Edie Falco and Anna Deavere Smith in Nurse Jackie Season 4
Edie Falco is back in her Emmy®-winning role with a bitingly funny new season of the Showtime Original Series, NURSE JACKIE. Out of excuses, out of tricks and out of control. The healing begins for Nurse Jackie April8th at 9PM ET/PT!
I haven't missed 'Nurse Jackie' as much as I've missed Edie Falco, Eve Best, Anna Deavere Smith and the rest of the stellar cast of the show. Also, I don't think it is unfair, as I noted in my last Nurse Jackie post, to say that season 3 ended in a slightly disappointing way.
But, by all accounts as you'll hear in the behind-the-scenes interviews with the core cast members, season 4 will differ quite markedly from the previous seasons. It's my guess that instead of a show about a drug-addicted nurse, Nurse Jackie will be more about a nurse struggling to conquer her addiction and achieve sobriety.
It is a testament to Edie Falco's deft acting skills that despite Jackie's acting in rather despicable ways to support her habit, we the audience still want to see her survive and thrive--to clean up her act.
I'm really looking forward to the season 4 premiere of Nurse Jackie on Showtime in just under 2 months--April 8th at 9PM ET/PT! Please check back here as I'll have more Nurse Jackie news (and probably some spoilers) as it becomes available and of course, I'll be covering Nurse Jackie week-to-week when the season gets underway.
This season the shift hits the fan. Get a sneak peek look at season 4 of Nurse Jackie. #KARMASABITCH
Kristen Bauer van Straten as vampire 'Pam de Beaufort' in True Blood (HBO)
For the next few months, if you stay current on the casting calls and newly-cast members you'll have a good chance at getting a rough sketch of what some of TRUE BLOOD Season 5 will look like. So far, the biggest casting coup has been that of one Mr. Chris Meloni.
Casting however, is ongoing along with the rest of the season 5 True Blood production so between now and True Blood's June 2012 season 5 debut, I'll gather up the latest scoopage (and spoilers!) and periodically share with you. I'm not wild about blaring trumpets announcing casting calls for expendable extras (for example) so I'll hold on to that stuff to include with posts like this one with news worthy of you sinking your fangs into.
Kristen TRUE BLOOD SCOOP - January 23, 2012:
Anything more on True Blood? Fact: We love us a good flashback, but we love 'em even more when they answer questions that we've been pondering for years. In episode four we're finally going to learn what happened to Terry (Todd Lowe) back in '03 when he was serving in Iraq—and believe us when we say it's going to be intense.
Newcomer Giles Matthey has landed the multi-episode role of a hot and mysterious British faery. One report has him catching Jessica’s attention, but that’s not confirmed. 'Claude' was previously played (briefly) by Neil Hopkins (LOST) on the show.
In the books, Claude is described as “the nephew of Sookie’s half-human/half-faery grandfather, 'Fintan', and cousin to Sookie’s father … He makes an impact on all women and is described as being absolutely breathtaking … He started out as a stripper at Hooligans, a club in Monroe, which he later becomes owner of, and has branched out to print and runway modeling … Women usually say “wow” when they see him, but his interest is men.”
There has been speculation that this season Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten), Eric Northman’s (Alexander Skarsgård) 'child' and confidante, will have her origin story explored.
Alan Ball, creator and lead writer on the True Blood team is looking for a diverse roster of new cast members. A 'non-threatening man in his 30s' and a prostitute named 'Washcloth Helen' are among the casting calls. Both of these characters will be introduced during a flashback to a San Francisco brothel in 1905. The date is significant because 1905 is supposedly the year when Eric maid Pam vampire if you are following the books. The True Blood scribes have previously changed the story so the 'book fact' that Pam actually turns in London doesn't at all mean that TV Pam will do the same.
It's no secret that the legions of Pam fans have been clamouring for her backstory (we've witnessed both Bill and Eric's being turned) and it's also no secret that a) vampires don't age and b) human actors do. So doing the math, yes, season 5 would be a very good time to enjoy the story of how Pam voluntarily(!) became a vampire.
1 | Janina Gavankar revealed that “a major thing happens to Luna early in the season, and it’s going to change her life forever.”
2 | The cast learned that Chris Meloni was Bon Temps-bound last month at a table read, news that elicited “gasps” throughout the room, recalled Gavankar. “We’re so excited to have him.”
3 | Alcide’s days of playing Mr. Nice Guy are over. “As you saw at the end of Season 4, he’s not taking anyone’s s— anymore,” said the man-beast’s portrayer, Joe Manganiello. “Now you’re going to see an Alcide who’s going to slam you up against the wall and do his thing. Who doesn’t like being slammed up against the wall, right?” Asked to clarify his use of the word “slam” — i.e. is it a euphemism for, ahem, another s-word — Manganiello cracked a devilish smile and replied, “It could be a fun slam. And it could be an angry slam. You never know?” He then reminded us that, “Alcide is single.”
4 | The latest True Blood script Manganiello read contains “some really fun [Alcide-Sookie] stuff,” he revealed. “Stuff that makes you really nervous… I’m watching my words really carefully.”
5 | Ryan Kwanten hinted that Jason may have bitten off more than he could chew with regard to his romance with Jessica. “As you know, anyone who gets involved with Jason better have her wits about her,” he said. “But I think in this case, it’s Jason who better watch out. The tables have finally turned.”
6 | Where do you go after spending half of Season 4 being raped by a werepanther? “Even that can be topped,” teased Kwanten. “Jason was very lucky to survive; he was down for the count. He has a desire to life. I admire that in a man.”
Christopher Heyerdahl, who plays an ancient vampire in the Twilight Saga movies, will now play one in another screen adaptation of a popular book series, this time on TV. Heyerdahl is joining HBO’s hit vampire drama True Blood in a recurring role. He will portray 'Dieter Braun', an ancient, powerful vampire who plays a large part in the intelligence of the Authority and especially enjoys enhanced interrogation. That is familiar territory for Sanctuary alum Heyerdahl who played the ancient Volturi vampire Marcus in 3 of the Twilight movies: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and the upcoming Part 2. Additionally, he played a demon in an arc on the CW’s Supernatural. Heyerdahl... currently co-stars on the AMC drama series Hell On Wheels, playing Norwegian badass The Swede. The period Western was recently renewed for a second season.
[TODD JEFFRIES] Seen in flashback to Iraq in 2003, this U.S. Marine joins his squad (which includes Patrick and Terry) on a trip to a small village, where their plans to party and wreak a little havoc go tragically awry. 5 lines, 1 scene (26).
[JEMARCUS KESSLER] Seen in flashback to Iraq in 2003, this Marine Lance Corporal is traveling into a town with his squad (which includes Patrick and Terry) and is preparing for a night of partying and mischief-which goes tragically awry. 7 lines, 1 scene (26).
[IRAQI BOY] YOUNG LOOKING ARAB 18 YEAR OLD. Seen in a flashback to 2003, this Iraqi boy whose village is being blown up by American soldiers speaks out in Arabic to the soldiers. 2 lines in Arabic, 1 scene (28) MUST SPEAK ARABIC OR BE FAMILIAR WITH IT.
[IRAQI MAN] Seen in a flashback to 2003, this Iraqi man whose village is being attacked by American Marines as a lark speaks out in grief and rage after they murder a 12 year old Iraqi boy. 1 line in Arabic, 1 scene (29) MUST SPEAK ARABIC OR BE FAMILIAR WITH IT.
[IRAQI WOMAN] Mother of the Iraqi boy seen in a flashback to 2003, wails with grief. Recurs in episode 505. [Non speaking in episode #504, recurs with lines in episode #505] (29) MUST SPEAK ARABIC.
[ANGELA, LILIANNE, DELILAH] These three impossibly gorgeous, flirtatious, charming women in cocktail dresses greet Judge Clements (an old customer) and Jason and Andy as they take them on a limo ride to a mysterious destination where they find a sensual party in an exclusive club. 4 lines, 2 scenes; 3 lines, 2 scenes; 3 lines, 2 scenes respectively (35).
[LEDA] This radiant, beautiful woman with just a hint of sadness in her face is in the exclusive club. She beckons to Jason and freaks him out a bit by seeming to know a bit too much about him. 6 lines 2 scenes (43). [DANCER] FEMALE, SCANTILY CLAD. This beautiful dancer in a very exclusive, secret nightclub recognizes Judge Clements and goes off with him. 1 line, 1 scene (43).
[MELANIE] 20s, this female fangbanger goes with Pam to entice a young vampire to feed on her. 2 lines, 1 scene (49).
Comic book fans be warned. If you're planning on avoiding Avengers spoilers ahead of the film's May 2012 release, this could be a big one.
Toymaker NECA sent a release detailing HeroClix product descriptions to retailers this week, and among the new collectables are Marvel's figurines for The Avengers. And while the heroes -- Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) -- and big bad Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are included, so is a previously unconfirmed character.
Red Skull, played by Hugo Weaving in last summer's Captain America: The First Avenger, is also name-checked, as MovieWeb points out.
The telling release reads as follows: "Charging straight out of theaters and onto your tabletop, Marvel's the Avengers Movie HeroClix set features heroes like Captain America and Thor as they battle the villainy of the Red Skull and Loki! Each Counter-Top display includes standard one-figure boosters as well as new three-figure 'Team Packs!' Team Packs are designed with strong thematic undertones - play a Hydra force or defend freedom with a S.H.I.E.L.D. team pack."
