to see her go up against Sylar, even if it was just for a minute.
Speaking of Mr. Evil, he was finally ousted as a psycho to Maya. Mohinder had to explain it all. Sylar wasn’t even all that convincing of being the “good” guy. Perhaps she was lost in his eyes. I guess the twin ESP thing didn’t work since she only realized her brother was killed because of Molly and her abilities.
There were plenty of deaths in Monday’s finale. But some didn’t stick and some will be a guessing game ‘til 2008. Nathan being shot at the podium and Nikki being blown up after saving Monica were the most shocking. The final moments of Nathan giving his speech over the montage of flashbacks were amazing. What can I say? I’m a sucker for the voiceover montages. On Heroes they are always poignant and effective.
Volume 3 is titled “Villains” and what better way to start that off than by witnessing Sylar regaining his powers. He’s back! Well, not really. Not until some time next year. Darn!
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Thursday.
Imagine the phone ringing and sexy Lex Luthor (actor Michael Rosenbaum) is on the other end.
A phone call from Lex is just one of several prizes in a new raffle to help support the writers’ strike Pencils2MediaMoguls campaign.
Several TV show runners are trying to drum up support for the campaign by offering some fun raffle prizes from their shows. Among the lot so far, an autographed Lost finale script, a phone call from the Lost creators and star Matthew Fox to answer your Lost questions, and Jamie Barber’s towel from Battlestar Galactica.
To check out what else you can win, visit the pencils2mediamoguls site. Good luck! If a Tube Talk reader is lucky enough to win a call from Sexy Lexy, I expect a full report!
Hottie Maksim Chermokovskiy won’t be back next season on Dancing With the Stars, according to TV Guide.
Chermokovskiy wants to return to professional ballroom dancing competition, he said. He’s also busy working on choreographing a New Year’s Eve show at the Wyn in Las Vegas.
That sound you hear? Hearts breaking across America, including mine.
Maks became a celebrity himself, during his years on the show, due to his incredible dance moves and fiery personality.
He was favored to win Dancing With the Stars this year, as his partner Mel B was the most talented dancer in the finale. However, racecar driver Helio Castroneves roared away with the title. Maks and Mel finished second. Last year, Maks and partner Laila Ali finished third.
To read the interview with Maks and his take on why a woman can’t win Dancing With the Stars, check out the story at TV Guide.
Former vampire slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar is considering a return to television, according to E!Online’s scoop diva Kristin Dos Santos.
Gellar is allegedly not happy with the movie scripts she’s been receiving. I can’t blame her. Most of the movies I watched this year weren’t worth the rental fee. (Superbad and Chuck and Larry, I’m talking to you.) Perhaps Gellar realized that all those horror flicks and Scooby Doo sequels don’t come close to rivaling the incredible storytelling occurring on television right now.
Gellar is rumored to be looking at a new Darren Star production. Yes, that Darren Star, of Melrose Place fame. I’m salivating at the thought of it.
Also, if you haven’t heard, Joss Whedon and Eliza Dushku are also returning to television in a new drama called Dollhouse.
Desperate Housewives That twister that hit Wisteria Lane left a street full of devastation. In the voiceover intro, we were told one of the ladies would lose a husband and that they would all lose a friend. Gaby’s spouse, Victor, was impaled with a white picket fence. How’s that for symbolism? (One husband down.) But the friend? My money is on poor Ida. I’m guessing she woke up and went looking for her cat, right into the path of the tornado. I blame Lynette. We’ve seen a lot of selfish behavior through the years on this show, but Lynette consistently exhibits self-absorbed behavior. Pushing her way into her neighbor’s basement during the storm and then insisting Ida’s cat be removed is so typical Lynette. Kudos to Mrs. Landingham, oops, Mrs. McClusky for calling Lynette out on her selfish behavior that she only acts like a friend when she needs something. Why didn’t Lynette and Tom go to another neighbor’s house or a shelter? Maybe this storm will teach Lynette how to be a friend. On second thought, she’s got Gaby, Susan and Bree as her companions, so there’s probably no hope for Lynette.
