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!
True Blood starring Alexander Skarsgård, Chris Meloni and Steven Moyer:
NEW True Blood Wallpaper and Posters (HBO.com):
True Blood Season 5 "Everything Is At Stake" Promo (HD):
TRUE BLOOD - Season 5 - TV Guide Magazine Scans: Tara as Pam's progeny
All signs are pointing that way. See the video uptop and here's another (read above TVGuide snippet).
SOURCE: TV Guide Magazine
Click through Picasa slideshow (below) for more/full sizes.
This is either proof of many people long ago calling this right or a complete foiler.
I don't wish to believe that vampire Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) has had the power to resurrect dead people and convert them to vampires because this is the first ever I've heard of this vamp power in the Sookie-verse.
If this is true, I commend them for trying to do something for the Tara (Rutina Wesley) character. Being made vampire she'll reallybe able to let loose with all her rage--snap a few necks--maybe of her fellow vampires! And any excuse for more Pam since it seems her maker Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) will be off bromancing Bill (Steven Moyer) in season 5 is fine by me.
Bringing back a guy that writes True Blood comics and used to be the Reverend Steve Newlin (Michael McMillian) though it may have been easy to do, is hard to understand, 'cause I hate the guy. He's bloody annoying and over-the-top cheesy.
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.
Would have loved to see Sigourney in this but there really seems no place for her.
'Ridley Scott, director of "Alien" and "Blade Runner," returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.'
Still excited about this!
Tags: SPOILERS, Prometheus Trailer #4, Ridley Scott, Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Logan Marshall-Green, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, June 8, Trailer, movie, 2012, Ridley Scott, Alien
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/
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
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.
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."
PROMETHEUS - 3 MINUTE INTERNATIONAL TRAILER (4.30.12):
Apparently, the 'invitation' (an oft-repeated preview comment by the Noomi Rapace character) is from...Ridley Scott!
WARNING: This preview contains rather large SPOILERS. Not kidding. That said, if you've seen "Alien" and understand that semantics aside, PROMETHEUS is a prequel, then nothing should trouble you about the trailer. Ridley Scott and Co. can argue right up until Prometheus premieres that the film is "not a prequel," but think about it. If he said yeah, it's just a prequel, would as many people be buzzing about it? Maybe. But why chance it? Surely the marketing guys wounldn't. Call it original (ish) and reap the rewards of a potentially massively successful scifi film. Its Ridley Scott. No matter what, there will be elements that will make it worthwhile. It could be magnificent. With Scott's 'Alien' and 'Blade Runner' my two favourite science fiction films thus far, I would like nothing more.
PROMETHEUS Behind The Scenes (April 26) Prometheus Behind The Scenes. A new clip of the upcoming and anticipated Alien movie.
A behind the scenes on Ridley Scott's incredible work. 20 years after Blade Runner, the visionary director returns to sci-fi movie with this 'Alien' prequel. The film, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Logan Marshall-Green, Idris Elba and Guy Pearce opens June 8, 2012.
'The Dark Knight Rises' Trailer Teases Batman's Suffering, More Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anne Hathaway (Video)
The new trailer for the upcoming Batman film offers an up close look at the series' new stars and Bruce Wayne's emotional arc. '...Seemingly loosely based on Frank Miller's 1986 Batman comic limited series The Dark Knight Returns, the film features a story that takes place eight years after the conclusion of 2008's The Dark Knight. Christian Bale's Batman is seemingly out of commision, or at least very unprepared to face off against the psychotic menace of Bane, played by a Tom Hardy whose voice is much more clear than it was in earlier trailers.
Bane's warpath brings Gotham to its knees and puts Batman on his (broken) back, though the combination of Commisioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), Alfred (Michael Caine) and John Blake (newcomer to the series, Joseph Gordon-Levitt) believe in his return, even when all seems lost.
The trailer features Gordon-Levitt and Anne Hathaway, who plays Selina Kyle/Catwoman, quite heavily, telling a story of struggle and misplaced trust amid the crippling of a city.
Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar(R) winner Christian Bale ("The Fighter") again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar(R) winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose"), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Returning to the main cast, Oscar(R) winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar(R) winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") reprises the role of Lucius Fox.
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.
Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin in WEEDs on Showtime starting July 1:
In the last episode of WEEDS season 7, Nancy Botwin and her clan gathered at her sister's home for a back yard get-together. After months of tumult, finally it seemed that Nancy and family were all together, safe and sound and getting along! Everyone could finally exhale. Nancy, beaming and beautiful, stood and made a toast to the future and family--a perfect Kodak moment. And then. Cut to a sniper training his rifle on the various assembled kin and finally on...Nancy?! A shot rang out and in true MAJOR cliff-hangar style, the screen went to black. Is Nancy dead? (link to my prior WEEDS post --Spoiler!)
We are going to have to wait until the July 1 premiere of WEEDS to get some answers but in the meantime, SHOWTIME gives us this tease--and maybe some clues? Have a watch and find out!
I screencapped all the potential suspects names from the clip so have a look through and see if you can guess! Tell me who you think got shot and who dun it!
Someone had a grudge, someone had a beef, but who did it? Catch the season premiere of Weeds Sunday, July 1st at 10PM ET/PT
Janina Gavankar as 'Luna' and Sam Trammell as 'Sam' film TRUE BLOOD episode 5.05:
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Sam/Luna VIDEO:
Hardcore TRUE BLOOD fans know that there remains just 6½ weeks until the premiere of season 5 on HBO Sunday nights. In past years there's been an absolute blitz of media like giant murals, adverts on the side of buses and at bus stops, tons of sneak peeks, and many other "extras." This year seems, to me anyway, more muted.
Perhaps it is wise that HBO continues to hype to the extreme it's massively successful adaption of George R.R. Martin's book series "A Song Of Ice and Fire" which is almost halfway through it's 10-episode season 2 run (Yep. It's in True Blood's timeslot).
Thus far, there's been three NEW behind-the-scenes snippets from Season 5. Wisely, the promo people chose to insert Sookie (Anna Paquin) in one as well as Alcide (Joe Manganiello) and if you perused the HBOGo site you'd see Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) enter that scene, too. Pretty good, though completely spoiler-free spot.
I figured that to build anticipation that we'd next get a scene with Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) or Bill (Stephen Moyer) as they are two of the featured stars of the show. If not them, then a scene with the hotly anticipated, newly cast Chris Meloni.
But no.
What we have is Sam & Luna & Terry & Patrick.
We also have a problem. Problems, actually.
Sam (Sam Trammell) and Luna (Janina Gavankar) have no chemistry what.so.ever. and they are playing a couple so that scene is a big zzzzz, save for it's extended version, also residing at HBOGo (sense a pattern?) in which Sam exits stage left leaves Luna's only to have her hear a gunshot ring out seconds afterward. Anyone worried that Sam is shot? No? Me neither. You know that in episode 5.05 True Blood is not killing off Sam. And they are ripping themselves off in that they had Sam in similar circumstances with the,"Did Sam shoot Tommy?" scene that was a season 3-ender. Mostly, we didn't care but just the same, it was a red-herring, Tommy got winged. At most, Sam will too.
True Blood Season 5: Waiting Sucks - Terry/Patrick VIDEO:
OK. Terry and Patrick. Terry (Todd Lowe) is well-liked by fans and a scene with him and maybe his cousin Andy (Chris Bauer) might have been good enough but they didn't do that. Instead, we are offered up 'Patrick', an old Iraq war buddy of Terry's that showed up at Merlotte's at the tail-end of last season. We don't know anything more about Patrick so why should we care when shown a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of him and Terry getting caught doing "whatever" by some guys we've never seen before? We don't. Which defeats the point, the very reason for a sneak peek/teaser: to entice us to watch.
Given that True Blood is coming off a disappointing season 4, you'd think that they would haul out their big guns (those would be the stars of the show) and tease the hell out of us.
Six more weeks guys, to entice, to build anticipation and excitement about the TRUE BLOOD season 5 premiere.
Time to haul out the big guns.
Season 5 of "True Blood" premieres Sunday, June 10th. For more on True Blood, go to http://itsh.bo/HAObVp or jump in on the Twitter conversations http://twitter.com/truebloodhbo
"Eureka" When the MC heads north on a "charity" club run, they find more than just bike trouble when they cross state lines. And with Samcro out of Charming, Gemma's left in a compromising position with The League.
SONS OF ANARCHY SEASON 2 TRAILER
Reeling from the combined pressure of an ATF crackdown and an unprovoked murder, the Sons face a far more deadly threat from a cold-blooded enemy who will stop at nothing to drive them out of Charing - for good. As Jax and Clay square off over questiond of leadership and loyalty, lines are drawn and shaos reigns as the club threatens to destroy itself - from the inside out.