Could Red Skull be playing second fiddle to Loki? The Joss Whedon-directed feature has been rumored to have another villain since production started, but it's thus far been kept a secret.
Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in The AVENGERS (May 2012)
The Avengers arrives in theaters May 4, 2012.
Nick Fury
Samuel L. Jackson plays Nick Fury, the director of the super-spy agency. S.H.I.E.L.D. Jackson rounded up the Avengers, with cameo appearances in Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger.
I really like the True Blood - season 5's new cast thus far, both the female (below) and the (alpha) male (above). Chris Meloni is pretty awesome playing awesome so he ought to be quite enjoyable to take in on screen with the rest of the True Blood crew. Another flavour of male. Yum.
I'm anxious too to see Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and a female not Sookie have some heated discussion--which no doubt his sister, 'Nora' plyaed by Lucy Griffiths (below) and he will do.
This would be a good season for True Blood to surprise people with it's regained momentum. Adding Meloni is a very positive step in that direction.
I am looking forward to bringing Denis O'Hare as Russell Edgington too, back into this mix as the True Blood Season 4-ender all-but-spelled out (previously hinted at, after the finale his return was verified in the press). Right now, he's doing a glorious job on American Horror Story on FX as a murderous, treacherous, brain-cancer-addled, love crazy, serious burn victim.
An HBO spokesperson confirmsthat Chris Meloni is joining True Blood as a series regular for Season 5!
Executive producer Alan Ball, True Blood's creator, first shared the news with TVLine. Ball describes Meloni’s role as 'an ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands.'
Ever since the news broke that Meloni was negotiating for a role, fans have suspected he may be part of 'The Vampire Authority', the council which rules over all vampires and gives its royalty their power.
Meloni recently left Law & Order: SVU after 12 seasons on the show. This casting represents a homecoming for the actor after starring in the HBO series, Oz, from 1998-2003. He has also starred on several other series, including NYPD Blue. He appears in the next Superman movie, Man of Steel, due out in 2013
Dec 2011 Update: True Blood season 5 Episode Title - Episode 5.02 - 'Authority Always Wins'
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A fresh pile of crazy is making tracks for Bon Temps.
Italian actress Valentina Cervi is joining True Blood‘s upcoming fifth season as a series regular —
The 35-year-old beauty will play Salome, an ancient vampire who is a world class seductress and fiercely intelligent. She also has quite a lot of madness in her. She is the most powerful person in every way yet capable of hiding this power when it serves her purposes.
True Blood Small Season 5 Premiere Spoiler:
The season-five premiere of True Blood will have a flashback to Sookie's (Anna Paquin) childhood, and we get to see her use her powers in a deliciously evil way to embarrass a couple of playground bullies. What did they do to piss her off? They don't pick her for their kickball team!
Lucy Griffiths will play Eric Northman's sister who has a 'higher calling'--to The Authority in True Blood - Season 5. Griffiths has been cast as 'Nora,' at several centuries old, very much Eric's junior--yet Bill's senior.
British actress Lucy Griffiths is coming to America in a big way.
The 25-year-old stunner — best known for her role as the ill-fated 'Marian' in the BBC drama Robin Hood — is joining True Blood‘s Season 5 cast as a series regular.
Griffiths will play 'Nora', 'Eric'’s (Alexander Skarsgård) centuries-old vampire “sister” (they were both progenies of Godric) who is working as a double agent within The Vampire Authority.
Described as 'intelligent, intimidating, cool under pressure and a very good liar, Nora loves Eric deeply, but has dedicated her life to a higher purpose.' (SPOILER: Serving 'The Authority.')
True Blood‘s fifth season starts production later this year ahead of a Summer 2012 premiere.
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(!)
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.
'As much as I like the idea of Dexter, the collateral damage he causes due to his code deviations are too high. I guess it could be attributed to human error, but is it worth the loss of innocent life?
Kills shown in chronological order.
The kill count of each of Dexter's victims is the minimum amount known, there's definitely a lot more deaths that he has avenged.'
"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."
As the King of Louisiana, Vampire 'Bill Compton' now has some serious responsibilities including 'meting out' some serious consequences to an 'idiot' vamp.
True Blood Season 4: Bill metes out punishment (HBO).
While Felton glowers in the background, Crystal, who you may remember Andy Bellefleur referring to as, 'Crystal? As in crystal meth?', attempts to comfort a bloodied, battered and bound Jason (Ryan Kwanten).
True Blood Season 4: Crystal comforts Jason (HBO)
True Blood Season 4: Tara and Lafayette discuss Eric (HBO)
With Amnesia!Eric having left the building, 'Lafayette' (Nelsan Ellis) shares his knowledge of the powerful 1000-year old Viking vampire and his advice about how to proceed after Eric's murder attempt on Marnie.
I just totally dig the material that Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette is getting so far in season 4 True Blood. In interviews the writers and cast have hinted strongly that this year's cast of familiar faces will be taking on new 'roles' within the show and this clip is a really great example of a completely different side of Lafayette. He also looks fabulous, don't you think?
Below: Awesome Official Promo Photos from upcoming Season 4 True Blood episodes including 4.04 - "I'm Alive and On Fire":
Kristen Bauer van Straten rockin' it harder than ever as vampire Pam, True Blood Season Four.
True Blood - Episode 4.04 - I'm Alive and on Fire - Promotional Photos
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.”...
BRING IT ON. Mondays are hotter than ever, on SHOWTIME ®.
After explaining why in a recent post that if you enjoy award-winning, edgy comedy television why you should be tuning in to Weeds on Monday, June 27 at 10 E/ 9pm Central on Showtime, I'm going to tell you a bit about The Big C, which is also an edgy half-hour comedy starring another award-winning stage and screen actor, Laura Linney, which is premiering on Monday night, too.
The Big C directly follows Weeds on Mondays at 10:30 E/ 9:30 Central on Showtime.
Full disclosure: I started watching The Big C last year as 1. Laura Linney is amazing and 2. It followed Weeds so it was easy to just spend an hour and see two complete shows, plus 3. More and more in recent years I find myself really intrigued by Showtime's off-beat offerings.
(To put it diplomatically, I'm finding most of the television that I enjoy best on the two major premium cable channels.)
I wanted to love The Big C but after nearly half it's run, I quit watching.
I didn't dislike it exactly. There were just aspects of it that sort of struck a weird chord with me. The show after all, is a very dark comedy about a woman in her 40's who is struggling to deal with a diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer. That is one heavy topic to take on in any context, never mind a comedic one.
Despite my not following through, Laura Linney struck gold--a Golden Globe to be specific, as best actress in a comedy which further validates that the show had and has huge potential. The people that make the show listened to some of the feedback--both positive & negative and they responded by segueing into season 2 with a bit of a different tone.
For one, and I think it was the primary thing that I wished was different, the character of 'Cathy' who was estranged from her husband last season will help him 'grow up' this season, as Linney puts it. I've embedded cast interviews in a Weeds /Big C mash-up video selection in this post.
Her husband is played by the very likable actor (I want to say 'lug') Oliver Platt. Cathy was just so mean to him last year and though I understood why--because he's a bit thick about certain subjects--I also felt sorry for him and I felt irritated with her.
Also, at times in season 1, Cathy's attitude seemed really over-the-top, with almost a slapstick feel to some scenes. Again, Linney addresses this in the interview that Cathy's 'relationship with her cancer' is now 'evolving'. I would like to see Kathy retain the fire in her belly but express it in a somewhat less expansive/destructive way and I'm pretty sure season 2 will move more in that direction.
Finally, Cathy's decision to not seek treatment for her cancer left me feeling really unsure about her future (and thus, the future of the show). I didn't know whether to commit to it or not plus I was a bit annoyed with her that she wouldn't even try to help herself medically. This too changes in the upcoming season 2.
It's looking like there are some really strong positives to this season. First, the excellent primary cast returns (sans of course, 'Marlene'). One of the relationships I got the most enjoyment from in The Big C, season 1, was that of Cathy and her brother Sean, a homeless manic-depressive who now lives on Marlene's front lawn, across the street from Kathy.
Actor Benjamin Hickey who plays Sean, is an especially good acting match-up with Ms. Linney so this is good news.
As I mentioned before, I really enjoy Oliver Platt in his believable denseness. Women have known, and many of us are in relationships with guys like Paul. The bottom line is that he seems like a really decent chap who is hard not to like despite his foibles and it would seem in Season 2 that Cathy comes to the same conclusion.
I stopped watching before I saw much of Cathy and Paul's teenage son, Sean (played by Oliver Basso). Tonight I watched a short fan clip from The Big C with the title 'The saddest scene in The Big C,' in which Basso was the only character. (cont.)
(Above is a bit longer version of it which gives it more context).
The scene lived up to it's title as tears were streaming down my face as Cathy's son discovers that she is so sure she's not gong to be there for him in the years to come that she's bought and wrapped a storage room full of birthday, Christmas, and graduation gifts as well as a pretty, red sports car. The kid just loses it--cue audience to do the same.
To sum up, I'm sold on taking another look at The Big C in season 2 as I like what I'm hearing about it. Also, I'm totally jazzed that guest actors include Alan Alda, Parker Posey, Cynthia Nixon & Hugh Dancy.
What do you think about watching these two show? Have you been watching them both. One? None? Would you consider giving them a shot?
Showtime describes The Big C thusly:
Laura Linney returns in her Golden Globe® winning role for a new season of The Big C, the hit Showtime Original Series about living… with cancer. After spending most of season one ignoring her illness, Cathy Jamison has decided to fight back. “Bring it on,” says Cathy, as she enters an experimental clinical trial while continuing to live life to the fullest in this heartfelt and surprising comedy.
