As casting of TRUE BLOOD season 5 progresses it is becoming ever-more apparent that the ancient ruling body, The Vampire Authority, will be part of a story arc that spans much of the season.
The most recent addition to the cast comprising TRUE BLOOD'S Vampire Authority is it's first child: Jacob Hopkins has been cast as 'Alexander Drew', an Authority chancellor who became vampire at the tender age of 9 (which I'm sure 'Eric' would appreciate), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Also guest-starring in TRUE BLOOD Season 5:
Christopher Meloni...
Carolyn Hennesy...
...and Peter Mensah(!)
True Blood returns for it's 5th season on HBO this June, 2012. Stayed tuned for a precise premiere date.
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.'
David Duchovny as Hank Moody in 'Californication' on Showtime:
Next on CALIFORNICATON Episode 5 PROMO:
Hank and Charlie go on a ride-along with the Santa Monica police department.
(What could go wrong?)
David Duchovny, Evan Handler and RZA in Californicaton Episode 5.05 (SHO) 2012
CALIFORNICATON - Episode 5: The Ride-Along (Synopsis):
Charlie's boyhood dream is realized and Hank's worst nightmare comes true when Samurai Apocalypse invites the boys on a ride-along with the Santa Monica Police Department and takes them on a joyride that goes sexually awry for Charlie; Richard hits the bottle at a crowded Venice restaurant but Hank and the boys arrive to save the day for Karen and Becca, and Tyler realizes he's seen Sam somewhere before.
Californication Episode 5.05, 'The Ride-Along' Sneek Peeks:
TRUE BLOOD, Episode #505, "Boot N' Rally Ally" Director: Michael Lehmann Writer: Angela Robinson Start Date: 2/10/12 Location: L.A.
[SCRAWNY MAN (JIMMY)] In his 30s, very skinny, babbling in terror, he's found in a padded cell. RECURRING
[KATE] Late 20s-early 30s. Skinny, unconscious, Kate is one of the prisoners with the Scrawny Man in the padded cell. No lines in this episode, RECURRING
[KATHY] 20s. This pretty brunette fangbanger is more friendly than slutty. 4 lines, 2 scenes (10)
[BEVERLY] This plump, good-natured family friend of Luna's has been babysitting for Emma while Emma is out with Sam. CO-STAR
[BURLY VAMPIRE] This burly vampire at the bar asks for a Tru-Blood. CO-STAR
----------------------------------
TRUE BLOOD, Episode #506 Director: Dan Attias Writer: Alan Ball Start Date Approx. 2/29 Location: L.A.
[VIVIAN] Female, Caucasian, early 20s to late 20s. She is radiantly beautiful and British. RECURRING
Yes, its true --True Blood is heralding the return this summer of the (former) king (of Mississippi, Russell Edgington) played by Denis O'Hare.
The first teaser for the HBO drama’s upcoming fifth season warns, “In Bon Temps, Nothing Stays Buried Forever,” a reference to the exhumation of Russell Edgington in the Season 4 finale--and possibly a reference to the 'closing' of the land of the Fae a/k/a Faeryland. Despite Sookie's faery godmother's untimely demise in season 4 at the fangs of mindwipe!Eric as reported earlier, Claudine's twin 'Claude' shall make an appearance in Bon Temps, too!
THR has this to say about the True Blood season 5 tease:
But as themes go in True Blood, they seem to apply to everyone. So, what things can yet still be uncovered next season?
Other than Russell’s return, here are four more suggestions as to what won't stay buried on Season 5:
2. Sookie’s (Anna Paquin) fairy friends and family. We know there’s always more to learn about the waitress’s past. The news that fairy Claude returns for next season (recast with actor Giles Matthey), and he must have a reason for coming back.
3. What’s Terry’s war buddy up to? Patrick (Scott Foley) first appeared in the Season 4 finale and we know he recurs next season. What does he know and why did he pop back up in to Terry’s (Todd Lowe) life now?
4. As mentioned, The Vampire Authority is staffing up. Last season, we saw the vampire politics go haywire in Bon Temps and its surrounding towns, but we know the show is casting ancient vampires aplenty. And they’ll probably want to regain the control their underlings have lost.
5. Werewolves out for blood. Marcus’ (Dan Buran) violent demise last season may carry some consequences. We hear the series has cast as his bereaved--or vengeance-seeking (or both) mom with My Name Is Earl’s Dale Dickey. What could she want?
Giles Matthey will play "Claude' inseason 5v True BLOOD
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.
Kristen Bauer van Straten as vampire 'Pam de Beaufort' in True Blood (HBO)
For the next few months, if you stay current on the casting calls and newly-cast members you'll have a good chance at getting a rough sketch of what some of TRUE BLOOD Season 5 will look like. So far, the biggest casting coup has been that of one Mr. Chris Meloni.
Casting however, is ongoing along with the rest of the season 5 True Blood production so between now and True Blood's June 2012 season 5 debut, I'll gather up the latest scoopage (and spoilers!) and periodically share with you. I'm not wild about blaring trumpets announcing casting calls for expendable extras (for example) so I'll hold on to that stuff to include with posts like this one with news worthy of you sinking your fangs into.
Kristen TRUE BLOOD SCOOP - January 23, 2012:
Anything more on True Blood? Fact: We love us a good flashback, but we love 'em even more when they answer questions that we've been pondering for years. In episode four we're finally going to learn what happened to Terry (Todd Lowe) back in '03 when he was serving in Iraq—and believe us when we say it's going to be intense.
Newcomer Giles Matthey has landed the multi-episode role of a hot and mysterious British faery. One report has him catching Jessica’s attention, but that’s not confirmed. 'Claude' was previously played (briefly) by Neil Hopkins (LOST) on the show.
In the books, Claude is described as “the nephew of Sookie’s half-human/half-faery grandfather, 'Fintan', and cousin to Sookie’s father … He makes an impact on all women and is described as being absolutely breathtaking … He started out as a stripper at Hooligans, a club in Monroe, which he later becomes owner of, and has branched out to print and runway modeling … Women usually say “wow” when they see him, but his interest is men.”
There has been speculation that this season Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten), Eric Northman’s (Alexander Skarsgård) 'child' and confidante, will have her origin story explored.
Alan Ball, creator and lead writer on the True Blood team is looking for a diverse roster of new cast members. A 'non-threatening man in his 30s' and a prostitute named 'Washcloth Helen' are among the casting calls. Both of these characters will be introduced during a flashback to a San Francisco brothel in 1905. The date is significant because 1905 is supposedly the year when Eric maid Pam vampire if you are following the books. The True Blood scribes have previously changed the story so the 'book fact' that Pam actually turns in London doesn't at all mean that TV Pam will do the same.
It's no secret that the legions of Pam fans have been clamouring for her backstory (we've witnessed both Bill and Eric's being turned) and it's also no secret that a) vampires don't age and b) human actors do. So doing the math, yes, season 5 would be a very good time to enjoy the story of how Pam voluntarily(!) became a vampire.
1 | Janina Gavankar revealed that “a major thing happens to Luna early in the season, and it’s going to change her life forever.”
2 | The cast learned that Chris Meloni was Bon Temps-bound last month at a table read, news that elicited “gasps” throughout the room, recalled Gavankar. “We’re so excited to have him.”
3 | Alcide’s days of playing Mr. Nice Guy are over. “As you saw at the end of Season 4, he’s not taking anyone’s s— anymore,” said the man-beast’s portrayer, Joe Manganiello. “Now you’re going to see an Alcide who’s going to slam you up against the wall and do his thing. Who doesn’t like being slammed up against the wall, right?” Asked to clarify his use of the word “slam” — i.e. is it a euphemism for, ahem, another s-word — Manganiello cracked a devilish smile and replied, “It could be a fun slam. And it could be an angry slam. You never know?” He then reminded us that, “Alcide is single.”
4 | The latest True Blood script Manganiello read contains “some really fun [Alcide-Sookie] stuff,” he revealed. “Stuff that makes you really nervous… I’m watching my words really carefully.”
5 | Ryan Kwanten hinted that Jason may have bitten off more than he could chew with regard to his romance with Jessica. “As you know, anyone who gets involved with Jason better have her wits about her,” he said. “But I think in this case, it’s Jason who better watch out. The tables have finally turned.”
6 | Where do you go after spending half of Season 4 being raped by a werepanther? “Even that can be topped,” teased Kwanten. “Jason was very lucky to survive; he was down for the count. He has a desire to life. I admire that in a man.”
Christopher Heyerdahl, who plays an ancient vampire in the Twilight Saga movies, will now play one in another screen adaptation of a popular book series, this time on TV. Heyerdahl is joining HBO’s hit vampire drama True Blood in a recurring role. He will portray 'Dieter Braun', an ancient, powerful vampire who plays a large part in the intelligence of the Authority and especially enjoys enhanced interrogation. That is familiar territory for Sanctuary alum Heyerdahl who played the ancient Volturi vampire Marcus in 3 of the Twilight movies: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and the upcoming Part 2. Additionally, he played a demon in an arc on the CW’s Supernatural. Heyerdahl... currently co-stars on the AMC drama series Hell On Wheels, playing Norwegian badass The Swede. The period Western was recently renewed for a second season.
[TODD JEFFRIES] Seen in flashback to Iraq in 2003, this U.S. Marine joins his squad (which includes Patrick and Terry) on a trip to a small village, where their plans to party and wreak a little havoc go tragically awry. 5 lines, 1 scene (26).
[JEMARCUS KESSLER] Seen in flashback to Iraq in 2003, this Marine Lance Corporal is traveling into a town with his squad (which includes Patrick and Terry) and is preparing for a night of partying and mischief-which goes tragically awry. 7 lines, 1 scene (26).
[IRAQI BOY] YOUNG LOOKING ARAB 18 YEAR OLD. Seen in a flashback to 2003, this Iraqi boy whose village is being blown up by American soldiers speaks out in Arabic to the soldiers. 2 lines in Arabic, 1 scene (28) MUST SPEAK ARABIC OR BE FAMILIAR WITH IT.
