EDIE FALCO as Jackie in Nurse Jackie Episode 4.08, airing June 3, 2012 on SHOWTIME:
SYNOPSIS: Nurse Jackie Episode 8 - June 3, 2012:'Chaud & Froid' Season 4.8.
Jackie's coworkers are punished for covering up her addiction.
SYNOPSIS: Nurse Jackie Episode 8 - June 3, 2012:
Episode Detail: 'Chaud & Froid' - Nurse Jackie -
When Cruz learns about Jackie's rehab, he takes revenge on coworkers who have been covering up her drug problems. Meanwhile, Eddie is deposed by Kevin's lawyer; a dumped Lenny decides to take off for Europe; and Coop accompanies O'Hara to her ob-gyn appointment.
Showtime has released the full playlist of season 4 NURSE JACKIE webisodes, The Break Room on YouTube:
The next episodes of NURSE JACKIE will be airing after the Memorial Day holiday on June 3rd. Be there or be square.
After the jump: Have a look at this interview with the creators on last week's "Day of the Iguana": Bonus: added shots from episode 4.08, more.
Photo credit: Showtime
Photo credit: Showtime
AFTER THE JUMP: Recap Episode 4.07:
While we're on the subject of behind-the-scenes features, have a look at this interview with the creators on last week's "Day of the Iguana": http://youtu.be/YhxuGejnMTc
EDIE FALCO as Nurse Jackie and JAKE CANNAVALLE as 'Charlie Cruz' in Nurse Jackie, season 4.
Did you guess that Jake Cannavale (Jackie's rehab friend, 'Charlie) was Bobby Cannavale's (Jackie's boss, 'Cruz') real-life son? It was starting to to look very probably and in episode 4.07 it's now a known fact by Jackie, by Cruz and by Charlie.
"What happens now?' is the question. Jackie continues to struggle to stay sober. Her involvement with Charlie was at first positive for her--now what's to become of this huge can of worms that has been tipped out completely?
I'm curious too if Cannvale as Cruz is hired just for the season or has signed on beyond this, if there in fact is a NURSE JACKIE season 5 (hope so!)
A side benefit to Charlie and Cruz being who they are on the show is that we immediately understand what it must be like for Charlie to be Cruz's kid. Impossible. Maddening. And, visa-versa!
GAME OF THRONES - PETER DINKLAGE as 'Tyrion Lannister' in the Battle of Blackwater, episode 2.09 (#19), airing Sunday, May27 on HBO (Credit: HBO)
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #19 Preview VIDEO:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode 19 - 'Battle Tease' VIDEO:
Stephen Dillane as Stannis Baratheon in Episode 2.09 of Game Of Thrones, Sunday May 27, 2012 on HBO (Credit: HBO, inc.):
GAME OF THRONES (HBO) 'BLACKWATER' (THE BATTLE OF BLACKWATER BAY) SYNOPSIS:
Episode #19: “Blackwater” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis’ fleet assaults King’s Landing. Written by George R.R. Martin; directed by Neil Marshall.
The executive producers of GAME OF THRONES are David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger; co-executive producers, George R.R. Martin, Vanessa Taylor, Alan Taylor, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis; produced by Bernadette Caulfield.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode 19 - 'War Of The Kings' Trailer VIDEO:
After the jump:
GAME OF THRONES Episode 18 RECAP ('A Man Without Honour') (VIDEO):, Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #18 (VIDEO)::
KIT HARRINGTON - Jon Snow in Game of Thrones on HBO interviews about episode 2.08, 'The Prince Of Winterfell':
BOOK SPOILER: I'm just finishing 'the 3rd installment of the "A Song of Ice & Fire' series. In 'A Clash Of Kings,' near the very end, Jon Snow is having vivid dreams and in one he returns to Winterfell to be lord and restore it to it's former glory. Within the dream Jon Snow realises that he is a bastard and cannot ever be 'Lord of Winterfell'. Very soon after in his waking life however, a tempting offer is extended that could make this a reality.
Here are the HBO Extras for Game Of Thrones Episode 2.08 - 'The Prince Of Winterfell':
GAME OF THRONES - 'Walking on Ice' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'A Selfish Mistake' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'Played For a Fool' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'Practical Tailoring' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'The Proper End' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES - 'More Pressing Problems' VIDEO -
GAME OF THRONES Preview Episode #18 - Tom Wlaschiha as 'Jaqen'
(Above) GAME OF THRONES Preview Episode #18 - KIT HARRINGTON (HBO)
SPOILER! Jon Snow is going to hear "You know nothing, Jon Snow,' for a good, long time.
There is some very cool stuff in this new (ancient) world north of the Wall and much that's incredibly dangerous, of course.
Sunday on GAME OF THRONES: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #18 Preview VIDEO:
GAME OF THRONES Episode #18: Things are coming to a full-on boil at Harrenhal - Arya (MAISIE WILLIAMS) must make a move.
(CREDIT:HBO)
GAME OF THRONES Episode #18: “The Prince of Winterfell”: At Winterfell, Theon receives a visitor and holds down the fort. Arya calls in her final debt with Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha) in a way that displeases him. Robb is betrayed. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) and Varys (Conleth Hill) find common ground. Dany ignores Jorah's (Iain Glen) advice. Stannis (Stephen Dillane) and Davos (Liam Cunningham) approach their destination, and Davos is offered a reward. Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by Alan Taylor.
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
GAME OF THRONES: SEASON 2 FINALE SYNOPSIS Episode 2.10 - Valar Morghulis - Press Release:
Episode #20: “Valar Morghulis” (season finale)
As Theon (Alfie Allen) stirs his men to action, Luwin (Donald Sumpter) offers some final advice. Brienne (Gwendolyn Christie) silences Jaime; Arya (Maisie Williams) receives a gift from Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha); Dany (Emilia Clarke) goes to a strange place; and Jon (Kit Harington) proves himself to Qhorin (Simon Armstrong).
Debut: SUNDAY, JUNE 3 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by Alan Taylor.
EDIE FALCO as NURSE JACKIE and BOBBY CANNAVALE as Cruz in NURSE JACKIE Episode 4.06 Sunday at 9 et/pt on SHOWTIME
Despite Jackie's (EDIE FALCO) managing to resist temptation even when it is thrust right into her hands, she still has to contend with problems continuing to dog her that go beyond staying sober. Pictured above is one of them: Dr. Cruz (BOBBY CANNAVALE) suspects something is not quite right about Jackie but no one has given him anything on her. Undeterred, he's embarked on a 'witch hunt' of sorts, determined to get to the bottom of Jackie's secret. Here, Jackie employs what she admitted to Zooey is a talent she is 'great at': Lying.
Even Jackie must suspect that with a guy like Cruz hounding her, it's only a matter of time before she and perhaps even those that have been covering for her go down.
Jackie dreams about sex (with Cruz) and drugs but no rock and roll, although Kevin rocks her to her core when he sues for full custody of their daughters. At the hospital, Cruz detects holes in Jackie's employment history, and she's surprised when she catches him exhibiting a kindly bedside manner to a trauma patient. Later, Lenny and Zoey get engaged, but Zoey still has questions about their relationship; Jackie, O'Hara and Akalitus treat a transgender teen.
Edie Falco and Eve Best in Nurse Jackie on Showtime
Nurse Jackie : Where's My Ring?
Zoey loses her engagement ring.
Nurse Jackie : Uncle Coop
Coop insists on being involved with O'Hara's child.
NURSE JACKIE: Episode 4.05 RECAP:
Jackie managed to withstand an-on-the-job-shoulder injury using only an ice-wrap instead of the painkillers that pre-sober "Jacks' would have reached for. She did weaken in her resolvewith Kevin however and he took full-advantage of it. He's now gotten the goods on Jackie's prior pill-taking by cowing Eddie the pharmacist then, feigning consenting to a lunch date with Jackie, instead has her served with divorce papers indicating he is suing for full custody of the girls. This new development leaves Jackie shattered and again, temptation rears it's head. Instead, Jackie stuffs her face with pie.
Made some screencapscaps for this, another tantalizing WEEDS (SHO) Promo spot for season 8 which drops on July 1. Canada Day! I'll probably be here in the States but I had Showtime added to the new cable at the cottage on Maple Lake, too. I have no idea how long I'm staying--in total probably a good, long while, so we must have Showtime. Will have Showtime. Weeds is a very fun 30 minutes, one of the very few comedies I watch. Most/all? are on Showtime.
Weeds : Season 8: Writer's Room Tease 3-in-1 VIDEO:
(1 minute, 10 seconds)
'Dearborn Again' = SEASON 6, Episode 10 screencap of tabletop 'found' script (above) won't be a lot of help in getting an idea of whodunit. I would think season 8 episode 1 or 2 could help greatly, tho'.
MARY-LOUSIE PARKER as 'Nancy' the matriarch of the Botwin family in WEEDS on Showtime starting July 1. Perfect summertime show.
All screencaps: (SHO)
Official WEEDS Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Weedsonshowtime Official WEEDS Twitter: http://twitter.com/SHO_weeds Official WEEDS Series Site: http://www.sho.com/site/weeds/
UPDATE (MAY 9 2012) Game Of Thrones Season 2: The Story So Far (Episodes 11-16) VIDEO:
NIKOLAJ COSTER-WALDAU as 'Jaime Lannister' in KING OF THRONES Episode #17: “A Man Without Honor” (HBO) Beginning MAY 13:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #17 Preview VIDEO:
GAME OF THRONES - Episode #17: “A Man Without Honor” SYNOPSIS:
Jaime (Nicolaj Coster-Waldau) meets a distant relative;Dany receives an invitation to the House of the Undying; Theon leads a search party; Jon loses his way in the wilderness; Cersei (Lena Headey) counsels Sansa (Sophie Turner).
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m.) Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by David Nutter.
ALFIE ALLEN as THEON GREYJOY in GAME OF THRONES - Episode #17: “A Man Without Honor”:
Update May 9, 2012 - NEW! GAME OF THRONES: SEASON 2 SO FAR VIDEO ( The Story So Far (Episodes 11-16):
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #16 VIDEO:
Game of Thrones Season 2: Recap #16:
This episode may have been the most exciting and tension-filled hour of Game of Thrones yet simply because I had no idea what would happen next!
Despite having to missed a week of Bronn (Jerome Flynn) and Ser Jorah (Iain Glen), we had some scorching scenes with many of our favorites (it was Stark-and-psuedo-Stark-intensive).
The opening scene was heartbreaking:
Theon: I sent my men over the walls with grappling hooks and took the castle.
Bran: Why?
As a almost synched-in-time-with GAME OF THRONES (HBO) and current book reader, this was hands down the most tense episode of the season as half-way through I realized that seriously, I had NO IDEA what would happen next.
This episode had some rocking scenes. My highlights:
All of the interactions with Arya (Maisie Williams) and Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) were chock full of seriously great chemistry. And when they added Littlefinger to the mix it was nail-bittingly intense. (For my part, I have no doubt whatsoever that he recognized Arya. Think about who and what Littlefinger is.)
Kudos to the brilliant Mr. Dance, who knows full well the caveat about working with animals and children in film and is handing every scene to Maisie and her wonderful expression. His restraint is superb—he never dominates with too strong a delivery, or upstages her with menacing hand motions, or any other bits of theatrical business —he just serves up one home-run ball after another and lets her hit each one out of the park.
Arya and Jaqen:
The annoyed look on Jaqen’s (Tom Wlaschiha) face when a frantic Arya demands an immediate kill was perfect. And then Tywin opens the door and Lorch drops in--dead. Spot.on.
The Jon and Ygritte scene where Ygritte kept… “moving” was sweet and sexy. Despite it being a departure from the books, it made me smile.
Osha = badass/ good heart:
Bran, Rickon, Osha and Hodor escape Theon's Winterfell invasion, but to where?:
Game of Thrones Season 2: Recap #16 VIDEO:
The episode opens on a frantic maester Luwin, attempting to send an S.O.S. message via raven. He just gets it off when the Greyjoys arrive. Theon wakes Bran and tells him to assemble everyone in the courtyard, where he will yield Winterfell to him, 'Prince Theon.' Bran does as Theon requests.
Ser Rodrik is captured by Theon’s men outside Winterfell, as he is returning from Torrhen’s Square. He spits in Theon’s face and Dagmer urges Theon to execute him or the men will lose respect for him (He must 'pay the Iron Price.') Theon mulls this over briefly and then takes way too many whacks at poor Ser Rodrik's neck before kicking it off. Later that night, Osha seduces Theon. When he is asleep she sneaks out of his room, casually kills one of the guards and then smuggles Bran, Rickon and Hodor to safety.
***I know this would have changed the story too drastically but logically, why wouldn't Osha have 'casually killed' the sleeping Theon before she did the guard?"***
In King’s Landing, Tyrion, Cersei, Joffrey and Sansa are seeing princess Myrcella off to Dorne. On the way back to the Red Keep, the motley & starving villagers get restless, taunting the royals. Some horseshit finds it target on Joffrey. He loses his shit and demands the head of whomever threw it and from there, things degenerate into complete chaos. Joffrey, Tyrion and Cersei make it back to the castle safely, but Sansa, separated from the group, gets left behind. Tyrion slaps the boy king around a bit and berates him for causing this riot and potentially losing Sansa, reminding him--again--that Jaime's life and Sansa's are tied together. Sansa has been dragged away from the mob and is about to be gang-raped when The Hound, prompted we learn afterwards by Tyrion, slashes and crushes his way to her rescue.
In Robb’s camp we again glimpse 'Lady Talisa' as does the King of the North. Under much quieter circumstances than their first meeting on the battlefield, she and Robb flirt--then Catelyn arrives with Brienne. Catelyn is introduced to Talisa. Cat and Robb then walk-and-talk until Roose arrives with some really.bad. news. Robb is furious with Theon and is ready to march to Winterfell and take it back himself. Roose suggests he send his own bastard son from the Dreadfort instead, that he would be happy to bring him Theon’s head. Robb says he wants him alive, so he can look him in the eye and ask him ‘Why?’ before executing him himself.
At Harrenhal, Arya continues to serve Tywin Lannister as cupbearer. In a meeting with his men, Tywin berates Amory Lorch for bungling a simple letter delivery because he cannot read. He dismisses his men and then chats with Arya, after he learns that she can read. Littlefinger arrives to meet with Tywin. Arya does her best to remain unnoticed while Littlefinger proposes an alliance with the Tyrells. After Littlefinger leaves, Arya spots a letter about Robb on the table and, while Tywin’s back is turned, snatches it. Later with the letter in hand, she runs through the castle and literally runs into Amory Lorch. Amory notices the letter and gets suspicious. Arya fears she'll be caught and punished so she runs. Amory heads for Tywin while Arya desperately searches out Jaqen. She finds him, names Amory Lorch as her second name, demands he be killed--NOW-- and just as Amory makes it to Tywin’s door, he falls down dead.
Beyond the Wall, Qhorin’s band treks through the mountains, looking for wildlings. They spy a small scout camp and attack and kill all but one of the wildlings, a red-haired girl named Ygritte. Qhorin tells Jon to kill her and meet up with them at the top of the mountain. Jon hesitates--he can't do this--and Ygritte uses his moment of weakness to break and run for it. Jon chases and catches her, but they have lost Qhorin and the rest of his brothers. Darkness is descending upon them so after binding her, the two settle in for the long, cold night, huddled together on the ground.
