Looks like it's the end of the road for Party Down.
Despite critical acclaim and cult-like status among viewers, pay cabler Starz has cancelled Party Down after just two seasons.
Deadline's Nellie Andreeva broke the news of the series cancellation this morning, reporting that Starz had opted not to review Party Down and fellow Friday night lead-out Gravity, the latter of which aired for a single season.
"While the off-beat comedy has become an instant cult classic, I hear at the end of the day its appeal was deemed not wide enough to keep the show beyond its recently concluded Season 2," writes Andreeva, who goes on to say that Starz may make an official announcement later today about the fates of both series.
Sadly, it seems as though Party Down is in fact a goner, a decision that I believe to be myopic, foolhardy, and heartbreaking in equal measure, particularly as the series was starting to catch on with viewers thanks to Netflix's Instant Viewing function and DVD releases. But the series was, after all, developed by newly installed Starz czar Chris Albrecht's predecessor and the development exec, Bill Hamm, responsible for shepherding both series (along with breakout hit Spartacus) was let go earlier this year. (All of which I write about and presage in my Daily Beast feature from April here.)
UPDATE #1: It's now been confirmed by Starz: "After careful consideration, we’ve decided not to continue on with subsequent seasons of Party Down and Gravity,” said Stephan Shelanski, Starz's EVP of programming, in a statement. “We’re grateful to everyone involved in the shows, and are proud to have had them on the channel. Starz remains committed to aggressively expanding our original programming lineup."
UPDATE #2: I reached writer/executive producer John Enbom via email this morning to express my disappointment about the cancellation of Party Down and just received a very heartfelt reply from John as he leaves for vacation.
"What can we say? We are saddened the show won't be coming back and we won't get to spend another season with this wonderful cast and crew," wrote Enbom to me via email. "It's like being told your summer camp has been closed. But at the end of the day, we're still proud of our two seasons and grateful we had the chance to make them."
All I can say is: John, we're right there with you. For those of us who knew and loved the series, Party Down is going to be missed intensely.
What do you think of the news? Is Starz making a terrible mistake, even with several of the cast members now unavailable to film more than a handful of episodes? Should Party Down have gone on for a third season? Head to the comments section to discuss.
Confession time: I'm a recent convert to Friday Night Lights.
In the world of television, it's often necessary to make a judgment based on a pilot episode of a series. In fact, one job I held in Hollywood made it absolutely necessary to do just that: determine what would be a worthwhile series based on the pilot script and then the shot pilot. With financial investments on the line, it was imperative that one make a snap judgment based on a single episode of a series.
In a lot of cases, that initial judgment proves to be the correct one. But sometimes, the pilot doesn't quite match the full potential of the subsequent series.
When I originally watched the pilot for NBC's Friday Night Lights, it didn't click with me. I found it preachy, saccharine, riddled with some awkward dialogue, and placing far too much emphasis on the football aspect. I wrote off the series for a bit and then, when I heard about the creative struggles of Season Two, I opted not to go back and catch up.
How wrong I was.
Recently, I watched the entire 22-episode first season of Friday Night Lights in a handful of days, devouring the entire freshman season in the evenings and dreaming of Dillon at night. While the pilot and second episodes still failed to win me over, I persevered through those early episodes and found myself hooked on the series around the fourth installment.
What I had missed out on was a groundbreaking and emotionally resonant series that charted the ebbs and flows of life in a small Texas town. Revolving around a place where high school football was the focus, the residents of Dillon don't just see football as entertainment or sport but rather as an embodiment of Dream, an aspirational activity where the game becomes something akin to communion.
But Jason Katim's Friday Night Lights, while ostensibly about football, isn't really about the nitty-gritty aspects of the pigskin, instead using its importance in the town of Dillon to explore the relationships between the players, the audience, the cheerleaders, the teachers, and the students. Those who are obsessed with the game, those who avoid it, and those who find their fates inexorably intertwined with football itself: Eric and Tami Taylor (Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton), whose nuanced relationship marks one of the most realistic depictions of the joys and pains of marriage; their rebellious daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden); and new starting quarterback Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford, perfectly cast here).
Then there was the way that Season One of Friday Night Lights handled the paralysis of star player Jason Street (Scott Porter). While most series would have written Jason off after the pilot, the season charted his own recovery, his attempt to regain use of his limbs, and the way that his fractured dreams impacted everyone around him, from his parents to devoted girlfriend Lyla (Minka Kelly) and best friend Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch). What developed was a painful and beautiful story of recovery in the face of adversity, of mistakes made, relationships broken, and new dreams created. Porter's compelling performance anchored the season in an unexpected and provocative way as Jason progressed through the difficult stages of acceptance of his new condition and its limitations.
It's a storyline that's built around hope and heartbreak in equal measure and that's true about Friday Night Lights as a whole, really. While the season plots the highs and lows of the Panther's season--from the shock of Jason's accident to their victory at the end of the season--it also follows the emotional state of the entire town as well.
Likewise, the season plunged headfirst into the relationship between Eric and Tami Taylor, setting both up as strong characters in their own right. What other series would take its central characters, in a committed marital relationship, and separate them in terms of space, sending Eric to TMU to pursue his dream of coaching college football while Tami remained--pregnant, no less--in Dillon so that she could continue to work with her high school kids as their guidance counselor and allow Julie to plant some roots in Dillon and continue dating Saracen, who had his own hands full caring for his grandmother, suffering from dementia, while his father served in Iraq.
It also tackled a number of controversial topics including steroid use, bi-polar disorder, pre-marital sex, rape, adultery, Katrina refugees, alcoholism, deadbeat parenting, dementia, the war in Iraq, quadriplegia, and much more, all within 22 episodes that, on the surface, seem to be about a high school football team on the road to the state championships.
It's the rare series that can make this jaded critic cry and yet I found myself wiping away tears during most episodes. That Friday Night Lights managed to do so without resorting to cheap sentimentality is a testament to both the writers and the talented cast, who completely embody these characters to the point that the cinema verite-style hand-held cameras aren't just capturing this drama but recording it as though it were a documentary. Characters cut each other off, talk over each other, and behave as though what's unfolding on the screen is reality, a reality that is impossible to look away from.
I could speak about Friday Night Lights all day, really. I'm perfectly willing to admit when I made an error and wrote off a series too early--though now I am struggling through the creatively uneven second season (and its ludicrous murder conspiracy plot)--but I know that there are much brighter spots ahead. I'll be blazing through the second, third, and fourth seasons all summer long and I'm happy to say that Dillon is a place that pulls me back after each episode, one that has not only captured my imagination but also my heart.
Steve Carell made headlines earlier this week when he restated his intentions to leave The Office after the end of next season.
Over at The Daily Beast, I discuss why NBC should cancel The Office after Carell leaves rather than attempt to rejigger the ensemble cast or bring in a new manager for the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin.
You can read my latest piece, "Steve Carell to Leave The Office: End the Show" here.
Be sure to head to the comments section to discuss your own feelings about whether the creative spark has gone out at the once superb workplace comedy and what the network should do with the series post-Carell.
Channel Surfing: Elijah Wood Pets FX's Willard, Larry King to Leave CNN, Nestor Carbonell Gets Psych, Doctor Who, and More
Welcome to your Wednesday morning television briefing.
Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings) will star opposite Jason Gann in the pilot for FX's US adaptation of Aussie comedy Wilfred, about a man and his talking dog, the latter of which will be voiced by Gann, the original creator of the series. Project hails from writer David Zuckerman (Family Guy) and director Randall Einhorn (The Office). Production is slated to begin this summer. (Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed)
Larry King will be hanging up his trademark suspenders this fall after 25 years as the host of Larry King Live in order to spend more time with his family. The Los Angeles Times' Matea Gold and Yvonne Villarreal have a fantastic interview with King about his decision to leave CNN. "I said, 'I can't top this,'" King told the Times on Tuesday. "I'm not getting younger. I want more time with other things. It's time to go... The daily grind is tough. And there are aspects of it, you know, when you've got to do tabloid shows, which is the nature of the business, you've got to do the girl that's missing in Aruba. It's hard to make the case that that is major news, but that's what news is today. And my curiosity runs to that, but not nightly." (Los Angeles Times)
Fancast's Matt Mitovich is reporting that Nestor Carbonell (Lost) will join the cast of USA's Psych for a multiple-episode story arc, where he will play Declan Rand, described as "a criminal profiler who over the course of two episodes will shape up to be Shawn’s professional – as well as romantic – rival." Season Five of Psych will launch July 14th on USA. (Fancast)
SPOILER! Doctor Who showrunner/head writer Steven Moffat has teased details about next season of the sci-fi drama, which stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan. The secret behind just what that voice meant by "silence will fall" will be explored in the new season of Doctor Who, which will air in 2011 (after a Christmas Special, confirmed last weekend by BBC). "What is that, who is that, who are the silence, what's coming? The whole point of the silence is next series," Moffat told Doctor Who Confidential "Also, River Song... who is she really? That's what we're going to find out next year." (Digital Spy)
TVGuide.com's Adam Bryant has some details about the new season of AMC's Mad Men via an exclusive video that goes behind the scenes of the new promos to tease some precious morsels about what to expect during Season Four of the period drama. "I wanted to have a continuity of these characters and things that are happening to them ... and don't pretend like that they didn't happen," creator/executive producer Matthew Weiner said. "At the same time, be prepared for the fact that [for] a lot of the things that happened, you're going to have to watch and see how they worked out." (TVGuide.com)
Emily VanCamp has confirmed her departure from ABC's Brothers & Sisters via an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello. "It is true. I’m going to go back for a couple of episodes, which I’m really excited about," VanCamp told Ausiello. "I really feel like Rebecca has run her course. And the deal I was offered this year was for two more years and I just felt like since renegotiations were happening that maybe it would be the right time to move on. I’ve been doing this for a very long time and other opportunities have presented themselves that I haven’t been able to do. I’ve had such an amazing four years on the show and I felt like maybe it was time. It was a big risk but I’m really excited about it." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)
It's official: after weeks of negotiations, A&E has ordered thirteen episodes of drama Breakout Kings, which had been previously set up at FOX. Production will begin this fall on the episodic commitment and will air in 2011 on the cabler. "We are thrilled to collaborate with accomplished talents such as Matt and Nick, as well as Peter Chernin and Katherine Pope; with phenomenal track records of success," said Bob DeBitetto, President and General Manager of A&E and BIO Channel, in a statement. "As soon as we screened the Breakout Kings pilot, it struck us as the perfect fit for A&E as the network of 'Real Life. Drama.'" Series stars Laz Alonso, Domeick Lombardozzi, Malcolm Goodwin, Jimmi Simpson, and Brooke Nevin. (via press release)
SPOILER! Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Mitch Pileggi will be returning for a multiple-episode story arc on the CW's Supernatural, where he will reprise his role as Sam and Dean's presumed dead grandfather. How is Gramps returning from the dead? “For one thing, he’s a Campbell — from Sam and Dean’s mom’s side of the family,which, unlike their dad’s, has actually been into hunting for a very long time,” executive producer Sera Gamble told Ausiello. "There’s a whole side of Sam and Dean’s history that they know nothing about. We’ll get to find out a bit about it this season." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)
Deadline's Nellie Andreeva is reporting that Claire Forlani and Peter Mooney have been cast in Starz's upcoming medieval drama Camelot from writers Michael Hurst and Chris Chibnall. Forlani will play Queen Igraine, the mother of Arthur (Jamie Campbell Bower), while Mooney will play Kay, Arthur's brother. [Editor: you might recall that Forlani was previously attached to Showtime's upcoming comedy Episodes but was replaced by Tamsin Greig.] The rest of the cast includes Joseph Fiennes, Eva Green, and Tamsin Egerton; Camelot is slated to launch in early 2011. (Deadline)
SPOILER! TV Guide Magazine's Will Keck is reporting that a new baddie is headed to Mystic Falls on the CW's Vampire Diaries next season and talks to executive producer Julie Plec about this mysterious addition to the Lockwood clan. "Our big new addition is Mason Lockwood, the mayor's much younger and cooler brother, who has been estranged from the family," Plec told Keck. "His return introduces a lot of questions about what is so special about that creepy Lockwood family." (TV Guide Magazine)
Nickelodeon's Nicktoons has ordered 22 episodes of animated series Rush Zone: Guardians of the Core, which is based on NFL's website NFLRush Zone and which will feature the voices of NFL players and coaches in segments approximately two to five minutes in length. (Variety)
UK viewers will get to see the revamped CBS drama Hawaii Five-O following a deal between CBS Television Studios and Virgin Media's Bravo, which secured pay television, Freeview, and digital rights to the Alex O'Loughlin starrer. (Broadcast)
Oxygen has snagged the off-network cable rights to FOX's Glee while USA has done the same for ABC comedy Modern Family; both series will debut on their respective channels beginning in 2013. As part of the Glee deal, Oxygen will also air an unscripted reality series that will depict the search for a new cast member, a series that was originally intended to air on FOX before the network scrapped it. According to Variety's Michael Schneider, "Oxygen is expected to produce the "Glee" reality show, with reality producers experienced in reality competitions likely to be hired." (Variety)
Elsewhere, Style has acquired rerun rights to Run's House and spinoff Daddy's Girls, the former of which will begin airing its second window beginning tonight. (Hollywood Reporter)
Stay tuned.
Warner Bros. Television today announced their full programming slate for San Diego Comic-Con 2010, taking place in just a few weeks now.
Among the offerings, Warner Bros. Television will host panels for The Big Bang Theory, Chuck, Fringe, Human Target, Nikita, Smallville, Supernatural, V (which I'll be moderating, in fact), The Vampire Diaries, Children's Hospital, Unnatural History, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, MAD, and Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. (Whew.)
I can also now officially announce that the V panel I'll be moderating--which will feature Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Logan Huffman, Laura Vandervoort, Charles Mesure, Morena Baccarin, Scott Wolf and executive producers Scott Rosenbaum and Steve Pearlman--will be taking place Saturday from 2:30-3:15 pm in Ballroom 20. (Hope to see you there!)
Earlier that day, be sure to stop by Ballroom 20 at 10 am for the Chuck panel, which will feature Josh Schwartz, Chris Fedak, Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, Joshua Gomez, Ryan McPartlin, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Vik Sahay, Scott Krinsky, Sarah Lancaster, and Adam Baldwin.
The full Warner Bros. Television Comic-Con 2010 lineup can be found below, along with panel descriptions and times/locations as well as talent participants.
BIGGEST EVER, HEADING FOR SAN DIEGO WITH A
STUDIO-RECORD 14 SERIES
Stars and Producers of “The Big Bang Theory,” “Chuck,” “Fringe,”
“Human Target,” “Nikita,” “Smallville,” “Supernatural,” “V,”
“The Vampire Diaries,” “Childrens Hospital,” “Unnatural History,”
“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “MAD” and
“Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” to Appear
Warner Bros. Entertainment’s Nearly 3,000-Square-Foot Booth to
Host Signings, Video Game Demos, Numerous Giveaways and
More During the Convention
BURBANK, Calif. (June 29, 2010) – Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG) is returning to Comic-Con International: San Diego in unprecedented fashion in 2010. A star-studded lineup of performers, producers and other members of the creative teams of a record 14 series from Warner Bros. Television, Warner Horizon Television and Warner Bros. Animation will be on-hand for panel sessions, screenings, media appearances and autograph signings. This will mark the largest contingent of talent from WBTVG ever assembled for the world’s leading pop culture convention. (In 2009, WBTVG featured 12 television series at Comic-Con.)
