David Duchovny & Drea De Matteo in Californication Episode 5.08 (SHO)
Like the show itself often is, this CALIFORNICATION post is quick and dirty. I'm fast approaching my deadline.
At just 30 minutes per episode, the fun is fast-moving in Californication--as is the wit. I have no doubt that Drea De Matteo who is guesting this week as 'Hank's 'girlfriend' (wink, nudge), will be able to give as good as she gets. Should be a very fun episode.
As always, please feel free to let me know how you are liking Season 5 Californication. See you on the other side!
Next on Episode 7
Hank saves Richard's relationship with Karen; Lizzie and Charlie hook up.
'Lizzie' (Camilla Luddington) and 'Charlie' (Evan Handler) in Californication Episode 5.08 (SHO)
CALIFORNICATION Episode 7: 'Here I Go Again' (SHOWTIME Extended Synopsis):
Hank saves Karen from embarrassment with a drunk Richard, then covers for Richard by pretending to be dating a stripper named Holly, who takes a liking to Tyler and offends his girlfriend, Becca. Meanwhile, when she's fired after an inappropriate encounter with Stu, nanny Lizzie calls on Charlie and allows their relationship to progress, only to have Marcy beg for her return. (Showtime)
CALIFORNICATION Episode 7: 'Here I Go Again' (SHOWTIME) SNEAK PEEKS:
Edie Falco and Anna Deavere Smith in Nurse Jackie Season 4
Edie Falco is back in her Emmy®-winning role with a bitingly funny new season of the Showtime Original Series, NURSE JACKIE. Out of excuses, out of tricks and out of control. The healing begins for Nurse Jackie April8th at 9PM ET/PT!
I haven't missed 'Nurse Jackie' as much as I've missed Edie Falco, Eve Best, Anna Deavere Smith and the rest of the stellar cast of the show. Also, I don't think it is unfair, as I noted in my last Nurse Jackie post, to say that season 3 ended in a slightly disappointing way.
But, by all accounts as you'll hear in the behind-the-scenes interviews with the core cast members, season 4 will differ quite markedly from the previous seasons. It's my guess that instead of a show about a drug-addicted nurse, Nurse Jackie will be more about a nurse struggling to conquer her addiction and achieve sobriety.
It is a testament to Edie Falco's deft acting skills that despite Jackie's acting in rather despicable ways to support her habit, we the audience still want to see her survive and thrive--to clean up her act.
I'm really looking forward to the season 4 premiere of Nurse Jackie on Showtime in just under 2 months--April 8th at 9PM ET/PT! Please check back here as I'll have more Nurse Jackie news (and probably some spoilers) as it becomes available and of course, I'll be covering Nurse Jackie week-to-week when the season gets underway.
This season the shift hits the fan. Get a sneak peek look at season 4 of Nurse Jackie. #KARMASABITCH
Hank Moody (David Duchovny) is a very sad clown. (Photo Credits: Showtime)
After last episode's showcasing of Karen's husband Richard's 'mangina' and, for extra added man-parts gross-out, Charlie's (Evan Handler) 'accidental' servicing by a tranny hooker, how could this week's Californication outdo itself? Tune in, you'll see!
When Samurai Apocalypse hits a lyrical roadblock with his protege, he calls on the best writer he knows: Hank Moody, who unites with Kali to imbibe, bear his soul, and write a song that takes Hank back in time to an era when he, Karen and Charlie were happier and life was simpler before "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love." But the present comes roaring back when Karen shows up at Hank's door, worried that she made a mistake.
'Becca' (Madeleine Martin)
Above: Hank and Karen (Natascha McElhone) in the early days. Below: Karen comes to Hank fearing she's made 'a mistake.'
Grammy Gallagher (Louise Fletcher) shows up on a medical furlough and tries to track down a former meth lab protege that owes her money; Sheila plans Karen's wedding reception; Fiona double dates with Steve and his Brazilian girlfriend, and discovers that Steve is married; Ethel reacts to Clyde's death; Frank discovers the identity of Eddie's insurance beneficiary. (Showtime)
(Tony's new girlfriend is ) 'Laotian, I think.' - Fiona to Steve (!)
Shameless: 'Double Date' SNEAK PEEK
Steve asks Fiona to go out on a double date.
Shameless: 'Interloper' SNEAK PEEK
Sheila gives a speech at Karen's wedding.
I had a hard time screencapping the sneak peek with Joan Cusak as "Sheila" giving a speech at daughter Karen's wedding only to be interrupted in the most profane way by Frank's mother, because I was laughing so hard. "Grammy' (Louise Fletcher) is an uninvited guest or 'interloper' as Sheila yells at her which leaves Grammy is utterly unfazed. She uses a few bleep-inducing, choice words and then whips out her gun and aims for Sheila. Sheila, perhaps to her credit, does not back down one bit but dares Grammy' to bring it. One of the funniest scenes ever in Shameless and that is truly high praise. I love these two veteran actresses duking it out. So well written!
'My parents suck, too.' Fiona to Frank.
Have you ever wondered how Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) became TV's most vile, deadbeat dad? Well, you know what they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Coming up on Showtime's 'Shameless,'" Grammy Gallagher (Louise Fletcher) is paying her son Frank a visit, straight out of jail, and she's bringing a whole lot of crazy with her.
"Grammy is going to end up mano a mano at Sheila's (Joan Cusack), on Sheila's couch, so that will be interesting," star Emmy Rossum told HuffPost TV. "When we meet Grammy, we finally understand why Frank is the way he is, especially Fiona. Grammy is Frank to the Nth degree. She's even worse. She's scheming, and when she comes back, the first thing she does when she gets out of jail, on medical furlough, is open up a meth lab in our basement, and she has Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) running it. Fiona is obviously not pleased about that." (cont. after video)
Shameless: 'Grammy's Back' Behind the scenes (Interviews) The cast of Shameless talks about the return of Frank's mother, Peggy Gallagher.
(cont.)
But could Grammy's meth lab lead to a violent encounter for the Gallaghers? "[Grammy] pulls a gun on Sheila," said Rossum. "It's pretty awesome. We love guns this year. Sadly, no guns for FiFi."
Lip (Jeremy Allen White) will also have his fair share of Grammy to deal with, especially when she insults his manhood.
"[Frank is] forced to bathe his mother, and Lip comes in to use the toilet," White told HuffPost TV in January, describing his favorite scene with Grammy. "It's strange because the family is so close in that way, but then Grammy makes fun of Lip. She's like, 'Wow, that's such a tiny pecker. Do you have sex with girls with that thing?' And then Lip comes back and says something funny. Then, Frank comes in and says, 'Yeah, it's so tiny!' It's just this weird, vicious cycle of family cruelty that doesn't stop."
However, Grammy isn't the only estranged Gallagher to return for Season 2. Monica Gallagher (Chloe Webb), Frank's ex-wife and the mother of the boisterous Gallagher brood, will also also return later in the season. It looks like she's cleaned up her act and she's hoping for forgiveness from Fiona.
"Monica, the mother, comes back, and she's seemingly really healthy all of the sudden," revealed Rossum. "She seems to be back on her meds, and Fiona is going to give her another shot, so we'll see how that goes."
Marvel - The Avengers Super Bowl XLVI Commercial VIDEO:
Marvel's 'The Avengers' Super Bowl Commercial shows never-before-seen clips from the film, starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Chris Evans (Captain America) and Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk).
Joss Whedon: 'The Avengers' Will Be Told From The Eyes Of Captain America:
While the superhero-packed film "The Avengers" has every comic book lover's heart aflutter, a concern lingers on just how the coming blockbuster will rangle a story with so many characters and backstories.
"The Avengers" has the awesome and difficult task of combining Marvel's VIPs -- Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow -- into a single story line.
Tough, but movie vet (and clandestine Shakespearean daredevil) Joss Whedon has found a way around this too-many-cooks-spoil-the-pot thing. “I set out with a very simple problem," Whedon the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. "There is no reason for these people to be in the same movie. So that’s what my movie has to be about. So much of the movie takes place from Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) perspective, since he’s the guy who just woke up and sees this weird ass world. Everyone else has been living in it.” Clever, very clever!
The film also boasts some of Hollywood's biggest names: Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, and Samuel L. Jackson.
"The Avengers" opens in 3D on May 4th. [EW via Collider]
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:
'You like those odds?!' - Fiona (Emmy Rossum) to brother 'Lip' (Jeremy Allen White) about the very poor chance that Lip is not Karen's baby-daddy.
Watch the sneak peek clip of the shot above. It's a really good scene where Fiona, clearly anxious to talk to 'Lip' about his recently revealed possible paternity of the baby that the now-engaged-to-'Jody,' Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) is carrying.
Lip is clearly not dealing with the news that Karen is pregnant. He found out after trying to get her betrothed, Jody, to cheat on her. Karen found out and confronted Lip, kicking him in the 'nads, sending him to the ground and then kicking him in the side repeatedly whilst disclosing her delicate condition to Lip and the audience in/around the Gallagher pool. Nice.
This episode looks like big fun too as what might be a moment not-quite-revealed about someone who had essentially, been missing since last season--and I don't mean 'Eddie.'