Las Vegas Sam is back at the Montecito. Can I get a woo-hoo? Her bowling meeting with Cooper was a fun tête-à -tête during a game of bowling. I finally figured out what’s bugging me about Tom Selleck’s stiff-jawed portrayal of Cooper. He’s missing the Thomas Magnum sense of humor. Selleck excels in levity. To see it restrained in this role is a real downer. Did you catch his hilarious stint on Friends? Yes, Cooper is daunting, scary and mysterious. But I miss his fun side. Ed Deline managed a perfect balance of both. Let’s hope Selleck finds his smile soon. It’s too pretty not to be seen. Meanwhile, Danny and Mike caught the robbers. But poor Danny, every member of his family has now ended up six-feet under. DeLinda, you should think twice before marrying into the McCoy clan.
How I Met Your Mother Barney lost his mojo. Say what? Even suited up in a room full of supermodels, Barney had nothing. Sure, it stemmed from realizing that his brother, the always-entertaining Wayne Brady, had paid Barney’s first lover to lie about his performance. Realizing he wasn’t awesome threw Barney in to such a spin that he began doubting his sexual prowess, thus throwing off everything in the How I Met Your Mother universe. In a funny B storyline, the rest of the gang joined the gym. It lasted less than a week. As much as I enjoy the Mother folks, I’ve lost all patience with the reveal about who the mother actually is. Just tell us already!
Brothers and Sisters Congratulations Robert and Kitty! They tied the knot. It’s always a good time at a Walker shindig and the wedding didn’t disappoint, due to Robert’s run at the presidency. I couldn’t help but chuckle as members of the Walker clan were detained by secret service for various charges: Kevin’s off-the-cuff comment about wanting to kill his new brother in law, Nora’s date for smoking pot and Justin and Tommy for fighting. Good times. Good for Rebecca for telling Justin that his new girlfriend was sleeping with this brother. As for the new guy in town who showed up at Holly’s door at the end, I’m betting he’s Rebecca’s real father. There is no way she and Justin are brother and sister. I just can’t buy it. Those two have too much chemistry.
Pushing Daisies A taffy candy competitor moved into the Pie Hole neighborhood and the rivalry got a bit sticky this week. One dead body in the taffy vat later, and the pie maker and his pals had to solve a crime. This show is so much fun. Thank you ABC and Lee Pace for making me smile each week. And I’ve said it before, Ned and Olive, are pure confection. I do have one note, though, Lee Pace, you know I love you, but get a pair of tweezers. Those eyebrows are starting to rival Peter Gallagher’s.
The Office Psych! Yes, I’d love to be able to gush about Michael’s latest idiotic scheme or the euphoria that is Pam and Jim, but the writer’s strike has caused The Office to go dark with any new episodes. I hurt, Tubers!
Friday Night Lights Landry confessed. Matt lost his virginity. Tim apologized his way back on to the team. And Eric was jealous of his wife’s new “yuck-it-up” friend. Things happen quickly in Dillon. I’m so glad this show has new episodes left because ending the show with Landry’s confession to the cops is a cliffhanger of monumental proportions. Will he go to jail? Will Tyra come to his rescue? I can’t wait for the next episode.
OK, it’s your turn to share your thoughts on your favorite moments and shows from the past week. I’ll be waiting for your comments.
I had the chance to catch Patrick Dempsey’s new movie, Enchanted, this past week. If there was ever any doubt, Dempsey is definitely a shoo-in for Prince Charming.
Enchanted was a delight from start to finish. It used a plethora of fairy tale devices, from a poison apple and evil queen, to characters bursting out in song, an abandoned slipper, and a grand ball. It was everything a Disney movie should be: romantic, funny and sweet. It’s the perfect film to watch during the holiday season.
It’s not Dempsey’s first time on the big screen, a place he seems just as comfortable with as in the halls of Seattle Grace on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy. He always shines on screen. Dempsey’s role in Sweet Home Alabama made me root for him, instead of the other guy who Reese Witherspoon’s character inevitably chose. Yeah, so I’m a little biased.
What can I say? I’ve always had a thing for Prince Charming.
Amy Adams, James Marsden and Susan Sarandon also shine in Enchanted. But it’s the adorable Rachel Covey, who plays Dempsey’s daughter, who really steals your heart.
From talking animals to over-the-top princess fashions, Enchanted is simply delightful. Or as fans of Grey’s Anatomy might say, simply McDreamy.
If you saw the last episode of Men in Trees, you know that Ben gave his beloved a new Jeep, as a way to say he loved her.
Now, you have the chance to give that special someone in your life a new Jeep, too.
The folks at Men in Trees are sponsoring an essay contest in which you can explain how much a friend, spouse or loved one means to you, in 150 words or less. The winner will receive a new 2008 Jeep Liberty and the winning essay writer will receive a $500 gift certificate to an outdoor retailer.