Meanwhile in Qarth, Danareys is trying and failing to bargain with the Spice King for some ships. Though he finds her intriguing and spirited, he won't make such a risky investment. Dany and Xaro return to his mansion to find his guards slain. Dany runs through the courtyard up to her quarters, passing a dead bloodrider on the way, and finding an apparently dead Irri lying on the floor. Worst of all, her dragon's cages are empty. The closing shot shows a hooded figure walking the dragons up steep steps toward a ominous-looking tower, whilst the dragons, cloaked and caged, cry out.
The Best Scenes:
Change is good, right?
Many changes from the way things went down in the book in tonight’s episode. Arya almost runs into Littlefinger, then she kills off Amory Lorch. Theon executes Ser Rodrik then sleeps with Osha. Jon doesn’t let Ygritte go and instead chases her down then ends up getting separated from Qhorin. And, of course, Dany’s dragons get stolen. The changes from book to screen really added a lot of drama and tension to the episode.
Ser Rodrik: Death with dignity – This scene was truly hard to watch, especailly with the plaintive wails of both Bran and Ricken who, like the rest of the the captives, bore witness. Ser Rodrik went out with class tho', despite Theon not giving him the clean execution he deserved. First, he calmed Bran and Rickon and then called out Theon one last time. “Gods help you, Theon Greyjoy. Now you are truly lost.”
The super-fast murder of Amory Lorch – This had to be the lightest moment involving death in the series thus far. The Hound saves Sansa – The Hound was all kinds of awesome in his rescue of the nearly gang-raped Sansa. It was a scene only alluded to in the book so it was very satisfying seeing it played out.
And not-insignificantly we had...Direwolves! -- There were three direwolves. Ghost looks magnificent in the white-on-white setting he's in. We had a non-gratuitous Osha(!) (Natalia Tena) naked scene and an awesomely-rendered Joffrey-bitch-slap from Tyrion ( for inciting the mob ("Kill them all!") after some poo-flinging at the boy king on some low-born's part.
EMILIA CLARKE as DAENARYS in EPISODE #16 of GAME OF THRONES:
The less-than-Best Scenes:
As Dany talked longer and longer to the spice king, she seemed younger and younger and less and less powerful/confident, even when yelling her standard 'Fire and Blood' threat. And all of her gravitas disappeared when she made her most feared discovery at episode's end.
This season Daenarys is beginning to sound like as a whiny, demanding 'little princess' stamping her feet when she doesn’t get her way. A little girl that is completely out of her depth and is falling apart...not rising.
VALENTINA CERVI as SALOME in TRUE BLOOD season 5 on HBO:
True Blood Season 5: Vampyr Tease:
True Blood returns with its 5th season on June 10th:
CHRIS MELONI as the leader of The Vampire Authority drops fang in TRUE BLOOD Season 5:
KRISTEN BAUER VAN STRATEN as 'Pam' in TRUE BLOOD Season 5 Official Character Promotional PHOTO (John P. Johnson/HBO): Click thumbnails (below) for full size.
True Blood - Season 5 - Various Promotional Episode Photos:
First look at the Authority! Chris Meloni looks like 'Stabler' in a more expensive suit. All the Authority looks/dresses like well-paid corporate people, save Jacob Hopkins as thes the youngest Vampire Authority chancellor who looks like he's dressing up as high-powered business guy (or maybe they all are all in fact, a vampire version of the one-per-cent).
TRUE BLOOD - Episode 5.01 - Turn! Turn! Turn! SYNOPSIS: Sookie and Lafayette clean up the Tara and Debbie Pelt mess; Bill and Eric are visited by the Vampire Authority; Sam and Alcide deal with an angry werewolf pack. (Written by Brian Buckner; directed by Daniel Minahan) (TV-MA) June 10 premiere
With the release of the TRUE BLOOD EPISODE 5.01 (#49) synopsis and the photo above we now know that Lafayette is the one we previously saw hooded, pictured with Sookie appearing to be filling in a grave in Sookie's yard. From there, it is really hard to tell. Did a vampire show up as well and attempt to turn Tara? Did Tara fully die making that impossible? Will Lafayette's new-found abilities as a medium--a communicator with the dead--'resurrect' Tara?
We know that the actress playing her, Rutina Wesley, is on-board with the show as a featured player but in what form? My guess is as a spectre or a ghost, if you prefer. She's not coming back as a (mindless) zombie. That would make no sense given that the stage is set with her cuz Lafayette being able to 'speak' with her still.
I suppose we could play around with the notion that oh, Pam say, turns her but I just don't get why Pam would be inclined to do so--even if she could.
(Fun observation: When the photo above is blown up, the blood pattern on Sookie's forehead looks just like the one she has in season 1 when she wakes up after nearly being killed by the 'Rattrays,' to Bill licking her forehead where blood was drying on her now-healed wound. Could it be a call-back to the time when Sookie was 'resurrected' by Bill?)
TRUE BLOOD - Episode 5.02 - Authority Always Wins - SYNOPSIS: Tara resurfaces in Bon Temps; Pam recalls her human life and first encounter with Eric; Bill and Eric meet Salome at the Vampire Authority headquarters. (Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Michael Lehmann.) (TV-MA) : June 17 Premiere.
TRUE BLOOD - Episode 5.03 - Whatever I Am, You Made Me- SYNOPSIS: Bill and Eric barter for their lives with Roman, the head of the Authority; Jason reunites with his old high school teacher; Sookie searches for Tara. (Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by David Petrarca.) (TV-MA) June 24 Premiere
The ill-fated 'Daphne' and Sam, (Sam Trammell) in 'Release Me':
Still being held in the basement at the Church, it becomes obvious to Sookie that Steve knew they were coming, but is not sure why. That tells her there is a spy among them. She tries to get a message to Bill, but he is being held prisoner by his maker, who refuses to let him go after the woman he loves. In flashbacks, Bill's conversion to a less violent lifestyle is revealed. When Steve learns Sookie's true identity, he makes the connection with Jason and assumes he's a spy. As they begin to wreak their vengeance, Sookie is saved by someone she has yet to meet. Back at the hotel Jessica and Hoyt decide to sleep together. In Bon Temps, Sam manages to escape, courtesy of a drunken Andy Bellefleur. Any plans he may have had for getting even with Daphne are overtaken by Maryann who has her own plans for her acolyte.(cont.)
Maryann and Eggs dispatch with Daphne:
The rest of the revelers have no memory of what happened the night before. Written by garykmcd
GODRIC (ALLAN HYDE) to the rescue:
ANNA PAQUIN as SOOKIE STACKHOUSE in True Blood Season 2:
Andy arrives in Maryann's orgy, shoots and saves Sam from the sacrifice. Sookie and Hugo are arrested in the basement of the Church, and Sookie discovers that her companion is the traitor that has informed the Fellowship of the Sun about her arrival. Lorena does not allow Bill to leave the room to save Sookie, and recalls their past together in Los Angeles in 1935. When Steve discovers the true identity of Sookie, he believes that Jason is a traitor and asks Gabe to kill him; however, Jason reacts and escapes. Sarah finds Jason and shoots him on the chest.(cont.)
DEBORAH-ANNE WOLL as Jessica Hamby in True Blood Season 2:
Meanwhile Jessica and Hoyt are in deep love with each other and sleep together in the Hotel Carmilla. Sam meets Daphne and she discloses that she had fun with him; further she tells that Maryann uses her energy to control humans, but shape shifters should go to her on their free will. She says that Maryann is a pagan Goddess, called Kali, Lilith, Isis, Gaia but she is a Maenad, the female follower of Dionysus. Gabe comes to Sookie's cell to rape her, but Godric saves her. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
MARIANA KLAVENO as "Lorena," Bill's maker who as of Season 3 ceasted to exist:
Having saved Sookie, Godric orders Eric to leave the premises with her - and to do so peacefully. Unfortunately, Steve Newlin and his followers are waiting for them in the Church and he isn't too choosy as to which vampire they use for their sunrise ceremony. Godric tries a different approach and hopes to make peace with Steve, who adamantly opposes any such possibility. Safely returned to their lair, Godric's peaceful approach and lack of desire for revenge doesn't sit well with some of his followers. Steve also has a surprise for him. In Bon Temps, Eggs tells Tara that he's blacked out again and they try to piece together where he's been. Maryann prepares a special dish for them. Sam Merlotte finds himself under arrest when Daphne's body is found in the restaurant freezer. Having finally slept together, Jessica and Hoyt discover a disadvantage to Jessica being a vampire. Written by garykmcd
Godric kills Gabe and Eric arrives after; Cedric orders him to take Sookie with him without killing humans. Sarah actually shot Jason with a paintball gun and he returns to the church to rescue his sister. Meanwhile people that are locked-in evacuate the church and the Soldiers of God chase the vampire inside the building. Eric offers himself to be sacrificed in place of Godric, but a group of vampires leaded by Stan arrives in the church ready to eliminate the humans.
GODRIC"S Lieutenants Isabel and Stan with Eric:
Rev. Steve Newlin (MICHAEL MCMILLIAN) returns to TRUE BLOOD IN Season 5 --as a vampire (!):
However, Godric arrives and avoids the bloodshed, offering peace to the stubborn and intolerant Steve that does not accept. Eggs tells Tara that he had another blackout. Sam receives a phone call from Merlotte's and finds Daphne's body without her heart in the refrigerating chamber. But it is a setup and he is arrested by Sheriff Bud Dearborne. Maryann cooks the dish Hunter's Soufflé using Daphne's heart and serves the dish to Tara and Eggs. Jessica discovers that she died virgin and her hymen restores after the intercourse. There is a reception for vampires and humans at Godric's house and the uninvited Luke comes wearing a bomb with silver. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A couple things about the screen caps above: Unless Alan Ball is pulling a fast one, Jason is shot by Sarah Newlin with a blob of red paint. It appears that both of them are missing the "meeting the morning" lock-in ceremony. Maybe that is for the best for both of them. Are the two thumbs above of Eric who clearly is healing from having silver chains around his neck and Steve Newlin in sequence? It appears that Steve is pitching or falling forward---has Eric killed him?*** It seems like we are missing a frame or two (maybe more) here. I was wrong about the couple in bed.That is clearly Jessica --her vamp teeth are visible and I guess that's Hoyt's hairline--it just seems odd-looking to me. Thanks to Jen S ,who helped me out on this.
***UPDATE 5.4.12/ As of season 5 TRUE BLOOD Steve Newlin is now in fact dead and a vampire!
First Look: Evan Rachel Wood on True Blood
by Rob Moynihan August 06, 2009 06:00 PM EST
Just when we thought True Blood could not get any sexier, Evan Rachel Wood joins season two of the HBO hit as Sophie-Anne, the Vampire Queen of Louisiana. Wood will make her first appearance in the August 30 episode when a desperate Bill (Stephen Moyer) seeks Sophie-Anne's advice. MORE HERE
I'm sort of liking the screencaps of Sophie-Anne that I made some time ago a bit better than the prim-looking official first photo they've used, but to each her own.
UPDATE/ OFFICIAL PHOTO QUEEN SOPHIE-ANNE - TRUE BLOOD SEASON 3 (HBO):
Above: The Queen 'greets' Eric:
Below are my caps. Evan Rachel Wood as Queen Sophie-Anne greets a visitor:
Evan Rachel Wood as Queen Sophie-Anne in True Blood Season 2 (PHOTO):
TRUE BLOOD Season 3 Episode 9 "Everything is Broken" ERIC NORTHMAN (Alexander Skarsgård) is interrogated by the The Vampire Authorty (VIDEO) (HBO):
Russell will eat us after he eats our children... True Blood - 3x09 - 'Everything Is Broken' - Official HBO Recap:
Russell makes headlines in the latest episode. Watch the Recap.
Since we know that TRUE BLOOD Season 5 will have an emphasis that goes heavy on the previously barely-knownVampire Authority(we mostly knew of them through the now-truly dead "Nan Flanagan") and that will include the return of Russell Edgington, I thought it would be fun to revisit the episode that featured them both most heavily: True Blood - 3x09 - 'Everything Is Broken'.
True Blood Moments: Eric's panic (S3E09): The V-Squad is about to bust in...
Eric, Pam and Ginger with the V-Patrol busting down their door:
TRUE BLOOD - EPISODE 3.09 - 'Everything Is Broken' was not the best eppy of True Blood ever. But there were still some truly solid scenes. I've got a lots of screencaps as well as some great VIDEO scenes from the episode. Enjoy!
This episode did feel sort of choppy. It lacked cohesion as well as the thrills and chills of the previous 2 eppys. Yet Nan Flanagan (Jessica Tuck) was a hoot. We got lots of Pam candy not to mention Pam crying. Crying! Over the prospect of her maker, Eric being punished by death when the Vampire Authority rendered it's opinion about his (mis)deeds. So sweet the way he held her head on his chest like the child (of his) she is. We also had Nan revealing her true colours, not mainstreaming.
JESSICA TUCK AS Vampire Authority rep., Nan Flanagan, storms Fangtasia and interrogates Eric & Co.. And she brought friends.
Good ole Jason proved that wooden bullets actually work! Almost made up for the Crystal storyline which has really been dragging. Vampire Bill going to the land of the Fae was pretty cool. Surprised the heck out of Claudine. She handled it well while he bungled it completely.The fact is, Bill will steal Sookie's light if she stays with him--any dead guy will.
Nan Flanagan goes to Fangtasia for answers about the Magister's whereabouts. Bill gets to the bottom of Sookie's real identity. Jason finds an unlikely ally in his feud with Felton and Calvin. Arlene has a pessimistic view of her husband. ' (AUGUST 15TH 2010)
Claudine not at all trusting or believing Bill's proclamation that he loves Sookie and 'would never harm her.'
True Blood Season 3 Episode 9 - Eric: 'Everything ends, even the immortals.' VIDEO (HD)
'If I can't go on, its your time to be a maker.' Eric to Pam:
JASON KILLS FRANKLIN/SAVES TARA HD (VIDEO):
TRUE BLOOD Season 3 Episode 9 : Jason Has A Wooden Bullet And A Great Aim!
In a scene that has since become a fan fave involving Jason and Tara and Franklin and the wooden bullet which Jason procured some months back during his Fellowship of the Sun detour.
Russell Has Spine (VIDEO):
Denis O'hare as deranged King Russell providing us with our weekly dose of crazy camptasticness in TRUE BLOOD - EPISODE 3.09 - 'Everything Is Broken':
Sookie and Bill: 'I'm a faery!?!' True Blood 3.09 Screencaps (HBO):
Some news I'd missed from TvGuide Magazine after the jump: A tie breaking opportunity for the two vamps will come soon, when Sookie learns a secret about herself. It’s the answer to “What are you?,” the question Bill asked Sookie the first day they met.