For continuing info on the Studio’s plans at Comic-Con, please follow us on Twitter @TheWBdotcom, hashtag #WBSDCC. For the second year in a row, WBTVG will also produce a Con-related online destination at www.thewb.com/comiccon, launching in mid-July. For a complete social media contact list, including official Facebook pages and Twitter feeds for WBTVG series, talent and producers, download the social media contacts page here: www.thewb.com/comiccon/2010WBTVGSocialMediaContacts
Series stars and creative teams scheduled to attend include:
“The Big Bang Theory”: Stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar join creators/executive producers Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady for a session moderated by Wil Wheaton
“Chuck”: Stars Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, Joshua Gomez, Ryan McPartlin, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Vik Sahay, Scott Krinsky, with Sarah Lancaster and Adam Baldwin join creators/executive producers Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak
“Fringe”: Stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Lance Reddick, Blair Brown and Jasika Nicole join executive producers Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman
“Human Target”: Stars Mark Valley, Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley join executive producer Matthew Miller
“Nikita”: Stars Maggie Q (“Mission: Impossible III”), Shane West (“ER”) and Lyndsy Fonseca (“Kick-Ass”) join executive producer Craig Silverstein (“Bones”)
“Smallville”: Series stars to be announced join executive producers Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson
“Supernatural”: Series stars to be announced join executive producers Sera Gamble and Ben Edlund, and creator/executive producer Eric Kripke
“V”: Stars Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Logan Huffman, Laura Vandervoort, Charles Mesure, with Morena Baccarin and Scott Wolf join executive producers Scott Rosenbaum and Steve Pearlman
“The Vampire Diaries”: Stars Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Michael Trevino and Matt Davis join executive producers/writers Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec
“Childrens Hospital”: Creator/executive producer/star Rob Corddry (“Hot Tub Time Machine,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) and executive producer Jon Stern (“The Ten,” “Scotland, PA”) join series stars Lake Bell (“How to Make It in America”), Erinn Hayes (“Parenthood,” “Worst Week”) and Rob Huebel (“Human Giant”). A website for the series will go live July 6 here: www.adultswim.com/shows/childrenshospital
“Unnatural History”: Stars Kevin G. Schmidt (“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel”), Jordan Gavaris (“Degrassi: The Next Generation”), Italia Ricci (“Greek”) and Martin Donovan (“Weeds”) join creator/executive producer Mike Werb
“Batman: The Brave and the Bold”: Voice of Batman Diedrich Bader joins executive producer Sam Register, producers James Tucker and Michael Jelenic, and voice director Andrea Romano
“MAD”: New “MAD” animated television series producer/story editor Kevin Shinick (“Robot Chicken”) and Warner Bros. Animation executive Peter Girardi join MAD Magazine editor John Ficarra, art director Sam Viviano, legendary artist Sergio Aragones and contemporary artist Tom Richmond
“Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”: Supervising producers Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone join producer Mitch Watson and art director Dan Krall
CONFIRMED COMIC-CON 2010
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2010
6:00–9:00 p.m. Special Sneak Peek Pilot Screenings – Comic-Con and Warner Bros. Television are proud to continue the tradition of presenting exclusive screenings of some of the most buzzed-about new television series of the upcoming season. For Comic-Con 2010, WBTV will offer multiple screenings of the premiere episode of the highly anticipated action hour Nikita, along with additional special video presentations. Ballroom 20
In the sexy and suspenseful series starring international action star Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible III) in the title role, Nikita has gone rogue. Division is an ultra-secret government agency whose operatives are recruited young people with severed ties to family, friends and society and who are trained to be invisible assassins. No one ever leaves Division – except the charming and deadly Nikita, who has managed to escape, making it her mission to undermine the now-corrupt organization. A force to be reckoned with, the rogue Nikita taunts Division, staying on their radar, but always one step ahead. Yet as determined as Nikita is to bring down her former agency, there are those just as determined to stop her, including Division's newest recruit Alex, a beautiful young woman who seems destined to replace Nikita as their next top operative.
In addition to Maggie Q, Nikita stars Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass), Shane West (ER), Aaron Stanford (X2: X-Men United), with Melinda Clarke (The O.C.) and Xander Berkeley (24). The executive producers are Craig Silverstein (Bones), Danny Cannon (the CSI series), McG (Supernatural) and Peter Johnson (Supernatural). From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Nikita will air Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on The CW. Become a fan of the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nikita.
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010
5:00–6:00 p.m. Childrens Hospital Screening and Q&A – Check out the Childrens Hospital panel and hear from the show’s creative team led by Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) and Jon Stern (producer of The Ten and Scotland, PA). They will be joined by members of their ensemble cast of comedic heavyweights, including Lake Bell (How to Make It in America, It’s Complicated), Erinn Hayes (Parenthood, Worst Week) and Rob Huebel (I Love You Man, Human Giant). Childrens Hospital explores the emotional struggles and sexual politics of a group of doctors charged with healthy libidos. Their dedication to their personal lives is relentless, interrupted only by the occasional need to treat sick children. Room 25ABC
FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2010
10:30–11:30 a.m. Batman: The Brave and the Bold Screening and Q&A – The Caped Crusader swings back into San Diego as Batman: The Brave and the Bold returns to Comic-Con for its third consecutive year with an advance screening of an upcoming episode, as well as a lively discussion with voice of Batman Diedrich Bader (Surf's Up), executive producer Sam Register (Teen Titans), producers James Tucker (Justice League Unlimited) and Michael Jelenic (The Batman), and voice director Andrea Romano (Superman Doomsday). As a special bonus for fans, the panel will also screen the world-premiere trailer for the upcoming and highly anticipated Cartoon Network/Warner Bros. Animation series Young Justice. Don’t miss this Comic-Con exclusive. From Warner Bros. Animation, Batman: The Brave and the Bold airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold – Season 1, Part 1 will be released on DVD August 17. Become a fan of the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/batmanbraveandbold. Room 6A
12:45–1:45 p.m. The Big Bang Theory Screening and Q&A – It’s “Anything Can Happen Friday” at Comic-Con as The Big Bang Theory – which kicks off a new night of comedy on Thursdays for CBS this fall – returns to San Diego with a special screening and a Q&A featuring the show’s creators and stars. Resident Big Bang alum Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation) will moderate a lively discussion featuring executive producers Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men) and Bill Prady (Dharma & Greg), as well as series stars Johnny Galecki (Roseanne), Jim Parsons (Garden State), Kaley Cuoco (Charmed), Simon Helberg (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story) and Kunal Nayyar (NCIS). From Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, The Big Bang Theory will air Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT this fall on the CBS Television Network, and The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Third Season will be released on Blu-ray™ and DVD on September 14. Become a fan of the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheBigBangTheory and follow The Big Bang Theory on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BigBang_CBS. Ballroom 20
SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2010
10:00–10:45 a.m. Chuck Screening and Q&A – Chuck returns to Comic-Con! Join executive producers and co-creators Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl) and Chris Fedak, along with series stars Zachary Levi (Alvin and the Chipmunks), Yvonne Strahovski (upcoming The Killer Elite), Joshua Gomez (Without a Trace), Ryan McPartlin, Mark Christopher Lawrence (The Pursuit of Happyness), Vik Sahay (Good Will Hunting), Scott Krinsky (The O.C.) with Sarah Lancaster (upcoming The Good Doctor) and Adam Baldwin (Serenity) for their usual hijinks – a Q&A to discuss the upcoming season four (made possible by the devoted fanbase) and a special video presentation. Produced by Fake Empire, Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Chuck airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, and Chuck: The Complete Third Season will be released on Blu-ray™ and DVD on September 7. Become a fan of Chuck on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chuck and follow the show on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nbcchuck. Ballroom 20
10:00–11:00 a.m. Mad About MAD! – MAD Magazine has established itself as the original and most imitated and influential satirical publication across generations. This fall, MAD returns to TV screens with MAD, a new show for the next generation! Come join MAD Magazine editor John Ficarra, MAD art director Sam Viviano, legendary MAD artist Sergio Aragones, contemporary MAD artist Tom Richmond, MAD story editor/producer Kevin Shinick and the panel’s host, Peter Girardi (Senior Vice President, Series & Alternative Animation, at Warner Bros. Animation, the producers of the upcoming MAD animated television program), for a light-hearted look at the future of an American institution. Room 7AB
2:30–3:15 p.m. V Screening and Q&A – The cast and creative team behind this thrilling drama series about the world’s first alien encounter make their return to Comic-Con. V series stars Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost), Morris Chestnut (Boyz n the Hood), Joel Gretsch (The 4400), Logan Huffman (America), Laura Vandervoort (Smallville), Charles Mesure (Xena: Warrior Princess) with Morena Baccarin (Firefly) and Scott Wolf (Go) will join executive producers Scott Rosenbaum (Chuck, The Shield) and Steve Pearlman (Related) for a Q&A session with fans and to screen a special highlight reel from the show’s first season. From HDFilms in association with Warner Bros. Television, V will return midseason on ABC, and V: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray™ and DVD this fall. Become a fan of V on Facebook at www.facebook.com/V and follow the show on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VonABC. Ballroom 20
