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.
Michael C. Hall as 'DEXTER' on Showtime - Episode 6.09 - 'Get Gellar' Credit: Showtime
Michael C. Hall (above) looks great as hungry-again, season 6 Dexter. Both season 4, which featured the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow) and Rita's (Julie Benz) murder by Trinity and season 5, with the physically and emotionally damaged, 'Lumen' played by Julia Stiles, who Dexter helps get justice and by doing so gets past his 'kill slump,' helped make Dexter 6.0 who he is.
It was very hard to guess what we were in store for on season 6 Dexter with the lead, Michael C. Hall and his leading lady offscreen and co-star on Dexter, Jennifer Carpenter's divorce from one another.
It wasn't uncalled for to speculate whether 'Deb', a critical player as Dexter's younger sister in Dexter, would be killed off due to possible tensions with exes working long hours together on the set of the hit Showtime series.
Their scenes together this season seem OK--they are after all actors, but the tone and pace to season 6 is off. It seems to go in fits and starts maybe because some things seem too arbitrary like the hiring of 'Mike, the Chicago cop' and the near complete abandonment of the character. I mean, what is he there for? He does look pretty, eye candy for the ladies, I won't disagree with that.
I thought I would have loved the Gellar (Edward James Olmos) and Travis Mitchell (Colin Hanks) storyline. I don't. The whole 'DDK' thing is just not doing it for me (and every time Deb says "DDK" referring to the Doomsday Killer, it sounds like she's yakking about what she had for lunch--BLT, DDK, BK sandwich...
That the women victims are outnumbering the men is troubling but I see from the promo that there's at least another DDK victim in episode 9--and from the screen caps you can see he's male.
Not sure how I feel about Deb willingly seeing a shrink. I see that she sees that her personal life is a mess and I get why maybe she's tired of it being so. But this road to ' insights' can only lead to a dark passenger and I don't mean Debra's.
Jennifer Carpenter as Lt. Debra Morgan in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Dexter receives help from an unexpected source while hunting the Doomsday Killers and staying one step ahead of Homicide; Debra discovers something new about herself in therapy.
Edward James Olmos as Prof. Gellar in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Dexter: Travis's Dark Passenger
Dexter prepares a kill room for Gellar.
David Zayas as "Angel Batista' in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Dexter: Bowls of Wrath
Miami Metro tries to figure out DDK's next tableau.
Colin Hanks as "Travis Mitchell' in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Michael C. Hall as 'DEXTER' on Showtime - Episode 6.09 - 'Get Gellar' Credit: Showtime
Jennifer Carpenter as Lt. Debra Morgan in Dexter Episode 6.09 "Get Gellar'
Molly Parker as 'The Whore Of Babalon'/Cindy, Travis's sister
Michael C. Hall as 'DEXTER' on Showtime - Episode 6.09 - 'Get Gellar' Credit: Showtime
Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' in Dexter - Episode 6.08: 'Sin Of Omission' (SHO)
Dexter Episode 6.08: 'Sin Of Omission' Preview (SHO)
Dexter uses lessons he learned from Brother Sam to follow up on some new leads in the Doomsday investigation; Debra butts heads with Captain LaGuerta over the case of a dead call girl.
Dexter 6.08 Sneak Peek:Funerals and Doughnuts
Dexter learns that Miami Metro knows about Travis Marshall.
Dexter 6.08 Sneak Peek: Pathetically Mundane
Gellar tries to convince Travis to return to him.
Dexter Season 6 Upcoming Episodes Synopsis [SPOILERS]:
S06, E08 Sin of Omission
Dexter uses lessons from Brother Sam (Mos) to follow up on leads; Deb and LaGuerta butt heads.
S06, E09Get Gellar Dexter gets help from an unexpected source; Debra learns something about herself in therapy.
S06, E10 Ricochet Rabbit Dexter tries to find the Doomsday Killers' next victim; Debra reacts strongly to a crime scene.
S06, E11Talk to the Hand Dexter works to catch the Doomsday Killers; Debra's battle with LaGuerta boils over.
S06, E12This Is the Way the World Ends Dexter and the Homicide team race to catch the Doomsday Killers before their final act; Deb copes with a new emotional reality.
'This: Am I reading too much into this or is Episode 12 eluding to the fact that Deb finds out about Dexter?'
And this...
Q: Will Travis help Dexter take down Gellar on Dexter ?
