EDIE FALCO as Jackie in Nurse Jackie Episode 4.08, airing June 3, 2012 on SHOWTIME:
SYNOPSIS: Nurse Jackie Episode 8 - June 3, 2012:'Chaud & Froid' Season 4.8.
Jackie's coworkers are punished for covering up her addiction.
SYNOPSIS: Nurse Jackie Episode 8 - June 3, 2012:
Episode Detail: 'Chaud & Froid' - Nurse Jackie -
When Cruz learns about Jackie's rehab, he takes revenge on coworkers who have been covering up her drug problems. Meanwhile, Eddie is deposed by Kevin's lawyer; a dumped Lenny decides to take off for Europe; and Coop accompanies O'Hara to her ob-gyn appointment.
Showtime has released the full playlist of season 4 NURSE JACKIE webisodes, The Break Room on YouTube:
The next episodes of NURSE JACKIE will be airing after the Memorial Day holiday on June 3rd. Be there or be square.
After the jump: Have a look at this interview with the creators on last week's "Day of the Iguana": Bonus: added shots from episode 4.08, more.
Photo credit: Showtime
Photo credit: Showtime
AFTER THE JUMP: Recap Episode 4.07:
While we're on the subject of behind-the-scenes features, have a look at this interview with the creators on last week's "Day of the Iguana": http://youtu.be/YhxuGejnMTc
EDIE FALCO as Nurse Jackie and JAKE CANNAVALLE as 'Charlie Cruz' in Nurse Jackie, season 4.
Did you guess that Jake Cannavale (Jackie's rehab friend, 'Charlie) was Bobby Cannavale's (Jackie's boss, 'Cruz') real-life son? It was starting to to look very probably and in episode 4.07 it's now a known fact by Jackie, by Cruz and by Charlie.
"What happens now?' is the question. Jackie continues to struggle to stay sober. Her involvement with Charlie was at first positive for her--now what's to become of this huge can of worms that has been tipped out completely?
I'm curious too if Cannvale as Cruz is hired just for the season or has signed on beyond this, if there in fact is a NURSE JACKIE season 5 (hope so!)
A side benefit to Charlie and Cruz being who they are on the show is that we immediately understand what it must be like for Charlie to be Cruz's kid. Impossible. Maddening. And, visa-versa!
GAME OF THRONES - PETER DINKLAGE as 'Tyrion Lannister' in the Battle of Blackwater, episode 2.09 (#19), airing Sunday, May27 on HBO (Credit: HBO)
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #19 Preview VIDEO:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode 19 - 'Battle Tease' VIDEO:
Stephen Dillane as Stannis Baratheon in Episode 2.09 of Game Of Thrones, Sunday May 27, 2012 on HBO (Credit: HBO, inc.):
GAME OF THRONES (HBO) 'BLACKWATER' (THE BATTLE OF BLACKWATER BAY) SYNOPSIS:
Episode #19: “Blackwater” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis’ fleet assaults King’s Landing. Written by George R.R. Martin; directed by Neil Marshall.
The executive producers of GAME OF THRONES are David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger; co-executive producers, George R.R. Martin, Vanessa Taylor, Alan Taylor, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis; produced by Bernadette Caulfield.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode 19 - 'War Of The Kings' Trailer VIDEO:
After the jump:
GAME OF THRONES Episode 18 RECAP ('A Man Without Honour') (VIDEO):, Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #18 (VIDEO)::
EDIE FALCO as 'Jackie' and EVE BEST as 'Eleanor Ohara' in NURSE JACKIE on SHOWTIME:
NURSE JACKIE Episode 4.07 - SYNOPSIS -'Day Of The Iguana':
Next on Nurse Jackie:
NURSE JACKIE- Episode 4.07 Detail: 'Day of the Iguana' -
Jackie's divorce lawyer advises her to play hardball with Kevin if she wants custody of the children; and Eddie unwillingly gets caught in the middle of the Peytons' legal wrangling. At the hospital, Cruz has a panic attack; and Zoey seeks suggestions for a proper breakup strategy. Later, Jackie helps out Charlie following his arrest and learns an unsettling secret about the teen. (TVGuide.com)
Jackie thankfully is still in recovery; her teenage 'rehab friend' Charlie? Not so much. In fact, he's a total mess, bringing out both Jackie's nurse persona and her mom side. To her credit, she tries to help the kid but he's pretty far out there. Jackie's sobriety 'outside', beginning when she left rehab after 18 days, has been tenuous. Despite troubled Charlie's disrupting Jackie's own recovery he has yet to take things too far. But the farther 'out' he goes--the closer she comes to yet another challenge to her sobriety. The question is: will this be the one to break her?
This episode, which was sort of Zoey-centric (she moved in with Jacks) was somewhat of a respite from the built-in intensity of watching someone trying to stay sober in the midst of Hell breaking loose around her including new boss Cruz giving her grief for not having an employment history record on file. (Prepare for upcoming consequences and not, save for emotional grief, for Jackie!) 'Zoey' (Merritt Wever) is the perfect 'fix' for what ails Jackie. She a temporary, safe distraction. Zoey is an interesting mix of sort-of-flighty and very grounded. Jackie's obvious distress is something that thus far, Zoey is taking in stride. Zoey's presence in Jackie's otherwise empty home is a relief/comfort for her. What was not in any way a relief was Jackie's finding some old (as in fuzz-encrusted) stash. What to do?(!) Ultimately, Jacks decided to go lean on her best friend, Ohara. Good call, Jackie.
Love the shot of Tyrion's sellsword, 'Bronn' fighting in the Battle of Blackwater' :
Jerome Flynn is exactly as I would have pictured the character from reading the books and he certainly acts the part. I'm going on record as wanting Bronn's fate in the Battle of Blackwater be exactly like that of the book. It worked very well there and will here as well. Seriously. It's a very bloody battle.
Right: Varys and Tyrion Lannister (Conleth Hill and Peter Dinklage) Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO
Click through the thumbnails for the full-size HQ photo & wallpaper.
GAME OF THRONES' penultimate Battle of the Blackwater episode is just a little over a week away and HBO has just released the first image from the game and life-changing bloody battle.
Here’s Bronn (Jerome Flynn) taking aim on a cliff, with what appears to be part of Blackwater Bay and King’s Landing behind him FYI 'Blackwater' will take place at night as, executive producer David Benioff stated, “Flaming arrows at night look gorgeous.”
GAME OF THRONES Preview Episode #18 - Tom Wlaschiha as 'Jaqen'
(Above) GAME OF THRONES Preview Episode #18 - KIT HARRINGTON (HBO)
SPOILER! Jon Snow is going to hear "You know nothing, Jon Snow,' for a good, long time.
There is some very cool stuff in this new (ancient) world north of the Wall and much that's incredibly dangerous, of course.
Sunday on GAME OF THRONES: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #18 Preview VIDEO:
GAME OF THRONES Episode #18: Things are coming to a full-on boil at Harrenhal - Arya (MAISIE WILLIAMS) must make a move.
(CREDIT:HBO)
GAME OF THRONES Episode #18: “The Prince of Winterfell”: At Winterfell, Theon receives a visitor and holds down the fort. Arya calls in her final debt with Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha) in a way that displeases him. Robb is betrayed. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) and Varys (Conleth Hill) find common ground. Dany ignores Jorah's (Iain Glen) advice. Stannis (Stephen Dillane) and Davos (Liam Cunningham) approach their destination, and Davos is offered a reward. Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by Alan Taylor.
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
GAME OF THRONES: SEASON 2 FINALE SYNOPSIS Episode 2.10 - Valar Morghulis - Press Release:
Episode #20: “Valar Morghulis” (season finale)
As Theon (Alfie Allen) stirs his men to action, Luwin (Donald Sumpter) offers some final advice. Brienne (Gwendolyn Christie) silences Jaime; Arya (Maisie Williams) receives a gift from Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha); Dany (Emilia Clarke) goes to a strange place; and Jon (Kit Harington) proves himself to Qhorin (Simon Armstrong).
Debut: SUNDAY, JUNE 3 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by Alan Taylor.
TRUE BLOOD SEASON 5 - PAM'S ORIGIN STORY (Finally) Kristen Bauer van Straten as 'Pam' and Alexander Skarsgård as her maker, 'Eric' in True Blood season 5 (Photo: HBO)
Season 5 of TRUE BLOOD premieres Sunday, June 10th on HBO and nowhere else!
Have you seen the NEW TRUE BLOOD Season 5 trailer #1, yet?
It aired just before GAME OF THRONES Sunday evening and it certainly packed many buzz-worthy quick shots and snippets of convo.
Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis - above) believes Sookie is the 'angel of death.'
Kind of interesting because I believe he used pretty close to the same expression on Jason in season one. He made Sookie (Anna Paquin) sad and I'm pretty sure she was already sad.
Both the group and most senior vampire, 'Roman,' played by Chris Meloni, 'are' The Vampire Authority.
Desperately needing a storyline now that Jessica is not his reason for existing in the Bon Temps-verse, Hoyt (Jim Parrack) has taken to guyliner, fishnet shirts and, presumably, fangbanging (no more eternal virgins for him!).
OTOH, perhaps Hoyt is an undercover vamp killer! (Would be cool to have him hold Jess in his arms once last time...and then...neck-snap!)
ALEXANDER SKARSGARD as Eric Northman in season five TRUE BLOOD (June 10) HBO: 'They. will. suffer.' - Eric (emulating Russell?)
Russell Edgington: "Ha.Ha. Haaa!'
Actor Denis O'hare is reprising his role as Russell Edgington. The actor does look thinner as some have noted, though wouldn't the character look worse for the wear after his near-true death burning/cement trauma/buried alive scenario?
On the subject of Russell, we've seen now a couple of times, a sequence where an unconscious-looking man is being effortlessly dragged to a small room by (presumably) a vampire, the door opens and the body is pulled inside by an unknown entity at vamp speed. Then we hear a man's cry and see a large blood splatter on the small window of the room. Could the 'person' 'procuring' the human be Steve Newlin? In the screencaps it sure does look like that Elvis-style hairdo he sports (even in death).
Several snippets seem to confirm actor Alexander Skarsgård's assertion that his and 'Bill's' (Steven Moyer) storyline this season is akin to "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
STEPHEN MOYER, ANNA PAQUIN and ALEXANDER SKAGSGARD in TRUE BLOOD season 5: It would be nice if Sookie did not have to be paired up with either Bill or Eric for a season. No 'shipper wars would be awesome. For my part I've always found the non-sexual, maker-child Eric- Pam relationship much more satisfying on an ongoing basis, though it seems we will see them get 'closer' in a flashback origin sequence for Pam (KRISTEN BAUER van STRATEN):
The kiss between Alcide (JOE MANGANIELLO) and Sookie? He's gonna be real busy with were-issues and she with vamp/other stuff so I'm thinking they end up in much the same place that they did in the books (skipping the romance, tho'). Alcide and Sookie = flirtation.
Terry and Patrick. Apparently something bad happened over in 'the war' they were in together and now they must remedy it. I like giving Todd Lowe something to do but this sounds like a second-string story that is going to elicit a big 'who cares?' (See: Anything to do with Jason's Hot Shot story.) It's what's going on in crazy Bon Temps that we care about!
The Vampire Authority: We've long known there was one. We even saw them in shadowy silhouette on a big screen at Fangtasia. Now we get to meet them.
Though Chris Meloni brings the network & cable teevee name recognition that some of his fellow Authority figures don't, he also brings the baggage of when he's dressed up in a suit, he looks exactly like the guy he LAST played on network TV. Would that he looked exactly like the guy he played in the HBO series 'Oz,' but alas, he would need to wear a wife beater (or nothing) and be 15 years younger.
The Vampire Authority in general looks, or at least dresses like a bunch of middle-aged executives (except Salomé--how could she?). Their look as we see it now, is so bland that it raises no expectations. Perhaps because the Authority is so conformist their suits are meant to echo that? If so, great but I was hoping for each of them to show more individual personality in their appearance.
No Tara (Rutina Wesley) in True Blood's season 5 Trailer #1 save for the season 4 last shot of Sookie and a brains-splattered Tara on the floor of Sookie's kitchen. The character of 'Tara' is a hot topic because fans seem to be about 75% wanting her gone forever and 25% arguing for her to 'come back' some way. The only plausible way within the life/death parameters that have been stated thus far in the HBO TV series are that she could reappear as a ghost. For the Tara haters this would probably be a bad thing as the options left to send her away for good then would seem null.
It would however just squeak by into the parameters that the actress who plays Tara, set. Rutina Wesley has interviewed when speaking of the series in general and her role in particular that she would be happiest if that with so many characters on the show already supernatural, that Tara could remain human. Killing her, then having her reappear as a ghost sort of gives the actress her wish.
And finally, we have...Faeries! After nearly no faeries in season 4 despite the huge consequences of Sookie being part -Fae, some fairies are back. Behold:
Above: 'Microwave fingers' (One should be a re-cast 'Claude,' brother of the late 'Claudine'.)
You may have already heard that Stephen Moyer is trying his hand at directing this season, taking the reins of episode 8 (written by Mark Hudis). I asked Michael McMillian, who plays Steve Newlin, what it’s like to work with Moyer in such a different capacity and he had quite a bit to say:
"It's clear Stephen has a deep appreciation for these characters and a need to dig into things a little deeper than usual to find the truth in each scene. He has a natural talent for directing. He's really in his element behind the camera and brings a playful and wicked sense of humor with him. It was fun working with him. I felt like the parents had left town and our cool big brother was in charge of all us kids. He took his role seriously, but still managed to throw us a party."
This newly-available TRUE BLOOD CASTING CALL is so descriptive, so exacting in the detail of the the creatures being cast, that it qualifies for a SPOILER label.
First, this Casting Call is for episode 11 of TRUE BLOOD season 5--the penultimate eppy. It should be a big setup for the finale and, from the variety of characters that are being cast for episode 5.11, I'd say True Blood is going to end the "Alan Ball as showrunner"- era with a bang.
Vamp security guard. Check.
The Minister of the European Vampire League--which explains the need for the guy above.
A middle-aged werewolf 'elder' warns Alcide of a new breed of vampire(!)
Feral evil teen-girl vampire,
Feral, evil "businessman" vampire.
Feral, evil biker 'baby' vamp. Travels wit the teen-girl and businessman vampires.
Authority guards, vampire most likely.
It sounds like the faeries, who everyone thought were pretty funny anyway, are being played for laughs in this scene:'The ANGRY FAERIE gets into an argument with the Belligerent Faerie and the Pissed Off Faerie in a faerie free-for-all.'
This also sounds really goofy: [FAERIE BOY, FAERIE GIRL] 'This Faerie boy and girl get all amorous and excited as they pull Jason into their Faerie Club. '
So at a minimum, you have Alcide still up to his neck in vampires and still breathing which is good!-- as well as Jason alive and well it seems, and tangled up (sexually) with a couple of faeries! Go Jason. Though if he's gone to faeryland will he too, be away from Bon Temps for an extended time (ala Earl and Sookie)?
[GONDRY] Mid-30's, slimy and conniving, with slicked back hair, Gondry is a Vampire Security Guard. He has a sort of amused contempt for his assignment. Guest star.
[BERTRAND] A swarthy Frenchman, authoritative, confident, he is the Minister of the European Vampire League. Guest star.
[MURPHY ROLLINS] Mid 50s, a werewolf, strong, a man who speaks his mind, he brings a warning about a new breed of vampires to Alcide and Jackson. Guest star.