SONS OF ANARCHY- Season 2 Episode 2 SYNOPSIS- "Small Tears":
Jax’s decision without the club’s approval doesn’t sit well with Clay, especially when it brings dangerous repercussions upon the MC. Luann runs into trouble at her porn studio.
God. I just realized that "Small Tears," the title of episode 2 of Sons of Anarchy, is small tears of flesh-- damage done by the gang rape of Gemma. I'd been thinking (or perhaps I was not thinking) that it was small tears as in crying and I couldn't quite get my head around it. Now I do. Perhaps it is also a metaphor for the tears in her psyche and soul.
KATEY SAGAL has some insightful comments about Gemma's difficult recovery from a traumatic event on 'Sons of Anarchy's' first episode of Season 2.
UPDATE: BE SURE TO READ MY CURRENT COVERAGE OF SONS OF ANARCHY on my sister blog
"I think she knows everything." - Katey Sagal on Gemma Teller Morrow, her character on FX's Sons of Anarchy.
Within the insular world of the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club, which rules the small California town of Charming, Gemma is a force of nature, not to be underestimated.
She's married to club president Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman), who co-founded the Sons with Gemma's late first husband, John Teller. The rest of the men in the club respect her role as not just Clay's wife but as a no-nonsense leader and someone who's been there from the start.
"They’re a little bit Peter Pan-ish, all of the [men in the club]," Sagal said in a recent phone interview. "They all need a strong mom. I think she kind of is the matriarch of all of them in a weird way. In the mythology of the club, she’s been there since the beginning. So she has probably seen these guys when they first got there. So they look to her as some sort of, I don’t want to say a moral compass, but she’s got a strong point of view."
As Season 2 began, tensions were rising between Clay and Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), Gemma's son and a powerful force as well, within the club. A white-supremacist gang had come to Charming with the stated intent of shutting down the club's illicit gun sales.
"..Gemma sees all of it. "...this is where I think she’s sort of different than possibly an organized-crime wife. They seem to have more of the see no evil [approach] -- they just don’t look. I think that Gemma is very involved in what’s going on," Sagal says.
Gemma's central role within the club had unexpected and disturbing consequences in the Season 2 premiere of the show.
About this seasons overarching theme she says,
"It’s about the undoing of lots of characters. Everybody kind of comes up against themselves, that's really what you see. (They’re forced to make choices in terms of loyalty to the club and whether or not it’s going to be for the good of all.)
A: "Yeah, this whole job has been a lot of those [situations] where I’ve walked through things and thought, “Well I’ve never done that.” Then you kind of do it and it just makes you better at what you do. So I have felt -- I have embraced the challenge. It couldn’t be a more loving, safe atmosphere where we work because everybody’s very vulnerable and it’s risky and there’s a lot of physical stuff. It’s just a really good environment for that. The way we did that first episode was very choreographed and timed. It was respectful. We just got through it, you know what I mean?"
Q: The rape of Gemma is clearly a pivotal moment for the club, I think, and for obviously for your character. ... you('ve) talked about how difficult a process that was for you -- that it was weeks of difficulty...
A: "Well you know, it’s always sort of the job of the actor to make real make-belief circumstance. In this particular case, it required me to visit some pretty dark places but just seemed to hang around with me after I left work. You know, it’s hard sometimes to just detach yourself from what you’re doing. Most times it’s not; most times it’s okay, but in this particular case … The timeline of our show is very [compact]. Most of the events take place within a week. So it’s not like from episode to episode there’s weeks of time [passing for the characters]. Those first five [episodes cover about a three week period and then] she starts to finally pull herself together a little bit. But those first two or three episodes take place [for Gemma] over a course of two or three days. Then coupled with -- there’s a lot of shame that comes from that experience. I think that Gemma is a woman who always sort of leads with her sexuality; she’s confident, she’s strong. This takes it to another place. In my imagination this may have been something that happened to Gemma as a kid. She may have been one of those kinds of kids. I sort of threw that in the mix that -- this is reminiscent of a bad time as well."
Q:... Gemma is...such a powerful personality.... her power is, to some degree, in her sexuality and in her strength. It seems like both of those are kind of under attack; she’s wavering in every way.
Claire Danes and Damien Lewis in HOMELAND on SHOWTIME. Season 2 debuts on Sept 30, 2012:
Despite there being many questions remaining for HOMELAND, due to Claire Danes' sublime performance as 'Carrie Matheson', a bi-polar CIA agent who is right about a returned war hero in the wrong way and because of Mandy Patinkin's wonderful portrayal of her mentor , a man with many years CIA and as many psychic demons, I totally need to know if Carrie is alright. Danes did such a convincing job of Carrie's meltdown which culminated with her admitting herself for electroconvulsive therapy, that I'm anxious to get back to the show to see if she's gonna pull through enough to piece her life--which she was just barely keeping on track--back together.
Homeland : Season 2 - 'Burning Questions' VIDEO:
The truth was uncovered, but not everything was revealed. Homeland season 2 premieres September 30th, 2012.
Cool! We are beginning to get DEXTER intel. I'll never not love DEXTER. The actors are incredible and the show was so daring and crazy when it was a bit 'younger.' It's still one of the best shows--on any channel on television.
DEXTER, Episode #701, "Are You....?" Writer: Scott Buck Director: John Dahl Location: Los Angeles Shoot dates: o/a 5/23-6/4
[GEORGE NOVIKOV] 30s to 40s. Russian heritage but American born, so no accent. Tough, aggressive, possibly a little overweight but imagines he is "all that". Basically, he's just not a good guy. RECURRING GUEST STAR.
[VIKTOR KAREV] 30s, handsome, well dressed, stylish, slight Eastern European accent. He is a polished businessman who can get his hands dirty when he has to. GUEST LEAD.
[DET. ANGIE MILLER] 30s, African American. Attractive, straightforward, she is a divorced mother of two who has no time for nonsense, so she simply goes about her job at Miami Metro Homicide. MAJOR RECURRING CO-STAR ROLE.
[YOUNG DEXTER] Dexter (Michael C. Hall) at 9 years old. Reddish-brownish hair and brown eyes. 2 Speeches and 6 lines/3 scenes.
[YOUNG DEBRA] Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) at 5 years old. Long brown hair and hazel green eyes. 2 Speeches and 2 lines/3 scenes.
[TICKET AGENT] 30s, Caucasian, female. She is a ticket agent at an airport. 1 Speech and 2 lines/1 scene.
[BLACK-HAIRED STRIPPER] Mid 20s to early 30s and with a thick Russian accent. She is a stripper at a Miami strip club. 2 lines/1 scene.
[EVIDENCE CLERK] Female, Latina, 30s to 40s. She works in evidence at Miami Metro Homicide. 1 line/1 scene.
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:
JOHNNY DEPP as vampire Barnabas Collins in a scene from TIM BURTON'S film DARK SHADOWS in theatres on May 11 2012:
DARK SHADOWS Official UK Trailer (2012) Johnny Depp, Tim Burton Movie HD:
SYNOPSIS: In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet--or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy...until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive.
Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath).
The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David's new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.
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)
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.
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!
David Duchovny as "Hank Moody' in Californication episode 5.11 'The Party':
I like how when you pair the TVGuide.com synopsis with the official Showtime one that you get a more juicy synopsis for each episode. :)
So...it's looks like Hank has--again--decided to move back to New York. I'm assuming that choice was made _prior_ to his finding Karen's new-ish husband "Richard' (Batesy") getting a bj from his AA sponsor, Gabriel. Hank and Karen have done their ritual flirtatious dance all season with Karen demurring each time things begin to heat up by emphatically stating that she is married. Will Hank disclose to Karen Richard's transgression? It would certainly seem that now that Richard is sober that he'd be making better choices and this now makes twice recently that he's cheated on Karen, one time each, with both sexes. It would seem logical that Hank's estimation of 'Batesy's' fitness for Karen must have by now plummeted which would open the door a bit to Hank's wedging himself into Karen's life a little more fully. We'll see.
Meanwhile, Becca's obnoxious-but-talented writer boyfriend Tyler has gotten on Hank's last nerve by engaging in at a minimum, close contact with Kali. Will Hank finally give Hank wannabe Tyler the ass-beating he has so richly diserved--first 'hand'. From the preview, it sure looks like it! Stay tuned for big fun tonight on Californication @10:30 on Showtime!
CALIFORNICATION - Episode 5.11 'The Party' SYNOPSIS (Showtime)
Hank overstays his welcome at the house of Karen and Richard and hits the road with one last stop at Malibar, where he runs into Lizzie, who uses her newly acquired acting chops to lure him back to the Runkle Manor. Once there, Hank is surprised by everyone he loves and loathes: Karen, Becca, Charlie, Marcy, Stu, Richard and his creepy sponsor, Gabriel. Even Sam and Kali show up, but it's not a party until someone gets hurt and luckily for these partygoers, Hank has it in him for one final run-in with Tyler.