HEY!:
Weeds/The Big C Poster Art Giveaway:
Of course, I'm giving away posters! Drop me an email: foreverafangirl@gmail.com. Be sure to put 'Weeds' in the subject line and if I pick your name out of a hat on July 13, you win the poster art for both Weeds and The Big C!
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.:
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?
More Answers About What's Happened in WEEDS 3-Year Time Jump to Season 7:
You already know that Season 7 (debuting June 27) picks up three years after the events of Season 6. What you don’t know is what Doug has been up to during those lost three years, other than he was in Copenhagen. And that’s where the scoop comes in.
“Doug got a job working as an accountant for IKEA — if that is in Denmark,” reveals his portrayer, Kevin Nealon.
Bring it On! Promo for Weeds & The Big C (June 07, 2011) The Big C and Weeds return for all new seasons June 27th beginning at 10PM ET/PT.
Weeds/The Big C Poster Art Giveaway:
Of course, I'm giving away posters! Drop me an email: foreverafangirl@gmail.com. Be sure to put 'Weeds' in the subject line and if I pick your name out of a hat on July 13, you win the poster art for both Weeds and The Big C!
WEEDS : A PEEK A LIFE THREE YEARS LATER
When Weeds returns for its 7th season on June 27, there will be much for us to catch up on in the world of Nancy Botwin, who at the end of last season turned herself into police.
So, what’s waiting for her on the other side of the fence? A halfway house, for one. And also her family, which had been holding up in Copenhagen and went through some changes of their own, according to creator Jenji Kohan. Silas got into modeling, Shane kept busy doing puppet theater, Doug joined them overseas*(see 6.15.11 update above), and Andy “had a nice little thing going” with a woman. But, Kohan says, despite their new lives, Nancy’s release causes them to “quickly mobilize” and return.
“They had their relationships and their things, but there was a sense that they were always treading water because Nancy seems to be their True North. When you don’t have that star in the sky, you get a little lost,” Kohan says.
But while their dedication to Nancy has not changed, Kohan couldn’t say the same for their physical appearance.
“Shane has mutton chops and a Mohawk and he looks pretty cool, and Silas is very buff, and Andy’s a little grayer, but nothing radical.”
Unless you count Stevie.
“Oh, Stevie, yes! Stevie’s now almost 4 so he’s a little boy, and he talks. That’s a whole new ballgame — the toddler game. It’s not an infant anymore — not a little blob — it’s a person."
I think it is safe to say that Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) is never going to cop to having any regrets. Or if she does, she won't contemplate them long enough to use the new-found insights to change her perpetually self-destructive behaviour. For as long as we've known this character she's seemed to operate in a permanent state of 'emergency mode' plastered over with a veneer of zen-like calmness with a not insignificant amount of 'eff it' thrown into the mix. It is a hat trick that few actresses could pull off as convincingly as Parker does. Showtime certainly picked the right gal to get the job done.
SPOILERS BELOW:
I really, really like that Nancy was arrested and served 3 years time for the bludgeoning death of 'Pilar,' Nancy's now-ex's ex, a powerful Mexican gangster. Shane actually clubbed the woman, who was making serious death threats against the Botwin kids. Though Weeds is obviously not grounded in 'reality' reality and in fact Nancy has had to endure many consequences, jail time should appease those who felt she was getting off too easily.
Mary-Louise Parker, Justin Kirk, Kevin Nealon and the boys, played by Hunter Parrish and Alexander Gould, are all immensely likable and really know their way around these characters after 6 seasons of playing them. It's a fun show to watch and at one-half hour running time, there's very little time investment. (You already subscribe to Showtime, don't you? Need reasons? Try Dexter, Shameless & Californication, for starters.)
Martin Short and Aidan Quinn are the latest additions to the seventh season of Showtime’s Weeds, which is now confirmed to pack the one-two punch of a time jump and a major change in location--to New York City.
Sneak Peek Photos from Weeds Season 7, Episode 7.02 "From Trauma Cometh Something" (July 4)
Pretty sure that this is a shot of Andy (Justin Kirk) and Shane (Alexander Gould) attempting to see Nancy in the half-way house. Note that 'Shane' does not have 'a mohawk' as show creator Jenji Kohan interviewed (above). Shane has a 'fauxhawk,' which combed a different way, would look like his 'normal' hair. Really can't say much about the mutton chop sideburns other than they look really fake and I doubt if they'll last more than an episode or two...
True Blood fan favourites Alexander Skarsgård (Eric), Kristen Bauer van Straten (Pam), and Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica) are photographed filming possibly the final episode of Season 4 of HBO's mega-hit supernatural series, True Blood in La Puente, CA on June 9th, 2011. The darkened set included bodies on the ground for the scene. True Blood season 4 debuts on HBO on June 26 on every Internet viewing device you own.*
*as long as you subscribe to HBO.
SPOILER!!!
There is no doubt, given how how far along the show is in filming season 4, that this very well could be part of the epic battle that many devoted book fans have been waiting for.
At this point, Eric has regained most if not all of his memory--defo he's remembering to use the styling gel and to forgo the unfortunate plaid shirts that he sported whilst in Sookie's care after being robbed of his memory by the witches.
**Note: In this photo set both 'Pam' and 'Jessica' are dressed similarly (combat boots, ponytails). However, their jackets are not the same--'Jess' is in leather and 'Pam' is not, for one. Can't mistake Mr. Skarsgård, tho'! :D
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!
True Blood Season 4 starts June 26, 9 pm on HBO--in any form you wish to view it in! :):
Fun, behind-the-scenes clip from Entertainment Tonight (Canada). Nice little interview with Anna Paquin in costume as Sookie. As usual, she is super-polite--and gives away absolutely nothing, LOL.
Sample: 'Eric is good to her (Sookie)...and it's kind of confusing...but it's nice.'
For his part ASkars ('Eric'), with that crazy-sexy-boyish-looking, styling-gel free look he'll sport until he gets his memory back, enthuses about how much fun he is having this season on True Blood. I can't imagine that this time in his career is anything but fun.
Stephen Moyer (Sookie's now ex,'Bill Compton') almost seems sad about Sookie's conflict of emotions. Is he just acting or does he miss his true-life true love Anna, since they seem to lack scenes together in season 4 (gotta watch to find out)? I'm sure Stephen can console himself each night (morning?) after shooting when he can go home and snuggle in marital bliss with Ms. Paquin Moyer.
The Digging Up Season 3 HBO special which, at the VERY end included teasers/spoilers for Season 4 of True Blood is worth a closer, second look:
True Blood: Watch FULL 20 Minute VIDEO 'Digging Up Season 3' NOW!
In the special, some of the cast members recapped what happened during the last season (Season 3) in a helpful effort to entice fans to watch season 4. Or, for those of us too cheap to buy the DVD or perhaps consider that seeing the season once was enough, yet we still don't want to forget stuff when season 4 premieres on HBO on June 26.
At the end of the Season 3 recap we were offered yet another sneak peak at Season 4 in HBO's ongoing effort to staunch #TBWithdrawalknowing that #WaitingSucks. Notably absent was commentary from TB stars Anna Paquin (SookieStackhouse), Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton) and Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte).
Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica Hamby) opines that'Season 4 is about everyone’s true identities being revealed.' Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette Reynolds)'reveals' that Lafayette enters a new world that he has never seen before (and that says a lot for Lala!). Alexander Skarsgård (Eric Northman) says we will see a 'brand new Eric' in Season 4. (Duh,duh, dun! The Viking is still gonna have that SPOILER! amnesiac episode(!) Kristin Bauer van Straten (Pam de Beaufort) tells us that there will be 'diresituations. (Kudos to Ms. Bauer van Straten for refraining from hyperbole--no small task when you are 'hyping' True Blood.)
Ryan Kwanten (Jason Stackhouse) says there will be a 'lot more blood and a lot more sex this season....just like people expect of True Blood' (slight paraphrase). Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton) says we may see 'some happiness for a while,'... but that it 'won’t last...because this is True Blood.'
Ms. Wesley has said this before in re: season 4 about her character, Tara Thornton. Poor Rutina seems absolutely unenthused about True Blood season 4. Can you blame her? Can't blame Ryan Kwanten, either for summing up the show's appeal as 'sex and blood,' as his character is best known for having sex and getting his arse kicked, literally & figuratively.
No more talk of the 'greatwriting and fantastic cast', guys?
'Vamping':Jessica Tuck ('Nan Flanagan') Stephen Moyer ('Bill Compton'), Kristin Bauer van Straten ('Pam Swynford de Beaufort'), Alexander Skarsgård (Eric Northman) and Deborah Ann Woll ('Jessica Hamby')
Ausiello-one-time-only-rant ('cos who wants to be as tedious to read as he is?):
Though Ausiello may be considered to be an awesome spoiler source (I'm looking at you @HBO), Ausiello himself is not a genuine True Blood fan, as hard as he may try to convince us as such (I take that back; he doesn't really try, does he?). I say this partly because he or his minions get basic things like the name of the actress who plays Pam, Kristen Bauer van Straten, wrong all the time--which back in the day was a huge no-no and IMO, still is (esp. considering how high-profile i.e. well-paid the guy is).
He gets plenty else wrong too about True Blood, mainly when he's feigning excitement about knowing that which we don't. In fact, we actually or probably do know because we love the show, we've read the books, and we 'troll'* the Internet for True Blood tidbits (Hint: Some comment sections on the better-quality TB fan sites are excellent sources).