[TEEN-GIRL VAMPIRE] This teenage girl vampire with a ravenous, feral, just plain evil look about her. Co-star.
[ANGRY FAERIE] This angry faerie gets into an argument with the Belligerent Faerie and the Pissed Off Faerie in a faerie free-for-all. Co-star.
[AUTHORTY GUARD(s) #1, #2] These rough Authority Guards at the prison help keep order. Co-star.
[BIKER VAMP] This newly formed vampire with a feral, ravaneous, evil look is traveling around with the Teen-Girl Vamp and the Businessman Vamp. No lines, 2 scenes. (40)
[BUSINESSMAN VAMP] This businessman vamp with a ravenous, feral, just plain evil look. Co-star.
[FAERIE BOY, FAERIE GIRL] This Faerie boy and girl get all amorous and excited as they pull Jason into their Faerie Club. Co-star.
EDIE FALCO as NURSE JACKIE and BOBBY CANNAVALE as Cruz in NURSE JACKIE Episode 4.06 Sunday at 9 et/pt on SHOWTIME
Despite Jackie's (EDIE FALCO) managing to resist temptation even when it is thrust right into her hands, she still has to contend with problems continuing to dog her that go beyond staying sober. Pictured above is one of them: Dr. Cruz (BOBBY CANNAVALE) suspects something is not quite right about Jackie but no one has given him anything on her. Undeterred, he's embarked on a 'witch hunt' of sorts, determined to get to the bottom of Jackie's secret. Here, Jackie employs what she admitted to Zooey is a talent she is 'great at': Lying.
Even Jackie must suspect that with a guy like Cruz hounding her, it's only a matter of time before she and perhaps even those that have been covering for her go down.
Jackie dreams about sex (with Cruz) and drugs but no rock and roll, although Kevin rocks her to her core when he sues for full custody of their daughters. At the hospital, Cruz detects holes in Jackie's employment history, and she's surprised when she catches him exhibiting a kindly bedside manner to a trauma patient. Later, Lenny and Zoey get engaged, but Zoey still has questions about their relationship; Jackie, O'Hara and Akalitus treat a transgender teen.
Edie Falco and Eve Best in Nurse Jackie on Showtime
Nurse Jackie : Where's My Ring?
Zoey loses her engagement ring.
Nurse Jackie : Uncle Coop
Coop insists on being involved with O'Hara's child.
NURSE JACKIE: Episode 4.05 RECAP:
Jackie managed to withstand an-on-the-job-shoulder injury using only an ice-wrap instead of the painkillers that pre-sober "Jacks' would have reached for. She did weaken in her resolvewith Kevin however and he took full-advantage of it. He's now gotten the goods on Jackie's prior pill-taking by cowing Eddie the pharmacist then, feigning consenting to a lunch date with Jackie, instead has her served with divorce papers indicating he is suing for full custody of the girls. This new development leaves Jackie shattered and again, temptation rears it's head. Instead, Jackie stuffs her face with pie.
Made some screencapscaps for this, another tantalizing WEEDS (SHO) Promo spot for season 8 which drops on July 1. Canada Day! I'll probably be here in the States but I had Showtime added to the new cable at the cottage on Maple Lake, too. I have no idea how long I'm staying--in total probably a good, long while, so we must have Showtime. Will have Showtime. Weeds is a very fun 30 minutes, one of the very few comedies I watch. Most/all? are on Showtime.
Weeds : Season 8: Writer's Room Tease 3-in-1 VIDEO:
(1 minute, 10 seconds)
'Dearborn Again' = SEASON 6, Episode 10 screencap of tabletop 'found' script (above) won't be a lot of help in getting an idea of whodunit. I would think season 8 episode 1 or 2 could help greatly, tho'.
MARY-LOUSIE PARKER as 'Nancy' the matriarch of the Botwin family in WEEDS on Showtime starting July 1. Perfect summertime show.
All screencaps: (SHO)
Official WEEDS Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Weedsonshowtime Official WEEDS Twitter: http://twitter.com/SHO_weeds Official WEEDS Series Site: http://www.sho.com/site/weeds/
RUTINA WESLEY as TARA THORNTON in TRUE BLOOD Season 5 premiering on HBO June 10:
Despite reassurances that 'Tara' would again be a featured player in TRUE BLOOD season 5, some viewers were skeptical on account of her final scene in Sookie's kitchen. Wesley herself has said 'half her head' was blown off when Tara flung herself between (now dead) Debbie Pelt's shotgun blast and Sookie. Didn't look survivable.
However, through what can only now be attributed to mystical/supernatural forces of which there are many in Bon Temps, Tara looks fairly intact in this headshot (no pun) poster art, though to be fair, we are only seeing half her head.
CLICK TO Enlarge these TRUE BLOOD Season 5 Character Posters (May 10 2012)
Question: Do you have any True Blood scoop? The wait is seriously killing me!
Ausiello:
Terry (Todd Lowe) will spend much of the season on the road with his ex-military buddy Patrick (Scott Foley). “Most of the time we are out in the greater 50 states tracking down other members of our platoon trying to get some closure to this event that happened over in Iraq,” reveals Foley of the duo’s hush-hush storyline, which required “a lot of running and fighting and jumping. There’s a lot of physicality.”
VALENTINA CERVI as SALOME in TRUE BLOOD season 5 on HBO:
True Blood Season 5: Vampyr Tease:
True Blood returns with its 5th season on June 10th:
CHRIS MELONI as the leader of The Vampire Authority drops fang in TRUE BLOOD Season 5:
KRISTEN BAUER VAN STRATEN as 'Pam' in TRUE BLOOD Season 5 Official Character Promotional PHOTO (John P. Johnson/HBO): Click thumbnails (below) for full size.
True Blood - Season 5 - Various Promotional Episode Photos:
First look at the Authority! Chris Meloni looks like 'Stabler' in a more expensive suit. All the Authority looks/dresses like well-paid corporate people, save Jacob Hopkins as thes the youngest Vampire Authority chancellor who looks like he's dressing up as high-powered business guy (or maybe they all are all in fact, a vampire version of the one-per-cent).
TRUE BLOOD - Episode 5.01 - Turn! Turn! Turn! SYNOPSIS: Sookie and Lafayette clean up the Tara and Debbie Pelt mess; Bill and Eric are visited by the Vampire Authority; Sam and Alcide deal with an angry werewolf pack. (Written by Brian Buckner; directed by Daniel Minahan) (TV-MA) June 10 premiere
With the release of the TRUE BLOOD EPISODE 5.01 (#49) synopsis and the photo above we now know that Lafayette is the one we previously saw hooded, pictured with Sookie appearing to be filling in a grave in Sookie's yard. From there, it is really hard to tell. Did a vampire show up as well and attempt to turn Tara? Did Tara fully die making that impossible? Will Lafayette's new-found abilities as a medium--a communicator with the dead--'resurrect' Tara?
We know that the actress playing her, Rutina Wesley, is on-board with the show as a featured player but in what form? My guess is as a spectre or a ghost, if you prefer. She's not coming back as a (mindless) zombie. That would make no sense given that the stage is set with her cuz Lafayette being able to 'speak' with her still.
I suppose we could play around with the notion that oh, Pam say, turns her but I just don't get why Pam would be inclined to do so--even if she could.
(Fun observation: When the photo above is blown up, the blood pattern on Sookie's forehead looks just like the one she has in season 1 when she wakes up after nearly being killed by the 'Rattrays,' to Bill licking her forehead where blood was drying on her now-healed wound. Could it be a call-back to the time when Sookie was 'resurrected' by Bill?)
TRUE BLOOD - Episode 5.02 - Authority Always Wins - SYNOPSIS: Tara resurfaces in Bon Temps; Pam recalls her human life and first encounter with Eric; Bill and Eric meet Salome at the Vampire Authority headquarters. (Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Michael Lehmann.) (TV-MA) : June 17 Premiere.
TRUE BLOOD - Episode 5.03 - Whatever I Am, You Made Me- SYNOPSIS: Bill and Eric barter for their lives with Roman, the head of the Authority; Jason reunites with his old high school teacher; Sookie searches for Tara. (Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by David Petrarca.) (TV-MA) June 24 Premiere
The ill-fated 'Daphne' and Sam, (Sam Trammell) in 'Release Me':
Still being held in the basement at the Church, it becomes obvious to Sookie that Steve knew they were coming, but is not sure why. That tells her there is a spy among them. She tries to get a message to Bill, but he is being held prisoner by his maker, who refuses to let him go after the woman he loves. In flashbacks, Bill's conversion to a less violent lifestyle is revealed. When Steve learns Sookie's true identity, he makes the connection with Jason and assumes he's a spy. As they begin to wreak their vengeance, Sookie is saved by someone she has yet to meet. Back at the hotel Jessica and Hoyt decide to sleep together. In Bon Temps, Sam manages to escape, courtesy of a drunken Andy Bellefleur. Any plans he may have had for getting even with Daphne are overtaken by Maryann who has her own plans for her acolyte.(cont.)
Maryann and Eggs dispatch with Daphne:
The rest of the revelers have no memory of what happened the night before. Written by garykmcd
GODRIC (ALLAN HYDE) to the rescue:
ANNA PAQUIN as SOOKIE STACKHOUSE in True Blood Season 2:
Andy arrives in Maryann's orgy, shoots and saves Sam from the sacrifice. Sookie and Hugo are arrested in the basement of the Church, and Sookie discovers that her companion is the traitor that has informed the Fellowship of the Sun about her arrival. Lorena does not allow Bill to leave the room to save Sookie, and recalls their past together in Los Angeles in 1935. When Steve discovers the true identity of Sookie, he believes that Jason is a traitor and asks Gabe to kill him; however, Jason reacts and escapes. Sarah finds Jason and shoots him on the chest.(cont.)
DEBORAH-ANNE WOLL as Jessica Hamby in True Blood Season 2:
Meanwhile Jessica and Hoyt are in deep love with each other and sleep together in the Hotel Carmilla. Sam meets Daphne and she discloses that she had fun with him; further she tells that Maryann uses her energy to control humans, but shape shifters should go to her on their free will. She says that Maryann is a pagan Goddess, called Kali, Lilith, Isis, Gaia but she is a Maenad, the female follower of Dionysus. Gabe comes to Sookie's cell to rape her, but Godric saves her. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
MARIANA KLAVENO as "Lorena," Bill's maker who as of Season 3 ceasted to exist:
Having saved Sookie, Godric orders Eric to leave the premises with her - and to do so peacefully. Unfortunately, Steve Newlin and his followers are waiting for them in the Church and he isn't too choosy as to which vampire they use for their sunrise ceremony. Godric tries a different approach and hopes to make peace with Steve, who adamantly opposes any such possibility. Safely returned to their lair, Godric's peaceful approach and lack of desire for revenge doesn't sit well with some of his followers. Steve also has a surprise for him. In Bon Temps, Eggs tells Tara that he's blacked out again and they try to piece together where he's been. Maryann prepares a special dish for them. Sam Merlotte finds himself under arrest when Daphne's body is found in the restaurant freezer. Having finally slept together, Jessica and Hoyt discover a disadvantage to Jessica being a vampire. Written by garykmcd
Godric kills Gabe and Eric arrives after; Cedric orders him to take Sookie with him without killing humans. Sarah actually shot Jason with a paintball gun and he returns to the church to rescue his sister. Meanwhile people that are locked-in evacuate the church and the Soldiers of God chase the vampire inside the building. Eric offers himself to be sacrificed in place of Godric, but a group of vampires leaded by Stan arrives in the church ready to eliminate the humans.
GODRIC"S Lieutenants Isabel and Stan with Eric:
Rev. Steve Newlin (MICHAEL MCMILLIAN) returns to TRUE BLOOD IN Season 5 --as a vampire (!):
However, Godric arrives and avoids the bloodshed, offering peace to the stubborn and intolerant Steve that does not accept. Eggs tells Tara that he had another blackout. Sam receives a phone call from Merlotte's and finds Daphne's body without her heart in the refrigerating chamber. But it is a setup and he is arrested by Sheriff Bud Dearborne. Maryann cooks the dish Hunter's Soufflé using Daphne's heart and serves the dish to Tara and Eggs. Jessica discovers that she died virgin and her hymen restores after the intercourse. There is a reception for vampires and humans at Godric's house and the uninvited Luke comes wearing a bomb with silver. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A couple things about the screen caps above: Unless Alan Ball is pulling a fast one, Jason is shot by Sarah Newlin with a blob of red paint. It appears that both of them are missing the "meeting the morning" lock-in ceremony. Maybe that is for the best for both of them. Are the two thumbs above of Eric who clearly is healing from having silver chains around his neck and Steve Newlin in sequence? It appears that Steve is pitching or falling forward---has Eric killed him?*** It seems like we are missing a frame or two (maybe more) here. I was wrong about the couple in bed.That is clearly Jessica --her vamp teeth are visible and I guess that's Hoyt's hairline--it just seems odd-looking to me. Thanks to Jen S ,who helped me out on this.
***UPDATE 5.4.12/ As of season 5 TRUE BLOOD Steve Newlin is now in fact dead and a vampire!
First Look: Evan Rachel Wood on True Blood
by Rob Moynihan August 06, 2009 06:00 PM EST
Just when we thought True Blood could not get any sexier, Evan Rachel Wood joins season two of the HBO hit as Sophie-Anne, the Vampire Queen of Louisiana. Wood will make her first appearance in the August 30 episode when a desperate Bill (Stephen Moyer) seeks Sophie-Anne's advice. MORE HERE
I'm sort of liking the screencaps of Sophie-Anne that I made some time ago a bit better than the prim-looking official first photo they've used, but to each her own.
UPDATE/ OFFICIAL PHOTO QUEEN SOPHIE-ANNE - TRUE BLOOD SEASON 3 (HBO):
Above: The Queen 'greets' Eric:
Below are my caps. Evan Rachel Wood as Queen Sophie-Anne greets a visitor:
Evan Rachel Wood as Queen Sophie-Anne in True Blood Season 2 (PHOTO):
TRUE BLOOD Season 3 Episode 9 "Everything is Broken" ERIC NORTHMAN (Alexander Skarsgård) is interrogated by the The Vampire Authorty (VIDEO) (HBO):
Russell will eat us after he eats our children... True Blood - 3x09 - 'Everything Is Broken' - Official HBO Recap:
Russell makes headlines in the latest episode. Watch the Recap.
Since we know that TRUE BLOOD Season 5 will have an emphasis that goes heavy on the previously barely-knownVampire Authority(we mostly knew of them through the now-truly dead "Nan Flanagan") and that will include the return of Russell Edgington, I thought it would be fun to revisit the episode that featured them both most heavily: True Blood - 3x09 - 'Everything Is Broken'.
True Blood Moments: Eric's panic (S3E09): The V-Squad is about to bust in...
Eric, Pam and Ginger with the V-Patrol busting down their door:
TRUE BLOOD - EPISODE 3.09 - 'Everything Is Broken' was not the best eppy of True Blood ever. But there were still some truly solid scenes. I've got a lots of screencaps as well as some great VIDEO scenes from the episode. Enjoy!
This episode did feel sort of choppy. It lacked cohesion as well as the thrills and chills of the previous 2 eppys. Yet Nan Flanagan (Jessica Tuck) was a hoot. We got lots of Pam candy not to mention Pam crying. Crying! Over the prospect of her maker, Eric being punished by death when the Vampire Authority rendered it's opinion about his (mis)deeds. So sweet the way he held her head on his chest like the child (of his) she is. We also had Nan revealing her true colours, not mainstreaming.