[IRAQI MAN] Seen in a flashback to 2003, this Iraqi man whose village is being attacked by American Marines as a lark speaks out in grief and rage after they murder a 12 year old Iraqi boy. 1 line in Arabic, 1 scene (29) MUST SPEAK ARABIC OR BE FAMILIAR WITH IT.
[IRAQI WOMAN] Mother of the Iraqi boy seen in a flashback to 2003, wails with grief. Recurs in episode 505. [Non speaking in episode #504, recurs with lines in episode #505] (29) MUST SPEAK ARABIC.
[ANGELA, LILIANNE, DELILAH] These three impossibly gorgeous, flirtatious, charming women in cocktail dresses greet Judge Clements (an old customer) and Jason and Andy as they take them on a limo ride to a mysterious destination where they find a sensual party in an exclusive club. 4 lines, 2 scenes; 3 lines, 2 scenes; 3 lines, 2 scenes respectively (35).
[LEDA] This radiant, beautiful woman with just a hint of sadness in her face is in the exclusive club. She beckons to Jason and freaks him out a bit by seeming to know a bit too much about him. 6 lines 2 scenes (43). [DANCER] FEMALE, SCANTILY CLAD. This beautiful dancer in a very exclusive, secret nightclub recognizes Judge Clements and goes off with him. 1 line, 1 scene (43).
[MELANIE] 20s, this female fangbanger goes with Pam to entice a young vampire to feed on her. 2 lines, 1 scene (49).
Next on Episode 2 - Hank meets with director Peter Berg and discovers a surprise connection.
Meagan Good as 'Kali' in Californication Episode 5.02:
Californication - Episode 5.02 - 'The Way Of The Fist' - Promo - Sneak Peeks - Full Synopsis:
Hank passes on writing Samurai Apocalypse's new movie but Sam won't take no for an answer and drags Hank to a meeting with director Peter Berg, where they discover that Hank and Peter have shared more than just a love of the written word. Sam takes it on himself to get rid of Tyler, which makes things worse between Hank and Becca. Co-parents Charlie, Marcy and Stu have their hands full when Little Stuart exposes himself to a preschool classmate, and Charlie takes it upon himself to mend fences with the offended girl's attractive mother. (Showtime)
Californication - The Runkles have a parent teacher meeting
Hank drops by Samurai Apocalypse's home and bumps into Kali.
'I do hate hip-hop, but that's not why.' - Hank to 'Sam' as to why he doesn't want to write his screenplay
If the number of views (on YouTube) of the sneak peeks for tonight's Californication are any indication, the show seems to be as popular as ever. One good reason for this is that Californication has a great tradition of impressive guests stars and this season is no exception. I'm looking forward tonight to seeing Peter Berg who seems (to his great credit) to have found a great deal of work behind the cameras directing in the past decade.
Judging by last week's season 5 premiere, David Duchovny as "Hank Moody' doesn't seem to have let his almost 3-year stint in prison slow him down from getting back into life in the fast lane.
The torching of his New York apartment by a 'jilted' ex-lover seems to be an extra impetus to 'go west,' beyond both an interest in the beautiful, enigmatic 'Kali' (Meghan Good) and an offer from superstar hip-hop mogul 'Samurai Apocalypse' (RZA) to write a screenplay. The confluence of these situations, along with his concern for daughter 'Becca' (Madeleine Martin) and her choice of male companions, plus his seemingly inexhaustible interest in Becca's mom & ex flame 'Karen' (Natascha McElhone), makes it a sure bet that Hank is back to stay in Southern California--the setting that best captures the essence of Hank Moody.
My take on the new casting is that (tiptoes out on limb) "Claude" with the British accent is 'Claudette' the faery's twin brother. He may have ditched Faeryland when Sookie and Earl did or there may still be a passageway from the human to the world of the Fae. I don't think True Blood is done with the faerys as the show's lead is one and there's a lot of story potential there whether or not they follow the books.
My second observation is that bringing Debbie Pelt's parents into the mix could mean big trouble for Sookie. Again, it won't have to be by the book--but why not? That particular thread of the story worked out really well.
TRUE BLOOD Se.ason 5 Casting News - Episode 5.03 - 'Whatever I Am, You Made Me' - Casting Call:
[LINDSEY] In her 20s, attractive in a small town kind of way, she’s fixing a flat tire in a narrow country road when a vampire comes upon her. 1 speech & 3 lines, 1 scene. Co-star.
[MOLLY] In her 20s, bubbly, with a retro Bettie Page/Suicide Girl vibe, “cute as a button if buttons had fangs,” she works for the Vampire Authority and outfits two prisoners with complicated deadly devices. Visible tattoos a plus. One-day guest star. Possible recurring.
[MISS JILL STEELER] In her 40s, an ex-teacher, recently divorced and back in town, “she used to be beautiful, now she looks like an attractive, pleasantly plump housewife.” Guest star. This role contains topless nudity.
[BARBARA PELT] In her 50s, a kindly, well-dressed woman, she is Debbie’s (Brit Morgan) mother who is anxiously searching for her missing daughter. She and her husband, Gordon, confront Alcide. Guest star.
[GORDON PELT] In his 50s, a kindly, well-dressed man, he is Debbie’s (Brit Morgan) father who is anxiously searching for his missing daughter. He doesn’t appreciate Alcide speaking ill of Debbie. Guest star.
[DOROTHY] Seen in flashback to 1905, this pretty young prostitute has been glamored and is being drained by two vampires when another vampire saves her. 1 line, 1 scene. This role requires nudity.
[TRACY] In her 20s to 30s, heavily made-up, hair-sprayed and spray-tanned, she owns a small town clothing store and talks trash about Jason to Jessica. One-day guest star.
[CLAUDE] Early 20s. Very attractive, omni-sexual guy (with and without a shirt) A mysterious young man who speaks with a British accent and catches Jessica’s attention and curiosity. Recurring. Must have a British accent.
Director: David Petrarca Writer: Raelle Tucker Start Date: Approx. January 12 Location: L.A.
True Blood | Remember Alcide’s crazy ex, Debbie Pelt? Well she’s about to be crazy with family. The HBO drama is in the process of casting the not-so-dearly departed’s mom and dad, Barbara and Gordon, who will hit Bon Temps loaded with questions bout their “missing” little girl. Though both ‘rents are described as “kindly,” Gordon will be riled up and grow defensive soon enough when Alcide speaks ill of the dead. Er, of the “missing.
SOURCE: Matt's TVLine - ”Matt's Inside Line on Castle Bombshells, Secret Circle, True Blood, OLTL Finale, Revenge & More
Despite Hank Moody's proclivity for sexual encounters with young ladies his daughter's age and his inability to indulge in a relationship any more complicated than a hook-up, he is indeed back for more.
Though he may have gone away to the big house for 3 years to serve his sentence for child molestation, Hank appears on the brink of either a precipice for his final hurdle over or...could it be--a comeback?
Remember to check out the SHOWTIME Free Preview of CALIFORNICATION - Watch for free during the SHOWTIME Free Preview Weekend from Jan 6th-8th -- right here!
(Nov 22, 2011)
Californication – SEASON 5 Synopsis: Premiere: Sunday, January 8th at 10:30 PM ET/PT
Californication stars David Duchovny in his Golden Globe®-winning role as hedonistic novelist Hank Moody who struggles to raise his teenage daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin), while still carrying a torch for his ex-girlfriend Karen (Natascha McElhone).
The new season will answer questions from last season’s cliff-hanging season finale, including whether Hank, Karen and Becca will finally be able to live together as a family, if Charlie (Evan Handler) and Marcy’s (Pamela Adlon) new baby will help reunite the now-divorced couple and, especially, to where, exactly, Hank was driving off into the sunset. Music icon, producer, actor and director RZA (American Gangster, Derailed) will guest star in multiple episodes as Samurai Apocalypse, an extreme-living, mega-rich hip-hop mogul who hires Hank to write a screenplay for his hot new film property. Sultry film and television siren Meagan Good (“The Game,” Jumping the Broom) guest stars as Kali, a smoking hot singer who is Samurai Apocalypse’s protégé, but who also sparks a flame in Hank. Californication is created by Tom Kapinos with Kapinos and Duchovny serving as executive producers.
And CALIFORNICATION's latest behind-the-scenes video provides an in-depth look at the upcoming season as well as input from the cast: http://youtu.be/Bb4xaL6LsbA
I really like the True Blood - season 5's new cast thus far, both the female (below) and the (alpha) male (above). Chris Meloni is pretty awesome playing awesome so he ought to be quite enjoyable to take in on screen with the rest of the True Blood crew. Another flavour of male. Yum.
I'm anxious too to see Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and a female not Sookie have some heated discussion--which no doubt his sister, 'Nora' plyaed by Lucy Griffiths (below) and he will do.
This would be a good season for True Blood to surprise people with it's regained momentum. Adding Meloni is a very positive step in that direction.
I am looking forward to bringing Denis O'Hare as Russell Edgington too, back into this mix as the True Blood Season 4-ender all-but-spelled out (previously hinted at, after the finale his return was verified in the press). Right now, he's doing a glorious job on American Horror Story on FX as a murderous, treacherous, brain-cancer-addled, love crazy, serious burn victim.
An HBO spokesperson confirmsthat Chris Meloni is joining True Blood as a series regular for Season 5!
Executive producer Alan Ball, True Blood's creator, first shared the news with TVLine. Ball describes Meloni’s role as 'an ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands.'
Ever since the news broke that Meloni was negotiating for a role, fans have suspected he may be part of 'The Vampire Authority', the council which rules over all vampires and gives its royalty their power.
Meloni recently left Law & Order: SVU after 12 seasons on the show. This casting represents a homecoming for the actor after starring in the HBO series, Oz, from 1998-2003. He has also starred on several other series, including NYPD Blue. He appears in the next Superman movie, Man of Steel, due out in 2013
Dec 2011 Update: True Blood season 5 Episode Title - Episode 5.02 - 'Authority Always Wins'
------
A fresh pile of crazy is making tracks for Bon Temps.
Italian actress Valentina Cervi is joining True Blood‘s upcoming fifth season as a series regular —
The 35-year-old beauty will play Salome, an ancient vampire who is a world class seductress and fiercely intelligent. She also has quite a lot of madness in her. She is the most powerful person in every way yet capable of hiding this power when it serves her purposes.
