As casting of TRUE BLOOD season 5 progresses it is becoming ever-more apparent that the ancient ruling body, The Vampire Authority, will be part of a story arc that spans much of the season.
The most recent addition to the cast comprising TRUE BLOOD'S Vampire Authority is it's first child: Jacob Hopkins has been cast as 'Alexander Drew', an Authority chancellor who became vampire at the tender age of 9 (which I'm sure 'Eric' would appreciate), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Also guest-starring in TRUE BLOOD Season 5:
Christopher Meloni...
Carolyn Hennesy...
...and Peter Mensah(!)
True Blood returns for it's 5th season on HBO this June, 2012. Stayed tuned for a precise premiere date.
TRUE BLOOD, Episode #505, "Boot N' Rally Ally" Director: Michael Lehmann Writer: Angela Robinson Start Date: 2/10/12 Location: L.A.
[SCRAWNY MAN (JIMMY)] In his 30s, very skinny, babbling in terror, he's found in a padded cell. RECURRING
[KATE] Late 20s-early 30s. Skinny, unconscious, Kate is one of the prisoners with the Scrawny Man in the padded cell. No lines in this episode, RECURRING
[KATHY] 20s. This pretty brunette fangbanger is more friendly than slutty. 4 lines, 2 scenes (10)
[BEVERLY] This plump, good-natured family friend of Luna's has been babysitting for Emma while Emma is out with Sam. CO-STAR
[BURLY VAMPIRE] This burly vampire at the bar asks for a Tru-Blood. CO-STAR
----------------------------------
TRUE BLOOD, Episode #506 Director: Dan Attias Writer: Alan Ball Start Date Approx. 2/29 Location: L.A.
[VIVIAN] Female, Caucasian, early 20s to late 20s. She is radiantly beautiful and British. RECURRING
Yes, its true --True Blood is heralding the return this summer of the (former) king (of Mississippi, Russell Edgington) played by Denis O'Hare.
The first teaser for the HBO drama’s upcoming fifth season warns, “In Bon Temps, Nothing Stays Buried Forever,” a reference to the exhumation of Russell Edgington in the Season 4 finale--and possibly a reference to the 'closing' of the land of the Fae a/k/a Faeryland. Despite Sookie's faery godmother's untimely demise in season 4 at the fangs of mindwipe!Eric as reported earlier, Claudine's twin 'Claude' shall make an appearance in Bon Temps, too!
THR has this to say about the True Blood season 5 tease:
But as themes go in True Blood, they seem to apply to everyone. So, what things can yet still be uncovered next season?
Other than Russell’s return, here are four more suggestions as to what won't stay buried on Season 5:
2. Sookie’s (Anna Paquin) fairy friends and family. We know there’s always more to learn about the waitress’s past. The news that fairy Claude returns for next season (recast with actor Giles Matthey), and he must have a reason for coming back.
3. What’s Terry’s war buddy up to? Patrick (Scott Foley) first appeared in the Season 4 finale and we know he recurs next season. What does he know and why did he pop back up in to Terry’s (Todd Lowe) life now?
4. As mentioned, The Vampire Authority is staffing up. Last season, we saw the vampire politics go haywire in Bon Temps and its surrounding towns, but we know the show is casting ancient vampires aplenty. And they’ll probably want to regain the control their underlings have lost.
5. Werewolves out for blood. Marcus’ (Dan Buran) violent demise last season may carry some consequences. We hear the series has cast as his bereaved--or vengeance-seeking (or both) mom with My Name Is Earl’s Dale Dickey. What could she want?
Giles Matthey will play "Claude' inseason 5v True BLOOD
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).
My take on the new casting is that (tiptoes out on limb) "Claude" with the British accent is 'Claudette' the faery's twin brother. He may have ditched Faeryland when Sookie and Earl did or there may still be a passageway from the human to the world of the Fae. I don't think True Blood is done with the faerys as the show's lead is one and there's a lot of story potential there whether or not they follow the books.
My second observation is that bringing Debbie Pelt's parents into the mix could mean big trouble for Sookie. Again, it won't have to be by the book--but why not? That particular thread of the story worked out really well.
TRUE BLOOD Se.ason 5 Casting News - Episode 5.03 - 'Whatever I Am, You Made Me' - Casting Call:
[LINDSEY] In her 20s, attractive in a small town kind of way, she’s fixing a flat tire in a narrow country road when a vampire comes upon her. 1 speech & 3 lines, 1 scene. Co-star.
[MOLLY] In her 20s, bubbly, with a retro Bettie Page/Suicide Girl vibe, “cute as a button if buttons had fangs,” she works for the Vampire Authority and outfits two prisoners with complicated deadly devices. Visible tattoos a plus. One-day guest star. Possible recurring.
[MISS JILL STEELER] In her 40s, an ex-teacher, recently divorced and back in town, “she used to be beautiful, now she looks like an attractive, pleasantly plump housewife.” Guest star. This role contains topless nudity.
[BARBARA PELT] In her 50s, a kindly, well-dressed woman, she is Debbie’s (Brit Morgan) mother who is anxiously searching for her missing daughter. She and her husband, Gordon, confront Alcide. Guest star.
[GORDON PELT] In his 50s, a kindly, well-dressed man, he is Debbie’s (Brit Morgan) father who is anxiously searching for his missing daughter. He doesn’t appreciate Alcide speaking ill of Debbie. Guest star.
[DOROTHY] Seen in flashback to 1905, this pretty young prostitute has been glamored and is being drained by two vampires when another vampire saves her. 1 line, 1 scene. This role requires nudity.
[TRACY] In her 20s to 30s, heavily made-up, hair-sprayed and spray-tanned, she owns a small town clothing store and talks trash about Jason to Jessica. One-day guest star.
[CLAUDE] Early 20s. Very attractive, omni-sexual guy (with and without a shirt) A mysterious young man who speaks with a British accent and catches Jessica’s attention and curiosity. Recurring. Must have a British accent.
Director: David Petrarca Writer: Raelle Tucker Start Date: Approx. January 12 Location: L.A.
True Blood | Remember Alcide’s crazy ex, Debbie Pelt? Well she’s about to be crazy with family. The HBO drama is in the process of casting the not-so-dearly departed’s mom and dad, Barbara and Gordon, who will hit Bon Temps loaded with questions bout their “missing” little girl. Though both ‘rents are described as “kindly,” Gordon will be riled up and grow defensive soon enough when Alcide speaks ill of the dead. Er, of the “missing.
SOURCE: Matt's TVLine - ”Matt's Inside Line on Castle Bombshells, Secret Circle, True Blood, OLTL Finale, Revenge & More
Two of the best surprises about season 1 SHAMELESS on Showtime were Emmy Rossum as Fiona, in her early 20's the eldest sibling in the Gallagher family, and Lip (Jeremy White) at age 17-18, the next sib chronologically. Though Lip is indeed good at defending his family he is less shall we say, responsible than Fiona in that she usually is doing last-minute crisis-solving whilst 'Philip' can be found causing quite a few crises of his own.
Both actors--Rossum as 'Fiona' and White as "Lip' are extremely engaging, a hoot to watch. Previously, Rossum had shone brightly in much more girly show-biz situations, many of them musically-based (she describes her voice as that of a 'lyric soprano') and in which she is quite accomplished. She has however taken to this premium cable dramatic comedy like the proverbial fish to water, mirroring her place as Fiona as the anchor of her family by being the anchor of 'Shameless' itself.
Shameless: Fiona is Foxy (Shameless Spot)
She works hard and plays harder. Watch Emmy Rossum as Fiona in Shameless.
"Lip" as play by Jeremy White, is extremely bright in some ways like scamming money on the side, helping to support everyone. He's tough as nails, a scrappy survivor and like the rest of the Gallagher kids, extremely loyal to his family. However, in the ways of the heart he hasn't quite gotten it yet. The actor nails the part and as much asI'm excited to see Emmy Rossum again grace our screens I'm looking forward to what Jeremy White brings as well.
SHAMELESS returns Sunday January8, 2012 at 9PM ET/PT on Showtime, ensuring a hilarious start to the new year.
Get a taste of Lip's philosophy on parenting, standardized testing, entrepreneurship, relationships and family.
Are you ready for SHAMELESS' return yet? Well, to get you through your rabid excitement, we're featuring your favorite characters for a week on Sho.com. This week, it's Lip Week. Check him out: http://www.sho.com/site/shameless/home.sho
Speaking of Lip, we have a behind-the-scenes interview with the older Gallagher son: Lip Gallagher Is Shameless: http://youtu.be/dCUjjnWQt7E
And, of course, there's a new Truth or Dare. This week, fans want to know if he'd ever "do a big girl": http://youtu.be/CwwwKUDa4b8
William H. Macy as 'Frank Gallagher' on SHO. "Shameless' returns on Jan 8, 2012.
The smashed hit returns. It's summertime and the Gallaghers of Chicago are cooking up fresh ways to bring home the bacon. Their ventures may not be moral — or even legal — but they certainly are outrageous. Between beating the heat and keeping their cool, the Gallaghers are in for one crazy summer. William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum star in the hilarious and heartfelt Showtime Original Series, SHAMELESS.
Somewhere between the beginning of season 4 of HBO's True Blood and now--True Blood lost me:
I still find many of it's characters compelling but a significant number over the last two seasons were not remotelyso. They include the deceased 'Tommy Mickens', shapeshifter and brother to the owner of the local 'Cheers'-type-establishment Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell). Let's not forgettheir trailer park-stereotype parents (mom was a shifter, dad just an abusive drunk) were mercifully were given little screen time i season 4 and better, were swiftly killed off.
Anytime they were onscreen I was drifting off:
Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwantan) and Crystal, the werepanther and the entire 'Hot Shot' storyline. It seems that the producers of True Blood figured out in Season 3 to not take this cringe-worthy story much further so they didn't. Unfortunately, they dropped the story like a hot potato at the very beginning of season 4 after a big season 3 build-up so it felt very abrupt. Literally, it felt dropped--though the ultimate goal was met quickly which served the story despite it's other flaws.
They did the same to the "Fae' storyline, pretty much. The audience was not really receptive to the faery godmother thing and the rest so--poof! Gone. (And, they killed off Claudine, those bastards! She was so cool in the books.)