JESSICA TUCK AS Vampire Authority rep., Nan Flanagan, storms Fangtasia and interrogates Eric & Co.. And she brought friends.
Good ole Jason proved that wooden bullets actually work! Almost made up for the Crystal storyline which has really been dragging. Vampire Bill going to the land of the Fae was pretty cool. Surprised the heck out of Claudine. She handled it well while he bungled it completely.The fact is, Bill will steal Sookie's light if she stays with him--any dead guy will.
Nan Flanagan goes to Fangtasia for answers about the Magister's whereabouts. Bill gets to the bottom of Sookie's real identity. Jason finds an unlikely ally in his feud with Felton and Calvin. Arlene has a pessimistic view of her husband. ' (AUGUST 15TH 2010)
Claudine not at all trusting or believing Bill's proclamation that he loves Sookie and 'would never harm her.'
True Blood Season 3 Episode 9 - Eric: 'Everything ends, even the immortals.' VIDEO (HD)
'If I can't go on, its your time to be a maker.' Eric to Pam:
JASON KILLS FRANKLIN/SAVES TARA HD (VIDEO):
TRUE BLOOD Season 3 Episode 9 : Jason Has A Wooden Bullet And A Great Aim!
In a scene that has since become a fan fave involving Jason and Tara and Franklin and the wooden bullet which Jason procured some months back during his Fellowship of the Sun detour.
Russell Has Spine (VIDEO):
Denis O'hare as deranged King Russell providing us with our weekly dose of crazy camptasticness in TRUE BLOOD - EPISODE 3.09 - 'Everything Is Broken':
Sookie and Bill: 'I'm a faery!?!' True Blood 3.09 Screencaps (HBO):
Some news I'd missed from TvGuide Magazine after the jump: A tie breaking opportunity for the two vamps will come soon, when Sookie learns a secret about herself. It’s the answer to “What are you?,” the question Bill asked Sookie the first day they met.
“It complicates issues,” says showrunner Alan Ball, adding that the discovery will have a major impact on all her romantic relationships. “It makes Sookie question a lot. She has moments where she’s like, ‘I’ve had it with vampires.’” Does that mean Alcide has a chance? Yep! “When you’re fighting for your life, and everything you’ve taken for granted is revealed as something else than what you thought, and there’s an insanely hot person next to you, there is definitely going to be energy,” says Ball, of the growing affection between the two. Adds Paquin, “They find comfort in each other. Plus, he’s big and he’s strong and he’s warm.” As season 3 winds down, expect more twists than a backcountry dirt road. The biggest may come from Sookie when she discovers just how dark passion can be. “Sookie started off the show as a virgin,” Ball says. “But we’ll see a whole new side of her. Had she seen that side back then, she, herself, would have been shocked.” And that’s not the only thing that will shake Sookie up. “Toward the end of the season, she’s not really concerned about “Who am I going to pick?’ She’s more concerned about evading forces that want her for reasons I can’t disclose,” says Ball.
Isaac Hempstead Wright as Prince of Winterfell, Bran Stark in GAME OF THRONES Episode 15 (HBO):
Game of Thrones Season 2: Recap #15 VIDEO:
Despite the massive going's on in GAME OF THRONES Episode 15 "The Ghost of Harrenhal," the single moment that resonated with me most was the subtle yet deadly serious conversation at Renly's deathbed between Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish (Aiden Gillen) and Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer). In the wake of Renly's murder, Littlefinger has urged the Tyrells to beat a hasty retreat before Stannis is upon them. Margaery is in agreement with him and in the course of their conversation, Littlefinger asks Margaery if she wishes to become 'a queen.' 'No' she says as she gazes upon Renly in death, 'I want to be THE queen.'
All of a sudden this seemingly demure barely-a-woman has tipped her hand about her end game. No doubt Littlefinger had already suspected as much as the Tyrell's are a matriarchy (see Inside the Episode #15 video) with the men seemingly rather pliable and the women calling the shots behind the scenes. Instead of a poor, young widowed bride, Margarey presents herself here as a self-possessed and introspective woman who is in no way out ot the game.
Game Of Thrones - Episode 15 - Inside the Episode VIDEO:
BELOW: CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS TO SEE WHAT 5 OF THE STARK CHIDREN HAVE BEEN DOING:
After the jump: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Anatomy Of A Scene - Theon Being Baptized VIDEO:
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE TRUE BLOOD SEASON 5 POSTER ART:
ANNA PAQUIN and ALEXANDER SKARSGARD in TRUE BLOOD - 'Conjuring Up Season 4' Promo VIDEO airing MAY 27 on HBO:
Conjuring up True Blood Season 4 premiering May 27th on HBO.
True Blood Season 5 premiers this June 10th on HBO.
Looks like the TRUE BLOOD gang's all here except Rutina Wesley (Tara) who tooka bullet to the brain for Sookie (Anna Paquin) at the end of season 4. Very much reminds me of the season 1 cliff-hangar with the foot of a person unknown with toenails painted much like Lafayette's hangin' outta the back seat of Andy Bellefleur's (Chris Bauer) car. We'd last see "Lala" takin' out the trash behind Merlotte's and then being startled by something coming at him at vamp speed. He wasn't seen in any of the season 2 previews prior to the season premiere but then we found he was safe and sound locked up in Eric's dungeon as punishment for sellign "V' (vampire blood).
Here's some intel on what to expect from True Blood season 5 fresh off the press earlier today:
Question: Any True Blood scoop? Answer:
Sorry, Sookie (and fans of the love triangle), but this is the season of the bromance!
"There's a bit of a bromance between going on this year between Eric and Bill," Alexander Skargård tells us.
"It's fun because I love Stephen Moyer to death and after four years of butting heads, this is more like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. We have a common enemy and we have to team up this year."
Stephen Moyer as Bill, Alexander Skarsgård as Eric and Lucy Griffiths as Nora, Eric's sister in TRUE BLOOD Season 5:
Lucy Griffiths is playing Eric Northman's, Godric-sired sister, Nora. Says Griffiths:
"She's an irreverent British lady who we think was turned during Elizabethan or Victorian times," Lucy reveals. "It's been years since she's seen Eric, and she is very excited. She looks up to him, but they've had a fiery love/hate relationship in the way that brothers and sisters do."
Nora is a member of the Vampire Authority ruling council, and is rumoured to be a double agent. Juicy!
Update May 3, 2012 - CASTING CALL:
True Blood - Episode 5.09 - Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Casting Call:
[FAERIE] Female Caucasian, early to late 20s. She is radiantly beautiful and British. POSSIBLE RECURRING Source: Rhoswen7
TRUE BLOOD, Episode #510, "Gone, Gone, Gone" (4.26.12) Director: Scott Winant Writer: Alexander Woo Location: L.A. Start Date: Approx. 5/3/2012
[COLE AND ROBBIE] Male, mid 20s to early 30s. These two redneck vampire-haters at Merlotte's plan to take out a vampire, but they're quickly neutralized, terrorized, and humiliated. Co-stars (17)
[PROFESSOR WILLIAM O'CONNELL] In his 40s, divorced, youthful and nerdy, this linguistics professor can't make heads or tails of an ancient text. He thinks it's probably a hoax, or a prank sent by a rival university. One day guest star (33)
[AUTHORITY GUARD CAPTAIN] Male, 30s. Businesslike, polite but firm, this vampire is sent to retrieve another vampire's progeny and escort her someplace else. Co-star (34)
GAME OF THRONES - Episode 15 – 'The Ghost of Harrenhal' – RECAP:
We open the episode in King Renly’s tent as Renly talks war strategy & alliances with Catelyn Stark. Things sound somewhat promising but because of Melisandre's demon spawn birthing scene last week, everyone probably guessed that Renly's number was about to be up. Sure enough, but a few minutes into the episode Renly is driven through with the shadow demon's sword, falling into Brienne's arms and dying. Guards are upon her immediately but she quickly dispatches them. Then, with Catelyn's urging, she and Cat beat a hasty retreat. Later is a heart-rending scene between Brienne and Catelyn, where a still very distraught Brienne pledges her loyalty to Catelyn Stark. Perfectly played by both Gwendoline Christie as Brienne and Michelle Fairley as Catelyn.
Back in Renly’s camp, the Tyrells have discovered the fate of poor Renly. Loras seems much more upset than Margaery expressing his desire for revenge by killing Stannis himself. Margaery advises caution, as does Littlefinger. She though, is thinking only about the end game, and Littlefinger appears to be on the same page. Says he, 'You wish to be a queen?' Says she, 'No.'...pause...'I wish to be THE queen.'
Stannis has arrived in Renly’s camp and all of his bannermen except the Tyrells who have fled, have joined him. Davos needs to speak with Stannis of a 'hard truth' in the forthcoming battle strategy. Stannis tells him they next sail to Blackwater Bay and, despite Davos's protestations, Davos will command the fleet. Davos advises Stannis to leave Melisandre behind because, he tells him, he will lose his men to the Red Woman if they are victorious as she will be credited her for the victory. Stannis glumly acquiesces without argument.
In King’s Landing, Tyrion meets with Cersei about Renly’s death. Tyrion warns that they will be Stannis's next target. Cersei blithely responds that Joffrey has begun making siege plans, but she plays coy about what those plans are. Undaunted, Tyrion goes to Lancel to get the inside scoop. After verbally kicking around Cersei's boy-toy, Tyrion learns that the Queen Regent has ordered alchemists s make wildfire. Tyrion journeys to the Alchemist’s Guild seeing firsthand the potential in “the substance.” He orders Hallyne to continue making it under Tyrion's direction now.
On the Iron Islands, Theon is preparing to set sail on his ship, the Sea Bitch. His motley crew doesn’t respect him. He meets Dagmer Cleftjaw for the first time; Dagmer suggests instead of raiding some fishing villages, they attack the under-defended Torrhen’s Square. Theon tells him they could take it, but couldn’t hold it once Winterfell sends forces to reclaim it. The two men exchange knowing glances and Theon now sees a path to victory and the much-desired respect from his men.
In Winterfell, Bran is taking yet another 'town hall' meeting,' continuing to listen to the complaints of minor lords. To his irritation, little brother Rickon noisily mashes walnuts by his side. Breaking the staid process, Rodrik bursts in declaring Torrhen Square is under attack. Despite most of them off at battle with Robb, Rodrick tells Bran he could round up 200 fighting men. Bran orders him to do so and to reclaim Torrhen Square. Later, he talks with Osha about his dreams. He talks of the three-eyed crow and then tells Osha about his dream of the sea crashing over the walls Winterfell.
In the far North, the Night’s Watch has arrived at the Fist of the First Men. As they set up camp, Qhorin Halfhand arrives with a force from the Shadow Tower. Qhorin and Jeor Mormont, the Old Bear, talk strategy; the Halfhand wants to take a small force of men to eliminate Mance’s scouts and Jon Snow wants to go with him. Commander Mormont resists at first, but relents after an internal dialogue where he seems to remember his end-game with Snow. It doesn't hurt that Sam cheerfully offers to pick up Jon’s steward duties.
Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys is a guest of Xaro Xhoan Daxos, the prince who vouched for her and her troupe at the gates of Qarth. Dany has finally figured out how how to feed her dragons or rather how they can now feed themselves (they like their meat singed). Xaro hosts a meet and greet for Dany including the shiver-inducing warlock, Pyat Pree. He shows Dany a bit of magic and invites her to the House of the Undying. Clad in a bizarre wooden mask, Quaithe makes an appearance, delivering cryptic warnings to Jorah of impending danger. Later that night, Xaro demonstrates his immense wealth and then proposes marriage to Dany. He also delivers the news that King Robert is dead. Dany consults with 'adviser and friend,' Jorah. She considers accepting Xaro’s proposal and setting sail to Westeros immediately. Jorah advises her that they wait, that their allies are in Westeros and they need just one ship, not three, to get them there.
Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H’ghar
At Harrenhal, Arya attends to Lord Tywin as he meets with his lords. They are discussing what to do about Robb, as he continues to make mincemeat of them at every battle. Tywin recognizes Arya as a northerner. He asks of her what they say of Robb in the north. She tells him the tales of Robb riding a direwolf into battle, or even turning into a direwolf, and that he can’t be killed. “Do you think he can’t be killed?,” he intones. Arya meets his eyes steadily: “No. Anyone can be killed.” Tywin tells her to fetch some water as the already long meeting will continue much longer. On her way, she runs into the enigmatic Jaqen H’ghar dressed as a Lannister soldier. He tells her she owes the Red God three lives, that she must give a man three names and a man will do the rest. Arya gives him his first name, the torturer nicknamed The Tickler. Later, a scream and a thud comes from the courtyard. The Tickler lies on the ground, his head twisted 180 degrees around, facing up. Arya looks up at the battlements and sees Jaqen. He acknowledges her by holding one finger up to his face.
Also at Harrenhall, 'Gendry' (Joe Dempsie)
My thoughts on 'The Ghost of Harrenhal':
Maybe because I'm new to the book series, currently at the beginning of 'A Storm of Swords', I'm not getting bent about the changes being made in the adaption from the A Song of Ice and Fire book series to the HBO telling of the story. The author of the books, George R.R. Martin is an advisor on the adaption process and it seems most choices are done in service to the process that must be gone through in order to come out the other side, so to speak.
I don't care who Arya chose as her first kill. It needed to be someone that she hated's name. She more or less just plucked out of the air as Jaquen sprang the three deaths for three lives offer on her and she answered quickly. In my mind, the Tickler was as good as any. Book readers fussing over 'what will they do when' in book 3 need to focus on the now (adaption of book 2). If you love the book version so very much, go back and reread it to assuage your feelings of being cheated.
Speaking of 'Arya', Maisie Williams is a fantastic Arya. She's acting at the level of the best adult actors on the show. When I read the books now I picture her and that's about as good as it gets.
Though he didn't impress me all that much in season 1, Isaac Hempstead Wright as 'Bran' is increasingly growing on me. He never overplays and his restrained performance serves the story quite well.
Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H'ghar is mysterious, strange and very alluring. He's an instant favourite of mine.
Finally, the scene in the aftermath of Renly's murder between Stephen Dillane as Stannis and Liam Cunningham as Davos was churning with tumult just beneath it's muted surface. Kudos to both actors.
Lena Headey as Cersei and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in GAME OF THRONES - Episode #16:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #16 Preview
GAME OF THRONES NEXT WEEK: Episode #16: “The Old Gods and the New”: Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Theon (Alfie Allen) completes his master stroke. In King’s Landing, the Lannisters send Myrcella (Aimee Richardson) from harm’s way in the nick of time. Arya (Maisie Williams) comes face to face with a surprise visitor; Dany (Emilia Clarke) vows to take what is hers; Robb (Richard Madden) and Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) receive crucial news; Qhorin (Simon Armstrong) gives Jon (Kit Harington) a chance to prove himself.
Written by Vanessa Taylor; directed by David Nutter.
AFTER THE JUMP: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #15
ALEXANDER SKARSGARD as Eric Northman in TRUE BLOOD HBOGO Season 5 SNEAK PEEK:
True Blood Season 5: (EXTENDED) Waiting Sucks - Eric and Pam
TRUE BLOOD Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Eric/Pam VIDEO:
KRISTEN BAUER van STRATEN in TRUE BLOOD in HBOGO Season 5 SNEAK PEEK:
In which Pam does the unthinkable and demands that Eric, her maker, release her if he is unwilling to trust her. She seems especially aggrieved that Eric she says, takes the word of Bill Compton and 'a werewolf' (probably Alcide) over hers.
Eric had just accused her of lying about digging up Russell Edgington--which she vehemently denied--to which he responded he trusts no one and she should not, either.