3:15–4:00 p.m. Fringe Screening and Q&A – Fringe returns to Comic-Con as Lance Reddick and Blair Brown make their first appearance at the convention, joining fellow series stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble and Jasika Nicole, and executive producers Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman for a Q&A with fans and an exclusive video presentation. Join the discussion of this critically acclaimed thriller, which explores the ever-blurring line between science fiction and reality, where hybrid monsters tear through sewers, thieves walk through walls and portals open to worlds unknown. From Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Fringe airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX, and Fringe: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray™ and DVD on September 14. Become a fan of Fringe on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Fringe and follow the show on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FRINGEonFOX. Ballroom 20
4:15–5:00 p.m. The Vampire Diaries Screening and Q&A – The cast and creative team behind The Vampire Diaries return to take a bite out of Comic-Con! Series stars Nina Dobrev (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Paul Wesley (Roll Bounce), Ian Somerhalder (Lost), Michael Trevino (Cane) and Matt Davis (Blue Crush) join executive producers/writers Kevin Williamson (Scream) and Julie Plec (Kyle XY) to show fans a fang-tastic season one highlight reel, followed by a Q&A session. This edgy, romantic drama quickly became the number one series on The CW in its first season. The Vampire Diaries director/co-executive producer Marcos Siega (Dexter) will moderate the panel. From Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Vampire Diaries will return for its second season this fall, airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW, and The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray™ and DVD August 31. Become a fan of The Vampire Diaries on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thevampirediaries and follow the show on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CW_VampDiaries. Ballroom 20
5:15–6:15 p.m. Nikita Pilot Screening and Q&A – Comic-Con has gone rogue! International action star Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible III) stars in this sexy and suspenseful series as an agent who has escaped from the ultra-secretive and corrupt government agency that trained her to be an assassin … and then betrayed her. Come catch a sneak peek screening of this action-packed thriller, and join Maggie, series stars Shane West (ER) and Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass), and executive producer Craig Silverstein (Bones) for an inside look at one of the most anticipated new shows of the fall season. From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Nikita will air Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on The CW. Become a fan of the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nikita. Room 6BCF
6:15–7 p.m. Human Target Screening and Q&A – Based upon the popular DC Comics title, Human Target is an action-packed thrill ride about a mysterious private contractor who will stop at nothing to keep his clients alive – even if it means literally becoming a “human target.” The series moves to a new night – Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX – this fall, and executive producer Matthew Miller (Chuck) will join series stars Mark Valley (Fringe), Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies) and Jackie Earle Haley (A Nightmare on Elm Street) for a Q&A with fans and to screen a special video presentation. Human Target is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Television. Human Target: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray™ and DVD September 21. Become a fan of Human Target on Facebook at www.facebook.com/humantarget and follow the show on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HumanTargetFOX. Room 6BCF
SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2010
10:00–11:00 a.m. Smallville Screening and Q&A – Comic-Con favorite Smallville returns for its last visit to Comic-Con in advance of the show’s 10th and final season. Series stars to be announced join executive producers Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson to talk about the year ahead, answer fan questions and give an exclusive sneak peek at clips from the final season. From Tollin/Robbins Productions, Millar/Gough Ink in association with Warner Bros. Television, Smallville airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW. Smallville: The Complete Ninth Season will be released on Blu-ray™ and DVD on September 7. Become a fan of the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/smallville. Ballroom 20
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Supernatural Screening and Q&A – Join Supernatural cast members to be announced, executive producers Sera Gamble (Eyes) and Ben Edlund (Angel), and creator/executive producer Eric Kripke (Boogeyman) for an exclusive sneak peek at footage from the highly anticipated sixth season of this thrill-ride series, which moves to a new day – Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on The CW – this fall. The panel will answer questions from the audience and also show a portion of the special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Fifth Season DVD and Blu-ray™ release, in stores September 7. Supernatural is produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television. Become a fan of the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Supernatural and follow Supernatural on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CW_Supernatural. Ballroom 20
1:00–2:00 p.m. Unnatural History Episode Screening and Q&A – Join the adventure! Cartoon Network’s first live-action mystery series, Unnatural History, journeys to San Diego for its Comic-Con debut. Unnatural History chronicles the adventures of Henry Griffin, a teenager with extraordinary skills acquired while traveling the world with his anthropologist parents. His unique abilities come in handy when he moves to Washington D.C. – and begins exploring the mysteries of a charter high school within the National Museum Complex. Fans will be treated to a premiere screening of a never-before-seen episode, as well as a Q&A with series stars Kevin G. Schmidt (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel), Jordan Gavaris (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Italia Ricci (Greek) and Martin Donovan (Weeds) as well as creator/executive producer Mike Werb (The Mask, Face/Off). From Warner Horizon Television, Unnatural History airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Become a fan of the show at www.facebook.com/UnnaturalHistory. Room 6BCF
2:15–3:15 p.m. Scooby-Doo Screening and Q&A – Those meddling teens are at it again! Find out what Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, Velma and, of course, Scooby-Doo are up to with a sneak peek at upcoming titles from this beloved family franchise. Join supervising producers Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone (both Duck Dodgers), producer Mitch Watson (Ben 10: Race Against Time) and art director Dan Krall (Coraline) as they screen a never-before-seen episode of the new Cartoon Network/Warner Bros. Animation series Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (airing Mondays at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network) and take fan questions. Additionally, they will unveil the trailer to Warner Home Video’s upcoming all-new original animated movie Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare (release date: September 14) and will provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s forthcoming Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Swamp videogame, coming September 14. Panel attendees will be served a full course of all things Scooby-Doo, as they will also hear about additional upcoming Scooby-related projects from Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Room 6BCF Continue reading full story...
Channel Surfing: Steve Carell Confirms Office Departure, Janeane Garofalo Circles Criminal Minds, Being Human Lands Sam Witwer, and More
Welcome to your Tuesday morning television briefing.
Steve Carell has confirmed that he will leave NBC comedy The Office following the conclusion of next season, the series' seventh. "I just think it's time," Carell told E! Online's Kristina Guerrero while promoting his new film Despicable Me. "I want to fulfill my contract. When I first signed on I had a contract for seven seasons, and this coming year is my seventh. I just thought it was time for my character to go... It doesn't certainly mean the end of the show. I think it's just a dynamic change to the show, which could be a good thing, actually. Add some new life and some new energy... I see it as a positive in general for the show." Carell pointed to the series' ensemble cast and the strength of the writers and didn't seem to feel that his departure would negatively affect The Office at all. (E! Online's Watch with Kristin)
Wait, what? Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Janeane Garofalo (24) is in talks to join the cast of CBS' Criminal Minds spinoff, currently entitled Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, where she will play an agent in the FBI's Behavior Analysis Unit overseen by Forest Whitaker's Sam Cooper. Garofalo had previous been attached to star in the untitled Hannah Shakespeare/John Wells medical drama pilot, which failed to receive a series order at CBS. (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)
In other casting news, Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Sam Witwer (Smallville) has signed on to star in Syfy's US adaptation of Being Human as vampire Aidan. Meanwhile, Meaghan Rath (The Assistants) is said to have reportedly signed a deal to play Molly, the flat's resident ghost, while Sam Huntington (Cavemen) is "up for the role of werewolf Josh." (Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello)
ABC Family has ordered twelve additional episodes of nighttime teen soap Pretty Little Liars, bringing the episodic commitment this season to 22 installments. (Variety)
Deadline's Nellie Andreeva talks to Robert Greenblatt about his future plans following the end of his contract as president of entertainment at Showtime. "I had been wrestling with [the issue] for the last couple of months until I came to the decision that it was the time to move on,” said Greenblatt. "I don’t have any specific plans, I’m not in negotiations on anything, and I don’t have anything lined up." But don't look for Greenblatt to segue back into producing again. "Producing is a lonely, difficult work, and I’m not sure that’s where I’m headed. I’m leaning more towards an executive job at the moment," he said. "It’s all about innovating, building or rebuilding something. I don’t feel like walking into a place that needs a new head. It needs to be a place where I have to rethink the whole system; I’m very entrepreneurial.” (Deadline)
[Editor: meanwhile, Variety's Cynthia Littleton also has an interview with Greenblatt about the legacy he leaves behind at Showtime. "The degree to which we were able to break through the clutter with some programming that people seem to really love," said Greenblatt when asked about his major achievements at the pay cabler. "I've always tried to be innovative, going back to the Fox days (as a programming exec), and certainly as a producer. To be given this platform to reinvent it the way I saw fit was just such an extraordinary gift. And then to see the shows embraced the way they have been is just the icing on the cake."]