True Blood Small Season 5 Premiere Spoiler:
The season-five premiere of True Blood will have a flashback to Sookie's (Anna Paquin) childhood, and we get to see her use her powers in a deliciously evil way to embarrass a couple of playground bullies. What did they do to piss her off? They don't pick her for their kickball team!
Lucy Griffiths will play Eric Northman's sister who has a 'higher calling'--to The Authority in True Blood - Season 5. Griffiths has been cast as 'Nora,' at several centuries old, very much Eric's junior--yet Bill's senior.
British actress Lucy Griffiths is coming to America in a big way.
The 25-year-old stunner — best known for her role as the ill-fated 'Marian' in the BBC drama Robin Hood — is joining True Blood‘s Season 5 cast as a series regular.
Griffiths will play 'Nora', 'Eric'’s (Alexander Skarsgård) centuries-old vampire “sister” (they were both progenies of Godric) who is working as a double agent within The Vampire Authority.
Described as 'intelligent, intimidating, cool under pressure and a very good liar, Nora loves Eric deeply, but has dedicated her life to a higher purpose.' (SPOILER: Serving 'The Authority.')
True Blood‘s fifth season starts production later this year ahead of a Summer 2012 premiere.
The character is to be featured in True Blood Season 5
The fifth season of True Blood promises to be a hairy one — the show is hunting for actors to play werewolves galore, including one who sounds suspiciously like he could be Alcide’s father!
The lycanthrope in question, J.D., is said to be a hard-bodied fiftysomething who isn’t likely to share a water bowl with the new pack leader anytime soon. And since 1) that sounds a lot like Alcide to begin with, 2) his pop features prominently in Charlaine Harris’ fifth Sookie novel, and 3) our resident werehunk was last seen being growled at by an unidentified wolf… well, you can do the math!
EDIT/ Wait! Wasn't it Sam (Sam Trammell) not Alcide (played by Joe Manganiello) who came upon a none-too-friendly-looking wolf in True Blood's season 4 finale?/End EDIT
My picks to play the part? Maybe Andy Garcia? Mitch Pileggi, who just took another recurring role in the Dallas reboot… or what about Mr. Intensity himself, Vincent D’Onofrio?
EDIT/ I'd like to see Ron Perlman get the part.
We’ll also be meeting: former pack leader Marcus’ mother Annie as well as a hot young she-wolf named Rikki who’s determined to sniff out the deceased’s fate;
EDIT/"Marcus,' who was killed by Sam and Alcide was in his thirties. His mom will probably be in the age range of Alcide's dad (see above). It's possible that "Rikki' will be the late Marcus' sister.
...a couple of beta dogs charged with interrogating someone (my guess? Sam);
EDIT/ This is quite possible and is more in line with the snarling wolf that was facing off with Sam when last we saw him.
'Holly’s teenage sons, Rocky and Wade'
EDIT/ I actually have come to like Holly or more correctly, the actress Lauren Bowles who plays her. Bringing in her sons sounds to me like Holly will continue to get some decent face time-- which makes me happy.
"... a corrupt judge (aren’t they all?); a humorless vamp named Cat (to… balance out the canine/feline ratio?); and a couple of sexy spoilers for Jason and Jessica’s romance.
Add all that to what we already knew — that Salome*** (yes, the Salome) will feature prominently in the season, and so will Eric’s vamp sis, Nora — and it’s obvious that we’re in for another jam-packed season."
I am super-curious to see 'who' True Blood will cast in the role of Eric's maker's other sire, Nora. She's got to be someone who is going to get on Eric's last nerve.
Now that I've read the description of Salome, it should be a hoot to see who lands that role, too.
***Christian traditions depict her as an icon of dangerous female seductiveness, for instance depicting as erotic her dance mentioned in the New Testament (in some later transformations further iconised to the dance of the seven veils), or concentrate on her lighthearted and cold foolishness that, according to the gospels, led to John the Baptist's death.
A new ramification was added by Oscar Wilde, who in his play Salome portrayed her as something of a femme fatale. This last interpretation, made even more memorable by Richard Strauss's opera based on Wilde, is not consistent with Josephus's account; according to the Romanized Jewish historian, she lived long enough to marry twice and raise several children. Few literary accounts elaborate the biographical data given by Josephus.
The Season 5 Premiere of True Blood will be called "Turn! Turn! Turn!" Filming starts at the end of November, 2012.
Pretty amazing to think that True Blood season 5 news has begun begin trickling in (out?) the month following the Season 4 finale!
Kathryn Stanley as Salome (1926, photo by Edwin Hesser)
“Thou rejectedest me. Thou didst speak evil words against me. Thou didst bear thyself toward me as to a harlot, to me, Salome, daughter of Herodias, Princess of Judaea!
Well, I still live, but thou art dead, and thy head belongs to me.”
Somewhere between the beginning of season 4 of HBO's True Blood and now--True Blood lost me:
I still find many of it's characters compelling but a significant number over the last two seasons were not remotelyso. They include the deceased 'Tommy Mickens', shapeshifter and brother to the owner of the local 'Cheers'-type-establishment Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell). Let's not forgettheir trailer park-stereotype parents (mom was a shifter, dad just an abusive drunk) were mercifully were given little screen time i season 4 and better, were swiftly killed off.
Anytime they were onscreen I was drifting off:
Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwantan) and Crystal, the werepanther and the entire 'Hot Shot' storyline. It seems that the producers of True Blood figured out in Season 3 to not take this cringe-worthy story much further so they didn't. Unfortunately, they dropped the story like a hot potato at the very beginning of season 4 after a big season 3 build-up so it felt very abrupt. Literally, it felt dropped--though the ultimate goal was met quickly which served the story despite it's other flaws.
They did the same to the "Fae' storyline, pretty much. The audience was not really receptive to the faery godmother thing and the rest so--poof! Gone. (And, they killed off Claudine, those bastards! She was so cool in the books.)
The witches' invasion was OK. Certainly casting Fiona Shaw in the lead was a good choice but the outcome of the witches' Bon Temps takeover was so that Eric would lose his memory and embark with a clean slate, in an affair with Sookie Stackhouse. Beyond that, did anyone really fear Marnie/Antonia or care all that much except for Eric getting his memory back?
And that is probably NOT the worst of it about things not-great in season 4. After so much hype about Sookie and Eric the romance just went pfft. Though I thought it impossible, beyond flirtation Alexander Skarsgård and Anna Paquin don't have the chemistry that makes for a believably hot, intense romance. I don't know why--or maybe that is exactly why but their lovemaking scenes never came near the hotness of some of the 'Sookie and Bill in love'-action.
Finally, they still haven't figured out what to do with poor Tara (Rutina Wesley). The season-ender of True Blood had Tara getting her brains literally blown out.
Too bad this scene (above) never happened. It looks like it has potential.
EDIT/Oh yeah. This too. The reconciled werewolf couple Debbie Pelt and Alcide Herveaux. Except when Joe Manganiello as Alcide has his shirt off, this was another wasted effort that show a complete lack of...IDK, caring? on the writer's part. It made no sense whatsoever that Debbie attempt to murder Sookie as she and Alcide have not even made it beyond hugging. Just the same, true to form Debbie tried to kill Sookie in her own house only his time she got both herself and Tara shot. (Tara's brains spattered so far that if she comes back as anything but a ghost I may-- though I almost never threaten this--I may say to hell with the show.)
Tara's (Rutina Wesley) brains in True Blood - Season 4 Episode 12
Sookie (Anna Paquin) reacting to Tara's sacrifice, screams for help (guess who will respond first? The list is ever-growing).
So where will the series pick up next season? Right after this moment? Would you feel cheated if it didn't pick up on this moment if somehow Tara still 'exists?' I think I would.
Vampires have feelings, too:
Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) shown with 'Ginger' (Tara Buck) is as upset as we've seen her, again for the same reason--her maker, Eric. This time in disgust (and still bedding Sookie) he ordered her away after she disobeyed a direct order (and said screw the safety of the humans, essentially). But he and Sookie (and Bill) are kaput so I'm thinking it will be easier for Eric and Pam to resume their very smooth relationship as boss and the boss's 2nd in command. Let's hope so!
Despite my numerous quibbles I am curious about season 5 True Blood so read on about some of the first tidbits of True Blood Season 5 info. spilling forth as the TB writers 'break' season 5.
So far, we have had official confirmation--as well as duh! the big hole where Russell Edgington used to be in episode 12, that Denis O'Harewill return to season 5 True Blood as the former King of Mississippi. I'm sure his story of escape will be intriguing. I'm guessing one of Russell's other 'progeny' finally found him(?) due to the signal of 'maker in trouble' getting through--but truly, I have no idea.
True Blood Season 5 NEW Character Announcement and Descriptions:
As the producers promised, True Blood is introducing several new characters in season 5 — and EW got the early word on two of the roles.
Creator Alan Ball and his team of scribes have put out a casting call for someone to play Nora, a beautiful and intelligent 25-to-35 something who plays a double agent within the Vampire Authority. What’s even better than that? She’s got a big history with Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) because she too is a progeny of Godric(!). Nora will be a series regular role that may (or may not) involve a little nudity...
Meanwhile, Co-Executive Producer Raelle Tucker told EW that they’ll include a “very significant, strong, mysterious woman at the center of one of our main stories next year … a very familiar and compelling character. It may be someone you’ve heard of before.” Especially if you’ve read the Bible: The True Blood team also put out the call for someone to play Salome, as in THE Salome, daughter of Herodias.
She’s a powerful ancient vampire (hmm, don’t remember that part from the New Testament) and a world-class seductress who’s also a little mad. So she’ll fit right into Bon Temps.
During the Season 5 finale of “Dexter” (and, yes, there are spoilers ahead), Julia Stiles’ avenging (ahem) angel Lumen walked away from her partner in crime, leaving the show and our favorite serial killer’s heart in tatters.
No, Dexter didn’t take the breakup well. Neither did Stiles. We talked to the actress, a freshly minted Emmy nominee, who snagged a nod for her seasonlong guest spot on the Showtime series, while she waited for a flight at LAX.
AT: So … Lumen breaking up with Dexter caught you off guard?