“It complicates issues,” says showrunner Alan Ball, adding that the discovery will have a major impact on all her romantic relationships. “It makes Sookie question a lot. She has moments where she’s like, ‘I’ve had it with vampires.’” Does that mean Alcide has a chance? Yep! “When you’re fighting for your life, and everything you’ve taken for granted is revealed as something else than what you thought, and there’s an insanely hot person next to you, there is definitely going to be energy,” says Ball, of the growing affection between the two. Adds Paquin, “They find comfort in each other. Plus, he’s big and he’s strong and he’s warm.” As season 3 winds down, expect more twists than a backcountry dirt road. The biggest may come from Sookie when she discovers just how dark passion can be. “Sookie started off the show as a virgin,” Ball says. “But we’ll see a whole new side of her. Had she seen that side back then, she, herself, would have been shocked.” And that’s not the only thing that will shake Sookie up. “Toward the end of the season, she’s not really concerned about “Who am I going to pick?’ She’s more concerned about evading forces that want her for reasons I can’t disclose,” says Ball.
Isaac Hempstead Wright as Prince of Winterfell, Bran Stark in GAME OF THRONES Episode 15 (HBO):
Game of Thrones Season 2: Recap #15 VIDEO:
Despite the massive going's on in GAME OF THRONES Episode 15 "The Ghost of Harrenhal," the single moment that resonated with me most was the subtle yet deadly serious conversation at Renly's deathbed between Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish (Aiden Gillen) and Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer). In the wake of Renly's murder, Littlefinger has urged the Tyrells to beat a hasty retreat before Stannis is upon them. Margaery is in agreement with him and in the course of their conversation, Littlefinger asks Margaery if she wishes to become 'a queen.' 'No' she says as she gazes upon Renly in death, 'I want to be THE queen.'
All of a sudden this seemingly demure barely-a-woman has tipped her hand about her end game. No doubt Littlefinger had already suspected as much as the Tyrell's are a matriarchy (see Inside the Episode #15 video) with the men seemingly rather pliable and the women calling the shots behind the scenes. Instead of a poor, young widowed bride, Margarey presents herself here as a self-possessed and introspective woman who is in no way out ot the game.
Game Of Thrones - Episode 15 - Inside the Episode VIDEO:
BELOW: CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS TO SEE WHAT 5 OF THE STARK CHIDREN HAVE BEEN DOING:
After the jump: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Anatomy Of A Scene - Theon Being Baptized VIDEO:
GAME OF THRONES - Episode 15 – 'The Ghost of Harrenhal' – RECAP:
We open the episode in King Renly’s tent as Renly talks war strategy & alliances with Catelyn Stark. Things sound somewhat promising but because of Melisandre's demon spawn birthing scene last week, everyone probably guessed that Renly's number was about to be up. Sure enough, but a few minutes into the episode Renly is driven through with the shadow demon's sword, falling into Brienne's arms and dying. Guards are upon her immediately but she quickly dispatches them. Then, with Catelyn's urging, she and Cat beat a hasty retreat. Later is a heart-rending scene between Brienne and Catelyn, where a still very distraught Brienne pledges her loyalty to Catelyn Stark. Perfectly played by both Gwendoline Christie as Brienne and Michelle Fairley as Catelyn.
Back in Renly’s camp, the Tyrells have discovered the fate of poor Renly. Loras seems much more upset than Margaery expressing his desire for revenge by killing Stannis himself. Margaery advises caution, as does Littlefinger. She though, is thinking only about the end game, and Littlefinger appears to be on the same page. Says he, 'You wish to be a queen?' Says she, 'No.'...pause...'I wish to be THE queen.'
Stannis has arrived in Renly’s camp and all of his bannermen except the Tyrells who have fled, have joined him. Davos needs to speak with Stannis of a 'hard truth' in the forthcoming battle strategy. Stannis tells him they next sail to Blackwater Bay and, despite Davos's protestations, Davos will command the fleet. Davos advises Stannis to leave Melisandre behind because, he tells him, he will lose his men to the Red Woman if they are victorious as she will be credited her for the victory. Stannis glumly acquiesces without argument.
In King’s Landing, Tyrion meets with Cersei about Renly’s death. Tyrion warns that they will be Stannis's next target. Cersei blithely responds that Joffrey has begun making siege plans, but she plays coy about what those plans are. Undaunted, Tyrion goes to Lancel to get the inside scoop. After verbally kicking around Cersei's boy-toy, Tyrion learns that the Queen Regent has ordered alchemists s make wildfire. Tyrion journeys to the Alchemist’s Guild seeing firsthand the potential in “the substance.” He orders Hallyne to continue making it under Tyrion's direction now.
On the Iron Islands, Theon is preparing to set sail on his ship, the Sea Bitch. His motley crew doesn’t respect him. He meets Dagmer Cleftjaw for the first time; Dagmer suggests instead of raiding some fishing villages, they attack the under-defended Torrhen’s Square. Theon tells him they could take it, but couldn’t hold it once Winterfell sends forces to reclaim it. The two men exchange knowing glances and Theon now sees a path to victory and the much-desired respect from his men.
In Winterfell, Bran is taking yet another 'town hall' meeting,' continuing to listen to the complaints of minor lords. To his irritation, little brother Rickon noisily mashes walnuts by his side. Breaking the staid process, Rodrik bursts in declaring Torrhen Square is under attack. Despite most of them off at battle with Robb, Rodrick tells Bran he could round up 200 fighting men. Bran orders him to do so and to reclaim Torrhen Square. Later, he talks with Osha about his dreams. He talks of the three-eyed crow and then tells Osha about his dream of the sea crashing over the walls Winterfell.
In the far North, the Night’s Watch has arrived at the Fist of the First Men. As they set up camp, Qhorin Halfhand arrives with a force from the Shadow Tower. Qhorin and Jeor Mormont, the Old Bear, talk strategy; the Halfhand wants to take a small force of men to eliminate Mance’s scouts and Jon Snow wants to go with him. Commander Mormont resists at first, but relents after an internal dialogue where he seems to remember his end-game with Snow. It doesn't hurt that Sam cheerfully offers to pick up Jon’s steward duties.
Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys is a guest of Xaro Xhoan Daxos, the prince who vouched for her and her troupe at the gates of Qarth. Dany has finally figured out how how to feed her dragons or rather how they can now feed themselves (they like their meat singed). Xaro hosts a meet and greet for Dany including the shiver-inducing warlock, Pyat Pree. He shows Dany a bit of magic and invites her to the House of the Undying. Clad in a bizarre wooden mask, Quaithe makes an appearance, delivering cryptic warnings to Jorah of impending danger. Later that night, Xaro demonstrates his immense wealth and then proposes marriage to Dany. He also delivers the news that King Robert is dead. Dany consults with 'adviser and friend,' Jorah. She considers accepting Xaro’s proposal and setting sail to Westeros immediately. Jorah advises her that they wait, that their allies are in Westeros and they need just one ship, not three, to get them there.
Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H’ghar
At Harrenhal, Arya attends to Lord Tywin as he meets with his lords. They are discussing what to do about Robb, as he continues to make mincemeat of them at every battle. Tywin recognizes Arya as a northerner. He asks of her what they say of Robb in the north. She tells him the tales of Robb riding a direwolf into battle, or even turning into a direwolf, and that he can’t be killed. “Do you think he can’t be killed?,” he intones. Arya meets his eyes steadily: “No. Anyone can be killed.” Tywin tells her to fetch some water as the already long meeting will continue much longer. On her way, she runs into the enigmatic Jaqen H’ghar dressed as a Lannister soldier. He tells her she owes the Red God three lives, that she must give a man three names and a man will do the rest. Arya gives him his first name, the torturer nicknamed The Tickler. Later, a scream and a thud comes from the courtyard. The Tickler lies on the ground, his head twisted 180 degrees around, facing up. Arya looks up at the battlements and sees Jaqen. He acknowledges her by holding one finger up to his face.
Also at Harrenhall, 'Gendry' (Joe Dempsie)
My thoughts on 'The Ghost of Harrenhal':
Maybe because I'm new to the book series, currently at the beginning of 'A Storm of Swords', I'm not getting bent about the changes being made in the adaption from the A Song of Ice and Fire book series to the HBO telling of the story. The author of the books, George R.R. Martin is an advisor on the adaption process and it seems most choices are done in service to the process that must be gone through in order to come out the other side, so to speak.
I don't care who Arya chose as her first kill. It needed to be someone that she hated's name. She more or less just plucked out of the air as Jaquen sprang the three deaths for three lives offer on her and she answered quickly. In my mind, the Tickler was as good as any. Book readers fussing over 'what will they do when' in book 3 need to focus on the now (adaption of book 2). If you love the book version so very much, go back and reread it to assuage your feelings of being cheated.
Speaking of 'Arya', Maisie Williams is a fantastic Arya. She's acting at the level of the best adult actors on the show. When I read the books now I picture her and that's about as good as it gets.
Though he didn't impress me all that much in season 1, Isaac Hempstead Wright as 'Bran' is increasingly growing on me. He never overplays and his restrained performance serves the story quite well.
Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H'ghar is mysterious, strange and very alluring. He's an instant favourite of mine.
Finally, the scene in the aftermath of Renly's murder between Stephen Dillane as Stannis and Liam Cunningham as Davos was churning with tumult just beneath it's muted surface. Kudos to both actors.
Lena Headey as Cersei and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in GAME OF THRONES - Episode #16:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #16 Preview
GAME OF THRONES NEXT WEEK: Episode #16: “The Old Gods and the New”: Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Theon (Alfie Allen) completes his master stroke. In King’s Landing, the Lannisters send Myrcella (Aimee Richardson) from harm’s way in the nick of time. Arya (Maisie Williams) comes face to face with a surprise visitor; Dany (Emilia Clarke) vows to take what is hers; Robb (Richard Madden) and Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) receive crucial news; Qhorin (Simon Armstrong) gives Jon (Kit Harington) a chance to prove himself.
Written by Vanessa Taylor; directed by David Nutter.
AFTER THE JUMP: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #15
Grace learns that her mother has been in rehab, forcing Jackie to race to Kevin's before she spills the beans to him. Later, Cruz docks Jackie's pay over some purloined items; and Jackie sets up an AA rendezvous with Charlie, who turns up in bad shape. Rosie Perez appears as 'Jules,' a woman with a condition that is the most bizarre that I've ever seen on Nurse Jackie. (You really do need to see it.) Jules and Jackie click in a profound way with potentially disastrous consequences.
Unsurprisingly Jackie left rehab early,'AMA,' because she desperately believes that troubled older daughter, 'Grace' needs her mom close at hand. In fact, Grace makes it very clear that the writing is on the wall--she wants to live with her dad.
Surprisingly, Jackie managed to stay in the recovery program for over two weeks, even making a connection with a fellow patient with whom she seems to have forged a very real relationship.
Though it probably was a poor judgment call on her part, she did return to the hospital, which in my estimation is both a boon and bane to her sobriety. In her favour, Jackie has a support system in place at work which she doesn't have at home and it's a medical setting. But the fact that the very substances which she abuses are right under her nose at work certainly sets her sobriety up for failure.
It seemed almost inevitable that she'd succumb to temptation and almost immediately, her fragile state is shaken when Kelly Slater gives her a bag of Fentynal patches. In a wrenching scene, Jackie agonizes over the temptation to use only to instead turn the patches over to Cruz and rat Kelly out. Kelly beats a hasty retreat from All Saints.
Will she have the strength to stay on the wagon when temptation next rears it's head or will Jackie's leaving rehab be the beginning of the end of her struggle to stay sober? Perhaps we'll find out more in this week's episode.
GAME OF THRONES Melisandre (Carice van Houten) gazes upon the demon spawn (HBO):
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Last week’s “Game of Thrones” episode proved to be a shocker not just to the audience, but to one of its stars — Liam Cunningham.
The Irish actor was part of the eye-popping cliffhanger scene where his character, Ser Davos Seaworth, watched the red priestess, Melisandre (played by Carice van Houten), give birth to some sort of “monster.” “After I lifted my jaw off the ground, when I read the end of it, I was astonished,” he told AccessHollywood.com of his initial reaction to the script.
“I just really wanted to know how they were gonna shoot this. “When I saw where we were shooting it and what it was gonna look like, I thought, ‘This is like a Caravaggio — a beautiful painting.’ And [Director David Petrarca] said, ‘That’s exactly what our brief was — to make it look like this,’” Liam continued. “And this thing — it’s just so weird to watch. “When I do turn around — you have to get your head around this as an actor — to turn around and see the red priestess dropping the robe and [she’s] nine months pregnant, and two second before, she wasn’t pregnant at all? And for my character, who’s very real, he’s very human, and to see this thing crawl along the ground… this CGI-ed monster, is very, very scary and it’s an amazing end shot,” he enthused.
...“It’s not something you can rehearse. You kind of have to just play it and it’s very taxing on Carice, as well, because of the screaming and the different angles and the basic delivery — it’s not as difficult as a real one. However, when you’re in a cave, in the cold weather, and she’s virtually naked, it’s, I mean she had the tougher job of that,” he said.
To make the lithe Carice look pregnant in the scene, they brought in the experts, who made her faux belly move. “Carice had a prosthetic on which was operated by pneumatics, so we had the wonderful Conor O’Sullivan, who did ‘Clash of the Titans,’ he did ‘The Dark Knight’ — incredible guy, top of his game, whose operating this um, tummy,” he said.
... “It’s just really surreal. You’ve got a film crew and somebody’s giving birth to a monster in a cave, in Northern Ireland, in the middle of the night,” Liam said. “You’ve gotta laugh at that stuff. It could twist the mind of a sane person.” “... this is a wonderful cliffhanger… to finish [the episode]. ‘What the hell is this woman up to and what is she doing at this point?’ And we just cut it,” Liam laughed...
Janina Gavankar as 'Luna' and Sam Trammell as 'Sam' film TRUE BLOOD episode 5.05:
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Sam/Luna VIDEO:
Hardcore TRUE BLOOD fans know that there remains just 6½ weeks until the premiere of season 5 on HBO Sunday nights. In past years there's been an absolute blitz of media like giant murals, adverts on the side of buses and at bus stops, tons of sneak peeks, and many other "extras." This year seems, to me anyway, more muted.
Perhaps it is wise that HBO continues to hype to the extreme it's massively successful adaption of George R.R. Martin's book series "A Song Of Ice and Fire" which is almost halfway through it's 10-episode season 2 run (Yep. It's in True Blood's timeslot).
Thus far, there's been three NEW behind-the-scenes snippets from Season 5. Wisely, the promo people chose to insert Sookie (Anna Paquin) in one as well as Alcide (Joe Manganiello) and if you perused the HBOGo site you'd see Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) enter that scene, too. Pretty good, though completely spoiler-free spot.
I figured that to build anticipation that we'd next get a scene with Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) or Bill (Stephen Moyer) as they are two of the featured stars of the show. If not them, then a scene with the hotly anticipated, newly cast Chris Meloni.
But no.
What we have is Sam & Luna & Terry & Patrick.
We also have a problem. Problems, actually.
Sam (Sam Trammell) and Luna (Janina Gavankar) have no chemistry what.so.ever. and they are playing a couple so that scene is a big zzzzz, save for it's extended version, also residing at HBOGo (sense a pattern?) in which Sam exits stage left leaves Luna's only to have her hear a gunshot ring out seconds afterward. Anyone worried that Sam is shot? No? Me neither. You know that in episode 5.05 True Blood is not killing off Sam. And they are ripping themselves off in that they had Sam in similar circumstances with the,"Did Sam shoot Tommy?" scene that was a season 3-ender. Mostly, we didn't care but just the same, it was a red-herring, Tommy got winged. At most, Sam will too.