OK, pencils up, folks. Get writing, Tubers. And if anyone feels compelled to write ABC about how much Tube Talk Girl means to them due to her hours of dedication to bring you the latest TV news and scoop, well, I wouldn’t be offended. (Hint, hint, Mr. Tube Talk.) I’d look good in a new Jeep!
After three days of talks, the Hollywood writers have rejected a deal from production companies saying, “it dealt only with streaming and made-for-Internet jurisdiction, and it amounts to a massive rollback.”
‘Tis the season for repeats and with the writers’ strike in full swing our favorite shows are coming quickly to an end. So, in light of us all being in hiatus mode, I figured I give my take on the latest new episodes of Heroesand Smallville.
Heroes There’s one more episode left before season two ends. It’s so disappointing how I’m really getting sucked back in, only to have it end next week. The day that Peter finally got his memory back was a great one for this viewer. But I’m confused; does he have his entire memory or just bits and pieces? I can’t believe that we have gone through an entire season and there’ve been no Peter and Claire scenes. Not even a mention about him from Claire. I miss their interaction. I admit, I did get giddy when Hiro and Peter met again since the explosion. Finally, a scene with two characters I care about!
Sylar killed Alejandro and he didn’t even have any of his abilities. I’m not complaining, but if we have to be stuck with one of the twins, couldn’t it be him instead of his weeping sister? Ok, I’m complaining. I thought twins have a really close connection with one another. I guess Maya was too busy drooling over a wet Sylar in a towel to notice her dead brother on the floor. I can’t really blame her.
Smallville Clark got to meet his super mama, played by Helen Slater. Since the episode was called “Blue” I thought that the new kryptonite was going to play a bigger role like in season two’s “Red.” It was only introduced half way through the episode. Clark really needs to stay away from the rings.
I loved the Zor-El scene with Lionel. Jor-El’s vessel got thrown around a little bit by Clark’s psycho uncle. I was glad to see that the ‘Lionel being Jor-El’s emissary’ storyline was mentioned. I’m hoping that we get to learn more about that in the final episodes. I still find it hard to believe that Lionel Luthor is just a stand up guy now. There has to be something that he’s hiding.
Speaking of things I can’t believe, Grant Gabriel is Julian Luthor! What? OK, I can honestly say I didn’t see that one coming. Maybe because it’s impossible. Lex’s baby brother was killed as an infant by the hands of his mother. We saw it happen in the episode “Memoria.” Unless this is another one of Lex’s crazy clone experiments, I don’t know how they could explain that one.
For next week, I’m looking for some new shows to get into over this holiday hiatus. Tell me what shows you would like to see me cover. How about Samantha Who? Or Moonlight? ‘Til next week.
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Thursday.
You know it’s serious when the Sopranos get involved.
There hasn’t been much to report of late about the TV writers’ strike. Talks are “still friendly, but unproductive” according to Deadline Hollywood Daily. But, actress Edie Falco is offering a solution.
In trademark House fashion, he used lies and manipulation to choose his team. In the end, it was 13, Taub and Kutner who made the cut. (Sorry “Cuthroat Bitch.”)
Apparently the new three-team will join Foreman as House’s new diagnostic cadre, according to a press release from FOX.
Here is the official announcement:
Fellowship candidates Chris Taub (Peter Jacobson), Lawrence Kutner (Kal Penn) and Thirteen (Olivia Wilde) weathered a competition that included an intense litany of unorthodox exercises, random eliminations and medical mysteries that tested their abilities and training, while House intruded into their personal lives to uncover more information than they were prepared to reveal. They will join Dr. Eric Foreman (Omar Epps) as part of House’s Diagnostic Medicine team at Princeton- Plainsboro Hospital.
My only concern is that Cameron and Chase haven’t had much screen time. As much as I’ve enjoyed all the newbies, especially 13, I’m jonesing for a little Chase and Cameron time.
How about you? Do you miss the old team?
House returns with all new episodes January 28, 2008 at 9 p.m. ET.
Remember a few weeks ago on Dancing With the Stars when Marie Osmond collapsed on live television? Well, TMZ is reporting that the fainting incident was faked. TMZ cited sources from the set, who said that Osmond had writers feeding her lines after the incident.
Osmond’s camp has denied the allegation.
I was watching when Marie hit the dirt, and if that was fake, then Marie is a much better actress than I thought. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head before she collapsed.