A: Travis will stop playing follow the leader when he pays the ultimate price for abandoning Gellar. The latest DDK victim will, in a bizarre way, become a catalyst for Deb to reevaluate her own relationship with Dexter.
...together, are the start of the beginning of the end of Dexter's sister Deb's big blind spot in regard to the very odd hours that her brother has kept since adolescence as well as a few other 'odd' things he's said and done throughout the same time period.
DEXTER gets tense as both Dexter and Miami Metro start to close in on Gellar. And you'll never guess who ends up helping Dexter (or why). - (11.17.11 SHOWTIME)
Q: Does the Jonah storyline in episode 6.07 have Any fallout in DEXTER episode 6.08 (this Sunday)?
Episode 6.08, Dexter is back in Miami and the focus returns on The Doomsday Killer. However, he will have to deal with Debra, who is pissed off. Not only he disappeared for a week, but she doesn’t know where he went. That’s pretty much the fallout: angry Debra.
Q: Will Travis help Dexter take down Gellar on Dexter ? A: Travis will stop playing follow the leader when he pays the ultimate price for abandoning Gellar. The latest DDK victim will, in a bizarre way, become a catalyst for Deb to reevaluate her own relationship with Dexter.
This week on HOMELAND, Brody gets a major proposal from a very powerful woman, and Carrie finds Tom Walker's contact. Too bad he's got diplomatic immunity. (11.17.11 SHOWTIME)
After the jump - A love letter from Showtime: DEXTER RENEWED x2!:
Episode 6.07 of Showtime's HOMELAND was truly riveting.I don't think it's an exaggeration to call it a 'game-changer.' And then a set-up for the next episode, 6.08 - 'Achilles Heel', with possibly yet another plot twist that is just as big. My TV-watching partner quit on this show, I think because the story wasn't unraveling fast enough for him. With a story like this, a certain degree of patience and I'll say it, sophistication is required to fully enjoy it.
Some of us seem to want the equivalent of 'fast-food' TV but like many things in life, taking it slowly can result in a big payoff.
HOMELAND Episode 1.08 - 'Achilles Heel' Promo VIDEO (HD)
A: This Sunday, all eyes — and phone traces, and street cameras — are on a new target as the CIA attempts to capture Brody’s presumed-dead pal, Tom Walker. But by the end of the hour, we’ll learn Walker and Brody have something — or someone — else in common. Translation: Don’t be so quick to remove Brody from the list of suspects.
HOMELAND Episode 1.07 - 'The Weekend' - Damian Lewis as Sgt. Brody and Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in HOMELAND on SHO right after DEXTER on Sundays:
Homeland 1.07 - "The Weekend" Promo (HD) The relationship between Carrie and Brody becomes complicated.
Also, Brody's his best friend, 'Mike', (the guy who took super-good care of Brody's wife) is 'NOT (his) friend <facepunch>, not (his) friend <facepunch>.'
Looks like more hanky-panky goin' on between Carrie and Brody for sure and possibly Jess (Morena Baccarin) and Mike (Diego Klattenhof) will give into their carnal desires, too. What a mess. A hot mess.
Christian Camargo plays 'Rudy', Season One's 'Ice Truck Killer,' and Michael C. Hall is 'Dexter.'
Dexter Season 6 Episode 7 Promo ('Nebraska'):
Screencaps from the official Showtime promo and Sneak Peeks for DEXTER Episode 6.07 are pretty darn freaky. Check 'em out and make sure to have a good glimpse of the videos, too! (Scroll down to just before the jump for the screencaps and a couple promo stills.)
Bringing Dexter's 'big brother' Brian back in the same form that Dexters' dad takes, is pretty cool, too.
(Check out the Showtime snaps in the screencaps slideshow after the promo video to see where 'Dad' is now!)
Brian Moser, Dexter Morgan's only living blood relation, first appeared in season 1 of Dexter. By season's end he was known as The Ice Truck Killer for his M.O. of draining his victims and carving them up and then meticulously posing them. Some had their fingernails painted in rainbow colours.
Episode 7: 'Nebraska' Synopsis:
Dexter finds himself teamed up with a fellow Dark Passenger when he takes a road trip to Nebraska to tie up some loose ends from the past; Debra deals with the complications of her promotion as she leads the Doomsday investigation.
Dexter: 'Road Trip' Dexter learns that Trinity has killed again.
Dexter: 'Brother Brian' Dexter gets rid of Nick's body with the help of his dead brother Brian.