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Terry/Patrick VIDEO:
OK. Terry and Patrick. Terry (Todd Lowe) is well-liked by fans and a scene with him and maybe his cousin Andy (Chris Bauer) might have been good enough but they didn't do that. Instead, we are offered up 'Patrick', an old Iraq war buddy of Terry's that showed up at Merlotte's at the tail-end of last season. We don't know anything more about Patrick so why should we care when shown a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of him and Terry getting caught doing "whatever" by some guys we've never seen before? We don't. Which defeats the point, the very reason for a sneak peek/teaser: to entice us to watch.
Given that True Blood is coming off a disappointing season 4, you'd think that they would haul out their big guns (those would be the stars of the show) and tease the hell out of us.
Six more weeks guys, to entice, to build anticipation and excitement about the TRUE BLOOD season 5 premiere.
Time to haul out the big guns.
Season 5 of "True Blood" premieres Sunday, June 10th. For more on True Blood, go to http://itsh.bo/HAObVp or jump in on the Twitter conversations http://twitter.com/truebloodhbo
"Eureka" When the MC heads north on a "charity" club run, they find more than just bike trouble when they cross state lines. And with Samcro out of Charming, Gemma's left in a compromising position with The League.
SONS OF ANARCHY SEASON 2 TRAILER
Reeling from the combined pressure of an ATF crackdown and an unprovoked murder, the Sons face a far more deadly threat from a cold-blooded enemy who will stop at nothing to drive them out of Charing - for good. As Jax and Clay square off over questiond of leadership and loyalty, lines are drawn and shaos reigns as the club threatens to destroy itself - from the inside out.
SONS OF ANARCHY- Season 2 Episode 2 SYNOPSIS- "Small Tears":
Jax’s decision without the club’s approval doesn’t sit well with Clay, especially when it brings dangerous repercussions upon the MC. Luann runs into trouble at her porn studio.
God. I just realized that "Small Tears," the title of episode 2 of Sons of Anarchy, is small tears of flesh-- damage done by the gang rape of Gemma. I'd been thinking (or perhaps I was not thinking) that it was small tears as in crying and I couldn't quite get my head around it. Now I do. Perhaps it is also a metaphor for the tears in her psyche and soul.
KATEY SAGAL has some insightful comments about Gemma's difficult recovery from a traumatic event on 'Sons of Anarchy's' first episode of Season 2.
UPDATE: BE SURE TO READ MY CURRENT COVERAGE OF SONS OF ANARCHY on my sister blog
"I think she knows everything." - Katey Sagal on Gemma Teller Morrow, her character on FX's Sons of Anarchy.
Within the insular world of the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club, which rules the small California town of Charming, Gemma is a force of nature, not to be underestimated.
She's married to club president Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman), who co-founded the Sons with Gemma's late first husband, John Teller. The rest of the men in the club respect her role as not just Clay's wife but as a no-nonsense leader and someone who's been there from the start.
"They’re a little bit Peter Pan-ish, all of the [men in the club]," Sagal said in a recent phone interview. "They all need a strong mom. I think she kind of is the matriarch of all of them in a weird way. In the mythology of the club, she’s been there since the beginning. So she has probably seen these guys when they first got there. So they look to her as some sort of, I don’t want to say a moral compass, but she’s got a strong point of view."
As Season 2 began, tensions were rising between Clay and Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), Gemma's son and a powerful force as well, within the club. A white-supremacist gang had come to Charming with the stated intent of shutting down the club's illicit gun sales.
"..Gemma sees all of it. "...this is where I think she’s sort of different than possibly an organized-crime wife. They seem to have more of the see no evil [approach] -- they just don’t look. I think that Gemma is very involved in what’s going on," Sagal says.
Gemma's central role within the club had unexpected and disturbing consequences in the Season 2 premiere of the show.
About this seasons overarching theme she says,
"It’s about the undoing of lots of characters. Everybody kind of comes up against themselves, that's really what you see. (They’re forced to make choices in terms of loyalty to the club and whether or not it’s going to be for the good of all.)
A: "Yeah, this whole job has been a lot of those [situations] where I’ve walked through things and thought, “Well I’ve never done that.” Then you kind of do it and it just makes you better at what you do. So I have felt -- I have embraced the challenge. It couldn’t be a more loving, safe atmosphere where we work because everybody’s very vulnerable and it’s risky and there’s a lot of physical stuff. It’s just a really good environment for that. The way we did that first episode was very choreographed and timed. It was respectful. We just got through it, you know what I mean?"
Q: The rape of Gemma is clearly a pivotal moment for the club, I think, and for obviously for your character. ... you('ve) talked about how difficult a process that was for you -- that it was weeks of difficulty...
A: "Well you know, it’s always sort of the job of the actor to make real make-belief circumstance. In this particular case, it required me to visit some pretty dark places but just seemed to hang around with me after I left work. You know, it’s hard sometimes to just detach yourself from what you’re doing. Most times it’s not; most times it’s okay, but in this particular case … The timeline of our show is very [compact]. Most of the events take place within a week. So it’s not like from episode to episode there’s weeks of time [passing for the characters]. Those first five [episodes cover about a three week period and then] she starts to finally pull herself together a little bit. But those first two or three episodes take place [for Gemma] over a course of two or three days. Then coupled with -- there’s a lot of shame that comes from that experience. I think that Gemma is a woman who always sort of leads with her sexuality; she’s confident, she’s strong. This takes it to another place. In my imagination this may have been something that happened to Gemma as a kid. She may have been one of those kinds of kids. I sort of threw that in the mix that -- this is reminiscent of a bad time as well."
Q:... Gemma is...such a powerful personality.... her power is, to some degree, in her sexuality and in her strength. It seems like both of those are kind of under attack; she’s wavering in every way.
Claire Danes and Damien Lewis in HOMELAND on SHOWTIME. Season 2 debuts on Sept 30, 2012:
Despite there being many questions remaining for HOMELAND, due to Claire Danes' sublime performance as 'Carrie Matheson', a bi-polar CIA agent who is right about a returned war hero in the wrong way and because of Mandy Patinkin's wonderful portrayal of her mentor , a man with many years CIA and as many psychic demons, I totally need to know if Carrie is alright. Danes did such a convincing job of Carrie's meltdown which culminated with her admitting herself for electroconvulsive therapy, that I'm anxious to get back to the show to see if she's gonna pull through enough to piece her life--which she was just barely keeping on track--back together.
Homeland : Season 2 - 'Burning Questions' VIDEO:
The truth was uncovered, but not everything was revealed. Homeland season 2 premieres September 30th, 2012.
Cool! We are beginning to get DEXTER intel. I'll never not love DEXTER. The actors are incredible and the show was so daring and crazy when it was a bit 'younger.' It's still one of the best shows--on any channel on television.
DEXTER, Episode #701, "Are You....?" Writer: Scott Buck Director: John Dahl Location: Los Angeles Shoot dates: o/a 5/23-6/4
[GEORGE NOVIKOV] 30s to 40s. Russian heritage but American born, so no accent. Tough, aggressive, possibly a little overweight but imagines he is "all that". Basically, he's just not a good guy. RECURRING GUEST STAR.
[VIKTOR KAREV] 30s, handsome, well dressed, stylish, slight Eastern European accent. He is a polished businessman who can get his hands dirty when he has to. GUEST LEAD.
[DET. ANGIE MILLER] 30s, African American. Attractive, straightforward, she is a divorced mother of two who has no time for nonsense, so she simply goes about her job at Miami Metro Homicide. MAJOR RECURRING CO-STAR ROLE.
[YOUNG DEXTER] Dexter (Michael C. Hall) at 9 years old. Reddish-brownish hair and brown eyes. 2 Speeches and 6 lines/3 scenes.
[YOUNG DEBRA] Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) at 5 years old. Long brown hair and hazel green eyes. 2 Speeches and 2 lines/3 scenes.
[TICKET AGENT] 30s, Caucasian, female. She is a ticket agent at an airport. 1 Speech and 2 lines/1 scene.
[BLACK-HAIRED STRIPPER] Mid 20s to early 30s and with a thick Russian accent. She is a stripper at a Miami strip club. 2 lines/1 scene.
[EVIDENCE CLERK] Female, Latina, 30s to 40s. She works in evidence at Miami Metro Homicide. 1 line/1 scene.
Well, look right here! It's our Ms. Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker) and she's looking pretty good for a lady that just took a bullet!
'Happy 4/20 from Weeds! Don't miss the premiere of the new season on Sunday, July 1st at 10PM ET/PT on Showtime.'
Kevin Nealon (SHO) WEEDS:
Q: Is Nancy really dead on Weeds?
TVGuide:
Let's take a look at the evidence, shall we?
The producers are casting for three very telling roles:
1) a paramedic who tries to keep Nancy talking while she's being rushed to the hospital;
2) a head surgeon who speaks calmly to the Botwin family; and
3) a hospital chaplain who confers with Andy. Is it time for Nancy to be read her last rites? Probably not! Come on, people; she's the star of the show!
There are still a few months left to wait for Showtime’s 30-minute dramedy series WEEDS to return for its eighth season, but in my time zone its officially 4/20 and so it seems perfect timing that a new teaser for Season 8 WEEDS was just released.
Sadly, the new WEEDs teaser does not offer any footage from Season 8, but it does give us a look at the cast dancing and smiling (with Nancy the notable exception--she looks angry then sticks her tongue out--impressively far!).
Mary-Louise Parker looks like her gorgeous self, not appearing until the almost-end, following the “Happy 4/20” message.
This is actually not the first teaser released by SHOWTIME for for WEEDS Season 8. The last promo released celebrated Nancy's "Wicked World." You can check that one out here.
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen and Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont in Episode 14 of Game of Thrones (HBO Sundays):
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #14 Preview VIDEO:
Tune in to the new season of "Game Of Thrones" every Sunday night at 9PM. For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/HpR8b1.
Lena Headey as Queen Regent Cersei Lannister and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Episode 14 (or 15) of Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO)
Aimee Richardson as Princess Myrcella in Episode 14 (or 15) of Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO):
Game of Thrones Episode: "Garden of Bones" Season 2, Episode 4 -
Original Air Date: Apr 22, 2012
Episode #14 Synopsis:
Tyrion steps in when Joffrey holds Sansa accountable for Robb Stark's recent decisive victory on the battlefield, though the ill-tempered king finds another target for his cruelty. Meanwhile, Arya and Gendry are imprisoned at Harrenhal, where they witness unspeakable acts of torture; Daenerys and the khalasar seek salvation at the prosperous city of Qarth; and Stannis calls on Davos' past as a smuggler to carry out a secret mission.
Guest Cast: Stephen Dillane: Stannis Baratheon Michael McElhatton: Roose Bolton Charles Dance: Tywin Lannister Natalie Dormer: Margaery Tyrell Carice van Houten: Melisandre Anthony Morris: The Tickler Nicholas Blane: Spice King Ian Beattie: Meryn Trant Gethin Anthony: Renly Baratheon Fintan McKeown: Amory Lorch Joe Dempsie: Gendry Eugene Simon: Lancel Lannister Gwendoline Christie: Brienne Liam Cunningham: Davos Seaworth Tony Way: Dontos Hollard Ian Whyte: Gregor Clegane Ian Hanmore: Pyat Pree (TVGuide.com)
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #13 VIDEO
Game Of Thrones Season 2: RECAP #13 VIDEO
Episode thirteen, entitled “What Is Dead May Never Die" BEST SCENES RECAP:
Best scenes in episode #13:
Who is the snitch?:
'In the book, this scene works well with Tyrion’s internal monologue counting off each of his offers but that obviously needed to be adapted for the visual medium of television.
What writer Bryan Cogman and director Alik Sakharov did, having Tyrion’s three offers all come in one scene with seamless cuts, was perfect and a wonderful example of taking a memorable sequence from the books and adapting it to screen while using the strengths of the visual medium to make it different, but just as good.'
Brienne of Tarth:
Not a disappointment
Though I'm relatively new to the world of a Game of Thrones, it became clear quickly when speaking of characters introduced in the second installment of the "A Song of Ice and Fire' series that 'Brienne of Tarth' (not 'Lady' Brienne, TYVM) is a fan favourite. The actor portraying her is Gwendoline Christie and at a height dwarfing many, she seems to physically suit the role terrifically and her personality seems spot on, too.
Yoren, we hardly knew ye:
Francis Magee did a really nice turn as Yoren, the 'wandering crow' who at season one's end shielded Arya from actually seeing her father's beheading and has kept her safe thus far under the pretext of collecting orphan boys as The Wall recruits. Arya was 'Arry' a' boy', but her and Yorn's luck especially, ran out when King Joffery's posse, sent in search of King Robert's bastard Gendry, stormed the gates of Yoren's haven with it's ragged band of boys. Yoren went down vastly outnumbered and fighting hard.
Theon Greyjoy is a Very Bad Boy:
Theon (the Ironborn) Greyjoy – Alfie Allen is making a memorable impression in season 2 with a compelling arc that paints a picture of the son that Balon Greyjoy handed over as a guarantee that he would war no more. Robb Stark has sent Theon into the lion's den to the Iron Islands to broker an alliance with Theon's father, Lord Balon Greyjoy and Allen is doing a doing a bang-up job showing the internal conflict of Theon’s character. I actually felt sorry for him this episode. And that baptism scene was perfect. “What is dead may never die, but rises again harder and stronger.”
Recapping this episode:
We spent a good while in King’s Landing, where Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) made three different offers in the hopes of uncovering Cersei’s snitch. Pycelle was ferreted both as Cersei's informant and as a traitor to the preceding King's Hands and so Tyrion ordered him thrown into the Black Cells.
In his role as both King's Hand and rule-breaker, Tyrion had the power to broker a set-up where the very bored and restless Shae became Sansa’s handmaiden. He also set Littlefinger to long lost almost love Lady Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) about releasing Jamie Lannister, and had a drink with Varys the Spider, giving Tyrion a lot of face time in this episode.
ALFIE ALLEN AS THEON GREYJOY in GAME OF THRONES Episode 13:
'Beyond the Wall, Craster kicked out the Night’s Watch and Mormont revealed to Jon Snow that he knows what Craster does with his sons. Before leaving, Sam gave Gilly a token and promised that he would return.
At Winterfell, Bran continues to have his wolf dreams. When he explains him to Luwin, the maester explains to him that magic no longer exists in the world. Big help he is.
On the Iron Islands, Balon revealed his plans to Theon; he plans to take the North by capturing and holding the Neck and eventually conquering or accepting the surrender of the remaining holdfasts and castles.
Theon contemplates warning Robb of this surprise attack, but decides to turn his back on his adopted family and align with his true family. This was a small, quiet but hugely emotional scene with vast likely consequences, of course.'
Renly and his camp of 100,000 strong are quite an impressive sight but are they all for show with little substance?
The conquering blue knight was revealed as Brienne of Tarth, a woman, and then appointed to Renly’s Kingsguard. Later that night, Renly tried to consummate his marriage with Margaery, but failed. Margaery has a highly prgmatic understanding of the importance of an heir and offers a threesome with her brother to help Renly get the job done. That was not in the book. So go HBO! Because you can. :)
Lastly, Arya has a heart-to-heart with Yoren before Amory Lorch and his band attacks. Arya saves Jaqen, while Yoren gets killed and the rest of the group gets captured. Lommy is killed and Arya, in a moment of exceptionally quick thinking, tells the Lannister soldiers that he was Gendry.