The witches' invasion was OK. Certainly casting Fiona Shaw in the lead was a good choice but the outcome of the witches' Bon Temps takeover was so that Eric would lose his memory and embark with a clean slate, in an affair with Sookie Stackhouse. Beyond that, did anyone really fear Marnie/Antonia or care all that much except for Eric getting his memory back?
And that is probably NOT the worst of it about things not-great in season 4. After so much hype about Sookie and Eric the romance just went pfft. Though I thought it impossible, beyond flirtation Alexander Skarsgård and Anna Paquin don't have the chemistry that makes for a believably hot, intense romance. I don't know why--or maybe that is exactly why but their lovemaking scenes never came near the hotness of some of the 'Sookie and Bill in love'-action.
Finally, they still haven't figured out what to do with poor Tara (Rutina Wesley). The season-ender of True Blood had Tara getting her brains literally blown out.
Too bad this scene (above) never happened. It looks like it has potential.
EDIT/Oh yeah. This too. The reconciled werewolf couple Debbie Pelt and Alcide Herveaux. Except when Joe Manganiello as Alcide has his shirt off, this was another wasted effort that show a complete lack of...IDK, caring? on the writer's part. It made no sense whatsoever that Debbie attempt to murder Sookie as she and Alcide have not even made it beyond hugging. Just the same, true to form Debbie tried to kill Sookie in her own house only his time she got both herself and Tara shot. (Tara's brains spattered so far that if she comes back as anything but a ghost I may-- though I almost never threaten this--I may say to hell with the show.)
Tara's (Rutina Wesley) brains in True Blood - Season 4 Episode 12
Sookie (Anna Paquin) reacting to Tara's sacrifice, screams for help (guess who will respond first? The list is ever-growing).
So where will the series pick up next season? Right after this moment? Would you feel cheated if it didn't pick up on this moment if somehow Tara still 'exists?' I think I would.
Vampires have feelings, too:
Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) shown with 'Ginger' (Tara Buck) is as upset as we've seen her, again for the same reason--her maker, Eric. This time in disgust (and still bedding Sookie) he ordered her away after she disobeyed a direct order (and said screw the safety of the humans, essentially). But he and Sookie (and Bill) are kaput so I'm thinking it will be easier for Eric and Pam to resume their very smooth relationship as boss and the boss's 2nd in command. Let's hope so!
Despite my numerous quibbles I am curious about season 5 True Blood so read on about some of the first tidbits of True Blood Season 5 info. spilling forth as the TB writers 'break' season 5.
So far, we have had official confirmation--as well as duh! the big hole where Russell Edgington used to be in episode 12, that Denis O'Harewill return to season 5 True Blood as the former King of Mississippi. I'm sure his story of escape will be intriguing. I'm guessing one of Russell's other 'progeny' finally found him(?) due to the signal of 'maker in trouble' getting through--but truly, I have no idea.
True Blood Season 5 NEW Character Announcement and Descriptions:
As the producers promised, True Blood is introducing several new characters in season 5 — and EW got the early word on two of the roles.
Creator Alan Ball and his team of scribes have put out a casting call for someone to play Nora, a beautiful and intelligent 25-to-35 something who plays a double agent within the Vampire Authority. What’s even better than that? She’s got a big history with Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) because she too is a progeny of Godric(!). Nora will be a series regular role that may (or may not) involve a little nudity...
Meanwhile, Co-Executive Producer Raelle Tucker told EW that they’ll include a “very significant, strong, mysterious woman at the center of one of our main stories next year … a very familiar and compelling character. It may be someone you’ve heard of before.” Especially if you’ve read the Bible: The True Blood team also put out the call for someone to play Salome, as in THE Salome, daughter of Herodias.
She’s a powerful ancient vampire (hmm, don’t remember that part from the New Testament) and a world-class seductress who’s also a little mad. So she’ll fit right into Bon Temps.
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(!)
Claire Danes as 'Carrie Mathison' in Showtime's new series "Homeland':
Hey there!
I finally got a chance to view episode 101 of Homeland and holy cow, if you thought the pilot was intense, wait until you see episode 101!* And you won't have to wait very long--this Sunday, October 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT right after Dexter is the time to tune in.
Meanwhile, why not get comfy and re-watch the Homeland pilot (episode 100) here or heavens forbid, if you missed it catch it for the first time! I have the full episode of Dexter 6.01, 'Those Kind Of Things' embedded both in this post and at the bottom of this blog--but hurry, because they both are available only for a limited time!
So back to Homeland, episode 101 entitled 'Grace,' which airs on Showtime this Sunday.
Firstly, I came to the show already loving the work of Homeland co-star Claire Danes but this is one role unlike any other she has taken on and she is really running with it! I have a whole new level of appreciation for the onetime breakout teenage star of 'My So-Called Life.' She is is all grown up now (with among other accolades, a 2010 Emmy to show for it) and this role has really given Danes a deeply complex, multi-layered character who is impossible to take your eyes off.
Damian Lewis as "Nick Brody' in Showtime's new series "Homeland':
What is really surprising me though isn't how great Danes as CIA agent Carrie Mathison is but Damian Lewis as 'Nick Brody', the deeply scarred, both psychologically and physically, former POW of 8 years that Carrie is certain has himself been turned into a terrorist. What a revelation! I have no idea how I missed this fine actor's performances in the past but one thing I know for sure, from now on I'll be watching for his name in the credits of any of his future endeavors! He is so skilled at bringing this character to life. Two episodes in and my heart is breaking for him...but should it be? That's the rub. And SMALL SPOILER when the former Sgt. Brody does indeed 'draw solace from his pain in the most unexpected way' it is a complete mind-blower. Seriously.
There's much more to episode 101 but I'm saving the rest of my comments for after the audience at large gets a chance to enjoy it. I'll be watching, too. I've had to restrain myself from watching it a second time on my screener as I think it's best to watch it as it is being broadcast--then watch it as many times again as I please. Please you know, there's the little matter of my spouse who is watching the show as it is broadcast. This is the kind of show that we --and you will be be talking about afterwards.
*Previously, I made a slight 'oopsie" in the numbering sequence of Homeland: the first episode, the one embedded here, is entitled Episode 100 "Pilot.' The second episode is 101 'Grace.'
Check out the newest behind-the-scenes videos for both DEXTER and HOMELAND!:
I just love the behind-the-scenes interviews--they almost make me feel like I'm part of the process of the show's creation. I've gained many fascinating insights by listening to the creators be they writers, set, or makeup as well as the actors share their thoughts on their respective series. Love the extras, Showtime. Keeep 'em coming!
Homeland Ausiello Spoiler Ahead:
Q: Loved the premiere of Homeland on Showtime! Got any scoop for me?
A: There’s a death coming that, while not entirely surprising, still depressed the hell out of me. And if the chilling final shot of Episode 3 means what I think it means, the looming terror attack will involve *** *****l.
SOURCE: Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Bones, Gossip Girl, Vamp Diaries, Walking Dead, Glee, SVU and More!
The original Dark Shadows was 'a memorably offbeat ABC daytime drama about a vampire whose extended family are bedeviled by ghosts, witches, and other Gothic woes.'
Johnny Depp has recounted how as a boy he practically raced home to watch Dark Shadows after school each day. I did the same but living in the Northeast (versus Depp's Kentucky) we got released from school too late in the afternoon to watch the entire episode. I still turned it on and caught the second act of each one-hour installment. As Depp says, Dark Shadows was 'very weird' so it didn't really seem to matter that I was only getting about half the narrative. The parts I saw were terrifically fun and seemed quite subversive being unreeled during weekday afternoons.
“I remember seeing a group photograph of the cast of the original series,” he told EW. “For me it captured the weird Dark Shadows vibe in a single image." - Dark Shadows director Tim Burton
'Weird certainly sums up this particular family portrait — a shot director Tim Burton, who also obsessed over Dark Shadows as a boy, staged in the early days of production.
Here’s the Collins family, from left to right with a brief description of each character following:
Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter) – From Alice in Wonderland’s Red Queen, to the cannibalistic cook Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Burton can’t help but cast the mother of his children as a deranged person. This prim and proper psychiatrist, who has taken up residence with the Collins family to care for their troubled youngest boy, might seem to break that trend — but don’t bet on it....
Carolyn Stoddard (Chloë Moretz) — Though she played a voracious child vampire in the critically acclaimed Let Me In, Moretz is on the human side of the spectrum in Dark Shadows — though that doesn’t mean this cousin of young David Collins (and daughter of Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, seen on the far right) isn’t without her own peculiarities...
Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green) — The Bond girl from Casino Royale turns up here as the villain of the story. “Angelique is a witch who has known Barnabas since the 1700s, when they had an affair that went sour. She is the one who cursed him to be a vampire and locked him in that box...”
David Collins (Gulliver McGrath) — Lonely, confused, and neglected by his pompous father (Jonny Lee Miller, over on the right next to Pfeiffer), David has no one to confide in except his bizarre psychiatrist — and the dead people he claims to see...
Victoria Winters (Bella Heathcote) — This young woman arrives to become David’s new governess, only to find herself swept up in the vampire-witch melodrama. “When Barnabas meets Victoria, he’s instantly reminded of the woman he lost in the 1700s, before he was cursed to be a vampire...”
Mrs. Johnson (Ray Shirley) — “Poor old Mrs. Johnson …” Grahame-Smith sighs when talk turns to the old woman seated in the back behind Depp. “She is the mostly blind, mostly deaf maid, who has been with them for decades and decades... I don’t think she actually says anything in the entire film....
Willie Loomis (Jackie Earle Haley) — How awesome is it to play an actual Groundskeeper Willie? The Oscar-nominee for Little Children is... the guy who takes out the trash, mows the lawns, and fixes the cars, except he’s usually so drunk and so disinterested that he doesn’t take his job seriously anymor..."
Roger Collins (Jonny Lee Miller) — This scion of the once-great Collins family is one of the main reasons the aristocratic clan has fallen into such disgrace. “He’s a creepy, self-centered guy who likes to order Willie around, likes to pretend the family is still on top of his game...”
Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) — The mother of Carolyn Stoddard, and mother-figure to David, she’s the one adult member of the Collins clan who is at least slightly competent. “Elizabeth is the rock of the family. She’s the matriarch,”...with a witch perpetually trying to destroy her, and a long lost vampire relative turning up to reclaim control...'