Racecar driver Helio Castroneves and his partner Julianne Hough claimed the checkered flag - so to speak - to bring home the mirror-ball trophy Tuesday night.
Castroneves, aka Mr. Charisma, whose smile never seemed to leave his face during the competition, won over America to edge out Spice Girl Mel B and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Did America get it right? I say you did.
No, Helio wasn’t the best dancer. That honor went to Mel B. But, the facts are these. Helio is a racecar driver who had never danced before. And by end of this journey, he looked like a pro. Every time he stepped on the floor, he and Julianne lit up the audience. If you watched the audience during any one of their routines, it was wall-to-wall smiles. The bottom line: They were the most entertaining couple, consistently, in part due to Julianne’s inspired unique choreography and in part due to Helio’s loveable personality and sense of humor. During Monday’s finale, both of their routines energized the audience so much that they got two well-deserved standing ovations, despite a harsh criticism from the judges on their first routine.
That said, I am sad for the M&M team. This was the first finale in the history of the show, where I was truly torn on who I thought deserved to win. I would have been equally as pleased if Mel and Maks had won. But, Mel did have prior dance and performing experience. And frankly, their performance in the finale Monday was disappointing. I had high hopes for their freestyle that it would wow us, but frankly, that hip-hop routine wasn’t worthy of them. Did Maks drop the ball with the choreography? Did they not have enough practice time due to her Spice Girls schedule? Did Maks’ back injury interfere? I’m not sure. Yes, their freestyle had death-defying lifts, but I agree with Len that it was too disjointed. It had some great moments, but as a whole, it was just OK.
In contrast, Julianne and Helio’s freestyle was everything a freestyle should be. Playing on the racing theme, in the beginning they dressed as race car drivers and by the end, they were both seated at the wheel. Julianne’s choreography was beyond creative. It was at another level. I think they should give a choreographer award each year, and this year it would belong to her.
I do feel bad for poor Maks. This is the second time he’s gotten close to claiming the mirror-ball trophy, but failed to make it all the way. It’s a good thing he’s got a healthy ego and a pretty face to help him get through the disappointment.
I’d like to take a moment to thank you, America, for not giving Marie Osmond the dancing title. I knew you’d come around. We all know this is a popularity contest; that was evident when Emmitt Smith took the title over Mario Lopez, but thankfully, it isn’t just about popularity. Marie’s wind-up baby doll themed freestyle was so bizarre that judge Bruno sat stupefied, saying it wasn’t a dance. “It defies criticism,” he told Marie and Jonathan. “It’s like Baby Jane and the bride of Chucky.” I agree. That routine was fun, but it wasn’t ballroom dancing. The routine earned two sevens and an eight, the lowest score ever in a finale.
Then, Marie got sassy with the judges. My pet peeve with Marie was that she constantly talked back to the judges. And my rant against the judges is that they always told her she was a great entertainer, even when her footwork was faulty, but they didn’t extend that same compliment to Helio, when he had the crowd on its feet at almost every dance.
In short, Monday’s finale was an overall disappointment. With the exception of Helio’s freestyle, it was simply not up to the past season’s finale in terms of entertainment and talent. I was longing for the days of “Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy.”