Q: What do you have on Ayra and Gendry or cutie Jon Snow on Game of Thrones?
A: How do we put this in a way that won't make you freak out for the next week? Hmm, we dont think there is one so we'll give it to you straight. Arya (Maisie Williams) and Gendry (Joe Dempsie) are in imminent danger. Gendry in particular will cross paths with someone who has a disgusting and horrifying way of getting answers. Let's just say this particular method of gaining information isn't in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Read more: http://www.eonline.com/news/watch_with_kristin Spoiler Chat Daily: Is Anybody Safe on Vampire Diaries? Plus, Glee, Game of Thrones and More!
AFTER THE JUMP: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Burning Of The 7 Gods - Game Of Thrones Season 2: Religions Of Westeros - Game Of Thrones Season 2: Anatomy Of A Scene: Tyrion - Game Of Thrones Season 2: The Story So Far (Episodes 11-13)
Maisie Williams in GAME OF THRONES season 2 (HBO) as Arya Stark/Arry /Nan:
GAMES OF THRONES Episode 13 Preview: 'What Is Dead May Never Die' Season 2, Episode Three Synopsis:
Tyrion finds Shae a job, and devises a clever ruse to ferret out a snitch at the Red Keep. Meanwhile, Jon Snow's compassion gets him and Mormont's crew in hot water at Craster's Keep, but Sam Tarly has a parting gift for Gilly; Catelyn pitches an alliance to Renly Baratheon in the Stormlands; Theon takes a bold stance to get back in his father's good graces; and Arya must think quickly when there's trouble on the road north. Original Air Date: Apr 15, 2012 Guest Cast Tom Wlaschiha: Jaqen H'ghar Conleth Hill: Varys James Cosmo: Jeor Mormont Gethin Anthony: Renly Baratheon Donald Sumpter: Maester Luwin John Bradley: Samwell Tarly Julian Glover: Grand Maester Pycelle Francis Magee: Yoren Robert Pugh: Craster Ron Donachie: Rodrick Cassel Sam Callis: Gold Cloak Hannah Murray: Gilly Patrick Malahide: Balon Greyjoy Sibel Kekilli: Shae Fintan McKeown: Amory Lorch Natalie Dormer: Margaery Tyrell Gwendoline Christie: Brienne Gemma Whelan: Yara Greyjoy Joe Dempsie: Gendry
Game of Thrones Season 2: Recap #12:
Episode 2.12 was very good but I must admit that Game Of Thrones the show is more enjoyable now that I'm reading the book(s). Often you just cannot convey a character's 'interior life' on the small screen and for me, having the book just makes the story better. So far, the 2nd book in the series, 'A Clash Of Kings' is a quick-moving, enjoyable read, too.
I bought the first book in the George R. R. Martin series, "A Song of Ice and Fire" series but realized having already watched A Game Of Thrones, season 1 on HBO that I was likely to make reading and viewing it more difficult for myself in regard to following the many threads of the storyline. Picking up the series, having watched the HBO GoT season 1 when it first aired, and now whilst watching season 2, reading is going really well thus far (only 150 pages in but moving a a good clip for me).
Peter Dinklage as 'Tyrion Lannister' in Game Of Thrones - Episode 12
Peter Dinklage as "Tyrion Lannister" and Jerome Flynn as 'Bronn" (Tyrion's sellsword):
Though I have not yet gone back and read of the particulars of the relationship of Tyrion and his sellsword, Bronn, I think a good job was done showing in season 1 that Bronn is a very good sellsword, Tyrion is accutely aware of this, as entrusting his life to Bronn would strongly imply. This season 2 scene established how the two seem to be seemlessly working in tandem, setting about clearing out the human detritus (in this case, the guy that chopped off Ned's head and was finacially rewarded with land and a seat on the smalll council for it) left in the wake of Ned Stark's murder (and the deaths of both the King Baratheon after the highly suspicious death of the King's Hand that preceeded Ned's. So I guess both Bronn and Tyrion ought to keep a very close watch on Tyrion's noggin.
Cersei (Lena Heady) makes clear to Tyrion that his very existence "is a joke," as her, Jaime's & Tyrion's mother died when she gave birth to Tyrion. Cersei clearly detests Tyrion and rumours of her conspiring to kill him off should be taken seriously. Obviously, King Joffery has paid close attention to mummy over the years.
I'm learning that _this_ smile from 'Tyrion' is covering up a vast amount of rage and, that whomever brought it on (Cersei, in this case) will be made to pay.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #12:
Take a look inside Episode #12 of "Game Of Thrones." For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/HpR8b1.
Here it is helpfully established for us that this Sookie and Alcide scene was was filmed last December. Why is Sookie always so snarky to him?! Is it because she only goes for the really bad boys?
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Sookie/Alcide VIDEO:
If you have HBOGO, you can “have another bite” by checking out an extended version of that scene that includes Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis.) EDIT/ This HBOGO True Blood season 5 sneak peek extendeds toLafayette's part of the convo in which he makes clear to Alcide that he (and Sookie) are done with all things supernatural to which Alcide growls and insists that he is throwing Sookie 'a lifeline' and he asks her 'please' to take it. She responds with, ' I can't.' Duh-duh-duhn.
Edie Falco as 'Jackie' and Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) as a drug buddy who dies while doing drugs with Jackie:
EDIT #2/So the opening episode was pretty great, right? Just the beginning! Here's a SPOILER about 2 characters for whom sharp eyes will draw a distinct connection!
'Nurse Jackie': Jackie wouldn't be Jackie if she put in her 28 days at rehab and it was smooth sailing from there. Of course she leaves early, and of course life conspires to make continued sobriety a difficult proposition. And, no, it's not a coincidence that her new boss and her new rehab buddy share the same last name -- on and off screen"
Synopsis: In the Season 4 premiere, big changes are afoot when Jackie, separated from Kevin, hits rock bottom and realizes she needs professional help, while All Saints is taken over by a corporation whose new director Mike Cruz (Bobby Cannavale) makes a shocking personnel change. Also, Kevin does not react well when he learns the truth about Jackie and Eddie, and O'Hara reveals a stunning secret.
Bobby Cannavale as Mike Cruz and Edie Falco as Jackie in "Nurse Jackie," Sundays on Showtime beginning April 8.
Nurse Jackie: 'Karma's a Bitch' Nurse Jackie Episode 4.01
Detail: 'Kettle Kettle Black Black' - As the fourth season opens, All Saints has been taken over by a multinational corporation and placed in the care of an innovative no-nonsense doctor who is revved up about making changes to the hospital and staff. Meanwhile, Kevin has moved to a new apartment, but is seeking to reconcile with Jackie. As for Jackie, she runs into problems when a guy she picked up has a heart attack in her home. Later, back at the hospital, Mrs. Akalitus is given an ultimatum by the new management.(SOURCE: TVGuide.com)
Update: There is a fourth GAME OF THRONES HBO video release, The Episode #11 recap with commentary embedded below.
HBO aired three more GAME OF THRONES promos On Sunday and Sunday evening, both before and after the season two premiere of Game of Thrones. One was a new trailer which incorporated some quotes from the plethora of warm n' fuzzy reviews of GoT season two, the other was a teaser -trailer of what is to come in this season, and the third a really cool one, 'So Many Vows' (featuring Jaimie Lannister and Catelyn Stark).
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Critics Spot:
Peter Dinklage as 'Tyrion Lannister' in Game of Thrones season 2 (HBO)
Screencaps from each of the embedded VIDEOS on this page:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Weeks Ahead Trailer :
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #11:
Game of Thrones - Inside Episode 2.01 - 'The North Remembers':
Go inside the season 2 premiere of "Game Of Thrones.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Recap #11:
Catch up on what you missed!
After the jump:
Game of Thrones - Season 2 - "So Many Vows" Trailer:
Spoilery Episode Descriptions: episodes 1 (#11) through 3 #13 (2.03):
Above: from True Blood Season 5: Clip Tease (HBO):
Deborah Ann Woll as vampire Jessica Hamby
True Blood Season 5: Clip Tease (HBO):
What did we learn? Um. Not a lot.
(Above) View screencaps from this season 5 True Blood clip for more detail:
NEW SEASON 5 CHARACTERS:
The woman who is kissing Eric in the clip tease appears to be Salome, daughter of Herodias. Valentina Cervi has been cast to portray her. Salome is a powerful, extremely intelligent ancient vampire and a world-class seductress who is also quite mad. Sounds like a fun vampire!
The woman with Bill and Eric at the 25-second mark is Nora, who will be played by Lucy Griffiths. She and Eric share the same maker, "Godric,' which makes her Eric's sister. Nora is a double agent within the Vampire Authority. She has joined True Blood as a series regular.
Christopher Heyerdahl is doing the voiceover in this clip. Heyerdahl will play Dieter Braun, an Authority interrogator.
Here's the text of the narration.
"We were created in the image of God, not humans, and their flesh will feed yours. May their blood flow inside you, like the beetle feeds on a lark, so humans will feed the vampires "<
Not much to go on here, though with the show more than 2 months off still I suppose we should be grateful to see many of the characters. Notably missing is 'Tara' played by Rutina Wesley, who at season 4's end had her brains blown all over Sookie's kitchen floor when Alcide's angry ex, Debbie Pelt, came gunning for Sookie and Tara intercepted the bullet.
For my part, I hate Rev. Steve Newlin and I don't care for the actor that portrays him. Tara is another part of True Blood that I wish could have been relegated to 'FoS' (friend of Sookie) in a marginal role (as in the book series). Actress Rutina Wesley stated after her character's 'death' at the end of season 4 that Tara would be back in season 5 as per Alan Ball. I've maintained that if so, she'll need to be a ghost, not a vampire (and ffs not a zombie!).
Above: Emmy Rossum as "Fiona" and Justin Chatwin as "Jimmy" in the SHAMELESS season 2 finale, 'Fiona interrupted'
Season 2 of SHAMELESS concludes tonight (so set those DVR's!). The Gallaghers and the people in their orbit have some tough choices to make as there are many diverse agendas on the table.
Very much like season 1's ending we have Fiona and Jimmy, the guy formerly known as "Steve," at a crossroads. Last season's almost-cliffhangar was will Fiona leave her family to be with Steve (on the lam)? That answer obviously, was "no." This season, Fiona again needs to make a choice about Steve, who has made his desires very clear to her. Despite his misadventures (getting married to the non-English-speaking daughter of a drug-kinpin to save his own hide, for starters) it seems that Jimmy could start fresh with our girl Fi. She now knows his real name--that's a good start. He's almost untangled from his Brazilan marriage/mistake. What, besides themselves, is left to keep them apart? My guess. Only Fiona herself. They've been apart for all of season 2, now. My want as a fan of the show is to give them a bit of time together in Season 3 even if it doesn't last. Otherwise, it seems like we've been building to something big only to drop it cold. Fingers crossed!
Shameless: 'Kidnapping' SNEAK PEEK VIDEO:
Karen calls the police on her mother and Jody.
Shameless: 'Lobotomy' SNEAK PEEK VIDEO:
Frank tries to convince Fiona that Monica is better off without her medicine.
Next on Episode 12: Frank schemes to break Monica out of psychiatric care:
When it comes to Frank Gallagher(William H. Macy), I don't think anyone should overestimate his ability to make things right. First, his idea of doing so is bizarro-world messed up--just like his life as a whole. Even if his intentions seem sound to him--to a halfway sane person they probably sound like quite the opposite. Will there be a good outcome for Frank and Monica and the kids? My feeling is an absolute 'no.' However, it seems a Gallagher trait to not take no for an answer so he'll probably give it the best effort he can muster. Hilarity/tragedy will then ensue.
SHAMELESS Synopsis 'Fiona Interrupted' Season 2, Episode 12:
Jimmy gets back into Fiona's good graces and decides to have her meet his family; Frank plots to free Monica from the psychiatric institution; and Jody and Sheila attempt to hide Karen's newborn in the second-season finale. Later, Ian runs into the guy he slept with; and the late Eddie's long-awaited insurance check arrives (TVGuide)
Aww. How can Fiona resist Jimmy's puppy dog face? (Above:) Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip'
Episode 12: 'Fiona Interrupted':
In the Season 2 finale, lonely Frank schemes to break Monica (CHLOE WEBB) out of the psychiatric facility; Jimmy earns his way back into Fiona's good graces and asks her to meet his family; Ian runs into Ned again; Eddie's insurance check arrives. (Showtime)
Jenna Elfman (above) in the season 2 finale of SHAMELESS:
The former Dharma & Greg star, for which Elfman won a Golden Globe, will appear in Sunday's season finale... Elfman will portray a fellow patient at the psychiatric facility where Monica (Chloe Webb), who attempted suicide in the penultimate episode, is being held.
Will she help Monica to see the light? We'll find out Sunday at 9/8c on Showtime.
Above: Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) has given her mother, Sheila (Joan Cusak) an ultimatum; Get rid of Karen's newborn baby or Karen herself will leave. I find it hard to fathom that the uber-compassionate Sheila would have the heart to pass off her grandchild. Karen OTOH, is the one forcing the issue; I would think even she knows in her heart of hearts that her mom would, if forced to, pick her helpless grandchild over her rebellious 17-year-old daughter. Should be an awesome scene. (I'm curious: Why does Lip look so shocked?)
SHAMELESS has been renewed for season 3 so be sure to keep an eye out for it on SHOWTIME in early 2013!
Shameless Episode 2.11: "Just Like the Pilgrims Intended" Synopsis:
Fiona's Thanksgiving plans get put on the back burner when Frank tries to get Monica out of bed and help her out of her depression. Meanwhile, Estefania and Marco's rocky reunion takes a turn for the better when Steve offers to surrender his identity so Marco can stay in the country and marry. Later, Karen goes into labor; and Debbie worries that depression may run in the Gallagher family. Original Air Date: Mar 25, 2012 Guest Cast Chloe Webb: Monica Joan Cusack: Sheila (SOURCE: TVGuide.com)
This week's episode of SHAMELESS looks pretty frantic, which I know for Shameless is par for the course but it contrasts very differently from last week's episode 10. I felt episode 10 was really sad on two points in particular which realistically underscored how being lower-income eliminates or greatly restrains choices that those of us of privilege (middle-class and above) don't even have to consider.
First, was Fiona's attempt to get her GED which was going fine until her GED teacher urged her to take business classes so she'd be sooner/better prepared to get a decent job, which just a couple months earlier had been offered to her at the club. Fiona sucked up her pride and went back to the club only to find they had nothing for her but she insisted she could do it and had a trial gig running a special event all lined up--until Monica disrupted the entire Gallagher household so much that Fiona was forced to drop it all and resume her role as 'caretaker of everyone'.
Though we've been focusing on Karen and Lip's baby situation it wasn't Karen, but the circumstances surrounding Ian's 'girlfriend' Mandy's pregnancy that came to the fore. Lip suspected that he (Lip) could have been the dad and Mandy's father was convinced that Ian, who is gay, did the deed and was intent on killing him. Just in the nick of time, Mandy short-circuited her father's murder attempt by telling him--again, she said--that the pregnancy was the result of his having sex with her. Turns out her dad blacks out, 'mistaking' her for her dead mother and has sex with her, not recalling anything of it afterwards. Both events were just really heart-rending, despite the funny that permeates every episode. What Ian did to help Mandy once he knew the truth was really sweetly touching as well.