Frank tries to claim Eddie's insurance benefits and pension, despite being a prime suspect in his death; Fiona attends a ritzy wedding with Richard and lies about her background; Lip is devastated by Karen's rejection; Carl rents Frank's room to a hooker. (Source: Showtime)
"Mistress Veronica"
Veronica suspects that Kevin is having an affair.
Next on Episode 5 Frank tries to claim Eddie's benefits; Fiona lies about her past.
'Lip' to 'Fiona' on the potential paternity of Karen's fetus: ...'Could've been the guy on Wolcott with the lazy eye and the Mustang...'
'Showtime has picked up "Shameless, 'House of Lies" and "Californication" for new seasons, the network announced Wednesday:
"Californication" will return for a sixth season, "Shameless" for a third and "House of Lies" for a second. Production on the shows will begin later this year in Los Angeles.
"Shameless," an hour-long dramedy from John Wells, has watched its ratings grow in its sophomore season. It recently exceeded the viewership of the series debut of HBO's "Luck" -- with 1.4 million viewers to "Luck's" 1.1 million viewers. "House of Lies," which airs after "Shameless" on Sundays and stars Don Cheadle, had a strong premiere by the cable network's standards, with more than 1 million viewers, and has built on that as the season has progressed.
Veteran "Californication" is averaging 3 million viewers across all platforms (On Demand, replays and DVR), according to the network.'
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.
Emmy Rossum as Fiona Gallagher is chased by spurned wife, Lucy Jo Heisner (Brit Morgan)
Seems a very handy thing indeed that 'Fiona' (Emmy Rossum) was 'almost' a track star in high school (she had to drop out to care for her siblings, natch) because she will put those running skills to the test when ambushed--in her own home!--by an intent-on-blood, Lucy Jo Heisner (Brit Morgan). Fiona, you'll recall, had an unrequited high school crush on 'Craig Heiser' which was just requited in the back seat of Craig's car, a virtual low-rent kiddyland of toys, baby seat and (ew!) old juice boxes and uneaten food. To make it worse, Craig makes odd noises when having sex so the whole experince grossed Fiona out. Very doubtful that she'd planned on going back to that well again. Try telling that to the bat-wielding 'Lucy Jo', though.
Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip Gallagher' (Credit: Showtime)
SNEAK PEEK: Shameless - Possible New Client - Fiona deals with the consequences of sleeping with Craig when his angry wife shows up at the door:
SNEAK PEEK: Shameless - 'Copy That' - Lip invites Jody to the Alibi Room:
SHAMELESS EPISODE 2.04 - 'A Beautiful Mess' (Showtime Extended Synopsis):
Fiona deals with the consequences of sleeping with Craig when his angry wife shows up at the door; Debbie develops a stress-rash and Fiona wonders if she's putting too much responsibility on the kids; Sheila has made it all the way to the hair salon and Frank realizes his days in the Jackson household are numbered; no longer having sex with Karen, Lip tries to dig up dirt on Jody; Ian continues on the path to West Point; Carl house-sits with his friend, Little Hank; Ethel meets Malik, a boy on Kevin's youth basketball team.
William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher in Showtime's Shameless - Episode 2.04
Californication continues to be witty and irreverent with just enough humanity tossed into the mix to ensure that we care about the characters. I still don't know how David Duchovny does it. He did the same with his character, 'Agent Mulder' in the X-Files. He was kind of an ass but a wry, witty ass and against better judgment, we liked him--a lot. The same goes for his character on Californication, writer 'Hank Moody.' He does some incredibly selfish, immature things but his heart seems to be in the right place and there's no questioning his love of his daughter and her mother--no matter how weirdly he displays that love.
Californication: Self Preservation
After Hank finishes his script for Santa Monica cop, Charlie asks him to say in L.A.
.
Californication: Long for Companionship
Things start to heat up when Hank is asked to show Kali a night on the town
Full Synopsis: Episode 5.03 - 'Boys and Girls' - Hank delivers a completed draft of "Santa Monica Cop" to Samurai Apocalypse but his attempts to leave town are once again thwarted when he's asked to show a night on the town to Kali, his "acquaintance" from the flight to Los Angles; Tyler crashes with Karen and Becca while he recovers from his injuries; things get unprofessional fast when Charlie is saved from a serious parental crisis by his son's nanny, Lizzie.
Next on Episode 3 Hank delivers a script and tries to leave town but events keep him in L.A.
Looks like Lip (Jeremy Allen White) is ratcheting up his risk-taking by stealing credit-card numbers. Wonder if he's trying to impress Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) with his derring-do?
Kevin (Steve Howey) does have a plan and it doesn't sound too bad to me. His father, who is on the edge of death, owns Frank's favourite bar and Kevin's place of employment--'The Alibi.' Kevin's plan is to go to 'the loan store' and buy the bar from dear ol' dad leaving dad with the means to die with dignity. Kevin's shown his ability to control the going's on at The Alibi so you'd think, with a bit of help from 'Vi' (Shanola Hampton) with the books that Steve would fare just fine--though since this is Shameless...anything could happen.
Shameless: I Have a Plan
Kevin tells Veronica he wants to buy the Alibi Room.
Shameless Episode 2.03: 'I'll Light a Candle for You Every Day'
Season 2, Episode 3 Episode Synopsis:
Fiona ponders the morality of getting involved with a high-school crush who's now married but when she finds an abandoned purse with $500 inside she assumes her luck is changing; Frank pulls out all the stops, even proposing marriage, in an effort to stay in the good graces of his meal ticket, Dottie; and Harry's health issues leave Debbie obsessing over death. Meanwhile, Kevin considers buying the Alibi; Lip takes a meeting with an Army officer to see about getting Ian into West Point; Jody asks for Frank's permission to marry Karen. Original Air Date: Jan 22, 2012
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.
I'm totally jazzed that Shameless is back on, aren't you? What's that you say, you have not started watching season 2 of Shameless?! Well, if you are reading this in January 2012, you only need scroll down to the bottom of this blog and you'll be able to view Shameless season 2, episode 1 (for a limited time, edited for naughty language and bits).
We subscribe to Showtime in our household as they have great shows throughout the year. Shameless has quickly become my favorite comedy on any television station. I think both the sneak peeks below for episode 2 of Shameless which airs on Sunday, January 15 are excellent examples of why the show is so awesome. In the Shameless: 'Quality Father Daughter Time' video (below), Emmy Rossum as 'Fiona' and William C. Macy as deadbeat drunk dad 'Frank Gallagher' spar over yet another of Frank's brain-dead schemes to make cash any way but legitimately.
SCREENCAPS for SHAMELESS episode 2 and beyond:
SHAMELESS Synopsis Episode 2: Summer Loving:
As Sheila conquers her agoraphobia, a worried Frank finds a new financial plan in fellow bar patron Dottie, whose declining health and city pension make her an ideal match; Fiona juggles her job, the kids and her burgeoning love life, and Jasmine tries to help by setting up Fiona with a sugar daddy; Veronica takes some old folks from the home on an excursion; Lip worries about Karen's growing relationship with Jody; Ian tries to land a recently released Mickey a job at the Kash and Grab; Debbie wants her own room; Carl moves into the van.
Shameless: 'Quality Father Daughter Time' (VIDEO) Published on Jan 9, 2012 by SHOWTIME Fiona scolds Frank about the Gallagher's new roommate.
Joan Cusak as "Sheila' in Shameless, Sunday nights at 8c/9e on Showtime.
Sheila (Joan Cusak) makes it farther and farther away from home. Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) reminds Frank (William H. Macy) that soon her mom will get to meet all of Frank's friends at the bar.
Why Emmy Rossum Wanted to Be on Shameless
What the Shameless Kids Have in Common:
Actor Jeremy Allen White, who plays Phillip "Lip" Gallagher on Showtime's hit series Shameless, reveals that he's the only Gallagher child with a sibling in real life—none of the other children have brothers and sisters! Emmy Rossum, who stars as Fiona, explains why she thinks that's one of the reasons the cast is so close.
Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip" in Shameless on Showtime
Does William H. Macy mentor his castmates? What's it like for Emmy Rossum to play a not-so-glamorous character? The stars of Showtime's hit series Shameless answer burning questions from some of their biggest fans. Plus, watch an impromptu musical performance from Laura Slade Wiggins.
Rosie's Favorite Shameless Character:
A die-hard fan of Shameless asks Rosie who her favorite character is on the Showtime hit series. It's a hard choice for Rosie, who says that "every character is perfect," but she shares which one she likes the most and why.
The cast of Showtime's Shameless on the Rosie Show:
Working it, Shameless style
Shameless: This Year's Crop
Kevin (Steve Howey) shows Lip (Jeremy White) his grow house which will be shut down unless he finds $9000 to pay the electric bill.
Scroll down for full SHOWTIME FREE Preview Weekend Schedule!:
SHAMELESS: Episode 2.01 Synopsis - "Summertime':
- In the Season 2 premiere, despite her breakup with Steve, Fiona tends bar at a local hotspot with Veronica, hangs out with a successful young business executive, and enjoys her youth; Debbie runs a daycare with Carl; Ian takes over at the Kash and Grab when Kash leaves town; Lip runs a Little League book and helps Kev out with their annual ice cream/pot truck; despite Eddie's disappearance, Sheila takes small steps to finally leave the house; Frank loses a bet and surrenders Liam as collateral.