After the jump: TVLine DEXTER article, Dex's Dark Passenger and What About Harry?:
Last week's HOMELAND episode left on a cliff-hangar of what exactly happened that led to the death before he could disclose any good intel of Brody's POW guard of 8 years?
Brody himself is a suspect. He became one after he'd gone back to the CIA asking as a soldier to be able to face his captor. Previously, he'd asked if his captor would be tortured as part of the interrogation. Carrie's reply to Brody was, 'We don't do that here.'
This week, Carrie is hot to have Brody take a lie detector test as she has no question that Brody slipped his guard a razor blade after Brody successfully won face time with him via his plea to Deputy CIA Director Estes, (David Harewood).
The tension continues to mount. How much longer until Carrie and Brody either come to blows or wind up in the sack together--possibly having angry sex?
Mos as 'Brother Sam' in DEXTER - Episode 6.06 - "Just Let Go' (Photo credit: Showtime)
The Internet is abuzz not only with the synopsis of the just-released DEXTER Episode 6.07 - 'Nebraska' but a previous unconfirmed spoiler posed as a riddle. I don't recall a spoiler like this one before (scroll down to SPOILER):
Dexter - Episode 6.06 - 'Just Let Go' :
Dexter 6.06 - 'Just Let Go' Promo (HD):
Synopsis: Dexter is caught up in a very personal case that awakens the needs of his Dark Passenger; Debra feels overwhelmed by her new Lieutenant duties, made all the more complicated when she finds out Quinn slept with a witness in the Doomsday case.
Dexter 6.06 - 'Just Let Go' SCREENCAPS:
SPOILER (Possible speculation):
In the final scene of Episode 6, Season 6, we have a shocking return. This return is a familiar face from the past. The return is also significant because it could change the whole dynamic of Dexter. Not just Dexter Morgan, but DEXTER, the series.
Every week until Episode 6 airs, I will post a clue
CLUE #1 (Oct- 21st): She hasn’t been gone for long, so don’t expect a pretty blonde. (Update: Completely fabricated) Clue #2 (Oct – 23rd): Dexter has secrets, he’s like an unsolved quiz. But only a select few know who he really is. CLUE #3 (Oct – 30th): Shock, confusion, happy, angry…the reactions will no doubt vary. One thing is for sure, this twist will bring controversy. (irrelevant)
I just visited the site above and be warned it one of those crap flashing, auto-video playing sites which leads me to be highly suspicious of anything the writer has to say. If however there are any shards of truth to the piece perhaps they best be matched up with a source that tends to be highly reliable:
Episode 6.07 - 'Nebraska' Synopsis
Dexter is accompanied by a fellow Dark Passenger on a trip to Nebraska to tie up past loose ends. Meanwhile, Debra's investigation into the Doomsday Murders is complicated by her lieutenant rank.
Why do I get the feeling that by episode 6.07 Dexter has gotten a leg up on the Doomsday murder investigation? That by then Prof. Gellar will be gone?
After the jump - Sneak Peeks!: Dexter tries to track down a suspect who might have shot Brother Sam. [VIDEO] Batista and Quinn interrogate Gellar's old teacher's assistant.[VIDEO]
Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' - Showtime Sunday nights @ 9 p.m.:
NEXT on DEXTER - Disturbing events cause Dexter to have a serious crisis of faith:
Dexter Episode 6.04 Sneak Peek: 'Imagination' - Dexter finds himself at a bizarre crime scene.
Homeland Sneak Peek:Smile for the Cameras - Carrie watches as Brody gets ready for a speech.
It's hard to believe but both DEXTER and HOMELAND are heading into their 4th episodes already! The story-lines are well underway and things are heating up. To say tension is building, though a bit cliche-sounding is precisely what's going on in these two fine offerings from the Showtime network. Here's a idea of what to look forward to on Dexter and Homeland this week:
HOMELAND - Episode 1.04: 'Semper I' Synopsis:
The political powers that be make big plans for national hero Brody, but his increasingly erratic behavior threatens his media darling status; Carrie grows desperate for evidence linking Brody with Abu Nazir, as Saul directs her to focus on Nazir's money trail.
Episode 6.04: 'A Horse Of A Different Color' Synopsis:
Much to his own surprise, an emergency with Harrison and a new tableau from Gellar and Travis has Dexter leaning on Brother Sam and an unexpected winged messenger for support as he questions the idea of faith; with proof of a religiously motivated killer, Homicide hunts for a zealot, with Debra giving her first official press conference.