SOURCE:EW Weekly - Johnny Depp's true 'Dark Shadows' vampire revealed!
Before shooting, Depp said: “What Jonathan Frid did with that character and that classic look he created… I find it very difficult to stray very far from that. I think it’s going to be somewhere in that arena, with maybe just a couple of different touches here and there.
“I do remember, very vividly, practically sprinting home from school in the afternoon to see Jonathan Frid play Barnabas Collins,” the actor says. “Even then, at that age, I knew — this has got to be weird.” -- Johnny Depp
SOURCE: The Inquisitr - ‘Dark Shadows’ Cast Photo Released; See Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins
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.
True Blood's Season 4 finale was very uneven--much like most of the season:
It's easier to rattle off the 'misses' than the hits so that's where I'll start.
Misses (in no particular order):
1. Alcide's (Joe Manganiello) 'Let's use our brains instead of hearts' chat with Sookie (Anna Paquin). What a way to approach asking a lady out! Having dumped his adulterous, V-addict wife, Debbie Pelt and disapproving of Sookie's choices in men (vampires) he suggests that Sookie start using her head and give him--a werewolf a shot.
This was probably among the longest bits of convo that Joe Manganiello as 'Alcide Herveaux' has had and though others have criticized the actor for being 'wooden,' I did not see it. Until now. Not only did Alcide seal the deal that he will NEVER 'have' Sookie but he pretty much guaranteed that the Alcide storyline is going to evaporate in season 5. Hopefully, Alcide's ending won't be as as brutally abrupt as Jason's stint with the dentally-impaired denizens of Hotshot because let's be honest, he is one fine male specimen. Sookie is going to be man-free for a time--and then--who knows, but at most, a short stint with the wolf-man is all there will be. Too bad.
2. OMG, Marnie (Fiona Shaw) no! Not again with the 'I've been a freak all my life and people are mean, POOR ME.' This has got to be at least the third full-blown pity poor me speech they've given Shaw as the mousy palm reader turned revenge-seeking uber-wiccan. Was her crappy life supposed to justify her behaviour? It would have been better to simply go with her being driven mad. Instead Marnie simply became a harpy. Waste of Shaw's abilities--at least as the season wound down.
3. WTF?! with the long, lingering suckling sounds then wider shot of both Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bill (Stephen Moyer) feeding on Sookie's wrists?! All three are snug on the sofa with Sookie, as Jason would put it, using Sookie as their own private soda fountain. Just ugh and OMG how freakin' cheesy is the fact that both men were in matching robes? No wonder she dumped them! She knows that a big bromance is brewing between them! Did you see some of the eye-fucking going on between Eric and Bill in the last couple of episodes? I'd love a nice Eric & Bill adventure if only to stir up both sides cheering for Sookie to pick one. The scene though was just icky on all kinds of levels though I think it was meant to be slightly campy and amusing (before Sookie got all traditional and decided she just could. not. love. both of them at the same time).
4. Jason (Ryan Kwanten) and Hoyt's 3-minute "I'm doing Jesssica' scene: a total waste of three minutes intended simply to give Jim Parrack as Hoyt some season finale face time. I like the actor but this was totally superfluous.
The rest was typical Jason and the one line of any significance was repeated by Jason to Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) after their tryst--no need for Hoyt to have been in thisepisode--at all.
5. Speaking of a waste of time. Kevin Alejandro got plenty of face time. he did not need to engage in the interminable back and forth with the possessed-by-Marnie, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis). It went on forever...could have trimmed that by at least a minute with less candle-lighting and chest slashing. RIP 'Jesus', BTW. Kevin Alejandro did a very credible job this season and became a character that the audience grew fond of. That's the point of course, when you know that you will off him before season's end.
6. Luna (Janina Gavankar) & Sam (Sam Trammell). How long did it take them to say a whole lot of nothing and then goodnight? And haven't they been all about nothing? Does anyone care about them? Anyone? I like Sam--who doesn't?--but there is zero chemistry with this pairing and speaking of zero chemistry let's take on the Jason and Jessica storyline that is brewing:
7. Jessica and Jason (above). We get it: they are both really into sex. What else do they have in common? Immature, selfish behavior, punctuated by occasional bravery and selflessness. I'm willing to give this pairing some time in season 5 but what I'm not willing to do is watch the mind-numbingly awful attempts at keeping the actor who play's Jessica, Deborah Ann Woll's, boobies under cover. And by 'boobies' I mean nipples. We get cleavage, we get side boob and maybe even underboob but in the two times we've seen Jason and Jessica make love when her breasts are in camera range she clutches them in an obvious attempt at modesty. Did no one tell her that there is simply no room for modesty on True Blood? The same goofy camera angles and weird use of sheets was employed by Rutina Wesley as well in the two seasons she had a boyfriend. It's very distracting on a show that otherwise is pretty liberal in it's nudity (it is after all, NOT television but HBO).
There were some great moments in the True Blood season 4 finale but not enough--by a long shot--to make a great episode:
Maxine Fortenberry's (Dale Raoul) quips about Sam's shifty bro Tommy's deviousness and thievery which segued into comforting Sam were a nice touch.
Nan Flanagan's (Jessica Tuck) comeuppance at the hands of Eric and Bill was spot on-- though I will miss her.
Pam's (Kristen Bauer van Straten) tirade-to-tears about Sookie's 'fairy vagina' and stupid name only to have Ginger (Tara Buck) uh, gingerly slip an arm around her in comfort was really quite a sight (you just know Pam is going to glamour that memory out of Ginger given the first chance). Scroll down after the jump for the video of the scene.
The return of dead-since season-one Gran (Lois Smith)! It was totally awesome to see her in all her glorious badassery when she literally tore Marnie's spirit out of Lafayette. (The resultant tedious and trite convo between Marnie and Antonia (Paola Turbay) took some momentum out of the scene, however. )
Debbie Pelt's (Brit Morgan) reappearance was no surprise to the 'bookies. With a few change-ups this was how she died in the Sookie Stackhouse series. In the book series however, Sookie took her out alone. 'Book' Tara is a minor character and was in no way involved.
What True Blood Tara did was pretty cool though--but ultimately pretty stupid. She got half of the side of her skull blown away. I think this was done to telegraph to any doubting audience members that yes, at last, the never-written-well character of Tara Thorton is finally over.*
But will Rutina Wesley be back? She, as you can read below, is unsure but 'trusts' Alan Ball and she reminds us, this is True Blood (so anything can happen). Other than short otherworldly-type visits I'm thinking the majority of the audience want Tara gone. We've long since realized that the True Blood writers are incapable of giving the perfectly capable Wesley a storyline she can sink her teeth into. RIP then, Tara and Jesus. I'm assuming though, that the bad guys won't be resting in peace.
Season 4 Finale Grade: B-. Out of the four True Blood seasons so far, I rank Season 1 and Season 2 in that order and Seasons 3 and 4 about on par with one another. Both suffered from sloppy, self-indulgent writing and extremely bad editing. Please, in the name of good screenwriting Alan Ball, please ditch Raelle Tucker. If you have any doubt about this women's rationalle whist writing True Blood, listen to her explain Jessica's sexuality in the 'Inside The Episode' HBO clip (embedded in this post). Tucker explains that she wanted "Jessica' to flaunt her sexuality unashamedly (like a man could). We, the audience however, see Jessica in flagrante, seemingly ashamed of her own body (the breast-clutching). Huge disconnect there. Tip of iceberg in Tucker's writing skills-issues. Don't even get me started on her apparent non-acquaintance with healthy sexuality.
From the 9.12.11 exclusive interview with Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton):
Q: In your mind, is Tara dead?
A: Well I mean half my head is missing.
I’m just gonna keep saying that. You know, it’s True Blood. I feel like anything is possible. If anything, it is the golden hour though. If she is able to be saved, it’s like she’s got 20 seconds. It’s not a lot of time. I’m curious to see what they’re going to do with all of it. I hope I’m back. But again half my head is missing [laughs] ...
I don’t know what their plans are for next season. I know that Alan has said there are “big plans,” but I don’t know what that really means, and things can always change. I’m not for sure, but I trust him completely. At the end of the day, it’s hard to see how I’m coming back, seeing as half of my head was just blown off. I don’t know. They may figure something out. I mean it’s True Blood. There’s always flashbacks. There’s phantasms.
"There have been times for me when it has occurred to me that I could put my career on hold and become a maker but these last several hours with you have erased those thoughts forever." - 'Nan Flanagan' to a bloody-tears-streaked, broken-hearted-in-love 'baby vamp' Jessica - True Blood Episode 4.09 - 'Let's Get Out Of Here!'
Nan and Jessica play so well off one another! Kudos to actresses Deborah Ann Woll(Jessica Hamby) and Jessica Tuck (Nan Flanagan).
True Blood Season 4 - Jessica and Nan Clip - [VIDEO] [SCREENCAPS]:
True Blood Season 4: Hoyt and Lafayette Clip [VIDEO] [SCREENCAPS]:
True Blood Episode #45 - 'Let's Get Out Of Here'
After the jump: True Blood Season 4: Let's Get Out of Here PROMO:
True Blood Season 4: Marcus and Tommy Clip
[VIDEO]
True Blood Season 4: 'Let's Get Out of Here Promo.'*
Anyone else wondering where True Blood is taking the the Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) storyline?:
(Cont.)
Or is 'Jay' that great of a BFF to Hoyt (Jim Parrack)? Also, there was that little matter of Jason's nearly-life-wrecking 'V' (vampire blood) addiction, too. Jessica would be quite a package of temptation. Pretty sure Jason would be gone in a flash even if he attempted to succumb to temptation. You just know Hoyt hasn't talked about it -- 'Jessica's problem' -- to Jason. Jessica's eternal vamp virginity is going to be a big shocker for him--if the two ever even get that far.
We haven't seen this scene yet (as of pre- 8.21.11), right ?
Isn't Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) (Episode 8 spoiler) possessed in this shot by the lullaby-singing French lady who is obsessed with poor little Arlene's (Carrie Preston) & the season 1 Bon Temps serial killer's baby, 'Mikey'?
Cool! There are some shots that are from next Sunday or beyond here! Sort of spoilers. I'm pretty sure that is a possessed Lafayette in the (current 8.24.11) shot above.