*as in 'fish for'
Ausiello: There was a...nice surprise in my mailbox...the first three episodes of Season 4!... I’m going to declare that the show gets off to its strongest start yet. The trouble is, there’s not much I can tell you without spoiling one of the biggest (literally and figuratively) twists in the series’ history. But give me a second, I’ll think of something… Oooh, there’s a very subtle clue in this trailer.
Also:
| An unlikely new romance takes shape.
(Fansite Sookieverse Blog seems to be leaning in the direction of this couple being Tara and her new, cage-match fighting BFF. My opinion: Making Tara a lesbian will not make her more interesting).
| * *i***** *******e* ***s.
(I hate stoopid puzzles like this.)
| Pam is at her bitchiest best.
(Ya think?! Wow. This is new for Pam! *sarcasm*.)
| Jessica makes Hoyt dinner — sounds boring but I swear it’s not.
(Will it be raw and bloody?!)
| There’s some big real estate news — sounds boring but I swear it’s not.
(Speculated at Sookieverse (see above) to be Eric buying up Sookie's home since she'll have been gone to Faeryland far longer than she expected. Theory is, Sook paid no real estate taxes in that year so it went to auction and Eric bought it. Guess then he wouldn't have to ask to go inside!)
| Sam comes dangerously close to exposing his naughty bits.
(It's HBO. I've seen more male naughty bits on Game of Thrones than I ever again wanna see on my flat screen EVAR! But Sam Trammell ('Sam Merlotte'), that would be OK--I would in no way feel in 'danger.')
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.
From the True Blood location shoot for Episode 4.10 - The World’s A Mess, It’s In My Kiss in L.A. on Wednesday (5.25), comes some fun shots of Ryan Kwanten. Kwanten plays the fantastically cut, dim-bulb brother of Sookie, 'Jason Stackhouse' on the hit HBO supernatural series (debuting June 26).
From the looks of the prep work going on (see various tubes and do-dads being shoved inside Kwanten's pants) there will be added special effects/CGI as it appears that BLOOD will flow.
Released today and here for your viewing pleasure are HQ photo stills from the first four episodes of True Blood Season 4!
Not only do we have some wicked awesome shots--some are of a small poster size--but we are presented with a slew of questions about the context of each photo!
For example, take a peek at fan fave & Eric's right hand & progeny, vampire 'Pam' (Kristen Bauer van Straten). Our Miss Pam has dumped her demure 'pretty in pink' look for a fangtastically fresh-blood-red ensemble.
What is going on here? Has Pam been tossed aside, landing on a large, worn braid rug on a tired-looking wood floor (albeit in a lady-like pose)? And are those bloody fangs I see--or just the sanguine hue of Pam's lipstick? If Pam has bitten someone, pray tell who?
So many questions and just a bit over a month until we start getting answers!
TRUE BLOOD Season 4 - Photo Credit: John P. Johnson/HBO, inc.
Found at/thanks to: http://www.seat42f.com/
Please click through to my account to enlarge the HQ photo stills.
Season 4, Episode 1: She's Not There Original Air Date—26 June 2011
Season 4, Episode 2: You Smell Like Dinner Original Air Date—3 July 2011
Season 4, Episode 3: If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin'? Original Air Date—10 July 2011
Season 4, Episode 4: Episode #4.4 Original Air Date—17 July 2011
I'd love to hear your comments about the shots.
Are you picking up on things like the shot from episode 2: 'You Smell Like Dinner' in which Sam's little brother is in a leg cast, sporting a James Dean hairdo? Did Sam Merlotte wing his 'baby' bro in the leg with that bullet he discharged in the last episode of season 3?
Perfect for the Vampire on the go. Now True Blood is available in a plastic bottle! Sink your fangs into a bottle of Tru Blood, a delicious blood orange carbonated drink inspired by Bill's favorite synthetic blood nourishment beverage. Tart and slightly sweet, Tru Blood pours like a regular soda but appears stormy and mysterious when poured into a glass. Bottoms up - and vampires, remember to drink responsibly! * Includes six 19-ounce bottles * Now with added energy boost ingredients! NOTE: Due to the weight of this item, an $10.00 shipping surcharge will be added to your order at checkout. Surcharges still apply during free shipping offers.
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!
Last we saw drug-dealing mom Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker), she was being led away in handcuffs at the airport after falsely confessing to the FBI that she killed a woman. Well, she’s still wearing the cuffs in this promotional photo for season 7, which premieres on Showtime on June 27 — and not much else. But like a clever magician’s assistant, she seems ready to slip herself loose at the first opportunity.
The Weeds countdown has begun in earnest and I for one, am quite jazzed that we again get to enjoy it over the summer, even if that means the occassional DVR-ing it. Summer TV can be more of a challenge to keep up with but the adventures of the Botwin family are pretty easy and fun to pick up, don't you think?
Weeds Casting News: Fastforward! Baby Stevie will be four years old when next we see him on Weeds, producers are seeking the particularly "focused and articulate" kids to audition for the role.
Alexander Skarsgård as Eric Northman in True Blood Season 4 (pre-amnesia):
So far, this is the best promo for True Blood Season 4, yet. Finally, a bit of story to chew on, not just quick scenes adding up to zilch. Smartly, I think, Alan Ball & Co. are broadly fleshing out for us what to expect in Season 4--especially showing some more of the more of brand new (Marnie) and nearly brand new (Jesus, Holly) characters--witches all-- in action.
The witches circle when over-lit like I made the screen-caps in order to see detail look pretty, idk cornball? Cheesy? But I imagine the (award-winning) set folks put together a replica of what real witches do.
In the stark light it looks cheesy, in the darkness with candles and all it looks pretty neat.
Oh My Goodness!, some pretty screen-caps came out of this behind-the-scenes preview/promo/trailer!
Too bad the photographer appears to be on 'Team Bill', almost cutting Skarsgård out of the shot entirely:
Very lucky lady clad in True Blood 'character charms' in close proximity to 'Bill' (Stephen Moyer), who is touching 'Sookie' while 'Eric' (Alexander Skarsgård) looks on on the set of True Blood.
As the bookies will tell you, Eric's appearance is in line with his Book 4 storyline. I believe that his shirt is not 'flannel' but simply plaid. Skarsgård regresses in age about 10 years when he doesn't slick back his hair as shown here. I prefer the non-greaser look.
On the plus side, 'Bill' is clad in leather however, sadly, he is still being forced to wear bangs. Steve Moyer is so much more handsome as not-Bill.
NEW True Blood Casting Calls Continue:
New casting calls are out alongside the reveal that episode 4.08 will be called 'Spellbound'--and it will be written by Alan Ball who seems to be writing about two episodes per season. Other info. that can be culled from the casting call?
One of our vamps (who else is that old?) is flashing back to the 1930's--wouldn't it be fun if it were Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten)?!
Maxine (Fortenberry, Hoyt's mom) is being interviewed by a TV news reporter but she's interrupted by Bill who wishes to speak his mind about...I guess we'll just have to endure the sucky waiting to find out.
As you may know, each True Blood episode is named after a song--which plays over the end-credits. Spellbound has a few versions. I'm inclined to agree with my fave True Blood blog 'Sookieverse' that Siouxsie and the Banshees’ version is a good choice.
TRUE BLOOD, Episode 408, “Spellbound” Writer: Alan Ball Director: Daniel Minahan Location: L.A. Start Date: Approx. 4/11/11
[VIRGIL] 35 years old, a harshly handsome blue collar Caucasian man with a cold and ruthless streak, Virgil is seen in a flashback to the 1930s. Guest star.
[REPORTER] Female, a local TV news reporter, she is delighted when Bill shows up to interrupt her conversation with Maxine. Charmed by Bill, she’s more than willing to give Bill a public forum. 1 speech & 5 lines, 3 scenes.
[RITA] In her 40s, an attractive maternal woman. 1 line, 1 scene.
The Harry Potter UKFacebook page has posted this new poster from the forthcoming final installment of the Potter franchise, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' which shows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) head-to-head with the Elder Wand between them.
I agree with this comment from EW (especially the 'light-and-stubble part'--very well-put! The ick factor is unmistakeably there.):
Note how the light catches Harry’s stubble… when you’re not mesmerized by Voldemort’s fingernail. I also love that they went with this strong image, with the wand at the center and the line “IT ALL ENDS 7.15″ and didn’t care that it left no room for the title of the movie....
The official Harry Potter Facebook page has been updated to include the full list of international release dates for the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II" film. To find out when the final installment of the Potter film franchise will premiere in your country, click!
You know what I love about Hollywood? (besides the many gifts that it bears for me--see photos above and below). There is no 'off-season'! Oh sure, shows like my fave Showtime show Shamelessgo on hiatus (as of tonight <sob>) but there is always something good percolating, maybe just about to be unveiled.
I, like I'm quite sure thousands, if not millions ofBattlestar Galactica (RDM) enthusiasts, have been waiting for the right project with the perfect combination of cast to look forward to settling in and being amazed by ever since BSG took it's final bow. Darned if 17th Precinct doesn't sound like it could be the very show that we've been waiting for!
I'm so excited at the prospect but totally nervous that something could get in the way of it airing... but I'm really more excited than nervous because I'm keeping a positive attitude. Tricia Helfer as 'Morgana,' a spell-casting, potion-making coronor? All of a sudden all those network procedurals sound so very dreary.