ALFIE ALLEN (Theon Greyjoy), LENA HEADEY (Queen Cersei), KIT HARRINGTON (Jon Snow), EMILIA CLARKE (Daenerys) - ROLLING STONE magazine shoot - March 2012:
GAME OF THRONES Melisandre (Carice van Houten) gazes upon the demon spawn (HBO):
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Last week’s “Game of Thrones” episode proved to be a shocker not just to the audience, but to one of its stars — Liam Cunningham.
The Irish actor was part of the eye-popping cliffhanger scene where his character, Ser Davos Seaworth, watched the red priestess, Melisandre (played by Carice van Houten), give birth to some sort of “monster.” “After I lifted my jaw off the ground, when I read the end of it, I was astonished,” he told AccessHollywood.com of his initial reaction to the script.
“I just really wanted to know how they were gonna shoot this. “When I saw where we were shooting it and what it was gonna look like, I thought, ‘This is like a Caravaggio — a beautiful painting.’ And [Director David Petrarca] said, ‘That’s exactly what our brief was — to make it look like this,’” Liam continued. “And this thing — it’s just so weird to watch. “When I do turn around — you have to get your head around this as an actor — to turn around and see the red priestess dropping the robe and [she’s] nine months pregnant, and two second before, she wasn’t pregnant at all? And for my character, who’s very real, he’s very human, and to see this thing crawl along the ground… this CGI-ed monster, is very, very scary and it’s an amazing end shot,” he enthused.
...“It’s not something you can rehearse. You kind of have to just play it and it’s very taxing on Carice, as well, because of the screaming and the different angles and the basic delivery — it’s not as difficult as a real one. However, when you’re in a cave, in the cold weather, and she’s virtually naked, it’s, I mean she had the tougher job of that,” he said.
To make the lithe Carice look pregnant in the scene, they brought in the experts, who made her faux belly move. “Carice had a prosthetic on which was operated by pneumatics, so we had the wonderful Conor O’Sullivan, who did ‘Clash of the Titans,’ he did ‘The Dark Knight’ — incredible guy, top of his game, whose operating this um, tummy,” he said.
... “It’s just really surreal. You’ve got a film crew and somebody’s giving birth to a monster in a cave, in Northern Ireland, in the middle of the night,” Liam said. “You’ve gotta laugh at that stuff. It could twist the mind of a sane person.” “... this is a wonderful cliffhanger… to finish [the episode]. ‘What the hell is this woman up to and what is she doing at this point?’ And we just cut it,” Liam laughed...
It seems that the casting for roles in DEXTER season 7 has begun in earnest. A number of casting calls went out earlier this week and now there's a name to go with a character with a 'major recurring role.'
From AUSIELLO:
In the first piece of casting for the show’s upcoming seventh season, Dexter has tapped Rome (HBO) actor Ray Stevenson to join the ensemble in a 'major recurring role' TVLine has learned exclusively.
Stevenson will play a high-ranking member of an Eastern European crime ring who arrives in Miami determined to learn who killed one of his associates.
Ray Stevenson
Stevenson has starred in TV's "Rome" and in movies like "Thor" and "Punisher: War Zone," will also star in the "Thor" sequel and this summer's 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation.'
"Dexter," which was renewed for a seventh and eighth season by SHOWTIME in November, will begin its seventh season on September 30.
No further details were available, including whether Stevenson will function as the new season’s 'Big Bad'.
Looking over the casting descriptions, it's possible that Stevenson will be playing this guy:
[VIKTOR KAREV] 30s, handsome, well dressed, stylish, slight Eastern European accent. He is a polished businessman who can get his hands dirty when he has to.
Also, I must take exception to Ausiello's assumption that there will be a single 'big bad' in season 7 DEXTER. If you recall (and how could you not?!) when last we saw them, Dex's (Michael C. Hall) sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter), had just discovered Dexter in the act of committing a murder, decked out in his usual garb in his made-to-order 'kill room.' There is no way, no how that this is going to be a 'normal' season of Dexter (if there is such a thing) so I'm not ready to wager that anything this season will be business as usual.
Dexter‘s seventh season premieres Sunday, Sept. 30.
HOMELAND SCOOP!
Q: Is it too early to ask for Homeland scoop?
TVGuide: Never! Even though Carrie (Claire Danes) was booted from the CIA by David Estes at the end of Season 1, I hear she'll be travelling overseas on a special mission -- with Estes' approval -- when the new season, which reportedly takes place six months later, begins. And speaking of Estes: One of Brody's (Damien Lewis) first assignments from Abu Nazir requires him to break into a safe in his office!
Janina Gavankar as 'Luna' and Sam Trammell as 'Sam' film TRUE BLOOD episode 5.05:
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Sam/Luna VIDEO:
Hardcore TRUE BLOOD fans know that there remains just 6½ weeks until the premiere of season 5 on HBO Sunday nights. In past years there's been an absolute blitz of media like giant murals, adverts on the side of buses and at bus stops, tons of sneak peeks, and many other "extras." This year seems, to me anyway, more muted.
Perhaps it is wise that HBO continues to hype to the extreme it's massively successful adaption of George R.R. Martin's book series "A Song Of Ice and Fire" which is almost halfway through it's 10-episode season 2 run (Yep. It's in True Blood's timeslot).
Thus far, there's been three NEW behind-the-scenes snippets from Season 5. Wisely, the promo people chose to insert Sookie (Anna Paquin) in one as well as Alcide (Joe Manganiello) and if you perused the HBOGo site you'd see Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) enter that scene, too. Pretty good, though completely spoiler-free spot.
I figured that to build anticipation that we'd next get a scene with Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) or Bill (Stephen Moyer) as they are two of the featured stars of the show. If not them, then a scene with the hotly anticipated, newly cast Chris Meloni.
But no.
What we have is Sam & Luna & Terry & Patrick.
We also have a problem. Problems, actually.
Sam (Sam Trammell) and Luna (Janina Gavankar) have no chemistry what.so.ever. and they are playing a couple so that scene is a big zzzzz, save for it's extended version, also residing at HBOGo (sense a pattern?) in which Sam exits stage left leaves Luna's only to have her hear a gunshot ring out seconds afterward. Anyone worried that Sam is shot? No? Me neither. You know that in episode 5.05 True Blood is not killing off Sam. And they are ripping themselves off in that they had Sam in similar circumstances with the,"Did Sam shoot Tommy?" scene that was a season 3-ender. Mostly, we didn't care but just the same, it was a red-herring, Tommy got winged. At most, Sam will too.
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Terry/Patrick VIDEO:
OK. Terry and Patrick. Terry (Todd Lowe) is well-liked by fans and a scene with him and maybe his cousin Andy (Chris Bauer) might have been good enough but they didn't do that. Instead, we are offered up 'Patrick', an old Iraq war buddy of Terry's that showed up at Merlotte's at the tail-end of last season. We don't know anything more about Patrick so why should we care when shown a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of him and Terry getting caught doing "whatever" by some guys we've never seen before? We don't. Which defeats the point, the very reason for a sneak peek/teaser: to entice us to watch.
Given that True Blood is coming off a disappointing season 4, you'd think that they would haul out their big guns (those would be the stars of the show) and tease the hell out of us.
Six more weeks guys, to entice, to build anticipation and excitement about the TRUE BLOOD season 5 premiere.
Time to haul out the big guns.
Season 5 of "True Blood" premieres Sunday, June 10th. For more on True Blood, go to http://itsh.bo/HAObVp or jump in on the Twitter conversations http://twitter.com/truebloodhbo
TRUE BLOOD Star ANNA PAQUIN, who last week announced her pregnancy, is ambushed by paparazzi as she tries to run errands near her home in Malibu.
Credit: Pacific Coast News /Apr 25, 2012 via PEOPLE
True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer confirmed this week that Anna is expecting their first child. This of course has set off a media frenzy to get a snap of Anna's belly. Though her tummy does not look particularly big her boobs are ginormous. My guess is she could have hid the evidence of a growing tummy a bit longer but no way could the formerly conservatively endowed Paquin hide her now-ample breasts.
I'm not now, nor have I ever been very interested in Paquin and Moyer's private lives. You won't find but a couple of photos like the one above over the 4-plus years I've written about the show, as I do feel her privacy is being compromised.
HOWEVER, I am really curious as to how this will affect her work on HBO's TRUE BLOOD.
Unconfirmed reports have the baby arriving this fall, 2012. Filming of TRUE BLOOD season 6, if there is to be one, would commence around the beginning of 2013 if the show sticks to it's previous schedule. It seems then that this baby was perfectly planned to give Paquin and Moyer a traditional maternity leave of about 3 months or so. She'll need to get back into 'perfect' shape in time for season 6 though one wonders if Anna's bare-it-all True Blood scenes are now behind her, not so much because she won't ever look great (I'm sure she will). More, she's attained power-player status and really doesn't have to 'serve the story' any longer.
I'm curious too, how her maternal status has affected the True Blood season 5 story. Obviously, Paquin's character Sookie Stackhouse, won't get pregnant and now it seems that unless she filmed her sexy-time scenes already she won't be baring too much at all in season 5 (body doubles are not ruled out, I suppose).
That jibes with what has been reported about True Blood season 5, that the Vampire Authority will be the central focus and that this year will deviate greatly from the original source material by writer Charlaine Harris.
I do applaud leaving the Sookie Stackhouse books behind as after the first couple they decline greatly in quality. (Just the same, I read the entire series in an effort to be well-informed about the show.)
With showrunner ALAN BALL exiting TRUE BLOOD after this season, and Paquin and Moyer starting a family, my feeling is that True Blood is winding down. I'm curious too about what kind of audience numbers True Blood will pull in for it's debut on June 10--and beyond. It's my prediction that this will be the first year that True Blood loses some of it's steam. I'm no psychic but perusing the bloated terrain of True Blood websites I have read hundreds of comments especially from fans of the Sookie Stackhouse book series, that they are done with the show. I've seen such 'threats' (promises?) before but after last season I totally understand where they are coming from. Even tho' I'm not a Charlaine Harris book fan-- I am a fan of good TV. And season 4 True Blood to put it kindly, was uneven in quality, as was to a lessor extent, seasons 2 and 3.
You can only squeeze so much juice out of what was a sexy, bloody, fantastical R-rated romp before the source runs dry. Better to exit while you still have a respectable fan base than dying a slow death. In other words, after season 5 TRUE BLOOD, let's stake it and move on.
"Eureka" When the MC heads north on a "charity" club run, they find more than just bike trouble when they cross state lines. And with Samcro out of Charming, Gemma's left in a compromising position with The League.
SONS OF ANARCHY SEASON 2 TRAILER
Reeling from the combined pressure of an ATF crackdown and an unprovoked murder, the Sons face a far more deadly threat from a cold-blooded enemy who will stop at nothing to drive them out of Charing - for good. As Jax and Clay square off over questiond of leadership and loyalty, lines are drawn and shaos reigns as the club threatens to destroy itself - from the inside out.
SONS OF ANARCHY- Season 2 Episode 2 SYNOPSIS- "Small Tears":
Jax’s decision without the club’s approval doesn’t sit well with Clay, especially when it brings dangerous repercussions upon the MC. Luann runs into trouble at her porn studio.
God. I just realized that "Small Tears," the title of episode 2 of Sons of Anarchy, is small tears of flesh-- damage done by the gang rape of Gemma. I'd been thinking (or perhaps I was not thinking) that it was small tears as in crying and I couldn't quite get my head around it. Now I do. Perhaps it is also a metaphor for the tears in her psyche and soul.
KATEY SAGAL has some insightful comments about Gemma's difficult recovery from a traumatic event on 'Sons of Anarchy's' first episode of Season 2.
UPDATE: BE SURE TO READ MY CURRENT COVERAGE OF SONS OF ANARCHY on my sister blog
"I think she knows everything." - Katey Sagal on Gemma Teller Morrow, her character on FX's Sons of Anarchy.
Within the insular world of the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club, which rules the small California town of Charming, Gemma is a force of nature, not to be underestimated.
She's married to club president Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman), who co-founded the Sons with Gemma's late first husband, John Teller. The rest of the men in the club respect her role as not just Clay's wife but as a no-nonsense leader and someone who's been there from the start.
"They’re a little bit Peter Pan-ish, all of the [men in the club]," Sagal said in a recent phone interview. "They all need a strong mom. I think she kind of is the matriarch of all of them in a weird way. In the mythology of the club, she’s been there since the beginning. So she has probably seen these guys when they first got there. So they look to her as some sort of, I don’t want to say a moral compass, but she’s got a strong point of view."
As Season 2 began, tensions were rising between Clay and Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), Gemma's son and a powerful force as well, within the club. A white-supremacist gang had come to Charming with the stated intent of shutting down the club's illicit gun sales.
"..Gemma sees all of it. "...this is where I think she’s sort of different than possibly an organized-crime wife. They seem to have more of the see no evil [approach] -- they just don’t look. I think that Gemma is very involved in what’s going on," Sagal says.
Gemma's central role within the club had unexpected and disturbing consequences in the Season 2 premiere of the show.
About this seasons overarching theme she says,
"It’s about the undoing of lots of characters. Everybody kind of comes up against themselves, that's really what you see. (They’re forced to make choices in terms of loyalty to the club and whether or not it’s going to be for the good of all.)
A: "Yeah, this whole job has been a lot of those [situations] where I’ve walked through things and thought, “Well I’ve never done that.” Then you kind of do it and it just makes you better at what you do. So I have felt -- I have embraced the challenge. It couldn’t be a more loving, safe atmosphere where we work because everybody’s very vulnerable and it’s risky and there’s a lot of physical stuff. It’s just a really good environment for that. The way we did that first episode was very choreographed and timed. It was respectful. We just got through it, you know what I mean?"
Q: The rape of Gemma is clearly a pivotal moment for the club, I think, and for obviously for your character. ... you('ve) talked about how difficult a process that was for you -- that it was weeks of difficulty...
A: "Well you know, it’s always sort of the job of the actor to make real make-belief circumstance. In this particular case, it required me to visit some pretty dark places but just seemed to hang around with me after I left work. You know, it’s hard sometimes to just detach yourself from what you’re doing. Most times it’s not; most times it’s okay, but in this particular case … The timeline of our show is very [compact]. Most of the events take place within a week. So it’s not like from episode to episode there’s weeks of time [passing for the characters]. Those first five [episodes cover about a three week period and then] she starts to finally pull herself together a little bit. But those first two or three episodes take place [for Gemma] over a course of two or three days. Then coupled with -- there’s a lot of shame that comes from that experience. I think that Gemma is a woman who always sort of leads with her sexuality; she’s confident, she’s strong. This takes it to another place. In my imagination this may have been something that happened to Gemma as a kid. She may have been one of those kinds of kids. I sort of threw that in the mix that -- this is reminiscent of a bad time as well."
Q:... Gemma is...such a powerful personality.... her power is, to some degree, in her sexuality and in her strength. It seems like both of those are kind of under attack; she’s wavering in every way.
Claire Danes and Damien Lewis in HOMELAND on SHOWTIME. Season 2 debuts on Sept 30, 2012:
Despite there being many questions remaining for HOMELAND, due to Claire Danes' sublime performance as 'Carrie Matheson', a bi-polar CIA agent who is right about a returned war hero in the wrong way and because of Mandy Patinkin's wonderful portrayal of her mentor , a man with many years CIA and as many psychic demons, I totally need to know if Carrie is alright. Danes did such a convincing job of Carrie's meltdown which culminated with her admitting herself for electroconvulsive therapy, that I'm anxious to get back to the show to see if she's gonna pull through enough to piece her life--which she was just barely keeping on track--back together.
