GAME OF THRONES - PETER DINKLAGE as 'Tyrion Lannister' in the Battle of Blackwater, episode 2.09 (#19), airing Sunday, May27 on HBO (Credit: HBO)
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #19 Preview VIDEO:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode 19 - 'Battle Tease' VIDEO:
Stephen Dillane as Stannis Baratheon in Episode 2.09 of Game Of Thrones, Sunday May 27, 2012 on HBO (Credit: HBO, inc.):
GAME OF THRONES (HBO) 'BLACKWATER' (THE BATTLE OF BLACKWATER BAY) SYNOPSIS:
Episode #19: “Blackwater” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis’ fleet assaults King’s Landing. Written by George R.R. Martin; directed by Neil Marshall.
The executive producers of GAME OF THRONES are David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger; co-executive producers, George R.R. Martin, Vanessa Taylor, Alan Taylor, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis; produced by Bernadette Caulfield.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode 19 - 'War Of The Kings' Trailer VIDEO:
After the jump:
GAME OF THRONES Episode 18 RECAP ('A Man Without Honour') (VIDEO):, Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #18 (VIDEO)::
KIT HARRINGTON - Jon Snow in Game of Thrones on HBO interviews about episode 2.08, 'The Prince Of Winterfell':
BOOK SPOILER: I'm just finishing 'the 3rd installment of the "A Song of Ice & Fire' series. In 'A Clash Of Kings,' near the very end, Jon Snow is having vivid dreams and in one he returns to Winterfell to be lord and restore it to it's former glory. Within the dream Jon Snow realises that he is a bastard and cannot ever be 'Lord of Winterfell'. Very soon after in his waking life however, a tempting offer is extended that could make this a reality.
Here are the HBO Extras for Game Of Thrones Episode 2.08 - 'The Prince Of Winterfell':
GAME OF THRONES - 'Walking on Ice' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'A Selfish Mistake' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'Played For a Fool' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'Practical Tailoring' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'The Proper End' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'More Pressing Problems' VIDEO -
SAMUEL L. JACKSON as Nick Fury and SCARLETT JOHANSSEN as Black Widow a/k/a Natasha Romanov in MARVEL'S The AVENGERS:
Hulk Smash! Mark Ruffalo was an interesting choice for The Hulk but he's inhabited the persona and played Bruce Banner very convincingly. Lucky number 3 --we have ourselves a winner! (Also pictured: Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye.) SOURCE: EW Magazine
We saw Marvel's The Avengers on Friday night. At the end, the audience cheered, which doesn't happen too often. So, in its second week, The Avengers is still getting THAT kind of audience reception. I am so glad Whedon is getting the recognition he deserves it on its own, and for his body of work thus far. I hope a whole new crop of Whedonites sprout.
Whedon has an awesomely loyal following. And this time, they brought ALL their friends.
'The Dark Knight Rises' Trailer Teases Batman's Suffering, More Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anne Hathaway (Video)
The new trailer for the upcoming Batman film offers an up close look at the series' new stars and Bruce Wayne's emotional arc. '...Seemingly loosely based on Frank Miller's 1986 Batman comic limited series The Dark Knight Returns, the film features a story that takes place eight years after the conclusion of 2008's The Dark Knight. Christian Bale's Batman is seemingly out of commision, or at least very unprepared to face off against the psychotic menace of Bane, played by a Tom Hardy whose voice is much more clear than it was in earlier trailers.
Bane's warpath brings Gotham to its knees and puts Batman on his (broken) back, though the combination of Commisioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), Alfred (Michael Caine) and John Blake (newcomer to the series, Joseph Gordon-Levitt) believe in his return, even when all seems lost.
The trailer features Gordon-Levitt and Anne Hathaway, who plays Selina Kyle/Catwoman, quite heavily, telling a story of struggle and misplaced trust amid the crippling of a city.
Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar(R) winner Christian Bale ("The Fighter") again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar(R) winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose"), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Returning to the main cast, Oscar(R) winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar(R) winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") reprises the role of Lucius Fox.
GAME OF THRONES - Episode 15 – 'The Ghost of Harrenhal' – RECAP:
We open the episode in King Renly’s tent as Renly talks war strategy & alliances with Catelyn Stark. Things sound somewhat promising but because of Melisandre's demon spawn birthing scene last week, everyone probably guessed that Renly's number was about to be up. Sure enough, but a few minutes into the episode Renly is driven through with the shadow demon's sword, falling into Brienne's arms and dying. Guards are upon her immediately but she quickly dispatches them. Then, with Catelyn's urging, she and Cat beat a hasty retreat. Later is a heart-rending scene between Brienne and Catelyn, where a still very distraught Brienne pledges her loyalty to Catelyn Stark. Perfectly played by both Gwendoline Christie as Brienne and Michelle Fairley as Catelyn.
Back in Renly’s camp, the Tyrells have discovered the fate of poor Renly. Loras seems much more upset than Margaery expressing his desire for revenge by killing Stannis himself. Margaery advises caution, as does Littlefinger. She though, is thinking only about the end game, and Littlefinger appears to be on the same page. Says he, 'You wish to be a queen?' Says she, 'No.'...pause...'I wish to be THE queen.'
Stannis has arrived in Renly’s camp and all of his bannermen except the Tyrells who have fled, have joined him. Davos needs to speak with Stannis of a 'hard truth' in the forthcoming battle strategy. Stannis tells him they next sail to Blackwater Bay and, despite Davos's protestations, Davos will command the fleet. Davos advises Stannis to leave Melisandre behind because, he tells him, he will lose his men to the Red Woman if they are victorious as she will be credited her for the victory. Stannis glumly acquiesces without argument.
In King’s Landing, Tyrion meets with Cersei about Renly’s death. Tyrion warns that they will be Stannis's next target. Cersei blithely responds that Joffrey has begun making siege plans, but she plays coy about what those plans are. Undaunted, Tyrion goes to Lancel to get the inside scoop. After verbally kicking around Cersei's boy-toy, Tyrion learns that the Queen Regent has ordered alchemists s make wildfire. Tyrion journeys to the Alchemist’s Guild seeing firsthand the potential in “the substance.” He orders Hallyne to continue making it under Tyrion's direction now.
On the Iron Islands, Theon is preparing to set sail on his ship, the Sea Bitch. His motley crew doesn’t respect him. He meets Dagmer Cleftjaw for the first time; Dagmer suggests instead of raiding some fishing villages, they attack the under-defended Torrhen’s Square. Theon tells him they could take it, but couldn’t hold it once Winterfell sends forces to reclaim it. The two men exchange knowing glances and Theon now sees a path to victory and the much-desired respect from his men.
In Winterfell, Bran is taking yet another 'town hall' meeting,' continuing to listen to the complaints of minor lords. To his irritation, little brother Rickon noisily mashes walnuts by his side. Breaking the staid process, Rodrik bursts in declaring Torrhen Square is under attack. Despite most of them off at battle with Robb, Rodrick tells Bran he could round up 200 fighting men. Bran orders him to do so and to reclaim Torrhen Square. Later, he talks with Osha about his dreams. He talks of the three-eyed crow and then tells Osha about his dream of the sea crashing over the walls Winterfell.
In the far North, the Night’s Watch has arrived at the Fist of the First Men. As they set up camp, Qhorin Halfhand arrives with a force from the Shadow Tower. Qhorin and Jeor Mormont, the Old Bear, talk strategy; the Halfhand wants to take a small force of men to eliminate Mance’s scouts and Jon Snow wants to go with him. Commander Mormont resists at first, but relents after an internal dialogue where he seems to remember his end-game with Snow. It doesn't hurt that Sam cheerfully offers to pick up Jon’s steward duties.
Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys is a guest of Xaro Xhoan Daxos, the prince who vouched for her and her troupe at the gates of Qarth. Dany has finally figured out how how to feed her dragons or rather how they can now feed themselves (they like their meat singed). Xaro hosts a meet and greet for Dany including the shiver-inducing warlock, Pyat Pree. He shows Dany a bit of magic and invites her to the House of the Undying. Clad in a bizarre wooden mask, Quaithe makes an appearance, delivering cryptic warnings to Jorah of impending danger. Later that night, Xaro demonstrates his immense wealth and then proposes marriage to Dany. He also delivers the news that King Robert is dead. Dany consults with 'adviser and friend,' Jorah. She considers accepting Xaro’s proposal and setting sail to Westeros immediately. Jorah advises her that they wait, that their allies are in Westeros and they need just one ship, not three, to get them there.
Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H’ghar
At Harrenhal, Arya attends to Lord Tywin as he meets with his lords. They are discussing what to do about Robb, as he continues to make mincemeat of them at every battle. Tywin recognizes Arya as a northerner. He asks of her what they say of Robb in the north. She tells him the tales of Robb riding a direwolf into battle, or even turning into a direwolf, and that he can’t be killed. “Do you think he can’t be killed?,” he intones. Arya meets his eyes steadily: “No. Anyone can be killed.” Tywin tells her to fetch some water as the already long meeting will continue much longer. On her way, she runs into the enigmatic Jaqen H’ghar dressed as a Lannister soldier. He tells her she owes the Red God three lives, that she must give a man three names and a man will do the rest. Arya gives him his first name, the torturer nicknamed The Tickler. Later, a scream and a thud comes from the courtyard. The Tickler lies on the ground, his head twisted 180 degrees around, facing up. Arya looks up at the battlements and sees Jaqen. He acknowledges her by holding one finger up to his face.
Also at Harrenhall, 'Gendry' (Joe Dempsie)
My thoughts on 'The Ghost of Harrenhal':
Maybe because I'm new to the book series, currently at the beginning of 'A Storm of Swords', I'm not getting bent about the changes being made in the adaption from the A Song of Ice and Fire book series to the HBO telling of the story. The author of the books, George R.R. Martin is an advisor on the adaption process and it seems most choices are done in service to the process that must be gone through in order to come out the other side, so to speak.
I don't care who Arya chose as her first kill. It needed to be someone that she hated's name. She more or less just plucked out of the air as Jaquen sprang the three deaths for three lives offer on her and she answered quickly. In my mind, the Tickler was as good as any. Book readers fussing over 'what will they do when' in book 3 need to focus on the now (adaption of book 2). If you love the book version so very much, go back and reread it to assuage your feelings of being cheated.
Speaking of 'Arya', Maisie Williams is a fantastic Arya. She's acting at the level of the best adult actors on the show. When I read the books now I picture her and that's about as good as it gets.
Though he didn't impress me all that much in season 1, Isaac Hempstead Wright as 'Bran' is increasingly growing on me. He never overplays and his restrained performance serves the story quite well.
Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H'ghar is mysterious, strange and very alluring. He's an instant favourite of mine.
Finally, the scene in the aftermath of Renly's murder between Stephen Dillane as Stannis and Liam Cunningham as Davos was churning with tumult just beneath it's muted surface. Kudos to both actors.
Lena Headey as Cersei and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in GAME OF THRONES - Episode #16:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #16 Preview
GAME OF THRONES NEXT WEEK: Episode #16: “The Old Gods and the New”: Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Theon (Alfie Allen) completes his master stroke. In King’s Landing, the Lannisters send Myrcella (Aimee Richardson) from harm’s way in the nick of time. Arya (Maisie Williams) comes face to face with a surprise visitor; Dany (Emilia Clarke) vows to take what is hers; Robb (Richard Madden) and Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) receive crucial news; Qhorin (Simon Armstrong) gives Jon (Kit Harington) a chance to prove himself.
Written by Vanessa Taylor; directed by David Nutter.
AFTER THE JUMP: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #15
ALFIE ALLEN (Theon Greyjoy), LENA HEADEY (Queen Cersei), KIT HARRINGTON (Jon Snow), EMILIA CLARKE (Daenerys) - ROLLING STONE magazine shoot - March 2012:
Claire Danes and Damien Lewis in HOMELAND on SHOWTIME. Season 2 debuts on Sept 30, 2012:
Despite there being many questions remaining for HOMELAND, due to Claire Danes' sublime performance as 'Carrie Matheson', a bi-polar CIA agent who is right about a returned war hero in the wrong way and because of Mandy Patinkin's wonderful portrayal of her mentor , a man with many years CIA and as many psychic demons, I totally need to know if Carrie is alright. Danes did such a convincing job of Carrie's meltdown which culminated with her admitting herself for electroconvulsive therapy, that I'm anxious to get back to the show to see if she's gonna pull through enough to piece her life--which she was just barely keeping on track--back together.
Homeland : Season 2 - 'Burning Questions' VIDEO:
The truth was uncovered, but not everything was revealed. Homeland season 2 premieres September 30th, 2012.
Cool! We are beginning to get DEXTER intel. I'll never not love DEXTER. The actors are incredible and the show was so daring and crazy when it was a bit 'younger.' It's still one of the best shows--on any channel on television.
DEXTER, Episode #701, "Are You....?" Writer: Scott Buck Director: John Dahl Location: Los Angeles Shoot dates: o/a 5/23-6/4
[GEORGE NOVIKOV] 30s to 40s. Russian heritage but American born, so no accent. Tough, aggressive, possibly a little overweight but imagines he is "all that". Basically, he's just not a good guy. RECURRING GUEST STAR.
[VIKTOR KAREV] 30s, handsome, well dressed, stylish, slight Eastern European accent. He is a polished businessman who can get his hands dirty when he has to. GUEST LEAD.