I've included all the new 2012 SHAMELESS character mashups VIDEOS:
Watch 'em here on the blog or you can click thru to the Shameless channel on YouTube or see my Shameless Season 2 player (below):
One thing we can be pretty certain about when trying to discern if the newest sneak peek shots are from Shameless season 1 or season 2 is by what the characters are wearing, specifically winter vs. summer-in-Chicago attire. Season 2 = summer clothes is how it goes. In Fiona's case tho', since she wears next to nothing for clubbing and at other times to better showcase Emmy Rossum's hotness, it is not a sure-fire way to judge. With 'Debbie' and 'Carl's' cases they are noticeably older and those scenes seem new anyway as they are defo summertime in Chicago, not winter.
Shameless: Fiona Gallagher Mashup
Get a glimpse of some of Fiona's most shameless moments.
Shameless: Lip Gallagher Mashup
Get a glimpse of some of Lip's most shameless moments.
Shameless: Frank Gallagher Mashup
Frank Gallagher is father, teacher and captain of the Gallagher ship. Get a glimpse of some of his most shameless moments.
Comic book fans be warned. If you're planning on avoiding Avengers spoilers ahead of the film's May 2012 release, this could be a big one.
Toymaker NECA sent a release detailing HeroClix product descriptions to retailers this week, and among the new collectables are Marvel's figurines for The Avengers. And while the heroes -- Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) -- and big bad Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are included, so is a previously unconfirmed character.
Red Skull, played by Hugo Weaving in last summer's Captain America: The First Avenger, is also name-checked, as MovieWeb points out.
The telling release reads as follows: "Charging straight out of theaters and onto your tabletop, Marvel's the Avengers Movie HeroClix set features heroes like Captain America and Thor as they battle the villainy of the Red Skull and Loki! Each Counter-Top display includes standard one-figure boosters as well as new three-figure 'Team Packs!' Team Packs are designed with strong thematic undertones - play a Hydra force or defend freedom with a S.H.I.E.L.D. team pack."
Could Red Skull be playing second fiddle to Loki? The Joss Whedon-directed feature has been rumored to have another villain since production started, but it's thus far been kept a secret.
Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in The AVENGERS (May 2012)
The Avengers arrives in theaters May 4, 2012.
Nick Fury
Samuel L. Jackson plays Nick Fury, the director of the super-spy agency. S.H.I.E.L.D. Jackson rounded up the Avengers, with cameo appearances in Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Happy Holidays from the Gallagher family. Mark your callendars! The new season of SHAMELESS begins January 8th at 9PM ET/PT!
Despite the new season of SHAMELESS taking place during one of our lovely Chicago summers, the Gallaghers have put on their best monogrammed Santa hats and enlisted everyone's help in wishing us a Merry Christmas!
My favourite line?: "Des-ig-nate! Give your keys to someone boring!"
Q: What's in store for the Shameless Showtime premiere?
A: This scoop will be as shameless as the series itself. James Wolk and Emmy Rossum. Naked. In public. Not enough? OK, how about this? William H.Macy. Half-naked. In the restroom of a gay bar.
Q: Do you have any spoilers about Shameless — particularly about Steve/Fiona?
Ausiello: Sorry, Fiona/Steve lovers, but Justin Chatwin is mostly M.I.A. when Season 2 resumes on Jan. 8. Fiona’s rebound dance card, meanwhile, remains full, first with Lone Star‘s James Wolk, and next with Vampire Diaries‘ Taylor Kinney. The latter plays an old and now-married crush of Fiona’s from high school with whom she reconnects with. Look out for a ROTFLOL-worthy scene set inside a car that will have you looking at Kinney in a whole new light.
Season 2 of SHAMELESS finds our favorite dysfunctional family braving the summertime Chicago heat trying to keep cool…and Frank (William H. Macy) out of trouble. Bearing the de facto parent badge, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) spends her nights working at a happening nightclub and her days keeping an eye on Debbie (Emma Kenny) and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) as they run a makeshift daycare center at the house. Meanwhile, brothers Lip (Jeremy Allen White) and Ian (Cameron Monaghan) are toying with the idea of college, while Sheila (Joan Cusack, in her Emmy® Award-nominated role) is still housing Frank and making progress with her agoraphobia. As usual, the motley brood somehow manages to hold down the fort and make sure the bills are paid, the lights are on and there is food on the table. Developed for American Television by John Wells and Created by Paul Abbott, SHAMELESS is based on the long-running hit UK series. SHAMELESS is executive produced by acclaimed Emmy® Award-winning television and film producer John Wells, Paul Abbott and Andrew Stearn.
Next on DEXTER Episode 12: 'This Is The Way The World Ends' SYNOPSIS:
In the Season 6 finale, Dexter and Homicide race against a lunar eclipse to catch the Doomsday Killers before their final gruesome act; Debra struggles with a new emotional reality.
Update/
Season 6, Episode 12
Episode Synopsis: In the sixth-season finale, Dexter and Homicide try to stop the Doomsday Killers from committing one final murder, while Debra deals with a new emotional situation. Original Air Date: Dec 18, 2011
Guest Cast: Mos as 'Brother Sam'
DEXTER SNEAK PEEK: 'He Just Left'
Travis kidnaps Harrison.
DEXTER Season 6 Finale SPOILERS and SPECULATION:
When we first see Dexter, he’s floating in the middle of the ocean, desperately clinging to the debris of the rowboat. Although we know that Dexter will survive, there’s a helpless desperation that we haven’t seen in him for some time. He’s resigned himself to the fact that he’s going to die and finds it ironically fitting that his body will vanish into the sea without a trace. His deepest fear and regret isn’t death itself, but that he will never see Harrison grow up and become a man. It’s a great start to the episode.
If there’s any doubt that Jennifer Carpenter is this season’s MVP, then just check out the excellent performance on display here. If she gets any kind of award consideration this year, guaranteed her highlight clip will be pulled from this episode.
Colin Hanks goes out on a fairly strong note. If you’re a Hanks hater, nothing will change your mind here, but he looks worn down and weathered in a few scenes achieving the right amount of menace. It’s hard to remember him as the somewhat sympathetic man-child killer (and that’s a compliment). If you’ve enjoyed Season 6 so far, then Episode 12 is a nice capper on the continuing adventures of Dexter Morgan.
On the other hand…
If you’re looking for a “ties up all the loose ends/ advances the plot” finale, then Episode 12 might disappoint. Almost... Some plot details remain a mystery, some end with a general shrug, and others with a convenient “resolution”. If you’ve had issues over Dexter’s easy escapes and convenient logic, then there’s more ammo to fuel the fire here.
Here’s your final hints n’ teases:
Good impressionist, Masuka, he is.
Travis checks the mail
“Oh God”
But here’s one more important teaser…
...the sound of a major bombshell going off in the final minute of the episode.
Everything I’ve written above won’t matter come Monday morning, because THIS is the final impression that will be burned into your brain over the next 9 months. Bring on Season 7!
We've come to expect penultimate episodes of 'Dexter' seasons to be heart-pounding and intense, but the second-to-last episode of Season 6 raised the stakes of serial-killing suspense.
In 'Talk to the Hand,' Dexter thwarted a poison gas attack aimed at Miami Metro and lost a showdown with Travis that ended with him set out to sea, surrounded by a ring of fire. It also opened a Pandora's box of step-sibling sexual tension when Deb's therapist suggested that Deb might be in love with Dexter.
To help bring some perspective to such a dizzying episode, AOL TV has an interview-cap with Dexter Morgan himself, Michael C. Hall. We discussed tonight's episode, the developments of Season 6 and where 'Dexter' may be headed in its final two seasons. Hall offered his thoughts on the Wormwood attack, the Gellar twist, and the new, strange wrinkle in his complex relationship with Jennifer Carpenter. Read on for the interview.
A lot of wild things happened in this episode, but the most interesting was the introduction of some weird, incestuous sexual tension between Deb and Dexter. So your TV step-sister who may have feelings for your character also happens to be your real-life ex-wife. Are the writers just trying to mess with you at this point?
Hall: Absolutely. [Laughs] But not without our blessing. Jennifer and I were aware that the story was moving in this direction. We laugh about it, we shake our heads ... but you know, in as much as there are inevitable parallels, we're both very professional and committed to telling this story.
(Hall, cont.) And frankly, whatever's happened with Jennifer and me and our relationship's evolution notwithstanding, Dexter in the first episode says, "If I could ever have feelings for anyone, I'd have them for Deb." I think those two characters have been on some kind of collision course from the get-go.
Dexter seemed almost like a super-hero in this episode, thwarting the Wormwood attack and then miraculously surviving the ring of fire at the end. He often seems indestructible. Do you ever worry that the lack of realism can hurt the storytelling?
I honestly feel that from the beginning, there is undeniably, just if you look at the logistics, there is a fantastical element to the world of the show and this guy's abilities. It's not a show that's based on a graphic novel or a comic book, but it feels like it is.