Your thoughts (about any of these shots)? Note:Be sure to click to enlarge and look through the slideshow. There are many more of the entire True Blood cast--wth several stills of not-yet broadcast scenes).
On Sunday - HBO True Blood Season 4, Episode 9: 'Run' Original Air Date—21 August 2011:
Synopsis True Blood Episode 4.09 -
Convalescing after her latest near-death trauma, Sookie envisions a world where there's room for both Bill and Eric. Jesus tries to purge the restless spirit out of Lafayette; Marcus enlists Alcide to help him deal with the Sam situation; Bill and Nan Flanagan clash over their agendas; Hoyt asks Jason to make a delivery to Jessica; despite Tara and Holly's misgivings, Marnie plots her next move against the vampires, during a "Festival of Tolerance" event at Shreveport.
Next US airings: Sun. Aug. 21 9:00 PM HBO Sun. Aug. 21 11:05 PM HBO
The premium cable television series True Blood, is based on the book series by Charlaine Harris about a telepathic waitress in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps and her fairly speedy realization (after 20-something years) that she is not the only one with special powers, that in fact, Bon Temps is a sort of mecca for all things fang-tasticly supernatural.
Even Sookie herself is less human than she once thought.
The scene in question took place in book four of the Sookie Stackhouse series entitled 'Dead To The World.' It was the first time that Sookie, having found out about her first vampire lover Bill Compton's deception/betrayal, took the Viking vampire, Eric Northman into her bed--or more correctly, shower, where they made crazy-hot, passionate love.
The fans lapped it up and for years have been looking forward with great anticipation to the 'Sookie and Eric shower scene'. Well folks, this is it.
Did it live up to the sky-high expectations that all the waiting and and especially talking up of the scene had generated? In a word, no.
As show-runner (and writer of this episode) Alan Ball had hinted that the shower scene on True Blood wasn't going to play out like the shower scene from the book.
Boy, was he right! Fact is, Sookie and Eric never actually even got wet in the shower. They both were taking the equivalent of "V" trips (vampire blood--humans get high on it) and instead of water emanating from the shower--snow began to fall from above. Then Sookie and Eric found themselves in some kind of Viking forest fantasy world--complete with comfy bed where they hopped in and went to it.
And that, along with some trippy, you-had-to-be-there dialogue , was that. Ball has been knocked--even before this non-shower scene, that he favours the Sookie and Bill (Stephen Moyer) pairing over the Sookie-Eric one. If so, this scene would seem to give further evidence to that assertion. For my money, all the Sookie-Bill scenes have been hotter than whatever heat Sookie and cold, dead lover Eric have generated.
Anna Paquin as Sookie is still very beautiful to look at but for my (cable bill) money I'm more satisfied with Sookie and Bill and in fact, look forward to the day that they reunite. Whether they stay that way is a big question but I have no doubt that before Alan Ball departs, there will be at least one more go-round with Bon Temps's sexiest twosome.
Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) has a "Russell Edgington' moment after he rips out the throat of a Wiccan (HBO credit).
HBO True Blood Season 4, Official Episode 4.09 Promo: 'Run':
UPDATE! Episode 4.08 VIDEO Recap with Screencaps:
Joe Manganiello as True Blood werewolf Alcide Herveaux, carries a limp, gutshot Sookie (Anna Paquin) to safety.
This is NOT a promo--it's only a tease. My bet is there will be more coming up this week--longer, better (maybe) but still I agree with other disappointed #trueblood fans, we absolutely got shorted on the promo for next week's True Blood episode "Run" (4.09).
Season 4, Episode 9: 'Run'
Original Air Date—21 August 2011 Convalescing after her latest near-death trauma, Sookie envisions a world where there's room for both Bill and Eric. Jesus tries to purge the restless spirit out of Lafayette; Marcus enlists Alcide to help him deal with the Sam situation; Bill and Nan Flanagan clash over their agendas; Hoyt asks Jason to make a delivery to Jessica; despite Tara and Holly's misgivings, Marnie plots her next move against the vampires, during a "Festival of Tolerance" event at Shreveport. Next US airings: Sun. Aug. 21 9:00 PM HBO Sun. Aug. 21 11:05 PM HBO
True Blood Season 4 -: Episode 8 "Inside The Episode" with Screencaps:
Inside the Episode #44: Writer Alan Ball and director David Minahan offer their insights:
After the Jump - Recap True Blood Episode #44 'Spellbound' [VIDEO]:
Stephen Moyer as 'Vampire Bill' the King of Mississippi
Witches vs. vampires - whose side are you on?:
The war between the two factions escalates on tonight’s episode of HBO’s “True Blood” (at 9 p.m.). In “Spellbound?,” written by series creator Alan Ball, Marnie/Antonia (the sublime Fiona Shaw) and Bill (Stephen Moyer) face off in a cemetery.
Bill claims he wants peace, but he’s brought a small army with him, including Sookie (Anna Paquin) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgård). Things get violent fast, and Sookie’s life - and love life - just be taking yet another dramatic swerve.
“There’s no such thing as forever,” Sookie tells Eric earlier in the episode, and those words seem prophetic. The two take their intimacy to even greater - bloodier - levels.
Alcide (Joe Manganiello) vows to stay away from Sookie, but that’s a promise he cannot keep. Sam (Sam Trammell) makes a new enemy, while his brother Tommy (Marshall Allman) walks in a woman’s shoes. Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) is no longer himself - literally.
Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) and Hoyt (Jim Parrack) experience not one but two wrenching break-ups. But Jessica discovers moving on with Jason (Ryan Kwanten) will not be that easy.
True Blood featured vampire cast including Deborah Ann Woll as "Jessica' (far right)
In re: DEBORAH ANN WOLL - A primer on how to SPELL HER NAME:
In journalism, which I thought was what we were getting from the Boston Herald, it is a cardinal sin to misspell an actor's name (a book or movie title, etc) wrong even just ONCE.
The Boston Herald gets Deborah Ann Woll's name wrong EVERY time they mention her, insisting it is WOLF instead. Ironic, given that they are singling her our for praise.
It _would_ be funny but how low are we going to set the bar for spelling an actor's name correctly, the title of a book...a website?
I always misspell SpoilerTV when I credit them--this post's source, but I go back and fix it before hitting 'publish'.
Do we no longer have time to even get the basic stuff right? A person's name is spelled the same in every language. Not trying to be an English as first language snob or spelling police. I am the typo queen myself (see, levity!!) but I try mightily to get proper names spelled right.
People often remark about how beautiful Deborah Ann Woll is. I agree completely--especially about the porcelain skin--she has a flawless, creamy complexion though ironically, as a kid she got teased for it.
She was blond then too, and became a redhead and a self-professed 'theatre geek' about 13 years ago. She's one of the actors I most enjoy on True Blood as she brings a magnetism to the screen that is irresistible. (Poor Hoyt and now, Jason. No chance at all! LOL)
SPOILER ALERT:
Bon Temps' witch's coven led by the possessed "Marnie" (Fiona Shaw):
The undead face their greatest threat in tonight’s episode of HBO’s “True Blood” (at 9 p.m.).
In “Cold Grey Light of Dawn,” Marnie (Fiona Shaw) is gone. Her body has been taken over by the 400-year-old witch Antonia, who, as flashbacks revealed, died a gruesome death during the Spanish Inquisition and has good cause to want payback. With her powers, she can compel vampires to walk into the sunlight - to their own fiery doom.
Bill (Stephen Moyer) quickly realizes she could massacre them all. His plan to save his subjects is almost as deadly as the sun itself.
Meanwhile, Sookie (Anna Paquin) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) take their lovemaking to just about every part of Bon Temps it seems, much to the distress of Alcide (Joe Manganiello). Eric decides he doesn’t want his memory back if the price is losing Sookie’s love.
Tara’s (Rutina Wesley) life is saved by TMZ - sort of. Sam (Sam Trammell) uncovers his brother’s deception. Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) realizes the sad truth about her relationship with Hoyt (Jim Parrack), who has no idea his best friend Jason (Ryan Kwanten) is also lusting for the red-headed vampire.
Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) begins to learn just how powerful he is. Could he be key to fighting Marnie? Trouble is, she makes a great case for wanting to rid the world of vampires, one even Bill acknowledges.
At hour’s end, one familiar vamp cannot resist the siren call to daylight …
Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby in the last moments of her human life
At the tender age of 17, True Blood's quasi-innocent vampire Jessica Hamby has studied up on carnal knowledge, killed a horny trucker, and attacked her boyfriend's mom. But this works out just fine for Deborah Ann Woll, the actress who plays her, who gets to live out all her unfulfilled adolescent angst. Woll spills more details on her character's season-four exploits, then got to the bottom of other pressing matters, such as her favorite flavor of blood and her policy on biting folks for a photo op.
Q: Part of being a vampire is being loyal to your maker. How would you defend your character's maker, Bill Compton, who's become a jerky politician?
He's under incredible pressure. And he has some incredibly powerful people making decisions for him. I think Bill is as disappointed with that as we are. Bill is really alone now. He doesn't have a family except Jess, and I think it's really wonderful that this season they get to [bond] quite a bit. Because things aren't going so great with [her human boyfriend] Hoyt, [Bill] is all that she has.
Q: So … Jason Stackhouse and Jessica? Didn't see that one coming. I'm actually really excited about that story line. The thing is, Hoyt is such a great guy, but the really sad part of it is that his mom was right: She told Jess all those years ago that Jess can't give him what he wants. While Hoyt is more open-minded than his mother, Hoyt really wants conventional things. He wants a wife and a normal life. And that's not something Jess is capable of, nor does she want it.
Though most all of the True Blood behind-the-scenes interviews are well worth watching, this video clip of episode #41 'I Wish I Was The Moon,' is not to be missed:
In this season 4.05 Inside The Episode segment, writer Raelle Tucker makes mention of what I thought was the show's most outstanding acting sequence(s)--all done by Sam Trammell as 'Sam Merlotte,' personifying the character of his brother, 'Tommy' (Marshall Allman).
Tommy, who was attacked the prior night by both his shifter parents, kills them in self defense and the next morning inadvertently shapeshifts into his older brother. Trammell nails everything from Tommy's swagger/limp to his voice inflections-- as well as his overall mannerisms. It's really hugely impressive, so much so that I immediately watched the "Tommy as Sam" scenes before I re-watched the whole episode the next night. Trammell set a high bar for the rest of the cast and they really stepped up.