[DET. ANGIE MILLER] 30s, African American. Attractive, straightforward, she is a divorced mother of two who has no time for nonsense, so she simply goes about her job at Miami Metro Homicide. MAJOR RECURRING CO-STAR ROLE.
[YOUNG DEXTER] Dexter (Michael C. Hall) at 9 years old. Reddish-brownish hair and brown eyes. 2 Speeches and 6 lines/3 scenes.
[YOUNG DEBRA] Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) at 5 years old. Long brown hair and hazel green eyes. 2 Speeches and 2 lines/3 scenes.
[TICKET AGENT] 30s, Caucasian, female. She is a ticket agent at an airport. 1 Speech and 2 lines/1 scene.
[BLACK-HAIRED STRIPPER] Mid 20s to early 30s and with a thick Russian accent. She is a stripper at a Miami strip club. 2 lines/1 scene.
[EVIDENCE CLERK] Female, Latina, 30s to 40s. She works in evidence at Miami Metro Homicide. 1 line/1 scene.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #15 Preview (HBO):
Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) in GAME OF THRONES Episode 2.05 (#15) HBO:
GAME OF THRONES - Inside Episode 14:
Take a look inside Episode #14 of "Game Of Thrones."
Game of Thrones Episode #15: "The Ghost of Harrenhal" Season 2, Episode 5 Synopsis (TVGuide):
The Baratheon rivalry ends, drawing different reactions from Catelyn and Littlefinger; Tyrion finds Joffrey's defense plan at King's Landing lacking, but also learns of a mysterious secret weapon; Theon continues to prove himself to his father by sailing to the Stony Shore; Arya gets a promise from Jaqen H'ghar; the Night's Watch regroup at an ancient fortress called the Fist of the First Men.
Original Air Date: Apr 29, 2012
Guest Cast Stephen Dillane: Stannis Baratheon Tom Wlaschiha: Jaqen H'ghar Gethin Anthony: Renly Baratheon
RECAP GAME OF THRONES 'Garden Of Bones' Episode 2.04 (#14) HBO:
Arya is taken to Harrenhal, along with Gendry, Hot Pie and the other prisoners. At Harrenhal, the Mountain makes his first season 2 appearance while we meet The Tickler for the first time. Arya first begins reciting her “nightly prayer”--repeating the names of those she intends to kill: “Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound.” Her experience in the camp has added a name to that list, though: Polliver, one of the Lannister guards who abused her fellow prisoners. Gendry is chosen to be the Tickler’s next victim but Lord Tywin Lannister arrives just in time. He scolds the Mountain and his men for not putting his captives to work. He orders them to find work for the prisoners and immediately recognizing Arya for the girl that she is, takes Arya as his cupbearer. Gendry is enlisted as a smith.
Meanwhile, the 'Young Wolf', King of the North Robb Stark, wins a great victory against the Lannister forces. However, he gets a reality check from 'Talisa,' a pseudonym apparently, for Jeyne Westerling (Oona Chaplin). Talisa saves a Lannister soldier’s life by amputating his leg, while Robb holds him down. Later she challenges Robb on his plan after he wins the war, to which Robb replies, he doesn’t know.
Richard Madden as King Robb Stark and Oona Chaplin as Talisa'
Back in King’s Landing, King Joffrey is punishing Sansa for her brother’s victory. Thankfully, Tyrion arrives and puts a stop to it.
Later, Joff's uncle Tyrion sends him prostitutes as a present after his sellsword Bronn, suggests that maybe Joff might benefit getting un'clogged' (ew). We quickly see that Joffrey isn't interested in getting off sexually, rather he orders Ros to beat the other prostitute at crossbow-point to send a message to his uncle. While we don’t see Tyrion receive Joff’s message, we do see him discover Lancel Lannister's secret (he's bedding Queen Regent Cersei) and use it turn him into an informer.
Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, 'Dragon Mother' Daenerys has arrived at the gates of Qarth, “the greatest city that ever was or will be.” Her stubbornness pays off as her threat—“turn us away and we will burn you first”—impresses, and after some deliberation outside of the city gates, Dany’s khalasar is finally allowed entrance to the city after Xaro Xhoan Daxos invokes ‘sumai’, agreeing to stand for her.
Littlefinger arrives at Renly’s camp with a message for Catelyn: Tyrion wishes to trade Jaime Lannister for Sansa and Arya. As a gesture of goodwill, Littlefinger delivers Ned’s bones to Catelyn.
The next day, Stannis arrives on the scene to treat with Renly, both men wanting to take the throne in King’s Landing. Stannis, the “charmless” elder, believes the crown is his by divine right. Younger brother Renly has many friends and has gathered a much larger force but he can’t know his brother’s secret weapon—the “child” his high priestess Melisandre will be bearing him later that night. Stannis delivers the ultimatum, Renly has until dawn to surrender and bend the knee. That night, Stannis sends Davos and Melisandre to the shore. There, in a cave beneath Renly’s camp, Melisandre disrobes, lies on the ground and gives birth to a shadow demon.
Melisandre gives birth to a shadow demon spawn (HBO):
For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/HpR8b1. Connect with Game of Thrones on Facebook & Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/gameofthrones http://www.twitter.com/gameofthrones - #gameofthrones
AFTER THE JUMP: GAME OF THRONES Episode 2.04 EXTRAS:
HBO Watches' 'Dragons 101.' Very informative with nifty details about Daenerys’s three baby dragons:
With the rest of season 3 except for the finale episode summaries available above, one has a pretty good notion, if you've read the books, where the story is going. I'm just barely getting ahead in the 2nd book upon which this season is based, 'A Clash Of Kings.'
Speaking of Dany and her dragons, we have not seen too much of them of late. Hopefully this week will bring more of the Mother of Dragons and her entourage.
Game of Thrones - Daenerys' Rebirth / Birth of the Dragons VIDEO:
Dany’s Dragons
Drogon – Named after Daenerys’s dead husband Khal Drogo, he is the largest and most aggressive of her three dragons. He has black scales, his horns and wings are blood red, and he shoots a black flame with streaks of red. He is believed to be the reincarnation of Balerion “The Black Dread”. Drogon’s egg was black with scarlet ripples and swirls.
Rhaegal – Named for Dany’s brother Rhaegar Targaryen, who died at the hands King Robert during Robert’s Rebellion, he is green with bronze scales. Rhaegal’s eyes are bronze-colored, which glow with their own heat, and his flame is orange-yellow with veins of green. Rhaegal’s egg was deep green with shiny bronze flakes that disappeared when Dany turned it.
Viserion – Named for Dany’s brother Viserys, his scales are cream but his horns, wing bones, and spinal crest are gold. Viserion’s teeth are described as being shining black daggers and his eyes look like molten pools of gold. He shoots a pale gold flame with red and orange streaks. Although he is cream in color, Viserys is commonly referred to as the White Dragon. His egg was pale cream and streaked with gold.
Dragonstone (GAME Of THRONES)
Native to the eastern continent of Essos, dragons are mythical creatures that have been extinct for over 150 years. Dragons breathe fire, they prefer to cook meat before eating it, and emanate great heat from their bodies. They have even been known to steam during cold nights. Dragons are relatively intelligent creatures and are capable of forming extremely strong bonds to the humans who raise them. It is believed that they are tied to magic; and since their extinction, the power of magic has diminished and the winters have grown colder.
Dragons were first discovered by the Valyrians 5,000 years ago and they mastered the art of raising them, eventually using them as weapons. The Doom of Valyria brought a sudden, drastic end to the Valyrian Empire and, ultimately, the only three dragons that survived were owned by the Targaryen Family on Dragonstone....
GAME OF THRONES - Detailed MAY EPISODE Summaries SPOILERS:
Episode #16: “The Old Gods and the New” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Theon (Alfie Allen) completes his master stroke. In King’s Landing, the Lannisters send Myrcella (Aimee Richardson) from harm’s way in the nick of time. Arya (Maisie Williams) comes face to face with a surprise visitor; Dany (Emilia Clarke) vows to take what is hers; Robb (Richard Madden) and Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) receive crucial news; Qhorin (Simon Armstrong) gives Jon (Kit Harington) a chance to prove himself. Written by Vanessa Taylor; directed by David Nutter.
Episode #17: “A Man Without Honor” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Jaime (Nicolaj Coster-Waldau) meets a distant relative; Dany receives an invitation to the House of the Undying; Theon leads a search party; Jon loses his way in the wilderness; Cersei (Lena Headey) counsels Sansa (Sophie Turner). Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by David Nutter.
Episode #18: “The Prince of Winterfell” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
At Winterfell, Theon receives a visitor and holds down the fort. Arya calls in her final debt with Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha) in a way that displeases him. Robb is betrayed. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) and Varys (Conleth Hill) find common ground. Dany ignores Jorah's (Iain Glen) advice. Stannis (Stephen Dillane) and Davos (Liam Cunningham) approach their destination, and Davos is offered a reward. Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by Alan Taylor.
Episode #19: “Blackwater” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis’ fleet assaults King’s Landing. Written by George R.R. Martin; directed by Neil Marshall.
The executive producers of GAME OF THRONES are David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger; co-executive producers, George R.R. Martin, Vanessa Taylor, Alan Taylor, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis; produced by Bernadette Caulfield.
There have been a lot of remembrances of Jonathan which have appeared on the Internet since yesterday. I’m proud and honored that mine has been quoted and linked to by many sites. But I want to share two posts I read this morning which are special and revealing.
The first is from Jonathan’s hometown newspaper The Spec and includes wonderful quotes from Jonathan’s nephews and friends about Jonathan’s everyday life in Ancaster.
The second is from The Plain Dealer. Mark Dawidziak writes with such insight. It really is the best appreciation of Jonathan that I’ve read so far.
Jonathan Frid, best known for playing vampire Barnabas Collins on ABC's Dark Shadows, has died. He was 87. The actor died on April 13 of natural causes at Juravinski Hospital in Ontario, Canada, according to Digital Spy.
Dark Shadows, a gothic soap opera, aired from 1966 to 1971 and drew nearly 20 million viewers at the height of its popularity. Frid joined the show in 1967 as Barnabas Collins, a vampire returning to his family's estate, and quickly became the star of the show.
Above: On the set of Dark Shadows - Jonathan Frid, Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen
"May Jonathan Frid, 'our reluctant vampire,' live on in our hearts!" Frid's co-star, Kathryn Leigh Scott, wrote on her website. "How blessed I am to have known this dear man and to have such wonderful memories of him, both on screen and off. ... He was irascible, irreverent, funny, caring, lovable and thoroughly professional, and in the end became the whole reason why kids ran home from school to watch Dark Shadows."
Before his death, Frid, who also starred in the TV movie The Devil's Daughter and the horror film, Seizure, filmed a cameo appearance for Tim Burton's forthcoming big-screen remake of Dark Shadows, in which Johnny Depp will play Barnabas. The film is set to be released May 11.
Johnny Depp on Jonathan Frid's Death:
LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Johnny Depp paid tribute to his "Dark Shadows" predecessor Jonathan Frid on Thursday, telling the Los Angeles Times that the first time he met Frid was "elegant and magical." Frid, who played vampire Barnabas Collins from 1967 to 1971 on the soap opera, died April 13 at the age of 87, though news of his death began to filter out on Thursday. "Jonathan Frid was the reason I used to run home from school to watch ‘Dark Shadows,'" Depp told the paper. "His elegance and grace was an inspiration then and will continue to remain one forever more. When I had the honor to finally meet him... generously passed the torch of Barnabas." Depp, who called Frid "a true original," plays Collins in the big-screen adaptation of "Dark Shadows," which hits theaters on May 11.
Frid has a bit part in the film, as a party guest. According to Depp, when he met Frid, the elder actor was " elegant and magical as I had always imagined."
'I won’t ever forget the moment when the two Barnabas Collinses met, one in his late 80s and the other in his mid-40s, each with their wolf’s head canes. Jonathan took his time scrutinizing his successor’s appearance. “I see you’ve done the hair,” Jonathan said to Johnny Depp, “but a few more spikes.” Depp, entirely in character, replied, “Yes, we’re doing things a bit differently.' -KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen and Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont in Episode 14 of Game of Thrones (HBO Sundays):
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #14 Preview VIDEO:
Tune in to the new season of "Game Of Thrones" every Sunday night at 9PM. For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/HpR8b1.
Lena Headey as Queen Regent Cersei Lannister and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Episode 14 (or 15) of Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO)
Aimee Richardson as Princess Myrcella in Episode 14 (or 15) of Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO):
Game of Thrones Episode: "Garden of Bones" Season 2, Episode 4 -
Original Air Date: Apr 22, 2012
Episode #14 Synopsis:
Tyrion steps in when Joffrey holds Sansa accountable for Robb Stark's recent decisive victory on the battlefield, though the ill-tempered king finds another target for his cruelty. Meanwhile, Arya and Gendry are imprisoned at Harrenhal, where they witness unspeakable acts of torture; Daenerys and the khalasar seek salvation at the prosperous city of Qarth; and Stannis calls on Davos' past as a smuggler to carry out a secret mission.