Ya know, on set, we are very much aware of the logistical or literal implausibility of so many of the things that happen on the show, but I think there is a suspension of disbelief that is required of our audience.
You look at the end of the first season ... he subdues the Ice Truck Killer, and gets him back into the Ice Truck Killer's room that's like, part of an active crime scene, and slashes his throat? It's all absurd really, but there's some sort of serendipitousness or fantastical coincidence ... I've suggested in other interviews that while we don't see it, Dexter definitely has the power of flight and can turn himself into smoke. ...
Is Dexter a strong swimmer?
Hall: I mean, come on. Yeah. He better be. Or he better luck into something. I'll tell you this much ... that San Pedro water is not warm. It was pretty cold. It was hard to pretend I was in Miami. My teeth might have been chattering a take or two. Hopefully they can cut around it.
After the Gellar twist, fans have now moved on to wondering about Louis Greene. People are wondering if he's connected to the Ice Truck Killer. My own theory is that he's used his own algorithmic powers to isolate Dexter as the Bay Harbor butcher.
Hall: That's indeed a possibility. He's a formidable guy given his access and expertise. It seems pretty clear that he's somewhat obsessed with Dexter in a way that is ... potentially problematic. ...
That gets you wondering about how messed up psychologically Dexter actually is. You know, in addition to being a sociopath.
Hall: Yeah. That was kind of a magical moment when we get to see Dexter in that basement watching Travis talk to the imaginary Gellar while having a conversation over his shoulder with his imaginary father. He's nuts, man.
Damian Lewis as Sgt. Brody in Showtime's HOMELAND season finale (Sunday)
Episode 12: 'Marine One'
Synopsis: While Carrie is near-catatonic and confined to bed, Saul investigates the unsettling implications of her timeline; Walker secures a perch for his mission; Brody makes his final preparations for the Vice President's policy summit at the State Department. (via SHO)
Homeland - SHO_Homeland Sundays @ 10 p.m.
One of the year’s best reviewed new shows, Showtime’s intoxicating thriller Homeland—which stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis—has proven to be an audience favorite as well. Launching to 1.1 million total viewers, the premiere ranks as Showtime’s best-rated drama premiere since 2003’s supernatural drama Dead Like Me, which, coincidentally, also starred Mandy Patinkin. (Once all platforms were factored in, that number soared to 2.8 million.) The pay cable channel has already renewed Homeland for a second season, and can expect to find it on many best of 2011 lists going into end of the year. With aging hits like Dexter and Weeds moving toward their endgames, Homeland—one of the first new pieces of programming to come out of Showtime’s new entertainment president David Nevins’ development—seems poised to be a valuable player for the network for several years to come. SOURCE:Fall TV - Winner and Losers
by Jace Lacob---probably consistantly my favourite television /pop-culture critic on the web.
Having watched HOMELAND from the first episode and seen it build strength as a compelling twisty-turny thriller, I'm not surprised by both the audience and critical positive reaction that have come from it.
I do believe that both Mandy Patinkin as "Saul," 'Carrie Mathison's' (Claire Danes) mentor, and Danes herself will be up for Emmys come awards time. Probably a couple of Golden Globe noms in there too, for various aspects of this excellent new Showtime offering.
Michael C. Hall as 'DEXTER' on Showtime - Episode 6.09 - 'Get Gellar' Credit: Showtime
Michael C. Hall (above) looks great as hungry-again, season 6 Dexter. Both season 4, which featured the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow) and Rita's (Julie Benz) murder by Trinity and season 5, with the physically and emotionally damaged, 'Lumen' played by Julia Stiles, who Dexter helps get justice and by doing so gets past his 'kill slump,' helped make Dexter 6.0 who he is.
It was very hard to guess what we were in store for on season 6 Dexter with the lead, Michael C. Hall and his leading lady offscreen and co-star on Dexter, Jennifer Carpenter's divorce from one another.
It wasn't uncalled for to speculate whether 'Deb', a critical player as Dexter's younger sister in Dexter, would be killed off due to possible tensions with exes working long hours together on the set of the hit Showtime series.
Their scenes together this season seem OK--they are after all actors, but the tone and pace to season 6 is off. It seems to go in fits and starts maybe because some things seem too arbitrary like the hiring of 'Mike, the Chicago cop' and the near complete abandonment of the character. I mean, what is he there for? He does look pretty, eye candy for the ladies, I won't disagree with that.
I thought I would have loved the Gellar (Edward James Olmos) and Travis Mitchell (Colin Hanks) storyline. I don't. The whole 'DDK' thing is just not doing it for me (and every time Deb says "DDK" referring to the Doomsday Killer, it sounds like she's yakking about what she had for lunch--BLT, DDK, BK sandwich...
That the women victims are outnumbering the men is troubling but I see from the promo that there's at least another DDK victim in episode 9--and from the screen caps you can see he's male.
Not sure how I feel about Deb willingly seeing a shrink. I see that she sees that her personal life is a mess and I get why maybe she's tired of it being so. But this road to ' insights' can only lead to a dark passenger and I don't mean Debra's.
Jennifer Carpenter as Lt. Debra Morgan in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Dexter receives help from an unexpected source while hunting the Doomsday Killers and staying one step ahead of Homicide; Debra discovers something new about herself in therapy.
Edward James Olmos as Prof. Gellar in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Dexter: Travis's Dark Passenger
Dexter prepares a kill room for Gellar.
David Zayas as "Angel Batista' in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Dexter: Bowls of Wrath
Miami Metro tries to figure out DDK's next tableau.
Colin Hanks as "Travis Mitchell' in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Michael C. Hall as 'DEXTER' on Showtime - Episode 6.09 - 'Get Gellar' Credit: Showtime
Jennifer Carpenter as Lt. Debra Morgan in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Molly Parker as 'The Whore Of Babalon'/Cindy, Travis's sister
Michael C. Hall as 'DEXTER' on Showtime - Episode 6.09 - 'Get Gellar' Credit: Showtime
Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' in Dexter - Episode 6.08: 'Sin Of Omission' (SHO)
Dexter Episode 6.08: 'Sin Of Omission' Preview (SHO)
Dexter uses lessons he learned from Brother Sam to follow up on some new leads in the Doomsday investigation; Debra butts heads with Captain LaGuerta over the case of a dead call girl.
Dexter 6.08 Sneak Peek:Funerals and Doughnuts
Dexter learns that Miami Metro knows about Travis Marshall.
Dexter 6.08 Sneak Peek: Pathetically Mundane
Gellar tries to convince Travis to return to him.
Dexter Season 6 Upcoming Episodes Synopsis [SPOILERS]:
S06, E08 Sin of Omission
Dexter uses lessons from Brother Sam (Mos) to follow up on leads; Deb and LaGuerta butt heads.
S06, E09Get Gellar Dexter gets help from an unexpected source; Debra learns something about herself in therapy.
S06, E10 Ricochet Rabbit Dexter tries to find the Doomsday Killers' next victim; Debra reacts strongly to a crime scene.
S06, E11Talk to the Hand Dexter works to catch the Doomsday Killers; Debra's battle with LaGuerta boils over.
S06, E12This Is the Way the World Ends Dexter and the Homicide team race to catch the Doomsday Killers before their final act; Deb copes with a new emotional reality.
'This: Am I reading too much into this or is Episode 12 eluding to the fact that Deb finds out about Dexter?'
And this...
Q: Will Travis help Dexter take down Gellar on Dexter ?
A: Travis will stop playing follow the leader when he pays the ultimate price for abandoning Gellar. The latest DDK victim will, in a bizarre way, become a catalyst for Deb to reevaluate her own relationship with Dexter.
...together, are the start of the beginning of the end of Dexter's sister Deb's big blind spot in regard to the very odd hours that her brother has kept since adolescence as well as a few other 'odd' things he's said and done throughout the same time period.
DEXTER gets tense as both Dexter and Miami Metro start to close in on Gellar. And you'll never guess who ends up helping Dexter (or why). - (11.17.11 SHOWTIME)
Q: Does the Jonah storyline in episode 6.07 have Any fallout in DEXTER episode 6.08 (this Sunday)?
Episode 6.08, Dexter is back in Miami and the focus returns on The Doomsday Killer. However, he will have to deal with Debra, who is pissed off. Not only he disappeared for a week, but she doesn’t know where he went. That’s pretty much the fallout: angry Debra.
Q: Will Travis help Dexter take down Gellar on Dexter ? A: Travis will stop playing follow the leader when he pays the ultimate price for abandoning Gellar. The latest DDK victim will, in a bizarre way, become a catalyst for Deb to reevaluate her own relationship with Dexter.
This week on HOMELAND, Brody gets a major proposal from a very powerful woman, and Carrie finds Tom Walker's contact. Too bad he's got diplomatic immunity. (11.17.11 SHOWTIME)
After the jump - A love letter from Showtime: DEXTER RENEWED x2!:
Episode 6.07 of Showtime's HOMELAND was truly riveting.I don't think it's an exaggeration to call it a 'game-changer.' And then a set-up for the next episode, 6.08 - 'Achilles Heel', with possibly yet another plot twist that is just as big. My TV-watching partner quit on this show, I think because the story wasn't unraveling fast enough for him. With a story like this, a certain degree of patience and I'll say it, sophistication is required to fully enjoy it.