So this week: SPOILER!!! Monica attempts suicide and Carl's shooting of a bald eagle gets mish-mashed in the preview to make it look like Monica shot herself. Also in episode 11, Frank is going to be shaking his brother down for some of Grammy's cash-out.
Only one more episode of SHAMELESS coming up in season 2 so stay tuned!
SYNOPSIS Shameless Episode 2.11 (Showtime) SPOILERS: It's a typical Gallagher nontraditional Thanksgiving that includes a suicide attempt by Monica, Carl shooting a bald eagle, and Karen going into labor; Steve agrees to allow Estefania's boyfriend to steal his identity; Ian sleeps with a businessman named Ned; Frank tries to get his share of his mother's money from his twin brother Clayton.
Shameless: Sleeping with Jody Sheila reveals her affair with Jody to Karen.
Shameless: Upstanding Citizen Fiona confronts Steve about sheltering Lip.
Emilia Clarke as 'Daenerys Targaryen' in GAME OF THRONES Season 2 (HBO)
When Game of Thrones premiered on HBO last season I sat down in front of the teevee for exactly three reasons--and none of them had anything to do with Games of Thrones.
Since I'd seen advertisements for the show whilst watching other HBO programming, I was aware that 2 actors I like were in GoT: Sean Bean (Ned Stark) and Lena Heady (Queen Cersei Lannister). But as much as I enjoy the two, they were not a compelling enough reason to watch the new series.
No, it was the fact that my 18-year-old son had read the entire book series up to that point and asked me if I'd planned to watch it as he was--that was the tipping point where I said, "What the heck" and cajoled his dad to join us as well. Despite this being a cable television show, I went on the assumption that the voracious reader that resides with us had never steered me wrong in his choice of book recommendations and wouldn't do so now with this book series adaption for TV (though he provided plenty of disclaimers that he had no idea if the show would be any good). Granted, I read but a fraction of what he does, but what I have read that he recommends is always well worth reading. Also, in the case of HBO's Game of Thrones--season 1, his having read the book series greatly enhanced the viewing experience for me as I could 'cheat' by asking him to clarify aspects of the show's characters, because as I stated then, I was 'never going to read the books'--I simply did not have the time.
I now know of some very specific events--as millions of "A Song of Ice and Fire" aficionados do, but I'm very short on details. Now, going forward into the fabulously successful series' season 2 I've decided to write about it and since I have a rule that if it's been written and then adapted for the screen (small or big) I have to read the source material, my copy of the first volume in the series is on it's way as I type this.
I'll be back with plenty more but for now I hope you'll have a look at the videos I've embedded wherein you'll enjoy 'a vivid and illuminating special that revisits the stunning events of Season 1, introduces the major players, and presents a tantalizing peek at Season 2.'
Also, I made almost 200 nice quality screencaps of the actors interviewed both in and out of costume. Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) is particualarly captivating and there's plenty of eye candy as well as insights offered up via Nikolaj Coster-Waldau who plays 'Jaime Lannister' as well as the swoon-inducing Kit Harington (Jon Snow).
Enjoy!
Game of Thrones: 'You Win or You Die' VIDEO:
Enter the world of the hit HBO series 'Game of Thrones' in this vivid and illuminating special that revisits the stunning events of Season 1, introduces the major players, and presents a tantalizing peek at Season 2.
Making Of Game Of Thrones: Season 2 - Weapons:
Making Of Game Of Thrones: Season 2 - Weapons Take an inside look at the weapons created for Game of Thrones Season 2. For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/gHfJPE.
From E! Online:
'A non-spoilery sophomore-season primer from creators and executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
"This season is largely about how [Ned Stark's] death leads to a series of events that ultimately culminate in a war, pulling all the different factions in this world into open-armed conflict with each other," says Weiss. "Almost every character is directly affected by the war in some way or another. Even Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), who are on far different corners of the world, feel the effects" after some characters lose their heads. (You could say the whole kingdom goes mad!) "I think fans of the show can expect to be surprised by some of what happens," says Weiss, adding that "we're taking approaches that might surprise [fans of the books] as well. A lot of the characters that George created are so rich and so wonderful that you often find yourself wondering what would happen if this one met that one…So there will definitely be some nice surprises [and] excitement for both longtime readers and newcomers to the material." Benioff points out,
"We're not looking at our series as a book-by-book adaptation so much as an adaptation of George's entire saga. In other words, in our minds season two is not A Clash of Kings [the series' second book]."
"It is the second season of our adaptation of [the entire saga], A Song of Ice and Fire."
With psychopathic kings, black magic, dragons and direwolves afoot, it's no wonder that Princess Arya learns much too young the meaning of the Valyrian phrase Valar morghulis: All men must die.
Though I was not at all sure last year that I'd like HBO's epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones which is based on George R.R. Martin's fantasy-book series, A Song Of Ice and Fire, I gave it a try because my teenage son had read the entire series up to that point and the HBO television adaption qualified as a show the family could watch together (he was age 18 at the time--with R-rated content, GoT is not a kid's show). Though it felt a bit sluggish at times in building momentum, by series' end I was fully engaged. Now, just 10 days prior to it's season 2 premiere on April 1 @ 9 p.m., I've made a choice to embrace the television series and may even attempt a dive into the books themselves. Helping me with this choice is Entertainment Weekly, that due to it's close kinship with HBO (they are both a division of Time Warner) has been granted some really nifty behind-the-scenes and spoilery access to the grand-in-scope endeavor. Proving that point are the scans I'm sharing here from the March 23 issue which I thoroughly enjoyed and I hope you will too. If the point to the photo-drenched article was to entice and excite I can vouch that it did the trick for me. Have a read and enjoy! (Be sure to click until the full article enlarges in the photo album below. You may have to zoom a bit on your end to see them full-sized.)
David Duchovny as 'Hank' stops bottom feeding with Charlie (Evan Handler) and comes up for air in CALIFORNICATION - Episode 5.10 'Perverts & Whores' tonight on Showtime @ 10:30 pm Eastern/9:30 pm Central.
CALIFORNICATION 'Perverts & Whores' Season 5, Episode 10 Synopsis:
After his falling-out with Charlie, Hank seeks new representation and signs on with a Hollywood heavy hitter, who immediately sets him up for a meeting with a legendary filmmaker. Meanwhile, Lizzie's big break arrives when producer Stu Beggs hands her a part in "Santa Monica Cop"; and a distraught Charlie seeks comfort with an old friend. (TVGuide)
Minus one agent and best friend, Hank crashes with his two favorite ladies, Karen and Becca. Looking for new representation, he meets with Hollywood power agent Larry Levine, who quickly sets a meeting with world-class filmmaker and Hank Moody idol Lars Manderhoff. It may be a match made in heaven when Lars surprises Hank with one of his favorite working girls, Trixie (guest star Judy Greer). Distraught over his personal losses, Charlie seeks comfort from Marcy while Lizzie enjoys her big break, a part in "Santa Monica Cop" courtesy of Stu. (Showtime)
Emmy Rossum as 'Fiona Gallagher' and Justin Chatwin as 'Steve' discuss his wife and the fact that he's 'not there yet' as far as Fiona is concerned about his having a chance to become a couple once again on SHAMELESS on Showtime, Sunday night.
Shameless: 'Free and Clear'
Steve reveals to Fiona that his wife is in love with another man.
Shameless: 'Fire Bombed'
Ian cleans up the store after it's trashed.
TVGuide Synopsis: With Monica around and pitching in, Fiona is able to devote more time to pursuing her GED and seek a promotion at the club; Steve learns Estefania is still in love with her ex-boyfriend, so he and Lip conspire to sneak her beau back into the country. Meanwhile, Ian is busy dodging a vengeful Terry Milkovich; and Lip ponders the possibility that he might be poppa to Mandy's impending arrival.
Next on SHAMELESS - Episode 10 'A Great Cause' (Showtime):
Fiona starts to plan for her future now that Monica is back but her reprieve may be short-lived as Monica falls apart, spends the squirrel fund and gets arrested; Steve conspires to reunite Estefania with her true love so that he can be with Fiona; Lip and Ian learn the true identity of Mandy's baby; Sheila takes in a homeless crack addict.
CALIFORNICATION - Episode 5.09 'At The Movies' on Showtime Sunday night:
Californication: 'No Means No'
Charlie asks Hank if he can be Tyler's manager.
Californication Episode: "At the Movies" Season 5, Episode 9 Episode Synopsis:
On the first day of production for screenwriter Hank's new movie, he's reunited with the director of his previous film in hopes they'll strike cinema gold again. Later, Hank has a friendly encounter with the film's leading lady, which an upset Samurai perceives as cutting in on his action. (TVGuide)
On the first day of production on Hank Moody's latest movie "Santa Monica Cop," Stu has brought back his "F--king and Punching" director in hopes of creating a cinematic masterpiece, but Hank's rendezvous with the film's leading lady puts his relationship with Sam in jeopardy. Luckily for Hank, Stu and the production's crew, Charlie has a backup plan. (Showtime)
Original Air Date: Mar 11, 2012
Guest Cast: Sarah Power Jonathan Kasdan Big Jim Calloway
Californication: 'Slay Dragons'
Charlie meets with Tyler (and they both do the thing they do).
David Duchovny as "Hank Moody" in Californication - Episode 5.09 'At The Movies':
Next on Episode 9 -
Hank's rendezvous with a leading lady puts his movie in jeopardy.
Louise Fletcher as 'Granny Gallagher' in SHAMELESS Episode 2.08 'Parenthood' (3/04):
It looks as if 'Granny Gallagher' is choosing the when and how of her exit in SHAMELESS episode 2.08. Louise Fletcher has done such an excellent job of portraying Frank's mother (of all mothers). I'm going to miss her, though I doubt Frank will. In other news, Lip (Jeremy Allen White), as mature as he can be at times, does not seem to be reasoning out the knocked-up Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) situaton, rather he's reacting strictly viscerally whilst she acts all unconcerned (with emphasis on the word 'acts'). She's just as mind-blown by the most recent turn of events as he is, she's just too emotionally closed off to show it. Or, maybe she is a sociopath like Grandma Gallagher, too!
Shameless: SNEAK PEEK - 'Dying is Bad'
Ian tries to warn Frank about Mickey's plan to kill him.
Shameless: SNEAK PEEK - 'Market for Babies'
Lip is upset by Karen's reaction to giving up their child.
SHAMELESS - Episode 2.08 'Parenthood':
With Grammy near death, Frank exits the house but walks in on Ian and Mickey locked in passion at the Kash and Grab; when Lip drops out of school, Fiona proposes a deal where they both earn their diplomas, but Lip acts out and gets himself expelled when he realizes that Karen plans to sell their baby to the highest bidder. (Showtime Synopsis)
Don't Forget!!!
DON'T FORGET: Shameless episode 5.08 'Parenthood' airs Sunday 03/04 @ 9:00 PM on Showtime, (not this Sunday, but next!)
TVGuide.com SPOILERS Extended Synopsis for SHAMELESS Episode 2.09 'Hurricane Monica':
Shameless Episode: "Hurricane Monica" Episode Synopsis - Air Date: Mar 11, 2012: Season 2, Episode 9 Monica blows back into town and immediately hooks up with Frank for more shenanigans, but the kids are left wondering if she's finally here to stay, and Frank is eager to pick up the ashes of his late mother and reclaim the cash he believes she's hidden. Meanwhile, after Fiona kicks out Lip, he kicks around with stops at Karen's and Steve's. Later, Sheila and Jody think the house is haunted by Eddie's ghost. Original Air Date: Mar 11, 2012
Guest Cast Joan Cusack: Sheila Dennis Cockrum: Terry Milkovich Chloe Webb: Monica Gallagher
Edie Falco and Anna Deavere Smith in Nurse Jackie Season 4
Edie Falco is back in her Emmy®-winning role with a bitingly funny new season of the Showtime Original Series, NURSE JACKIE. Out of excuses, out of tricks and out of control. The healing begins for Nurse Jackie April8th at 9PM ET/PT!
I haven't missed 'Nurse Jackie' as much as I've missed Edie Falco, Eve Best, Anna Deavere Smith and the rest of the stellar cast of the show. Also, I don't think it is unfair, as I noted in my last Nurse Jackie post, to say that season 3 ended in a slightly disappointing way.
But, by all accounts as you'll hear in the behind-the-scenes interviews with the core cast members, season 4 will differ quite markedly from the previous seasons. It's my guess that instead of a show about a drug-addicted nurse, Nurse Jackie will be more about a nurse struggling to conquer her addiction and achieve sobriety.
It is a testament to Edie Falco's deft acting skills that despite Jackie's acting in rather despicable ways to support her habit, we the audience still want to see her survive and thrive--to clean up her act.
I'm really looking forward to the season 4 premiere of Nurse Jackie on Showtime in just under 2 months--April 8th at 9PM ET/PT! Please check back here as I'll have more Nurse Jackie news (and probably some spoilers) as it becomes available and of course, I'll be covering Nurse Jackie week-to-week when the season gets underway.
This season the shift hits the fan. Get a sneak peek look at season 4 of Nurse Jackie. #KARMASABITCH
Hank Moody (David Duchovny) is a very sad clown. (Photo Credits: Showtime)
After last episode's showcasing of Karen's husband Richard's 'mangina' and, for extra added man-parts gross-out, Charlie's (Evan Handler) 'accidental' servicing by a tranny hooker, how could this week's Californication outdo itself? Tune in, you'll see!
When Samurai Apocalypse hits a lyrical roadblock with his protege, he calls on the best writer he knows: Hank Moody, who unites with Kali to imbibe, bear his soul, and write a song that takes Hank back in time to an era when he, Karen and Charlie were happier and life was simpler before "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love." But the present comes roaring back when Karen shows up at Hank's door, worried that she made a mistake.
'Becca' (Madeleine Martin)
Above: Hank and Karen (Natascha McElhone) in the early days. Below: Karen comes to Hank fearing she's made 'a mistake.'
Grammy Gallagher (Louise Fletcher) shows up on a medical furlough and tries to track down a former meth lab protege that owes her money; Sheila plans Karen's wedding reception; Fiona double dates with Steve and his Brazilian girlfriend, and discovers that Steve is married; Ethel reacts to Clyde's death; Frank discovers the identity of Eddie's insurance beneficiary. (Showtime)
(Tony's new girlfriend is ) 'Laotian, I think.' - Fiona to Steve (!)
Shameless: 'Double Date' SNEAK PEEK
Steve asks Fiona to go out on a double date.
Shameless: 'Interloper' SNEAK PEEK
Sheila gives a speech at Karen's wedding.
I had a hard time screencapping the sneak peek with Joan Cusak as "Sheila" giving a speech at daughter Karen's wedding only to be interrupted in the most profane way by Frank's mother, because I was laughing so hard. "Grammy' (Louise Fletcher) is an uninvited guest or 'interloper' as Sheila yells at her which leaves Grammy is utterly unfazed. She uses a few bleep-inducing, choice words and then whips out her gun and aims for Sheila. Sheila, perhaps to her credit, does not back down one bit but dares Grammy' to bring it. One of the funniest scenes ever in Shameless and that is truly high praise. I love these two veteran actresses duking it out. So well written!