J.S.: I was very surprised. I thought everything we had been building toward over the course of the season -- the trust and connection between Lumen and Dexter -- was just thrown away. I had a hard time understanding that. Their vigilante justice was so romantic in a perverse way.
'Lumen', played by Emmy-nomintaed Julia Stiles's ending on Dexter Season 5 felt sudden and weird.
It was said to be done ultimately if not especially deftly, to to serve the Dexter character in season 7. I felt though that time was wasted and talent squandered, especially if Stiles were willing to stay on in to Season 6... and it sounds as if she would have.
I liked Dexter & Lumen together, maybe not forever but a bit longer that they were. That aburpt Season 5 ending felt staged.
Gossip has it that another reason the Lumen character was seemingly given the bum's rush was personal--the breaking down of Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter's marriage over the filming of season 5. Julie Stiles ultimately issued a statement to the press expressing distress in having to even make the statement but feeling the need all the same to say NO, she was not dating Mr. Hall. NOW Stiles saying it makes even more sense since the rumours came to a boil at the end of Dexter Season 5 and Stiles would have known quite positively of her character's story arc at that point.
Guess the show-runners did not want Dexter to get into another Rita-like sitch despite the fact that Rita vs. Lumen =a huge disparity...and they'd have had different places to go...still could have had Dexter return to ultimately being a loner.
but season 5's Lumen succumbing to her demons and then turning tail and leaving was just too sudden to feel natural. It felt forced. One of the most ham-handed episodes of Dexter ever shown, perhaps.
Now to read what the most excellent Stiles had to say... (see LATIMES link ABOVE)
After the jump... Behind the Scenes: Dexter Season 6 [VIDEO]:
True Blood Season 4 - Fiona Shaws looks suitably witchy as possessed fortune teller, Marnie Stonebrook.
Update! July 29, 2011 - HBO renews True Blood, Show creator Alan Ball signs on for Season 5:
Big news at the opening of the True Blood panel at TCA: Series creator/executive producer Alan Ball said he has just closed a deal to do another season of the HBO series(!), effectively sealing the fifth-season renewal of the hit vampire drama. Ball disclosed the fact that he has re-signed in response to a request to address speculation that Season 4 could be his last. "I have no desire to leave," he said. "Doing the show, I'm having more fun than I have ever had in my life." He later said that he and the show's writers are already breaking stories for Season 5 and one of them is about "how one of the vampires was made."
Jul 29, 2011 - This trailer is comprehensive through the first 9 episodes of Season 4 of HBO's True Blood.
Other highlights from the True Blood presentation at TCA [SPOILERS]:
* They will be going back to see how one of the vampires was made in season five. Kristin Bauer van Straten said at Comic-Con that she really hopes we get to see how Eric made Pam*, so it looks like she'll get that plot wish granted.
<raises hand>
Me, too!
Wouldn't you love to see Pam get made!?
On HBO series True Blood she is known as Pam de Beaufort. On the show except for the fact that Pam is cryptically funny, beautiful, ruthless, lesbian/maybe bi and most importantly, Eric Northman's sire, we know little of her backstory.
In in the Charlaine Harris-penned Sookie Stackhouse book series (where she originated) Pam Ravenscroft was a young, aristocratic but unconventional woman who did not want to be penned in by her circumstances.
Unlike many made vampire, Pam voluntarily surrendered herself to Eric Northman and, she is very happy being vampire. She expresses this sentiment very succinctly to Bill Compton at the end of True Blood - Season 1, when he is being made to 'make' Jessica as punishment for killing another vampire (to save Sookie, which 'The Magister' found completely irrelevant to the charge). Pam considers 'makers' god-like and admonishes Bill with disgust that he needs to fly his maker-grade colours proudly.
*Alan Ball says the biggest challenge in shooting the show is getting everything done on time. In the end, they have to scale back on or drop certain scenes altogether. "The key to it is everyone really loves working on this show," Ball insists.
* Ball admitted that Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer were able to keep their offscreen relationship a secret for a while, but then he turned to them and said: "Not as long as you thought."
* "It's not a show where you think there's a lack of imagination," Paquin tells the crowd of reporters. Both actors insist they are encouraged to pitch their own ideas for their character. "When we were down at Comic-Con, we were pitching ideas. (Vampire King of Louisiana) Bill Compton taking over the world. That sort of thing," Moyer said (maybe?) jokingly. He also wishes for Bill to visit Merlotte's more often.
* Prepare to be quoting Pam yet again on Monday morning. "Kristin's got [a line] coming up that is possibly the greatest line of all time," Moyer reveals. * Paquin is comfortable with the fact that Bill and Sookie will remain apart. "Our love in real life is fine, so I'm fine with our characters being distraught and sad," she says. "It's not interesting television if everything works out for Bill and Sookie and they adopt five babies and live happily ever after."
Joe Manganiello as 'Alcide Herveaux' - Pretty much a safe bet for romance with Sookie in the next season:
Casting for season 5 has already begun though the premiere of season 4 True Blood doesn't even get underway until June 26. Most interesting in this June 1 casting call is the mention of a 13th episode in season 5 which will add a bit of breathing space for the additional season 5 characters.
The fact that a casting call is going out for Alcide's construction foreman is indicative to me that Joe Manganiello who plays Alcide, will perhaps get more screen time and a better shot at a romance with Sookie in season 5, something that seemed inevitable if he were to get any at all as thus far, the season 4 episodes don't seem to be promising much Alcide-Sookie 'togetherness.'
If you are a 'bookie' I would expect this to be a good sign that showrunner Alan Ball is weaving in more of Alcide Herveaux, has been a sympathetic book character for much of the book series, into season 5 of the TV series. Personally, I like the vibe Joe Manganiello brings to Alcide. His warm, nurturing sweetheart of a guy wrapped in a growling, 6'5" package of eye-candy is quite compelling.
Expanding (presumably) upon Terry Bellefluer's (Todd Lowe) character's screen time is a good idea IMO, because he been brought ahead in True Blood as an Iraqi war veteran which grounds this fantasy show farther into in present day (versus the nearly 60-year-old Vietnam war vet that Terry is in the books). War veterans have long been 'outsiders' to mainstream society and bringing out Terry's 'uniqueness' a bit more instead of just the odd (no pun) one-liner is a good way for Alan Ball to continue to show empathy for the misunderstood and sometimes mistreated in modern society.
Finally, I must confess a real appreciation for the talents of Todd Lowe as Merlotte's short-order cook, Terry. When first I saw Lowe out of character I did not even recognize him. He transforms himself through sheer talent into our beloved shell-shocked vet so I'm looking forward to a bit more expansion (sounds like it includes backstory) in his role.
A Taste of Terry:
Here's a casting notice for episode #412, 'And When I Die,' as well as some news about season 5. Though unofficial at this point it appears that season 5 TrueBlood will feature a 'lucky' 13 episodes instead of 12!
TRUE BLOOD, Episode 412, "And When I Die" Writer: Raelle Tucker Director: Scott Winant Start Date: Approx. 6/15/11 Location: L.A.
THIS IS THE FINAL EPISODE OF THE SEASON.
[PATRICK DEVINS] 35 to 45, tough, and ruggedly attractive, he served in the military with Terry, and they share a serious history: Terry saved Patrick's life twice. 7 out of 13 episodes next season.
[DOUG] This schlubby guy in a hard hat is Alcide's construction foreman. 2 lines, 1 scene.
Storylines are coming together for Showtime's 5th Season of the David Duchovny vehicle, Californication:
Meagan Good has joined Showtime's dark comedy Californication for a major recurring role. Good, who will appear in nine of the 12 episodes of Californication's upcoming fifth season, will play Kali, an extremely hot up-and-coming hip-hop artist.
So, from what I can piece together here, the 'slightly dangerous' rapper Apocalypse, is dating Kali when he meets Hank. Hank, in his usual fashion, cannot resist a beautiful, sexy woman (the just-cast Meagan Good) and either steals her away from Apocalypse or cheats on him with her. Either way, exciting times are again on the horizon for Hank Moody.
Californication is currently in production for it's fifth season which will premiere in September, 2011.
Previous Californication Season 5 News/Spoilers
(4.22.11)
According to TVLine Robert Fitzgerald Diggs (better known as The RZA) will play a major recurring role in season five.
His character will be called "Apocalypse" who's a hip hop mogul who Hank considers writing a movie for.
(4.12.11)
Hank's going to get a screenwriting gig working on a movie for a rap impresario named Apocalypse, Hank dates a "bangin' Carrie Bradshaw wannabe" and our beloved Becca's (Madeline Martin) getting a much older boyfriend whom you will pretty much hate.
Californication - Episode 5.01 is entitled 'JFK to LAX.'
Some big hints at where season 5 is heading, two characters on a 9 & 8 episode arc are Apocalypse and his girlfriend, Kali. Apocalypse is a slightly dangerous rapper who takes a meeting with Hank in the hope of Mr. Moody writing a movie for him. The producers want big names for this role.
Also on an 8-episode arc is Doug, a ruggedly handsome and uber-successful contractor who doesn't take any of Hank's BS.
More big news-worthy is the 8 episode arc of Tyler, Becca's boyfriend who is a cocky pretty boy with a snotty rich-kid vibe, which irks Hank.
Season Five was picked up by Showtime in January 2011. Creator Tom Kapinos suggests that the show will need to take on a new direction to stay fresh. The narrative will take place soon after Hank's bio-pic ("Fucking and Punching") has been released and his fame and fortune has reached never before seen heights. It is clear that Becca (Madeleine Martin) and Karen (Natascha McElhone) will reprise their roles as Hank's daughter and anchor-ex-fiancee, but will start the season aboard an RV trekking along on their road trip with Ben (Michael Ealy) and his daughter Pearl (Zoë Kravitz). Their role as regulars in the show may taper off this season, but they will still be pivot points to Hank's endless attraction to disaster. The romance between Marcy (Pamela Adlon) and Stu Baggs (Stephen Tobolowsky) will be further explored, as well as how that relationship is affected by Marcy's pregnancy with Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler).
Californication was just picked up for a fifth season, and David Duchovny is understandably happy with that announcement. After all, there's only so many episodes a man can bear to bare. "That's probably why I should stop after six years, in terms of backsides," he tells us. But beyond just shots of David's derriere, the hit Showtime drama has heart and soul, especially when it comes to family.