Some of us seem to want the equivalent of 'fast-food' TV but like many things in life, taking it slowly can result in a big payoff.
HOMELAND Episode 1.08 - 'Achilles Heel' Promo VIDEO (HD)
A: This Sunday, all eyes — and phone traces, and street cameras — are on a new target as the CIA attempts to capture Brody’s presumed-dead pal, Tom Walker. But by the end of the hour, we’ll learn Walker and Brody have something — or someone — else in common. Translation: Don’t be so quick to remove Brody from the list of suspects.
HOMELAND Episode 1.07 - 'The Weekend' - Damian Lewis as Sgt. Brody and Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in HOMELAND on SHO right after DEXTER on Sundays:
Homeland 1.07 - "The Weekend" Promo (HD) The relationship between Carrie and Brody becomes complicated.
Also, Brody's his best friend, 'Mike', (the guy who took super-good care of Brody's wife) is 'NOT (his) friend <facepunch>, not (his) friend <facepunch>.'
Looks like more hanky-panky goin' on between Carrie and Brody for sure and possibly Jess (Morena Baccarin) and Mike (Diego Klattenhof) will give into their carnal desires, too. What a mess. A hot mess.
Last week's HOMELAND episode left on a cliff-hangar of what exactly happened that led to the death before he could disclose any good intel of Brody's POW guard of 8 years?
Brody himself is a suspect. He became one after he'd gone back to the CIA asking as a soldier to be able to face his captor. Previously, he'd asked if his captor would be tortured as part of the interrogation. Carrie's reply to Brody was, 'We don't do that here.'
This week, Carrie is hot to have Brody take a lie detector test as she has no question that Brody slipped his guard a razor blade after Brody successfully won face time with him via his plea to Deputy CIA Director Estes, (David Harewood).
The tension continues to mount. How much longer until Carrie and Brody either come to blows or wind up in the sack together--possibly having angry sex?
One thing is clear about Fiona Gallagher (Emmy Rossum) in the SHO series SHAMELESS: she does not spend her summer moping for "Steve," her love interest of most of season 1 who beat a hasty exit when his double life and car stealing operation both came to light. I read some time ago that 'Steve' (Justin Chatwin) does make an appearance but is not featured as prominentlyas he was in SHAMELESS' first season.
Shameless: Lip Truth or Dare [VIDEO] and Aftermath (Shameless Spot) :
Jeremy White as "Lip' in Showtime's Shameless season 2: beginning January 6, 2012:
SUBMIT YOUR TRUTHS AND DARES FOR LIP AT www.facebook.com/ShamelessOnShowtime OR BY TWEETING #LIPTRUTH OR #LIPDARE.
Fierce, Fun and Foxy (Shameless and House of Lies Spot)
Published on Nov 4, 2011 by SHOWTIME They work hard and play harder. Don't miss new episodes of Shameless beginning January 8th followed by the series premiere of House of Lies.
Mos as 'Brother Sam' in DEXTER - Episode 6.06 - "Just Let Go' (Photo credit: Showtime)
The Internet is abuzz not only with the synopsis of the just-released DEXTER Episode 6.07 - 'Nebraska' but a previous unconfirmed spoiler posed as a riddle. I don't recall a spoiler like this one before (scroll down to SPOILER):
Dexter - Episode 6.06 - 'Just Let Go' :
Dexter 6.06 - 'Just Let Go' Promo (HD):
Synopsis: Dexter is caught up in a very personal case that awakens the needs of his Dark Passenger; Debra feels overwhelmed by her new Lieutenant duties, made all the more complicated when she finds out Quinn slept with a witness in the Doomsday case.
Dexter 6.06 - 'Just Let Go' SCREENCAPS:
SPOILER (Possible speculation):
In the final scene of Episode 6, Season 6, we have a shocking return. This return is a familiar face from the past. The return is also significant because it could change the whole dynamic of Dexter. Not just Dexter Morgan, but DEXTER, the series.
Every week until Episode 6 airs, I will post a clue
CLUE #1 (Oct- 21st): She hasn’t been gone for long, so don’t expect a pretty blonde. (Update: Completely fabricated) Clue #2 (Oct – 23rd): Dexter has secrets, he’s like an unsolved quiz. But only a select few know who he really is. CLUE #3 (Oct – 30th): Shock, confusion, happy, angry…the reactions will no doubt vary. One thing is for sure, this twist will bring controversy. (irrelevant)
I just visited the site above and be warned it one of those crap flashing, auto-video playing sites which leads me to be highly suspicious of anything the writer has to say. If however there are any shards of truth to the piece perhaps they best be matched up with a source that tends to be highly reliable:
Episode 6.07 - 'Nebraska' Synopsis
Dexter is accompanied by a fellow Dark Passenger on a trip to Nebraska to tie up past loose ends. Meanwhile, Debra's investigation into the Doomsday Murders is complicated by her lieutenant rank.
Why do I get the feeling that by episode 6.07 Dexter has gotten a leg up on the Doomsday murder investigation? That by then Prof. Gellar will be gone?
After the jump - Sneak Peeks!: Dexter tries to track down a suspect who might have shot Brother Sam. [VIDEO] Batista and Quinn interrogate Gellar's old teacher's assistant.[VIDEO]
With the spoiler-questions below answered we know that contrary to speculation, Professor Gellar(Edward James Olmos) is indeed quite real--human (unlike the character he was being compared to, Dexter's ghostly dad). He is therefore susceptible to death--perhaps taking Quinn's bullet after "Quinn (Desmond Harrington) gets a little too close' in this episode.
Dexter Epsode 5 'The Angel Of Death' SPOILER:
From this week's DEXTER buzz we learn that a season 6 new-cast member is being offed!
The reason I have no trouble believing this is that when EJO was cast it was NOT for the entire season and since he's been in every episode of season 6 and we are going into episode # five...
SYNOPSIS: Dexter Season 6 Episode 5 - The Angel Of Death:
With the help of his new-found friend Brother Sam, Dexter wonders if there is light within him to counter the darkness, while the search for the Doomsday Killers takes him in a new direction; Batista and Quinn pay a visit to the university where Professor Gellar taught; due to departmental regulations following the shooting, Debra is forced to begin therapy.
Q: Is Edward James Olmos' Professor Gellar on Dexter real?
A: He's real, all right—just ask that guy whose body parts took a pony ride through Miami traffic.
Never fear: Lt. Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) and her team are closing in on the Doomsday Killer—and while Quinn (Desmond Harrington) gets a little too close to the naughty professor, Dexter(Michael C. Hall) targets his creepy protégé, Travis(Colin Hanks).
Q: Is Dexter moving kind of slowly this season? A: (Maybe but) things start cooking in a big way over the next two episodes.
"You know how the show usually kills off the guest stars at the end of the season? Well, one of this season's new characters will meet his or her maker much sooner than that."
A: I can tell you it’s someone who was new to the cast this season — and it’s not under the blade of an ax. Not enough? Let me narrow it down a bit more. For now, I can tell you Harrison’s new babysitter stays out of death’s crosshairs, but too bad she finds herself on the receiving end of Deb’s wrath during a screaming match! Personally, I’d rather tango with death than Deb’s temper.
Next on Episode 5 'Blide Spot' of Homeland, Brody confronts his sole surviving captor and torturer:
Should be interesting to see what reaction the 'reunion' of Brody (Damian Lewis - above in a sneak peek still) and his former captor elicits for Brody. The guy is still very much an enigma, IMO.
Claire Danes as "Carrie Mathison' in "Homeland' on SHO Sunday nights after Dexter (10E/9C).
Carrie meets with Brody so he can identify one of his captors.
Q: Homeland?
Sunday’s uber-intense new episode, which centers around Brody (Damian Lewis) confronting the lone surviving insurgent that held him, will lead to a blow-up between Saul (MandyPatinkin) and Carrie (Claire Danes). And on a less crucial note, Morena Baccarin’s Jessica will also debut a new, shorter ‘do.
Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' - Showtime Sunday nights @ 9 p.m.:
NEXT on DEXTER - Disturbing events cause Dexter to have a serious crisis of faith:
Dexter Episode 6.04 Sneak Peek: 'Imagination' - Dexter finds himself at a bizarre crime scene.
Homeland Sneak Peek:Smile for the Cameras - Carrie watches as Brody gets ready for a speech.
It's hard to believe but both DEXTER and HOMELAND are heading into their 4th episodes already! The story-lines are well underway and things are heating up. To say tension is building, though a bit cliche-sounding is precisely what's going on in these two fine offerings from the Showtime network. Here's a idea of what to look forward to on Dexter and Homeland this week:
HOMELAND - Episode 1.04: 'Semper I' Synopsis:
The political powers that be make big plans for national hero Brody, but his increasingly erratic behavior threatens his media darling status; Carrie grows desperate for evidence linking Brody with Abu Nazir, as Saul directs her to focus on Nazir's money trail.