Guest Cast: Stephen Dillane: Stannis Baratheon Michael McElhatton: Roose Bolton Charles Dance: Tywin Lannister Natalie Dormer: Margaery Tyrell Carice van Houten: Melisandre Anthony Morris: The Tickler Nicholas Blane: Spice King Ian Beattie: Meryn Trant Gethin Anthony: Renly Baratheon Fintan McKeown: Amory Lorch Joe Dempsie: Gendry Eugene Simon: Lancel Lannister Gwendoline Christie: Brienne Liam Cunningham: Davos Seaworth Tony Way: Dontos Hollard Ian Whyte: Gregor Clegane Ian Hanmore: Pyat Pree (TVGuide.com)
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #13 VIDEO
Game Of Thrones Season 2: RECAP #13 VIDEO
Episode thirteen, entitled “What Is Dead May Never Die" BEST SCENES RECAP:
Best scenes in episode #13:
Who is the snitch?:
'In the book, this scene works well with Tyrion’s internal monologue counting off each of his offers but that obviously needed to be adapted for the visual medium of television.
What writer Bryan Cogman and director Alik Sakharov did, having Tyrion’s three offers all come in one scene with seamless cuts, was perfect and a wonderful example of taking a memorable sequence from the books and adapting it to screen while using the strengths of the visual medium to make it different, but just as good.'
Brienne of Tarth:
Not a disappointment
Though I'm relatively new to the world of a Game of Thrones, it became clear quickly when speaking of characters introduced in the second installment of the "A Song of Ice and Fire' series that 'Brienne of Tarth' (not 'Lady' Brienne, TYVM) is a fan favourite. The actor portraying her is Gwendoline Christie and at a height dwarfing many, she seems to physically suit the role terrifically and her personality seems spot on, too.
Yoren, we hardly knew ye:
Francis Magee did a really nice turn as Yoren, the 'wandering crow' who at season one's end shielded Arya from actually seeing her father's beheading and has kept her safe thus far under the pretext of collecting orphan boys as The Wall recruits. Arya was 'Arry' a' boy', but her and Yorn's luck especially, ran out when King Joffery's posse, sent in search of King Robert's bastard Gendry, stormed the gates of Yoren's haven with it's ragged band of boys. Yoren went down vastly outnumbered and fighting hard.
Theon Greyjoy is a Very Bad Boy:
Theon (the Ironborn) Greyjoy – Alfie Allen is making a memorable impression in season 2 with a compelling arc that paints a picture of the son that Balon Greyjoy handed over as a guarantee that he would war no more. Robb Stark has sent Theon into the lion's den to the Iron Islands to broker an alliance with Theon's father, Lord Balon Greyjoy and Allen is doing a doing a bang-up job showing the internal conflict of Theon’s character. I actually felt sorry for him this episode. And that baptism scene was perfect. “What is dead may never die, but rises again harder and stronger.”
Recapping this episode:
We spent a good while in King’s Landing, where Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) made three different offers in the hopes of uncovering Cersei’s snitch. Pycelle was ferreted both as Cersei's informant and as a traitor to the preceding King's Hands and so Tyrion ordered him thrown into the Black Cells.
In his role as both King's Hand and rule-breaker, Tyrion had the power to broker a set-up where the very bored and restless Shae became Sansa’s handmaiden. He also set Littlefinger to long lost almost love Lady Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) about releasing Jamie Lannister, and had a drink with Varys the Spider, giving Tyrion a lot of face time in this episode.
ALFIE ALLEN AS THEON GREYJOY in GAME OF THRONES Episode 13:
'Beyond the Wall, Craster kicked out the Night’s Watch and Mormont revealed to Jon Snow that he knows what Craster does with his sons. Before leaving, Sam gave Gilly a token and promised that he would return.
At Winterfell, Bran continues to have his wolf dreams. When he explains him to Luwin, the maester explains to him that magic no longer exists in the world. Big help he is.
On the Iron Islands, Balon revealed his plans to Theon; he plans to take the North by capturing and holding the Neck and eventually conquering or accepting the surrender of the remaining holdfasts and castles.
Theon contemplates warning Robb of this surprise attack, but decides to turn his back on his adopted family and align with his true family. This was a small, quiet but hugely emotional scene with vast likely consequences, of course.'
Renly and his camp of 100,000 strong are quite an impressive sight but are they all for show with little substance?
The conquering blue knight was revealed as Brienne of Tarth, a woman, and then appointed to Renly’s Kingsguard. Later that night, Renly tried to consummate his marriage with Margaery, but failed. Margaery has a highly prgmatic understanding of the importance of an heir and offers a threesome with her brother to help Renly get the job done. That was not in the book. So go HBO! Because you can. :)
Lastly, Arya has a heart-to-heart with Yoren before Amory Lorch and his band attacks. Arya saves Jaqen, while Yoren gets killed and the rest of the group gets captured. Lommy is killed and Arya, in a moment of exceptionally quick thinking, tells the Lannister soldiers that he was Gendry.
Q: What do you have on Ayra and Gendry or cutie Jon Snow on Game of Thrones?
A: How do we put this in a way that won't make you freak out for the next week? Hmm, we dont think there is one so we'll give it to you straight. Arya (Maisie Williams) and Gendry (Joe Dempsie) are in imminent danger. Gendry in particular will cross paths with someone who has a disgusting and horrifying way of getting answers. Let's just say this particular method of gaining information isn't in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Read more: http://www.eonline.com/news/watch_with_kristin Spoiler Chat Daily: Is Anybody Safe on Vampire Diaries? Plus, Glee, Game of Thrones and More!
AFTER THE JUMP: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Burning Of The 7 Gods - Game Of Thrones Season 2: Religions Of Westeros - Game Of Thrones Season 2: Anatomy Of A Scene: Tyrion - Game Of Thrones Season 2: The Story So Far (Episodes 11-13)
Morgan Freeman as Lucius and Christian Bale as Batman in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Release date: July 20th, 2012)
Fun times! It had slipped my mind that the final film in the Dark Knight trilogy was coming to theatres this July!
I don't think it warrants a confession but it is something that I'm sure people have diverse opinions on. I have a very long history with Batman starting with comic books, continuing with the 1960's live-action show (which I thought was hokey) and many iterations of cartoons and, of course, the Batman franchise on the big screen which has included actors George Clooney and Michael Keaton inhabiting Batman.
I think though that every other portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman pales in comparison to what actor Christian Bale and director Christopher Nolan have created with The Dark Knight trilogy. Of course, many more were involved in making it The Best Batman (Evar!) including some very memorable turns by top-notch actors. Still, Christian Bale to me, was and is the very best Batman in film.
Tom Hardy as Bane andChristian Bale as Batman in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Release date: July 20th, 2012)
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Trailer #2 - Official (HD)
As was reported yesterday, Entertainment Weekly is launching its massive Summer Movie Preview this Friday. And within its pages are new The Dark Knight Rises photos. ... We now have a better look at those first three photos featuring Christian Bale as Batman, Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, and Tom Hardy as Bane. We also have a new photo of Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as GCPO John Blake.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as GCPO John Blake in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Release date: July 20th, 2012)
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES comes to theaters July 20th, 2012 and stars Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard &, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film is directed by Christopher Nolan.
The Dark Knight Rises Official Trailer [HD] The Dark Knight Rises Official Trailer [HD] Director: Christopher Nolan Release: 7/20/2012 Studio: Warner Brothers
Here it is helpfully established for us that this Sookie and Alcide scene was was filmed last December. Why is Sookie always so snarky to him?! Is it because she only goes for the really bad boys?
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Sookie/Alcide VIDEO:
If you have HBOGO, you can “have another bite” by checking out an extended version of that scene that includes Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis.) EDIT/ This HBOGO True Blood season 5 sneak peek extendeds toLafayette's part of the convo in which he makes clear to Alcide that he (and Sookie) are done with all things supernatural to which Alcide growls and insists that he is throwing Sookie 'a lifeline' and he asks her 'please' to take it. She responds with, ' I can't.' Duh-duh-duhn.
Update: There is a fourth GAME OF THRONES HBO video release, The Episode #11 recap with commentary embedded below.
HBO aired three more GAME OF THRONES promos On Sunday and Sunday evening, both before and after the season two premiere of Game of Thrones. One was a new trailer which incorporated some quotes from the plethora of warm n' fuzzy reviews of GoT season two, the other was a teaser -trailer of what is to come in this season, and the third a really cool one, 'So Many Vows' (featuring Jaimie Lannister and Catelyn Stark).
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Critics Spot:
Peter Dinklage as 'Tyrion Lannister' in Game of Thrones season 2 (HBO)
Screencaps from each of the embedded VIDEOS on this page:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Weeks Ahead Trailer :
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #11:
Game of Thrones - Inside Episode 2.01 - 'The North Remembers':
Go inside the season 2 premiere of "Game Of Thrones.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Recap #11:
Catch up on what you missed!
After the jump:
Game of Thrones - Season 2 - "So Many Vows" Trailer:
Spoilery Episode Descriptions: episodes 1 (#11) through 3 #13 (2.03):
Though I was not at all sure last year that I'd like HBO's epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones which is based on George R.R. Martin's fantasy-book series, A Song Of Ice and Fire, I gave it a try because my teenage son had read the entire series up to that point and the HBO television adaption qualified as a show the family could watch together (he was age 18 at the time--with R-rated content, GoT is not a kid's show). Though it felt a bit sluggish at times in building momentum, by series' end I was fully engaged. Now, just 10 days prior to it's season 2 premiere on April 1 @ 9 p.m., I've made a choice to embrace the television series and may even attempt a dive into the books themselves. Helping me with this choice is Entertainment Weekly, that due to it's close kinship with HBO (they are both a division of Time Warner) has been granted some really nifty behind-the-scenes and spoilery access to the grand-in-scope endeavor. Proving that point are the scans I'm sharing here from the March 23 issue which I thoroughly enjoyed and I hope you will too. If the point to the photo-drenched article was to entice and excite I can vouch that it did the trick for me. Have a read and enjoy! (Be sure to click until the full article enlarges in the photo album below. You may have to zoom a bit on your end to see them full-sized.)
Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Moretz, Eva Green, Gulliver McGrath, Bella Heathcote, Johnny Depp, Ray Shirley, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller and Michelle Pfeiffer star in Dark Shadows
DARK SHADOWS looks great! Love Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaborations. 'Shadows' the TV show was so terribly written--it's the characters that counted--and Barnabas was such a square. Looks like he's loosened up a bit.
BTW, have you seen Chloe Moretz in the remake of "Let the Right One In" called "Let Me In"? I would watch anything with her in it. In that film she played the vampire.
And bonus! We have Helena Bonham Carter and Michelle Pfeiffer, too. It should be awesome.
You knew the minute that Burton/Depp's names appeared on the production which if I'm not mistaken, Depp has been trying to get made for years, that the film at a minimum would be very, very strange. I did not expect funny, though.
Obviously, Barnabas and David Collins are playing with 'monsters':
SYNOPSIS: In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet--or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy...until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive.
Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath).
The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David's new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.
Official Site: http://www.darkshadowsmovie.com
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Eva Green, Chloe Moretz, Bella Heathcote, Thomas McDonell, Gulliver McGrath Writers: Seth Grahame-Smith
So far, all the focus has been on a sinister looking Johnny Depp as a back-from-the-buried vampire in forthcoming Tim Burton film Dark Shadows...but 20 new HQ film stills now show the rest of the star-studded cast - looking a little less pale, but equally creepy.
Helena Bonham Carter, who plays psychiatrist Dr Julia Hoffman in the film, sports a orange curled wig, bright blue eye shadow and frumpy dress in the photograph which shows the characters looking rather menacingly at the camera.
The U.S. director's interpretation of the U.S. sixties soap opera sees Depp's character Barnabas Collins as a rich and powerful playboy who breaks the heart of Angelique. Played by Eva Green, Angelique is the one who turns Collins into a vampire and also buries him alive.
However, two centuries later, Collins is freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He finds cousin, family matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has brought psychiatrist Hoffman to live at Collinwood to help with her with her family's various troubles, including her brother Roger's (Jonny Lee Miller) troubled son, David (Gulliver McGrath). Bella Heathcote co-stars as nanny Victoria Winters, Ray Shirley is Mrs Johnson and Jackie Earle Haley as Willie Loomis.
The gothic-horror tale is Depp's eighth collaboration with his close friend, director Tim Burton and was filmed in the UK last year. The 48-year-old actor says he wanted to bring the classic look of horror back to cinema for his character. 'Over the years all these vampire TV shows, the movies have come out and nobody looks like a vampire - what happened?' Depp recently told MTV.
Dressing up once again: Depp collaborates with Tim Burton to play vampire Barnabus Collins in the gothic-horror tale Modern version: The film is an adaptation of the sixties cult soap opera and also stars Michelle Pfeiffer.
'I adored Dracula and still do. All those wonderful horror films. This was an opportunity to go into something which doesn't really exist any more, which is classic make-up and a classic monster character. 'So that was really the inspiration and what Tim and I talked about a lot.' And Depp's character certainly looks sinister, with a pale white face, dark circles under his eyes, ultra long fingernails and a slicked down hair style.
'We're changing it a little bit,' Burton previously told MTV about his take on the TV show. 'I wouldn't do it if it felt like it was just doing the same thing.
First look: Depp was spotted filming the movie on a beach with co-star Heathcote in Devon last year 'For me, it's about trying to go back to the original drawings and kind of capture that spirit a little bit more of what the drawings are. 'It feels different even though it's a similar story, but we're kind of expanding it a bit.'
PHOTO: Dark Shadows is Depp's eighth collaboration with his close friend Tim Burton.
Depp's work with Burton in the past has seen him recreate famous characters such as Willy Wonka in 2005's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, and the Mad Hatter in 2010's Alice In Wonderland.
Marvel - The Avengers Super Bowl XLVI Commercial VIDEO:
Marvel's 'The Avengers' Super Bowl Commercial shows never-before-seen clips from the film, starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Chris Evans (Captain America) and Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk).