Variety's Cynthia Littleton also talks to inbound entertainment president David Nevins and chairman/CEO Matthew Blank about the transition. "With a tremendous batch of new stuff coming over the next year, David has the luxury of getting involved with those shows and looking around for the best new material that would take us forward in a way that is tune with his sensibility," Blank told Littleton. "One of the luxuries of the premium TV business is that we don't have a development season per se. David doesn't have to be ready to go with X number of pilots by any particular date." (Variety)
A&E is said to be in talks with 20th Century Fox Television to order thirteen episodes of FOX pilot Breakout Kings, which revolves around a federal fugitive apprehension program that is staffed with convicts. Project is created by Matt Olmstead and Nick Santora. (Variety)
Meanwhile, Deadline's Nellie Andreeva reports that FOX has ordered two additional scripts for comedy Breaking In, after the network passed on ordering the Christian Slater and Bret Harrison-led pilot to series. Studio Sony Pictures Television will extend the options on the actors, which--as Andreeva points out--will prevent Harrison from being in the running to take over the male lead on NBC's Perfect Couples, which is recasting. (Deadline)
TVGuide.com's Gina DiNunno has an interview with Louis C.K. ahead of tonight's premiere for his new FX comedy, Louie. "It's kind of like an autobiographical fiction," said C.K. of the new series. "It's like I'm playing myself, but none of these things have happened to me. Like I have a brother on the show, but I don't in reality. I just thought it would be interesting to have a one for a little while." (TVGuide.com)
SPOILER! TV Guide Magazine's Will Keck talks to Calista Flockhart and Brothers & Sisters executive producer David Marshall Grant about what the future holds for Flockhart's widowed Kitty. "It will be a little challenging for her," said Grant, who indicated that the action will begin a year after the death of Rob Lowe's Robert. "She might be seeing the kinds of guys that she didn't normally date, and I'm sure she'll have a date from hell." Flockhart added that she's sad to lose Lowe but said that Kitty won't be siting at home alone. "I don't think Kitty will be single for that long," she told Keck. "She'll have lots of guys — at least I hope." (TV Guide Magazine)
Executive shuffle: former ABC Studios executive Morgan Wandell has left Berlanti Television after two years, following the conclusion of his contract with the company. He will remain an executive producer on ABC's No Ordinary Family and will continue to develop projects. His responsibilities will be taken over at Berlanti Television by Melissa Berman. (Deadline)
Stay tuned.
Having originally watched the third episode of True Blood's third season over a month ago, it's been impossible to scrub that final image from my memory.
Now that the episode has aired, it's rather likely that you too now have that same problem. The final scene of the episode ("It Hurts Me Too"), written by Alexander Woo and directed by Michael Lehmann, might just be one of the most disturbing images ever to air on television and I can promise that it will sit with you a long time after the final credits have rolled on this week's installment.
True Blood has long been an exploration of how the characters cling to or cast off their humanity and the tenuous thread that often keeps these supernatural entities bound to their mortal lives. While the final scene was graphic and, yes, twisted, it was also an absolutely necessary stepping stone for one character as he came face to face with what he despised about both his maker and himself... and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to hold onto the one thing he loves above all else.
It might just be the twist heard round the world.
So what did I think of this week's episode? Let's discuss.
If anything, True Blood has shown us that there is no black and white, not even in death. Actions can be recovered from, moral lines uncrossed, and one's soul saved even after abhorrent, terrible behavior, so long as one chooses to live in the (metaphorical) light.
Bill. Throughout his vampiric life, Bill has walked a fine line between good and evil, between casting off his humanity and clinging to it tightly. Sookie reawakened in him emotions long dormant and a real possibility of happiness... but it might be one that's short-lived. Sookie's long-term survival depends on his alliance with Russell Edgington. If he doesn't pledge fealty to the King of Mississippi, his next move will be to bring Sookie to his palatial estate and make her Lorena's dinner.
Bill's alliance, therefore, is intended to ensure Sookie lives, even if it comes at the cost of his own humanity. Throughout the series, Bill has been presented as a man of his word and the decision to leave Sophie-Anne's service and pledge his loyalty to Russell isn't an easy one but it's made all the more calculated because of the risk that Sookie faces if he doesn't agree. His love for Sookie and her happiness comes above all else. Even the last vestiges of his humanity, sacrificed at the end of the episode in a brutal scene with Lorena that displays just how far Bill is willing to go in order to keep his fiancee safe.
Lorena taught him a lesson early on that true love for a human meant staying away from them, to build a barrier between their mundane world and the vampire's supernatural existence. In falling in love with Sookie, he crossed that parapet once more and opened himself up to the possibility of happiness with a human. According to Lorena, that relationship by definition must be brief. He will destroy her in the end and he can't hope to bring her anything but ruin and despair, just as he did by going back to see his mortal wife Caroline.
Arriving to discover both his children gone, Bill finds a Caroline who is nothing like he remembers, more animal than human, a haunted, grief-striven widow who said goodbye to her husband years before when the war ended and he never came home. What appears in her home that night isn't her husband but a demon wearing his skin, a thing that weeps blood and isn't stopped by a shotgun blast to the shoulder. The kindest thing he can do, according to Lorena, is make her forget. (And to bury their son.)
It's a somber scene that recalls the scene earlier this season in which Bill fed on Olivia, the elderly woman with the oxygen tank, before making her forget their encounter and granting her a happy memory instead of her errant son. Here, Caroline isn't given anything to replace their encounter but she escapes with what's left of her life, condemned to live out the rest of her days in solitude, surrounded--just like Bill--by Death.
All of which runs through Bill's mind as he gives into the darkness and plunges his teeth into Lorena, punishing them both for what she's made him and what he's become. Their sex isn't pleasant but painful, a gruesome encounter behind those doors of silver in which Bill twists her head around in a corkscrew shape, a terrible vengeance that's all the more horrific because he can't bear to look at her face as he gives himself up to his carnal, violent desires.
Is it painful to watch? Yes, it is. But it's also a provocative stepping stone for Bill Compton as he punishes himself as much as his maker there, forcing himself to plunge headfirst into the darkness of her heart, to take her, to break her, and to submit to the demon in his soul, casting off his humanity in order to save the very thing that reawakened it within him.
Tara and Franklin. Anguished over Eggs' death, Tara begins once more to put her life together again, recovering from her suicide attempt, but it's the appearance in her life of shifty vampire Franklin Mott that once again threatens to derail her progress. After beating up some rednecks in last week's episode, she falls into an uneasy sexual dalliance with Franklin but afterward wants nothing to do with him, even refusing to tell him her name.
The experience hasn't healed Tara; in fact, she feels even dirtier than before. But she wisely realizes that she doesn't want to be with Franklin and she leaves. Franklin, unfortunately, has other ideas. He's been hired--by whom is still unclear--to dig up dirt on Bill Compton. His first port of call is the old Compton place, where he coerces Jessica into spilling what she knows about Bill. After all, he took care of that pesky problem with the trucker corpse in the crawl space and his use of the dead man's head is unnerving enough that Jessica complies with his entreaties. (Ironically, it's Hoyt who finds the rest of the trucker corpse.)