Here’s a rundown of some other musings from this season and Tuesday’s show:
--Sabrina and Mark were the most missed couple. When they danced the cha-cha Tuesday, the crowd erupted in to such ovation that host Tom Bergeron gave up and said, “The hell with it, let them cheer!” Even judge Bruno held up his “10” paddle. --Best line ever from Dancing With the Stars: When Mel yelled “God” in frustration during a rehearsal and her cocky partner jokingly quipped, “Just call me Maks.” Priceless. --Maks may have lost the trophy, but he wins the award for hottest dancer. That push-up move on top of Mel in their final dance when he kissed her, inspired female fantasies all across the nation. --I always thought Albert Reed went home too soon, and it was so good to see him and his gyrating hips back in action for his reprieve dance. A “little less conversation and a little more action” indeed. --Cameron Mathison kept his promise that if he made it to the finale, he’d shed his shirt. After his final reprieve dance, he ripped it off to reveal a perfect six-pack. (Eat your heart out Maks.) This then prompted Bruno and guest Drew Lachey to reach for their belts and start their strip teases. If you ever doubted it, skin is in on Dancing With the Stars. --Note to ABC, the constant plugging of Bruno and Carrie Ann’s new dance show was annoying after about the third time. By the end of the two-hour finale, it was positively unbearable. Not even the show’s host, the always-entertaining Drew Lachey, could get me to watch. --Speaking of hosts, I’m so disappointed that Lachey can’t be Tom Bergeron’s co-host. I mean no disrespect to Samantha Harris, but the hosting thing just doesn’t seem like a good fit for her. Sorry. She cuts off the dancers constantly in the interviews, and she rattles on incessantly about the voting. We’ve been watching this show for years, Samantha, we understand that we have to vote. Geesh. And she doesn’t have Lachey’s humor or easy-going chemistry with Bergeron. In Tuesday’s show, Harris cut off Helio three times and turned the mic back to the other contestants, after she asked Helio a question. Clearly frustrated, Helio pleaded, “Can I please talk now?” She returned the mic to him just in time to pull it away again and throw it back to Tom. Thankfully, the cameraman stayed on Helio, as he threw down his hat and walked away, smiling of course, as everyone, including him, erupted in laughter. --I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Florence Henderson has been in the audience constantly. I’m guessing she’ll be a contestant next year. --Does Celine Dion have some kind of deal with ABC? She’s been all over the tube this week, from Oprah, to All My Children to the Dancing With the Stars finale. --Now that Julianne is a two-time champion, like Cheryl Burke, expect her to get saddled with a Master P or a Kenny Mayne next season.
So, what did you think of the finale? Are you happy? Do you think the best dancer should always win or the hardest working, most improved?
On tonight’s House, Cuddy orders House to finally choose his team. Will it be “13” or “cutthroat bitch?”
Here’s the official description:
When Cuddy puts the pressure on House to choose the final members of his team, House deliberately assigns the candidates to a particularly challenging case – an uncooperative, over-the-hill former punk rock star with a history of drug abuse and civil disobedience. House informs the candidates their potential future depends on correctly diagnosing the patient. As the candidates race to find out if the patient is ailing due to drug abuse, an underlying disease or an unknown condition, House keeps a running tally of their efforts, making a few arbitrary point deductions along the way. Meanwhile, Wilson informs a former patient whom he had previously diagnosed with terminal cancer that he is going to live, and the news throws a wrench in the man's carpe-diem lifestyle.
Bones fans, the moment you all have been waiting for is here. It’s an early Christmas present.
Booth and Brennan are going to get all smoochy under the mistletoe in tonight’s episode of Bones. It’s not clear yet whether eggnog is involved.
This Christmas-themed episode looks fun. The gang investigates the death of a Santa impersonator named Kristopher Kringle. The fun starts at 8 p.m. on FOX.
To see what David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel thought of the kiss, click here.
Two of NBC’s freshman dramas, Chuck and Life, have received full season orders, according to E!Online.
I’m not surprised that the fun, spy drama Chuck got this vote of confidence from NBC, but Life, now that’s another story. I didn’t like the pilot and the ratings haven’t been Earth shattering, so I assumed it wouldn’t make it to the end of the season. So much for my predictions.
The one NBC show you don’t see renewed yet is Bionic Woman. It’s struggling week to week. (Well, that one I did predict.)
No word yet on Journeyman. I'll let you know as soon as I know.
Monday was the first of three days of resumed scheduled talks between Hollywood writers and producers. Neither side issued a press statement about Monday’s negotiations, but according to one well-respected Hollywood insider, a deal is in place, and the strike could be settled before Christmas.
"I was told not to expect an agreement this week, but my source thought it was possible that the strike could be settled before Christmas," Finke said. "I don't want to raise false hope, but this source has been very accurate in the past."
Sorry, Nikki. My hopes are raised. I’m praying this is true. If not, then this “well-respected” insider is about to lose a lot of credibility, and I’ll be popping Zoloft to get me through the TV drought.
The fine folks at TV Guide just updated their list of shows with how many episodes of each are left to air, before the shows go dark due to the writers’ strike.
Here are the shows that I cover and the ones I know that many of you are interested in.
30 Rock: Ten episodes will be produced. Six episodes have aired, so there are FOUR left.
Aliens in America: Seventeen episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are 9 left.
Back to You: Nine episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are TWO left.
Bones: Twelve episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are FOUR left. (E!Online'sKristin is reporting that only ONE episode of Bones is left to air, so I have no idea which is correct.)
Boston Legal: Fifteen episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are EIGHT left.