Episode 6.04: 'A Horse Of A Different Color' Synopsis:
Much to his own surprise, an emergency with Harrison and a new tableau from Gellar and Travis has Dexter leaning on Brother Sam and an unexpected winged messenger for support as he questions the idea of faith; with proof of a religiously motivated killer, Homicide hunts for a zealot, with Debra giving her first official press conference.
A lot is happening on both shows so don't forget to tune in this Sunday starting at 8C/9E for DEXTER and 9C/10E for HOMELAND!
I saw a fun tidbit in this week's EW magazine. Claire Danes, who stars as Carrie Mathison on Homeland was interviewed about her role and it was mentioned that some people have made the leap that Carrie is supposed to be Danes' previous television series incarnation going way back to 1994 as Anglea on the critically acclaimed "My So Called Life.' Danes seemed truly incredulous: 'No, no! It's just my voice, it's just my face!', she says. It is sort of astonishing that though Danes was just 14 when she landed that role her appearance has not changed very much. She's got a very accessible, girl-next-door look, don't you think?
Dexter - Interview with Jennifer Carpenter (Oct 17)
Congratulations on the show's best season-premiere ratings yet. Oh, wow, thanks. I don't really pay attention to that, but I'm glad it's doing well. I sort of enjoy the fact that we're in a bubble when we're shooting it. I feel like if I were imagining people really watching it, or the pressure of numbers, that maybe I wouldn't work as well [laughs].
What was your reaction to learning that Deb was going to be promoted? It's pretty unbelievable. I mean, only on TV would I skip so many levels and shoot straight up to lieutenant. But my insecurities about the fictitious promotion were exactly where I needed to be with the character. So it all sort of worked. It's odd to be Batista's boss, when I feel like he really did earn it and has been a mentor; it's awkward. But she's really taken the lead on every major case that's come through the office.
Although she's missing the one obvious thing, which is that her brother's a serial killer. Exactly. That is a very good point [laughs].
Showtime has just released an intriguing Dexter 'look ahead' video which I've screencapped so you can better enjoy all the gory details:
...and there are quite a few of them.
Though not all the scenes are 'looking ahead,' as hopefully you've now been able to enjoy episodes 1 & 2, the video contains scenes through at least episode 4 which makes them all the more worthy of perusal.
I admit, the religious-based storyline with the iconic Edward James Olmos in the lead and Colin Hanks as his partner-in-crime has already gotten under my skin partly because I suspect that their 'sacrificial' acts will only grow more grandiose. Also, I feel pretty awful about what they are doing to poor, innocent folks randomly selected for sacrifice. Scary stuff.
Meanwhile, Dexter is mulling over whether "Brother Sam,' played by the surprisingly great Mos (I'd not seen his acting work before), is 'worthy' of going on Dexter's table. Is Brother Samtruly repentant for his murderous ways or as Dexter has reasoned, has he only gotten better at not getting caught? Seems like the conclusion that Dexter draws will quite literally be a matter of life or death (Brother Sam's).
Sneak Peeks for DEXTER & HOMELAND Episode 3! (Below) :
I've also got some links to some great new interviews with the Homeland cast [VIDEO]:
You simply must view each of these videos as the actors fill in some very interesting back-story on their characters that may--or may not be revealed in the show (they have not yet done so through episode 3).
One revelation in particular is going to have me watching two characters on Homeland with a completely different mindset and it has nothing to do with whether or not the character of ex-POW 'Brody' (Damian Lewis) has been turned(!)
Some nice HQ shots are out from Showtime's Dexter filming at and in the ocean on Oct 4.
you can very clearly see Michael C. Hall (Dexter) in the photos fully soaked both in and out of the ocean along with...four people we've not seen prior to now.
This is episode 6.12, I think. (Maybe?)
I've been chatting with a fellow Dexter fan about the shots and am mulling about, based on the physical similarity to 'Jamie Batista' (baby Harrison's sitter) could we be seeing M.C. Hall pictured with stunt people?
So intriguing to wonder just what is going on here!
These shots raise about a thousand questions especially when you consider that they may be part of the season 6 finale of Dexter!
Edward James Olmos: I’m playing a professor of theology and it’s quite interesting....
What kind of theology is it and how does it apply to Dexter?
EJO: Most of the work that I’ve done is ancient, so it’s the roots. We ponder a lot of the roots of the basics about existence.
Is this professor of theology an equal match for Dexter?
E.J.O. : No, he outdoes him in almost every way. It’s really very dark. You mix religion and homicidal tendencies, you’re going to get into a dark space, he darkest of the five years.
Mos as 'Brother Sam' - Dexter Season 6 - 10.02.11 - Showtime premiere.
This is about as close to an Advance Review as I'm going to get before the audience at large--theShowtime audience watches Dexter in real time. I'll post more then as I plan on watching the entire season of Dexter season 6 in real time. Heck, it's on Sunday nights--no need to DVR it!
I've watched the first two episodes of Dexter Season 6--I'm saving episode three for tomorrow due life constraints. Also, I can't emphasize enough how I wish to watch Dexter in real time with everyone else. It's just more fun that way (though I do want to continue watch it in advance. It's awesome with it being my very favourite premium cable show and all!). Dexter is also best appreciated bywatching it multiple times--so you can do things any which way you please. Lots of choices in getting your Season 7 Dexter mojo working!
'Deb' (Jennifer Carpenter) is promoted!
Having just viewed Episode 2 of Dexter last night, I have to say I'm really excited about this season after having some minor nitpicks about a few things from the first episode. They were nothing 'big' and I'll skip back to them after they are no longer spoilers in a near-future post.
WEEDS: Episode 7.13: 'Do Her / Don't Do Her' Synopsis:
Silas betrays Nancy while Shane attempts to protect her.In the Season 7 finale, Silas betrays Nancy, even as Shane makes one last attempt to protect her from Detective Ouellette; back on Wall Street, Doug and Whit hatch a plan to keep the hedge fund alive.
I have not watched the WEEDS: Episode 13, season 7 finale but I have watched all of season 7 so far and the entire series, for that matter (backtracking at one point about 1.5 years into Weeds' run on Showtime--to get caught up on the first season and a half that I'd missed initially--didn't have Showtime).
I find it a fun show to watch. It's got sharp writing--a good, solid ensemble cast (to which Heylia returned this year--woo-hoo!) and it is not anti-or particularly, pro-pot use. Only someone who hasn't listened to the explanation of what the show is about would not get that Weeds has years where 'weed' is featured almost like a featured cast member and other times sort of relegated to distant co-star (though the "weeds" of the title remain integral to every season). It really all depends on what the Botwin family lead by Nancy (Mary-Louise-Parker), is struggling through at any particular time. Sometimes imminent death is an 'issue,' other times ' just' going back to prison. Another bump in the road was helping Shane (Alexander Gould) (so far) get away with murder (Pilar with the croquet mallet by the pool--in pseudo-self-defense, some would argue justifiable homicide). When the Botwins have problems they are outsize problems. Thank dog they have "Uncle Andy' ( Justin Kirk) to help them through troubled times.
The the set-up of Silas (Hunter Parrish) getting revenge on Nancy for well in truth, years of lousy (but well-intentioned!) parenting is not too daunting to contemplate when all that the Botwins have survived is tallied up.
The weed-jacked Heylia could be scary but Nancy had been able to sweet-talk her way out of ever dire situation save one--last year's federal arrest subsequent three-year incarceration--so I don't think truly anything awful shall befall our favourite weed distributor in the season-ender.
It's hard to know where Weeds will go from here. There's been no formal announcement by the network about renewal for a season 8 Weeds. Would you want that if it were to be an option? Especially when I compare it to some of the network shows that go on FOREVER plus the fact that one season of Weeds comprises 13, 30-minute shows--Weeds could easily go on--I'm good with that.
Weeds: 'Deep Breaths' Silas admits his wrong doing to Andy.
Weeds: 'Fire Sale' Doug walks into a problem at Vehement Capital.
Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' and Jennifer Carpenter as 'Deb' in Dexter Season 6, Episode 1, 'Those Kind Of Things.':
Screencaps! - Dexter Episode 6.01 'Those Kinds of Things' - 2 Sneak Peeks VIDEO SCREENCAPS:
Promo 1 and Promo 2 Episode 6.01 - Dexter: 'Tragedy Strikes' - 'An injured Dexter calls for help.' and Dexter: 'Alpha Omega' - Miami Metro investigates a washed up body.
Dexter: 'Alpha Omega'
Published on Sep 23, 2011 by SHOWTIME
Miami Metro investigates a washed up body.
This is a toe-curling scenen that is SPOILERish--at least if you have an aversion to seeing _______ slithering out of a dead guy's abdominal cavity. In this sense the premiere of Dexter season 6, Episode 1 - 'Those Kind Of Things,' is classic Dexter (remember when Dexter had to fish body parts out of a 'gator he'd slit open)?
Check back soon for my advance review of Dexter season 5.