Homeland : Season 2 - 'Burning Questions' VIDEO:
The truth was uncovered, but not everything was revealed. Homeland season 2 premieres September 30th, 2012.
Cool! We are beginning to get DEXTER intel. I'll never not love DEXTER. The actors are incredible and the show was so daring and crazy when it was a bit 'younger.' It's still one of the best shows--on any channel on television.
DEXTER, Episode #701, "Are You....?" Writer: Scott Buck Director: John Dahl Location: Los Angeles Shoot dates: o/a 5/23-6/4
[GEORGE NOVIKOV] 30s to 40s. Russian heritage but American born, so no accent. Tough, aggressive, possibly a little overweight but imagines he is "all that". Basically, he's just not a good guy. RECURRING GUEST STAR.
[VIKTOR KAREV] 30s, handsome, well dressed, stylish, slight Eastern European accent. He is a polished businessman who can get his hands dirty when he has to. GUEST LEAD.
[DET. ANGIE MILLER] 30s, African American. Attractive, straightforward, she is a divorced mother of two who has no time for nonsense, so she simply goes about her job at Miami Metro Homicide. MAJOR RECURRING CO-STAR ROLE.
[YOUNG DEXTER] Dexter (Michael C. Hall) at 9 years old. Reddish-brownish hair and brown eyes. 2 Speeches and 6 lines/3 scenes.
[YOUNG DEBRA] Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) at 5 years old. Long brown hair and hazel green eyes. 2 Speeches and 2 lines/3 scenes.
[TICKET AGENT] 30s, Caucasian, female. She is a ticket agent at an airport. 1 Speech and 2 lines/1 scene.
[BLACK-HAIRED STRIPPER] Mid 20s to early 30s and with a thick Russian accent. She is a stripper at a Miami strip club. 2 lines/1 scene.
[EVIDENCE CLERK] Female, Latina, 30s to 40s. She works in evidence at Miami Metro Homicide. 1 line/1 scene.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #15 Preview (HBO):
Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) in GAME OF THRONES Episode 2.05 (#15) HBO:
GAME OF THRONES - Inside Episode 14:
Take a look inside Episode #14 of "Game Of Thrones."
Game of Thrones Episode #15: "The Ghost of Harrenhal" Season 2, Episode 5 Synopsis (TVGuide):
The Baratheon rivalry ends, drawing different reactions from Catelyn and Littlefinger; Tyrion finds Joffrey's defense plan at King's Landing lacking, but also learns of a mysterious secret weapon; Theon continues to prove himself to his father by sailing to the Stony Shore; Arya gets a promise from Jaqen H'ghar; the Night's Watch regroup at an ancient fortress called the Fist of the First Men.
Original Air Date: Apr 29, 2012
Guest Cast Stephen Dillane: Stannis Baratheon Tom Wlaschiha: Jaqen H'ghar Gethin Anthony: Renly Baratheon
RECAP GAME OF THRONES 'Garden Of Bones' Episode 2.04 (#14) HBO:
Arya is taken to Harrenhal, along with Gendry, Hot Pie and the other prisoners. At Harrenhal, the Mountain makes his first season 2 appearance while we meet The Tickler for the first time. Arya first begins reciting her “nightly prayer”--repeating the names of those she intends to kill: “Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound.” Her experience in the camp has added a name to that list, though: Polliver, one of the Lannister guards who abused her fellow prisoners. Gendry is chosen to be the Tickler’s next victim but Lord Tywin Lannister arrives just in time. He scolds the Mountain and his men for not putting his captives to work. He orders them to find work for the prisoners and immediately recognizing Arya for the girl that she is, takes Arya as his cupbearer. Gendry is enlisted as a smith.
Meanwhile, the 'Young Wolf', King of the North Robb Stark, wins a great victory against the Lannister forces. However, he gets a reality check from 'Talisa,' a pseudonym apparently, for Jeyne Westerling (Oona Chaplin). Talisa saves a Lannister soldier’s life by amputating his leg, while Robb holds him down. Later she challenges Robb on his plan after he wins the war, to which Robb replies, he doesn’t know.
Richard Madden as King Robb Stark and Oona Chaplin as Talisa'
Back in King’s Landing, King Joffrey is punishing Sansa for her brother’s victory. Thankfully, Tyrion arrives and puts a stop to it.
Later, Joff's uncle Tyrion sends him prostitutes as a present after his sellsword Bronn, suggests that maybe Joff might benefit getting un'clogged' (ew). We quickly see that Joffrey isn't interested in getting off sexually, rather he orders Ros to beat the other prostitute at crossbow-point to send a message to his uncle. While we don’t see Tyrion receive Joff’s message, we do see him discover Lancel Lannister's secret (he's bedding Queen Regent Cersei) and use it turn him into an informer.
Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, 'Dragon Mother' Daenerys has arrived at the gates of Qarth, “the greatest city that ever was or will be.” Her stubbornness pays off as her threat—“turn us away and we will burn you first”—impresses, and after some deliberation outside of the city gates, Dany’s khalasar is finally allowed entrance to the city after Xaro Xhoan Daxos invokes ‘sumai’, agreeing to stand for her.
Littlefinger arrives at Renly’s camp with a message for Catelyn: Tyrion wishes to trade Jaime Lannister for Sansa and Arya. As a gesture of goodwill, Littlefinger delivers Ned’s bones to Catelyn.
The next day, Stannis arrives on the scene to treat with Renly, both men wanting to take the throne in King’s Landing. Stannis, the “charmless” elder, believes the crown is his by divine right. Younger brother Renly has many friends and has gathered a much larger force but he can’t know his brother’s secret weapon—the “child” his high priestess Melisandre will be bearing him later that night. Stannis delivers the ultimatum, Renly has until dawn to surrender and bend the knee. That night, Stannis sends Davos and Melisandre to the shore. There, in a cave beneath Renly’s camp, Melisandre disrobes, lies on the ground and gives birth to a shadow demon.
Melisandre gives birth to a shadow demon spawn (HBO):
For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/HpR8b1. Connect with Game of Thrones on Facebook & Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/gameofthrones http://www.twitter.com/gameofthrones - #gameofthrones
AFTER THE JUMP: GAME OF THRONES Episode 2.04 EXTRAS:
It was clear from this first photo released from The Lone Ranger set last month, that Johnny Depp was sticking by his word to make his Tonto a radical departure from the Jay Silverheels' Tonto of the the 1950s-era television show.
But ever since the photo still of Depp and Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger was made public, inquiring minds have been asking: What exactly is the origin of his black-and-white painted warrior?
“I’d actually seen a painting by an artist named Kirby Sattler, and looked at the face of this warrior and thought: That’s it,” Depp said in a recent interview. “The stripes down the face and across the eyes … it seemed to me like you could almost see the separate sections of the individual, if you know what I mean.”...
Depp explained that the lines of paint on the Native American’s face looked to him like a cross-section of the man’s emotional life.
“There’s this very wise quarter, a very tortured and hurt section, and angry and rageful section, and a very understanding and unique side. I saw these parts, almost like dissecting a brain, these slivers of the individual,” he said.”That makeup inspired me.”
The painting also provided inspiration for Tonto’s headdress. “It just so happened Sattler had painted a bird flying directly behind the warrior’s head. It looked to me like it was sitting on top,” Depp said, which led him to another eureka moment. “I thought: Tonto’s got a bird on his head. It’s his spirit guide in a way. It’s dead to others, but it’s not dead to him. It’s very much alive.”...
For his part, Depp has said his motivation to play the character came from disliking how Tonto was relegated to subservience in the old... TV series. While the look may not be historically authentic, Depp wants Tonto’s character to be honorable and self-reliant...
“The whole reason I wanted to play Tonto is to try to [mess] around with the stereotype of the American Indian that has been laid out through history, or the history of cinema at the very least — especially Tonto as the sidekick, The Lone Ranger’s assistant,” Depp told EW. “As you’ll see, it’s most definitely not that.”
HBO Watches' 'Dragons 101.' Very informative with nifty details about Daenerys’s three baby dragons:
With the rest of season 3 except for the finale episode summaries available above, one has a pretty good notion, if you've read the books, where the story is going. I'm just barely getting ahead in the 2nd book upon which this season is based, 'A Clash Of Kings.'
Speaking of Dany and her dragons, we have not seen too much of them of late. Hopefully this week will bring more of the Mother of Dragons and her entourage.
Game of Thrones - Daenerys' Rebirth / Birth of the Dragons VIDEO:
Dany’s Dragons
Drogon – Named after Daenerys’s dead husband Khal Drogo, he is the largest and most aggressive of her three dragons. He has black scales, his horns and wings are blood red, and he shoots a black flame with streaks of red. He is believed to be the reincarnation of Balerion “The Black Dread”. Drogon’s egg was black with scarlet ripples and swirls.
Rhaegal – Named for Dany’s brother Rhaegar Targaryen, who died at the hands King Robert during Robert’s Rebellion, he is green with bronze scales. Rhaegal’s eyes are bronze-colored, which glow with their own heat, and his flame is orange-yellow with veins of green. Rhaegal’s egg was deep green with shiny bronze flakes that disappeared when Dany turned it.
Viserion – Named for Dany’s brother Viserys, his scales are cream but his horns, wing bones, and spinal crest are gold. Viserion’s teeth are described as being shining black daggers and his eyes look like molten pools of gold. He shoots a pale gold flame with red and orange streaks. Although he is cream in color, Viserys is commonly referred to as the White Dragon. His egg was pale cream and streaked with gold.
Dragonstone (GAME Of THRONES)
Native to the eastern continent of Essos, dragons are mythical creatures that have been extinct for over 150 years. Dragons breathe fire, they prefer to cook meat before eating it, and emanate great heat from their bodies. They have even been known to steam during cold nights. Dragons are relatively intelligent creatures and are capable of forming extremely strong bonds to the humans who raise them. It is believed that they are tied to magic; and since their extinction, the power of magic has diminished and the winters have grown colder.
Dragons were first discovered by the Valyrians 5,000 years ago and they mastered the art of raising them, eventually using them as weapons. The Doom of Valyria brought a sudden, drastic end to the Valyrian Empire and, ultimately, the only three dragons that survived were owned by the Targaryen Family on Dragonstone....
GAME OF THRONES - Detailed MAY EPISODE Summaries SPOILERS:
Episode #16: “The Old Gods and the New” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Theon (Alfie Allen) completes his master stroke. In King’s Landing, the Lannisters send Myrcella (Aimee Richardson) from harm’s way in the nick of time. Arya (Maisie Williams) comes face to face with a surprise visitor; Dany (Emilia Clarke) vows to take what is hers; Robb (Richard Madden) and Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) receive crucial news; Qhorin (Simon Armstrong) gives Jon (Kit Harington) a chance to prove himself. Written by Vanessa Taylor; directed by David Nutter.
Episode #17: “A Man Without Honor” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Jaime (Nicolaj Coster-Waldau) meets a distant relative; Dany receives an invitation to the House of the Undying; Theon leads a search party; Jon loses his way in the wilderness; Cersei (Lena Headey) counsels Sansa (Sophie Turner). Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by David Nutter.
Episode #18: “The Prince of Winterfell” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
At Winterfell, Theon receives a visitor and holds down the fort. Arya calls in her final debt with Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha) in a way that displeases him. Robb is betrayed. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) and Varys (Conleth Hill) find common ground. Dany ignores Jorah's (Iain Glen) advice. Stannis (Stephen Dillane) and Davos (Liam Cunningham) approach their destination, and Davos is offered a reward. Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by Alan Taylor.
Episode #19: “Blackwater” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis’ fleet assaults King’s Landing. Written by George R.R. Martin; directed by Neil Marshall.
The executive producers of GAME OF THRONES are David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger; co-executive producers, George R.R. Martin, Vanessa Taylor, Alan Taylor, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis; produced by Bernadette Caulfield.
There have been a lot of remembrances of Jonathan which have appeared on the Internet since yesterday. I’m proud and honored that mine has been quoted and linked to by many sites. But I want to share two posts I read this morning which are special and revealing.
The first is from Jonathan’s hometown newspaper The Spec and includes wonderful quotes from Jonathan’s nephews and friends about Jonathan’s everyday life in Ancaster.
The second is from The Plain Dealer. Mark Dawidziak writes with such insight. It really is the best appreciation of Jonathan that I’ve read so far.
Jonathan Frid, best known for playing vampire Barnabas Collins on ABC's Dark Shadows, has died. He was 87. The actor died on April 13 of natural causes at Juravinski Hospital in Ontario, Canada, according to Digital Spy.
Dark Shadows, a gothic soap opera, aired from 1966 to 1971 and drew nearly 20 million viewers at the height of its popularity. Frid joined the show in 1967 as Barnabas Collins, a vampire returning to his family's estate, and quickly became the star of the show.
Above: On the set of Dark Shadows - Jonathan Frid, Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen
"May Jonathan Frid, 'our reluctant vampire,' live on in our hearts!" Frid's co-star, Kathryn Leigh Scott, wrote on her website. "How blessed I am to have known this dear man and to have such wonderful memories of him, both on screen and off. ... He was irascible, irreverent, funny, caring, lovable and thoroughly professional, and in the end became the whole reason why kids ran home from school to watch Dark Shadows."
Before his death, Frid, who also starred in the TV movie The Devil's Daughter and the horror film, Seizure, filmed a cameo appearance for Tim Burton's forthcoming big-screen remake of Dark Shadows, in which Johnny Depp will play Barnabas. The film is set to be released May 11.
Johnny Depp on Jonathan Frid's Death:
LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Johnny Depp paid tribute to his "Dark Shadows" predecessor Jonathan Frid on Thursday, telling the Los Angeles Times that the first time he met Frid was "elegant and magical." Frid, who played vampire Barnabas Collins from 1967 to 1971 on the soap opera, died April 13 at the age of 87, though news of his death began to filter out on Thursday. "Jonathan Frid was the reason I used to run home from school to watch ‘Dark Shadows,'" Depp told the paper. "His elegance and grace was an inspiration then and will continue to remain one forever more. When I had the honor to finally meet him... generously passed the torch of Barnabas." Depp, who called Frid "a true original," plays Collins in the big-screen adaptation of "Dark Shadows," which hits theaters on May 11.
Frid has a bit part in the film, as a party guest. According to Depp, when he met Frid, the elder actor was " elegant and magical as I had always imagined."
'I won’t ever forget the moment when the two Barnabas Collinses met, one in his late 80s and the other in his mid-40s, each with their wolf’s head canes. Jonathan took his time scrutinizing his successor’s appearance. “I see you’ve done the hair,” Jonathan said to Johnny Depp, “but a few more spikes.” Depp, entirely in character, replied, “Yes, we’re doing things a bit differently.' -KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT
NURSE JACKIE - Season 4 EPISODE 3 - "The Wall" - Edie Falco (SHO)
NURSE JACKIE - Season 4 EPISODE 3 - "The Wall" - Lenny Jacobson, Peter Facinelli, Edie Falco, Stephen Wallem and Eve Best:
(David M. Russell/Showtime)
As I've said before, NURSE JACKIE's season 4 debut episodes are really good.
Jackie and many other main characters are facing circumstances that would have seem unimaginable or ludicrous at least, just a season ago. But here we are with "Jackie' in rehab, OHara pregnant (and happy about it!). Akalitus has been demoted to working the floor at the hospital. Kevin is living separately from Jackie who (hypocritically) threw him out upon hearing his admission/confession that he'd had a fling. Jackie herself was flinging around with hospital pharmacy dispenser,'Eddie,' who like almost everyone else at the hospital, did not know that Jackie was married with kids. To say that Eddie is distraught over the turn of events regarding Jackie (and his job) is a great understatement.