Jessica's information leads Franklin to Sookie Stackhouse's house where he encounters... Tara Thornton. While she's not too willing to let him into Sookie's house, he glamours her and then forces her to invite him in. Not good, not good at all. I'm still unsure what Franklin wants and what exactly he's looking for but it seems as though he'll be using Tara as his catspaw. Not at all what Tara needs, particularly as she spent much of last season in Maryann's thrall. She needs to get as far away from supernatural creatures that can mess with your mind as possible.
However, I am glad that she and Sookie reconciled before Sookie took off for Jackson. The handling of Eggs' funeral was a little awkward (why was it that day? why was Tara not told about the funeral? what if Tara didn't take Mike's call?) but the scene between Tara and Sookie together, best friends once more, at the gravesite was a nicely played sequence that showed the depth of their feelings for one another and their shared losses.
Sookie. Sookie, meanwhile, proved that she's no push-over, nearly dispatching the werewolf intruder to the afterlife, if Eric hadn't jumped in front of her bullet trajectory. While it makes a big mess (once again ruining that front hall rug), it manages to distract the werewolf enough that he turns his attention to getting some vampire blood and allows Sookie to scan his mind, getting a name ("Jackson") but little else before Eric turns the tables and kills the wolf.
Sookie's not going to let things sit still, of course. Knowing that Bill could be in Jackson, she's determined to go after him. But Eric's not letting her go on her own and get killed in the process. He brings in a traveling companion for Sookie, a bit of werewolf protection in the form of Alcide, who is there to work off his father's debt to Eric. He knows the werewolf community and agrees to take her inside the wolves' den in search of Bill... though he has other things on his mind, namely the fact that his ex-girlfriend Debbie Pelt has taken up with the new pack leader Cooter.
In Jackson, things go from bad to worse as Alcide learns that Debbie is engaged to Cooter and Sookie nearly gets raped by werewolf Gus before Alcide comes to her rescue. (Of course, Sookie was also able to scan the fact that said werewolf was one of the F--- You Crew that kidnapped and tortured Bill.)
Here's to hoping that there's something of Bill that's worth saving when she finds him. Something tells me there's going to be a hell of a lot of trouble ahead for these two lovebirds.
Arlene. Poor, poor Arlene. No sooner does she learn that she's pregnant, she's faced with a serious moral dilemma, given that the baby is only about ten weeks old, far too old for Terry to be the father. So just who would the baby's daddy be? Well, that would be serial killer Rene, of course. Which means that she's carrying a killer's baby in her womb... and she can't bear to break the news to Terry, who is overjoyed when he believes that he's going to be a father. Sad times...
Jason. Jason, meanwhile, is so determined to become a cop and yet so unwilling to do the hard work to get there, viewing himself as far superior to Andy Bellefleur in every respect. The scene in which Jason couldn't answer a single question on the deputy sheriff's written test was hilarious ("Everyone knows if it's on the sample test it won't be on the real thing"), given his false bravado in the face of those recurring nightmares about bullet wounds and nude exam-taking and the fact that he is haunted about Eggs' death, to the point where he can't even talk to Tara to offer his support.
But with Sheriff Bud Dearborne possibly out of the picture for good, there might just be an opening on the Bon Temps PD, should Andy step up and take over for Bud.
Sam. Last week, I mentioned the dark look that passed between Melinda and Joe Lee when Sam showed up in Arkansas and this week the Mickens clan arrived in Bon Temps to check up on Sam and see what sort of life he has there. While Sam is stunned to see his biological parents (and his no-good brother) there, he quickly recovers and invites them to stay for lunch, which quickly turns into an alcohol-fueled binge. Forcing them to leave when Joe Lee won't adhere to the rules (you know, about serving minors), things get tense... and then take a turn for the weird when Sam encounters a pit bull in his office. Said dog turns into a bird and takes off through the open window, leaving Sam wondering just what Tommy was doing going through his things... right by the safe. Could the Mickens be looking for some cash? And was Tommy working alone? Hmmm...
Lafayette and Eric. Can I just say that I loved the scene between Lafayette and Eric as he showed up with a brand-new car for Lafayette, his best dealer, and attempted to use a carrot rather than a stick to entice Lafayette into doing his bidding and moving the product, forcing Lafayette to question his lack of ambition. Well played, Eric.
All in all, another great installment that will linger with me for quite some time, thanks to that gruesome and shocking final image of Bill and Lorena. Here's to heading even deeper into the darkness and to hoping that there's a way for these characters to emerge on the other side.
What did you think of this week's episode? Disturbed by the Bill/Lorena head-twisting? Wondering what's up with the Mickens? Why is Franklin ferreting out intelligence about Bill? Head to the comments section to discuss.
In two weeks on True Blood ("9 Crimes"), Sookie joins Alcide at a raucous engagement party for Debbie Pelt, his former fiancée; Eric is given a deadline to locate Bill; Andy gets a promotion and draws Jasonʼs attention; Franklin takes Tara on a road trip; Arlene is irked by Jessicaʼs arrival at Merlotteʼs; Sam brokers a deal with Tommy and his parents, Melinda and Joe Lee; Bill “procures” dinner for Russell and Lorena.
"It's time to start a new tab."
Yes, it's time once again to travel back to the 1960s with the return of AMC's Mad Men, which returns to the lineup next month.
The cabler has released the first promo for Season Four of Mad Men (launching July 25th), which doesn't feature any original footage from next season--it would, of course, give away clues to just when and where we find the characters when we return--but instead uses clips from previous seasons to highlight the tension and drama of the series.
Additionally, AMC has released character-specific promos--depicting Don Draper (Jon Hamm), Betty (January Jones), Roger (John Slattery), Joan (Christina Hendricks), Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser), and Peggy (Elisabeth Moss)--that offer snippets of where the characters left off last season.
All of the promos can be viewed in full below.
Mad Men: A Fresh Start For Don
Mad Men: A Fresh Start For Betty
Mad Men: A Fresh Start For Roger
Mad Men: A Fresh Start For Joan
Mad Men: A Fresh Start For Pete
Mad Men: A Fresh Start For Peggy
Season Four of Mad Men premieres Sunday, July 25th at 10 pm ET/PT on AMC. Continue reading full story...
How cool is this?
Doctor Who star Matt Smith took to the stage at the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts to perform the theme song to Doctor Who, appearing on stage alongside Orbital this week.
Yes, the Doctor himself was on hand to partake in a performance at Glasto, and it's worth noting that the version of the Doctor Who theme that he performed was the iconic 1970s/1980s version of the Doctor Who opening credits music, rather than the more recent versions arranged for the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors.
And, yes, I wish I was there...
The full video of Doctor Who's Matt Smith appearing on stage at Glastonbury can be found below.
Doctor Who airs Saturday evenings on BBC America. Continue reading full story...
It's official: David Nevins will take over for Robert Greenblatt as President of Entertainment at Showtime.
The announcement was made this morning by Showtime Chairman/CEO Matthew Blank, who officially confirmed reports late last week that Nevins, a partner at Imagine TV, would take over for Greenblatt, who will leave the pay cabler when his contract ends in July.
"I'm thrilled to welcome a creative executive of the caliber of David Nevins to our company,” said Blank in a statement. "David's career has been punctuated by genre-defining programming at every turn and has the perfect creative sensibility for Showtime Networks' next exciting chapter."
"At the same time, I have to say that Bob Greenblatt is one of the finest executives in the business and has developed some of the most extraordinary original programming of the past decade," continued Blank. "His legacy has us grateful and well-positioned for the company's future."
The full press release from Showtime can be found below.
Imagine Television President to Succeed Robert Greenblatt
NEW YORK – (June 28, 2010) – David Nevins, an Emmy® Award-winning producer and veteran network programming executive, has been named President of Entertainment at Showtime Networks Inc., it was announced today by Matthew C. Blank, Chairman and CEO of Showtime Networks Inc., to whom he will report. Mr. Nevins will succeed Robert Greenblatt, who announced he will leave the network after completing his current contract in July.