"The heart of the show and what prevents it from spiraling off into nothing is the fact this guy does love this woman and he loves his daughter and he wants it to work but he keeps on screwing up," David says. "And they're all screwing up. So I think without that we don't have a show."
Watch what else David has to say about his backside, the season five announcement, and Rob Lowe looking like Brad Pitt.
Regardless of what Duchovny thinks about Baby Boomers like him showing his bum, Showtime seems to have pretty good track record with their over-45 y.o.leads holding up very well, thank you. Mary Louise Parker and Edie Falco come to mind right away. David looks just fine IMO, though I'm less inclined to think he should continue getting naked on camera if he starts getting man boobs.
How 'bout your very own, super-awesome, let's celebrate Californication getting-picked-up-for a-5th-season, Californication official poster art?
All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me one thing you like about the show Californication on Showtime and you are in the running. An announcement of the winners will be posted on Sunday, February 20th. Good Luck!
Photo Credit: Jordin Althaus/Showtime
Showtime has picked up Californication for another round, and don’t expect producers to put the brakes on the show anytime soon. Asked by a critic at TCA if he’s tempted to set a series end date like Lost, executive producer Tom Kapinos said “no way.”
“I’m riding this to the bitter end,” he said. “I believe in sticking with something until we’ve squeezed every drop out of it.”
That said, the rather dramatic upcoming fourth season finale of the show was written as if, just in case, the show wasn’t renewed.
“If lightening strikes tomorrow,” he said, “I make an effort to make sure the end of every season … is a satisfying story.”
One critic asked if the show was taming down its sex scenes after last season, which he said resembled porn.
“That’s totally unfair,” David Duchovny said.
“I don’t feel like it’s ever gone too far,” Kapinos said. “Porn is people having sex on film. These are people pretending to have sex while naked. I have no regrets about the show at all.”
On Sunday, & Co. pulled in 848,000 viewers at 9 p.m. for its fourth season opener (and 1. 1 million viewers total if you include its repeat). Still no word on Shameless, but the new comedy performed slightly better out of the gate than Californication, so it’s off to a good start.
"I'd like to go six seasons," David says of Californication's fate destiny. "I always thought six would be a good number …72 episodes would be right."
That said, he's willing to do more—assuming Showtime can foot the bill. "I'd be open because the schedule is so wonderful for me," he told me. "It's only a 13 week schedule. It's like shooting a little movie for me. And I love working with the people. We all have a good time. I could continue on…I just say six years because in cable I think it becomes economically not feasible for them to go beyond because they're going to have to pay me so much money."
Some of the points made by new-this-year executive producer Chip Johanneson include that through the Lumen arc, 'we've put to bed the Rita question.'
I took this to mean that the Rita storyline is tied up as much as it can be. I wouldn't be surprised if a few loose ends show in the future but for Dexter himself, Lumen has fulfilled that function. Johanneson continued, pointing out that the events of season 5 allow the writers to 'pick up anywhere in season 6.'
Julia Stiles discusses the end of her character's relationship with Dexter.
Though Julia Stiles 'kind of assumed that Lumen would end up dead,' it probably dawned on her as they got deeper into season 5, with the Dexter-Lumen dynamic proving ever-more appealing that perhaps there was another possible ending. Regardless, season 5 ended on a typical Dexter note--the 'big bad' was on Dexter (and Lumen's) table, taking a knife to the heart.
Sadly, Dexter too, took a (metaphorical) knife to his own heart when Lumen suddenly announced that relieved of her darkness (dark passenger), she would be skipping town the following day. Dexter was cool enough to tell her that he was happy for her that her darkness had gone. He continued, assuring her that he would 'carry (her) darkness' for her. Aww. Poor Dex.
Q:..What did Deb mean during her final conversation with Dexter at the party: "You must be [happy] too, now that this is all over.".... What would Deb be referring to?...s A: Sara Colleton: "Deb is referring to the barrel-girls case. It was meant to be purposely vague, and it should make Dexter wonder exactly what it is she means as he can't be sure."
Q: Are we to believe that Quinn did not figure out that Dexter is a killer? A: per Colleton: "Quinn may suspect Dexter has been somehow involved in Liddy's death, but don't think his world view is large enough yet to imagine who Dexter really is."
Q: So bummed to see Lumen leave last night on Dexter! Any chance Julia Stiles will return? Colleton: "That has not been discussed. But she is out there..."
Update/ This never crossed my mind until today and by then I was sure the speculators got their hooks into it. (They have.)
Yes, 'Dexter' and 'Lumen' made a great couple in the Showtime drama "Dexter."
But do you really, really think that because of this and no other info. that the two of them are the reason for MCH (Dexter) and Jennifer Carpenter (Deb) breaking up, IRL? Really? C'os they didn't split when he married 'Rita' or when she dated the now-dead 'Agent Lundy' or, depending on the actual time frame of their romance--which we will never know--any of the other bf's 'Deb' has had in the last couple years.
Do you really believe that what is being acted out on your television is real life? If you do, you are silly and shallow. It's a possibility, sure, but are you certain Stiles isn't in a serious relationship with someone already or maybe has a 'thing' against hooking up with married guys? So many assumptions! And now of course it will be Stiles for whom every doubter looks askance and wonders,"Did she bust up the Hall-Carpenter union?
Note: In attempting to gather some solid news on the impending divorce of Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter, I came across a little bit of what may be factual info.: 'Carpenter was the one who filed for divorce,' 'Carpenter is said to have complained about MCH to castmates on the set this season. Said castmates are 'concerned' about season 6.' 'Hall and Carpenter have been 'apart' for some time now and were in general, cool toward one another for the entire filming of season 5.'
Make of it what you will but don't expect any tell-all sob stories from Hall, Carpenter or Stiles. None of them are particularly outgoing or into the H'wood scene.
I'm sure there will be a variety of reactions to this but one that springs to mind is that some of your audience just got fully comfortable with the image of you going home to your wife who plays your sister on Dexter along with mastering the ability to not think that you guys are married IRL and now. NOW you split up?!
I admit at first when Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter were in a scene together post-marriage anouncement, I'd watch for any sign that they were not acting.
This is sad news-- and after such a short go of it. I wonder what's next for the two of them and of course, the same question on everyone lips besides 'Why did they split?'
BTW, the timing on the announcement of this split is just plain weird. Whose idea was it to wait until the Dexter season 5 ended and do so within a few hours?
Will there still be a season 6 Dexter?
After nearly two years of marriage, Dexter stars Michael C. Hall, 39, and Jennifer Carpenter, 31, are divorcing. An exclusive joint statement to EW from their representatives read: “Having been separated for some time, Jennifer Carpenter and Michael C. Hall have filed for divorce.” Both reps add that the split was amicable. The couple — who met on the set of the Showtime drama, in which she plays his foster sister — married on December 31, 2008. Hall completed treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma earlier this year.
13 2010 07:27 PM ET EW exclusive-'Dexter' stars Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter file for divorce '
Lumen (Julia Stiles) and Dexter (Michael C. Hall) Image Credit: dextergr.blogspot.com
"Don't be sorry your darkness is gone. I'll carry it for you, always. I'll keep it with mine."
Dexter Season 5 Finale: Were you surprised?
I really wasn't but I was satisfied with it.
Just one small thing is still sort of bugging me:
LUMEN: “First I wondered what was happening to me, then I was wondering how I could possibly tell you.”
Lumen's 'conversion', if you want to call it that, was very hasty--really sudden, especially on the heels of being re-traumatized (kidnapped, beaten, strung up, by Jordan Chase, again).
She told Dexter that she had to leave Miami 'the next day' almost as if she was running from...Dexter? Her Dark Passenger? Both?
It just seems too sudden a send off when they've spent the season developing a deep relationship. Dexter and Lumen just went *poof?* That doesn't feel real to me.
I realize (at least 'till I see the post- finale Stiles' interview whxih I've missed) that the door has been left ajar for another encounter with Lumen but I'm not banking on it unless it is quite fleeting.
What about Det. Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington) and Deb (Jennifer Carpenter)?
Quinn knows way too much to not be a threat to Dexter. The set of photographs of the body parts bag dump he and Lumen made that Stan Liddy telephoto-ed, that alone is huge.
Dexter knows way too much to not be a threat to Quinn.
It seems however that Dexter has gone with his heart and spared his sister's lover a lot of grief despite the fact that he doesn't like Quinn 'at all.'
"Deb is slowly coming around to the idea of there being something other than black and white and that there is more than just good and bad," Colleton explains. "I think the turning point for her was when she killed that bad guy this season. And she and Dexter had that wonderful conversation over a beer when she says, ‘I didn't feel anything. And I'm surprised that I don't feel bad for having killed a bad guy.' And Dexter sort of floats something out there just as a little test bomb just to see how his sister would react when he says, ‘Well, Dad once told me there are people who deserve to die.' And that was one of my favorite scenes this year. I know our longtime fans got everything going on in that scene and all the layers,' - Exec Producer Sara Colleton
And of course, with that heart-wrenching scene above a shattered plate in which Dexter let Lumen go, it must be noted that Dexter remains one of the most emotionally gripping and yes, even sometimes breathtakingly romantic series on television. Pretty amazing for a darker-than-dark serial killer show. --Kristen
E!Online - Dexter Finale: Deb Finding Out Is "Inevitable"—and More Scoop From the Show's Big Boss
...Dexter’s finally broken a chain of relationships that end in blood and death, partially thanks to Deb learning, with Laguerta’s help, to be merciful and have faith and not just barge around expecting the worst from everyone. So this “clean slate” thing may open up the next season as Dexter actually has the chance to figure out on his own what to do next, and not have his destiny foisted on him by someone else’s death.
Tomorrow (Sunday) night marks the end of another spectacular season of Dexter on Showtime.
I still marvel at what an unexpectedly satisfying season this has been. I've loved seeing Dexter discover emotional depths to himself that he'd previously dismissed as not even remotely possible to feel.
For the first time ever, as an audience member, I'm wondering if Harry Morgan eff'ed up big time in diagnosing Dexter as broken and impossible to repair (Dexter, fleetingly, has asked the same question).