"I Wish I Was The Moon," was easily the best episode of season 4 (I may have chosen another 'best so far in S4' but that was then--and it doesn't diminish either eppy). If season 4 continues offering the caliber of this episode's writing, acting & direction it is on track to being the best season since True Blood's very first. It is fan-bloody-tastic to be truly pumped for the next episode and beyond and we haven't even yet gotten to the Sookie - Eric shower scene!* (From book 4 of the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, which this season of True Blood is loosely based on. We don't know yet if the show will actually feature it but Eric and Sookie fans have been clamoring for it for years. Fingers crossed for them that their wait is rewarded!)
Alexander Skarsgård ('Eric Northman') & Anna Paquin ('Sookie Stackhouse') True Blood Season 4
San Diego 2011 Comic Con True Blood VIDEO & Screencaps:
I think I snagged a few more intriguing screencaps that I've added to the Picasa album but bewarned--they look super-spoiler-ish.
I realize that some scenes (most?) have been rearranged to insinuate something. Even so, certain stuff is right in your face and clearly actual scenes, not dreams. The rest of True Blood - Season 4, as rumoured, looks like a very bumpy ride, particularly for the vampires of Louisiana.
True Blood Season 4: Comic-Con Trailer (HBO):
See what's to come in the upcoming episodes of True Blood Season 4.
Jessica Tuck as 'Nan Flanagan' TreuBlood (HBO) Season 4 2011
SPOILERS Season 4 Comic Con 2011:
Jessica, with wrist's already showing deep silver chain burns, runs through Bill's mansion in the daylight and throws open the front double doors to the bright sunlight.
Also The Authority mouthpiece, Nan Flanagan, King William of Louisiana (Vampire Bill Compton) and Eric a/k/a Amnesia!Eric are, or have been in custody of captors bearing the same silver chain restraints.
Sookie and Eric get it on. I hope she fell this hard and fast on account of his blood that he tricked her into ingesting. She got all moony-eyed over him pretty quickly, like he was a rescue puppy in Adonis form.
Were-bitch Debbie Pelt confesses to were-husband Alcide Herveaux her insecurities regarding Sookie.
She's shown at Sookie's door, being let in--and pulling out something that was clearly being held behind her back like "Surprise!"
I'm thinking maybe sewing scissors?
The Shreveport pack leader harassing Alcide to join up...is Luna, Sam Merlotte's new girlfriend's, -ex. He looks to be tangling with both Sam and Alcide.
Sookie is shot in the gut. It is implied that Alcide carries her to get help as there is a very fuzzy screencaps with tiny Anna Paquin (Sookie) in Joe Manganiello's (Alcide) massive arms.
Deborah Ann Woll as 'Jessica Hamby' True Blood Season 4
Weeds Episode 5 - Is Nancy Capable of Going Straight?:
A surprise awaits Nancy and Silas in the new episode of Weeds.
Weeds fans are speculating that in this episode, Nancy & Silas seek out Heylia who with Conrad, taught Nancy the ropes when Nancy first started dealing 'weed' back in her bucolic-seeming Agrestic days. Things literally went up in flames and Nancy beat a hasty retreat from what was left of Agrestic so it's quite a mystery as to how, if she indeed is seeking Heylia out, Heylia will react to Nancy showing up on her doorstep.
Weeds: 'Character Witness'
Nancy asks Silas to be her character witness in the custody hearing.
A couple of observations about Weeds: Season 6 thus far. The show has again radically changed it's tone and along with it Nancy's sons Silas and Shane, from whom she been seperated by both an ocean and 3 years behind bars.
Shane initially presented as the Shane of old but he's catching on quickly that his mom has not been 'reformed' as he previously optimistically/naively put it, by her three-year stint in the pokey and further, she is rebuffing every loving gesture he puts forth.
Just prior to Nancy's arrest, elder brother Silas found out that his mother had deceived him about his parentage--Juda Botwin was NOT his real dad. Silas, who was able to support himself quite nicely as a model while in exile seems to relish seeing his mother at the mercy of the prison system, which has seen fit to transfer Nancy to a halfway house to serve out the rest of her sentence. Since everyone's face time with Nancy is quite constrained by her circumstances, most of the family interactions are fraught with tension. True, this is nothing new for Weeds but there's been a significant shift in the family dynamic from Nancy's bumbling through and the family following almost lock-step, to a splintering among them which seems to get more painful with each interaction with the utterly unreformed Nancy.
Next on Episode 5: Nancy travels to California for a court hearing.
Weeds Season 6 Episode 5 : 'Fingers Only Meat Banquet':
With help from her lawyer and Silas, Nancy returns to California to continue her custody battle against Jill; Andy's relationship takes a bizarre turn; Shane gives college a try by enrolling in classes; back on Wall Street, Doug makes do without Nancy.
Screencaps: Weeds Season 6 Episode 5 : 'Fingers Only Meat Banquet'
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
Laura Linney in 'The Big C' (Photo credit: Showtime)
When I grow up* I want to be able to write as well as Ileane Rudolph does in her stellar TVGuide article on Showtime's The Big C. Writer Rudolph simply nails oh, everything I like about the show. The piece echos my sentiments about The Big C's ability to strike a chord with survivors of not only life-threatening conditions such as the protagonist, Cathy Jameson with stage 4 cancer, but of the great lot of us that have survived and often thrived in the aftermath of one of the many things that smack us HARD out of left field.
The Big C and Weeds are on tonight beginning at 10:00/9:00c on Showtime.
After coming home from the real-life fireworks I'm watching both shows which always have someone or some situation heating up, blowing up or causing massive cracking up. How about you?
*Chronologically-speaking this happened a few decades ago...but I'm still coming to grips with that.
(Photo Credit: Showtime)
With a mischievous smile, Laura Linney is gleefully ruining a take. During a tense scene between her character, Cathy Jamison, who has Stage 4 melanoma, and her bipolar brother, Sean, played by John Benjamin Hickey, she makes her costar break down in giggles.
Whoever says cancer is no laughing matter hasn't seen The Big C, Showtime's irreverent comedy about a Minneapolis teacher, wife and mom who's trying not only to beat death but to live as fully as possible in whatever time she has left. The smartly written, beautifully cast show has earned a devoted fan base and critical plaudits, and three-time Emmy winner Linney has already snared a Golden Globe for her deft portrayal of the strong-willed Cathy.
The oft-repeated mantra at The Big C is "It's not a show about dying; it's a show about living." And for sure, Cathy lives large. In the first season she kept her illness a secret, booted her immature husband, Paul (Oliver Platt), and had an affair. "Cathy doesn't behave in a safe, by-the-numbers fashion," says Hickey, during a break on the set in Stamford, Connecticut. "A lot of people who are living with cancer love the funny, outrageous, sometimes controversial way that character deals." Executive producer Jenny Bicks, a survivor herself, says, "The writers take the kid gloves off when we talk about cancer, because when you've gone through it, it's not all tragic and dramatic. It can also be super strange and funny."
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.”...
This sneak peek is very, very funny. I so love Uncle Andy (Justin Kirk) and Alexander Gould just gets better each season. Having literally grown up in his role of Nancy's misunderstood (some call him 'weird') younger son 'Shane,' he really seems now more than at any time, to exude complete comfort when wearing his 'Shane suit'.
Weeds - 'Game Time'
Doug tells an old friend about his relaxed lifestyle, but gets a sales pitch to re-enter "the game."
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!
Is Weeds' Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) 'the same ol' Nancy'? Do you really need to ask? Even if you don't, it is big fun finding out how much of 'old' Nancy remains and how much 3 years in prison have changed her--for good or ill.
Then there are 'the guys' -- Nancy's family plus 'Doug' (Kevin Nealon), for whom Nancy, as creator Jenji Kohan states, is their 'True North.' Watch for them to abandon Amsterdam for Nancy's new stomping grounds--New York City--but don't expect each of them to be on board for the move.
Weeds Season 7, Episode 2 - From Trauma Cometh Something
Struggling to create a new life for herself in New York, Nancy is thrown for a loop when Andy and Shane show up on her doorstep; Silas seeks to launch a state side modeling career; Doug looks up an old friend.
SPOILERS: Nancy - Gay For the Stay?:
Q: How could Nancy betray her cellmate/lover like that on Weeds? Is that the last we'll see of her?
A: Don't count on it, executive producer Jenji Kohan says. But also don't count on it being all hearts and flowers next time they meet. (Remember, said girlfriend did set fire to her last boyfriend.) "Zoya is a woman of passion," she adds. "[But Nancy was just] gay for the stay."
Everyone's favorite TV troublemaker, Michelle Trachtenberg, is set to cause some serious trouble for Nancy Botwin on 'Weeds' this season.
Like Mary Kate Olsen before her, Trachtenberg will play a pot dealer on the Showtime series -- but her character will be one of Nancy's rivals, not one of her coworkers. Look for the actress also known as Georgina Sparks to pop up in two episodes this season.
I have a sneaking suspicion that also 'like Mary Kate Olsen before her,' Trachtenberg's character is going to be bedding Silas (Hunter Parrish). Call it a hunch because it isn't a spoiler. ;)
After the jump: The FULL Season 7 Episode 1 of WEEDS!
New Season 4 True Blood Scenes Video and Screencaps (6.28.11)!:
True Blood Season 4: Critics Spot (6.28.11) [VIDEO]
This NEW True Blood tease is kinda cool because it, as is True Blood's way, answers some questions (sort of) and raises a few more. Like for example, what is up with Eric (Alexander Skarsgård)?! In the clip, 'Eric' has dropped fang, looks angry and/or distraught, has a pretty ladder beside him and someone has just shut him inside...whereever he is--his luxury 'hidey hole' at Sookie's rehabbed home, perhaps?
I also dig seeing the beginning of the end of SPOILER!!! witch Hallow Stonebrook in the 1700's as she is being burned (I presume) at the stake. I'm pretty certain that that scene will entail torture preceding the actual burning--my cue to cover my eyes. 'Hallow' is the present day malevolent spirit inhabiting Marnie's (Fiona Shaw) body--giving her crazy strong black magic powers. Enjoy the video and be sure to scroll down for the screencaps from this and another very recent True Blood promo video--and click through to my True Blood screencaps, photo stills, wallpapers and screensavers albums for hundreds more.