CALIFORNICATION "The Party" - Season 5, Episode 11 SYNOPSIS:
Episode Synopsis: Hank's stay with Karen and Richard comes to an unwelcome end, and once again he is a man without a home. Later, he runs into Lizzie, who lures him back to the Runkle place for a rendezvous with friends and foes alike. What starts out as a ball soon turns into a brawl, with Hank and Tyler squaring off in the main event.
Original Air Date: Mar 25, 2012 Guest Cast Jason Beghe: Richard Bates Patrick Fischler: Gabriel (TVGuide.com)
Shameless Episode 2.11: "Just Like the Pilgrims Intended" Synopsis:
Fiona's Thanksgiving plans get put on the back burner when Frank tries to get Monica out of bed and help her out of her depression. Meanwhile, Estefania and Marco's rocky reunion takes a turn for the better when Steve offers to surrender his identity so Marco can stay in the country and marry. Later, Karen goes into labor; and Debbie worries that depression may run in the Gallagher family. Original Air Date: Mar 25, 2012 Guest Cast Chloe Webb: Monica Joan Cusack: Sheila (SOURCE: TVGuide.com)
This week's episode of SHAMELESS looks pretty frantic, which I know for Shameless is par for the course but it contrasts very differently from last week's episode 10. I felt episode 10 was really sad on two points in particular which realistically underscored how being lower-income eliminates or greatly restrains choices that those of us of privilege (middle-class and above) don't even have to consider.
First, was Fiona's attempt to get her GED which was going fine until her GED teacher urged her to take business classes so she'd be sooner/better prepared to get a decent job, which just a couple months earlier had been offered to her at the club. Fiona sucked up her pride and went back to the club only to find they had nothing for her but she insisted she could do it and had a trial gig running a special event all lined up--until Monica disrupted the entire Gallagher household so much that Fiona was forced to drop it all and resume her role as 'caretaker of everyone'.
Though we've been focusing on Karen and Lip's baby situation it wasn't Karen, but the circumstances surrounding Ian's 'girlfriend' Mandy's pregnancy that came to the fore. Lip suspected that he (Lip) could have been the dad and Mandy's father was convinced that Ian, who is gay, did the deed and was intent on killing him. Just in the nick of time, Mandy short-circuited her father's murder attempt by telling him--again, she said--that the pregnancy was the result of his having sex with her. Turns out her dad blacks out, 'mistaking' her for her dead mother and has sex with her, not recalling anything of it afterwards. Both events were just really heart-rending, despite the funny that permeates every episode. What Ian did to help Mandy once he knew the truth was really sweetly touching as well.
So this week: SPOILER!!! Monica attempts suicide and Carl's shooting of a bald eagle gets mish-mashed in the preview to make it look like Monica shot herself. Also in episode 11, Frank is going to be shaking his brother down for some of Grammy's cash-out.
Only one more episode of SHAMELESS coming up in season 2 so stay tuned!
SYNOPSIS Shameless Episode 2.11 (Showtime) SPOILERS: It's a typical Gallagher nontraditional Thanksgiving that includes a suicide attempt by Monica, Carl shooting a bald eagle, and Karen going into labor; Steve agrees to allow Estefania's boyfriend to steal his identity; Ian sleeps with a businessman named Ned; Frank tries to get his share of his mother's money from his twin brother Clayton.
Shameless: Sleeping with Jody Sheila reveals her affair with Jody to Karen.
Shameless: Upstanding Citizen Fiona confronts Steve about sheltering Lip.
Emilia Clarke as 'Daenerys Targaryen' in GAME OF THRONES Season 2 (HBO)
When Game of Thrones premiered on HBO last season I sat down in front of the teevee for exactly three reasons--and none of them had anything to do with Games of Thrones.
Since I'd seen advertisements for the show whilst watching other HBO programming, I was aware that 2 actors I like were in GoT: Sean Bean (Ned Stark) and Lena Heady (Queen Cersei Lannister). But as much as I enjoy the two, they were not a compelling enough reason to watch the new series.
No, it was the fact that my 18-year-old son had read the entire book series up to that point and asked me if I'd planned to watch it as he was--that was the tipping point where I said, "What the heck" and cajoled his dad to join us as well. Despite this being a cable television show, I went on the assumption that the voracious reader that resides with us had never steered me wrong in his choice of book recommendations and wouldn't do so now with this book series adaption for TV (though he provided plenty of disclaimers that he had no idea if the show would be any good). Granted, I read but a fraction of what he does, but what I have read that he recommends is always well worth reading. Also, in the case of HBO's Game of Thrones--season 1, his having read the book series greatly enhanced the viewing experience for me as I could 'cheat' by asking him to clarify aspects of the show's characters, because as I stated then, I was 'never going to read the books'--I simply did not have the time.
I now know of some very specific events--as millions of "A Song of Ice and Fire" aficionados do, but I'm very short on details. Now, going forward into the fabulously successful series' season 2 I've decided to write about it and since I have a rule that if it's been written and then adapted for the screen (small or big) I have to read the source material, my copy of the first volume in the series is on it's way as I type this.
I'll be back with plenty more but for now I hope you'll have a look at the videos I've embedded wherein you'll enjoy 'a vivid and illuminating special that revisits the stunning events of Season 1, introduces the major players, and presents a tantalizing peek at Season 2.'
Also, I made almost 200 nice quality screencaps of the actors interviewed both in and out of costume. Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) is particualarly captivating and there's plenty of eye candy as well as insights offered up via Nikolaj Coster-Waldau who plays 'Jaime Lannister' as well as the swoon-inducing Kit Harington (Jon Snow).
Enjoy!
Game of Thrones: 'You Win or You Die' VIDEO:
Enter the world of the hit HBO series 'Game of Thrones' in this vivid and illuminating special that revisits the stunning events of Season 1, introduces the major players, and presents a tantalizing peek at Season 2.
Making Of Game Of Thrones: Season 2 - Weapons:
Making Of Game Of Thrones: Season 2 - Weapons Take an inside look at the weapons created for Game of Thrones Season 2. For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/gHfJPE.
From E! Online:
'A non-spoilery sophomore-season primer from creators and executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
"This season is largely about how [Ned Stark's] death leads to a series of events that ultimately culminate in a war, pulling all the different factions in this world into open-armed conflict with each other," says Weiss. "Almost every character is directly affected by the war in some way or another. Even Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), who are on far different corners of the world, feel the effects" after some characters lose their heads. (You could say the whole kingdom goes mad!) "I think fans of the show can expect to be surprised by some of what happens," says Weiss, adding that "we're taking approaches that might surprise [fans of the books] as well. A lot of the characters that George created are so rich and so wonderful that you often find yourself wondering what would happen if this one met that one…So there will definitely be some nice surprises [and] excitement for both longtime readers and newcomers to the material." Benioff points out,
"We're not looking at our series as a book-by-book adaptation so much as an adaptation of George's entire saga. In other words, in our minds season two is not A Clash of Kings [the series' second book]."
"It is the second season of our adaptation of [the entire saga], A Song of Ice and Fire."
With psychopathic kings, black magic, dragons and direwolves afoot, it's no wonder that Princess Arya learns much too young the meaning of the Valyrian phrase Valar morghulis: All men must die.
Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip Gallagher' in episode 2.09 of SHAMELESS on Showtime Sunday 8/9 p.m.
Mama Gallagher Monica (played by the always-watchable CHLOE WEBB) is back though from the sneak peeks and preview it doesn't appear that any of the Gallagher kids are very happy to see her. Frank Gallagher's better half is back. Go figure.
William H. Macy & Chloe Webb in SHAMELESS - Episode 2.09 'Hurricane Monica' First Frank's own mother then his kid's mom. Lots of mom-centric stuff going on in Shameless this season in addition to the mom-centricness that is poor 'Fi-fi's" (Fiona) lot for most of her waking hours. (Don't forget too the impending package due for Karen and Lip which Fiona has made clear is not her problem.)
From the synopses for Shameless right through the season 2 finale, episode 12, 'Fiona Interrupted' (which are available at TVGuide.com) the mom-centricness will continue, though in different permutations in some cases.
Gonna have to watch, to be sure!