(Photo collage via tumblr.com)
It was very savvy of Dexter's writers to have Rita's death expose layers to Dexter that we may not have ever seen. Not that I felt this way, but Dexter the serial killer otherwise might have begun feeling a bit "been there, done that." That was not even on the table (no pun intended) this season as Dex had very little time to attempt to go back to his pre-Rita life, back to the old Dexter, before Lumen came into it.
And all the better. "Lumen" has been my favourite Julia Stiles' characterization, ever. Stiles was pitch perfect in a very demanding range of her character, rape-club-victim-that-survived turned
avenging angel, Lumen.
I don't know if Lumen is Dexter's soulmate. I know that they both came along when the other was in desperate need and they filled those empty spaces. Whether they are fated to continue...I just don't know. My observation was that Dexter seemed more natural and relaxed with Lumen than anyone he has ever been with, including Rita. Lumen 'gets' Dexter. That has been profoudly healing for him.
Dexter first literally saved Lumen, then helped rehabilitate her in the way she requested as well as tenderly tending to her physical wounds.
When Deb tells Dexter that he is 'a good person,' she's right, he is. It makes no sense but that is what keeps us wanting more. 'Dexter' makes us question what, exactly, it means to be a 'good person'? Do any of us really know?
Some short excerpts from Dexter Exec. Producer Sara Colleton in an interview with E! Read it in it's entirety here.
In answer to a plea that the Dexter season 5 ending won't be as emotionally devastating as season 4's murder of Rita, Colleton replied:
You won't need therapy this time. The finale is actually quite therapeutic. It's like therapy in and of itself.
Colleton continued:
This season Dexter's journey was atonement. So the big question is, will he/(is it possible for Dex to) be at peace with himself?...Is it possible he has found a soul mate?
Colleton went on to explain that the many questions of this season are like coins tossed in the air and they will all come down (be answered?) on Sunday night.
When asked about whether Julia Stiles (Lumen) and the rest of the cast will return next season, Colleton turned cagey saying:
'...there a lot of fates that are still possibilities.'
I believe Colleton did a mild deflection of the question by next bringing up Det. Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington) and stating that his fate was now in Dexter's hands. It's my opinion that Dexter has no reason to take down Quinn now.
Quinn has professed to be in love with Dexter's sis Deb (and she with him). Dex knows this, he knows that Quinn stopped investigating Dex, the guy that was doing the spying (Liddy) is dead and most importantly, his sister loves Quinn even if Dexter dislikes him intensely. As long as Quinn and Dexter have 'an understanding,' I beleive Dex will not sell Quinn down the river and I'm 99% positive Dex will not kill Quinn.
In answer to a query about the place that "Lumen' has had in Dexter's life Colleton responded:
...in the course of trying to help her, the thing has happened that Dexter never thought would. He's contemplating for the first time...Is it possible that there is such a thing as a soul mate? Is it possible that I, Dexter Morgan, could have a soul mate?
Colleton elaborated further on her take on the mechanics of Dexter's thinking:
(Dexter's father Harry) ended up killing himself because he couldn't deal with the guilt of what he had created. And so Dexter carries that guilt in shame... I've always thought (one thing that) binds Dexter to the audience is that we all have this feeling of wanting to be known and we all are terrified that if someone actually saw the real, true us, they might just run in the opposite direction. So he's been forced because of his need of atonement to to expose himself and to atone himself to Lumen.
For the Deb n' Quinn as a couple fans, Colleton had this bone to toss out:
In the last episode you see his character as being a redeemable man and a man worthy of Deb's love, in a way that is really satisfying. Desmond has done such a terrific job with his character and you've really seen him stepping up and becoming Deb-worthy.
...and then take back:
But you know, fate often intervenes...
Reported quotes from the final episode (via anonymous IMDb source) :
HARRY TO DEXTER:
“It’s right in front of you. Remember your target. Where he came from. Who he was.”
QUINN: “I don’t think I should say anything else. Not until I speak to a lawyer.”
LAGUERTA: “We have an officer down. Stan Liddy”*** NOT a spoiler. It is in the sneak peek promo.
BATTISTA: “Am I the only one interested in this goddamn murder?”
LUMEN: “First I wondered what was happening to me, then I was wondering how I could possibly tell you.”
MASUKA: “Is it weird to bring a date to a first birthday party?”
DEB: “I’m happy. You must be too. Now that this is all over, I mean.”
DEXTER: “Wishes, of course, are for children.”
JORDAN TO LUMEN:“You’ve transformed. You’re beautiful. If you hadn’t met me, you’d never know you had it in you.”
I'm really hoping that that final delusional quote by 'Jordan' is just before Lumen plunges the knife into Jordan Chase's black little heart.
Sadly, the Dexter voiceover sonds like it comes after the resolution -- at baby Harrison's birthday party.
Guessing that Deb is speaking to Quinn after Dexter has proven Quinn (via blood analysis) not guilty of having anything to do with Liddy's murder. Dexter is after all a monster with morals.
I truly hope that the Lumen quote is directed at Jordan as a way to buy time prior to him killing her. In her time with Dexter she's been a quick study. It may be what saves her long enough for Dexter to get to her.
Michael C. Hall on Jimmy Fallon, Dec. 7 2010. Part 2
No copyright infringement intended.
Wondering what is to become of Batista's and LaGuerta's marriage? Read on:
Sgt. Batista’s on-the-rocks marriage with LaGuerta won’t get any better before the end of the season — but that doesn’t mean the marriage is hopeless, either. David Zayas told me this week at a LAByrinth Theater Company’s annual celebrity charades fundraiser in New York that the couple’s season-long troubles aren’t necessarily a sign of a breakup. “It never gets resolved. Marriages don’t get resolved. It’s a journey,” he said. “There probably won’t be a definite answer to that question in the season finale, but we’ll be back.”
Everyone has been tight-lipped regarding the Dexter finale — but luckily, the same can’t be said for star Michael C. Hall. While presenting a “Dexter-esque” playlist on New York’s 101.0 RXP, the actor seemingly spilled a huge spoiler by saying fans should pay “special attention” to one of his picks, Bob Dylan’s “I’ll Keep It With Mine,” before watching the finale. Among the lyrics to this song that so-perfectly describes Dexter and Lumen: “The train leaves at half past 10/ But it’ll be back tomorrow same time again./ The conductor, he’s weary, still stuck on the line./ But if I can save you any time/ Come on, give it to me. I’ll keep it with mine.”
Above: Sorry Screen caps I made are crap; promo photos issued by Showtime are OK.
So you're digging Julia Stiles as Lumen? Especially she and Michael C. Hall together? Hmph. About time! I said it once before but it bears repeating: the Lumen character worked.
We've seen a Dexter that had never been exposed before because he'd not yet met Lumen. She has forever changed him. I hope against hope for a not-sad ending for these two.
I never thought, even for a second, that season 5 directly on the heels of the season 4 murder of Dexter's wife Rita, funeral and all, turned out out the way it has. Another cool thing is the show feels fresh--much as it did with last year's balls-out effort with John Lithgow as the 'Trinity Killer', who killed or was responsible for most of Dexter's family getting either shot or killed (Deb in the mid-section to the side area, next to her, together on the ground of the motel parking lot a dying former Agent and current paramour Frank Lundy (Keith Carradine) by Trinity's adult daughter/ Joey Quinn's squeeze. Then there was Rita of course, by Trinity).
I hope Lumen (Julia Stiles) survives because I :heart: Lumen, as she's been such a nice 'partner' for Dexter. Certainly, each was the other's after-horrible-life-trauma savior.
'Terrible Curse' Dexter Tries To Bargain w/ Jordan Chase - JC, with Lumen in his trunk, tries to 'eff with Dexter's head while Dexter, driving frantically, desperately tries to find and save Lumen before Chase kills her.
Dexter - 5.12 "The Big One" Season Finale
''Surprise'
In the season finale, Dexter's situation grows more desperate when he discovers that Lumen's been set up. Despite knowing he's being baited into a trap, Dexter risks everything to make sure he doesn't fall into the same mistake again. In the Barrel Girls case, Debra lets her personal feelings lead her instincts once she concludes that vigilantes are more than just a theory. Quinn finds himself in a troublesome situation in which only Dexter can help him.
"Lumen is the only person alive who sees Dexter's true self and accepts him. There's something oddly romantic about that, and also very intimate," Stiles tells TVGuide.com. "The reverse is true for Lumen. The experience she had before was so traumatic, and had an element of shame, where she couldn't go back and see her family. There's something very isolating about that, and the fact that Dexter knows about it and also embraces her is very sweet amidst all this weirdness."
'Life has been twisted, dark and miserable lately for Lumen Pierce (Julia Stiles), which makes her an absolutely perfect fit for Dexter this season. She's been raped, exploited and whipped so badly even Stiles felt the pain. As the actress known for her work in the Bourne movies says, "I forgot to take off my prosthetic slash marks one night and I suddenly went, 'Wait. What happened to me?'" The bigger question is what's happening to Lumen? Ever since Dexter (Michael C. Hall) rescued her from that serial killer's creepy lockup, Lumen's been a bit of a Dexter wannabe. She wants to kill the people who've brutalized her, which in turn puts Dexter in the odd position of trying to stop murders.
"Lumen walks that fine line that's so cool on this show, between doing the right thing and doing the right thing that's sorta the wrong thing," says Stiles, who adds she feels the thrall of the Dexter "community" after only a few guest appearances. "My friends who are crazy about the show are really crazy about the show," she laughs.
Here's what's really crazy: how much we've enjoyed watching Stiles play a pawn in a human-trafficking scheme. Which side wins? The actress isn't telling: "I think we'll see a dramatic ending." Dexter airs Sundays at 9/8c on Showtime. -Julia Stiles' TV Guide Interview
I'd guessed that Liddy (Peter Weller) would buy it in the December 5 eppy (tonight). He may still do so but this photo still is from the season finale on 12.12.10, (re)titled 'The Big One.' It is quite possible that Liddy's body is found in episode 12 after him being offed in episode 11, IDK. Here are a few more photos being circulated from the finale. At least one is a behind-the-scene shot.