Catch the new season of True Blood on Sunday nights at 9pm. For more information on True Blood, go to http://itsh.bo/ibzU7X or jump in on the Twitter conversations http://twitter.com/truebloodhbo #TBWITHDRAWAL.
Watch True Blood online at HBO GO® http://itsh.bo/hWfz80. Free with your HBO subscription through participating TV providers.
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!
Vampire 'Jessica' (Deborah Ann Woll) and human roomie, 'Hoyt Fortenberry' (Jim Parrack) in a scene early in season 4 True Blood: Sam Merlotte's (Sam Trammell) new shapeshifting honey, 'Luna,' (Janina Gavankar).He told her he'd enjoyed the view and would try to take her from behind--when they next shift into horses and race wild together.
Plus! Episode Three True Blood Preview - 'If You Love Me,Why Am I Dyin?':
True Blood Season 4 Episode 3 "If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin?" Promo:
Having just watched episodes one and two of Season 4 True Blood on HBO and HBOGo, I think the character that surprised me most was the generally self-composed, very self assured vampire sherrif Eric Northman, with his frequent displays of emotion. And this is before the big 'thing' happens near the end of episode 2! (cont.)
Warning True Blood Episode 2 Spoilers:
Is it the vampire backlash in the wake of Russell Edgington killing the news guy on live TV killing Fangtasia business 'cos Pam seems very snarky as well?
Could Bill's !SPOILER! assendence to being the King of Louisiana be chaffing Eric just a bit or has Eric truly missed Sookie?
Not only is Erik more sentimental- sounding in eppy 1 but he's sort of mood-swingy as well. This sets the stage for the SPOILER totally new Eric not being such a jarring change from the bad boy Eric of (in Sookie's mind/time-frame) just a week ago.
She needed a plausible way to segue into bedding this guy and as of episode one we have him buying and refurbishing her house whilst she was "away"...to control her he says, but we know he means (too), protect her. He's made it clear to his second in command, vampire Pam, that he has significant feelings for Sookie-- feelings of the almost human kind. And Pam makes Sookie aware of this, causing eyebrows to be raised.
Episode 1 of True Blood went fast and was very amusing. Episode 2 has a different pace. I want to watch it again not on my HBOGo before I have a real comment on it.
True Blood Season 4 - Recap s04e01 (#37) - 'She's Not There'
Jessica - A House Is Not a Home [VIDEO]:
Babyvamp Jessica Soliciting Homemaker Tips?!
After the jump: Synopses for True Blood Episodes 1-6:
Stephen Moyer,'s True Blood Season 4 'In 3 Days Promo: Here are the some screencaps (new scenes/angles):
Check out the screencap albums for lots more:
True Blood Season 4: 3 Days PromoStephen Moyer (Bill Compton) 'Vampire Bill', 'Sookie Stackhouse's' former paramour.
True Blood Season 4: 4 Days Promo Rutina Wesley ('Tara Thorton')
OK. One question. Did Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) just throw Lafayette across the Fangtasia dungeon floor and if so, is he now putting the whammy on her? Her fierce look is getting sort of unsure--bewitched?
We've seen her dispatch with Lafayette previously in this scene and she looked very confident.:
I can't even believe how fast the season 4 premiere of True Blood has come! (pause) Kidding!
True Blood Fans have endured the sucking, waiting since August 2010 for a fresh full-length episode of True Blood to savour. But here we are, teetering on the very brink of the Sunday, June 26 9pm E HBO offering of a brand new episode and (if you signed up for HBOGo) the second episode shortly thereafter! It should pack one helluva one-two punch in the space of 24-hours or so and with any luck, the sky-high ratings will shake up 'talks' between the most brilliant Alan Ball and the 'one true premium cable network,'HBO, so that our man remains on board with the show for season 5.
I'll have more on that later--in the next couple of days--but if you have not read it before be aware this could be Alan Ball'slast season at the helm of True Blood! (again, quote attribution from the source--Ball himself) a bit later. I have both a spousal birthday and other deadlines that must be attended to ASAP!
OK. Here we go with the fishing contest in the pool full of Spoiler-ish/ True Spoilers material that Source: TVGuide has unleashed upon us! 'EDIT's are MINE!
"True Blood has brought witches, werewolves and vampires to life over the last three seasons, but everything you think you know about the supernatural beings will be upended this season.
"Everything you thought you can count on, you can't," executive producer Alan Ball says. "Vampires are not stronger than certain humans, shapeshifters can do things other than shift and there are ghosts."
Here are 10 things we TVGuide knows do know about what's coming up, straight from the cast of True Blood:
1. It's all about the witches (EDIT: Duh!): A band of witches tap into a new form of power, causing Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) to lose his memory. At the head of the coven is Marnie (Fiona Shaw), a (formerly mild-mannered, now possessed by a 1700's) vengeful witch coming into her powers and out for revenge. Unfortunately Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) will be dragged into the increasing vampire vs. witch tension. "Lafayette loves his boyfriend, [Jesus, a practicing brujo], so he's trying to deal with [magic] in stride, but it keeps sucking him in and he doesn't know what's going on," Ellis says.
"He discovers who he is in the middle of all this stuff."
SPOILER: You knew already that Lafayette is a witch, right? There have been no clues or anything. (snicker)
2. Sookie, independent woman: After discovering that Bill (Stephen Moyer) was working for (his) Queen Sophie-Anne, to gain information on her, Sookie is "learning to stand on her own," Anna Paquinsays. "At the end of last season, she was at a point where she was willing to walk away from everyone and everything, particularly those troublesome boys. It's not that she doesn't want or need anyone, she just isn't dependant anymore." That's OK for Bill, though. "Bachelorhood kind of turns out all right for Bill," Moyer says. "He's decided to enjoy it while he can."
3. Vampires in trouble: Eric's unfortunate run-in with the witches will send his lieutenant, Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten), into a downward spiral, which is bad timing in the current vampire climate. "The post-Russell Edginton world is hard for Pam," Bauer says. "It's a political environment this year, so she's supposed to be doing what the other vampires are doing — holding babies and shaking hands — but she's incapable. So we see her cause some trouble."
Pam in a downward spiral? Our vicious, beautiful, font-of-sarcastic quips Pam?! Progeny of Eric Northman, Pam? I have not been privileged as the Almighty (j/k)TVGuide to get the first three episodes of season 3 to watch but if Pammy wasn't 'downward spiralling last season when she thought Eric Dead for Sure (I suggest this as the final title in the SookieStackhouse series) and after she'd been horribly tortured by the Magister, I don't believe she's gonna 'spiral downward' in the human sense. She may act out. And when vampires act out...look out!
4. Tara returns as a new woman (EDIT/ Sorry: snooze): After getting out of Dodge in the season finale, Tara (Rutina Wesley) will return to Bon Temps hoping to turn over a new leaf, but will immediately find herself in a mess of trouble. "She gets swept back into the world of vampires so quickly," Rutina says. "She doesn't want it, but she has no choice." Fortunately, there may be hope for her yet. "If there was to be love for Tara, I think she's ready for it because I think she's learned to love herself and has opened up in a way."
Holy double-entendre, Batman! As my favourite source, "Spoiler TV" put it, (a character) is 'turning gay.' True Blood could step on a landmine with this one but I'm going to assume, given the open-mindedness in portrayal on the show of the sexual preference spectrum that this will not feel forced or cliche.
My one concern as far as I can care about the character of Tara and TBH, I don't really (but I do care about the True Blood narrative) is that in three seasons she has shown no hint at all in being attracted to women. Also, she's not particularly at an age (late 20's) where one discovers this. On top of all that she's been written as having a not-so-secret crush on Sookie's brother, Jason for most of her life. Maybe 'turning gay' is the right term but oh, they'd best be careful in making this seem, as they like to say, 'organic.'
5. Shifty shapeshifters: The days of Sam (Sam Trammell) turning into a dog or bird are child's play compared to what he'll do this season. "My character explains the full-range of capabilities that shapeshifters have, and a lot of people that she's talking to at the time don't even know some of that," says Janina Gavankar, who'll be a love interest, 'Luna,' for Sam this season. "There's a really dark side to shapeshifters as well and that's something we'll explore this year. There's potential wrongdoings that can happen."
6. Jessica, domesticated? Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) and Hoyt (Jim Parrack) will make a go of living together, but a human and a vampire cohabitating isn't going to be easy. "Jessica is a vampire and I'm not quite sure that domestic life is really what she's in for or what she desires," Woll says. "She's still gotta figure that out because they moved into this very quickly." Helping her navigate this life is Pam, who acts as a "big bad" older sister, says Bauer. "Pam is a very different kind of mentor for Jess than Bill is," Woll adds. "The things you might not want to tell your dad, you may tell your cool aunt."
7. Jason's growing up: Once the older slacker brother of Sookie, Jason (Ryan Kwanten) has now stepped into a role of responsibility that will get him into even more trouble. "This is the season of the biggest growth for Jason, where the young boy turns into a man," Kwanten says. "He's forced to try and raise a tribe of people and eventually fight for his life."
8. PD's into V: The end of last season teased impending trouble for Andy (Chris Bauer) when it comes to V, otherwise known as vampire blood, an addictive drug that can ruin your life (See: Jason Stakchouse, Debbie Pelt and the rest of the werewolves from Season 3). "It's like old demons, new problems," Bauer says of Season 4 for Andy.
"At first V does a lot of good. He had that cast on forever, but after a couple of drops, all of a sudden he's ready to box. He's a guy who we know has issues with substance, and he keeps saying he's done, but he's not done."
I love Chris Bauer so I'm hoping that the 'V' that he gets into (he's a semi-recovering alcoholic) gives him many juicy scenes in S4! (Get the pun? Wasn't even on purpose!)
Arlene and Terry tackle parenthood: As if Arlene (Carrie Preston) could ever be the voice of reason, she's especially on edge this season. "I wouldn't be playing Arlene correctly if I wasn't playing her fully, fully stressed out," Preston says. "When you're talking about a child or potential child, and you're talking about it having a father that was a serial killer, in Arlene's mind, she's absolutely justified in freaking out. Luckily, Arlene has found Terry [Todd Lowe], who will put up with all her insecurities." On a possibility related note, Preston adds, "Arlene is going to come face-to-face with something that we haven't even seen on the show yet." (EDIT/ Common-sense?)