Nevins, who has served as President of Imagine Television since 2002, will be responsible for developing, acquiring and supervising all aspects of programming for all of the Showtime Networks channels. He will be based in Los Angeles and begin his new position later this summer.
At Imagine, Nevins oversaw development and production and served as executive producer for all of the company's television productions, including the Golden Globe® and Emmy Award-winning 24 and the critically acclaimed FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. He also developed and served as executive producer on FOX’s Emmy Award-winning comedy series ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. Other shows Nevins currently has on the air are FOX’s LIE TO ME, NBC’s PARENTHOOD, and the upcoming comedy FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS, also on NBC.
Previously, as Executive Vice President, Programming at FOX Broadcasting Company, he spearheaded development and current programming for both comedy and drama series. During his tenure at FOX, he developed 24, THE BERNIE MAC SHOW and BOSTON PUBLIC, among others. Before joining FOX, Nevins was Senior Vice President, Primetime Series at NBC, overseeing the award-winning series WILL & GRACE, ER, THE WEST WING, LAW & ORDER: SVU and HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET.
“I'm thrilled to welcome a creative executive of the caliber of David Nevins to our company,” said Blank. “David's career has been punctuated by genre-defining programming at every turn and has the perfect creative sensibility for Showtime Networks' next exciting chapter," he added.
"At the same time, I have to say that Bob Greenblatt is one of the finest executives in the business and has developed some of the most extraordinary original programming of the past decade. His legacy has us grateful and well-positioned for the company's future."
“Showtime has shown a remarkably consistent ability to develop unique, signature shows with that rare combination of creative integrity and mass appeal— and frankly they do the kind of shows I like to watch,” said Nevins. Matt and Bob have done this by creating a nurturing environment where the best creative talent can thrive. It’s exactly the same philosophy that we had at Imagine under Brian (Grazer) and Ron’s (Howard) leadership. Showtime is a place where quality wins and I’m excited to build on its legacy."
Greenblatt joined Showtime in July 2003 with a mandate to reinvigorate the Showtime brand and establish the network as a leading premium subscription network with original programming. He leaves the network with significant growth in both its subscriber base and operating profit, and a full portfolio of original programming that includes DEXTER, WEEDS, NURSE JACKIE, and CALIFORNICATION, among many others.
"During the last seven years, we've managed to reinvigorate Showtime as a vital, attention-getting network, which is now known as a destination for some of the best, most original series anywhere on television," said Greenblatt. "Showtime’s programming line-up is directly responsible for the network’s remarkable growth and has brought wide-ranging critical acclaim. I have enormous respect and admiration for everyone at Showtime who have worked so passionately as a team, and I can't thank Matt Blank enough for his unconditional support, his leadership, and his partnership with me every step of the way. I leave exceedingly proud that Showtime now stands as a vibrant, exciting, groundbreaking network and I predict it will remain so for many years to come." Continue reading full story...
Channel Surfing: Judy Greer Finds Mad Love, David Strathairn Circles Alphas, Gossip Girl, True Blood Twist, and More
Welcome to your Monday morning television briefing.
Judy Greer (Miss/Guided) is heading to CBS. The actress--whose voice appeared this season on FX's animated comedy Archer--has signed on to star in CBS ensemble comedy Mad Love, which has been picked up for thirteen episodes and will launch in midseason. Greer replaces Lizzy Caplan, who had only signed on to appear as a guest star in the pilot, and will star opposite Sarah Chalke (who herself replaced Minka Kelly), Jason Biggs, and Tyler Labine (who replaced Dan Fogler). Project, from writer/executive producer Matt Tarses, revolves around a group of Manhattan friends looking for love. (Variety, Deadline)
Deadline's Nellie Andreeva is reporting that David Strathairn (Matadors) is in talks to topline Syfy's action-adventure pilot Alphas, which revolves around a team of people with extraordinary abilities. Strathairn would play the "the overseer/team leader/prescribing doctor and all around mother hen to the team: an eccentric, absent-minded professor at times, who is also a cunning and manipulative power-player willing to bend the rules in pursuit of his objectives." Ryan Cartwright (Mad Men), meanwhile, would play a team member with Asperger's Syndrome who is able to receive wireless transmissions. (Deadline)
Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Katie Cassidy (Melrose Place) has signed on to a multiple-episode story arc on the CW's Gossip Girl next season, where she will play "a student at Columbia and a love interest for fellow undergrad Nate (Chace Crawford)" who will cause trouble for the well-heeled set of the CW drama series. Her first appearance is slated to air during the fourth season premiere this fall. (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)
POTENTIAL SPOILER E! Online's Kristin Dos Santos has an interview with Mariana Kleveno--who plays vampire Lorena on HBO's True Blood--about the disturbing final-act twist in last night's taut installment. "[That scene] was actually the most shocking thing that I've ever read in a television script," Kleveno told E! "My jaw dropped on the floor when I read it and thought, 'Oh my god, I actually have to do that?!" Kleveno also goes on to say that filming the pivotal scene was "kind of uncomfortable." [Editor: when I interviewed Stephen Moyer a few weeks back, we discussed the scene and he referred to it as "f---ing gnarly."] (E! Online's Watch with Kristin)
Remember those rumors circulating last week that the Beeb was considering resurrecting Philip Glenister's Gene Hunt character from Ashes to Ashes and Life on Mars? Looks like--thankfully--there is absolutely no truth to them whatsoever. Ashes co-creator Matthew Graham has denied the report, originally published by The Daily Mirror, stating in no uncertain terms that Gene's story was done. [Editor: Whew! As much as I love Gene and Life on Mars/Ashes to Ashes, it had the perfect ending.] (Den of Geek)
Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that A.J. Cook will be returning to CBS' Criminal Minds this fall... at least for a "brief stint to tie up JJ's storyline." Additionally, Paget Brewster will also be returning for another season, having successfully concluded a contract renegotiation that will see her return in the fall for "a significant number of episodes," according to an unnamed Criminal Minds insider. (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)
Lolita Davidovich and Kathleen Quinlan have joined the cast of of HBO telepic Cinema Verite, which revolves around the making of the landmark reality series An American Family. (Also cast: William Belli and Nick Eversman.) Elsewhere, Steve Hytner (Hung) has been cast in CMT's comedy pilot The Hard Life, where he will star opposite Matthew Lillard and Gillian Vigman, appearing in flashbacks to the 1970s. (Deadline)
SPOILER! TV Guide Magazine's Will Keck has some dirt on the Season Seven opener of FOX's House, which finds Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) taking Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) away for an "idyllic day." "Anywhere other than Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital is an easier place for them to be together in a relationship," House executive producer Katie Jacobs tells Keck. "That's where we start — 'What if we only have each other?' As their day goes on, Cuddy will learn that the locales they visit hold a secret significance... It would be impossible for Cuddy to spend every day as if her child and her professional life don't exist; a little easier for House, since he is somewhat of a child himself. But what's cool about Season 7 is that House is going to try to stay off drugs and have a meaningful relationship. We don't rush through this. It's taken six years to get there, so this is not a story that's going to be done in three episodes." (TV Guide Magazine)
Marvel Entertainment has created a television division and named scribe Jeph Loeb (Heroes) to head up the new sector. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Loeb will "oversee the translation of Marvel’s popular characters and stories to the television medium, in both live-action and animation formats" as well as "the development and distribution of live-action, animated and direct-to-DVD series." (Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision)
Peter Horton (Grey's Anatomy) will direct and executive produce FOX's upcoming con man drama Lonestar, signing a deal with 20th Century Fox Television and FOX that will also secured him a premium script commitment. He'll also direct a pilot for the studio and network next season. Horton will direct the first episode of Lonestar after the pilot episode, which was directed by Marc Webb. (Variety)
Former Dexter showrunner Clyde Phillips has signed a two-year overall deal with Lionsgate Television, under which he will develop programming for the studio. Anything that is ordered to pilot (or series) would be shot on the East Coast, where Phillips lives with his family. (Deadline)
Emily VanCamp (Brothers & Sisters) has been cast in CBS' upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame telepic Let Them Shine, where she will play a novice teacher who makes a difference in the lives of several homeless students. Project is written by Camille Thomasson and directed by Jeff Bleckner. (Variety)
Stay tuned.