"Quinn is in trouble," Desmond Harrington says. "I think in this Sunday's episode you see a drop of blood hit my foot, and I'm definitely in trouble in [the season finale]."
Harrington can't comment whether he'll be a part of the...sixth season of Dexter, but he will say he's pretty sure there won't be a cliffhanger for Quinn(!) [Goes out boring? - CM] this season. Harrington goes on to assert in regard to Quinn's feelings for Debra:
"It's real. I think maybe early on in the year he was in this to get information on Dexter [but] that's definitely not the case now. He is actually in love with her...He definitely has softened up a lot. I honestly like that he's a little softer and basically he's fallen in love with this girl."
Quinn also seems alarmingly close to figuring out Dexter's big secret—that he is the 'vigilante' murderer Deb is hunting. That can't end in a good place...or can it?
"In terms of accepting what Dexter does," Desmond says, "honestly I don't think [Quinn] would have a problem with this idea of justice being served the way that Dexter does it…Quinn more or less has a code of his own. I feel like he is very much a cop that would go to bat for other cops. And not necessarily in the best means."
And if you like your Desmond a little darker, good news: Gossip Girl producers have asked him to reprise his role as Jack Bass around February. Dexter producers, you best bring him back...
Desmond Harrington as ' Joey Quinn': Is he going to survive season 5?
Speculation has been flying for some time now that either Desmond Harrington's 'Quinn', Deb's partner in (solving) crime as well as between the sheets, will not survive this season.
OTOH, some folks are positive that Lumen (Julia Stiles) is not going to make it out of season 5 Dexter alive. I suppose they could both get whacked.
We already know that both of them are treading in 'killer' territory, Lumen (& Dexter) with the concurrent police investigation into the guys the two of them are seeking out to revenge-kill.
Quinn's involvement with Deb whilst he deals with corrupt cop that was trailing Dexter for him is putting him in a very bad place. Bad cop Liddy (Peter Weller) has surveiled and seen so much of Lumen and Dexter that he's surely soon going to have enough evidence to get something on them.
Liddy's very unhappy that Quinn's Deb-crush is clouding his judgment enough that a high-profile case could be escaping through his fingers. He is still pursuing Lumen and Dexter and that right there is a recipe for BIG trouble.
'Dexter' renewed for 6th season
Serial killer drama is most-watched series on Showtime
Showtime is set to announce a sixth-season pickup for "Dexter."
The Michael C. Hall serial killer drama has been the pay cabler's most popular show in recent years.
Last Sunday's episode was the second most watched in series history as 2.54 million viewers checked in for the 9 p.m. telecast.
Last season's finale drew the show's biggest-ever audience, with 2.57 million viewers. All key cast members are signed through the sixth season, which will encompass 12 episodes.
But if the show runs a seventh season, Showtime will face higher costs as cast members would have to sign new contracts.
Check out the new DEXTER YouTube game: Dexter Interactive Investigation. Can you help Dexter find the killer before s/he skips town? Investigate the crime scene, collect the clues, and bring the killer to justice! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9IObJBjhlg
Update: Title change for the episode. Dexter: Episode 11 is now titled 'Hialeah and Fourth.'
My first impulse is to say that Season 5 of 'Dexter' is getting really good but that falls short of what I really think about this season.
Season 5 'Dexter' has been outstanding throughout.
Keep in mind, last season was the season of the Trinity Killer with John Lithgow turning in a bravura performance as the psycho whack-job counterpoint to Dexter (Michael C. Hall) who seemed wholly balanced and stable in comparison.
Then there was the fine, though too-short return guest appearance by Keith Carradine as Deb's doomed lover, Frank Lundy.
Oh yeah. Dexter's wife, Rita was murdered.
Season four was engrossing and riveting, shocking and sad.
How were the Dexter showrunners going to follow up such a great season? As it turns out, with an equally great, but absolutely different season 5.
After they killed off Julie Benz's 'Rita' character the Dexter showrunners explained that they wanted to turn Dex's world upside down (and inside out). And they certainly did. We the audience had no idea what they had planned for Dex in season 5 but who could have guessed that he'd find his soulmate?
OK. Maybe that's a bit of a stretch because it is very early in their romance. But consider this: Julia Stiles' 'Lumen' is absolutely unique. She is the first person involved in a positive way with Dexter who knows exactly who he is and accepts him for it. It seemed a foregone conclusion that no woman would knowingly get involved with a serial killer but involved they are--on several levels.
And to top it off, seemingly Lumen is sane--at least when measured on the Dexter sanity scale.
Dexter's audience is among the most loyal there is so it was understandable that they were a bit apprehensive about Lumen and how she'd affect the still-grieving Dexter. But as season 5 progressed and the great episodes kept coming, Lumen and Dexter seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces.
As corny as the phrase 'You complete me' sounds, this is exactly what one does for the other. Both Dexter and Lumen had gaping holes in their psyches and hearts that they desperately needed healed and each has facilitated the healing of the other. They have been good for one another.
When Jennifer Carpenter, never better as 'Deb,' said to Dexter in episode 10 that there would be no recovery for the women that went through Jordan Chase and Co's. house of horrors, that a women would be better off dead than to survive and have to live with memories of the horrific acts perpetrated upon her, Deb was wrong--at least in part. Of course, she never considered that a victim could kick-start the healing process by killing the men responsible for her kidnapping, torture, and rape, but it seems to be working for Lumen.
Julia Stiles has put forth a very solid effort in crafting the Lumen character. She was totally convincing as the shell of a human being that Dexter accidentally rescued. Her evolution into a seemingly normal woman has been plausible and I think cathartic for the audience, too.
Where this is going is the big question. I see a lot of comments on the 'net that viewers do not want Lumen killed. I don't either but the Dexter-Lumen relationship is in a honeymoon period, so to speak. It cannot stay as it is because Dexter isn't going to have the luxury of this partnership lasting. At least he knows that someone understood him on a deeper level then perhaps even Harry ever did. And so Dexter has gained positive insights into himself that may have never happened if it were not for Lumen coming into his life.
I feel a mixture of excitement and dread about the last few episodes of season 5. What are your thoughts? What are you feeling?
A Blindspot
SHOWTIME | Season 5 Ep. 11 | Added: November 30, 2010
Dexter realizes someone is watching Lumen and himself.
Masuka presents new evidence in the barrel murder case.
Dexter: Episode 11 'Hop A Freighter'
Synopsis: Dexter and Lumen's plans are momentarily thwarted when Dexter's forced to do damage control after he concedes that someone, outside of Miami Metro, has taken an interest in them. Debra's speculation on the missing Barrel Girl suspects begins to take shape. Quinn finds himself more involved in a homicide than he'd like to be.
More photo stills frorm "Hop A Freighter' after the jump:
This is an extremely loaded scene that Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' and Jennifer Carpenter as 'Deb' both pull off with utter precision. The two actors perfectly put the audience both in Deb's place, having stayed at the station all night viewing !!!SPOILER!!! 12 DVD's of the 'Barrel Girls' being tortured for the enjoyment of their captors and in Dexter's position, where he must utter every word to Deb with the utmost care lest he give away the many secrets he harbours about the 'Barrel Girl' killings.'
Dexter arrives at work and comes upon his sister, Deb. She's exhausted, highly disturbed, and furious. Obviously, Dexter needs to extract as much info. as he can about 'what' Deb has found --but can he play the empathetic brother at the same time?
IDK 'cos I still cannot tell the difference between when Dex is 'faking it' versus the Dexter 2.0 that has emerged since both Rita's death and the discovery and subsequent involvement with a should-have-been 'Barrel Girl,' 'Lumen' (Julia Stiles), who he accidentally saved.
The best part though is when Deb shares her theory of the kind of person she believes is responsible for what she believes are !!!SPOILER!!! vigilante killings of the 'Barrel Girls' killers.
The question is asked by Dexter. Then a beat. Then Deb's answer which re-frames who she is for both Dexter and the audience. Well played!
This is a very bad thing--and not just what is on the screen. That guy watching the DVD is not Dexter. (Click through to enlarge.) Dexter only wears suit jackets to funerals and weddings. Who is watching a torture tape in Dex's house? Jordan Chase, perhaps? It would seem likely.
In re: the synopsis (below)
Have to figure based on the episode title, that sometime after the exposition between Lumen and Dexter about talking to who may have been the surviving first victim of Jordan Chase & Co. (see sneak peek #2) that we'll actually get some more information about how Chase & his childhood buddies started abducting, torturing & killing pretty blonds.
Dexter Season 5 Episode 10 - 'In The Beginning' - Showtime Promo
Dexter 5x10 - 'In the beginning' - Sneak Peek #1
''The First Victim'
SHOWTIME | Season 5 Ep. 10 | Added: November 23, 2010
Dexter and Lumen decide to find Emily Birch.
Official Showtime Synopsis Dexter 5x10 'In The Beginning':
Just as Dexter discovers a possible ally in the pursuit of Lumen's former captors, he and Lumen are forced to step down as Homicide uncovers some key evidence linked to one of their prior victims. Debra, who's been reassigned to the Barrel Girls murders, positively identifies two more suspects in the case.
SHOWTIME | Season 5 Ep. 10 | Added: November 23, 2010 | 54 likes, 0 dislikes
All images for fan use only and are copyright Showtime network*
The intruder has a familiar name:
EW: Dexter’s step-children Astor and Cody have been MIA since episode 2, but pre-teen Astor makes her return in this week’s episode — though you likely won’t recognize her when she walks in looking like she’s working undercover in a vice case. Elsewhere, LaGuerta and Batista continue to butt heads and this time it’s over a case she refuses to reopen after Deb discovers new evidence. On the Lumen front, if you’ve been sensing romantic vibes from the couple-- calm yourself! The real couple making major moves here is Deb and Quinn. Can you say love? Because one of them certainly can. Someone else who’s doing a lot of talking these days? The linguistically gifted baby Harrison, who says “Mama” for the first time. Guess who he says it to…
Dexter's struggle to deal with Rita's death will come to a head in the final four episodes of Dexter, executive producer Sara Colleton told TVGuide.com
So far this season, Dexter has been working through his guilt by helping Lumen [Julia Stiles]. He's believed that if he can avenge the wrongs done to her, he might be able to figure out whether he can atone for his part in Rita's death, executive producer Sara Colleton told TVGuide.com.