10. Debbie's back, baby: Alcide's psychopathic, V-addicted ex-girlfriend, Debbie Pelt (Brit Morgan), will return this season with a new prerogative. "You're going to get to see a different side of Debbie," Morgan says, adding that Debbie will attempt to make amends with Sookie and find some normalcy. But the werewolf in her isn't gone. "You're going to get to see cool things with some of the wolves that you didn't get to see last season," she says."
Season 4 Role of 'Caroline Bellefleur', the grande dame of Bon Temps Cast and Terry's Army Buddy is in Town!:
The first thing that sprang to mind when I read that the luminous Katherine Helmond was set to appear in two episodes of True Blood in Season 4 was, 'She's still alive? Yay!'
Though folks who are not in my age demographic may not recall her as far back as 1977, one of the best television roles she had (that I've watched from start to finish) was as 'Jessica Tate' in the 30-minute TV series soap opera spoof, 'Soap" which ran from 1977-1981.
Katherine Helmond's most memorable scene in Soap--one that not only was sidesplittingly funny, but was truly a useful piece of 'life' or perhaps 'love' advice, was when Jessica coached her slightly-younger, albeit into-her-forties sister, 'Mary Campbell' (Catherine Damon), on what lovemaking position to use after you become a woman of a certain age so as not to not appear of a certain age.
After completely sincerely trying to describe it to her sister and failing, Helmond's Jessica hopped atop the kitchen table to demonstrate her point. I will not ever not be able to picture that scene in my mind, it was so funny and done so well. And dare I say, it's actually crossed my mind during, well, you know. (The gist is assume a position that allows for less 'hang' or droop of the lady's sagging parts--'nuff said?)
BOOK SPOILERS AHEAD - PROCEED WITH CAUTION:
Now the ginger-haired Ms. Helmond is set to take on a role which, though alluded to fairly often in some of the Sookie Stackhouse novels was more of a bullet point-type character--not fleshed out. (Old Mrs. Bellefleur, Andy & Portia's grandmother, was 'famous throughout Bon Temps' for her 'award-winning chocolate cakes', for being from old money-old Bon Temps, and for being short on humour.)
Helmond will guest star as Caroline Bellefleur on HBO's True Blood as grandmother to Bon Temps sheriff Andy Bellefleur (Chris Bauer) and his sister, Portia (season 4 role cast, Courtney Ford). The actress is set to appear in two episodes of Season 4, which premieres Sunday.
In the Charlaine Harris novels, Caroline Bellefleur isn't a fan of Sookie at first* and it's later revealed that Bill is Caroline's great-grandfather.
Ms. Helmond was most recently part of the voice cast for the character of Lizzie for Disney/Pixar’s Cars and it's sequel so I'm really hoping that her voice lives on forever as part of the gargantuan 'Cars' attraction going up next to Disneyland.
It should be fun to see what the True Blood writers give Caroline Bellefleur to do. I believe she was infirm in the novels, too--at least wheelchair-bound(?). The character in the book series is quite old. I want to say in her 90's(?)
*Note: Ms. Bellefleur isn't a fan of most everyone not family in the books.
In Response to True Blood Casting Call, Scott Foley Cast As Terry’s Army Buddy Patrick:
Description of character:
[PATRICK DEVINS] 35 to 45, tough and ruggedly attractive, he served in the military with Terry Bellefleur, and they share a serious history: Terry saved Patrick’s life twice. 7 out of 13 episodes next season.
'A little bird' told Eric of Marnie's coven and he demands that they no longer meet--ever (or else).
True Blood Season 4: Eric Clip:
True Blood Season 4: Jessica and Hoyt Clip:
Hoyt, just home after a grueling day fixing Bon Temps infrastructure complains that his dinner is not made (like mama used to?)
'Do understand how gross human food is to a vampire? It's all dead! - Jessica to Hoyt
Then Hoyt blows it by making it too personal: 'Do you think bleeding out into your mouth wasn't gross for me at first?!,' he retorts.
True Blood Season 4: Lafayette and Jesus Clip
Just a little bedroom banter about light and dark magic... Jesus assures Lafayette that he (Laffy) is 'light.'
Lafayette worries that they may be 'steppin' in on a place... where (they) don't belong.'
Update 6.24.11
'True Blood: Season 4 New 8 Clips (HBO) '
Vampire Pam goes further in her conversation with Sookie about Eric...taking a surprising tone with the part-faery telepath.
Vampire Pam & Sookie the Part-Faery Telepath Bond Over Their Mutual Dislike Of Estrogen-fueled Bookclubs:
Am I mistaken or is this one of the first times that Pam (played by Kristen Bauer van Straten) has used Sookie's (Anna Paquin) first name other than when speaking of her, like when talking to (then glamouring) Sookie's brother Jason when he first went to Fangtasia in search of V?
Pam's voice is just dripping wih sarcasm though Sookie doesn't seem to be intimidated. Should be a very cool scene.
SOOKIE STACKHOUSE BOOK SPOILER!!!:
Wonder if, like in the books (you knew that was coming!) Sookie and Pam will become friends? Pam refers to Sookie as her 'best human friend' in the books though obviously not in that 'estrogen' girls-bonding way. LOL.
What could she be referring to when she tells Sookie that 'Eric is (Pam's) maker so Sookie couldn't have possibly believed that Pam 'would side with her' (Sookie)?
NEW & Same-scene Sneak Peek Screencaps:
True Blood Season 4: One Week Promo (below)
True Blood Season 4: 6 Days Promo Ater the jump: True Blood Season 4: 7 Days Promo - True Blood Season 4: The Blood is Back Promo
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?
On a recent Friday, on a soundstage representing a New Age shop in Shreveport, La., another sign warned “Live panthers on set,” but those terrifying predators were nowhere to be seen. Instead, Sookie Stackhouse, the mind-reading, vampire-attracting waitress portrayed by Anna Paquin, and her friends Tara (Rutina Wesley) and Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) were cowering in fear of a sinister Wiccan, played by Fiona Shaw, who appeared to be carrying on a conversation with herself — or maybe with someone else inside her.
When Ms. Paquin visited behind the cameras during a shooting break and sprawled herself across a director’s chair, she playfully declined to explain what exactly had transpired in this scene from the next-to-last episode of the coming “True Blood” season.
“Would you want to know what you’re getting for Christmas on Christmas Eve?” she asked. “There’s something about anticipation that makes it more exciting.”
TRUE BLOOD kicks off its 12-episode fourth season SUNDAY, JUNE 26 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), on HBO, followed by other new episodes on subsequent Sundays at the same time.
E!Online reported on Wednesday that a True Blood 'set spy' (loose lips sinks ships) says there is a statue of Michelle Forbes' evil maenad Maryann in the back room of the Moon Goddesses magic shop that features heavily in this season's witch storyline.
Had a brief encounter with an old friend just now. It's going on 6 years since I first came upon him on the Showtime network. Since then, I've spent only about 12 hours each year in his company but he always has made a tremendous *ahem* impression.
I'm truly, deeply moved that he's taken time to tell me that soon we will reunite.
Despite a false start or two last year, he now seems stone-cold certain that he is 'renewed, recharged (and) refocused with nothing to stop (him) from being 'Dexter'.
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
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.
Rutina Wesley as 'Tara Thornton' and Alexander Skarsgård as 'Eric Northman' in Season 4 True Blood on HBO (June 26 premiere in U.S.):
Original airdate 'Digging Up Season 3'Season 4 True Blood Tease VIDEO: June 7, 2011. It appears that Eric attacks Tara but it smells more of a witchy trap to me.
Screencaps: True Blood 'Digging Up Season 3' Season 4 True Blood Tease VIDEO Screencaps Credit: HBO, inc./ From & thanks bunches: TheTrueBloodSource
True Blood's fourth season guest stars Courtney Ford (Dexter) as Detective Andy Bellefleur's lawyer sister Portia, Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter's Petunia Dursely) as the season's witchy fortune-teller and a member of Jesus' coven Marnie a/k/a / possessed by 'Hallow Stonebrooke', and Gary Cole as 'Grandady' Earl Stackhouse. (found at ugo.com)
This promo aired after the "Digging Up True Blood Season 3" on HBO.
The Digging Up Season 3HBO special to promote the DVD (that aired June 7th) showed some new scenes. Some were additions to previous teases.
Season 4 is about the 'characters true identities being revealed,' says Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica).
Jessica is seen feeding off an unidentified male.
Much more after the jump!
Pam vs. Lafayette in the Fangtasia dungeon, Tara' s new girlfriend? Queen Mab returns!
'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.')
Hey Nurse Jackie fans! Just a reminder, Nurse Jackie is back tonight, June 6!:
'Nurse Jackie': Eve Best as Dr. O'Hara, Peter Facinelli as 'Dr. Cooper ('Coop')
Episode 10 of Nurse Jackie (the next episode), 'F**k The Lemurs,' will air on Showtime on Monday, June 6./EDIT. Sorry, sorry, sorry. I pulled up my wall calendar, skipping June altogether and messed up the date (tho' not day). It is now correct/end EDIT
It's a bit tense waiting 2 weeks as last we saw of Jackie she was reeling from her drug supplier's sudden death (by Mack truck), forcing her to go cold turkey, only to leave us hanging as she took a evening stroll down the middle of Madison Avenue.
I thought it was one of the most powerful episodes of Nurse Jackie, ever. No matter how rough things have gotten since we've come to know Jackie Peyton, she found a reserve of 'salvation' to tide her over hidden somewhere. Before, Jackie appeared to have a rock solid foundation despite her painkiller addiction. Obviously, she had us fooled (though deep down, the audience knew better), because right now she is coming apart at the seams and it is scary to watch.
It is a testament to Edie Falco's nuanced performance that the show has brought the audience to the edge with Jackie and now we too, are looking down at the great abyss. Eve Best has turned in a performance worthy of Emmy nomination too, in her role of Jackie's best friend and as head of the ER, her boss.
Preview Nurse Jackie: Episode 10, 'Eff the Lemurs' -
Grace asks her psychologist to be put on medication; Jackie is placed on probation over the drugs she stole from Oncology; Coop reserves the chapel for a wedding.