Photos: Credit to and courtesy of @trutriciahelfer (Tricia Helfer)
Tricia has signed on to play Morgana, a potion-making and spell-casting coroner in Ronald D. Moore’s NBC Pilot, 17TH PRECINCT, a supernatural-themed police drama for NBC. She’s the third BATTLESTAR GALACTICA alum to join the cast — Jamie Bamber and James Callis being the first two. Ron Moore was of course the executive producer of the re-imagined BSG series, making 17TH PRECINCT a reunion of sorts.
Also joining the cast is Stockard Channing, Matt Long and Eamonn Walker.
Source: Triciahelfer.com - 'Tricia Joins Ronald D. Moore’s 17th Precinct':
Thanks to Tricia Helfer for sharing this photo of herself and her former castmates on Battlestar Galactica,Jamie Bamber as Lee 'Apollo' Adama and James Callis as 'Gaius Baltar.' Tricia of course, was the sublime 'Number 6'.
Anyway, I reeeeally hope that Ron Moore's latest endeavour, 17th Precinct, described as a 'supernatural cop show' gets picked up! Trica is alluding to the wrap party for the pilot for 17th Precinct in this photo. These actors were a big part of what made BSG so magical. Can a similar magic be created once again? I sure think so! (I've been dying to see Tricia and James acting together again!) Jamie had some pretty cool scenes on BSG with Baltar as well. I've not seen him as anyone but 'Lee Adama' so checking him out in a a new role is cool with me.
Mind-blowing 17th Precinct Set Photo: 'From the lady,' formerly the iconic Number 'Six on the unforgettable Battlestar Galactica (RDM) series reunion, the lovely and talented,@trutriciahelfer!
Excitement! This-is the first acting roll together that both Tricia Helfer & James Callis have had since BSG, right? I've totally been waiting for this as these two ignite one another onscreen!
It is impossible for Trica to look less than beautiful but the dark hair suits her, amping up her already impossibly high va-v-va-va-voom- factor.
Here ya go #BSG peeps. 6, Baltar, Apollo. Aka Morgana, John, Caolan.
It's an exciting Battlestar Galactica reunion from the set of Ron Moore's upcoming supernatural drama '17th Precinct,' in a new pic tweeted by none other than Number Six herself, Tricia Helfer.
We were already thrilled about our favorite BSG actors getting back together on Moore's 17th Precinct, so our squee levels were off the charts when Helfer tweeted a pic of herself and her co-stars from the set yesterday.
TriciaHelferTweet031611.jpg Standing shoulder to shoulder again, Helfer, James (Gaius "frakkin'" Baltar) Callis and Jamie (Lee Adama) Bamber took the time to reach out to their fans. Thanks, guys! We're sort of digging Tricia Helfer's brunette locks, and Callis seems rather snug between the statuesque beauty and Jamie Bamber, don't you think? (via SFX)
There's no doubt that Nurse Jackie is a sharply funny, extremely well-acted 30- minute premium cable show. The subject matter is mature in that the show's namesake 'Nurse Jackie,' is a highly competent nurse--and pill addict, which has led her to do some pretty shady things. She doesn't feel good about doing them but her addiction at this point is stronger than she is--and that is saying something because she's tough as nails.
I love that Edie Falco has landed in a premium cable show that she's a perfect fit for. Her Emmy award-winning character, 'Jackie Peyton' is 100 percent not like the award-winning character Carmela, that she played on the late, great HBO mafia drama,'The Sopranos.' Not that I expected she would be. But even her appearance is so radically different.
Supporting Cast on 'Jackie' Rocks:
Not unexpectedly, the supporting cast on Nurse Jackie is fantastic. I especially like ER Admin 'Gloria Akalitis' (ANNA DEAVERE SMITH), Jackie's best friend 'Dr. O'Hara' (Eve Best), Jackie's husband, Kevin (DOMINIC FUMUSA) and lover, Eddie (Paul Schulze).
I can't imagine why you may not have watched Nurse Jackie in it's first 2 seasons but it is never too late to start. Go for it!
Nurse Jackie returns with new promotional art!: Full size supercool HQ Nurse Jackie mini posters: Download them here! The one at top is my fave. Scroll down and after the jump and have a peek at the other HQ concepts promotional Nurse Jackie art. CLICK 'em and they get bigger!!
Nurse Jackie: Season 3, Episode 1 - 'Game On'
In the Season 3 premiere, Jackie's marriage is strained, as is her relationship with O'Hara after the intervention; Akalitus warns the staff that nearby hospitals have closed down, straining the staff and resources; Zoey publicly confesses her affair with Lenny.
Nurse Jackie returns for season three beginning Monday, March 28th at 10PM ET/PT.
Showtime end-of-season 2 Nurse Jackie Synopsis:
The Showtime Original Series Nurse Jackie ended season two with the ugly truth closing in on super-nurse Jackie Peyton. Her lover Eddie threatened to come clean about their affair to his good friend Kevin, who also happens to be Jackie's husband. And O'Hara and Kevin put the pieces together about Jackie's pill-popping ways and confronted her about her addiction. But if the people in her life think one little intervention is going to stop her, they don't know Jackie. The great white liar returns for another hilarious season on March 28th.
From the Thursday, February 24th L.A. location shoot of HBO's True Blood, comes some spoilerific shots of Merlotte's owner, shapeshifter Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell), waitress/witch Holly Cleary (Lauren Bowles) and Bon Temps police chief Andy Bellefleur (Chris Bauer) responding to what seemed to be Sam's little shoebox rental homes up in flames.
Eric Northman - Alexander Skarsgård: What Do You Make Of This?
Still desperately sniffing out any details we can for True Blood - Season 4, today comes news via King Bloodhound Ausiello @ TV Line that vampire Eric's maker, Godric, played by Allan Hyde, shall be returning to True Blood in Season 4. As you may recall, Godric met the 'true death' near the end of True Blood Season 2 on the rooftop of a Dallas hotel with a weeping Sookie by his side.
It would seem then that any present day incarnation of Godric is kind of doubtful. However, very little of Eric and Godric's 1000-year history has been explored so speculation is that it is pretty likely that Eric's maker will return via flashback.
True Blood creator/showrunner Alan Ball is not, accroding to Ausiello, 'offering too many clues, except to say that fans will see “a different side of Godric.”'
True Blood, Season 4 premieres on HBO on June 12, 2011.
Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) and Alcide Herveaux (Joe Manganiello): Never to be a Couple?
Q: Please tell me I will still get to see Kevin Alejandro on True Blood!
A: Not only will he be back, but Jesus is getting an origin arc! Alan Ball will be digging into the gay witch’s creepy backstory this season, complete with flashbacks to the mid-'80s when he was living in the Chihuahuan desert with his protective mother and terrifying, intimidating brujo of a grandfather. (At left) Kevin Alejandro as brujo 'Jesus'
Q: I would love some True Blood scoop! Ausiello: Alcide’s getting an after-hours boss. The show is casting the role of Raoul, a tough, intense white dude in his early 40s who also happens to be the werewolf packmaster of Shreveport. Curiously, interested applicants must be shorter than Joe Manganiello...
Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) and Alcide Herveaux (Joe Manganiello): Never to be a couple?
Q: Any chance that Sookie and Alcide will get together this season on True Blood?
TVGuide:
'Timing is everything and the timing between those two could not have been worse, so we'll see where the time goes in Season 4,' Joe Manganiello says.
(And) factor this in: We're hearing that Alcide's loyalties might be split. His work for Eric is done, but Alcide has a new boss, and his interests diverge from those of Sookie.
TrueBlood Episode 4 Title Update: Episode 4.05 will be called "I Hate You, I Love You"
Well Trubies, the chance of a Sookie-Alcide Season 4 hookup is looking pretty dire. It's sounding as if Alan Ball and Co. are doing what they've always (rightfully) done, take inspiration from the Sookie Stackhouse book series rather than simply replicating the books.
I'll admit I am a bit disappointed as I love Joe Manganiello's "Alcide," however he may end up with more screen time and a just as compelling storyline whether or not he is bedding Sookie. Ultimately, Alcide's conflicted love for his crazy she-wolf ex could be a deciding factor in whether the True Blood team evens goes into a serious flirtation between Sookie and Alcide.
For me, only when the actual show airs do I make a judgement about what works and what does not. Also, I like both to be spoiled and surprised by how the storylines unfold.
I'm giving them away! To be in the running for the giveaway just drop a comment here in this post telling me one reason why you enjoy Shameless! I'll announce the 2 lucky winners on this blog on Sunday, February 13th. Good Luck!
All The Trouble: Cameron Monaghan
SHOWTIME | Season 1 Ep. 0 | Added: January 18, 2011
Cameron Monaghan discusses his role as Ian, his character's relationship with father Frank, and his relationship with his older brother, Lip.
I was going to touch on one specific scene from Shameless, Episode 2, Frank The Plank which IMO, encapsulates exactly why William H. Macy is perfect for the part. I will, but first I want to direct your attention to the interview (above) with Cameron Monaghan who plays the second oldest Gallagher brother, Ian. The interview is basically Cameron talking about the show, the characters, the interior workings of the family and finally, he's asked why he wanted to be on the show.
Cameron's guileless response is just so charming. You simply have to take a couple of minutes to listen to clip. Completely devoid of any pretension, he finishes with,"Any actor would kill to be on this show." And you know he means it.
I think that is a great part of why 'the kids' on Shameless have been mentioned so many times as perfectly cast. They are very real. They could be anyone's neighbour. They've charmed the pants off me and they've made it look effortless. Not a single actor on this show--child or adult seems to be 'acting.'