Joss Whedon: 'The Avengers' Will Be Told From The Eyes Of Captain America:
While the superhero-packed film "The Avengers" has every comic book lover's heart aflutter, a concern lingers on just how the coming blockbuster will rangle a story with so many characters and backstories.
"The Avengers" has the awesome and difficult task of combining Marvel's VIPs -- Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow -- into a single story line.
Tough, but movie vet (and clandestine Shakespearean daredevil) Joss Whedon has found a way around this too-many-cooks-spoil-the-pot thing. “I set out with a very simple problem," Whedon the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. "There is no reason for these people to be in the same movie. So that’s what my movie has to be about. So much of the movie takes place from Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) perspective, since he’s the guy who just woke up and sees this weird ass world. Everyone else has been living in it.” Clever, very clever!
The film also boasts some of Hollywood's biggest names: Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, and Samuel L. Jackson.
"The Avengers" opens in 3D on May 4th. [EW via Collider]
Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' - Showtime Sunday nights @ 9 p.m.:
NEXT on DEXTER - Disturbing events cause Dexter to have a serious crisis of faith:
Dexter Episode 6.04 Sneak Peek: 'Imagination' - Dexter finds himself at a bizarre crime scene.
Homeland Sneak Peek:Smile for the Cameras - Carrie watches as Brody gets ready for a speech.
It's hard to believe but both DEXTER and HOMELAND are heading into their 4th episodes already! The story-lines are well underway and things are heating up. To say tension is building, though a bit cliche-sounding is precisely what's going on in these two fine offerings from the Showtime network. Here's a idea of what to look forward to on Dexter and Homeland this week:
HOMELAND - Episode 1.04: 'Semper I' Synopsis:
The political powers that be make big plans for national hero Brody, but his increasingly erratic behavior threatens his media darling status; Carrie grows desperate for evidence linking Brody with Abu Nazir, as Saul directs her to focus on Nazir's money trail.
Episode 6.04: 'A Horse Of A Different Color' Synopsis:
Much to his own surprise, an emergency with Harrison and a new tableau from Gellar and Travis has Dexter leaning on Brother Sam and an unexpected winged messenger for support as he questions the idea of faith; with proof of a religiously motivated killer, Homicide hunts for a zealot, with Debra giving her first official press conference.
A lot is happening on both shows so don't forget to tune in this Sunday starting at 8C/9E for DEXTER and 9C/10E for HOMELAND!
I saw a fun tidbit in this week's EW magazine. Claire Danes, who stars as Carrie Mathison on Homeland was interviewed about her role and it was mentioned that some people have made the leap that Carrie is supposed to be Danes' previous television series incarnation going way back to 1994 as Anglea on the critically acclaimed "My So Called Life.' Danes seemed truly incredulous: 'No, no! It's just my voice, it's just my face!', she says. It is sort of astonishing that though Danes was just 14 when she landed that role her appearance has not changed very much. She's got a very accessible, girl-next-door look, don't you think?
Dexter - Interview with Jennifer Carpenter (Oct 17)
Congratulations on the show's best season-premiere ratings yet. Oh, wow, thanks. I don't really pay attention to that, but I'm glad it's doing well. I sort of enjoy the fact that we're in a bubble when we're shooting it. I feel like if I were imagining people really watching it, or the pressure of numbers, that maybe I wouldn't work as well [laughs].
What was your reaction to learning that Deb was going to be promoted? It's pretty unbelievable. I mean, only on TV would I skip so many levels and shoot straight up to lieutenant. But my insecurities about the fictitious promotion were exactly where I needed to be with the character. So it all sort of worked. It's odd to be Batista's boss, when I feel like he really did earn it and has been a mentor; it's awkward. But she's really taken the lead on every major case that's come through the office.
Although she's missing the one obvious thing, which is that her brother's a serial killer. Exactly. That is a very good point [laughs].
Showtime has just released an intriguing Dexter 'look ahead' video which I've screencapped so you can better enjoy all the gory details:
...and there are quite a few of them.
Though not all the scenes are 'looking ahead,' as hopefully you've now been able to enjoy episodes 1 & 2, the video contains scenes through at least episode 4 which makes them all the more worthy of perusal.
I admit, the religious-based storyline with the iconic Edward James Olmos in the lead and Colin Hanks as his partner-in-crime has already gotten under my skin partly because I suspect that their 'sacrificial' acts will only grow more grandiose. Also, I feel pretty awful about what they are doing to poor, innocent folks randomly selected for sacrifice. Scary stuff.
Meanwhile, Dexter is mulling over whether "Brother Sam,' played by the surprisingly great Mos (I'd not seen his acting work before), is 'worthy' of going on Dexter's table. Is Brother Samtruly repentant for his murderous ways or as Dexter has reasoned, has he only gotten better at not getting caught? Seems like the conclusion that Dexter draws will quite literally be a matter of life or death (Brother Sam's).
Sneak Peeks for DEXTER & HOMELAND Episode 3! (Below) :
I've also got some links to some great new interviews with the Homeland cast [VIDEO]:
You simply must view each of these videos as the actors fill in some very interesting back-story on their characters that may--or may not be revealed in the show (they have not yet done so through episode 3).
One revelation in particular is going to have me watching two characters on Homeland with a completely different mindset and it has nothing to do with whether or not the character of ex-POW 'Brody' (Damian Lewis) has been turned(!)
Every Fall TV season I get excited for returning shows like my favourite on Showtime, Dexter, as well as a choice couple of others on premium cable.
This year I was over-the-moon to be able to watch the first three episodes of Dexter before they aired and I looked forward to viewing the show that airs immediately after it, "Homeland", starring Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin and a new discovery for me, the British actor, Damian Lewis.
I'd seen promos for Homeland and it looked really good. I've loved Claire Danes forever and Mandy Patinkin can always be counted onto turn in a solid performance.
I wasn't prepared however, for the amount of emotional clout that the first episode would carry nor the level of anticipation for MORE that it would generate. I feel truly lucky that I can watch the next few episodes of Homeland ahead of time to better talk about it here. In the meantime, trust me, if you want a edge-of-you-seat, wonderfully executed, grounded in reality drama of our times, NOW is the time for you to stay put after viewing Dexter. I promise, you will be glad you did.
Here is a bit of background on Homeland followed by a few critical reactions from near and far from others who have started watching this new, after-Dexter offering from Showtime.
Damian Lewis, Claire Danes & Mandy Patinkin star in Showtime's "Homeland', Sundays at 10 ET/PT
Claire Danes stars as CIA agent Carrie Mathison who is haunted by what she considers her personal failure to recognize clues that might have prevented the Sept. 11 attacks. Even now, Carrie’s failures continue.
When the show opens, she is in Baghdad, rushing to a unauthorized meeting with a condemned Iraqi prisoner. Just before Carrie is discovered in hushed conversation with him, he whispers a spine-chilling secret: An American POW has been"turned' -- converted into a terrorist. Carrie's cover is blown and she's got no proof whatsoever so she is demoted to desk work back at Langley in D.C., under the skeptical eye of a deputy director, David Harewood (David Estes), who doesn’t think Carrie has any business being part of the Agency.
Then comes the news that a U.S. Marine sergeant captured at the beginning of the second Iraq war has been rescued. After a raid, the man is found hidden away in deplorable conditions, disoriented and filthy. It’s Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) who is brought home to a hero’s yellow-ribbon welcome.
Even before his debriefing, Carrie is convinced Brody is the terrorist her source warned her about.
“Homeland” comes to us from Howard Gordon, Alex Gansa and Chip Johansson, all longtime writer-producers on “24.” It stars Claire Danes (“Terminator 3,” “Temple Grandin”), Morena Baccarin (“Firefly,” “V”), Damian Lewis (“Band of Brothers,” “Life”) and Mandy Patinkin (“Chicago Hope,” “Dead Like Me,” “Criminal Minds”).
Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' and Jennifer Carpenter as 'Deb' in Dexter Season 6, Episode 1, 'Those Kind Of Things.':
Screencaps! - Dexter Episode 6.01 'Those Kinds of Things' - 2 Sneak Peeks VIDEO SCREENCAPS:
Promo 1 and Promo 2 Episode 6.01 - Dexter: 'Tragedy Strikes' - 'An injured Dexter calls for help.' and Dexter: 'Alpha Omega' - Miami Metro investigates a washed up body.
Dexter: 'Alpha Omega'
Published on Sep 23, 2011 by SHOWTIME
Miami Metro investigates a washed up body.
This is a toe-curling scenen that is SPOILERish--at least if you have an aversion to seeing _______ slithering out of a dead guy's abdominal cavity. In this sense the premiere of Dexter season 6, Episode 1 - 'Those Kind Of Things,' is classic Dexter (remember when Dexter had to fish body parts out of a 'gator he'd slit open)?
Check back soon for my advance review of Dexter season 5.
'The explosively popular DEXTER® is back with a vengeance for a sixth season of startling suspense and unexpected twists. It's been a year since last season's shocking and heartbreaking conclusion, and mild mannered criminologist-cum-grisly serial killer Dexter Morgan has come to terms with who he is. But his existence is shattered when he crosses paths with an enemy unlike any he's faced before. A delusional religious zealot with unflinching convictions, this new adversary soon draws Dexter into a dangerous game that could well end in disaster."
Here's this week's Tv Guide Dexter question-with-answer:
Its a pretty straightforward answer given that Deb & Quinn, based on Deb's track record should or could have broken up--voluntarily or through Quinn's death by now. My guess is based on Dexter Exec. Producer Sara Colleton's brief statement on the topic of Quinn and Deb: Season 6 is that they won't be much of a couple for very long.
Q: What's coming up for Deb and Quinn on Dexter this season? A: Deb and Quinn will come to an impasse very early on this season that will test the strength of their relationship. "Like all relationships, it's always a matter of timing and rhythm and who wants to commit when the other one doesn't," executive producer Sara Colleton says. "Her career takes off and it's a very interesting year for both of them." ...
Here's the answer to the query above--almost spelled out by Dexter showrunner Scott Buck:
Q: What’s going on with Quinn this season? A: This is not going to be the happiest season for Quinn (Desmond Harrington). He’s going to hit some dark days, but we’re going to have a lot of fun with him. We’re going to be further exploring his relationship with Deborah (Jennifer Carpenter). When we come back, they will still be happily living together. But it may not always be that way.
Claire Danes and Damian Lewis star in the suspenseful new SHOWTIME Original Series HOMELAND. New episodes Sundays at 10pm ET/PT beginning October 2nd, only on SHOWTIME.
Dexter Poster - Key Art Giveaway!:
Leave a comment saying you'd like a full size copy of the awesome season 6 key art poster featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter. I'll announce the winner Thanksgiving week. More deets later!
Dexter - Season 6: Episode 1 - 2 Small Spoilers:
Q: Please give us scoop on the new season of Dexter!
A: The season premiere opens on a bleeding Dexter calling 911 to report that he has been stabbed.
Has someone finally discovered his secret and exacted a poetic revenge? Did he slip in a pool of someone else's blood and fall on his own knife? Will he analyze his own spatter pattern while he waits for the ambulance to arrive? Nope, nope and nope.
SOURCE:TVGUIDE (make sure you have you pop-up blocker actived!)
Dexter - Episode 6.01 - Those Kinds of Things - Short Synopsis:
Dexter Morgan attends his 20th high school reunion; Dexter considers his son's legacy; Debra becomes an unexpected hero.
On the subject of HOMELAND, Showtime is teaming up with GameSpot to give away 5000 beta keys to preview the newest version of the first-person shooter game Ghost Recon: http://www.gamespot.com/event/codes/ghostrecon/ Beta keys will be given out at random times over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out on Homeland's Facebook and Twitter pages to claim yours!
Also, all of the games at http://watchcareful.ly are live, and starting today, you can unlock the first episode of HOMELAND. Watchcareful.ly is the only place where HOMELAND will be shown unedited online.
Published on Sep 7, 2011 by SHOWTIME
The CIA debriefs Sergeant Brody.
After the jump - Homeland - 'Presumed Dead' Sneak Peek (VIDEO)
'How many times has Sookie saved your life, letting you drink from her like your own private soda fountain?' - Jason to Bill:
True Blood Season 4: Eric, Bill, Pam, Jessica, and Jason Clip (Effing Sookie Clip):
Bill (Stephen Moyer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) and Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) are about to blow up the Moon Goddess Emporium when Jason (Ryan Kwanten) intercedes, informing them that (in addition to Tara) Sookie is now held hostage inside as well. So commences a chorus of exclamations from the vampires beginning with Eric, of 'Effing Sookie.' Jason takes great umbrage at this display of disrespect and ungratefulness and proceeds to stand up to them, ticking off a list of the many ways that Sookie has pulled the vampires' collectives butts out of the fire on multiple occasions.
'Fuck you chump, it's her home!' - Jason to Eric
True Blood Season 4 - Sookie, Marnie, Lafayette, Jesus, and Tara Clip:
'Marnie just puked the bitch out.' Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) the medium, after witnessing Antonia leaving Marnie's (Fiona Shaw) body.