My goodness, there are just a TON of True Blood Season 4 spoilers here in the True Blood July Episodes Descriptions:
Bonus: Awesome, Jessica-centric sneak: 'I can eat who I want!' - True Blood teaser! [VIDEO] (scroll to bottom):
True Blood July Episode Descriptions (HBO Sundays, starting June 26)
-- Episode #38: “You Smell Like Dinner”: Sookie adjusts to Bon Temps’ new realities; Bill reveals pieces of his past; Eric crashes a witches’ meeting; Jason gets his wounds licked; Andy struggles with his addiction; Sam learns of Luna’s special talents; Jessica satisfies her blood cravings; Arlene witnesses strange behavior from her family. (Written by Brian Bucker; directed by Scott Winant.) Playdates: July 3, 5, 6, 9 and 14
-- Episode #39: “If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin’?”: Sookie makes a deal with Eric, and reconnects with Alcide; Bill punishes an errant vampire and counsels a guilt-ridden Jessica; Jason is cast as a reluctant savior; Tommy eyes a scam and alienates Sam; Marnie flexes her newfound powers; Pam delivers an ultimatum to Lafayette, Tara and Jesus; Eric spoils Sookie’s faerie reunion. (Written by Alan Ball; directed by David Petrarca.) Playdates: July 10, 12, 13, 14 and 16
-- Episode #40: “I’m Alive and on Fire”: Alcide helps Sookie hunt for Eric; Marnie searches for guidance to break a spell; Bill discovers a common bond with the Bellefleurs; Jason begs for liberation from Hotshot; Sam penetrates Luna’s inner circle; Arlene sees the writing on the wall; Tommy returns to his roots. (Written by Nancy Oliver; directed by Michael Lehmann.) Playdates: July 17, 19, 20 and 23
-- Episode #41: “Me and the Devil”: Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy’s accomplice; Arlene and Terry look to religion to solve their problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman’s power; Jason convalesces. (Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Daniel Minahan.) Playdates: July 24, 26, 27 and 30
-- Episode #42: “I Wish I Was the Moon”: Sookie searches for Jason under a full moon; Marnie connects with spirits of the past; Arlene and Terry cope with a suspicious inferno; Debbie urges Alcide to join a new werewolf community; Tommy trades places with Sam; Lafayette feels the spirit in Mexico; Eric surrenders to his King’s will. (Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by Jeremy Podeswa.) Playdate: July 31
I really need to come back and give these epsiode descriptions a thorough read. What do you get from them? Are you more enthusiastic about True Blood season 4, less, or IDK how this works, but 'not sure'?
Look up high, specifically on the side of the 9000 building along Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, California and you will see a quartet of sexy supernaturals including vampires 'Eric' (Alexander Skarsgård) and 'Bill' (Stephen Moyer), werewolf 'Alcide' ( Joe Manganiello) and faery-telepath 'Sookie' (Anna Paquin).
It is pretty apparent that all three guys are into Ms. Stackhouse but which of the potential/former suitor(s) will she choose? You'll have to tune in to HBO's True Blood on June 26 to begin to get the answer. Until then, keep looking around!
EDIT/ If you want to gaze upon a HQ version of this image, it is a copy of (one of) the previously-released True Blood HBO Promo Poster Art I shared here.
Joe Manganiello as 'Alcide Herveaux' - Pretty much a safe bet for romance with Sookie in the next season:
Casting for season 5 has already begun though the premiere of season 4 True Blood doesn't even get underway until June 26. Most interesting in this June 1 casting call is the mention of a 13th episode in season 5 which will add a bit of breathing space for the additional season 5 characters.
The fact that a casting call is going out for Alcide's construction foreman is indicative to me that Joe Manganiello who plays Alcide, will perhaps get more screen time and a better shot at a romance with Sookie in season 5, something that seemed inevitable if he were to get any at all as thus far, the season 4 episodes don't seem to be promising much Alcide-Sookie 'togetherness.'
If you are a 'bookie' I would expect this to be a good sign that showrunner Alan Ball is weaving in more of Alcide Herveaux, has been a sympathetic book character for much of the book series, into season 5 of the TV series. Personally, I like the vibe Joe Manganiello brings to Alcide. His warm, nurturing sweetheart of a guy wrapped in a growling, 6'5" package of eye-candy is quite compelling.
Expanding (presumably) upon Terry Bellefluer's (Todd Lowe) character's screen time is a good idea IMO, because he been brought ahead in True Blood as an Iraqi war veteran which grounds this fantasy show farther into in present day (versus the nearly 60-year-old Vietnam war vet that Terry is in the books). War veterans have long been 'outsiders' to mainstream society and bringing out Terry's 'uniqueness' a bit more instead of just the odd (no pun) one-liner is a good way for Alan Ball to continue to show empathy for the misunderstood and sometimes mistreated in modern society.
Finally, I must confess a real appreciation for the talents of Todd Lowe as Merlotte's short-order cook, Terry. When first I saw Lowe out of character I did not even recognize him. He transforms himself through sheer talent into our beloved shell-shocked vet so I'm looking forward to a bit more expansion (sounds like it includes backstory) in his role.
A Taste of Terry:
Here's a casting notice for episode #412, 'And When I Die,' as well as some news about season 5. Though unofficial at this point it appears that season 5 TrueBlood will feature a 'lucky' 13 episodes instead of 12!
TRUE BLOOD, Episode 412, "And When I Die" Writer: Raelle Tucker Director: Scott Winant Start Date: Approx. 6/15/11 Location: L.A.
THIS IS THE FINAL EPISODE OF THE SEASON.
[PATRICK DEVINS] 35 to 45, tough, and ruggedly attractive, he served in the military with Terry, and they share a serious history: Terry saved Patrick's life twice. 7 out of 13 episodes next season.
[DOUG] This schlubby guy in a hard hat is Alcide's construction foreman. 2 lines, 1 scene.
Joe Manganiello as werewolf Alcide Herveaux and Anna Paquin as telepath-part faery, Sookie Stackhouse in a Season 4 embrace:
The folks at True Blood are giving us just a little more to feed our addiction--can't have anyone going through full withdrawal, right? SPOILERS:
The setting for True Blood Season 4 is being sketched out. As we saw in the previous promo 5 minutes ago yesterday, shortly after Sookie gets to the land of the Fae a/k/a Faery land she meets her 'dead' grandaddy, Earl Stackhouse--husband to Sookie's 'Gran'.
If you just read Charlaine Harris' latest Sookie Stackhouse installment you might be inclined to believe that [SPOILER] Earl is not Earl--rather he's the half-Faery 'Fintan', that Gran cheated on Earl with. At this point in the books which True Blood is ever-more loosely based on, neither you nor Sookie know this. As the TV show will probably continue to move away from the Sookie Stackhouse book series, it may be something entirely unique to True Blood going on.
Regardless, 'Earl' (played by Gary Cole) does not recognize Sookie as 'just last week' when last he saw her she was about 8 years old. Huh. Must be that time in Faery land and Human land don't quite jibe.
This teaser goes on to show trouble in Faery land--involving Sookie using her 'microwave fingers' and someone else getting zapped through the air, looking at a very rough landing.
Also included in this jam-packed 30 seconds Sookie, still dressed as she left with her SPOILER faery godmother Claudine many months ago, has returned and (significantly) is standing on her front porch listening to Eric tell her that 'everyone' who supposedly loved her 'gave up on her' whilst she was gone--including Bill, who based on the previous teasers as well as this one has been a very busy vampire.
We also get a cute shot of a pigtailed Sookie embracing Alcide (I'll bet he didn't give up on her!) and a new shot of Andy Bellefleur pulling a gun on Sam Merlotte in what appears to be Merlotte's parking lot. I smell a red herring.
We have Bill 'interacting' with a strawberry blond [SPOILER] witch who is disrobing and then exiting the room with bite marks on her neck. Sookie appears to witness the woman leaving, though it could just be how the teaser was edited. Sookie asks "What do you want from me," in a voiceover but we have no idea to whom she is speaking.
In addition to the new stuff there are more repeats of scenes that were already teased--the panthers munching on a trussed up Jason, Pam imparting words of wisdom upon Sookie, the Queen of Mississippi looking snarly, Bill looking mournful, Sookie in her little yellow beater of car getting grabbed through her open window by a man that looks very much like Eric.
Finally, in the most puzzling part of the tease, Eric, who has not gotten amnesia yet, tells Sookie that she is his. What I'm wondering is why he uses a threatening tone and facial expression, why Sookie looks apprehensive, and what is that 'thing' on Eric's throat?
Anyone have any ideas? We'll be playing this guessing game for the next month and for three months after that most likely, so feel free to drop me a comment!
Twenty Promotional Season 7 True Blood Photo Stills:
I'm hoping to get higher quality (larger copies) as soon as I can. These seem like a bunch of random shots just sort of fired off to tide us over the Memorial Day weekend. A number we've seen similar poses of the same shot--Sookie in the mustard-coloured sweater, Luna in Sam's office chair about to 'seduce' him, Jessica in this outfit looking happy as she does here. Eric, too...
Pam mic -clipped and dressed as a 'Desperate Housewife' for an interview is pretty hysterical. The vamps are obviously digging in, trying to regain all the ground they lost 'post-Russell Edgington.'
I love this one. I hope Alcide gets a crack at Sookie even if it is not until next year.
He runs hot. ;)
I can see these three-- a shifter and two witches paired in this poster since they are either blood-related or employment-related or both, as well. Nicely done shot. Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette) is super-smoldering, as always.
Too much Photoshop on this last one. Looks thrown together plus Jason has exactly no reason to be paired up with Pam and Jessica.
WEEDS - Showtime Season 7 Synopsis SPOILERS (after the jump):
As if Nancy's life wasn't filled with enough odd characters, the producers are looking for a slightly odd, well-off New York City attorney (they're thinking of a John Waters type) who takes on pro-bono cases in exchange for juicy prison gossip. Does he sell the gossip to the tabloids? Nope, he writes the stories down in a book — which he reads when he's sad, horny, or both...
EDIT 5.27.11/ In re: the casting description above and the Showtime Press Release from 5.26 (below): they both describe the role that of the 'eccentric attorney' that went to Martin Short (Damages).
Fortunately, on Weeds 'icky' can be turned into something quite funny. If they can make 'Uncle Andy' having his toe bitten off by a dog, funny which they did, then...
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?