Emmy Rossum as "Fiona' in SHAMELESS - Episode 2.09 'Hurricane Monica' -
Next on Episode 9:
Monica returns to party and scheme with Frank, but for how long?:
Monica blows back into town and immediately hooks up with Frank for more shenanigans, but the kids are left wondering if she's finally here to stay, and Frank is eager to pick up the ashes of his late mother and reclaim the cash he believes she's hidden. Meanwhile, after Fiona kicks out Lip, he kicks around with stops at Karen's and Steve's. Later, Sheila and Jody think the house is haunted by Eddie's ghost. Original Air Date: Mar 11, 2012
Guest Cast Dennis Cockrum: Terry Milkovich Joan Cusack: Sheila Chloe Webb: Monica Gallagher (Showtime)
Last week's eppy of Californication, 5.07, really hit a home run. To sum up: I fell in love with David Duchovny fully and completely (1st time since X-Files(!) again. His droll delivery of some of the most outrageous dialogue is unaparaelled. Also, guest star Drea DeMatteo who I would love to see guest appear again (here, Sons of Anarchy---anywhere) as 'Holly' the stripper that 'Banksy' ('Richard' played by Jason Beghe) picked up and did the nasty with while on a bender was very well cast and funny as hell.
Through misguided guilt pangs, Hank helps Richard cover up his misdeed(s) and when the stripper shows up at Karen and Richard's house, Hank and she pretend that they are 'involved.' A catfight ensues between the two ladies of the house and 'the stripper,' as Hank refers to her. Very funny stuff.
Don't Forget!!!
DON"T FORGET: Californication episode 5.08 'Raw,' airs Sunday 03/04 10:30 PM on Showtime, (not this Sunday, but next!)
Californication: 'Very Dirty' - Hank confronts Becca over Tyler's screenplay.
Next on CALIFORNICATION - Episode 5.08 'Raw':
Hank is stuck reading Tyler's (Scott Michael Foster) screenplay but discovers some talent under that head of hair, even though the script appears to be disturbingly autobiographical account of the author's relationship with Becca. Charlie and Lizzie's love quadrangle with Stu and Marcy heats up, but when their bedroom games hit too close to home for Charlie, it may be off to therapy for all four of them. (Synopsis: Showtime)
Louise Fletcher as 'Granny Gallagher' in SHAMELESS Episode 2.08 'Parenthood' (3/04):
It looks as if 'Granny Gallagher' is choosing the when and how of her exit in SHAMELESS episode 2.08. Louise Fletcher has done such an excellent job of portraying Frank's mother (of all mothers). I'm going to miss her, though I doubt Frank will. In other news, Lip (Jeremy Allen White), as mature as he can be at times, does not seem to be reasoning out the knocked-up Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) situaton, rather he's reacting strictly viscerally whilst she acts all unconcerned (with emphasis on the word 'acts'). She's just as mind-blown by the most recent turn of events as he is, she's just too emotionally closed off to show it. Or, maybe she is a sociopath like Grandma Gallagher, too!
Shameless: SNEAK PEEK - 'Dying is Bad'
Ian tries to warn Frank about Mickey's plan to kill him.
Shameless: SNEAK PEEK - 'Market for Babies'
Lip is upset by Karen's reaction to giving up their child.
SHAMELESS - Episode 2.08 'Parenthood':
With Grammy near death, Frank exits the house but walks in on Ian and Mickey locked in passion at the Kash and Grab; when Lip drops out of school, Fiona proposes a deal where they both earn their diplomas, but Lip acts out and gets himself expelled when he realizes that Karen plans to sell their baby to the highest bidder. (Showtime Synopsis)
Don't Forget!!!
DON'T FORGET: Shameless episode 5.08 'Parenthood' airs Sunday 03/04 @ 9:00 PM on Showtime, (not this Sunday, but next!)
TVGuide.com SPOILERS Extended Synopsis for SHAMELESS Episode 2.09 'Hurricane Monica':
Shameless Episode: "Hurricane Monica" Episode Synopsis - Air Date: Mar 11, 2012: Season 2, Episode 9 Monica blows back into town and immediately hooks up with Frank for more shenanigans, but the kids are left wondering if she's finally here to stay, and Frank is eager to pick up the ashes of his late mother and reclaim the cash he believes she's hidden. Meanwhile, after Fiona kicks out Lip, he kicks around with stops at Karen's and Steve's. Later, Sheila and Jody think the house is haunted by Eddie's ghost. Original Air Date: Mar 11, 2012
Guest Cast Joan Cusack: Sheila Dennis Cockrum: Terry Milkovich Chloe Webb: Monica Gallagher
Nurse Jackie: Rehab (Nurse Jackie Spot) This April 8, it's time for rejoicing, reinventing, rebuilding, and rehab. Nurse Jackie returns for a new season April 8th at 9PM ET/PT
I take it that the portrayal of Jackie Peyton's 28-day 'Disneyland vacation'/stint in rehab will be rendered as honestly as the confines of a 30-minute cable comedy will allow. We've had many, many hours of Nurse Jackie leading up to this 'chose a path' moment in her life. However, if Nurse Jackie were an hour dramedy on the networks we'd just be winding down season 1. That's where I think it's important to be very careful of the timing on 'little shows' like this one.
Nurse Jackie has a powerhouse cast, wonderful directors (Steve Buscemi directed almost all of one season), and sharp writing but the audience is waiting years for some forward movement on Jackie's part and, after watching the Nurse Jackie Season 4 'Rehab' preview in particular, the payoff appears to begin very soon! That's the paradox though, if Jackie gets better, will she still be funny? One would hope yes, and that would be enough to enjoy a few more seasons. My guess is season 4 will be very telling about where Nurse Jackie the show, is headed as well as 'Nurse Jackie' (played by Edie Falco) herself.
Emmy winner Edie Falco returns for season 4 of Nurse Jackie.
The walkers were never and won't ever be the biggest threat. That comes from within--whether you are talking of within the group or within the individual.
800-pound motorcycle.
The Rick - Shane, Walking Dead (AMC Sundays) episode 2.10 FIGHT [PHOTOS] VIDEO:
Shoved on Rick by Shane. This happens next.
Rick is literally part of a walker pile-up. The really fun part was when the guy on top, very much not-yet-headshot, was working furiously to get to Rick, who was just a s furiously shooting the next closest-atop-him walker. Pinned under a pileup of walkers--so what to do about the topmost hungry guy? Blow through the guy just below him's head until a bullet goes into the head of the troublesome top-of-pile walker. Biting problem solved. Not unpinned yet, tho'.
The Walking Dead's 'Rick Grimes' (Andrew Lincoln) watches intently as his and 'Shane's' stunt-man doubles go through part of the now-pivotal fight scene.
This marks the first time Shane has tried to kill Rick. The first time, nosy old 'Dale' caught him in the almost-act--which deterred him and deferred this--which has been on the horizon for a while. It'll be awesome to watch it play out.
Inside Episode 210 The Walking Dead: 18 Miles Out VIDEO:
Shane has just unleashed the walkers in his murder attempton Rick. Be sure to listen to Andrew Lincoln's explanation (see VIDEO) of his character 'Rick Grime's, belief in 'humanity and Shane specifically, that motivate him to continue trying keep Shane close (above).
At this point, Rick and the captive Randall have taken off for the car--Shane's car--and hope is just about lost as Shane tires from the horde that is now about to burst in the school bus door and devour him.... Oh yes, that is Rick Grimes literally riding shotgun (!), saving Shane's hide. Can Shane be redeemed? I think we may find out soon.
David Duchovny & Drea De Matteo in Californication Episode 5.08 (SHO)
Like the show itself often is, this CALIFORNICATION post is quick and dirty. I'm fast approaching my deadline.
At just 30 minutes per episode, the fun is fast-moving in Californication--as is the wit. I have no doubt that Drea De Matteo who is guesting this week as 'Hank's 'girlfriend' (wink, nudge), will be able to give as good as she gets. Should be a very fun episode.
As always, please feel free to let me know how you are liking Season 5 Californication. See you on the other side!
Next on Episode 7
Hank saves Richard's relationship with Karen; Lizzie and Charlie hook up.
'Lizzie' (Camilla Luddington) and 'Charlie' (Evan Handler) in Californication Episode 5.08 (SHO)
CALIFORNICATION Episode 7: 'Here I Go Again' (SHOWTIME Extended Synopsis):
Hank saves Karen from embarrassment with a drunk Richard, then covers for Richard by pretending to be dating a stripper named Holly, who takes a liking to Tyler and offends his girlfriend, Becca. Meanwhile, when she's fired after an inappropriate encounter with Stu, nanny Lizzie calls on Charlie and allows their relationship to progress, only to have Marcy beg for her return. (Showtime)
CALIFORNICATION Episode 7: 'Here I Go Again' (SHOWTIME) SNEAK PEEKS:
Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip Gallagher' and Laura Slade Wiggins as on/off pregnant girlfriend, 'Karen'. They or more precisely he, looks happy for a change--which is nice. She's been looking way-too-happy of late. However happy times may prove short-lived due to **Episode 2.08 Synopsis SPOILER**
Next week part of the TVGuide extended synopsis reads:
'Lip takes Karen to a number of adoption agencies and doesn't like what she has planned,' and even more ominously, 'Lip wants to quit school...'