'My parents suck, too.' Fiona to Frank.
Have you ever wondered how Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) became TV's most vile, deadbeat dad? Well, you know what they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Coming up on Showtime's 'Shameless,'" Grammy Gallagher (Louise Fletcher) is paying her son Frank a visit, straight out of jail, and she's bringing a whole lot of crazy with her.
"Grammy is going to end up mano a mano at Sheila's (Joan Cusack), on Sheila's couch, so that will be interesting," star Emmy Rossum told HuffPost TV. "When we meet Grammy, we finally understand why Frank is the way he is, especially Fiona. Grammy is Frank to the Nth degree. She's even worse. She's scheming, and when she comes back, the first thing she does when she gets out of jail, on medical furlough, is open up a meth lab in our basement, and she has Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) running it. Fiona is obviously not pleased about that." (cont. after video)
Shameless: 'Grammy's Back' Behind the scenes (Interviews) The cast of Shameless talks about the return of Frank's mother, Peggy Gallagher.
(cont.)
But could Grammy's meth lab lead to a violent encounter for the Gallaghers? "[Grammy] pulls a gun on Sheila," said Rossum. "It's pretty awesome. We love guns this year. Sadly, no guns for FiFi."
Lip (Jeremy Allen White) will also have his fair share of Grammy to deal with, especially when she insults his manhood.
"[Frank is] forced to bathe his mother, and Lip comes in to use the toilet," White told HuffPost TV in January, describing his favorite scene with Grammy. "It's strange because the family is so close in that way, but then Grammy makes fun of Lip. She's like, 'Wow, that's such a tiny pecker. Do you have sex with girls with that thing?' And then Lip comes back and says something funny. Then, Frank comes in and says, 'Yeah, it's so tiny!' It's just this weird, vicious cycle of family cruelty that doesn't stop."
However, Grammy isn't the only estranged Gallagher to return for Season 2. Monica Gallagher (Chloe Webb), Frank's ex-wife and the mother of the boisterous Gallagher brood, will also also return later in the season. It looks like she's cleaned up her act and she's hoping for forgiveness from Fiona.
"Monica, the mother, comes back, and she's seemingly really healthy all of the sudden," revealed Rossum. "She seems to be back on her meds, and Fiona is going to give her another shot, so we'll see how that goes."
'You like those odds?!' - Fiona (Emmy Rossum) to brother 'Lip' (Jeremy Allen White) about the very poor chance that Lip is not Karen's baby-daddy.
Watch the sneak peek clip of the shot above. It's a really good scene where Fiona, clearly anxious to talk to 'Lip' about his recently revealed possible paternity of the baby that the now-engaged-to-'Jody,' Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) is carrying.
Lip is clearly not dealing with the news that Karen is pregnant. He found out after trying to get her betrothed, Jody, to cheat on her. Karen found out and confronted Lip, kicking him in the 'nads, sending him to the ground and then kicking him in the side repeatedly whilst disclosing her delicate condition to Lip and the audience in/around the Gallagher pool. Nice.
This episode looks like big fun too as what might be a moment not-quite-revealed about someone who had essentially, been missing since last season--and I don't mean 'Eddie.'
Frank tries to claim Eddie's insurance benefits and pension, despite being a prime suspect in his death; Fiona attends a ritzy wedding with Richard and lies about her background; Lip is devastated by Karen's rejection; Carl rents Frank's room to a hooker. (Source: Showtime)
"Mistress Veronica"
Veronica suspects that Kevin is having an affair.
Next on Episode 5 Frank tries to claim Eddie's benefits; Fiona lies about her past.
'Lip' to 'Fiona' on the potential paternity of Karen's fetus: ...'Could've been the guy on Wolcott with the lazy eye and the Mustang...'
'Showtime has picked up "Shameless, 'House of Lies" and "Californication" for new seasons, the network announced Wednesday:
"Californication" will return for a sixth season, "Shameless" for a third and "House of Lies" for a second. Production on the shows will begin later this year in Los Angeles.
"Shameless," an hour-long dramedy from John Wells, has watched its ratings grow in its sophomore season. It recently exceeded the viewership of the series debut of HBO's "Luck" -- with 1.4 million viewers to "Luck's" 1.1 million viewers. "House of Lies," which airs after "Shameless" on Sundays and stars Don Cheadle, had a strong premiere by the cable network's standards, with more than 1 million viewers, and has built on that as the season has progressed.
Veteran "Californication" is averaging 3 million viewers across all platforms (On Demand, replays and DVR), according to the network.'
David Duchovny and Natalie Zea in Californication - Episode 5.04
Last week's Californication included an homage to 80's-style public hair by (who else?) master perv, Charlie (Evan Handler), Becca's scumbag boyfriend admitting to her that he is in Hank's words, a 'little man-whore', after Hank had prompted the guy by twisting his broken finger then finishing with a threat to 'open a can of whoop-ass on his...ass.''
Finally, though Hank lingered longer than intended in L.A. and was hot to catch his plane back to NYC, finding Becca mourning her lost love prompted him to promise to stay until she didn't need him to (read: foreseeable future).
Californication Season 5, Episode 4 - 'Waiting for the Miracle' Episode 5.04 Synopsis (Showtime):
Hank gets a surprise visit from ex-girlfriend Carrie, and when Karen and Becca surprise Hank with an invite to a dinner party, he's compelled to invite her. And frank sex talk among Marcy, Stu and Bates at the event has some guests heading for the exits. Meanwhile, Charlie has a blind date with a woman who lacks experience in the sex department.
Original Air Date: Jan 29, 2012
Guest Cast Gillian Vigman: Mary Jason Beghe: Richard Bates Natalie Zea: Carrie Pamela S. Adlon: Marcy
Californication: 'Surprise'
Hank's ex from NYC surprises him in Los Angeles.
Californication: 'Hollywood Style'
Hank and his ex attend a dinner party at Karen's house.
Next on Episode 4
Hank reluctantly invites his ex-girlfriend Carrie to a dinner party.
Emmy Rossum as Fiona Gallagher is chased by spurned wife, Lucy Jo Heisner (Brit Morgan)
Seems a very handy thing indeed that 'Fiona' (Emmy Rossum) was 'almost' a track star in high school (she had to drop out to care for her siblings, natch) because she will put those running skills to the test when ambushed--in her own home!--by an intent-on-blood, Lucy Jo Heisner (Brit Morgan). Fiona, you'll recall, had an unrequited high school crush on 'Craig Heiser' which was just requited in the back seat of Craig's car, a virtual low-rent kiddyland of toys, baby seat and (ew!) old juice boxes and uneaten food. To make it worse, Craig makes odd noises when having sex so the whole experince grossed Fiona out. Very doubtful that she'd planned on going back to that well again. Try telling that to the bat-wielding 'Lucy Jo', though.
Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip Gallagher' (Credit: Showtime)
SNEAK PEEK: Shameless - Possible New Client - Fiona deals with the consequences of sleeping with Craig when his angry wife shows up at the door:
SNEAK PEEK: Shameless - 'Copy That' - Lip invites Jody to the Alibi Room:
SHAMELESS EPISODE 2.04 - 'A Beautiful Mess' (Showtime Extended Synopsis):
Fiona deals with the consequences of sleeping with Craig when his angry wife shows up at the door; Debbie develops a stress-rash and Fiona wonders if she's putting too much responsibility on the kids; Sheila has made it all the way to the hair salon and Frank realizes his days in the Jackson household are numbered; no longer having sex with Karen, Lip tries to dig up dirt on Jody; Ian continues on the path to West Point; Carl house-sits with his friend, Little Hank; Ethel meets Malik, a boy on Kevin's youth basketball team.
William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher in Showtime's Shameless - Episode 2.04
Is Emmy Rossum ever not completely adorable and fun? She seems so at ease in her own skin. My guess is that she is in really high demand for photoshoots like this one with Zooey Magazine where they pulled out all the stops in showing the many sides of Emmy. This video is a terrific behind-the-scenes record of some of what goes into being a cover girl. Bonus: Emmy's little dog 'Cinnamon' wanders in and out of the frame several times.
Emmy Rossum's Glamorous Zooey Magazine Outtakes:
Offering up a behind-the-scenes look, Emmy Rossum is featured in just-released outtakes from her cover gig with the January 2012 issue of Zooey. The 25-year-old actress strapped on a $2,000 Mandalay dress for the magazine's front page shot, which was taken by renowned photographer Derek Wood.
Emmy Rossum plays Fiona Gallagher on "Shameless," the oldest child in the rambunctious Gallagher clan. And although her character's only 21 years-old, because her dad Frank is alcoholic and her mother's gone, taking care of her 5 brothers and sisters (and father) is her responsibility.
There was only one problem with the role for Rossum: in real-life, she's an only child. She told "CBS This Morning" (weekdays, 7 a.m. EST on CBS) about the creative way "Shameless" producers got her some experience taking care of kids. "The producers kind of gave me $80, and were like, 'Here's a mini-van, take all of these kids to putt-putt. Feed them, change them, deal with them. And also deal with Bill Macy. So it was that kind of idea and I kind of got thrown into it pretty quickly," Rossum remembered.
That mini-golf outing wasn't the only quality time the cast spends together off-set. Rossum told Gayle King that they get together at Bill Macy's house for Sunday night dinners and "Shameless" watching. "We'll all watch together, and if the kids are there, we'll cover their eyes during the naked naughty bits. We're a cable show, so we have to do that," she joked. Clearly, the mini-golf paid off.
I'm totally jazzed that Shameless is back on, aren't you? What's that you say, you have not started watching season 2 of Shameless?! Well, if you are reading this in January 2012, you only need scroll down to the bottom of this blog and you'll be able to view Shameless season 2, episode 1 (for a limited time, edited for naughty language and bits).
We subscribe to Showtime in our household as they have great shows throughout the year. Shameless has quickly become my favorite comedy on any television station. I think both the sneak peeks below for episode 2 of Shameless which airs on Sunday, January 15 are excellent examples of why the show is so awesome. In the Shameless: 'Quality Father Daughter Time' video (below), Emmy Rossum as 'Fiona' and William C. Macy as deadbeat drunk dad 'Frank Gallagher' spar over yet another of Frank's brain-dead schemes to make cash any way but legitimately.
SCREENCAPS for SHAMELESS episode 2 and beyond:
SHAMELESS Synopsis Episode 2: Summer Loving:
As Sheila conquers her agoraphobia, a worried Frank finds a new financial plan in fellow bar patron Dottie, whose declining health and city pension make her an ideal match; Fiona juggles her job, the kids and her burgeoning love life, and Jasmine tries to help by setting up Fiona with a sugar daddy; Veronica takes some old folks from the home on an excursion; Lip worries about Karen's growing relationship with Jody; Ian tries to land a recently released Mickey a job at the Kash and Grab; Debbie wants her own room; Carl moves into the van.
Shameless: 'Quality Father Daughter Time' (VIDEO) Published on Jan 9, 2012 by SHOWTIME Fiona scolds Frank about the Gallagher's new roommate.
Joan Cusak as "Sheila' in Shameless, Sunday nights at 8c/9e on Showtime.
Sheila (Joan Cusak) makes it farther and farther away from home. Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) reminds Frank (William H. Macy) that soon her mom will get to meet all of Frank's friends at the bar.
Why Emmy Rossum Wanted to Be on Shameless
What the Shameless Kids Have in Common:
Actor Jeremy Allen White, who plays Phillip "Lip" Gallagher on Showtime's hit series Shameless, reveals that he's the only Gallagher child with a sibling in real life—none of the other children have brothers and sisters! Emmy Rossum, who stars as Fiona, explains why she thinks that's one of the reasons the cast is so close.
Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip" in Shameless on Showtime
Does William H. Macy mentor his castmates? What's it like for Emmy Rossum to play a not-so-glamorous character? The stars of Showtime's hit series Shameless answer burning questions from some of their biggest fans. Plus, watch an impromptu musical performance from Laura Slade Wiggins.
Rosie's Favorite Shameless Character:
A die-hard fan of Shameless asks Rosie who her favorite character is on the Showtime hit series. It's a hard choice for Rosie, who says that "every character is perfect," but she shares which one she likes the most and why.
The cast of Showtime's Shameless on the Rosie Show:
Working it, Shameless style
Shameless: This Year's Crop
Kevin (Steve Howey) shows Lip (Jeremy White) his grow house which will be shut down unless he finds $9000 to pay the electric bill.
Scroll down for full SHOWTIME FREE Preview Weekend Schedule!:
SHAMELESS: Episode 2.01 Synopsis - "Summertime':
- In the Season 2 premiere, despite her breakup with Steve, Fiona tends bar at a local hotspot with Veronica, hangs out with a successful young business executive, and enjoys her youth; Debbie runs a daycare with Carl; Ian takes over at the Kash and Grab when Kash leaves town; Lip runs a Little League book and helps Kev out with their annual ice cream/pot truck; despite Eddie's disappearance, Sheila takes small steps to finally leave the house; Frank loses a bet and surrenders Liam as collateral.
I've included all the new 2012 SHAMELESS character mashups VIDEOS:
Watch 'em here on the blog or you can click thru to the Shameless channel on YouTube or see my Shameless Season 2 player (below):
One thing we can be pretty certain about when trying to discern if the newest sneak peek shots are from Shameless season 1 or season 2 is by what the characters are wearing, specifically winter vs. summer-in-Chicago attire. Season 2 = summer clothes is how it goes. In Fiona's case tho', since she wears next to nothing for clubbing and at other times to better showcase Emmy Rossum's hotness, it is not a sure-fire way to judge. With 'Debbie' and 'Carl's' cases they are noticeably older and those scenes seem new anyway as they are defo summertime in Chicago, not winter.
Shameless: Fiona Gallagher Mashup
Get a glimpse of some of Fiona's most shameless moments.
Shameless: Lip Gallagher Mashup
Get a glimpse of some of Lip's most shameless moments.
Shameless: Frank Gallagher Mashup
Frank Gallagher is father, teacher and captain of the Gallagher ship. Get a glimpse of some of his most shameless moments.
Next on DEXTER Episode 12: 'This Is The Way The World Ends' SYNOPSIS:
In the Season 6 finale, Dexter and Homicide race against a lunar eclipse to catch the Doomsday Killers before their final gruesome act; Debra struggles with a new emotional reality.
Update/
Season 6, Episode 12
Episode Synopsis: In the sixth-season finale, Dexter and Homicide try to stop the Doomsday Killers from committing one final murder, while Debra deals with a new emotional situation. Original Air Date: Dec 18, 2011
Guest Cast: Mos as 'Brother Sam'
DEXTER SNEAK PEEK: 'He Just Left'
Travis kidnaps Harrison.
DEXTER Season 6 Finale SPOILERS and SPECULATION:
When we first see Dexter, he’s floating in the middle of the ocean, desperately clinging to the debris of the rowboat. Although we know that Dexter will survive, there’s a helpless desperation that we haven’t seen in him for some time. He’s resigned himself to the fact that he’s going to die and finds it ironically fitting that his body will vanish into the sea without a trace. His deepest fear and regret isn’t death itself, but that he will never see Harrison grow up and become a man. It’s a great start to the episode.
If there’s any doubt that Jennifer Carpenter is this season’s MVP, then just check out the excellent performance on display here. If she gets any kind of award consideration this year, guaranteed her highlight clip will be pulled from this episode.