There's new cast addition Bobby Cannavale who plays a sincere-sounding, but not really fully-comprehending, 'Dr. Cruz.,' Cruz represents the hospital chain that bought up 'All Saint's'.
Cannavale's IRL son Jake, has been getting as much face time thus far this season as his dad as 'Charlie', Jackie's compadre in rehab. I think you'll really like their story arc.
Going back to my original thought that the Nurse Jackie characters are facing unpredicted or hugely disruptive situations in season 4: Jackie now has alienated those closest to her, including Ohara and Grace, Jackie's eldest, long-troubled daughter. With no one to bare her in-recovery, detoxing soul to, Jackie's clicking with fellow drug addict, 'Jake' may make the differences in recovery for either one or even both of them.
Jake Cannavale as "Charlie Cruz':
NURSE JACKIE Episode 4.03 Synopsis: 'The Wall' - Despite her counselor's warnings, Jackie leaves rehab and returns to a much-changed All Saints, where working sober for the first time leaves her feeling easily rattled. Meanwhile, Zoey second-guesses her relationship with Lenny; Eddie reveals to Jackie that Kevin knows about their affair; and Grace presents Jackie with a list of demands.
Laura Silverman as 'Laura' NURSE JACKIE Episode 4.03
NEXT WEEK (4.29.12): Episode Detail: 'Slow Growing Monsters' - Nurse Jackie Grace learns that her mother has been in rehab, forcing Jackie to race her daughter to Kevin's before she spills the beans. Later, Cruz docks Jackie's pay over some purloined items; and Jackie sets up an AA rendezvous with Charlie, who turns up in bad shape.
Nurse Jackie co-creators/showrunners Linda Wallem and Liz Brixius are leaving the Showtime comedy after four seasons, Deadline reports.
A new showrunner has not yet been named, but Showtime is already in discussions with a candidate to work alongside star/executive producer Edie Falco and executive producer Richie Jackson, according to the site... Nurse Jackie kicked off its fourth season earlier this month and enjoyed a ratings bump, averaging 653,000 viewers.
AFTER THE JUMP: MORE SCENES FROM NURSE JACKIE EPISODE 4.03:
Well, look right here! It's our Ms. Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker) and she's looking pretty good for a lady that just took a bullet!
'Happy 4/20 from Weeds! Don't miss the premiere of the new season on Sunday, July 1st at 10PM ET/PT on Showtime.'
Kevin Nealon (SHO) WEEDS:
Q: Is Nancy really dead on Weeds?
TVGuide:
Let's take a look at the evidence, shall we?
The producers are casting for three very telling roles:
1) a paramedic who tries to keep Nancy talking while she's being rushed to the hospital;
2) a head surgeon who speaks calmly to the Botwin family; and
3) a hospital chaplain who confers with Andy. Is it time for Nancy to be read her last rites? Probably not! Come on, people; she's the star of the show!
There are still a few months left to wait for Showtime’s 30-minute dramedy series WEEDS to return for its eighth season, but in my time zone its officially 4/20 and so it seems perfect timing that a new teaser for Season 8 WEEDS was just released.
Sadly, the new WEEDs teaser does not offer any footage from Season 8, but it does give us a look at the cast dancing and smiling (with Nancy the notable exception--she looks angry then sticks her tongue out--impressively far!).
Mary-Louise Parker looks like her gorgeous self, not appearing until the almost-end, following the “Happy 4/20” message.
This is actually not the first teaser released by SHOWTIME for for WEEDS Season 8. The last promo released celebrated Nancy's "Wicked World." You can check that one out here.
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen and Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont in Episode 14 of Game of Thrones (HBO Sundays):
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #14 Preview VIDEO:
Tune in to the new season of "Game Of Thrones" every Sunday night at 9PM. For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/HpR8b1.
Lena Headey as Queen Regent Cersei Lannister and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Episode 14 (or 15) of Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO)
Aimee Richardson as Princess Myrcella in Episode 14 (or 15) of Game of Thrones (Credit: HBO):
Game of Thrones Episode: "Garden of Bones" Season 2, Episode 4 -
Original Air Date: Apr 22, 2012
Episode #14 Synopsis:
Tyrion steps in when Joffrey holds Sansa accountable for Robb Stark's recent decisive victory on the battlefield, though the ill-tempered king finds another target for his cruelty. Meanwhile, Arya and Gendry are imprisoned at Harrenhal, where they witness unspeakable acts of torture; Daenerys and the khalasar seek salvation at the prosperous city of Qarth; and Stannis calls on Davos' past as a smuggler to carry out a secret mission.
Guest Cast: Stephen Dillane: Stannis Baratheon Michael McElhatton: Roose Bolton Charles Dance: Tywin Lannister Natalie Dormer: Margaery Tyrell Carice van Houten: Melisandre Anthony Morris: The Tickler Nicholas Blane: Spice King Ian Beattie: Meryn Trant Gethin Anthony: Renly Baratheon Fintan McKeown: Amory Lorch Joe Dempsie: Gendry Eugene Simon: Lancel Lannister Gwendoline Christie: Brienne Liam Cunningham: Davos Seaworth Tony Way: Dontos Hollard Ian Whyte: Gregor Clegane Ian Hanmore: Pyat Pree (TVGuide.com)
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #13 VIDEO
Game Of Thrones Season 2: RECAP #13 VIDEO
Episode thirteen, entitled “What Is Dead May Never Die" BEST SCENES RECAP:
Best scenes in episode #13:
Who is the snitch?:
'In the book, this scene works well with Tyrion’s internal monologue counting off each of his offers but that obviously needed to be adapted for the visual medium of television.
What writer Bryan Cogman and director Alik Sakharov did, having Tyrion’s three offers all come in one scene with seamless cuts, was perfect and a wonderful example of taking a memorable sequence from the books and adapting it to screen while using the strengths of the visual medium to make it different, but just as good.'
Brienne of Tarth:
Not a disappointment
Though I'm relatively new to the world of a Game of Thrones, it became clear quickly when speaking of characters introduced in the second installment of the "A Song of Ice and Fire' series that 'Brienne of Tarth' (not 'Lady' Brienne, TYVM) is a fan favourite. The actor portraying her is Gwendoline Christie and at a height dwarfing many, she seems to physically suit the role terrifically and her personality seems spot on, too.
Yoren, we hardly knew ye:
Francis Magee did a really nice turn as Yoren, the 'wandering crow' who at season one's end shielded Arya from actually seeing her father's beheading and has kept her safe thus far under the pretext of collecting orphan boys as The Wall recruits. Arya was 'Arry' a' boy', but her and Yorn's luck especially, ran out when King Joffery's posse, sent in search of King Robert's bastard Gendry, stormed the gates of Yoren's haven with it's ragged band of boys. Yoren went down vastly outnumbered and fighting hard.
Theon Greyjoy is a Very Bad Boy:
Theon (the Ironborn) Greyjoy – Alfie Allen is making a memorable impression in season 2 with a compelling arc that paints a picture of the son that Balon Greyjoy handed over as a guarantee that he would war no more. Robb Stark has sent Theon into the lion's den to the Iron Islands to broker an alliance with Theon's father, Lord Balon Greyjoy and Allen is doing a doing a bang-up job showing the internal conflict of Theon’s character. I actually felt sorry for him this episode. And that baptism scene was perfect. “What is dead may never die, but rises again harder and stronger.”
Recapping this episode:
We spent a good while in King’s Landing, where Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) made three different offers in the hopes of uncovering Cersei’s snitch. Pycelle was ferreted both as Cersei's informant and as a traitor to the preceding King's Hands and so Tyrion ordered him thrown into the Black Cells.
In his role as both King's Hand and rule-breaker, Tyrion had the power to broker a set-up where the very bored and restless Shae became Sansa’s handmaiden. He also set Littlefinger to long lost almost love Lady Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) about releasing Jamie Lannister, and had a drink with Varys the Spider, giving Tyrion a lot of face time in this episode.
ALFIE ALLEN AS THEON GREYJOY in GAME OF THRONES Episode 13:
'Beyond the Wall, Craster kicked out the Night’s Watch and Mormont revealed to Jon Snow that he knows what Craster does with his sons. Before leaving, Sam gave Gilly a token and promised that he would return.
At Winterfell, Bran continues to have his wolf dreams. When he explains him to Luwin, the maester explains to him that magic no longer exists in the world. Big help he is.
On the Iron Islands, Balon revealed his plans to Theon; he plans to take the North by capturing and holding the Neck and eventually conquering or accepting the surrender of the remaining holdfasts and castles.
Theon contemplates warning Robb of this surprise attack, but decides to turn his back on his adopted family and align with his true family. This was a small, quiet but hugely emotional scene with vast likely consequences, of course.'
Renly and his camp of 100,000 strong are quite an impressive sight but are they all for show with little substance?
The conquering blue knight was revealed as Brienne of Tarth, a woman, and then appointed to Renly’s Kingsguard. Later that night, Renly tried to consummate his marriage with Margaery, but failed. Margaery has a highly prgmatic understanding of the importance of an heir and offers a threesome with her brother to help Renly get the job done. That was not in the book. So go HBO! Because you can. :)
Lastly, Arya has a heart-to-heart with Yoren before Amory Lorch and his band attacks. Arya saves Jaqen, while Yoren gets killed and the rest of the group gets captured. Lommy is killed and Arya, in a moment of exceptionally quick thinking, tells the Lannister soldiers that he was Gendry.
Q: What do you have on Ayra and Gendry or cutie Jon Snow on Game of Thrones?
A: How do we put this in a way that won't make you freak out for the next week? Hmm, we dont think there is one so we'll give it to you straight. Arya (Maisie Williams) and Gendry (Joe Dempsie) are in imminent danger. Gendry in particular will cross paths with someone who has a disgusting and horrifying way of getting answers. Let's just say this particular method of gaining information isn't in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Read more: http://www.eonline.com/news/watch_with_kristin Spoiler Chat Daily: Is Anybody Safe on Vampire Diaries? Plus, Glee, Game of Thrones and More!
AFTER THE JUMP: Game Of Thrones Season 2: Burning Of The 7 Gods - Game Of Thrones Season 2: Religions Of Westeros - Game Of Thrones Season 2: Anatomy Of A Scene: Tyrion - Game Of Thrones Season 2: The Story So Far (Episodes 11-13)
I'd not ever heard of Carolyn Hennesy prior to her being cast in season 5 TRUE BLOOD but I did react to the photos that I found of her. She's not a 20-something-- yay! And this came on the heels of not-twenty-something Chris Meloni and Peter Mensah being cast as fellow vampire Authority members! Anyway, I've sorted through some recent Hennesy interviews in which she does spoil (depends on your personal spoiler threshold) aspects of both her character and that of some of her co-stars as well as some Vampire Authority plot points.
Carolyn Hennesy was recently interviewed by Lena Lamoray...* (Please someone, tell me how Lena Lamoray gets so many interviews? Never has she done a good one. Am I being non-PC when I ask if English is her second language? I'm serious, 'cause that would explain a lot and I would need to stop being snarky about it.) ...and Carolyn describes the background of her character, Rosalyn Harris, and her storyline in Season 5. In addition to TRUE BLOOD, Carolyn’s prior and current projects include; Cougar Town, General Hospital, and her Pandora book series for young adults. Book six of the Pandora series, Pandora Gets Greedy, comes out in June.
Carolyn Hennesy joins the cast of True Blood for season 5, playing Authority member Rosalyn Harris, an (ancient) vampire with a love of cigars and steaks. This Texan 'broad' enjoys the finer things in life ... and likely gets her way almost all of the time!
Q: Prior to your casting had you been a fan of True Blood?
Carolyn Hennesy: I had actually not watched the show before. We didn’t get HBO, so the day after I was cast, we got HBO, and I spent the 10 days before Christmas [watching] — 48 episodes in 10 days(!)...It’s one of those things where you snatch yourself up by the head and say, "Where have I been for the last four years? What have I been doing?" It’s like candy...
Q: So what can you tell us about your character, 'Rosalyn'?
Carolyn Hennesy: She is from Texas, or I should say, has been for maybe the last 200 years. She’s very old as vampires go, so her history before that is all over the world. She has been a member of the Vampire Authority for a very long time... She’s a broad. She’s a dame. She likes a good joke and a good cigar and a good roll in the hay...And when she was alive, she enjoyed a good steak. E-A-K not A-K-E.
Q: It seems we're going to learn more about the Authority this season. What can you tell us about this mysterious group?
Carolyn Hennesy: There’s a tremendous battle brewing. There’s been hints about who’s coming back on the show and all of that. We have learned in the past that there are those who thoroughly believe in mainstreaming and there are those who don’t. There are two main factions really of the vampire society — the mainstreamers and the fanguenistas. And Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare) — we know he falls or where he fell: "we are vampires we will eat you."
The mainstreams, The Authority, sees the wisdom of assimilating with society. They outnumber us. They’ve made all these incredible strides in the last 2,000 years, not the least of which is creating drinkable blood, synthetic blood for vampires, well if they can do that, what else? What else can they do to help the vampire society?
Carolyn Hennesy: And in order to be a part of that we have to assimilate and mainstream and let them know that we’re not really a danger. And that’s where the Authority is coming from.
Q: Christopher Meloni has also been cast as someone in the Authority. Have you worked with him?
Carolyn Hennesy: I have worked with him for the last two months. It has been like a gift. like a master class. when Christopher Meloni speaks we go, "Oh that’s how it’s done." It’s just lovely working with him. He is very intense and rightfully so.
Q ;Can you tell me anything about his character??
Carolyn Hennesy: He is the guardian. His name is Roman. He’s one of the heads of the Authority. He’s the one we look up to, and swoon over, and follow.
Q: Are you higher up in the Vampire Authority?
Carolyn Hennesy: I am not. The Authority was started by one particular member. I am not the oldest member of the authority but I was there shortly after it started. Very shortly. There are, chronologically, older members of the Authority. But it's [all relative]. It's like if the Authority is 2,000 years old, Rosalyn has maybe been on for 1,950 years. In the grand scheme of things all the Authority members - it used to be eight with Nan Flanagan, but she's gone so it is seven - are the most powerful vampires on the planet.
Q: The description I have here says that Rosalyn has "hair high enough to interfere with air traffic."
Carolyn Hennesy; Well, where Rosalyn comes from is still something of a mystery. I've kind of solved it myself, with the character background I have created. Rosalyn is from Texas - for the last 500 years or so. Where she comes from before that is Prague, or someplace overseas. But she loves Texas. She is one of those women who helped tame the Wild West. She loves everything about Texas, that it's a man's world and she is a hell of a woman in it. In Texas, as they say with regard to everything, but especially to hair, "big is just the place to start." So Rosalyn embraces everything Lone Star. When you think of Rosalyn, you need to think of Anne Richards and Mae West and Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar. She is a broad and a half. She's a great dame. Pearls go with everything, and your hair can never be too high. And she will kill you on the spot!
Q: How much of Rosalyn's background did you get to create for yourself?
Carolyn Hennesy: I got three things: that she is from Texas; that she has hair high enough to interfere with air traffic; and she has a "home-spun wisdom." So she'll come up with the quip that relates to gelding a horse, or say, "Well, when I was on the ranch...." But her instincts are almost always right. Once she makes up her mind, and she knows she is right - and it takes a lot to change Rosalyn's mind. But it can be done.