True Blood Season 4 Episode 11 (4x11) Promo - 'Soul of Fire' (HD)
True Blood - Season 4 - September 2011 - Episode #47 Synopsis:
As the Wiccan-vampire standoff reaches a critical juncture, Sookie (Anna Paquin) summons her faerie powers to prevent Marnie (Fiona Shaw) from bewitching Bill (Stephen Moyer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) into a suicide march, while Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) casts a secret spell designed to un-bind Marnie/Antonia and break the witch’s deadly defenses. Sam (Sam Trammell) settles a score with Marcus (Dan Buran); Alcide (Joe Manganiello) confronts Debbie (Brit Morgan) about her allegiances; Andy (Chris Bauer) finds unexpected passion in the forest; Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) is consumed by the past. Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Michael Lehmann.
Alexander Skarsgård ('Eric Northman') & Anna Paquin ('Sookie Stackhouse') True Blood Season 4
San Diego 2011 Comic Con True Blood VIDEO & Screencaps:
I think I snagged a few more intriguing screencaps that I've added to the Picasa album but bewarned--they look super-spoiler-ish.
I realize that some scenes (most?) have been rearranged to insinuate something. Even so, certain stuff is right in your face and clearly actual scenes, not dreams. The rest of True Blood - Season 4, as rumoured, looks like a very bumpy ride, particularly for the vampires of Louisiana.
True Blood Season 4: Comic-Con Trailer (HBO):
See what's to come in the upcoming episodes of True Blood Season 4.
Jessica Tuck as 'Nan Flanagan' TreuBlood (HBO) Season 4 2011
SPOILERS Season 4 Comic Con 2011:
Jessica, with wrist's already showing deep silver chain burns, runs through Bill's mansion in the daylight and throws open the front double doors to the bright sunlight.
Also The Authority mouthpiece, Nan Flanagan, King William of Louisiana (Vampire Bill Compton) and Eric a/k/a Amnesia!Eric are, or have been in custody of captors bearing the same silver chain restraints.
Sookie and Eric get it on. I hope she fell this hard and fast on account of his blood that he tricked her into ingesting. She got all moony-eyed over him pretty quickly, like he was a rescue puppy in Adonis form.
Were-bitch Debbie Pelt confesses to were-husband Alcide Herveaux her insecurities regarding Sookie.
She's shown at Sookie's door, being let in--and pulling out something that was clearly being held behind her back like "Surprise!"
I'm thinking maybe sewing scissors?
The Shreveport pack leader harassing Alcide to join up...is Luna, Sam Merlotte's new girlfriend's, -ex. He looks to be tangling with both Sam and Alcide.
Sookie is shot in the gut. It is implied that Alcide carries her to get help as there is a very fuzzy screencaps with tiny Anna Paquin (Sookie) in Joe Manganiello's (Alcide) massive arms.
Deborah Ann Woll as 'Jessica Hamby' True Blood Season 4
Eric's Maker, Godric - Devil on Amnesia!Eric's Shoulder?:
I'm fairly certain, based on the HBO promo for True Blood Season 4 Episode 5, 'Me & the Devil' that the 'devil' in question is Godric (Allan Hyde), Eric's (Alexander Skarsgård) maker, who appears as a 'devil' on Eric's shoulder metaphorically, urging Amnesia!Eric to attack the sleeping Sookie. It makes sense that bits of Eric's memory are seeping into his semi-consciousness, first when speaking in his native tongue to Sookie, now when remembering his maker with whom he had a 1000-year relationship, until Godric's suicide near the end of season 2.
As with many True Blood episodes, there make be other devils (possibly literal ones --yikes!) in episode 5 but from we see so far, Godric is getting the starring title song credit by getting there first in the HBO official promo with this fun little scene.
All in good fun--until someone gets bitten.
True Blood Synopsis Episode #41 (4x05): “Me and the Devil”:
Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy’s accomplice; Arlene and Terry look to religion to solve their problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman’s power; Jason convalesces. (Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Daniel Minahan.) July 24, 26, 27 and 30 (Credit: HBO, Inc.)
Nude Amnesia!Eric To Sookie Come. Come Play With Me!:
OOOh, cannot wait to see what the pic-spam people come up with from this scene...and those that follow!
That man is such ...how many times does one need to repeat this? Ad infintium? He is just so super-appealing on a way more than just the physical level. Remember Eric Northman, season 1? Compare. Alexander Skarsgård is really doing GREAT things on True Blood this season! I'm having so. much. fun. watching the series this year with his and Sookie's storyline NOT disappointing! Cannot wait to see MOAR.
"In the episode "I'm Alive and On Fire," Sookie can't control Eric, who is drunk on SPOILER (Claudine's) fairy blood. She can't even stop the playful vamp from pinching her butt. She soon loses him in the woods. With Alcide (Joe Manganiello) in wolf form, she finds him, hours later, in the sunlight, enjoying a naked dip in gator-filled waters."
This 3-second True Blood Episode 4.04 clip is a tease in every sense of the word!
Sorry Truebies, That Shower Scene Will NOT Be (cont.):
Just as the more intuitive True Blood fans suspected, telepath-part-faery 'Sookie Stackhouse' (played by Anna Paquin) and nice guy werewolf 'Alcide Herveaux' (Joe Manganiello) will not be involved in a romantic relationship in Season 4 True Blood (*pause here to digest this distressing news*), according to TV Guide (scroll down for link).
It seems, as in the books, Alcide gets back together with his werebitch V-junkie ex-girlfriend, Debbie Pelt (have to love that name!). Truth be told, I'm unsure if Alcide will ever get involved with Sookie given that HBO bothhas not yet renewed True Blood for season 5 nor has Alan Ball inked a deal with the cabler, despite the sky-high season 4 debut ratings. Seems likely that the two situations probably go hand-in-hand. Ball has dropped hints in various places including Issue # 1113 of Rolling Stone magazine, in which he says:
'I am negotiating for a season past this one...but I don't believe True Blood is 100% dependant on my participation. It has a very strong following and a really strong cast, and there could be future where I step back and the show would continue.' - Alan Ball, True Blood creator & showrunner
TV Guide SPOILERS:
Q: Loved the True Blood premiere, but where the heck is Alcide? TVGuide: He'll show up in Episode 3, but he will be "spoken for," as they say, which will provoke an interesting reaction from Sookie. Nevertheless, Sookie will need his help. "The great thing about Sookie is that she drags him off on all these adventures," Joe Manganiello tells us. "She's the key in unlocking that reluctant hero inside of him and he recognizes that as a good thing."
Ausiello Spoilers - 'The Eric & Sookie Shower Scene':
Q: I have to know — will this season of True Blood have the smokin’ hot Sookie/Eric shower scene featured in the book?
Ausiello:Yes… and No.
“There is a shower scene,” explains exec producer Alan Ball. “But it is not a direct re-enactment of the shower scene in the book. It goes to a slightly different place.” “Sookie and Eric are in the shower together,” confirms Ball, who assures me that, “Everybody who’s been waiting for Sookie and Eric to hook up, this will be a very good season for them.”
Q: Any more details onScott Foley’s True Blood role? Ausiello: “He was Terry’s platoon leader in Iraq,” says Ball of Foley’s character, Patrick. “So they [share] a military history.” ...Foley will debut in the Season 4 finale and then recur throughout Season 5. Ball, meanwhile, confirms that a deal is not yet in place for him to return as showrunner for a fifth season. “I’m negotiating,” he says. Of course, HBO hasn’t renewed the show itself — but Ball isn’t worried. “There are no plans for this show to end,” he assures. “I’m pretty sure there will be at least one more season, if not more. It seems like it has a lot of life in it still.”...
Vampire 'Jessica' (Deborah Ann Woll) and human roomie, 'Hoyt Fortenberry' (Jim Parrack) in a scene early in season 4 True Blood: Sam Merlotte's (Sam Trammell) new shapeshifting honey, 'Luna,' (Janina Gavankar). Sam told her he'd enjoyed the view and would try to take her from behind--when they next shift into horses and race wild together.
Plus! Episode Three True Blood Preview - 'If You Love Me,Why Am I Dyin?':
True Blood Season 4 Episode 3 "If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin?" Promo:
Having just watched episodes one and two of Season 4 True Blood on HBO and HBOGo, I think the character that surprised me most was the generally composed, very self-assured vampire sherrif Eric Northman, with his frequent displays of emotion. And this is before the big 'thing' happens near the end of episode 2! (cont.)
Warning True Blood Episode 2 SPOILERS:
Is it the vampire backlash in the wake of Russell Edgington killing the news guy on live TV killing Fangtasia business 'cos Pam seems very snarky as well?
Could Bill's !SPOILER! assendence to being the King of Louisiana be chaffing Eric just a bit or has Eric truly missed Sookie?
Not only is Eric more sentimental- sounding in eppy 1 but he's sort of mood-swingy as well. This sets the stage for the SPOILER totally new Eric not being such a jarring change from the bad boy Eric of (in Sookie's mind/time-frame) just a week ago.
She needed a plausible way to segue into bedding this guy and as of episode one we have him buying and refurbishing her house whilst she was "away"...to control her he says, but we know he means (too), protect her. He's made it clear to his second in command, vampire Pam, that he has significant feelings for Sookie-- feelings of the almost human kind. And Pam makes Sookie aware of this, causing eyebrows to be raised.
Episode 1 of True Blood went fast and was very amusing. Episode 2 has a different pace. I want to watch it again not on my HBOGo before I have a real comment on it.
True Blood Season 4 - Recap s04e01 (#37) - 'She's Not There'
Jessica - A House Is Not a Home [VIDEO]:
Babyvamp Jessica Soliciting Homemaker Tips?!
After the jump: Synopses for True Blood Episodes 1-6:
Stephen Moyer,'s True Blood Season 4 'In 3 Days Promo: Here are the some screencaps (new scenes/angles):
Check out the screencap albums for lots more:
True Blood Season 4: 3 Days PromoStephen Moyer (Bill Compton) 'Vampire Bill', 'Sookie Stackhouse's' former paramour.
True Blood Season 4: 4 Days Promo Rutina Wesley ('Tara Thorton')
OK. One question. Did Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) just throw Lafayette across the Fangtasia dungeon floor and if so, is he now putting the whammy on her? Her fierce look is getting sort of unsure--bewitched?
We've seen her dispatch with Lafayette previously in this scene and she looked very confident.:
I can't even believe how fast the season 4 premiere of True Blood has come! (pause) Kidding!
True Blood Fans have endured the sucking, waiting since August 2010 for a fresh full-length episode of True Blood to savour. But here we are, teetering on the very brink of the Sunday, June 26 9pm E HBO offering of a brand new episode and (if you signed up for HBOGo) the second episode shortly thereafter! It should pack one helluva one-two punch in the space of 24-hours or so and with any luck, the sky-high ratings will shake up 'talks' between the most brilliant Alan Ball and the 'one true premium cable network,'HBO, so that our man remains on board with the show for season 5.
I'll have more on that later--in the next couple of days--but if you have not read it before be aware this could be Alan Ball'slast season at the helm of True Blood! (again, quote attribution from the source--Ball himself) a bit later. I have both a spousal birthday and other deadlines that must be attended to ASAP!
OK. Here we go with the fishing contest in the pool full of Spoiler-ish/ True Spoilers material that Source: TVGuide has unleashed upon us! 'EDIT's are MINE!
"True Blood has brought witches, werewolves and vampires to life over the last three seasons, but everything you think you know about the supernatural beings will be upended this season.
"Everything you thought you can count on, you can't," executive producer Alan Ball says. "Vampires are not stronger than certain humans, shapeshifters can do things other than shift and there are ghosts."
Here are 10 things we TVGuide knows do know about what's coming up, straight from the cast of True Blood:
1. It's all about the witches (EDIT: Duh!): A band of witches tap into a new form of power, causing Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) to lose his memory. At the head of the coven is Marnie (Fiona Shaw), a (formerly mild-mannered, now possessed by a 1700's) vengeful witch coming into her powers and out for revenge. Unfortunately Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) will be dragged into the increasing vampire vs. witch tension. "Lafayette loves his boyfriend, [Jesus, a practicing brujo], so he's trying to deal with [magic] in stride, but it keeps sucking him in and he doesn't know what's going on," Ellis says.
"He discovers who he is in the middle of all this stuff."
SPOILER: You knew already that Lafayette is a witch, right? There have been no clues or anything. (snicker)
2. Sookie, independent woman: After discovering that Bill (Stephen Moyer) was working for (his) Queen Sophie-Anne, to gain information on her, Sookie is "learning to stand on her own," Anna Paquinsays. "At the end of last season, she was at a point where she was willing to walk away from everyone and everything, particularly those troublesome boys. It's not that she doesn't want or need anyone, she just isn't dependant anymore." That's OK for Bill, though. "Bachelorhood kind of turns out all right for Bill," Moyer says. "He's decided to enjoy it while he can."
3. Vampires in trouble: Eric's unfortunate run-in with the witches will send his lieutenant, Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten), into a downward spiral, which is bad timing in the current vampire climate. "The post-Russell Edginton world is hard for Pam," Bauer says. "It's a political environment this year, so she's supposed to be doing what the other vampires are doing — holding babies and shaking hands — but she's incapable. So we see her cause some trouble."
Pam in a downward spiral? Our vicious, beautiful, font-of-sarcastic quips Pam?! Progeny of Eric Northman, Pam? I have not been privileged as the Almighty (j/k)TVGuide to get the first three episodes of season 3 to watch but if Pammy wasn't 'downward spiralling last season when she thought Eric Dead for Sure (I suggest this as the final title in the SookieStackhouse series) and after she'd been horribly tortured by the Magister, I don't believe she's gonna 'spiral downward' in the human sense. She may act out. And when vampires act out...look out!