Showtime Official Promo for episode 1.03 - 'Aunt Ginger' (Airs: 1.23.11)
What Are Your Intentions? Sneak Peek episode 1.03 - 'Aunt Ginger' (Airs: 1.23.11)
SHOWTIME | Season 1 Ep. 3 | Added: January 18, 2011
Lip goes to pick up Karen but first has to deal with Frank.
So, what I was going to say about William H. Macy. I've read a lot of positive things about the kids on the show (including/especially Emmy Rossum) and I read good stuff about William H. Macy too, but some reviewers seem to be having trouble with liking the unkempt, irresponsible, drunken character, 'Frank Gallagher' that Macy portrays. My feeling is you don't need to like Frank Gallagher to be able to enjoy him.
In episode 2 where he had more let's say, 'awake moments,' Macy had a deliciously funny scene where he wakes up after yet another drunken night--on a picnic table in Toronto's lakefront. You'll have to watch the episode to find out the details but I wanted to point out where I think the casting people/showrunners agreed that Macy is perfect as Frank.
Shortly after realizing that he's in Canada, Frank is taken into custody 'to sleep it off.' His troubles go beyond that as he has no passport and so will not be able to get back into the US even when he's released--so he's pretty wound up. The scene that had me in stiches both times I watched it was when they set 'Frank' loose on a triade about everything that was wrong about Canada. Pacing back and forth in his cell, he angrily vented about anything that came to mind: The Canadians, who hosted last year's winter Olympics couldn't even keep (the flame of) the torch lit. In the mountains of Vancouver, in Canada! there was no snow for the competitions. On and on he ranted. IMO, this was Frank's funniest scene yet and Macy was as good as any scene in any medium I've watched him in. It was perfection. Can't wait for more. I love this show.
Tara Is 'Definitely Back' On True Blood, Season 4: When interviewed, Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton) demurred when asked about her character as she put it "driving off in her little car," at the end of season 3, that she would be back (in season 4) ...but she could not say (how/when). She continued however with 'I'm back, I'm definitely back.'
Colour me dim but I never gave a second thought to whether 'Tara' was coming back from her road trip. My guess is that 'True Blood' will pick up right where it left off and so Tara may not be in the first few episodes in Bon Temps, but who's to say we won't see her elsewhere?
Californication - Promo Photos 4.02 - 'Suicide Solution' Synopsis: David Duchovny directs this episode which guest stars Rob Lowe, looking uncannily like Brad Pitt's doppelganger, but described as an 'imbalanced Oscar-winning actor'...who might play the 'Hank' role in the upcoming movie.' Looks fun.
I love Carla Gugino's guesting...She's good in everything she does. Not sure if I love her character, Abby, in sort-of-severe bangs, tho'.
Did you watch this along with Shameless andEpisodeswhich follow Californication on Showtime on Sunday nights?(If you missed episode 1 of any of the 3 shows you can watch them uncensored (for a limited time, I believe)right here on my blog!)
I watched all three shows--admittedly I split some of the viewing time up but that's allowed. :) Good shows, all.
Prior to Season 4, I did not watch Californication more than once or twice. I watched every episode of X-Files though and really like David Duchovny--so I'm game. He's very appealing but at this early point 'Hank' is not very lovable.
Big Sexy Baby
Hank makes himself right at home at the Runkle house.
Pep Talk
Charlie attempts to inspire Hank so he'll start writing.
True Blood Season 4 Jessica and Hoyt: 'The honeymoon's over.' (Alan Ball)
True Blood: Season 3 Replay Promo (HBO)
Question: I need a True Blood scoop. Maybe something on Jessica and Hoyt? Source:Ask Ausiello: Rumor has it Season 4 will not be kind to my favorite Blood duo. Actually it’s more fact than rumor since Alan Ball just confirmed ... “The honeymoon’s over.”
Seeking Seven More Actors via True Blood Season 4 Casting Call:
(01.04.11)
True Blood Season 4 Jessica and Hoyt: 'The honeymoon's over.' (Alan Ball)
Q: Will Denis O'Hare be back on the new season True Blood?
A: It sure sound(ed) like it because sources (say) that there will be a big storyline in which we see vampire attacks on YouTube—which is classic Russell Edgington, no?
However, it turns out it's not Russell, but rather an underground filmmaker who is capturing various vamps on video and then posting on YouTube for the world to see. Needless to say, this is not going to improve relations between the bloodsuckers and conservatives of the True Blood world.
As for Denis, ... he is expected back at some point but so far no 'concrete plans', i.e. contract, in place. Maybe another season or two. (Or never--geez what a lame-o 'news' item! CM)
Q: More True Blood spoilers, please!
A: In an early episode, Pam is going to get a "hot and stupid" sack o' meat to chew on who actually enjoys being bitten. And Tommy will get an intriguing offer from a prospector. Producers are also casting a Spanish-speaking badass chiquita who'll be a recurring role in episodes two through six.
True Blood's season 4 episode 3, entitled 'If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin’? includes seven guest roles. Some of these were already mentioned in E! Online’s spoiler chat (see link just a few lines above). Episode 3 begins filming next week.
Character descriptions:
Antonia: a recurring role that runs episode 2 through episode 6. Age is anywhere 'from 20 to 40," fluent Spanish, and is “fierce” in nature. Kevin Alejandro, who as 'Jesus' is moving to featured status in s4 will probably need a couple of family members...
A 'generic' vampire, a pudgy young woman in her 20s, and a camera operator are all being cast as part of an 'underground You Tube video' that depicts the vampire feeding on the woman.
Camera operator: Also in his 20s and is on a mission to warn America about vampires by showing their true colors. It appears that he entraps the vampires by filming them, leaving the vamp desperate to avoid exposure.
Pam will enjoy snacking on a fangbanger, who definitely enjoys being snacked on and is disappointed when she takes off.
Nan Flanagan will debate a a bow tie clad 'smug conservative f*ck' .
Tommy encounters Paul McClatchy, a “prospector” who works for an energy company and makes Tommy an intriguing offer.
Source: True-Blood.net - True Blood - Episode 4.03 - If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin'? - Casting Calls
Five More Actors on True Blood Season 4 (Have Been) Cast(ing) List:
(Rebecca Wisocky - Photo credit : IMDb)
Rebecca Wisocky will play Queen Mab, who is described as an a 'quick-tempered leader and elegant beauty who presides over a fantasyland.'
Wisocky has been seen on stage in AMAZONS AND THEIR MEN, for which she received an Obie Award. Other stage credits include GOD'S EAR, 36 VIEWS, and SUENO. She has also been cast on 90210, The Mentalist, CSI and HBO's Big Love and will have a future engagement with the film, 'Atlas Shrugged'.
(Dane DeHaan - Photo credit : IMDb)
'In Treatment's' standout Dane DeHaan has joined HBO's vampire drama True Blood in a recurring role:
Freshman actor DeHaan, has been cast for a key guest spot in the True Blood fourth season premiere.
DeHaan (whose stage credits include THE ALIENS, AMERICAN BUFFALO, SIXTY MILES TO SILVER LAKE and END DAYS) will play Timbo, a teen looked after by Ryan Kwaten's character, Jason. The part extends DeHaan's relationship with HBO. Currently, DeHaan plays Jesse on the current season of the network's drama In Treatment.
Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte on True Blood) Photo Credit: MTV Spike TV Scream Awards
... Sam Trammell gave details about 'what's going to happen (to his character, early) in the new season.'
"We've been [shooting] for about two weeks. We've gotten two scripts and it's really cool. I'm really psyched about it.... And it's different—some things have happened that have changed things, so I think the viewers will be excited. Alan [Ball] likes to keep everybody on their toes.
*Sam Trammell on True Blood's upcoming Season 4*:
"It's always fun just getting the scripts and reading them, it's like...I was going to say crack cocaine but I've never had it!"
(12.14.10)
Q: True Blood S4 details?
Sookie's (Anna Paquin) farmhouse has been a shambles ever since Maryann (season 2) built meat sculptures in the front yard and had orgies in the back and front yards, as well as 'repainting' Sookie's murdered grandma's walls with mud (only--I hope!)...
'Insiders say they're finally repainting the house and repairing all the damage...ounds like Sookie might be settling back into domestic bliss?'*
(*From the Sookie Stackhouse books, which the show has split off from, Sookie's kitchen was set deliberately afire; after surviving that (as Sookie always does--survives for another novel) with some time going by,) Sook decides to give the old place a sprucing up. - CLM
(Photo credit: Buddy-TV.com)
Christina Moore, Neil Hopkins and Chris Butler have been cast in the fourth season of True Blood, TVGuide.com confirms.
Moore (MADtv, 90210) has been cast as a Texas housewife with special abilities, a recurring role. She will film her part on the HBO series while HawthoRNe,the TNT drama in which she is a regular, is on hiatus.
Both Hopkins (LOST, Skyline) and Butler (The Good Wife) will appear in multi-episode arcs.
Hopkins will play Claude, brother to Claudine, the queen of the fairies. Butler will play Emory, a conservative shapeshifter.
Intriguing screen cap photo to discuss (click to enlarge):
(Photo: Sookieverseblog.com)
Here Claudine beckons Sookie. Near her is a shirtless blond man, similar to other faeires we've seen sort of milling about in the Sookie-Claudine scenes of season 3. Is that the newly-cast Neil Hopkins? He bears a resemblance. Book readers will recall Claude and Claudine were two-thirds of triplet siblings – and that Claude was described in the books as dark-haired, like his sisters. (Claude-from-the-books was also described as hating humans, gay and a popular male-stripper.)