Q: Is Rosalyn for assimilation?
Carolyn Hennesy: Very much so. She understands the wisdom of it. In the time that Rosalyn has been alive, we have put a man on the moon; we have conquered oceans; we have this synthetic blood. What else can [humans] do that can be of benefit to vampire-kind? That is what really interests Rosalyn, and the only way vampires can reap the benefits of these discoveries is if they act in concert with human beings.
Q: Would you consider Rosalyn a "good guy" or a "bad guy?"
Carolyn Hennesy: A good guy. A very good guy. Of course, if you cross her, she will snap your neck. As far as I am concerned, Rosalyn loves humans. She loves them for what they may be able to do for vampires.
Q: I know you can't say much about the season as a whole, but is there a general direction this season is going in?
Carolyn Hennesy: Well, with only my scenes, it would be that there is a real push for mainstreaming. A real push. And then what ultimately results from that tremendous push. That's really all I can say.
Q: Are you done shooting for the season?
Carolyn Hennesy: No. We're only half-way. We started in late December / January.
Q: How many episodes are you in?
Carolyn Hennesy: So far I am in seven.
Q: Are you going to be in the whole season?
Carolyn Hennesy: I don't know. The mind of god - also known as Alan Ball - he knows all those answers. So we shall see.
Check out the Stark kids' rendition of the Game of Thrones Season 1 Show Open, one of the many features found on the Game of Thrones Season 1 DVD/Blu-ray.
GAME OF THRONES OPENING SEQUENCE & MUSIC VIDEO featuring Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), and Maisie Williams (Arya/Arry Stark).
Game of Thrones Season 1: Stark Kids Sing Show Open
I wasn't going to watch it but on 2nd thought did--it's not the kids singing--it's the opening GoT montage music with them humming and do-do-do-do-ing through it, then a intro from each in their 'real' voices. Really quite fun.
Head to the HBO Shop to order Game of Thrones on DVD or Blu-ray. SHOP: http://itsh.bo/Hv0PFc Connect with Game of Thrones on Facebook & Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/gameofthrones http://www.twitter.com/gameofthrones - #gameofthrones
In case you noticed a) that the guy playing 'Charlie', Jackie's 17- y.o. friend in rehab, was not credited and b) that he looks an awful lot lot like new cast addition 'Dr. Mike Cruz,' Bobby Cannavale, you may have guessed the following: We have a on-offscreen father-son acting team on Nurse Jackie this season! The '17 y.o. drug addict' is none other than Jake Cannavale and this appears to be his first official acting job.
I've watched the first three of Nurse Jackie's season 4 episodes and I find Jackie's new friend quite appealing. He has charisma like his father but wields it very differently. His character seems like a very bright, very troubled kid who Jackie appears to instantly understand. What he understands better than Jackie however is the truth of addiction. Should be interesting to see how this plays out. Jackie is so used to being on top of everything--at this point in a world-weary way. Is she opened-minded enough to listen to the wisdom of a 17 y.o.?
The other new actor that stood out for me as extremely relatable was Jackie's treatment facility therapist, 'Laura' Played by Laura Silverman.
Laura Silverman plays Jackie's therapist, 'Laura' on NURSE JACKIE on Showtime
Season 4 Nurse Jackie spoiler. Don't be surprised if young Mr. Cruz shows up later both in his own and Jackie's recovery journey.
Nurse Jackie: 'Here Come The Clowns' SNEAK PEEK VIDEO:
Jackie's stint in rehab begins with her sharing a room with an irksome kleptomaniac and forging an alliance with a 17-year-old addict who's on his fourth stay at the facility. Back at the hospital, Coop is the only member of the staff who cottons to the new director's innovations.
Akalitus joins the rest of the nurses on the floor.
Next week (4.15.12):
Episode 4.03 Detail: 'The Wall' - Nurse Jackie
Despite her counselor's warnings, Jackie leaves rehab and returns to a much-changed All Saints, where working sober for the first time leaves her feeling easily rattled. Meanwhile, Zoey second-guesses her relationship with Lenny; Eddie reveals to Jackie that Kevin knows about their affair; and Grace presents Jackie with a list of demands.
Maisie Williams in GAME OF THRONES season 2 (HBO) as Arya Stark/Arry /Nan:
GAMES OF THRONES Episode 13 Preview: 'What Is Dead May Never Die' Season 2, Episode Three Synopsis:
Tyrion finds Shae a job, and devises a clever ruse to ferret out a snitch at the Red Keep. Meanwhile, Jon Snow's compassion gets him and Mormont's crew in hot water at Craster's Keep, but Sam Tarly has a parting gift for Gilly; Catelyn pitches an alliance to Renly Baratheon in the Stormlands; Theon takes a bold stance to get back in his father's good graces; and Arya must think quickly when there's trouble on the road north. Original Air Date: Apr 15, 2012 Guest Cast Tom Wlaschiha: Jaqen H'ghar Conleth Hill: Varys James Cosmo: Jeor Mormont Gethin Anthony: Renly Baratheon Donald Sumpter: Maester Luwin John Bradley: Samwell Tarly Julian Glover: Grand Maester Pycelle Francis Magee: Yoren Robert Pugh: Craster Ron Donachie: Rodrick Cassel Sam Callis: Gold Cloak Hannah Murray: Gilly Patrick Malahide: Balon Greyjoy Sibel Kekilli: Shae Fintan McKeown: Amory Lorch Natalie Dormer: Margaery Tyrell Gwendoline Christie: Brienne Gemma Whelan: Yara Greyjoy Joe Dempsie: Gendry
Game of Thrones Season 2: Recap #12:
Episode 2.12 was very good but I must admit that Game Of Thrones the show is more enjoyable now that I'm reading the book(s). Often you just cannot convey a character's 'interior life' on the small screen and for me, having the book just makes the story better. So far, the 2nd book in the series, 'A Clash Of Kings' is a quick-moving, enjoyable read, too.
I bought the first book in the George R. R. Martin series, "A Song of Ice and Fire" series but realized having already watched A Game Of Thrones, season 1 on HBO that I was likely to make reading and viewing it more difficult for myself in regard to following the many threads of the storyline. Picking up the series, having watched the HBO GoT season 1 when it first aired, and now whilst watching season 2, reading is going really well thus far (only 150 pages in but moving a a good clip for me).
Peter Dinklage as 'Tyrion Lannister' in Game Of Thrones - Episode 12
Peter Dinklage as "Tyrion Lannister" and Jerome Flynn as 'Bronn" (Tyrion's sellsword):
Though I have not yet gone back and read of the particulars of the relationship of Tyrion and his sellsword, Bronn, I think a good job was done showing in season 1 that Bronn is a very good sellsword, Tyrion is accutely aware of this, as entrusting his life to Bronn would strongly imply. This season 2 scene established how the two seem to be seemlessly working in tandem, setting about clearing out the human detritus (in this case, the guy that chopped off Ned's head and was finacially rewarded with land and a seat on the smalll council for it) left in the wake of Ned Stark's murder (and the deaths of both the King Baratheon after the highly suspicious death of the King's Hand that preceeded Ned's. So I guess both Bronn and Tyrion ought to keep a very close watch on Tyrion's noggin.
Cersei (Lena Heady) makes clear to Tyrion that his very existence "is a joke," as her, Jaime's & Tyrion's mother died when she gave birth to Tyrion. Cersei clearly detests Tyrion and rumours of her conspiring to kill him off should be taken seriously. Obviously, King Joffery has paid close attention to mummy over the years.
I'm learning that _this_ smile from 'Tyrion' is covering up a vast amount of rage and, that whomever brought it on (Cersei, in this case) will be made to pay.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #12:
Take a look inside Episode #12 of "Game Of Thrones." For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/HpR8b1.
Here it is helpfully established for us that this Sookie and Alcide scene was was filmed last December. Why is Sookie always so snarky to him?! Is it because she only goes for the really bad boys?
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Sookie/Alcide VIDEO:
If you have HBOGO, you can “have another bite” by checking out an extended version of that scene that includes Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis.) EDIT/ This HBOGO True Blood season 5 sneak peek extendeds toLafayette's part of the convo in which he makes clear to Alcide that he (and Sookie) are done with all things supernatural to which Alcide growls and insists that he is throwing Sookie 'a lifeline' and he asks her 'please' to take it. She responds with, ' I can't.' Duh-duh-duhn.
Jason Momoa and Emilia Clarke in 'Games of Thrones' (HBO)
Emilia Clarke of Game of Thrones:
Creating the Dothraki language for 'Game of Thrones':
Here are the accompanying photos and article to CNN's The Next List "Deconstructing Dothraki" about the creation of the Dothraki language for Game of Thrones as well as the creation of other languages created for other media projects.
Edie Falco as 'Jackie' and Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) as a drug buddy who dies while doing drugs with Jackie:
EDIT #2/So the opening episode was pretty great, right? Just the beginning! Here's a SPOILER about 2 characters for whom sharp eyes will draw a distinct connection!
'Nurse Jackie': Jackie wouldn't be Jackie if she put in her 28 days at rehab and it was smooth sailing from there. Of course she leaves early, and of course life conspires to make continued sobriety a difficult proposition. And, no, it's not a coincidence that her new boss and her new rehab buddy share the same last name -- on and off screen"
Synopsis: In the Season 4 premiere, big changes are afoot when Jackie, separated from Kevin, hits rock bottom and realizes she needs professional help, while All Saints is taken over by a corporation whose new director Mike Cruz (Bobby Cannavale) makes a shocking personnel change. Also, Kevin does not react well when he learns the truth about Jackie and Eddie, and O'Hara reveals a stunning secret.
Bobby Cannavale as Mike Cruz and Edie Falco as Jackie in "Nurse Jackie," Sundays on Showtime beginning April 8.
Nurse Jackie: 'Karma's a Bitch' Nurse Jackie Episode 4.01
Detail: 'Kettle Kettle Black Black' - As the fourth season opens, All Saints has been taken over by a multinational corporation and placed in the care of an innovative no-nonsense doctor who is revved up about making changes to the hospital and staff. Meanwhile, Kevin has moved to a new apartment, but is seeking to reconcile with Jackie. As for Jackie, she runs into problems when a guy she picked up has a heart attack in her home. Later, back at the hospital, Mrs. Akalitus is given an ultimatum by the new management.(SOURCE: TVGuide.com)
'Vampire Bill' Compton (Stephen Moyer) Season five TRUE BLOOD PHOTO:
CREDIT: HBO
Unknown set: True Blood - Season 5 CREDIT: HBO - TRUE BLOOD By Gianna Sobol
FWIW.
'New Mystery Set'
What (or who) do you think brings us here this season?
Incidentally, this is the same location used in the pilot of 'Six Feet Under,' but according to Alan Ball, 'in our use of it, something very different lurks inside these body lockers.'
Now from HBO - TRUE BLOOD comes a spine-shiver-inducing new PHOTO from the season - 5 SET (currently filming for 6.10.12 Sunday night premiere).
Care to guess what is going/went on here (above)?
I love that the best episode (except for the last) of the eponymous Six Feet Under found a way to be incorporated into Alan Ball's last season with True Blood as it's showrunner.
It did not look that grungy in the 'Fisher' basement--never even close to it's current incarnation on the True Blood set. They were very clean. Especially the guy that turned into Dexter (Michael C. Hall).
SIX FEET UNDER -Pilot PHOTO (HBO)
Below: Detail - the Fisher's body lockers -
'Nate Fisher' (Peter Krause) in Six Feet Under 'Pilot' (HBO) with body coolers:
Fans of TRUE BLOOD will (finally!) be able to plan their summer vacations now that HBO has revealed the start date in the U.S. for TRUE BLOOD's NEW Season 5 episodes. They commence on SUNDAY, June 10 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO:
"True Blood" returns for a Season 5 with familiar faces like Sookie (Anna Paquin), Bill (Stephen Moyer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), and new faces including Christopher Meloni in a featured role 'an ancient, powerful, vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands' & Spartacus's (STARZ) recently killed off Doctore/Oenomaus, Peter Mensah, in a recurring role as Kibwe, a ruling member of the Vampire Authority!
CASTING CALL: TRUE BLOOD, Episode #509, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World":
True Blood - Episode 5.09 - 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World'
(Approx. 4/18/2012)
[ELIJAH] Male, Caucasian. In his 20s to 40s, a very strong, cocky, Marilyn Manson-esque vampire. 2 episodes. Guest star.
[JACKSON] Male, Caucasian. 50s. Seen in flashback to the late 1980s, he's a giant of a man, powerful and inspiring and heroic. In the present, however, he's a sad, old man who's given up on life. Recurring. Guest star. (20)
[LOCAL REPORTER] This reporter grills Andy outside the Sheriff's Station. Co-star.
[SEXY VAMPIRE] Female, 20s. This sexy female vampire is a customer at Fangtasia. Co-star.
**[TEENAGE ALCIDE] Male, Caucasian, 14. Seen in flashback, he is Alcide (Joe Manganiello) as an innocent-faced 14-year-old. Co-star.
**[TEENAGE DEBBIE] Female, Caucasian, 14. Seen in flashback, she is Debbie (Brit Morgan) as an innocent-faced 14-year-old. Co-star.
I wonder if teenage Alcide is sort of the 98-lb. weakling stereotype? It's always been hard for me to wrap my head around 'why' Alcide was involved with 'Debbie', a crazy, skanky-looking were chick with a bad attitude and a "V' addiction, when he could have had his (excuse the pun) pick of the litter? Perhaps going waaaay back to their beginnings will proffer a clue?
Starting on April 5th at 9PM, catch back to back episodes of Season 4 of "True Blood". Tune in to a new episode every Thursday night at 10PM. For more information on True Blood, go tohttp://itsh.bo/ibzU7X or jump in on the Twitter conversations http://twitter.com/truebloodhbo#trueblood. Watch True Blood online at HBO GO® http://itsh.bo/hWfz80.
True Blood Season 5: Echoes Of The Past - "Merlotte's ..." (HBO) VIDEO:
The True Blood publicity machine must be overwhelmed by the Game of Thrones people cranking out sneak peek/teaser videos 'cos Merlotte's is not a 'house,' rather is is the Bon Temps local watering hole a/k/a Sam Merlotte's bar. Anyhoo, last night the Merlotte's "voices' video was released and it, like the previous three (below) has snippets of converstaons/exclamations that took place in this case, at Merlotte's in season's 1 - 4. Enjoy.
Colour me a tiny bit surprised by this trio of just-released True Blood Season 5 trailers. Each video focuses on a particular setting--Sookie's home, Eric & Pam's 'home', Fangtasia, and Bill's house. Over the four season of True Blood a lot has happened in these settings. The only one 'left out' is Merlotte's (Sam's bar) which has seen an equivalent amount of 'happenings, IMO. Small quibble, though. These teasers recap the entire series via 'tours' of each location with voice-overs from many of the cast. What they say illustrates seemingly innocuous comments like Sookie's first utterances about meeting Bill to Nan Flanagan's last utterance before she met her 'true death' (and a lot in-between so be sure to watch them!)
True Blood Season 5: Echoes Of The Past - "Fangtasia" VIDEO:
True Blood Season 5: Echoes Of The Past - "Bill's House" VIDEO:
Update: There is a fourth GAME OF THRONES HBO video release, The Episode #11 recap with commentary embedded below.
HBO aired three more GAME OF THRONES promos On Sunday and Sunday evening, both before and after the season two premiere of Game of Thrones. One was a new trailer which incorporated some quotes from the plethora of warm n' fuzzy reviews of GoT season two, the other was a teaser -trailer of what is to come in this season, and the third a really cool one, 'So Many Vows' (featuring Jaimie Lannister and Catelyn Stark).