4. Tara returns as a new woman (EDIT/ Sorry: snooze): After getting out of Dodge in the season finale, Tara (Rutina Wesley) will return to Bon Temps hoping to turn over a new leaf, but will immediately find herself in a mess of trouble. "She gets swept back into the world of vampires so quickly," Rutina says. "She doesn't want it, but she has no choice." Fortunately, there may be hope for her yet. "If there was to be love for Tara, I think she's ready for it because I think she's learned to love herself and has opened up in a way."
Holy double-entendre, Batman! As my favourite source, "Spoiler TV" put it, (a character) is 'turning gay.' True Blood could step on a landmine with this one but I'm going to assume, given the open-mindedness in portrayal on the show of the sexual preference spectrum that this will not feel forced or cliche.
My one concern as far as I can care about the character of Tara and TBH, I don't really (but I do care about the True Blood narrative) is that in three seasons she has shown no hint at all in being attracted to women. Also, she's not particularly at an age (late 20's) where one discovers this. On top of all that she's been written as having a not-so-secret crush on Sookie's brother, Jason for most of her life. Maybe 'turning gay' is the right term but oh, they'd best be careful in making this seem, as they like to say, 'organic.'
5. Shifty shapeshifters: The days of Sam (Sam Trammell) turning into a dog or bird are child's play compared to what he'll do this season. "My character explains the full-range of capabilities that shapeshifters have, and a lot of people that she's talking to at the time don't even know some of that," says Janina Gavankar, who'll be a love interest, 'Luna,' for Sam this season. "There's a really dark side to shapeshifters as well and that's something we'll explore this year. There's potential wrongdoings that can happen."
6. Jessica, domesticated? Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) and Hoyt (Jim Parrack) will make a go of living together, but a human and a vampire cohabitating isn't going to be easy. "Jessica is a vampire and I'm not quite sure that domestic life is really what she's in for or what she desires," Woll says. "She's still gotta figure that out because they moved into this very quickly." Helping her navigate this life is Pam, who acts as a "big bad" older sister, says Bauer. "Pam is a very different kind of mentor for Jess than Bill is," Woll adds. "The things you might not want to tell your dad, you may tell your cool aunt."
7. Jason's growing up: Once the older slacker brother of Sookie, Jason (Ryan Kwanten) has now stepped into a role of responsibility that will get him into even more trouble. "This is the season of the biggest growth for Jason, where the young boy turns into a man," Kwanten says. "He's forced to try and raise a tribe of people and eventually fight for his life."
8. PD's into V: The end of last season teased impending trouble for Andy (Chris Bauer) when it comes to V, otherwise known as vampire blood, an addictive drug that can ruin your life (See: Jason Stakchouse, Debbie Pelt and the rest of the werewolves from Season 3). "It's like old demons, new problems," Bauer says of Season 4 for Andy.
"At first V does a lot of good. He had that cast on forever, but after a couple of drops, all of a sudden he's ready to box. He's a guy who we know has issues with substance, and he keeps saying he's done, but he's not done."
I love Chris Bauer so I'm hoping that the 'V' that he gets into (he's a semi-recovering alcoholic) gives him many juicy scenes in S4! (Get the pun? Wasn't even on purpose!)
Arlene and Terry tackle parenthood: As if Arlene (Carrie Preston) could ever be the voice of reason, she's especially on edge this season. "I wouldn't be playing Arlene correctly if I wasn't playing her fully, fully stressed out," Preston says. "When you're talking about a child or potential child, and you're talking about it having a father that was a serial killer, in Arlene's mind, she's absolutely justified in freaking out. Luckily, Arlene has found Terry [Todd Lowe], who will put up with all her insecurities." On a possibility related note, Preston adds, "Arlene is going to come face-to-face with something that we haven't even seen on the show yet." (EDIT/ Common-sense?)
10. Debbie's back, baby: Alcide's psychopathic, V-addicted ex-girlfriend, Debbie Pelt (Brit Morgan), will return this season with a new prerogative. "You're going to get to see a different side of Debbie," Morgan says, adding that Debbie will attempt to make amends with Sookie and find some normalcy. But the werewolf in her isn't gone. "You're going to get to see cool things with some of the wolves that you didn't get to see last season," she says."
Season 4 Role of 'Caroline Bellefleur', the grande dame of Bon Temps Cast and Terry's Army Buddy is in Town!:
The first thing that sprang to mind when I read that the luminous Katherine Helmond was set to appear in two episodes of True Blood in Season 4 was, 'She's still alive? Yay!'
Though folks who are not in my age demographic may not recall her as far back as 1977, one of the best television roles she had (that I've watched from start to finish) was as 'Jessica Tate' in the 30-minute TV series soap opera spoof, 'Soap" which ran from 1977-1981.
Katherine Helmond's most memorable scene in Soap--one that not only was sidesplittingly funny, but was truly a useful piece of 'life' or perhaps 'love' advice, was when Jessica coached her slightly-younger, albeit into-her-forties sister, 'Mary Campbell' (Catherine Damon), on what lovemaking position to use after you become a woman of a certain age so as not to not appear of a certain age.
After completely sincerely trying to describe it to her sister and failing, Helmond's Jessica hopped atop the kitchen table to demonstrate her point. I will not ever not be able to picture that scene in my mind, it was so funny and done so well. And dare I say, it's actually crossed my mind during, well, you know. (The gist is assume a position that allows for less 'hang' or droop of the lady's sagging parts--'nuff said?)
BOOK SPOILERS AHEAD - PROCEED WITH CAUTION:
Now the ginger-haired Ms. Helmond is set to take on a role which, though alluded to fairly often in some of the Sookie Stackhouse novels was more of a bullet point-type character--not fleshed out. (Old Mrs. Bellefleur, Andy & Portia's grandmother, was 'famous throughout Bon Temps' for her 'award-winning chocolate cakes', for being from old money-old Bon Temps, and for being short on humour.)
Helmond will guest star as Caroline Bellefleur on HBO's True Blood as grandmother to Bon Temps sheriff Andy Bellefleur (Chris Bauer) and his sister, Portia (season 4 role cast, Courtney Ford). The actress is set to appear in two episodes of Season 4, which premieres Sunday.
In the Charlaine Harris novels, Caroline Bellefleur isn't a fan of Sookie at first* and it's later revealed that Bill is Caroline's great-grandfather.
Ms. Helmond was most recently part of the voice cast for the character of Lizzie for Disney/Pixar’s Cars and it's sequel so I'm really hoping that her voice lives on forever as part of the gargantuan 'Cars' attraction going up next to Disneyland.
It should be fun to see what the True Blood writers give Caroline Bellefleur to do. I believe she was infirm in the novels, too--at least wheelchair-bound(?). The character in the book series is quite old. I want to say in her 90's(?)
*Note: Ms. Bellefleur isn't a fan of most everyone not family in the books.
In Response to True Blood Casting Call, Scott Foley Cast As Terry’s Army Buddy Patrick:
Description of character:
[PATRICK DEVINS] 35 to 45, tough and ruggedly attractive, he served in the military with Terry Bellefleur, and they share a serious history: Terry saved Patrick’s life twice. 7 out of 13 episodes next season.
Weeds Season 7 - Let's Give 'em Something To Talk About! Nancy's Jailhouse Lesbian Scene:
With the premiere of Weed's on Showtime soon upon us, media clips from the show are sprouting up like well, weeds!
Of course, Nancy Botwin hooks up with her cellmate! In the face of the seductive power of Mary-Louise Parker, we are all helpless. Showtime's ever-excellent Weeds returns for season seven on June 27, and we learn that when Nancy went to prison to escape Esteban (Demián Bichir), she settled in just fine, thank you very much, as evidenced by her romance with Russian-born "roommate" Zoya (Olga Sosnovska).
Scroll down and press play on the E! video to see Nancy and Zoya make out, and find out why Nancy is less than overjoyed that she's being released from the big house. SOURCE: http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b248483_weeds_exclusive_sneak_peek_nancys.html#ixzz1PzbGaQhw
Pot-selling single mom turned Mexican mafia princess turned escape artist:
Nancy Botwin turned herself in to the FBI rather than face certain death at the hands of her vengeful ex Esteban and his goon squad. It's now three years later and Nancy is sprung from the joint and making a fresh start in New York City. Will Nancy be able to successfully reunite her far-flung family and keep her hands clean? Don't miss a minute of Season 7 of the hit Showtime Original Series. New episodes beginning Monday June 27th at 10PM ET/PT.
Nancy's Jailhouse Lesbian Love Affair Behind the Scenes Video:
Published on Jun 20, 2011 by SHOWTIME
Weeds is back for a whole new season, get a behind the scenes look at what's to come.
BONUS: After the jump - Nancy's Jailhouse Lesbian Love Affair Behind the Scenes Screencaps:
Dexter is currently in production (see photo) with the Showtime series about a serial killer promising that the upcoming sixth season (premiering this fall) will bring the character, played Michael C. Hall, 'back to his roots'.
This week Dexter is filming at an auto repair shop around Cherry Ave & E Burnett St in Signal Hill, CA.
OLV reader Charlotte stopped by the set yesterday and spotted Michael C. Hall shooting a scene at the location which will be used throughout the season.
SPOILER: For this particular scene, it appeared that Dexter had gotten into a car accident and that’s why he was there. He was also spotted running out of shop with someone chasing him during the shoot.
New cast members announced thus far include Edward James Olmos, Colin Hanks, and the recently cast Molly Parker (Deadwood). New information about the season 6 guest actors seems to trickle out several times per week so I'll take a stab (pun entirely intentional) at tying it all together.
According to TV Line, Molly Parker, the esteemed Canadian actress who many know from her memorable turn in Deadwood, will play the sister to Colin Hanks’ character, Travis. (He’s “a brilliant expert on ancient artifacts who somehow becomes linked to a series of grisly murders in Miami.”).
Though Dexter showrunners have stated that there will be no 'one' big bad in Season 6, with Edward James Olmos on board it is hard to fathom him in a passive role and really satisfying to envision him as a scary son-of-a-gun.
TV Line alluded to this when they chatted with CS Lee, who plays Masuka, who says that the character played by EJO is almost certainly a villain, and may be the villain.
“It seems to be that way… The guy is such a wonderful actor and such a presence that you would probably shoot yourself in the foot if you didn’t do that. He’s going to be great.”
And this makes me even more curious:
In episode four of season six, called 'A Horse of a Different Color,' Dex faces off a preacher, a pastor and a "bit of a religious fanatic."
Anyone wondering if Olmos will be one of these guys?
TVLine has exclusively learned that Parker will appear in several Season 6 episodes of the Showtime drama as 'Lisa Marshall', the sister of Colin Hanks’ mysterious new character, Travis. Sounds innocent enough, but details surrounding Parker’s role are scarce — which piques our interest even more.
As TVLine first reported, Hanks will appear in all 12 episodes of Dexter‘s sixth season as a brilliant expert on ancient artifacts who somehow becomes linked to a series of grisly murders in Miami. It remains unclear if Travis will turn out to be a friend or foe of a certain Dark Passenger. Either way, as Showtime president David Nevins recently told TVLine, this year’s installment “ is not [about] one big bad.”
So the 'not about one big bad' statements, combined with one of the the season's taglines: 'going back to (Dexter's) roots,' sounds like it means that as in the early seasons, Dexter will take on multiple bad guys.
I have to wonder though if the writers are not responding to the mixed reaction to season 5, which featured Julia Stiles as 'Lumen,' a torture and rape victim that Dexter stumbled upon, then helped in her recovery by teaching her how to exact revenge on the men responsible. Lumen knows Dexter's secret as well as how to wield a knife, though after the last of her abusers was 'put down,' Lumen seemed repulsed at the notion of any more killing and made a hasty exit.
Here’s Showtime’s blurb about Dexter season six:
This season, Dexter goes from happily married husband to guilt-ridden single dad. How will it affect his ability to maintain an average-guy facade while satisfying his need to kill? Dexter Morgan spent Season 5 atoning for the death of his wife Rita. He committed to being a part of her children’s lives, and entered into a deep, passionate relationship with Lumen, unlike anything he’d ever had before. But Dexter’s need to kill overpowers his desire for human connection. And now that one person knows the truth about him, and a few others are close, how much longer will America’s favorite serial killer be able to keep his dark side a secret?
Even though I thought this was it... the trailer below, released June 16, 2011, is in fact, "the very last" preview TRAILER you shall get of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II prior to it's July 16 premiere:
I just finished watching this trailer approximately 47 times in order to secure some gasp-inducing screenshots which after you too find yourself pressing 'play again' again, you can take a leisurely look through.
Don't forget to enlarge them to full size in order to appreciate what is positively going to be the Harry Potter film that packs both the most emotional wallop as well as every other permutation of wallop imaginable. Oi, the soundtrack itself it just mind-bending! The soundtrack in a 2 minute clip!
Once again *ahem* Warner Bros. has released the latest spot for their epic wizard finale, which features the final face off between the absolute good of Harry Potter and the pure evil of Voldemort.
Directed by David Yates, the film strikes a tone of bleak darkness, yet contains the thread of hope that The Boy Who Lived can save the world, once and for all, from the Dark Arts uprising.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 new poster art, this time featuring the dragon from Gringotts that our heroes escape on.
This dragon guards the Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and when Harry Potter, Ron Weesly, and Hermione Granger go there in Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in their horcrux quest, they encounter the Gringott's dragon. As you might guess from the nifty banner, hilarity does not ensue.