...which to me says that he's going to ask Karen to allow him to support her and the baby. He may even use the "L" word since he admitted so in Shameless season 1 to his now-estranged brother Ian that he 'thought' he loved her. His behaviour since them only illustrates that he's hopelessly in love with her.
Anyway, back on track to this week's SHAMELESS - Episode 2.07, 'A Bottle of Jean Nate'. I'm so glad that Louise Fletcher made an extended appearance this season! She's aces at playing a geriatric sociopath.
**SPOILER Sadly, according to next week's TVGuide, 'Grammy' will be dying (with Sheila and Jody taking care of her(!) Major bizarreness is gonna have to go down for that situation to come about --but that's nothing unusual on Shameless. Very fun times, indeed.
Louise Fletcher as "Granny Gallagher' in Shameless Season 2 Episode 2.07 (Showtime)
SHAMELESS SNEAK PEEK #1: 'The Traditional Way '
Karen asks Lip to help her get rid of Jody.
Emmy Rossum and Justin Chatwin in 'Shameless' on Showtime
SHAMELESS Episode 2.07: 'A Bottle of Jean Nate':
Fiona resists kicking Grammy out until her meth lab explodes.
A Bottle of Jean Nate Season 2, Episode 7 Feb 19, 2012 episode details Jasmine throws an end-of-summer blowout and invites Fiona down to David's boat but neglects to inform her that Steve and Estefania will also be on board; Lip tries to get back into Karen's good graces and prepares a prenup for her and Jody. Meanwhile, the Ian and Lip impasse heats up into a physical confrontation; Frank tires of doing Grammy's bidding and wants her out, but Fiona is enjoying the old girl's company.
Emmy Rossum as 'Fiona Gallagher' in 'Shameless' on Showtime, Sundays
SHAMELESS SNEAK PEEK #2: 'Crusty Talons':
Frank asks (TELLS) Fiona to get rid of Grammy.
Shameless Episode: "A Bottle of Jean Nate" Season 2, Episode 7 Extended Synopsis: Jasmine throws an end-of-summer blowout and invites Fiona down to David's boat but neglects to inform her that Steve and Estefania will also be on board; Lip tries to get back into Karen's good graces and prepares a prenup for her and Jody. Meanwhile, the Ian and Lip impasse heats up into a physical confrontation; Frank tires of doing Grammy's bidding and wants her out, but Fiona is enjoying the old girl's company. Original Air Date: Feb 19, 2012 Guest Cast Amy Smart: Jasmine (TVGuide)
Edie Falco and Anna Deavere Smith in Nurse Jackie Season 4
Edie Falco is back in her Emmy®-winning role with a bitingly funny new season of the Showtime Original Series, NURSE JACKIE. Out of excuses, out of tricks and out of control. The healing begins for Nurse Jackie April8th at 9PM ET/PT!
I haven't missed 'Nurse Jackie' as much as I've missed Edie Falco, Eve Best, Anna Deavere Smith and the rest of the stellar cast of the show. Also, I don't think it is unfair, as I noted in my last Nurse Jackie post, to say that season 3 ended in a slightly disappointing way.
But, by all accounts as you'll hear in the behind-the-scenes interviews with the core cast members, season 4 will differ quite markedly from the previous seasons. It's my guess that instead of a show about a drug-addicted nurse, Nurse Jackie will be more about a nurse struggling to conquer her addiction and achieve sobriety.
It is a testament to Edie Falco's deft acting skills that despite Jackie's acting in rather despicable ways to support her habit, we the audience still want to see her survive and thrive--to clean up her act.
I'm really looking forward to the season 4 premiere of Nurse Jackie on Showtime in just under 2 months--April 8th at 9PM ET/PT! Please check back here as I'll have more Nurse Jackie news (and probably some spoilers) as it becomes available and of course, I'll be covering Nurse Jackie week-to-week when the season gets underway.
This season the shift hits the fan. Get a sneak peek look at season 4 of Nurse Jackie. #KARMASABITCH
Hank Moody (David Duchovny) is a very sad clown. (Photo Credits: Showtime)
After last episode's showcasing of Karen's husband Richard's 'mangina' and, for extra added man-parts gross-out, Charlie's (Evan Handler) 'accidental' servicing by a tranny hooker, how could this week's Californication outdo itself? Tune in, you'll see!
When Samurai Apocalypse hits a lyrical roadblock with his protege, he calls on the best writer he knows: Hank Moody, who unites with Kali to imbibe, bear his soul, and write a song that takes Hank back in time to an era when he, Karen and Charlie were happier and life was simpler before "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love." But the present comes roaring back when Karen shows up at Hank's door, worried that she made a mistake.
'Becca' (Madeleine Martin)
Above: Hank and Karen (Natascha McElhone) in the early days. Below: Karen comes to Hank fearing she's made 'a mistake.'
Grammy Gallagher (Louise Fletcher) shows up on a medical furlough and tries to track down a former meth lab protege that owes her money; Sheila plans Karen's wedding reception; Fiona double dates with Steve and his Brazilian girlfriend, and discovers that Steve is married; Ethel reacts to Clyde's death; Frank discovers the identity of Eddie's insurance beneficiary. (Showtime)
(Tony's new girlfriend is ) 'Laotian, I think.' - Fiona to Steve (!)
Shameless: 'Double Date' SNEAK PEEK
Steve asks Fiona to go out on a double date.
Shameless: 'Interloper' SNEAK PEEK
Sheila gives a speech at Karen's wedding.
I had a hard time screencapping the sneak peek with Joan Cusak as "Sheila" giving a speech at daughter Karen's wedding only to be interrupted in the most profane way by Frank's mother, because I was laughing so hard. "Grammy' (Louise Fletcher) is an uninvited guest or 'interloper' as Sheila yells at her which leaves Grammy is utterly unfazed. She uses a few bleep-inducing, choice words and then whips out her gun and aims for Sheila. Sheila, perhaps to her credit, does not back down one bit but dares Grammy' to bring it. One of the funniest scenes ever in Shameless and that is truly high praise. I love these two veteran actresses duking it out. So well written!
'My parents suck, too.' Fiona to Frank.
Have you ever wondered how Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) became TV's most vile, deadbeat dad? Well, you know what they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Coming up on Showtime's 'Shameless,'" Grammy Gallagher (Louise Fletcher) is paying her son Frank a visit, straight out of jail, and she's bringing a whole lot of crazy with her.
"Grammy is going to end up mano a mano at Sheila's (Joan Cusack), on Sheila's couch, so that will be interesting," star Emmy Rossum told HuffPost TV. "When we meet Grammy, we finally understand why Frank is the way he is, especially Fiona. Grammy is Frank to the Nth degree. She's even worse. She's scheming, and when she comes back, the first thing she does when she gets out of jail, on medical furlough, is open up a meth lab in our basement, and she has Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) running it. Fiona is obviously not pleased about that." (cont. after video)
Shameless: 'Grammy's Back' Behind the scenes (Interviews) The cast of Shameless talks about the return of Frank's mother, Peggy Gallagher.
(cont.)
But could Grammy's meth lab lead to a violent encounter for the Gallaghers? "[Grammy] pulls a gun on Sheila," said Rossum. "It's pretty awesome. We love guns this year. Sadly, no guns for FiFi."
Lip (Jeremy Allen White) will also have his fair share of Grammy to deal with, especially when she insults his manhood.
"[Frank is] forced to bathe his mother, and Lip comes in to use the toilet," White told HuffPost TV in January, describing his favorite scene with Grammy. "It's strange because the family is so close in that way, but then Grammy makes fun of Lip. She's like, 'Wow, that's such a tiny pecker. Do you have sex with girls with that thing?' And then Lip comes back and says something funny. Then, Frank comes in and says, 'Yeah, it's so tiny!' It's just this weird, vicious cycle of family cruelty that doesn't stop."
However, Grammy isn't the only estranged Gallagher to return for Season 2. Monica Gallagher (Chloe Webb), Frank's ex-wife and the mother of the boisterous Gallagher brood, will also also return later in the season. It looks like she's cleaned up her act and she's hoping for forgiveness from Fiona.
"Monica, the mother, comes back, and she's seemingly really healthy all of the sudden," revealed Rossum. "She seems to be back on her meds, and Fiona is going to give her another shot, so we'll see how that goes."
Marvel - The Avengers Super Bowl XLVI Commercial VIDEO:
Marvel's 'The Avengers' Super Bowl Commercial shows never-before-seen clips from the film, starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Chris Evans (Captain America) and Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk).