I have a hard time imagining a world without Party Down.
While Starz's critically adored by ratings-challenged comedy has only been on for two seasons (the second of which wraps its run tonight), Party Down has served as a beacon of hope, particularly in light of watching the crop of comedy pilots ordered to series for next season.
Tonight's season finale of Party Down ("Constance Carmell Wedding") arrives at a time when the future of the series is even more uncertain than when the season began back in April. Starz hasn't picked up the series for a third season and many of its cast members--including Adam Scott and Ryan Hansen--have signed on to star in other shows. (You can read my feature on The Daily Beast from April about the situation here and the outtakes from my interview with Scott--in which we talk about Parks and Recreation and Party Down--here.)
In its twenty episodes, Party Down found the pitch-perfect balance between sweet and sour and between humor and pathos. While the crew of Party Down Caterers took a series of jobs--including tonight's wedding for one of their own, Constance (Glee's Jane Lynch back once more)--we came to know and love these characters, in spite of (or perhaps because of) their many flaws.
The Party Down gang were at times lazy, slovenly, charmless, and sarcastic. They were, in other words, much like the darker sides of ourselves, secret selves we conceal from view most of the time. Which might be why we loved them quite so much.
Tonight's season finale feels like a suitable end for Party Down, if that's what it winds up being, should Starz opt not to renew this incredible, hysterical series. Decisions are made, paths taken, and twists occur, even as we get a chance to see the original cast--including Lynch--reunite one final time on screen.
I don't want to spoil the plot of tonight's installment nor the conclusions that are reached at the very end of the episode. Party Down has always been a series that has tickled the funny bone (and offered a punch to the gut) of its devoted audience and it goes out tonight just as it started: with a sense of the bittersweet. The series has managed, in the capable hands of Rob Thomas and John Enbom, to capture the very essence of Hollywood as a place rich with the possibility of hope and that of eternal torment, a place where one's dreams are cruelly dashed.
But it's also a place of constant reinvention, where anyone--even the lowliest caiter-waiter--can look up at the stars and begin their dream anew.
Regardless of what happens with Starz, Party Down as we know it comes to an end tonight. Adam Scott is contracted for three episodes, should the series get renewed (and, sadly, that's a rather big if), and Ryan Hansen would also only be allowed to appear in a handful of episodes. The series has weathered the loss of one of its stars before and come out the other side but Scott's Henry has remained the heart of the series, his journey at its very core of what makes Party Down tick.
There's no way of knowing what the future will hold for Party Down but, for tonight at least, the party goes on.
The season finale of Party Down airs tonight at 10 pm ET/PT on Starz.
Channel Surfing: Dexter Lures Miller, Jordana Spiro Out at Love Bites, Greenblatt Exits Showtime, Gene Hunt, and More
Welcome to your Friday morning television briefing.
Showtime's Dexter is on a casting role. Variety's Stuart Levine is reporting that Jonny Lee Miller (Eli Stone) is the latest to board the serial killer drama, signing on to appear in a multiple-episode story arc on Season Five of Dexter. Miller will play "a mysterious man who ends up tangled in a storyline with Julia Stiles, who is beginning her first season on the skein." (Variety)
Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Jordana Spiro has exited NBC's midseason romantic anthology series Love Bites. Spiro's participation in the series was always in second position to her role on TBS comedy My Boys, which returns for its fourth season next month. "Although the odds appear slim that TBS will renew the show for a fifth season (season 4 premieres July 25), it was a risk NBC apparently wasn’t willing to take," writes Ausiello. "It’s unclear if her role will be recast." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)
Elsewhere, E! Online's Jenna Mullins has an interview with Spiro about Season Four of My Boys. "PJ has to deal with moving on to the next level with her relationship. She and Bobby start living together," said Spiro. "When you start getting a little too comfortable with your significant other, the new video game becomes more exciting than the new piece of lingerie." (E! Online's Watch with Kristin)
In surprising news, Robert Greenblatt has stepped down from his role as Showtime Networks president after a seven-year run and will be succeeded by former Imagine TV partner David Nevins. "Though the executive shuffle came down just this week, sources portrayed Greenblatt's decision as a long time in the making," writes The Hollywood Reporter's James Hibberd. "It's unclear if the network's corporate communications chief, Richard Licata, who's worked with Greenblatt for 16 years, will opt to continue at the network in the wake of the entertainment president's departure." (Variety, Hollywood Reporter)
Could the Beeb be resurrecting Philip Glenister's Gene Hunt once more? According to The Daily Mirror, the BBC is contemplating whether to develop a new series that would be set in the present day and revolve around Glenister's fiery Gene Hunt character from Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. No word on whether the rumors are in fact true or just that: rumors. [Editor: personally, I thought given the perfection of the ending of Ashes to Ashes, that Gene's storyline was nicely tied up. But...] (via Digital Spy)
Vulture's Emma Barker has a speed round with Party Down and Parks and Recreation star Adam Scott in which he discusses everything from prosthetic penises (cough, Tell Me You love Me, cough) to Matthew McConaughey-esque catch phrases, all in his inimitable style. (Vulture)
Digital Spy's Catriona Wightman is reporting that Doctor Who head writer/executive producer Steven Moffat has asked Russell T Davies to pen an upcoming episode of Doctor Who. But will it happen? "He's pretty adamant that he's not going to," said Moffat. "He did an awful lot of Doctor Who for an awful lot of years, and I think he's finding it in a way hard, because he's done a Doctor Who story in effect for Sarah Jane Adventures. So I think he probably wants to get away from it for a bit. I can understand that, because he did a hell of a lot. But I'd love to get him back, it would be just joyous to get him back because I miss him." (Digital Spy)
No surprise: Andy Richter will be making the move with Conan O'Brien to TBS this fall. "I'm doing the TBS Conan show because I went back to work for Conan on The Tonight Show," Richter told Variety's Michael Schneider. "But that story ended unnaturally... I didn't want them to end that story of me and Conan getting back together. I had come back to work with a friend." (Variety)
Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello talks to Weeds star Mary-Louise Parker about the departure of Elizabeth Perkins from the cast of the Showtime dark comedy series when it returns for its sixth season on August 16th. "It's really sad -- really said," Parker told Ausiello. "I just can’t think of a single negative thing to say about Elizabeth Perkins. I’m sure there are many because she’s a human being, but I worked with her for [five] years and she was a wonderful person in the morning and she was a wonderful person when you worked an 18-hour day." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)
Rob Lowe (Parks and Recreation) has teamed up with reality shingle 44 Blue to produce a new unscripted series that is set in Washington, D.C. and which will focus on "real-life aspiring politicos as they look to move up the ranks of power in the nation's capital." (Variety)
TLC has ordered eight episodes of an untitled reality competition series spinning off of its successful Cake Boss franchise in which ten aspiring cake makers will compete for an apprenticeship at Carlo's Bakery. Production on the series, from High Noon Entertainment, is slated to begin in September. (via press release)
VH1 has ordered a pilot for Office Bonus, in which "office workers battle for a $50,000 bonus" as they are locked in their workplace for 72 hours and must convince their co-workers to give them the cash bonus. Project, from 3 Ball, is executive produced by JD Roth, Todd Nelson, and Adam Greener. (Hollywood Reporter)
A&E has given an pilot order to unscripted series The Incurables, which will focus on British self-help guru Paul McKenna as he attempts to help people with severe psychological or physical problems. Project, from Ryan Seacrest Productions and McKenna Media, will be executive produced by Ryan Seacrest, McKenna, and Sam Mettler. (Variety)
TV Land is developing an untitled docusoap that will revolve around George Hamilton, his adult son Ashley, and his ten-year-old son George, as they move in together in Los Angeles. (Hollywood Reporter)
Turner Broadcasting has promoted two publicity executives, bumping Jeff Matteson to SVP/strategic communications officer and Misty Skedgell to SVP of corporate communications. (Variety)
Stay tuned.