I found this a very edge-of-your-seat book (title, same as film w/out 'Part 2') sequence for the young wizard trio, so I'm really looking forward to seeing it played out, outside of my imagination.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Synopsis:
The end begins when Harry goes back to Hogwarts to destroy the final horcruxes, but when Voldemort finds out about the mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is again directed by British filmmaker David Yates, of Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince previously. The script was also written again by Steve Kloves, of Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and also Half-Blood Prince, but not Order of the Phoenix. This is based on J.K. Rowling's phenominallypopular series of books which have already concluded. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 arrives in theaters in 2 and 3D starting on July 15th 2011.
In anticipation of the June 26 HBO Season 4 debut, HBO has released 24 NEW HQ character and cast images!:
If you click through you can enlarge them fully and do with them as you wish. I spy quite a few that would make great wallpapers!
(Pictured above: Left to right - Alexander Skarsgård, Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer)
Here are some really cool cast and character True Blood HQ season 4 photos:
I like that most seem not overly Photoshopped. There are imperfections here and there--stray hairs, some bloodshot eyes, a bit of lint showing up on dark fabric. Just like real people--except yes, prettier than many of us! Rutina Wesley (Tara) has such an awesome smile--lights up her whole face.
For the few bloggers that seem out of sorts about Anna, Steve and Kristen wearing their real-life wedding bands/rings, these are a mix of cast and character photos. I mean c'mon, other than the big night at the end of season 2 when Bill rented out an entire fancy restaurant in order to propose to Sookie, have you ever seen Sookie Stackhouse as fancied-up as she is in the photos here? Non.
IDK, if given a redo, if the photographer would have asked the cast to take off their personal effects as well as gotten crazy with a lint brush and eye-drops (poor Kristen Bauer van Straten appears to have injured her right eye in one shot-- it is terribly bloodshot--made me wince in sympathy).
Bottom line? I have no knowledge of the circumstances of this wonderful set of shots of our heroes (and anti-heroes) but I think like much of the barrage of True Blood-related publicity it may have been done on the fly--which is cool with me. I like the way the little imperfections make them seem (ironically, in some cases) more human.
After the jump: Official True Blood Season 4 Press Release!
Golden Globe HBO afterparty (2010) Credit: HBO inc.
Be Part of Something BIG - Facing the Atlantic - Face The World - Helping Disfigured Children Worldwide:
It's been said before but it bears repeating, the True Blood cast is among the most generous bunch of 'creatives' in show business. Despite their many commitments including shooting their hit HBO supernatural vampire melodrama True Blood, thespian husband Stephen Moyer ('Bill Compton') and wife, Anna Paquin ('SookieStackhouse') are working to raise funds for a cause you may be familiar with and if not, once you hear about it I'm sure you'll agree is extremely worthwhile.
Below are the formal details but suffice to say this cause can't be construed as anything but hugely important and all the folks making it possible from the adventurers to the bidders on the auctions to the following websites who reach out and do their best to serve the cause are to be commended and sincerely appreciated:
Here is what is happening and why you should care about it: On behalf of Facing The World, a humanitarian organisation, the exciting and challenging project Facing The Atlantic will participate in a non-stop-row from the Canary Islands to Barbados.
Brea Grant Photo Credit: Screened.com (Click to enlarge)
Showtime are certainly going to be cutting some paychecks this season for the upcoming season 6 of fantastic serial killer series 'Dexter'. Yet another new cast member Brea Grant, has joined the line-up which already includes Mos Def, Colin Hanks and Edward James Olmos. This time it's the turn of the cute 'Heroes' and 'Halloween II' star to join Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter and company. According to her brief statement on the subject (also below) she appears to be hinting that'll she be joining as one of the lab guys. From a recent release from the casting agency Masuka (played by C.S Lee) should be expecting a new intern to join him in the lab. Could this be Brea? She certainly seems like Masuka, the horndog's type - but then who isn't?
Brea had the following to say:
"No spoilers but I'm pretty sure you'll be seeing me in a white lab coat."
I really liked Brea Grant in Heroes. She was one of the few things I did like.
I missed a few important casting choices made by the Dexter showrunners over the Memorial Day/May 24 holidays for Season 6 so I'm posting them now. Since Dexter production is now underway there will be more casting news to come, I'm sure
Ausiello Spoiler(?) - Dexter Time Jump:
We may be looking at a time jump between Seasons 5 and 6. Examine the evidence: Producers are casting the recurring role of an elementary school teacher. When Season 5 ended, Dex and Rita’s son Harrison wasn’t even close to pre-school age. See where I’m going with this?
I think a time jump is smart, story-wise, and possibly rewarding in that they can use the same little guy to play Dex's son Harrison unlesss they jump ahead well, it sounds like about 4 years (?). Could be (maybe?) the casting call is slightly off and they were after a nursery-school teacher? Daycare for little Harrison sounds more 'natural' to me than a massive jump into kindergarten...if that is where they are going...but who knows, right? Speculate, speculate. Half the fun.
Previously:
Thank goodness Showtime (Tweet @SHO_Dexter) used the superlatives precisely as I would have in it's official press announcement that Eddie Olmos is gonna be on Dexter!:
Mary McDonnell (Pres. 'Laura Roslin' on Battlestar Galactica and Edward James Omos ('Admiral William Adama'). They had some really great scenes together on BSG.Would have loved more.
I love this pic of the pair of them. Was (am) such a BSG fangirl!
(Image Credit: TVGuide)
Edward James Olmos Joins 'Dexter' in Season 6!:
LOS ANGELES, CA – May 24, 2011 –Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award winning actor Edward James Olmos joins recently announced special guest stars, Colin Hanks and Mos (formerly Mos Def) in the cast of the Emmy-nominated SHOWTIME® drama series DEXTER™ for Season 6. Olmos will play a brilliant, charismatic professor of religious studies. Olmos joins a distinguished list of seasonal guest cast that has included Jimmy Smits, John Lithgow and Julia Stiles. Production on DEXTER (began) May 25 in Los Angeles and will premiere on SHOWTIME this fall.
Edward James Olmos is an acclaimed actor, director and activist. Among his most memorable roles are 'William Adama' in the re-imagined “Battlestar Galactica,” Lt. Martin Castillo in “Miami Vice,” teacher Jaime Escalante in “Stand and Deliver,” patriarch Abraham Quintanilla in the film “Selena,” Detective Gaff in “Blade Runner,” and narrator El Pachuco in both the stage and film versions of “Zoot Suit.” His first big break was a starring role in Luis Valdez’s play, “Zoot Suit”, in 1978. The play moved to Broadway and led to a Tony® nomination. He received a Best Actor Academy Award® nomination for his starring role in Stand and Deliver. Other credits include “American Me” (his directing debut), “The Green Hornet” and appearances on “The West Wing” and “American Family”.
(Above) Dexter Season 6 Tease Screencaps
Dexter Story Description:
One of the most acclaimed series on television, DEXTER stars Michael C. Hall (Golden Globe and SAG Award® winner) as a complicated and conflicted blood-spatter expert for the Miami police department who moonlights as a serial killer.
The show has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for best television drama series, as well as a prestigious Peabody Award in 2008 and was twice named one of AFI’s top ten television series. The show also stars Jennifer Carpenter, Desmond Harrington, C.S. Lee, Lauren Vélez, David Zayas, and James Remar.
Joe Manganiello as 'Alcide Herveaux' - Pretty much a safe bet for romance with Sookie in the next season:
Casting for season 5 has already begun though the premiere of season 4 True Blood doesn't even get underway until June 26. Most interesting in this June 1 casting call is the mention of a 13th episode in season 5 which will add a bit of breathing space for the additional season 5 characters.
The fact that a casting call is going out for Alcide's construction foreman is indicative to me that Joe Manganiello who plays Alcide, will perhaps get more screen time and a better shot at a romance with Sookie in season 5, something that seemed inevitable if he were to get any at all as thus far, the season 4 episodes don't seem to be promising much Alcide-Sookie 'togetherness.'
If you are a 'bookie' I would expect this to be a good sign that showrunner Alan Ball is weaving in more of Alcide Herveaux, has been a sympathetic book character for much of the book series, into season 5 of the TV series. Personally, I like the vibe Joe Manganiello brings to Alcide. His warm, nurturing sweetheart of a guy wrapped in a growling, 6'5" package of eye-candy is quite compelling.
Expanding (presumably) upon Terry Bellefluer's (Todd Lowe) character's screen time is a good idea IMO, because he been brought ahead in True Blood as an Iraqi war veteran which grounds this fantasy show farther into in present day (versus the nearly 60-year-old Vietnam war vet that Terry is in the books). War veterans have long been 'outsiders' to mainstream society and bringing out Terry's 'uniqueness' a bit more instead of just the odd (no pun) one-liner is a good way for Alan Ball to continue to show empathy for the misunderstood and sometimes mistreated in modern society.
Finally, I must confess a real appreciation for the talents of Todd Lowe as Merlotte's short-order cook, Terry. When first I saw Lowe out of character I did not even recognize him. He transforms himself through sheer talent into our beloved shell-shocked vet so I'm looking forward to a bit more expansion (sounds like it includes backstory) in his role.
A Taste of Terry:
Here's a casting notice for episode #412, 'And When I Die,' as well as some news about season 5. Though unofficial at this point it appears that season 5 TrueBlood will feature a 'lucky' 13 episodes instead of 12!
TRUE BLOOD, Episode 412, "And When I Die" Writer: Raelle Tucker Director: Scott Winant Start Date: Approx. 6/15/11 Location: L.A.
THIS IS THE FINAL EPISODE OF THE SEASON.
[PATRICK DEVINS] 35 to 45, tough, and ruggedly attractive, he served in the military with Terry, and they share a serious history: Terry saved Patrick's life twice. 7 out of 13 episodes next season.
[DOUG] This schlubby guy in a hard hat is Alcide's construction foreman. 2 lines, 1 scene.
'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2' NEW TV Spot:
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2," is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. The much-anticipated motion picture event is the second of two full-length parts. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here. WarnerBrosPictures May 13, 2011
Here's the official Warner Bros. clip of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" NEW TV Spot (5.13.11). I could have sworn that we'd already had a 'TV spot No. 1' but perhaps with all the hash-tagging something got lost in the translation. This does have some new dialogue. It's hard for me to tell sometimes just what part of the endless battle that is Deathly Hallows Pt. 2, our heroes as well as the big bads, are engaged in.
It's time for Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) to grow up and embrace his destiny. The Chosen One is done hiding behind his friends and mentors and in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, his fate meets his future. He's learned everything there is to know, and Harry Potter is now ready to do what he was born to do -- destroy Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes)! In this new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 TV spot, Potter isn't the only one getting in on the action. Wizards are hopping on brooms and armies are marching to the beat of their own drums. The world is falling apart! The Dark Lord and his Death Eaters have gained more power than we could have ever imagined and Harry's in a serious race against time.
"Harry’s only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for clues, he uncovers an old and almost forgotten tale -- the legend of the Deathly Hallows. And if the legend turns out to be true, it could give Voldemort the ultimate power he seeks." Oh, the drama! It looks like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 might be the finale to end all finales. The movie co-stars Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman. The film is directed by David Yates and will be released in 2D and 3D on July 15.
These two, Eve Best as ER 'Chief O'Hara' and Paul Schulze as 'Eddie' are an unlikely pairing yet they have in common a deep attachment with/to Jackie (Edie Falco). Which sort of seems a starting point.
What 'role' does Jackie fill so well that both these characters chose to protect Jackie from the consequences of facing her painkiller addiction or in Eddie's case, enable Jackie's addiction?
Looks as if O'Hara may soon step into that role. We'll see. It just seems Eddie is still hurt enough by Jackie now refusing to be intimate with him that he's not going to dispense free drugs for Jackie, like he used to.
O'Hara OTOH, is best friends with Jackie as well as a close colleagues. She desperately want to help Jackie to sobriety...but what will be the cost to their friendship?
Nurse Jackie - Episode 8: 'The Astonishing' Promo
I thought this episode was so awesome that I couldn't wait to watch Episode 9 (so I did. I have a screener--but I'd been watching along with the televised schedule, mostly). Truly, the ending is going to keep you wondering all week what is next for Jackie.
Small Nurse Jackie Spoiler Ahead:
When Episode 9 airs you will not be disappointed. It is every bit as mind-blowing as this episode leads you to anticipate.
So much seems different this year on Nurse Jackie because a lot has changed for the Edie Falco character, Jackie Peyton.
There have been times when watching the pardon me, crazy shit that Jackie does, that I've wondered if she's truly lost it and won't get it back. But so far these 3 seasons she has kept going, if only by the skin of her teeth.
It seems now more than ever that the end is closing in on Jackie, the end of her charade of not believing herself an addict.
I think it is going to get more intense, then the last episodes of the season will just go 'boom'. I'm pretty sure I've guessed part of the end. There are ominous hints about it in episode 8. At this point I'm wondering how the hell it is gonna happen and seem believable. It is that off-the wall-sounding!
We shall see!
Do not forget to tune in to Nurse Jackie on Monday nights on Showtime and, check out this stuff:
Akalitus gives Coop support after learning about his parent's divorce.
Nurse Jackie Seak Peek: 'Doctors and Nurses'
While out to lunch Zoey tries to get dirt from Jackie and O'Hara for her blog.
Nurse Jackie Episode 8: 'The Astonishing'
Synopsis:
Jackie accuses Kelly of being inappropriate with two flirty high school girls; Coop begins to let go of childish things; Thor counsels Akalitus on her new phone system and some deeper matters; Jackie is unexpectedly delayed getting to Grace's pageant.