Joss Whedon: 'The Avengers' Will Be Told From The Eyes Of Captain America:
While the superhero-packed film "The Avengers" has every comic book lover's heart aflutter, a concern lingers on just how the coming blockbuster will rangle a story with so many characters and backstories.
"The Avengers" has the awesome and difficult task of combining Marvel's VIPs -- Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow -- into a single story line.
Tough, but movie vet (and clandestine Shakespearean daredevil) Joss Whedon has found a way around this too-many-cooks-spoil-the-pot thing. “I set out with a very simple problem," Whedon the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. "There is no reason for these people to be in the same movie. So that’s what my movie has to be about. So much of the movie takes place from Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) perspective, since he’s the guy who just woke up and sees this weird ass world. Everyone else has been living in it.” Clever, very clever!
The film also boasts some of Hollywood's biggest names: Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, and Samuel L. Jackson.
"The Avengers" opens in 3D on May 4th. [EW via Collider]
David Duchovny and Natalie Zea in Californication - Episode 5.04
Last week's Californication included an homage to 80's-style public hair by (who else?) master perv, Charlie (Evan Handler), Becca's scumbag boyfriend admitting to her that he is in Hank's words, a 'little man-whore', after Hank had prompted the guy by twisting his broken finger then finishing with a threat to 'open a can of whoop-ass on his...ass.''
Finally, though Hank lingered longer than intended in L.A. and was hot to catch his plane back to NYC, finding Becca mourning her lost love prompted him to promise to stay until she didn't need him to (read: foreseeable future).
Californication Season 5, Episode 4 - 'Waiting for the Miracle' Episode 5.04 Synopsis (Showtime):
Hank gets a surprise visit from ex-girlfriend Carrie, and when Karen and Becca surprise Hank with an invite to a dinner party, he's compelled to invite her. And frank sex talk among Marcy, Stu and Bates at the event has some guests heading for the exits. Meanwhile, Charlie has a blind date with a woman who lacks experience in the sex department.
Original Air Date: Jan 29, 2012
Guest Cast Gillian Vigman: Mary Jason Beghe: Richard Bates Natalie Zea: Carrie Pamela S. Adlon: Marcy
Californication: 'Surprise'
Hank's ex from NYC surprises him in Los Angeles.
Californication: 'Hollywood Style'
Hank and his ex attend a dinner party at Karen's house.
Next on Episode 4
Hank reluctantly invites his ex-girlfriend Carrie to a dinner party.
Emmy Rossum as Fiona Gallagher is chased by spurned wife, Lucy Jo Heisner (Brit Morgan)
Seems a very handy thing indeed that 'Fiona' (Emmy Rossum) was 'almost' a track star in high school (she had to drop out to care for her siblings, natch) because she will put those running skills to the test when ambushed--in her own home!--by an intent-on-blood, Lucy Jo Heisner (Brit Morgan). Fiona, you'll recall, had an unrequited high school crush on 'Craig Heiser' which was just requited in the back seat of Craig's car, a virtual low-rent kiddyland of toys, baby seat and (ew!) old juice boxes and uneaten food. To make it worse, Craig makes odd noises when having sex so the whole experince grossed Fiona out. Very doubtful that she'd planned on going back to that well again. Try telling that to the bat-wielding 'Lucy Jo', though.
Jeremy Allen White as 'Lip Gallagher' (Credit: Showtime)
SNEAK PEEK: Shameless - Possible New Client - Fiona deals with the consequences of sleeping with Craig when his angry wife shows up at the door:
SNEAK PEEK: Shameless - 'Copy That' - Lip invites Jody to the Alibi Room:
SHAMELESS EPISODE 2.04 - 'A Beautiful Mess' (Showtime Extended Synopsis):
Fiona deals with the consequences of sleeping with Craig when his angry wife shows up at the door; Debbie develops a stress-rash and Fiona wonders if she's putting too much responsibility on the kids; Sheila has made it all the way to the hair salon and Frank realizes his days in the Jackson household are numbered; no longer having sex with Karen, Lip tries to dig up dirt on Jody; Ian continues on the path to West Point; Carl house-sits with his friend, Little Hank; Ethel meets Malik, a boy on Kevin's youth basketball team.
William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher in Showtime's Shameless - Episode 2.04
Looks like Lip (Jeremy Allen White) is ratcheting up his risk-taking by stealing credit-card numbers. Wonder if he's trying to impress Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins) with his derring-do?
Kevin (Steve Howey) does have a plan and it doesn't sound too bad to me. His father, who is on the edge of death, owns Frank's favourite bar and Kevin's place of employment--'The Alibi.' Kevin's plan is to go to 'the loan store' and buy the bar from dear ol' dad leaving dad with the means to die with dignity. Kevin's shown his ability to control the going's on at The Alibi so you'd think, with a bit of help from 'Vi' (Shanola Hampton) with the books that Steve would fare just fine--though since this is Shameless...anything could happen.
Shameless: I Have a Plan
Kevin tells Veronica he wants to buy the Alibi Room.
Shameless Episode 2.03: 'I'll Light a Candle for You Every Day'
Season 2, Episode 3 Episode Synopsis:
Fiona ponders the morality of getting involved with a high-school crush who's now married but when she finds an abandoned purse with $500 inside she assumes her luck is changing; Frank pulls out all the stops, even proposing marriage, in an effort to stay in the good graces of his meal ticket, Dottie; and Harry's health issues leave Debbie obsessing over death. Meanwhile, Kevin considers buying the Alibi; Lip takes a meeting with an Army officer to see about getting Ian into West Point; Jody asks for Frank's permission to marry Karen. Original Air Date: Jan 22, 2012
Next on Episode 2 - Hank meets with director Peter Berg and discovers a surprise connection.
Meagan Good as 'Kali' in Californication Episode 5.02:
Californication - Episode 5.02 - 'The Way Of The Fist' - Promo - Sneak Peeks - Full Synopsis:
Hank passes on writing Samurai Apocalypse's new movie but Sam won't take no for an answer and drags Hank to a meeting with director Peter Berg, where they discover that Hank and Peter have shared more than just a love of the written word. Sam takes it on himself to get rid of Tyler, which makes things worse between Hank and Becca. Co-parents Charlie, Marcy and Stu have their hands full when Little Stuart exposes himself to a preschool classmate, and Charlie takes it upon himself to mend fences with the offended girl's attractive mother. (Showtime)
Californication - The Runkles have a parent teacher meeting
Hank drops by Samurai Apocalypse's home and bumps into Kali.
'I do hate hip-hop, but that's not why.' - Hank to 'Sam' as to why he doesn't want to write his screenplay
If the number of views (on YouTube) of the sneak peeks for tonight's Californication are any indication, the show seems to be as popular as ever. One good reason for this is that Californication has a great tradition of impressive guests stars and this season is no exception. I'm looking forward tonight to seeing Peter Berg who seems (to his great credit) to have found a great deal of work behind the cameras directing in the past decade.
Judging by last week's season 5 premiere, David Duchovny as "Hank Moody' doesn't seem to have let his almost 3-year stint in prison slow him down from getting back into life in the fast lane.
The torching of his New York apartment by a 'jilted' ex-lover seems to be an extra impetus to 'go west,' beyond both an interest in the beautiful, enigmatic 'Kali' (Meghan Good) and an offer from superstar hip-hop mogul 'Samurai Apocalypse' (RZA) to write a screenplay. The confluence of these situations, along with his concern for daughter 'Becca' (Madeleine Martin) and her choice of male companions, plus his seemingly inexhaustible interest in Becca's mom & ex flame 'Karen' (Natascha McElhone), makes it a sure bet that Hank is back to stay in Southern California--the setting that best captures the essence of Hank Moody.
I'm totally jazzed that Shameless is back on, aren't you? What's that you say, you have not started watching season 2 of Shameless?! Well, if you are reading this in January 2012, you only need scroll down to the bottom of this blog and you'll be able to view Shameless season 2, episode 1 (for a limited time, edited for naughty language and bits).
We subscribe to Showtime in our household as they have great shows throughout the year. Shameless has quickly become my favorite comedy on any television station. I think both the sneak peeks below for episode 2 of Shameless which airs on Sunday, January 15 are excellent examples of why the show is so awesome. In the Shameless: 'Quality Father Daughter Time' video (below), Emmy Rossum as 'Fiona' and William C. Macy as deadbeat drunk dad 'Frank Gallagher' spar over yet another of Frank's brain-dead schemes to make cash any way but legitimately.