'The explosively popular DEXTER® is back with a vengeance for a sixth season of startling suspense and unexpected twists. It's been a year since last season's shocking and heartbreaking conclusion, and mild mannered criminologist-cum-grisly serial killer Dexter Morgan has come to terms with who he is. But his existence is shattered when he crosses paths with an enemy unlike any he's faced before. A delusional religious zealot with unflinching convictions, this new adversary soon draws Dexter into a dangerous game that could well end in disaster."
Claire Danes and Damian Lewis star in the suspenseful new SHOWTIME Original Series HOMELAND. New episodes Sundays at 10pm ET/PT beginning October 2nd, only on SHOWTIME.
Dexter Poster - Key Art Giveaway!:
Leave a comment saying you'd like a full size copy of the awesome season 6 key art poster featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter. I'll announce the winner Thanksgiving week. More deets later!
Dexter - Season 6: Episode 1 - 2 Small Spoilers:
Q: Please give us scoop on the new season of Dexter!
A: The season premiere opens on a bleeding Dexter calling 911 to report that he has been stabbed.
Has someone finally discovered his secret and exacted a poetic revenge? Did he slip in a pool of someone else's blood and fall on his own knife? Will he analyze his own spatter pattern while he waits for the ambulance to arrive? Nope, nope and nope.
SOURCE:TVGUIDE (make sure you have you pop-up blocker actived!)
Dexter - Episode 6.01 - Those Kinds of Things - Short Synopsis:
Dexter Morgan attends his 20th high school reunion; Dexter considers his son's legacy; Debra becomes an unexpected hero.
On the subject of HOMELAND, Showtime is teaming up with GameSpot to give away 5000 beta keys to preview the newest version of the first-person shooter game Ghost Recon: http://www.gamespot.com/event/codes/ghostrecon/ Beta keys will be given out at random times over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out on Homeland's Facebook and Twitter pages to claim yours!
Also, all of the games at http://watchcareful.ly are live, and starting today, you can unlock the first episode of HOMELAND. Watchcareful.ly is the only place where HOMELAND will be shown unedited online.
Published on Sep 7, 2011 by SHOWTIME
The CIA debriefs Sergeant Brody.
After the jump - Homeland - 'Presumed Dead' Sneak Peek (VIDEO)
'As much as I like the idea of Dexter, the collateral damage he causes due to his code deviations are too high. I guess it could be attributed to human error, but is it worth the loss of innocent life?
Kills shown in chronological order.
The kill count of each of Dexter's victims is the minimum amount known, there's definitely a lot more deaths that he has avenged.'
"The explosively popular DEXTER® is back with a vengeance for a sixth season of startling suspense and unexpected twists. It's been a year since last season's shocking and heartbreaking conclusion, and mild mannered criminologist-cum-grisly serial killer Dexter Morgan has come to terms with who he is. But his existence is shattered when he crosses paths with an enemy unlike any he's faced before. A delusional religious zealot with unflinching convictions, this new adversary soon draws Dexter into a dangerous game that could well end in disaster."
'How many times has Sookie saved your life, letting you drink from her like your own private soda fountain?' - Jason to Bill:
True Blood Season 4: Eric, Bill, Pam, Jessica, and Jason Clip (Effing Sookie Clip):
Bill (Stephen Moyer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) and Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) are about to blow up the Moon Goddess Emporium when Jason (Ryan Kwanten) intercedes, informing them that (in addition to Tara) Sookie is now held hostage inside as well. So commences a chorus of exclamations from the vampires beginning with Eric, of 'Effing Sookie.' Jason takes great umbrage at this display of disrespect and ungratefulness and proceeds to stand up to them, ticking off a list of the many ways that Sookie has pulled the vampires' collectives butts out of the fire on multiple occasions.
'Fuck you chump, it's her home!' - Jason to Eric
True Blood Season 4 - Sookie, Marnie, Lafayette, Jesus, and Tara Clip:
'Marnie just puked the bitch out.' Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) the medium, after witnessing Antonia leaving Marnie's (Fiona Shaw) body.
True Blood Season 4 Episode 11 (4x11) Promo - 'Soul of Fire' (HD)
True Blood - Season 4 - September 2011 - Episode #47 Synopsis:
As the Wiccan-vampire standoff reaches a critical juncture, Sookie (Anna Paquin) summons her faerie powers to prevent Marnie (Fiona Shaw) from bewitching Bill (Stephen Moyer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) into a suicide march, while Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) casts a secret spell designed to un-bind Marnie/Antonia and break the witch’s deadly defenses. Sam (Sam Trammell) settles a score with Marcus (Dan Buran); Alcide (Joe Manganiello) confronts Debbie (Brit Morgan) about her allegiances; Andy (Chris Bauer) finds unexpected passion in the forest; Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) is consumed by the past. Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Michael Lehmann.
Alexander Skarsgård smolders in HBO's True Blood as the spellbound 1000 y.o. Viking vampire, "Erik Northman":
The official synopsis for True Blood season 4, Episode 10, "Burning Down the House":
"As all hell breaks loose in Shreveport, Sookie summons her most potent powers yet to save Bill, in the process breaking a spell and leading Marnie to re-evaluate her mission. Jason urges Jessica to glamour him for Hoyt’s sake; Terry drags Andy to “Fort Bellefleur” for an intervention; Alcide reconsiders his allegiances after Marcus’ fight with Tommy. Jesus, accompanied by Sookie, Lafayette and Jason, tries to breach the Moon Goddess Emporium’s defenses to liberate Tara and Holly, while Bill leads a brigade of vampires committed to blowing the place to kingdom come."
After the jump - True Blood - Season 4 - September 2011 Episode Press Releases
Vampire Bill glamours his way onto the evening news:
Best clip of the three.
In the aftermath of the vampire suicides (under the spell of the witches) 'Vampire Bill' Compton a/k/a the 'Vampire King of Louisiana', (Stephen Moyer) glamours his way onto the TV news after the reporter's initial refusal to allow him to make a statement.
True Blood Season 4 - Marcus, Alcide, and Debbie Clip:
Marcus (Dan Buran), the packmaster of Shreveport, says the word 'f*ck' or a variation of it about 15 time in 60 seconds whilst discussing the witches vs. vampire situation with his pack.
True Blood Season 4 - Antonia and Tara Clip:
Tara (Rutina Wesley) listens intently to Marnie/Antonia (Fiona Shaw) ranting that their efforts to kill 'all vampires' were almost for naught as just 'a single vampire (Maxine Fortenberry's neighbour) burned.' She insists that the vampires must be 'snuffed out, once and for all.'
After the jump: HBO RENEWS HIT SERIES TRUE BLOOD FOR FIFTH SEASON:
Weeds: Season 7 Episode 6 - 'That's not true! I'm obsessed with your black ass!':
'I Missed You'
Nancy (Mary Louise Parker) tries to reconnect with Heylia (Tonye Patano)
This is the funniest--and most fun scene of Season 7 thus far. Finally, the character that Weeds fans have been clamoring to see again--has returned--and she is very much the straight talkin' not to mention straight-shootin', lady we loved.
Dig it!
Sample dialogue:
Nancy: 'Don't you even want to know why I went to jail for three years?'
Heylia: "Involuntary dumbassery? First degree steppin' in shit you can't handle?'
Heylia: 'I'll bet you haven't even thought twice about my black ass in the past 5 years.'
Nancy (flummoxed): 'That's not true! I'm obsessed with your black ass!"
Weeds Season 7 Episode 6: Object Impermanence:
Nancy confronts an old friend, leaving Silas caught in the crossfire; back at the loft, Andy comes up with a new business venture, and turns to Shane and Doug for help.
Season 7 Episode 6 Sneak Peeks Promo Screencaps:
After the jump: Uncle Andy, Doug & Shane Discuss Andy's New Invention [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."
VIDEO Clip from True Blood episode 4.06, 'I Wish I Was the Moon':
In which Layfayette (Nelsan Ellis) expresses his dismay at goat tongue for breakfast, eliciting a scowl of a silent 'STFU' from Jesus (Kevin Alejandro).
Jesus then tries to engage his powerful shaman grandfather in a dialogue about being in trouble, need of protection, cowardice and the powers that supersede small talk about both.
(Airs 7.31.11)
SPOILERS For 'If I Was The Moon' True Blood - Episode 4.05:
True Blood Season 4 Episode 6 'I Wish I Was The Moon' Preview:
TRUE BLOOD, Episode 4.06, 'I Wish I Was the Moon' Sneak Peek Screencaps - Synopsis
Director: Jeremy Podeswa Writer: Raelle Tucker
Synopsis - True Blood - Episode 4.06 (#42) : Sookie searches for Jason under a full moon; Marnie connects with spirits of the past; Arlene and Terry cope with a suspicious inferno; Debbie urges Alcide to join a new werewolf community; Tommy trades places with Sam; Lafayette feels the spirit in Mexico; Eric surrenders to his rival, the vampire king of Louisiana's will.
(Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by Jeremy Podeswa.)
Airs: July 31
Catching up with The True Blood season four, witch-infused storyline and accompaniing images via HBO, Inc.