Both the heroes and anti-heroes of True Blood are going to have TROUBLE when they return to our screens on June 26, 2011 and that TROUBLE will carry them through season 4:
(Song: 'Trouble Blues' by Lightnin' Hopkins)
Catch an all new season of True Blood which premieres on June 26th only on HBO. For more information on True Blood, go to http://itsh.bo/ibzU7X or jump in on the Twitter conversations http://twitter.com/truebloodhbo #waitingsucks
Make what you will of this 'Screen Test,' first aired after Sunday night's 'Game of Thrones' (really getting into GoT, BTW. Helps a great deal to watch it with someone who has read the book series).
What I see is who I believe will be the core cast for season 4, barring surprises and the featured guest actors like Fiona Shaw as powerful witch Marnie/Hallow Stonebrook.
Maybe the folks who we will probably won't see in season 5 will get their own 'screen test' video?
Anyway, the only characters in this video showing a hint of happiness are Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), Pam played by Kristen Bauer van Straten, who in comparison to the others looks down right jolly, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) and maybe Sookie (Anna Paquin). Bill(Stephen Moyer), Tara(Rutina Wesley), Alcide (Joe Manganiello), Sam(Sam Trammell) and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) look perfectly miserable or completely blank (Tara & vampire Jessica played by Deborah Ann Woll).
Is this a hint of what is to come for their characters? Not necessarily. Layfayette's personality is such that there's a built-in levity to his interactions, same for vampires Eric and Pam, despite their amusement often coming at the expense of human folly. I think Sookie is trying to look enigmatic or contemplative in her expressions--not particularly somber, certainly not joyous.
There is no doubt based both on this video and backed up by now-revealed character storylines that Jason is again in a world of trouble. Tara will be OK for a while, then things get crappy for her again (according to the actress that portrays her, Rutina Wesley). According to actor Joe Manganiello, his character werewolf Alcide Herveaux, has things go bad and stay that way for much of the season. It's hard to say what is up for Jessica. My guess? A mix of bliss and despair, much like she's experienced as a vamp--maybe a bit more mature Jessica, as well)
And poor Sam Merlotte! I've been re-watching True Blood season 1 and despite being over-simply characterized as a 'good guy,' Sam Merlotte has been dark since day 1 of the series. He a tortured and scarred soul. I love Sam Trammell and his great smile but he is really good at playing tormented!
I LOVED this part of 'Deathly Hallows.' IMO, it was one of the high points of the book, 'Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows.'
Maybe I'll re-read it at Maple Lake this summer in my first two-week stint. My guess it will be playing somewhere up in the woods of Haliburton.
Hey. I just read that even though the Canadian Loonie has been kicking the American dollar exchange-wise for 4 years going now, the Canadians have to pay 20% more on most everyday and other stuff they buy, than their American counterparts. Not fair or justified, right?
This also means that vacationing in Canada has been no bargain for some time now--nothing is. (The article forgot to mention though that the Ontarians at least pay themselves better salaries than one would get in the U.S.).
An example of this occurs nas you are not even fully into Canada, as you cross the border into Canada on the Ambassador Bridge going from Detroit, Michigan, USA to Windsor, Ontario, CA. There's always been around a 20% more fee to get into the U.S. from Canada. (But Canada to the U.S. the same, I think?)
Final Harry Potter Film Gets Big Spread in EW Mag Summer Preview Edition:
Image Credit: Jaap Buitendijk
Remainder of article and more scanned photos after the jump!
(I would have scanned all the phot0s but the paper is so thin that the 'B' side of the page bleeds through. Credit to EW.com is in the link.)
Pretty freaking exciting, huh? This cool pic of Neville (after jump) brought back the memory of reading the passage in the book. Neville shows what he's really made of (hint: strong stuff) and it actually gave me a bit of a lump in my throat. This was I'm certain in part due to coming to know the character through the actor Matthew Lewis, who has been portraying him throughout the film series. It's a feel-good moment coloured with a great deal of sadness...can't wait to see it!
'Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides: After crossing paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) is swept aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), on an unexpected mission to find the elusive fountain of youth.
Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it, too.
With best friends like Charlie Runkle testifying on the stand in your defense who needs...friends?:
Californication: Relationship Conversation
Hank and Abby discuss their relationship.
I don't know if it is because this little clip is (of necessity) out of context, but it seems an awkward scene to me. It could be that it is meant to be awkward as does Hank, besides having a relationship with his daughter and his ex (and bf, Charlie), even have real relationships?
Specifically with women he's 'dating,' Hank doesn't get that serious, does he? (I ask, as 1. it doesn't seem that he does and 2. this is my 1st season watching Californication.)
The thing that is throwing me a bit about Hank and Abby is that neither seem particularly in need of anything deeper than what they have, which let's face it (excluding the attorney-client thing), is that they are f**k buddies. Should be interesting to find out where they end up.
Some of the points made by new-this-year executive producer Chip Johanneson include that through the Lumen arc, 'we've put to bed the Rita question.'
I took this to mean that the Rita storyline is tied up as much as it can be. I wouldn't be surprised if a few loose ends show in the future but for Dexter himself, Lumen has fulfilled that function. Johanneson continued, pointing out that the events of season 5 allow the writers to 'pick up anywhere in season 6.'
Julia Stiles discusses the end of her character's relationship with Dexter.
Though Julia Stiles 'kind of assumed that Lumen would end up dead,' it probably dawned on her as they got deeper into season 5, with the Dexter-Lumen dynamic proving ever-more appealing that perhaps there was another possible ending. Regardless, season 5 ended on a typical Dexter note--the 'big bad' was on Dexter (and Lumen's) table, taking a knife to the heart.
Sadly, Dexter too, took a (metaphorical) knife to his own heart when Lumen suddenly announced that relieved of her darkness (dark passenger), she would be skipping town the following day. Dexter was cool enough to tell her that he was happy for her that her darkness had gone. He continued, assuring her that he would 'carry (her) darkness' for her. Aww. Poor Dex.
Q:..What did Deb mean during her final conversation with Dexter at the party: "You must be [happy] too, now that this is all over.".... What would Deb be referring to?...s A: Sara Colleton: "Deb is referring to the barrel-girls case. It was meant to be purposely vague, and it should make Dexter wonder exactly what it is she means as he can't be sure."
Q: Are we to believe that Quinn did not figure out that Dexter is a killer? A: per Colleton: "Quinn may suspect Dexter has been somehow involved in Liddy's death, but don't think his world view is large enough yet to imagine who Dexter really is."
Q: So bummed to see Lumen leave last night on Dexter! Any chance Julia Stiles will return? Colleton: "That has not been discussed. But she is out there..."
Tomorrow (Sunday) night marks the end of another spectacular season of Dexter on Showtime.
I still marvel at what an unexpectedly satisfying season this has been. I've loved seeing Dexter discover emotional depths to himself that he'd previously dismissed as not even remotely possible to feel.
For the first time ever, as an audience member, I'm wondering if Harry Morgan eff'ed up big time in diagnosing Dexter as broken and impossible to repair (Dexter, fleetingly, has asked the same question).
(Photo collage via tumblr.com)
It was very savvy of Dexter's writers to have Rita's death expose layers to Dexter that we may not have ever seen. Not that I felt this way, but Dexter the serial killer otherwise might have begun feeling a bit "been there, done that." That was not even on the table (no pun intended) this season as Dex had very little time to attempt to go back to his pre-Rita life, back to the old Dexter, before Lumen came into it.
And all the better. "Lumen" has been my favourite Julia Stiles' characterization, ever. Stiles was pitch perfect in a very demanding range of her character, rape-club-victim-that-survived turned
avenging angel, Lumen.
I don't know if Lumen is Dexter's soulmate. I know that they both came along when the other was in desperate need and they filled those empty spaces. Whether they are fated to continue...I just don't know. My observation was that Dexter seemed more natural and relaxed with Lumen than anyone he has ever been with, including Rita. Lumen 'gets' Dexter. That has been profoudly healing for him.
Dexter first literally saved Lumen, then helped rehabilitate her in the way she requested as well as tenderly tending to her physical wounds.
When Deb tells Dexter that he is 'a good person,' she's right, he is. It makes no sense but that is what keeps us wanting more. 'Dexter' makes us question what, exactly, it means to be a 'good person'? Do any of us really know?
Some short excerpts from Dexter Exec. Producer Sara Colleton in an interview with E! Read it in it's entirety here.
In answer to a plea that the Dexter season 5 ending won't be as emotionally devastating as season 4's murder of Rita, Colleton replied:
You won't need therapy this time. The finale is actually quite therapeutic. It's like therapy in and of itself.
Colleton continued:
This season Dexter's journey was atonement. So the big question is, will he/(is it possible for Dex to) be at peace with himself?...Is it possible he has found a soul mate?
Colleton went on to explain that the many questions of this season are like coins tossed in the air and they will all come down (be answered?) on Sunday night.
When asked about whether Julia Stiles (Lumen) and the rest of the cast will return next season, Colleton turned cagey saying:
'...there a lot of fates that are still possibilities.'
I believe Colleton did a mild deflection of the question by next bringing up Det. Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington) and stating that his fate was now in Dexter's hands. It's my opinion that Dexter has no reason to take down Quinn now.
Quinn has professed to be in love with Dexter's sis Deb (and she with him). Dex knows this, he knows that Quinn stopped investigating Dex, the guy that was doing the spying (Liddy) is dead and most importantly, his sister loves Quinn even if Dexter dislikes him intensely. As long as Quinn and Dexter have 'an understanding,' I beleive Dex will not sell Quinn down the river and I'm 99% positive Dex will not kill Quinn.
In answer to a query about the place that "Lumen' has had in Dexter's life Colleton responded:
...in the course of trying to help her, the thing has happened that Dexter never thought would. He's contemplating for the first time...Is it possible that there is such a thing as a soul mate? Is it possible that I, Dexter Morgan, could have a soul mate?
Colleton elaborated further on her take on the mechanics of Dexter's thinking:
(Dexter's father Harry) ended up killing himself because he couldn't deal with the guilt of what he had created. And so Dexter carries that guilt in shame... I've always thought (one thing that) binds Dexter to the audience is that we all have this feeling of wanting to be known and we all are terrified that if someone actually saw the real, true us, they might just run in the opposite direction. So he's been forced because of his need of atonement to to expose himself and to atone himself to Lumen.
For the Deb n' Quinn as a couple fans, Colleton had this bone to toss out:
In the last episode you see his character as being a redeemable man and a man worthy of Deb's love, in a way that is really satisfying. Desmond has done such a terrific job with his character and you've really seen him stepping up and becoming Deb-worthy.
...and then take back:
But you know, fate often intervenes...
Reported quotes from the final episode (via anonymous IMDb source) :
HARRY TO DEXTER:
“It’s right in front of you. Remember your target. Where he came from. Who he was.”
QUINN: “I don’t think I should say anything else. Not until I speak to a lawyer.”
LAGUERTA: “We have an officer down. Stan Liddy”*** NOT a spoiler. It is in the sneak peek promo.
BATTISTA: “Am I the only one interested in this goddamn murder?”
LUMEN: “First I wondered what was happening to me, then I was wondering how I could possibly tell you.”
MASUKA: “Is it weird to bring a date to a first birthday party?”
DEB: “I’m happy. You must be too. Now that this is all over, I mean.”
DEXTER: “Wishes, of course, are for children.”
JORDAN TO LUMEN:“You’ve transformed. You’re beautiful. If you hadn’t met me, you’d never know you had it in you.”
I'm really hoping that that final delusional quote by 'Jordan' is just before Lumen plunges the knife into Jordan Chase's black little heart.
Sadly, the Dexter voiceover sonds like it comes after the resolution -- at baby Harrison's birthday party.
Guessing that Deb is speaking to Quinn after Dexter has proven Quinn (via blood analysis) not guilty of having anything to do with Liddy's murder. Dexter is after all a monster with morals.
I truly hope that the Lumen quote is directed at Jordan as a way to buy time prior to him killing her. In her time with Dexter she's been a quick study. It may be what saves her long enough for Dexter to get to her.
Michael C. Hall on Jimmy Fallon, Dec. 7 2010. Part 2
No copyright infringement intended.
Wondering what is to become of Batista's and LaGuerta's marriage? Read on:
Sgt. Batista’s on-the-rocks marriage with LaGuerta won’t get any better before the end of the season — but that doesn’t mean the marriage is hopeless, either. David Zayas told me this week at a LAByrinth Theater Company’s annual celebrity charades fundraiser in New York that the couple’s season-long troubles aren’t necessarily a sign of a breakup. “It never gets resolved. Marriages don’t get resolved. It’s a journey,” he said. “There probably won’t be a definite answer to that question in the season finale, but we’ll be back.”
Everyone has been tight-lipped regarding the Dexter finale — but luckily, the same can’t be said for star Michael C. Hall. While presenting a “Dexter-esque” playlist on New York’s 101.0 RXP, the actor seemingly spilled a huge spoiler by saying fans should pay “special attention” to one of his picks, Bob Dylan’s “I’ll Keep It With Mine,” before watching the finale. Among the lyrics to this song that so-perfectly describes Dexter and Lumen: “The train leaves at half past 10/ But it’ll be back tomorrow same time again./ The conductor, he’s weary, still stuck on the line./ But if I can save you any time/ Come on, give it to me. I’ll keep it with mine.”