SCREENCAPS for SHAMELESS episode 2 and beyond:
SHAMELESS Synopsis Episode 2: Summer Loving:
As Sheila conquers her agoraphobia, a worried Frank finds a new financial plan in fellow bar patron Dottie, whose declining health and city pension make her an ideal match; Fiona juggles her job, the kids and her burgeoning love life, and Jasmine tries to help by setting up Fiona with a sugar daddy; Veronica takes some old folks from the home on an excursion; Lip worries about Karen's growing relationship with Jody; Ian tries to land a recently released Mickey a job at the Kash and Grab; Debbie wants her own room; Carl moves into the van.
Shameless: 'Quality Father Daughter Time' (VIDEO) Published on Jan 9, 2012 by SHOWTIME Fiona scolds Frank about the Gallagher's new roommate.
Scroll down for full SHOWTIME FREE Preview Weekend Schedule!:
SHAMELESS: Episode 2.01 Synopsis - "Summertime':
- In the Season 2 premiere, despite her breakup with Steve, Fiona tends bar at a local hotspot with Veronica, hangs out with a successful young business executive, and enjoys her youth; Debbie runs a daycare with Carl; Ian takes over at the Kash and Grab when Kash leaves town; Lip runs a Little League book and helps Kev out with their annual ice cream/pot truck; despite Eddie's disappearance, Sheila takes small steps to finally leave the house; Frank loses a bet and surrenders Liam as collateral.
I've included all the new 2012 SHAMELESS character mashups VIDEOS:
Watch 'em here on the blog or you can click thru to the Shameless channel on YouTube or see my Shameless Season 2 player (below):
One thing we can be pretty certain about when trying to discern if the newest sneak peek shots are from Shameless season 1 or season 2 is by what the characters are wearing, specifically winter vs. summer-in-Chicago attire. Season 2 = summer clothes is how it goes. In Fiona's case tho', since she wears next to nothing for clubbing and at other times to better showcase Emmy Rossum's hotness, it is not a sure-fire way to judge. With 'Debbie' and 'Carl's' cases they are noticeably older and those scenes seem new anyway as they are defo summertime in Chicago, not winter.
Shameless: Fiona Gallagher Mashup
Get a glimpse of some of Fiona's most shameless moments.
Shameless: Lip Gallagher Mashup
Get a glimpse of some of Lip's most shameless moments.
Shameless: Frank Gallagher Mashup
Frank Gallagher is father, teacher and captain of the Gallagher ship. Get a glimpse of some of his most shameless moments.
Comic book fans be warned. If you're planning on avoiding Avengers spoilers ahead of the film's May 2012 release, this could be a big one.
Toymaker NECA sent a release detailing HeroClix product descriptions to retailers this week, and among the new collectables are Marvel's figurines for The Avengers. And while the heroes -- Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) -- and big bad Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are included, so is a previously unconfirmed character.
Red Skull, played by Hugo Weaving in last summer's Captain America: The First Avenger, is also name-checked, as MovieWeb points out.
The telling release reads as follows: "Charging straight out of theaters and onto your tabletop, Marvel's the Avengers Movie HeroClix set features heroes like Captain America and Thor as they battle the villainy of the Red Skull and Loki! Each Counter-Top display includes standard one-figure boosters as well as new three-figure 'Team Packs!' Team Packs are designed with strong thematic undertones - play a Hydra force or defend freedom with a S.H.I.E.L.D. team pack."
Could Red Skull be playing second fiddle to Loki? The Joss Whedon-directed feature has been rumored to have another villain since production started, but it's thus far been kept a secret.
Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in The AVENGERS (May 2012)
The Avengers arrives in theaters May 4, 2012.
Nick Fury
Samuel L. Jackson plays Nick Fury, the director of the super-spy agency. S.H.I.E.L.D. Jackson rounded up the Avengers, with cameo appearances in Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Happy Holidays from the Gallagher family. Mark your callendars! The new season of SHAMELESS begins January 8th at 9PM ET/PT!
Despite the new season of SHAMELESS taking place during one of our lovely Chicago summers, the Gallaghers have put on their best monogrammed Santa hats and enlisted everyone's help in wishing us a Merry Christmas!
My favourite line?: "Des-ig-nate! Give your keys to someone boring!"
Q: What's in store for the Shameless Showtime premiere?
A: This scoop will be as shameless as the series itself. James Wolk and Emmy Rossum. Naked. In public. Not enough? OK, how about this? William H.Macy. Half-naked. In the restroom of a gay bar.
Q: Do you have any spoilers about Shameless — particularly about Steve/Fiona?
Ausiello: Sorry, Fiona/Steve lovers, but Justin Chatwin is mostly M.I.A. when Season 2 resumes on Jan. 8. Fiona’s rebound dance card, meanwhile, remains full, first with Lone Star‘s James Wolk, and next with Vampire Diaries‘ Taylor Kinney. The latter plays an old and now-married crush of Fiona’s from high school with whom she reconnects with. Look out for a ROTFLOL-worthy scene set inside a car that will have you looking at Kinney in a whole new light.
Season 2 of SHAMELESS finds our favorite dysfunctional family braving the summertime Chicago heat trying to keep cool…and Frank (William H. Macy) out of trouble. Bearing the de facto parent badge, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) spends her nights working at a happening nightclub and her days keeping an eye on Debbie (Emma Kenny) and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) as they run a makeshift daycare center at the house. Meanwhile, brothers Lip (Jeremy Allen White) and Ian (Cameron Monaghan) are toying with the idea of college, while Sheila (Joan Cusack, in her Emmy® Award-nominated role) is still housing Frank and making progress with her agoraphobia. As usual, the motley brood somehow manages to hold down the fort and make sure the bills are paid, the lights are on and there is food on the table. Developed for American Television by John Wells and Created by Paul Abbott, SHAMELESS is based on the long-running hit UK series. SHAMELESS is executive produced by acclaimed Emmy® Award-winning television and film producer John Wells, Paul Abbott and Andrew Stearn.
Next on DEXTER Episode 12: 'This Is The Way The World Ends' SYNOPSIS:
In the Season 6 finale, Dexter and Homicide race against a lunar eclipse to catch the Doomsday Killers before their final gruesome act; Debra struggles with a new emotional reality.
Update/
Season 6, Episode 12
Episode Synopsis: In the sixth-season finale, Dexter and Homicide try to stop the Doomsday Killers from committing one final murder, while Debra deals with a new emotional situation. Original Air Date: Dec 18, 2011
Guest Cast: Mos as 'Brother Sam'
DEXTER SNEAK PEEK: 'He Just Left'
Travis kidnaps Harrison.
DEXTER Season 6 Finale SPOILERS and SPECULATION:
When we first see Dexter, he’s floating in the middle of the ocean, desperately clinging to the debris of the rowboat. Although we know that Dexter will survive, there’s a helpless desperation that we haven’t seen in him for some time. He’s resigned himself to the fact that he’s going to die and finds it ironically fitting that his body will vanish into the sea without a trace. His deepest fear and regret isn’t death itself, but that he will never see Harrison grow up and become a man. It’s a great start to the episode.
If there’s any doubt that Jennifer Carpenter is this season’s MVP, then just check out the excellent performance on display here. If she gets any kind of award consideration this year, guaranteed her highlight clip will be pulled from this episode.
Colin Hanks goes out on a fairly strong note. If you’re a Hanks hater, nothing will change your mind here, but he looks worn down and weathered in a few scenes achieving the right amount of menace. It’s hard to remember him as the somewhat sympathetic man-child killer (and that’s a compliment). If you’ve enjoyed Season 6 so far, then Episode 12 is a nice capper on the continuing adventures of Dexter Morgan.
On the other hand…
If you’re looking for a “ties up all the loose ends/ advances the plot” finale, then Episode 12 might disappoint. Almost... Some plot details remain a mystery, some end with a general shrug, and others with a convenient “resolution”. If you’ve had issues over Dexter’s easy escapes and convenient logic, then there’s more ammo to fuel the fire here.
Here’s your final hints n’ teases:
Good impressionist, Masuka, he is.
Travis checks the mail
“Oh God”
But here’s one more important teaser…
...the sound of a major bombshell going off in the final minute of the episode.
Everything I’ve written above won’t matter come Monday morning, because THIS is the final impression that will be burned into your brain over the next 9 months. Bring on Season 7!
We've come to expect penultimate episodes of 'Dexter' seasons to be heart-pounding and intense, but the second-to-last episode of Season 6 raised the stakes of serial-killing suspense.
In 'Talk to the Hand,' Dexter thwarted a poison gas attack aimed at Miami Metro and lost a showdown with Travis that ended with him set out to sea, surrounded by a ring of fire. It also opened a Pandora's box of step-sibling sexual tension when Deb's therapist suggested that Deb might be in love with Dexter.