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Critics Spot:
Peter Dinklage as 'Tyrion Lannister' in Game of Thrones season 2 (HBO)
Screencaps from each of the embedded VIDEOS on this page:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Weeks Ahead Trailer :
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #11:
Game of Thrones - Inside Episode 2.01 - 'The North Remembers':
Go inside the season 2 premiere of "Game Of Thrones.
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Recap #11:
Catch up on what you missed!
After the jump:
Game of Thrones - Season 2 - "So Many Vows" Trailer:
Spoilery Episode Descriptions: episodes 1 (#11) through 3 #13 (2.03):
Above: from True Blood Season 5: Clip Tease (HBO):
Deborah Ann Woll as vampire Jessica Hamby
True Blood Season 5: Clip Tease (HBO):
What did we learn? Um. Not a lot.
(Above) View screencaps from this season 5 True Blood clip for more detail:
NEW SEASON 5 CHARACTERS:
The woman who is kissing Eric in the clip tease appears to be Salome, daughter of Herodias. Valentina Cervi has been cast to portray her. Salome is a powerful, extremely intelligent ancient vampire and a world-class seductress who is also quite mad. Sounds like a fun vampire!
The woman with Bill and Eric at the 25-second mark is Nora, who will be played by Lucy Griffiths. She and Eric share the same maker, "Godric,' which makes her Eric's sister. Nora is a double agent within the Vampire Authority. She has joined True Blood as a series regular.
Christopher Heyerdahl is doing the voiceover in this clip. Heyerdahl will play Dieter Braun, an Authority interrogator.
Here's the text of the narration.
"We were created in the image of God, not humans, and their flesh will feed yours. May their blood flow inside you, like the beetle feeds on a lark, so humans will feed the vampires "<
Not much to go on here, though with the show more than 2 months off still I suppose we should be grateful to see many of the characters. Notably missing is 'Tara' played by Rutina Wesley, who at season 4's end had her brains blown all over Sookie's kitchen floor when Alcide's angry ex, Debbie Pelt, came gunning for Sookie and Tara intercepted the bullet.
For my part, I hate Rev. Steve Newlin and I don't care for the actor that portrays him. Tara is another part of True Blood that I wish could have been relegated to 'FoS' (friend of Sookie) in a marginal role (as in the book series). Actress Rutina Wesley stated after her character's 'death' at the end of season 4 that Tara would be back in season 5 as per Alan Ball. I've maintained that if so, she'll need to be a ghost, not a vampire (and ffs not a zombie!).
CALIFORNICATION Episode 12 Season Finale: Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be:
EDIT/ April 2:
That was pretty intense!
It was sweet for about 5 minutes with Marcy and Charlie being thrown back together due to their significances' cheating on them with each other plus the long-anticipated reunion of Hank and Karen before Hank's 'one drink' with psycho ex-girlfrind, firestarter "Carrie' (Nataliee Zea) threw a HUGE monkeywrench into things.
Californication: Marry Him [VIDEO]:
Becca tells Hank that Tyler proposed.
In the Season 5 finale, Hank discovers the bartender at a local watering hole is his late friend Lew Ashby and wonders if he's in Hell. Richard makes a startling announcement about Hank and Karen. Hank tries to make things right with Becca, but her news about Tyler leaves him stunned. On the set of "Santa Monica Cop," Sam's jealousy and fondness for firearms give Charlie an opportunity to show how much he loves his best friend and number-one client; Hank's arsonist ex-girlfriend surprises him with a way for them to be together forever. (SHOWTIME)
Would Hank's staying with Karen be the death of her?
Just who is going to take a bullet in CALIFORNICATION episode 12? Could Hank's dream be a prophecy?
Next on CALIFRONICATION Episode 12:
Richard makes a startling announcement; Hank tries to make things right with Becca.
Californication Episode 5.12: "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be" Synopsis:
In the fifth-season finale, Hank walks into a bar filled with shadowy figures and a bartender who is a long-departed friend. He begins to suspect this isn't California anymore, but one helluva place to kill some time. After he snaps out of it, Hank heads over to Becca's, where he gets some unsettling news. Later, he goes to the movie set, where Charlie proves how much of a friend he is by almost taking a bullet for him, literally.
Original Air Date: Apr 1, 2012 Guest Cast Jason Beghe: Richard Bates Natalie Zea: Carrie Jonathan Kasdan: Director Ana Rey: Irma (TVGuide.com)
Above: Emmy Rossum as "Fiona" and Justin Chatwin as "Jimmy" in the SHAMELESS season 2 finale, 'Fiona interrupted'
Season 2 of SHAMELESS concludes tonight (so set those DVR's!). The Gallaghers and the people in their orbit have some tough choices to make as there are many diverse agendas on the table.
Very much like season 1's ending we have Fiona and Jimmy, the guy formerly known as "Steve," at a crossroads. Last season's almost-cliffhangar was will Fiona leave her family to be with Steve (on the lam)? That answer obviously, was "no." This season, Fiona again needs to make a choice about Steve, who has made his desires very clear to her. Despite his misadventures (getting married to the non-English-speaking daughter of a drug-kinpin to save his own hide, for starters) it seems that Jimmy could start fresh with our girl Fi. She now knows his real name--that's a good start. He's almost untangled from his Brazilan marriage/mistake. What, besides themselves, is left to keep them apart? My guess. Only Fiona herself. They've been apart for all of season 2, now. My want as a fan of the show is to give them a bit of time together in Season 3 even if it doesn't last. Otherwise, it seems like we've been building to something big only to drop it cold. Fingers crossed!
Shameless: 'Kidnapping' SNEAK PEEK VIDEO:
Karen calls the police on her mother and Jody.
Shameless: 'Lobotomy' SNEAK PEEK VIDEO:
Frank tries to convince Fiona that Monica is better off without her medicine.
Next on Episode 12: Frank schemes to break Monica out of psychiatric care:
When it comes to Frank Gallagher(William H. Macy), I don't think anyone should overestimate his ability to make things right. First, his idea of doing so is bizarro-world messed up--just like his life as a whole. Even if his intentions seem sound to him--to a halfway sane person they probably sound like quite the opposite. Will there be a good outcome for Frank and Monica and the kids? My feeling is an absolute 'no.' However, it seems a Gallagher trait to not take no for an answer so he'll probably give it the best effort he can muster. Hilarity/tragedy will then ensue.
SHAMELESS Synopsis 'Fiona Interrupted' Season 2, Episode 12:
Jimmy gets back into Fiona's good graces and decides to have her meet his family; Frank plots to free Monica from the psychiatric institution; and Jody and Sheila attempt to hide Karen's newborn in the second-season finale. Later, Ian runs into the guy he slept with; and the late Eddie's long-awaited insurance check arrives (TVGuide)
Aww. How can Fiona resist Jimmy's puppy dog face? (Above:) Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip'
Episode 12: 'Fiona Interrupted':
In the Season 2 finale, lonely Frank schemes to break Monica (CHLOE WEBB) out of the psychiatric facility; Jimmy earns his way back into Fiona's good graces and asks her to meet his family; Ian runs into Ned again; Eddie's insurance check arrives. (Showtime)
Jenna Elfman (above) in the season 2 finale of SHAMELESS:
The former Dharma & Greg star, for which Elfman won a Golden Globe, will appear in Sunday's season finale... Elfman will portray a fellow patient at the psychiatric facility where Monica (Chloe Webb), who attempted suicide in the penultimate episode, is being held.
Will she help Monica to see the light? We'll find out Sunday at 9/8c on Showtime.
Above: Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) has given her mother, Sheila (Joan Cusak) an ultimatum; Get rid of Karen's newborn baby or Karen herself will leave. I find it hard to fathom that the uber-compassionate Sheila would have the heart to pass off her grandchild. Karen OTOH, is the one forcing the issue; I would think even she knows in her heart of hearts that her mom would, if forced to, pick her helpless grandchild over her rebellious 17-year-old daughter. Should be an awesome scene. (I'm curious: Why does Lip look so shocked?)
SHAMELESS has been renewed for season 3 so be sure to keep an eye out for it on SHOWTIME in early 2013!
HBO has just announced via Twitter that just prior to Game of Thrones this Sunday, April 1 at 10 p.m. E/P we will have a first taste of (actual) scenes from Season 5 of True Blood.
See the tweet below:
So True Blood fans, what are you most curious to find out about in the the season 5 vampire drama?
I have to admit, I am curious to know how 'Tara' will continue to exist in the Bon Temps realm.
One would hate to see any old tropes trotted out to explain how someone who just got her brains blown out could still 'be.'
Despite protestations to the contrary, neither Bill nor Eric--the most likely candidates to 'hear' Sookie's distress call can do anything with the fully dead Tara. The most Rutina Wesley fans could hope for is that she returns as a ghost. It would be super-convenient given that as revealed in season 4, her cousin and confidante Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) is a medium (he communicates with ghosts) so they could work as a sort of 'living-dead' team.
True Blood: Debbie kills Tara and Sookie kills Debbie VIDEO
'When the promos start you know that the biggest part of the wait is over.'***
HBO producer Jenn Grauer was present at a cast interview for behind the scenes promos with Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Alexander Skarsgård and posted the following pic on Twitter.
Edie Falco as "Nurse Jackie" and Anna Deavere Smith as "Gloria Akalaitis." New Season Premieres Sunday, April 8 at 9 PM ET/PT on Showtime.
Oh, excitement! The first episode of season 4 Nurse Jackie is online for free to enjoy--already!
I've really been looking forward to this season--I think lots of 'Jackie' fans have because this will be the first time since the series premiered (can you believe we are on season 4?!) that Jackie is going to seriously take on an attempt at sobriety. Despite her often prickly demeanor, Jackie is a character that we truly care about. We want to see her sober as we've watched (helplessly) as her life spiralled out of control and finally she hit rock bottom. It's time to see this great character that the equally great Edie Falco has made her own, begin to get a grip on her life--just trying means a lot. Check out the newest Nurse Jackie, episode 4.01 'Kettle Kettle Black Black', and drop me a comment telling me what you thought!
NURSE JACKIE: Episode 4.01 Detailed Synopsis:
'Kettle Kettle Black Black' - Nurse Jackie As the fourth season opens, All Saints has been taken over by a multinational corporation and placed in the care of an innovative no-nonsense doctor who is revved up about making changes to the hospital and staff. Meanwhile, Kevin has moved to a new apartment, but is seeking to reconcile with Jackie. As for Jackie, she runs into problems when a guy she picked up has a heart attack in her home. Later, back at the hospital, Mrs. Akalitus is given an ultimatum by the new management. (TVGuide)
In the Season 4 premiere, big changes are afoot when Jackie, separated from Kevin, hits rock bottom and realizes she needs professional help, while All Saints is taken over by a corporation whose new director Mike Cruz (Bobby Cannavale) makes a shocking personnel change. Also, Kevin does not react well when he learns the truth about Jackie and Eddie, and O'Hara reveals a stunning secret. (Showtime)
Nurse Jackie: 'Into The Future'
Mike Cruz introduces himself to the staff at All Saints.
Nurse Jackie: 'Vacation Days'
Jackie asks to cash in her vacation days.
Previously on Nurse Jackie: 'Super-nurse Jackie Peyton reached the end of her rope at the end of season 3 of the Showtime Original Series, NURSE JACKIE. Her marriage was in shambles, her addiction was raging, and her friends and coworkers were more than suspicious of her antics and half-baked lies. It turns out karma's a bitch. Now out of tricks, out of excuse and out of control, Jackie finally has to seek help. But coming clean won't be easy. As Jackie's about to learn, the truth is a hell of a drug. Jackie returns for another hilarious season on Sunday, April 8 at 9 PM ET/PT.'
Emilia Clarke as 'Daenerys Targaryen' in GAME OF THRONES Season 2 (HBO)
When Game of Thrones premiered on HBO last season I sat down in front of the teevee for exactly three reasons--and none of them had anything to do with Games of Thrones.
Since I'd seen advertisements for the show whilst watching other HBO programming, I was aware that 2 actors I like were in GoT: Sean Bean (Ned Stark) and Lena Heady (Queen Cersei Lannister). But as much as I enjoy the two, they were not a compelling enough reason to watch the new series.
No, it was the fact that my 18-year-old son had read the entire book series up to that point and asked me if I'd planned to watch it as he was--that was the tipping point where I said, "What the heck" and cajoled his dad to join us as well. Despite this being a cable television show, I went on the assumption that the voracious reader that resides with us had never steered me wrong in his choice of book recommendations and wouldn't do so now with this book series adaption for TV (though he provided plenty of disclaimers that he had no idea if the show would be any good). Granted, I read but a fraction of what he does, but what I have read that he recommends is always well worth reading. Also, in the case of HBO's Game of Thrones--season 1, his having read the book series greatly enhanced the viewing experience for me as I could 'cheat' by asking him to clarify aspects of the show's characters, because as I stated then, I was 'never going to read the books'--I simply did not have the time.
I now know of some very specific events--as millions of "A Song of Ice and Fire" aficionados do, but I'm very short on details. Now, going forward into the fabulously successful series' season 2 I've decided to write about it and since I have a rule that if it's been written and then adapted for the screen (small or big) I have to read the source material, my copy of the first volume in the series is on it's way as I type this.
I'll be back with plenty more but for now I hope you'll have a look at the videos I've embedded wherein you'll enjoy 'a vivid and illuminating special that revisits the stunning events of Season 1, introduces the major players, and presents a tantalizing peek at Season 2.'
Also, I made almost 200 nice quality screencaps of the actors interviewed both in and out of costume. Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) is particualarly captivating and there's plenty of eye candy as well as insights offered up via Nikolaj Coster-Waldau who plays 'Jaime Lannister' as well as the swoon-inducing Kit Harington (Jon Snow).
Enjoy!
Game of Thrones: 'You Win or You Die' VIDEO:
Enter the world of the hit HBO series 'Game of Thrones' in this vivid and illuminating special that revisits the stunning events of Season 1, introduces the major players, and presents a tantalizing peek at Season 2.
Making Of Game Of Thrones: Season 2 - Weapons:
Making Of Game Of Thrones: Season 2 - Weapons Take an inside look at the weapons created for Game of Thrones Season 2. For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/gHfJPE.
From E! Online:
'A non-spoilery sophomore-season primer from creators and executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
"This season is largely about how [Ned Stark's] death leads to a series of events that ultimately culminate in a war, pulling all the different factions in this world into open-armed conflict with each other," says Weiss. "Almost every character is directly affected by the war in some way or another. Even Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), who are on far different corners of the world, feel the effects" after some characters lose their heads. (You could say the whole kingdom goes mad!) "I think fans of the show can expect to be surprised by some of what happens," says Weiss, adding that "we're taking approaches that might surprise [fans of the books] as well. A lot of the characters that George created are so rich and so wonderful that you often find yourself wondering what would happen if this one met that one…So there will definitely be some nice surprises [and] excitement for both longtime readers and newcomers to the material." Benioff points out,
"We're not looking at our series as a book-by-book adaptation so much as an adaptation of George's entire saga. In other words, in our minds season two is not A Clash of Kings [the series' second book]."
"It is the second season of our adaptation of [the entire saga], A Song of Ice and Fire."
With psychopathic kings, black magic, dragons and direwolves afoot, it's no wonder that Princess Arya learns much too young the meaning of the Valyrian phrase Valar morghulis: All men must die.