True Blood Season 4: Jessica's Vlog - The Worst Spa Night Ever:
True Blood Season 4: Mythological Creatures - Were-Panthers:
Oh, now this is what were are talking 'bout when we Truebies talk about how awesomely funTrue Blood is. Here, we have 'Eric Northman's' (Alexander Skarsgård) ancient, now dead maker 'Godric' (Allan Hyde) back to re-teach Eric the ways of a 'creature of death.'
Godric: <grabs Eric by throat> You. You are incapable of love. You are damned.<forces Eric to his knees>
Eric: She can redeem me!
Godric: You cannot be saved. You are a creature of Death and the living are only good for one thing...and it is not love.
Godric: <forces Eric towards a peacefully sleeping Sookie>
Drink now.
Stop fighting your nature.
DRINK!
Screencaps for True Blood 4.05, 'Me & the Devil'
True Blood Synopsis Episode #41 (4x05): “Me and the Devil”:
Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy’s accomplice; Arlene and Terry look to religion to solve their problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman’s power; Jason convalesces. (Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Daniel Minahan.) July 24, 26, 27 and 30 (Credit: HBO, Inc.)
I found Episode 4 of Showtime's The Big C really quite appealing, especially the introduction of the Hugh Dancy character, 'Lee'.
Lee is a fellow Stage 4 cancer patient with whom Cathy (Laura Linney) winds up in a clinical trial. Despite their gaping differences or perhaps because of them, the two begin a bonding process that from what I've read (SPOILERS) will culminate in an emotional affair. (Scroll down past the jump for more insight from Executive ProducerJenny Bicks into the creation of the Lee character as well as a rather large hint as to where Lee's path will take him before Season two's culmination.)
I've not seen Hugh Dancy before though certainly I've heard of him as he is quite acclaimed (plus married to the gorgeous, talented Claire Danes). I'm looking forward to seeing how Cathy navigates the uncharted waters of the fast & close connections that can and are made with folks with serious illness. I have no doubt that The Big C will 'keep it real,' which POSSIBLE SPOILER means that we should enjoy Lee's 'possibly' brief interlude in Cathy's life. I have a feeling she is going to be a complete mess when he finallly succumbs. :/
(Image credit: SHOWTIME)
The Big C - Next on Episode 5, 'Cats and Dogs,' Cathy runs into Lee and has a surprising day with him
Worried about finances after Paul's layoff, Cathy decides to pawn her jewelry but runs into Lee and has a surprising day with him; Adam gets himself into a compromising situation he can't escape on his own; Sean is ostracized by moms at a local park when he field tests his eco-friendly homemade sling.
The Big C: Hold-Up
Cathy and Lee turn a frightening situation into a comedy.
The Big C: Materialistic Moms
Sean gives a consumerism lecture to a group of unsuspecting moms.
Screencaps:
After the jump:
Executive Producer Jenny Bicks discusses Cathy's relationship with Lee (Hugh Dancy).
Weeds Episode 5 - Is Nancy Capable of Going Straight?:
A surprise awaits Nancy and Silas in the new episode of Weeds.
Weeds fans are speculating that in this episode, Nancy & Silas seek out Heylia who with Conrad, taught Nancy the ropes when Nancy first started dealing 'weed' back in her bucolic-seeming Agrestic days. Things literally went up in flames and Nancy beat a hasty retreat from what was left of Agrestic so it's quite a mystery as to how, if she indeed is seeking Heylia out, Heylia will react to Nancy showing up on her doorstep.
Weeds: 'Character Witness'
Nancy asks Silas to be her character witness in the custody hearing.
A couple of observations about Weeds: Season 6 thus far. The show has again radically changed it's tone and along with it Nancy's sons Silas and Shane, from whom she been seperated by both an ocean and 3 years behind bars.
Shane initially presented as the Shane of old but he's catching on quickly that his mom has not been 'reformed' as he previously optimistically/naively put it, by her three-year stint in the pokey and further, she is rebuffing every loving gesture he puts forth.
Just prior to Nancy's arrest, elder brother Silas found out that his mother had deceived him about his parentage--Juda Botwin was NOT his real dad. Silas, who was able to support himself quite nicely as a model while in exile seems to relish seeing his mother at the mercy of the prison system, which has seen fit to transfer Nancy to a halfway house to serve out the rest of her sentence. Since everyone's face time with Nancy is quite constrained by her circumstances, most of the family interactions are fraught with tension. True, this is nothing new for Weeds but there's been a significant shift in the family dynamic from Nancy's bumbling through and the family following almost lock-step, to a splintering among them which seems to get more painful with each interaction with the utterly unreformed Nancy.
Next on Episode 5: Nancy travels to California for a court hearing.
Weeds Season 6 Episode 5 : 'Fingers Only Meat Banquet':
With help from her lawyer and Silas, Nancy returns to California to continue her custody battle against Jill; Andy's relationship takes a bizarre turn; Shane gives college a try by enrolling in classes; back on Wall Street, Doug makes do without Nancy.
Screencaps: Weeds Season 6 Episode 5 : 'Fingers Only Meat Banquet'
First promo for Dexter Season 6 - Returning to Showtime in September 2011:
Dexter (Michael C. Hall) Promo Narrative Dialog:
'I always thought that my Dark Passenger was a need I had--but what if I was wrong? Maybe it's not a need; it's a calling. After all, I rid the world of evil people--and if they didn't exist, I wouldn't exist. Is it possible? I serve a ...higher purpose?'
Screencaps! Dexter 'Thank God' Season 6 Promo VIDEO:
Dexter and his ghost daddy (not the True Blood kind) will finally be on level ground this season. "He's going to be much more of a support for Dexter than someone who's always saying, 'Oh, you're making a mistake. Don't do this,'" executive producer Sara Colleton says. Now that they are both fathers, Dexter will "fully realize what [his] father gave up and went through. It makes for a more equal relationship."
Eric's Maker, Godric - Devil on Amnesia!Eric's Shoulder?:
I'm fairly certain, based on the HBO promo for True Blood Season 4 Episode 5, 'Me & the Devil' that the 'devil' in question is Godric (Allan Hyde), Eric's (Alexander Skarsgård) maker, who appears as a 'devil' on Eric's shoulder metaphorically, urging Amnesia!Eric to attack the sleeping Sookie. It makes sense that bits of Eric's memory are seeping into his semi-consciousness, first when speaking in his native tongue to Sookie, now when remembering his maker with whom he had a 1000-year relationship, until Godric's suicide near the end of season 2.
As with many True Blood episodes, there make be other devils (possibly literal ones --yikes!) in episode 5 but from we see so far, Godric is getting the starring title song credit by getting there first in the HBO official promo with this fun little scene.
All in good fun--until someone gets bitten.
True Blood Synopsis Episode #41 (4x05): “Me and the Devil”:
Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy’s accomplice; Arlene and Terry look to religion to solve their problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman’s power; Jason convalesces. (Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Daniel Minahan.) July 24, 26, 27 and 30 (Credit: HBO, Inc.)
Nude Amnesia!Eric To Sookie Come. Come Play With Me!:
OOOh, cannot wait to see what the pic-spam people come up with from this scene...and those that follow!
That man is such ...how many times does one need to repeat this? Ad infintium? He is just so super-appealing on a way more than just the physical level. Remember Eric Northman, season 1? Compare. Alexander Skarsgård is really doing GREAT things on True Blood this season! I'm having so. much. fun. watching the series this year with his and Sookie's storyline NOT disappointing! Cannot wait to see MOAR.
"In the episode "I'm Alive and On Fire," Sookie can't control Eric, who is drunk on SPOILER (Claudine's) fairy blood. She can't even stop the playful vamp from pinching her butt. She soon loses him in the woods. With Alcide (Joe Manganiello) in wolf form, she finds him, hours later, in the sunlight, enjoying a naked dip in gator-filled waters."
This 3-second True Blood Episode 4.04 clip is a tease in every sense of the word!
As the King of Louisiana, Vampire 'Bill Compton' now has some serious responsibilities including 'meting out' some serious consequences to an 'idiot' vamp.
True Blood Season 4: Bill metes out punishment (HBO).
While Felton glowers in the background, Crystal, who you may remember Andy Bellefleur referring to as, 'Crystal? As in crystal meth?', attempts to comfort a bloodied, battered and bound Jason (Ryan Kwanten).
True Blood Season 4: Crystal comforts Jason (HBO)
True Blood Season 4: Tara and Lafayette discuss Eric (HBO)
With Amnesia!Eric having left the building, 'Lafayette' (Nelsan Ellis) shares his knowledge of the powerful 1000-year old Viking vampire and his advice about how to proceed after Eric's murder attempt on Marnie.
I just totally dig the material that Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette is getting so far in season 4 True Blood. In interviews the writers and cast have hinted strongly that this year's cast of familiar faces will be taking on new 'roles' within the show and this clip is a really great example of a completely different side of Lafayette. He also looks fabulous, don't you think?
Below: Awesome Official Promo Photos from upcoming Season 4 True Blood episodes including 4.04 - "I'm Alive and On Fire":
Kristen Bauer van Straten rockin' it harder than ever as vampire Pam, True Blood Season Four.
True Blood - Episode 4.04 - I'm Alive and on Fire - Promotional Photos