To help bring some perspective to such a dizzying episode, AOL TV has an interview-cap with Dexter Morgan himself, Michael C. Hall. We discussed tonight's episode, the developments of Season 6 and where 'Dexter' may be headed in its final two seasons. Hall offered his thoughts on the Wormwood attack, the Gellar twist, and the new, strange wrinkle in his complex relationship with Jennifer Carpenter. Read on for the interview.
A lot of wild things happened in this episode, but the most interesting was the introduction of some weird, incestuous sexual tension between Deb and Dexter. So your TV step-sister who may have feelings for your character also happens to be your real-life ex-wife. Are the writers just trying to mess with you at this point?
Hall: Absolutely. [Laughs] But not without our blessing. Jennifer and I were aware that the story was moving in this direction. We laugh about it, we shake our heads ... but you know, in as much as there are inevitable parallels, we're both very professional and committed to telling this story.
(Hall, cont.) And frankly, whatever's happened with Jennifer and me and our relationship's evolution notwithstanding, Dexter in the first episode says, "If I could ever have feelings for anyone, I'd have them for Deb." I think those two characters have been on some kind of collision course from the get-go.
Dexter seemed almost like a super-hero in this episode, thwarting the Wormwood attack and then miraculously surviving the ring of fire at the end. He often seems indestructible. Do you ever worry that the lack of realism can hurt the storytelling?
I honestly feel that from the beginning, there is undeniably, just if you look at the logistics, there is a fantastical element to the world of the show and this guy's abilities. It's not a show that's based on a graphic novel or a comic book, but it feels like it is.
Ya know, on set, we are very much aware of the logistical or literal implausibility of so many of the things that happen on the show, but I think there is a suspension of disbelief that is required of our audience.
You look at the end of the first season ... he subdues the Ice Truck Killer, and gets him back into the Ice Truck Killer's room that's like, part of an active crime scene, and slashes his throat? It's all absurd really, but there's some sort of serendipitousness or fantastical coincidence ... I've suggested in other interviews that while we don't see it, Dexter definitely has the power of flight and can turn himself into smoke. ...
Is Dexter a strong swimmer?
Hall: I mean, come on. Yeah. He better be. Or he better luck into something. I'll tell you this much ... that San Pedro water is not warm. It was pretty cold. It was hard to pretend I was in Miami. My teeth might have been chattering a take or two. Hopefully they can cut around it.
After the Gellar twist, fans have now moved on to wondering about Louis Greene. People are wondering if he's connected to the Ice Truck Killer. My own theory is that he's used his own algorithmic powers to isolate Dexter as the Bay Harbor butcher.
Hall: That's indeed a possibility. He's a formidable guy given his access and expertise. It seems pretty clear that he's somewhat obsessed with Dexter in a way that is ... potentially problematic. ...
That gets you wondering about how messed up psychologically Dexter actually is. You know, in addition to being a sociopath.
Hall: Yeah. That was kind of a magical moment when we get to see Dexter in that basement watching Travis talk to the imaginary Gellar while having a conversation over his shoulder with his imaginary father. He's nuts, man.
Damian Lewis as Sgt. Brody in Showtime's HOMELAND season finale (Sunday)
Episode 12: 'Marine One'
Synopsis: While Carrie is near-catatonic and confined to bed, Saul investigates the unsettling implications of her timeline; Walker secures a perch for his mission; Brody makes his final preparations for the Vice President's policy summit at the State Department. (via SHO)
Homeland - SHO_Homeland Sundays @ 10 p.m.
One of the year’s best reviewed new shows, Showtime’s intoxicating thriller Homeland—which stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis—has proven to be an audience favorite as well. Launching to 1.1 million total viewers, the premiere ranks as Showtime’s best-rated drama premiere since 2003’s supernatural drama Dead Like Me, which, coincidentally, also starred Mandy Patinkin. (Once all platforms were factored in, that number soared to 2.8 million.) The pay cable channel has already renewed Homeland for a second season, and can expect to find it on many best of 2011 lists going into end of the year. With aging hits like Dexter and Weeds moving toward their endgames, Homeland—one of the first new pieces of programming to come out of Showtime’s new entertainment president David Nevins’ development—seems poised to be a valuable player for the network for several years to come. SOURCE:Fall TV - Winner and Losers
by Jace Lacob---probably consistantly my favourite television /pop-culture critic on the web.
Having watched HOMELAND from the first episode and seen it build strength as a compelling twisty-turny thriller, I'm not surprised by both the audience and critical positive reaction that have come from it.
I do believe that both Mandy Patinkin as "Saul," 'Carrie Mathison's' (Claire Danes) mentor, and Danes herself will be up for Emmys come awards time. Probably a couple of Golden Globe noms in there too, for various aspects of this excellent new Showtime offering.
12.02.11 UPDATE: DEXTER"S 8th Season to be it's Last:
Michael C. Hall in DEXTER Episode 6.10 - 'Ricochet Rabbit' (SHO):
Next on Dexter Season 6 Episode 10 - Ricochet Rabbit:
Dexter tries to figure out the Doomsday Killers' next victim before it's too late after learning the truth about Gellar; Debra has a panic attack reaction at a crime scene, which leads her to the realization that she leans too heavily on her brother.
DEXTER season 6 is getting some really sour feedback from critics and audiences alike.
The latest EW magazine opines that season 5 was 'weak' and Season 6 is 'weaker.'
The complaints are being fired mostly at the 'DDK' (Doomsday Killer--not really even a great acronym made from that) storyline. The consensus seems to be 'fire the writers,' which is unsurprising as the actors on Dexter continue to be of the caliber that they usually are but the season 6 storyline has not been able to engage viewers ala season 4's 'Trinity Killer' storyline (which I think besides DEXTER season 1, will be the standard to which all seasons will be held). Possibly, the return of Dexter's bio-brother (in Harry form) was the biggest let-down as anticipation for his return began at the end of season 1.
What could have further plumbed the depths of Dexter's psyche ended up more as a jokey, pseudo-Thelma and Louise one-off episode. Dexter never seemed in danger of slipping into an extended bout of Rudy-like behaviour and therein lay the problem. And then *poof* Rudy was gone. That was a wasted opportunity, if there ever was one.
I'm a from-day-one 'Dexter' fan as I followed Michael C. Hall from Six Feet Under to this and I believe he never disappoints. I would have ranked it as my favourite show until this season (though it is by no means 'bad' nor do I wish to stop watching it).
In addition to being the star of Dexter, Hall, as you see in the credits is an executive producer (EP) of the show. I think he needs to step in and step it up for seasons 7 -8. ( Showtime has announced two more seasons of Dexter have been approved.)
I did like the DDK twist of this past week. Now I want to see what they are going to do with it. I have high hopes as I'd like to see season 6 end without giving anyone (including me) more reason to carp about the show.
'Gellar's Paintings' - Deb, Batista and Mike discover DDK's hideout.
'You Killed Me' - Travis discovers the truth about Gellar
Update #2 (12.03.11) SPOILERS:
EW DEXTER SCOOP (12.02.11)
Though plans could still change, SHOWTIME entertainment president David Nevins tells EW the working assumption is indeed that 'Dexter' will conclude in the eighth season. Moreover, the creative endgame starts sooner than you think — the remaining episodes of the current sixth season will set into motion events that will resonate through the remainder of the series. “Coming back for two more years gives us clarity about how and when it will go out,” Nevins said at Showtime’s annual holiday party in Los Angeles on Thursday night. “There’s things that are going to happen [this season] that will set up a very clear endgame that will take two seasons to tell. You have got to be there for the last two episodes.”
Homeland | Speaking of top-notch cable dramas, the Dec. 18 freshman finale of Showtime’s spy thriller will play host to a showdown between its two leading ladies, Claire Danes and Morena Baccarin, who thus far have been traveling in rather separate circles. “We have a fantastic confrontation,” Morena Baccarin told me. “After Jessica puts it together who Carrie is, they have this sort of face-off.” Pressed for further details, all Baccarin would add is, “It takes place at my house, and it is intense.” My question: Does “who Carrie is” mean “CIA spook trying to finger my husband for treason,” “harlot who bedded him,” or a bit of both?
Claire Danes as CIA spook Carrie Mathison in Homeland on Showtime CREDIT: Showtime
HOMELAND Update! (12.02.11) SPOILER:
Q: What can you tell me about Brody’s plan?
A: This week’s episode, titled “Representative Brody,” doesn’t particularly give us too many more clues about any secret plot he might have going because everything about his future is seemingly out on the table — as you might have surmised from the title of the episode. The problem is Jessica has to be on board before Brody makes any leap, and let’s just say she’s less than thrilled about the idea.
Bonus dish: The end of the hour will find Carrie (Claire Danes) in a hospital bed after a horrible and incredibly terrifying incident.
Next on Episode 6 Grammy Gallagher visits; Frank learns who Eddie's beneficiary is.