True Blood is re-airing the latest 3 episodes next Sunday. At the end of the promo, it gives us more of a glimpse into the Season 3 finale on September 12, 2010.
I have some really-truly spoilers that if you read on you will know NOW what some of the results of the cliffhangers of the finale will be. More specifically, you'll know who lives.
I have to tell you, I'm pretty shocked. SPOILER ALERT!
(The actors involved (except one) have interviewed that they are coming back but I'm giving you this version which matches theirs.)
I don't know if like me, you are having mixed feelings about True Blood's imminent Season 3 ending. Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt that it will be awesome but this season went by faster than both one and two--it was so jam-packed with new characters and beefed-up parts for some old favourites. It's just so hard to say goodbye. OK. Now I'm sounding like a sappy love song so let us get to something a bit more hardcore, shall we?
Courtesy of E!Online (Please learn how to spell actor Denis O'Hare's name.)
Joe Manganiello is official for season 4 (check).
Sookie and Alcide (Joe Manganiello, previously confirmed for Season 4)
Update 1.04.11/Denis O' Hare had not been signed for True Blood season 4, which is about one-third done filming going into the four episode. According to E! he proably won't be back for a season or 2!
About Bon Temps' other new additions—Denis O'Hare, Marshall Allman, Kevin Alejandro and Lauren Bowles? We have the scoop: Believe it or not.... all of the aforementioned newbies will be back on True Blood for season four...So it looks like all this pretty faces up there survive next Sunday's "bloody" (per Alexander Skarsgård) season three finale...
From left: Godric's foot (Allan Hyde), Eric, Russell (Denis O'Hare)
Denis is set to return to the HBO hit next year, according to sources, but don't expect to see Russell too early in the year. We have it on good authority (Alan Ball's) that initially witches will reign supreme, but I'm told the plan is for Russell to reappear later in the season.
Sounds to me like Edgington is somehow driven off or thought to be disposed of. Wonder if the "cement truck scene" spoilers from early in the season has anything to do with it? I'm going to need a plausible explanation how he did not go *poof* in the daylight faster than Godric did with Russell bein' 3X as old and all. Lafayette's second to last image of Jesus (Kevin Alejandro)
As for Lafayette's lover, Jesus (Kevin Alejandro), Nelsan says, "We're partners in crime now, my boy toy, so he will be back." Adds Kevin with a knowing grin: "I'm hearing rumors about that, too. I've never been a part of anything this big before." (see below) Happier times for "LaLa" and Jesus (Nelsan Ellis, Kevin Alejandro)
Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) has always been able to see through people--as he does here with Tommy (Marshall Allman)
Sam's wayward little bro isn't going anywhere either, although he's mastered the tease. When asked if he'll be back, Marshall told me: "Yeah, I am. But I mean, hey! How do you know?! Come on, now! Spoiler alert!"
Tommy Mickens taking off with Sam Merlotte's money:
I don't think we are supposed to forget that at roughly this age Sam did the exact same thing to Maryann (Season 2). My guess is the shot that Sam takes at Tommy is either a warning shot or it misses it's mark. I don't know how Tommy could possibly "fly away" (which he has done before) with a load of cash like that. Perhaps Sam will shoot him in the shoulder or arm and keep Tommy "grounded" for awhile.
Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell) taking aim at his brother, Tommy.
'Holly' (Lauren Bowles)
And rounding out the ranks as a newly-minted series regular (she told us herself after hitting up the Emmys with her sister Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is Lauren Bowles, who recently joined the show as resident Wiccan Holly.
Also, in re: Arlene Q: Are we going to see something happen with Arlene's baby situation before the end of the season on True Blood?
A: As a matter of fact, Mrs. Carrie Preston assures us we will…well, kinda. "Arlene is still very conflicted. But there's going to be a resolution to the conflict," she says, "But it's also going to be open-ended." Either she's speaking in tongues or my Emmy (lack of sleep and too much ginger ale) hangover is worse than I thought. Does that make any sense to anyone? Carrie's equally wonderful hubby Michael Emerson weighed in on the baby drama, saying, "I mean, we have to see the baby," to which she responded, "If there is a baby…" Now I'm really stumped. She's not pulling a Terri Schuester is she? Or preggo with some sort of supernatural somethin'? The mind boggles.
In re: the "new" Sam Q: I cannot believe the way Sam's acting on True Blood. Tell me it isn't permanent, please! A:...Sam Trammell (says) Sam's not-so-pleasant adventures are just beginning and will extend far into True Blood's fourth season. "I know one thing that's going to happen with Sam [next year], which is taking it to a new level. It's very cool." The gang doesn't even start shooting until November... Read more: Kristen
True Blood Season 4 Jessica and Hoyt: 'The honeymoon's over.' (Alan Ball)
True Blood: Season 3 Replay Promo (HBO)
Question: I need a True Blood scoop. Maybe something on Jessica and Hoyt? Source:Ask Ausiello: Rumor has it Season 4 will not be kind to my favorite Blood duo. Actually it’s more fact than rumor since Alan Ball just confirmed ... “The honeymoon’s over.”
True Blood Season 4 Jessica and Hoyt: 'The honeymoon's over.' (Alan Ball)
Q: Will Denis O'Hare be back on the new season True Blood?
A: It sure sound(ed) like it because sources (say) that there will be a big storyline in which we see vampire attacks on YouTube—which is classic Russell Edgington, no?
However, it turns out it's not Russell, but rather an underground filmmaker who is capturing various vamps on video and then posting on YouTube for the world to see. Needless to say, this is not going to improve relations between the bloodsuckers and conservatives of the True Blood world.
As for Denis,... he is expected back at some point but so far no 'concrete plans', i.e. contract, in place. Maybe another season or two. (Or never--geez what a lame-o 'news' item! CM)
Q: More True Blood spoilers, please!
A: In an early episode, Pam is going to get a "hot and stupid" sack o' meat to chew on who actually enjoys being bitten. And Tommy will get an intriguing offer from a prospector. Producers are also casting a Spanish-speaking badass chiquita who'll be a recurring role in episodes two through six.
True Blood's season 4 episode 3, entitled 'If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin’? includes seven guest roles. Some of these were already mentioned in E! Online’s spoiler chat (see link just a few lines above). Episode 3 begins filming next week.
Character descriptions:
Antonia: a recurring role that runs episode 2 through episode 6. Age is anywhere 'from 20 to 40," fluent Spanish, and is “fierce” in nature. Kevin Alejandro, who as 'Jesus' is moving to featured status in s4 will probably need a couple of family members...
A 'generic' vampire, a pudgy young woman in her 20s, and a camera operator are all being cast as part of an 'underground You Tube video' that depicts the vampire feeding on the woman.
Camera operator: Also in his 20s and is on a mission to warn America about vampires by showing their true colors. It appears that he entraps the vampires by filming them, leaving the vamp desperate to avoid exposure.
Pam will enjoy snacking on a fangbanger, who definitely enjoys being snacked on and is disappointed when she takes off.
Nan Flanagan will debate a a bow tie clad 'smug conservative f*ck' .
Tommy encounters Paul McClatchy, a “prospector” who works for an energy company and makes Tommy an intriguing offer.
Source: True-Blood.net - True Blood - Episode 4.03 - If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin'? - Casting Calls
Only how many more months until the Walking Dead shamble back onto our screens?
How to take a head shot. CLICK.
ashbanner4 | December 20, 2010 | 16 likes, 0 dislikes
The cast and creators of The Walking Dead talk about what might be in store for them in Season 2.
The Walking Dead's first season ended quite literally with a bang, leaving many fans grappling with burning questions as to the fate of Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors. In this new video, The Walking Dead cast and crew address some of these questions and discuss their hopes for Season 2. "Is there a chance of a cure, will they survive, where will they go?" asks Producer Denise Huth. Executive Producer Frank Darabont, for his part, adds: "I want the audience to feel uncertain when they tune in."
Check out this new video interview with the producers as well as cast members Sarah Wayne Callies (Lori), Jon Bernthal (Shane), Laurie Holden (Andrea) and more, and you just may get some valuable insight into where The Walking Dead is heading next.
Five More Actors on True Blood Season 4 Casting List:
(12.15.10)
(Rebecca Wisocky - Photo credit : IMDb)
Rebecca Wisocky will play Queen Mab, who is described as an a 'quick-tempered leader and elegant beauty who presides over a fantasyland.'
Wisocky has been seen on stage in AMAZONS AND THEIR MEN, for which she received an Obie Award. Other stage credits include GOD'S EAR, 36 VIEWS, and SUENO. She has also been cast on 90210, The Mentalist, CSI and HBO's Big Love and will have a future engagement with the film, 'Atlas Shrugged'.
(Dane DeHaan - Photo credit : IMDb)
'In Treatment's' standout Dane DeHaan has joined HBO's vampire drama True Blood in a recurring role:
Freshman actor DeHaan, has been cast for a key guest spot in the True Blood fourth season premiere.
DeHaan (whose stage credits include THE ALIENS, AMERICAN BUFFALO, SIXTY MILES TO SILVER LAKE and END DAYS) will play Timbo, a teen looked after by Ryan Kwaten's character, Jason. The part extends DeHaan's relationship with HBO. Currently, DeHaan plays Jesse on the current season of the network's drama In Treatment.
Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte on True Blood) Photo Credit: MTV Spike TV Scream Awards
... Sam Trammell gave details about 'what's going to happen (to his character, early) in the new season.'