Colin Hanks goes out on a fairly strong note. If you’re a Hanks hater, nothing will change your mind here, but he looks worn down and weathered in a few scenes achieving the right amount of menace. It’s hard to remember him as the somewhat sympathetic man-child killer (and that’s a compliment). If you’ve enjoyed Season 6 so far, then Episode 12 is a nice capper on the continuing adventures of Dexter Morgan.
On the other hand…
If you’re looking for a “ties up all the loose ends/ advances the plot” finale, then Episode 12 might disappoint. Almost... Some plot details remain a mystery, some end with a general shrug, and others with a convenient “resolution”. If you’ve had issues over Dexter’s easy escapes and convenient logic, then there’s more ammo to fuel the fire here.
Here’s your final hints n’ teases:
Good impressionist, Masuka, he is.
Travis checks the mail
“Oh God”
But here’s one more important teaser…
...the sound of a major bombshell going off in the final minute of the episode.
Everything I’ve written above won’t matter come Monday morning, because THIS is the final impression that will be burned into your brain over the next 9 months. Bring on Season 7!
We've come to expect penultimate episodes of 'Dexter' seasons to be heart-pounding and intense, but the second-to-last episode of Season 6 raised the stakes of serial-killing suspense.
In 'Talk to the Hand,' Dexter thwarted a poison gas attack aimed at Miami Metro and lost a showdown with Travis that ended with him set out to sea, surrounded by a ring of fire. It also opened a Pandora's box of step-sibling sexual tension when Deb's therapist suggested that Deb might be in love with Dexter.
To help bring some perspective to such a dizzying episode, AOL TV has an interview-cap with Dexter Morgan himself, Michael C. Hall. We discussed tonight's episode, the developments of Season 6 and where 'Dexter' may be headed in its final two seasons. Hall offered his thoughts on the Wormwood attack, the Gellar twist, and the new, strange wrinkle in his complex relationship with Jennifer Carpenter. Read on for the interview.
A lot of wild things happened in this episode, but the most interesting was the introduction of some weird, incestuous sexual tension between Deb and Dexter. So your TV step-sister who may have feelings for your character also happens to be your real-life ex-wife. Are the writers just trying to mess with you at this point?
Hall: Absolutely. [Laughs] But not without our blessing. Jennifer and I were aware that the story was moving in this direction. We laugh about it, we shake our heads ... but you know, in as much as there are inevitable parallels, we're both very professional and committed to telling this story.
(Hall, cont.) And frankly, whatever's happened with Jennifer and me and our relationship's evolution notwithstanding, Dexter in the first episode says, "If I could ever have feelings for anyone, I'd have them for Deb." I think those two characters have been on some kind of collision course from the get-go.
Dexter seemed almost like a super-hero in this episode, thwarting the Wormwood attack and then miraculously surviving the ring of fire at the end. He often seems indestructible. Do you ever worry that the lack of realism can hurt the storytelling?
I honestly feel that from the beginning, there is undeniably, just if you look at the logistics, there is a fantastical element to the world of the show and this guy's abilities. It's not a show that's based on a graphic novel or a comic book, but it feels like it is.
Ya know, on set, we are very much aware of the logistical or literal implausibility of so many of the things that happen on the show, but I think there is a suspension of disbelief that is required of our audience.
You look at the end of the first season ... he subdues the Ice Truck Killer, and gets him back into the Ice Truck Killer's room that's like, part of an active crime scene, and slashes his throat? It's all absurd really, but there's some sort of serendipitousness or fantastical coincidence ... I've suggested in other interviews that while we don't see it, Dexter definitely has the power of flight and can turn himself into smoke. ...
Is Dexter a strong swimmer?
Hall: I mean, come on. Yeah. He better be. Or he better luck into something. I'll tell you this much ... that San Pedro water is not warm. It was pretty cold. It was hard to pretend I was in Miami. My teeth might have been chattering a take or two. Hopefully they can cut around it.
After the Gellar twist, fans have now moved on to wondering about Louis Greene. People are wondering if he's connected to the Ice Truck Killer. My own theory is that he's used his own algorithmic powers to isolate Dexter as the Bay Harbor butcher.
Hall: That's indeed a possibility. He's a formidable guy given his access and expertise. It seems pretty clear that he's somewhat obsessed with Dexter in a way that is ... potentially problematic. ...
That gets you wondering about how messed up psychologically Dexter actually is. You know, in addition to being a sociopath.
Hall: Yeah. That was kind of a magical moment when we get to see Dexter in that basement watching Travis talk to the imaginary Gellar while having a conversation over his shoulder with his imaginary father. He's nuts, man.
Damian Lewis as Sgt. Brody in Showtime's HOMELAND season finale (Sunday)
Episode 12: 'Marine One'
Synopsis: While Carrie is near-catatonic and confined to bed, Saul investigates the unsettling implications of her timeline; Walker secures a perch for his mission; Brody makes his final preparations for the Vice President's policy summit at the State Department. (via SHO)
Homeland - SHO_Homeland Sundays @ 10 p.m.
One of the year’s best reviewed new shows, Showtime’s intoxicating thriller Homeland—which stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis—has proven to be an audience favorite as well. Launching to 1.1 million total viewers, the premiere ranks as Showtime’s best-rated drama premiere since 2003’s supernatural drama Dead Like Me, which, coincidentally, also starred Mandy Patinkin. (Once all platforms were factored in, that number soared to 2.8 million.) The pay cable channel has already renewed Homeland for a second season, and can expect to find it on many best of 2011 lists going into end of the year. With aging hits like Dexter and Weeds moving toward their endgames, Homeland—one of the first new pieces of programming to come out of Showtime’s new entertainment president David Nevins’ development—seems poised to be a valuable player for the network for several years to come. SOURCE:Fall TV - Winner and Losers
by Jace Lacob---probably consistantly my favourite television /pop-culture critic on the web.
Having watched HOMELAND from the first episode and seen it build strength as a compelling twisty-turny thriller, I'm not surprised by both the audience and critical positive reaction that have come from it.
I do believe that both Mandy Patinkin as "Saul," 'Carrie Mathison's' (Claire Danes) mentor, and Danes herself will be up for Emmys come awards time. Probably a couple of Golden Globe noms in there too, for various aspects of this excellent new Showtime offering.
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.
Cameron Monaghan as Ian Gallagher, Emma Kenney as Debbie Gallagher, Jeremy Allen White as Lip Gallagher, Ethan Cutkosky as Carl Gallagher, Laura Slade Wiggins as Karen, and William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher in Shameless (Season 2, episode 1) - Photo: Cliff Lipson/SHOWTIME
Showrime's Shameless returns Sunday January 6 at 9ET/PT with Episode 2.01 - 'Summertime':
I think we have finally hit a good countdown point for Shameless. Just a month and a day and we'll be both past the holidays and ready to party with the Gallaghers.
If you watched last season you may recall there were a number of'cicumstances' that arouse in the course of the episode leading to a tense last few minutes for several characters.
Fiona (EMMY ROSSUM) in particular has (for the immediate future) lost Steve (JUSTIN CHATWIN) with whom things had been sailing along fine as far as she knew tho' kid sister Deb, (EMMA KENNEY) was on to him. "Jimmy',' it turns out hails from the North Shore (lakefront) area of of Chicago and comes from a wealthy family who is as unaware of Fiona as she is of them. Jimmy's car thieving has caught up with him and he's fled the country.
Much more, obviously, is happening character by character, so in the run-up I should be able to skip back an get freshly up-to-date with where we left off last March(!). I'm thinking a Shameless marathon on Showtime would really suit me.
This season promises Fiona and Vi (SHANOLA HANPTON) working as cocktail waitresses and Fiona's newish bi-leaning gf, Jasmine (AMY SMART)getting very physical in the rather 'stirring' new advert for SHAMELESS, 'Shamelessly Sexy.'
Shameless: Single Ladies Dance - Lip's Truth or Dare
Lip accepts the dare to learn the Single Ladies dance
SHAMELESS Season 2 SPOILERS:
Q: Shameless scoop, please!
A: At least two of these will happen in the next season. (The other is something I totally made up.) Someone will spend some time in the psych ward, one of the kids will ride an alpaca, and one of the boys gets kicked out of the house. Guess away!
12.02.11 UPDATE: DEXTER"S 8th Season to be it's Last:
Michael C. Hall in DEXTER Episode 6.10 - 'Ricochet Rabbit' (SHO):
Next on Dexter Season 6 Episode 10 - Ricochet Rabbit:
Dexter tries to figure out the Doomsday Killers' next victim before it's too late after learning the truth about Gellar; Debra has a panic attack reaction at a crime scene, which leads her to the realization that she leans too heavily on her brother.
DEXTER season 6 is getting some really sour feedback from critics and audiences alike.
The latest EW magazine opines that season 5 was 'weak' and Season 6 is 'weaker.'
The complaints are being fired mostly at the 'DDK' (Doomsday Killer--not really even a great acronym made from that) storyline. The consensus seems to be 'fire the writers,' which is unsurprising as the actors on Dexter continue to be of the caliber that they usually are but the season 6 storyline has not been able to engage viewers ala season 4's 'Trinity Killer' storyline (which I think besides DEXTER season 1, will be the standard to which all seasons will be held). Possibly, the return of Dexter's bio-brother (in Harry form) was the biggest let-down as anticipation for his return began at the end of season 1.
What could have further plumbed the depths of Dexter's psyche ended up more as a jokey, pseudo-Thelma and Louise one-off episode. Dexter never seemed in danger of slipping into an extended bout of Rudy-like behaviour and therein lay the problem. And then *poof* Rudy was gone. That was a wasted opportunity, if there ever was one.
I'm a from-day-one 'Dexter' fan as I followed Michael C. Hall from Six Feet Under to this and I believe he never disappoints. I would have ranked it as my favourite show until this season (though it is by no means 'bad' nor do I wish to stop watching it).
In addition to being the star of Dexter, Hall, as you see in the credits is an executive producer (EP) of the show. I think he needs to step in and step it up for seasons 7 -8. ( Showtime has announced two more seasons of Dexter have been approved.)
I did like the DDK twist of this past week. Now I want to see what they are going to do with it. I have high hopes as I'd like to see season 6 end without giving anyone (including me) more reason to carp about the show.
'Gellar's Paintings' - Deb, Batista and Mike discover DDK's hideout.
'You Killed Me' - Travis discovers the truth about Gellar
Update #2 (12.03.11) SPOILERS:
EW DEXTER SCOOP (12.02.11)
Though plans could still change, SHOWTIME entertainment president David Nevins tells EW the working assumption is indeed that 'Dexter' will conclude in the eighth season. Moreover, the creative endgame starts sooner than you think — the remaining episodes of the current sixth season will set into motion events that will resonate through the remainder of the series. “Coming back for two more years gives us clarity about how and when it will go out,” Nevins said at Showtime’s annual holiday party in Los Angeles on Thursday night. “There’s things that are going to happen [this season] that will set up a very clear endgame that will take two seasons to tell. You have got to be there for the last two episodes.”
Homeland | Speaking of top-notch cable dramas, the Dec. 18 freshman finale of Showtime’s spy thriller will play host to a showdown between its two leading ladies, Claire Danes and Morena Baccarin, who thus far have been traveling in rather separate circles. “We have a fantastic confrontation,” Morena Baccarin told me. “After Jessica puts it together who Carrie is, they have this sort of face-off.” Pressed for further details, all Baccarin would add is, “It takes place at my house, and it is intense.” My question: Does “who Carrie is” mean “CIA spook trying to finger my husband for treason,” “harlot who bedded him,” or a bit of both?
Claire Danes as CIA spook Carrie Mathison in Homeland on Showtime CREDIT: Showtime
HOMELAND Update! (12.02.11) SPOILER:
Q: What can you tell me about Brody’s plan?
A: This week’s episode, titled “Representative Brody,” doesn’t particularly give us too many more clues about any secret plot he might have going because everything about his future is seemingly out on the table — as you might have surmised from the title of the episode. The problem is Jessica has to be on board before Brody makes any leap, and let’s just say she’s less than thrilled about the idea.
Bonus dish: The end of the hour will find Carrie (Claire Danes) in a hospital bed after a horrible and incredibly terrifying incident.
It's anyone's guess as to the final destination of Showtimes' freshman offering, 'HOMELAND.' Homeland had garnered good numbers both in the general positive assessment by critics to the show as well as ratings acclaim.
I'm really curious to see if the Sgt. Brody storyline is wrapped up this season with a new CIA-based story kicking off in season 2. I've been getting the impression that the showrunners feel that they can get 2 season out of the current schedule of a season 2 pick-up--so I guess I'll just wait to find out Homelands' season 2 narrative like most everyone else.
Speaking of HOMELAND'S narrative, season one's has been one roller-coaster of a ride--and the cast is kicking ass, too. It is really good to have Claire Danes back on television. She's still great. And Mandy Patinkin is perfectly cast. I love when he has some extended scenes with plenty of dialog. He makes it look utterly effortless. And he's has such a soothing-sounding voice, no matter what he's saying.
HOMELAND Episode 1.09 - 'Crossfire' Promo VIDEO:
After his attempt to sever ties with Abu Nazir, Brody finds himself reliving his captivity and recommits to his mission; Carrie finds herself in the middle of a public relations nightmare on the heels of the mosque shooting.
If you thought terrorism was Abu Nazir’s only motive for keeping Brody alive in captivity, think again. The revelation about what Brody was up to all those years comes out in this Sunday’s episode — and it’s a shocker. (Hint: It gives him one hell of a motive for possibly turning against his country.)
Episode 6.07 of Showtime's HOMELAND was truly riveting.I don't think it's an exaggeration to call it a 'game-changer.' And then a set-up for the next episode, 6.08 - 'Achilles Heel', with possibly yet another plot twist that is just as big. My TV-watching partner quit on this show, I think because the story wasn't unraveling fast enough for him. With a story like this, a certain degree of patience and I'll say it, sophistication is required to fully enjoy it.
Some of us seem to want the equivalent of 'fast-food' TV but like many things in life, taking it slowly can result in a big payoff.
HOMELAND Episode 1.08 - 'Achilles Heel' Promo VIDEO (HD)
A: This Sunday, all eyes — and phone traces, and street cameras — are on a new target as the CIA attempts to capture Brody’s presumed-dead pal, Tom Walker. But by the end of the hour, we’ll learn Walker and Brody have something — or someone — else in common. Translation: Don’t be so quick to remove Brody from the list of suspects.
HOMELAND Episode 1.07 - 'The Weekend' - Damian Lewis as Sgt. Brody and Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in HOMELAND on SHO right after DEXTER on Sundays:
Homeland 1.07 - "The Weekend" Promo (HD) The relationship between Carrie and Brody becomes complicated.
Also, Brody's his best friend, 'Mike', (the guy who took super-good care of Brody's wife) is 'NOT (his) friend <facepunch>, not (his) friend <facepunch>.'
Looks like more hanky-panky goin' on between Carrie and Brody for sure and possibly Jess (Morena Baccarin) and Mike (Diego Klattenhof) will give into their carnal desires, too. What a mess. A hot mess.
Next on Episode 6 Grammy Gallagher visits; Frank learns who Eddie's beneficiary is.