Brothers & Sisters: Twelve episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are FOUR left.
Chuck: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are FOUR left.
Desperate Housewives: Ten episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are TWO left.
Dirty Sexy Money: Eleven episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are THREE left.
Friday Night Lights: Fifteen episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are EIGHT left.
Gossip Girl: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are FIVE left.
Grey's Anatomy: Eleven episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are TWO left.
Heroes: Eleven episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are TWO left.
House: Twelve episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are FOUR left.
Las Vegas: Nineteen episodes will be produced. Nine have aired, so there are 10 left.
Life is Wild: Twelve episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are FIVE left.
Lost: Eight episodes will be produced. None have aired yet, so there are EIGHT episodes left.
Men in Trees: Nineteen episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are 12 left.
My Name is Earl: Thirteen episodes will be produced (that includes two one-hour eps, which count double). TEN episodes have aired, so there are THREE left.
The Office: Twelve half-hour episodes will be produced. Twelve half-hour episodes have aired, so there are ZERO half-hour episode left.
One Tree Hill: Twelve episodes will be produced. None have aired yet, so there are 12 episodes left.
Prison Break: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are FIVE left. (On hiatus 'til Jan. 14)
Private Practice: Ten episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are TWO left.
Pushing Daisies: Nine episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are TWO left.
Reaper: Ten to 12 episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are two to four left.
Samantha Who?: Twelve episodes will be produced. Six episodes have aired, so there are SIX left.
Scrubs: Eleven episodes will be produced. Four episodes have aired, so there are SEVEN left.
Smallville: Fifteen episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are SEVEN left.
Supernatural: Ten to 12 episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are THREE to FIVE left.
Ugly Betty: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Nine episodes have aired, so there are FOUR left.
Friday Night Lights Tyra, your body is a wonderland. (And no that isn’t a dig at her cast mate Minka Kelly, who is dating John Mayer.) Tyra is hot. It’s no wonder poor Landry is in love with her. I don’t know how Tim Riggins has managed to resist her lately. Speaking of resisting, QB1, also known as Matt Saracen, has so many hot ladies throwing themselves at him; it’s sending his stuttering into overdrive. Julie realized that she shouldn’t have ended things with Matt and seems to be getting a little too cozy with her teacher lately. I don’t like where this is headed. Watch your back, teach, because if Eric finds you hitting on his daughter, you may find yourself being used as a tackling dummy during the next football practice. And how about the entertainment for the Pantherama rally? Having the football team strip was definitely thinking outside of the box. In my high school, everyone would have been expelled for that sexy stunt. But, this is Dillon, where football rules and apparently teachers and parents don’t mind the kids half naked and gyrating on the gym floor.
Dirty Sexy Money I’m really enjoying the dysfunctional Darling family, especially serial bride Karen. The poor gal can’t seem to get over her first love Nick George and is set on winning him back. Mrs. George, you have been warned. The most surprising twist of this show for me is that I actually like former hard-ass Rev. Brian. The storyline with his son has softened him. OK, sure he made the kid pretend he was an orphan who didn’t speak English, so that Brian’s wife wouldn’t find out that he had an illegitimate son, but in the end, he came clean. He's even missing the little tyke. And so am I.
Private Practice It’s been weeks since I invested in Private Practice. And much like the stock market, my sentiments about this show go up and down. This week, I hit an all-time low. Addison’s new dating companion had a strange fetish: he liked to insert objects in his rectum. Let’s just say I hope she never gets that shoe back. I don’t care if it is a Jimmy Choo. I’m trying to love Private Practice; I really am. But Addison is so… what’s the word? Silly. Yes, I never thought I’d describe my Addison as silly, but that’s what she’s become. And the rest of her co-workers are just as bad. The bright spot is that she and Pete have chemistry. Perhaps she’ll stop acting like a teen soon. The one character I am interested in, Dell, never seems to have much to do but fetch coffee. How about giving him a storyline? I think I may have to handle Private Practice the same way I handle broccoli. I partake from time to time, even though I don’t like it.
Ugly Betty Just like the sun, Ugly Betty is the one show I can count on to be reliable. (Friday Night Lights is the other.) Betty never disappoints. It’s silly fun, and unlike Private Practice, the silly works. The show somehow balances comedy and drama perfectly. Eric Mabius has made me weepy several times. When Daniel Meade gets serious, look out. This week when he mourned his father, I was reaching for the Kleenex. His idea to black out the cover of Mode in honor of this father’s death was brilliant. In contrast, Amanda’s quest to find her father makes me laugh hard, every time she goes to the wall of photos of all her mother’s lovers. This week I caught Tom Selleck’s mug, Warren Beatty, Mick Jagger and Burt Reynolds. That Faye Summers sure got around, didn’t she?