"All of that will be converging, along with a lot of jeopardy that no one could've anticipated, not even Dexter."
Here are four things you should know heading in to the Season 5 finale:
4. The Villains Align: Instead of one big villain, this season has seen many. The characters recently began connecting as Dexter [Michael C. Hall] has tracked down those involved in Lumen's assault. "The last four episodes are a freight train when all of those pieces start interlocking," Colleton says.
3. Dexter Juggles His Two Selves: In this week's episode, Dexter's will split his time between dealing with Astor, who has run away from Orlando, and further investigating the barrel girls' case. "It brings Dexter closer to getting to know Jordan Chase [Jonny Lee Miller]," and as a result, Lumen will be put back into harm's way, Colleton says.
2. Quinn Finds a Target: Quinn (Desmond Harrington) started off wanting to uncover Dexter's secret, but his feelings for Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) have clouded his judgment. That is about to change. After his private eye caught pictures of Dexter and Lumen dumping a body in the ocean, Quinn will make a decision that sends him down "a big collision course" between his conflicting agendas, Colleton says.
1. Dexter Sees the Alternative: Colleton says the season's penultimate episode, titled "Hop a Freighter," will pop the question, "Wouldn't it be nice if you could escape from your life?" And the finale? She says only that it's been retitled "The Big One." "When you see the episode, you'll realize what a great title it is."
...What to expect from the killer thriller’s upcoming installment? Dexter executive producer Manny Coto drops four hints below.
Tease No. 1: “This episode marks a large step forward in how Dexter views Lumen because Deborah comes to the realization that there is someone else in Dexter’s life, and Dexter has to figure out a way how to explain who Lumen is and what she represents to him. At the same time, a remnant from the death of Rita comes back into Dexter’s life — namely, Astor — who’s never quite gotten over the death of her mom and still blames Dexter for it. In the course of this episode, Lumen inadvertently helps Dexter come to some kind of understanding with Astor.”
Tease No. 2: “Dexter is undertaking his vetting process with Jordan and that involves Dexter becoming a client. And as Jordan picks Dexter’s brain, Dexter starts to pick at clues that Jordan may or may not have left behind. In this episode, he gets a clue that will lead us into the next couple of episodes. But at the same time, Jordan discovers something that could be devastating.”
Tease No. 3: “Having been knocked back down to the file room because of the shoot-out at the club, Deborah finds evidence … that puts her on a collision course with Dexter.”
Tease No. 4: “Quinn is slowly beginning to realize that he’s unleashed a monster in Liddy, and that the person who he hired to get information on Dexter is very close to learning the truth about Dexter’s real life. And he’s not someone who Quinn will be able to rein back in. Liddy is going to follow this to the bitter end, whether Quinn likes it or not.”
You’ve just finished shooting the season finale, right? What was it like to say good-bye to this character?
It was bittersweet. It was nice to complete the thing, but it was sad to say good-bye to everybody. And the last couple of scenes were kind of harrowing.
Do you find those kinds of scenes draining?
I’m not sure if this makes me a masochist or something but I think, as draining as the emotionally and physically demanding scenes can be, they’re also very rewarding. There was one scene in particular where I was surprised by how difficult it was for me to shake the emotional stuff. Yet when a day or two goes by and I can step away from it, I have no regrets. It’s very exciting to know I can go to those places and be surprised by work.
Is there anything you can tell us about those disturbing scenes without giving the story away?
It’s in episode ten, a few episodes away from the finale. The implications of the scene in terms of what Dexter tells me is pretty shattering....
You mentioned reading about trauma — did you do much research for this character?... I read about torture victims and people who were abducted and rape victims, but that all felt very intellectual to me. I needed something that would make me connect emotionally, so the most helpful thing was details, specific memories, or smells or sounds. I would elaborate on those in my imagination, almost like meditating, I would sit and imagine those horrible experiences and eventually your muscles connect to your brain and it settles in. In a certain way, characters become people and you don’t want to do a disservice to them. I wanted to be as dark as I could about what the reality of that experience would be. I felt like I had to do that to do justice to anybody who had an experience even close to that...
Lumen is an exception for Dexter: He has rules about how to handle people who are innocent and rules about how to handle people who are a threat to him, but Lumen is both. What do you think really bonds them? ... They’re connecting about how to channel that hateful, destructive energy.Okay, bottom line... What does Lumen have in store for us? She will surprise you. That feral animal quality we saw when she is first introduced shows that she is not going to take things lying down. Source: Vulture
Life has been twisted, dark and miserable lately for Lumen Pierce (Julia Stiles), which makes her an absolutely perfect fit for Dexter this season.
She's been raped, exploited and whipped so badly even Stiles felt the pain. As the actress known for her work in the Bourne movies says, "I forgot to take off my prosthetic slash marks one night and I suddenly went, 'Wait. What happened to me?'"
The bigger question is what's happening to Lumen? Ever since Dexter (Michael C. Hall) rescued her from that serial killer's creepy lockup, Lumen's been a bit of a Dexter wannabe. She wants to kill the people who've brutalized her, which in turn puts Dexter in the odd position of trying to stop murders. "Lumen walks that fine line that's so cool on this show, between doing the right thing and doing the right thing that's sorta the wrong thing," says Stiles, who adds she feels the thrall of the Dexter "community" after only a few guest appearances. "My friends who are crazy about the show are really crazy about the show," she laughs.
New footage from LOST: Season Five just premiered as part of The Fray's new video for "You Found Me." With the premiere of LOST less than two months away, the publicity machine is ramping up to high gear. Please follow my weekly, photo-intense recap as well as news about LOST at The Love You Make --though much of my LOST archive is here. LOST Season 5 Premieres January 21, 2009, 8 p.m. but I'm sure there will be plenty of previews before that time.
If you like me haven't been following spoilers for Season 5 you need to brace yourself because everything is new--and some big stuff is getting out. Enlarge this: Episode 5.04 - The Little Prince - Call Sheet and start speculating!
Despite the long and winding road that has been LOST's path, many people remain devoted fans of the show. With the unique situation of knowing the show's end date--it runs through Season 6--it may perhaps be easier to get on board with watching the series finish out. Regardless, the music video does help one to believe that LOST still holds a lot of promise.
Because it's been shown before in prior video bits (see below) of Season 5, I think we are supposed to wonder why John Locke has a compass embedded in his palm. He appears to have woken up and it's just there--in his hand. Ick. Many of the scenes in the music video are scenes that have already been shown in previous "sneak peeks" intercut with the more recent scenes that have not previously been broadcast.
I was heartened to see "Daniel Faraday" on several occasions as Jeremy Davies is one of my favourite actors on the show. Of course, seeing Daniel in several new scenes takes the mystery out of what may have happened to the people on the life raft when the sky turned purple and the Island disappeared. Obviously at least Daniel survived.
Of course, the shippers are playing up the Sawyer (Josh Holloway) and Juliette (Elizabeth Mitchell) angle. <gag>
I've never been an especially big fan of Sawyer hooked up with anybody in particular and I think pairing him up with the brainy Juliette is stretching credulity just a bit too far.
We all know that in the hierarchy of needs that human beings first and foremost need food, shelter and safety-- and sex is fun time and since it appears that the island gang has gotten themselves into serious do-do, sex, though it may be on the minds of the audience is probably not a practicality unless the showrunners contrive a scene. So on second thought, there will be sex.
I think LOST plays best when it's doing the action-adventure-smoke monster thing. All the Dharma Initiative stuff should have been dealt with--it's been four years, for goodness sake! I've stopped caring--and who has time to be futzing with codes and such. Just give us good characters, great story lines, adventure, mystery, scary monsters--that is after all what we signed on for.
The characters and their relationships and have been inconsistent in their quality, and some have literally been shredded by the show runners. There have been many occasions where a LOST character has been assassinated by the script.
John Locke (Terry O' Quinn) was much-beloved and then he morphed into a guy we didn't know with zilch to like. Michelle Rodriguez as Ana-Lucia never even had a chance to show what she could do before in a very stupid turn the story took Michael (Harold Perrineau) killed both she and Libby (Cynthia Watros). With Michael's character as well they'd never given him a chance--then wrote him stupid. A shame as Perrineau is a proven talent.
With each new season since S-1 there have been many wasted opportunities for potential storylines with both it's well-utilized and wasted characters,
There is a chance at redemption for the last two season of LOST-- and of course redemption is a huge theme throughout LOST.
So here's hoping that LOST, Season Five in this, it's second to last season will earn again the moniker 'great television'--a great show--that they have not attained since Season One. Watching the video got me pretty jazzed. So kudos to the marketing people. Mark your calendars, folks -- January 21, 2009 at 8 PM Eastern is the premier of LOST, Season Five. Be there or be square.
I've been sitting on a few spoilery items regarding the Season 5 Premiere of LOST, sort of waiting until I got ahold of something a bit more...satisfying. Well, today a 15-second teaser was released within which sharp-eyed folks can note that there is 1. a compass in John Locke's hand which points southeast and 2. Hurley is holding a gun with a silencer like some kind of secret agent man.
From Kristin at E!
"Q: What else can you tell us about Michelle Rodriguez's return to Lost? —Elana A: Considering that neither M.Rod nor the show's producers want to discuss Ana Lucia's one-episode resurrection, not much! But the badass will reappear in this season's second episode — the same one that marks the return of Cheech Marin as Hurley's dad. This suggests to me that the hour is likely Hurley-centric and, given his encounter with Charlie's ghost last season, his run-in this time with Ana Lucia will also be imaginary..."
The official titles for the first six episodes are: Episode 5.01 - Because You Left Episode 5.02 - The Lie Episode 5.03 - Jughead Episode 5.04 - The Little Prince Episode 5.05 - This Place Is Death Episode 5.06 - The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham
NEW UPDATE: The LOST Season Five premiere will actually be a three-hour "event." <Man, I cannot sit for three hours. Bless you, sweet DVR.> An hour-long recap special will air at 8 PM, followed by the first two episodes from 9-11 PM. The series will air thereafter at 9 PM on Wednesdays.