"We've been [shooting] for about two weeks. We've gotten two scripts and it's really cool. I'm really psyched about it.... And it's different—some things have happened that have changed things, so I think the viewers will be excited. Alan [Ball] likes to keep everybody on their toes.
*Sam Trammell on True Blood's upcoming Season 4*:
"It's always fun just getting the scripts and reading them, it's like...I was going to say crack cocaine but I've never had it!"
(12.14.10)
Q: True Blood S4 details?
A: Sookie's (Anna Paquin) farmhouse has been a shambles ever since Maryann (season 2) built meat sculptures in the front yard and had orgies in the back and front yards, as well as 'repainting' Sookie's murdered grandma's walls with mud (only--I hope!)...
'Insiders say they're finally repainting the house and repairing all the damage...ounds like Sookie might be settling back into domestic bliss?'*
(*From the Sookie Stackhouse books, which the show has split off from, Sookie's kitchen was set deliberately afire; after surviving that (as Sookie always does--survives for another novel) with some time going by,) Sook decides to give the old place a sprucing up. - CLM
(Photo credit: Buddy-TV.com)
Christina Moore, Neil Hopkins and Chris Butler have been cast in the fourth season of True Blood, TVGuide.com confirms.
Moore (MADtv, 90210) has been cast as a Texas housewife with special abilities, a recurring role. She will film her part on the HBO series while HawthoRNe,the TNT drama in which she is a regular, is on hiatus.
Both Hopkins (LOST, Skyline) and Butler (The Good Wife) will appear in multi-episode arcs.
Hopkins will play Claude, brother to Claudine, the queen of the fairies. Butler will play Emory, a conservative shapeshifter.
Intriguing screen cap photo to discuss (click to enlarge):
(Photo: Sookieverseblog.com)
Here Claudine beckons Sookie. Near her is a shirtless blond man, similar to other faeires we've seen sort of milling about in the Sookie-Claudine scenes of season 3. Is that the newly-cast Neil Hopkins? He bears a resemblance. Book readers will recall Claude and Claudine were two-thirds of triplet siblings – and that Claude was described in the books as dark-haired, like his sisters. (Claude-from-the-books was also described as hating humans, gay and a popular male-stripper.)
(12.05.10)
Two New Actors Added To Season 4 Cast:
With the recent production start of Season 4 of HBO's True Blood series, the trickle of casting news is now gathering momentum.
The newest cast-ees?
First, a fellow who has already worked on True Blood, albeit not as a cast member but as a stuntman in the Season 3 installment, 'I Got a Right to Sing the Blues' ( July 25 2010). According IMDb, Brandon Molale has been cast in the first two episodes of True Blood, Season 4. Molale will play 'Officer X' in episode 4x01,'She's Not There' and will again appear in the role in True Blood episode 4x02, 'You Smell Like Dinner.' Casting in further episodes has not yet been announced.
Molale has has appeared in over 90 feature films and television shows, albeit often in non-credited, more physical roles.
Earlier on he was a football player at Fresno State University. He earned a degree in Advertising and Marketing. Molale is a self-taught guitar player and former radio disk jockey and is a football coordinator and technical advisor.
At 6'4" in height Molale joins Alexander Skargård (Eric) and Joe Manganiello (Alcide) in the cast as the really, really tall guys.
A second True Blood casting call has been answered by actor-writer-producer Randy Wayne for the part of 'Matt', also cast in True Blood episodes 1 and 2 of season 4.
According toWikipedia, Wayne is most famous for his portrayal of Luke Duke in the movie 'The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning.' Since then he has starred in numerous independent features including Dream Boy, Grizzly Park, and Foreign Exchange. He also portrayed 'Michael' in 'The Haunting of Molly Hartley'.
Find more True Blood Season 4 casting newsright here.
Besides the awesome Jessica Tuck being promoted as 'Nan Flanagan' (see below) to series regular playing a liason/mouthpiece for 'The Authority,' the vampire equivalent to a police state (& doing it really, really well!), several other season 4 roles have just been cast.
I'm not familiar with anyone's work other than Tuck's so you'll have to tell me if these are good choices:
Janina Gavankar, who I've seen neither in The Gates nor The L Word, has joined True Blood's upcoming fourth season as a regular. Gavankar will play will play 'Luna, a super-sexy public school teacher and shapeshifter who is first seen attending an informal gathering with others like her.' (Photo credit: microsoftblog.newschannel.com)
Alexandra Breckenridge, also known professionally as both 'Alex' and 'a noted voiceover artist' who (also not-seen-by-me in Dirt, Life Unexpected) will be True Blood's 'Daisy,' a 'member of a wiccan group founded by Marnie' (also newly-cast series regular, Fiona Shaw) and...
(Photo credit: cinemarx.ro)
...rounding out the three is Vedette Lim (above) (As the World Turns--Is that still on?!) have come on board the HBO smash in a recurring capacity. Lim will portray 'Naomi, a fierce fighter who participates in underground cage matches for money.'
Production on HBO's True Blood season 4 for airing in June 2011, is scheduled to commence on December 1, 2010.
SHOWTIME | Season 6 Ep. 13 | Added: November 16, 2010
Jenji Kohan discusses the season six finale of Weeds.
Written By: Jenji Kohan
Directed By: Scott Ellis
Special Guest Star: Richard Dreyfuss, Demian Bichir Guest Stars: Eric Lange, Guillermo Diaz, Rick Ravanello
I'm glad Jenji Kohan addressed the giant pink elephant in the room: When the heck is Weeds gonna end? The answer? SPOILER ALERT!
'Probably next year,' as it is season 7 and everyone's contract is up and she'd like to go out on a 'high' note.
I've watched the whole series through season 6 and after one more season--that's about 6.5 hours--I'll be ready to let go.
I've already talked endlessly about why I've stuck with the show. I'll repeat: Excellent writing, superlative casting and compelling characters that have grown and changed. I'm not just talking Alexander Gould (Shane) and Hunter Parrish (Silas). Andy (the always spot-on Justin Kirk), has gone from an oversize boy to a full on father-figure. Notice he gave up the dope smoking a while back?
Both the boys, who were good from the start, turned in truly excellent performances this season.They hit every mark. And OMG--the finale. My heart broke for them.
Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker, who always has and always will totally rock) grew too. In the last moments of Episode 6x13, 'Theoretical Love Is Not Dead', instead of being the selfish c-word she's been known to be she turned completely unselfish and set everyone free. Such a sad ending.
Do you think Nancy is gonna be behind bars next season? I don't think so. For one thing, she didn't kill Pillar. And, more importanly she's Nancy Botwin. She always--somehow--lands on her feet. I'd like to see a satisfying resolution for this family that has been through so much for so long. Just landing somewhere, being able to begin again-- that would be OK with me. It's also OK if Jenji Kohan throws a little monkey wrench in things for Nancy and leaves us hanging--wondering if Nancy will ever get her shite together.
TVGuide.com: Showtime renewed the show for a seventh season. Has the network given any indication that it will be the final season? Kohan: In my mind, it is. Everyone's contract is up next year, [including] the actors and mine. Seven years is a good run, and I'd rather leave while on top. ...
TVGuide.com: How does it feel heading into what might be the end? Kohan: It's very strange and exciting and scary and sad in a lot of ways. We have such an extraordinary team. I would hope to take everyone over to [my] next project, including some of the actors, if possible. ... However, I think growth is an obligation of a writer and it's time to stretch my wings.
TVGuide.com: Do you have a clear picture in your mind of how you want the series to end? Kohan: I do, which I would never reveal. There are two versions of the end of the series that I've had in mind, and it would be figuring out which way to go.
...
TVGuide.com: Before then, will Andy (Justin Kirk) ever get his day with Nancy? Kohan: He's a very determined young man. I don't know. I think they're very afraid of ruining what they have. There's a very real potential to ruin what they have with sex. It would change everything. It's like toast: Once you're toast, you can never be bread again.
TVGuide.com: Is it too early to say redemption may be a theme of Season 7? Kohan: It's still too early to say, but I don't know if I believe in redemption. [Laughs] A mantra of the show all along has been that people don't change. I don't want to sell that out...
Watch as the cast of HBO’s “True Blood” poses for the upcoming issue of Entertainment Weekly. Also the cast describes their "must haves" for movies, TV and books. Finally the cast, including Stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley and Nelsan Ellis answer the question of who they would bite if they were really a vampire. Fun stuff!
Aww. Anna describes crying twelve times (" and laughing") upon recently seeing the film "Up." I just went with my spouse and son over Father's Day and though they liked it, I was the only one who really thought it was touching and beautiful. Maybe it's a girl thing.
Jackie confronts Dr. Cooper after losing a patient during surgery.
It's not what Nurse Jackie says to "Coop" that resonates as much as how Edie Falco plays her and thus it's the unique-to-Edie style of delivery that really makes this scene pop. "What you need to know is that I know you. I've seen hundreds of jerk-offs like you blow through these doors..."
Jackie sends Zoey home after a long day at the hospital only to realize she's been overworking herself after nearly killing a patient.
We see completely different sides to Nurse Jackie here than in the "Coop" scene. Quite awesome I think that in the space of less than 30 minutes the character of Nurse Jackie is already so rich with potential that the viewer is hooked. She's almost like heroin. In a good way. Student nurse Zoey is also given a chance to show a side of herself that we would not have expected to be there based on her behaviour throughout episode one, but there it is. Another character to expect the unexpected from.