Heroes Not even the addition of my own personal TV hero, Kristen Bell, to the Heroes cast has rekindled my love for this show. I’m sad, Tubers, as I used to love it. I’ve tried hanging on, but the show simply doesn’t interest me anymore. There are too many characters, story arcs, and too little time with the characters I do care about. It pains me more than you know to remove a show starring Kristen Bell from my DVR lineup, but when it feels like an obligation to watch it each week, then it’s time to go.
Las Vegas There was no new episode this week, which was a good thing since we never talked about the last episode. Cooper fired Sam! I don’t think I’m alone here when I say, “What?!?!!” OK, so she shouldn’t have dumped that milkshake over the cowboy’s head, but in her defense, the guy was a tool. But this is Sam. She’s my favorite character on the show. I usually have to rewind her rapid-fire witty dialogue a couple times, so I can enjoy and appreciate her sarcastic barbs. There is no Las Vegas without her. The new boss man had better come to his senses soon because I want her back at the Montecito hanging with Mr. Cooper.
Here’s a reminder for Samantha Who? fans. The show changes time slots tonight and moves to 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
Also, tonight’s special guest star is one of my favorite TV boyfriends, Eddie Cibrian. He’s playing a contractor, who Sam’s mother sets her up with for a date. Hmmm…. I wonder if he’ll have a tool belt?
Sorry. Where was I? Oh, tonight’s episode…right. Rumor has it that Sam has to pretend to be an avid hockey fan and Todd could help her, if he didn’t have a new girlfriend. Ouch!
Maksim Chmerkovskiy didn’t mince words when asked by Extra if voters made the correct choice for the final three contestants on Dancing With the Stars.
He doesn’t believe Marie Osmond should be in the finale.
"I think Jennie [Garth] was better than Marie [Osmond]," who is still in the competition. "Frankly, I think there are a lot of other people better than Marie.”
You’re not alone, Maks.
Marie’s popularity carries her through show after show and is definitely a factor, Maks said.
"History shows either a cute man or somebody with a huge fan base (wins) and I think Marie has both Helio and Mel's fan base combined times five," Maks said.
As for the best dancer, Maks said his partner Melanie Brown should be the champ. "She’s hands down the best dancer left... [the] most capable, most natural."
By popular demand, here is Marshall Eriksen’s musical number about the infamous Slap Bet.
For those of you who e-mailed me confused about the “Slapsgiving” reference in my Thanksgiving Day post, this should help clear things up for you. In short, it’s about a bet between Barney and Marshall, on How I Met Your Mother, that Marshall won. Barney’s reward is that he gets to slap Marshall five times in his lifetime. Marshall had announced that Thanksgiving would be the day he issued one of his slaps.
You really need to watch the previous season of How I Met Your Mother to fully appreciate the humor here.
For HIMY fans, enjoy the talented Jason Segel as he tickles the ivories, and me, in this cute musical number by hitting play below or clicking here.
Talks are scheduled to resume Monday between television writers and producers. I think I speak for all of us when I say, “Good luck.”
As TV fans, we want this to end, so that our programming won’t be interrupted further. As supporters of the writers, we want them to be treated fairly, considering it’s their material that is the backbone of our favorite shows. Here’s a reminder why the writers want a cut of downloads and digital media.
Doctor, doctor, give me the news. I got a bad taste of loving you.
Setting: The Scrubs set Cast: Zach Braff and John C. McGinley Scene: Dr. Dorian and Dr. Cox discuss a man’s symptoms of a racing heart and blissful happiness in a fake scene, as they set up a crewmember’s surprise engagement.
It’s reasons like this that I’ve been preaching the Scrubs love for years here at Tube Talk. Check out this video clip of a surprise proposal on the Scrubs set. Accomplices Zach Braff and John C. McGinley even had me fooled that they were filming a real scene, and I am a TV expert. I have no idea who this adorable couple is, but congratulations, nonetheless.
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I don’t usually plug game shows here at Tube Talk, but I’m making an exception for this news, as I know many of you are huge fans of The Office.
Ay caramba!