A lot is happening on both shows so don't forget to tune in this Sunday starting at 8C/9E for DEXTER and 9C/10E for HOMELAND!
I saw a fun tidbit in this week's EW magazine. Claire Danes, who stars as Carrie Mathison on Homeland was interviewed about her role and it was mentioned that some people have made the leap that Carrie is supposed to be Danes' previous television series incarnation going way back to 1994 as Anglea on the critically acclaimed "My So Called Life.' Danes seemed truly incredulous: 'No, no! It's just my voice, it's just my face!', she says. It is sort of astonishing that though Danes was just 14 when she landed that role her appearance has not changed very much. She's got a very accessible, girl-next-door look, don't you think?
Dexter - Interview with Jennifer Carpenter (Oct 17)
Congratulations on the show's best season-premiere ratings yet. Oh, wow, thanks. I don't really pay attention to that, but I'm glad it's doing well. I sort of enjoy the fact that we're in a bubble when we're shooting it. I feel like if I were imagining people really watching it, or the pressure of numbers, that maybe I wouldn't work as well [laughs].
What was your reaction to learning that Deb was going to be promoted? It's pretty unbelievable. I mean, only on TV would I skip so many levels and shoot straight up to lieutenant. But my insecurities about the fictitious promotion were exactly where I needed to be with the character. So it all sort of worked. It's odd to be Batista's boss, when I feel like he really did earn it and has been a mentor; it's awkward. But she's really taken the lead on every major case that's come through the office.
Although she's missing the one obvious thing, which is that her brother's a serial killer. Exactly. That is a very good point [laughs].
Showtime has just released an intriguing Dexter 'look ahead' video which I've screencapped so you can better enjoy all the gory details:
...and there are quite a few of them.
Though not all the scenes are 'looking ahead,' as hopefully you've now been able to enjoy episodes 1 & 2, the video contains scenes through at least episode 4 which makes them all the more worthy of perusal.
I admit, the religious-based storyline with the iconic Edward James Olmos in the lead and Colin Hanks as his partner-in-crime has already gotten under my skin partly because I suspect that their 'sacrificial' acts will only grow more grandiose. Also, I feel pretty awful about what they are doing to poor, innocent folks randomly selected for sacrifice. Scary stuff.
Meanwhile, Dexter is mulling over whether "Brother Sam,' played by the surprisingly great Mos (I'd not seen his acting work before), is 'worthy' of going on Dexter's table. Is Brother Samtruly repentant for his murderous ways or as Dexter has reasoned, has he only gotten better at not getting caught? Seems like the conclusion that Dexter draws will quite literally be a matter of life or death (Brother Sam's).
Sneak Peeks for DEXTER & HOMELAND Episode 3! (Below) :
I've also got some links to some great new interviews with the Homeland cast [VIDEO]:
You simply must view each of these videos as the actors fill in some very interesting back-story on their characters that may--or may not be revealed in the show (they have not yet done so through episode 3).
One revelation in particular is going to have me watching two characters on Homeland with a completely different mindset and it has nothing to do with whether or not the character of ex-POW 'Brody' (Damian Lewis) has been turned(!)
Mos as 'Brother Sam' - Dexter Season 6 - 10.02.11 - Showtime premiere.
This is about as close to an Advance Review as I'm going to get before the audience at large--theShowtime audience watches Dexter in real time. I'll post more then as I plan on watching the entire season of Dexter season 6 in real time. Heck, it's on Sunday nights--no need to DVR it!
I've watched the first two episodes of Dexter Season 6--I'm saving episode three for tomorrow due life constraints. Also, I can't emphasize enough how I wish to watch Dexter in real time with everyone else. It's just more fun that way (though I do want to continue watch it in advance. It's awesome with it being my very favourite premium cable show and all!). Dexter is also best appreciated bywatching it multiple times--so you can do things any which way you please. Lots of choices in getting your Season 7 Dexter mojo working!
'Deb' (Jennifer Carpenter) is promoted!
Having just viewed Episode 2 of Dexter last night, I have to say I'm really excited about this season after having some minor nitpicks about a few things from the first episode. They were nothing 'big' and I'll skip back to them after they are no longer spoilers in a near-future post.
Michael C. Hall as 'Dexter' and Jennifer Carpenter as 'Deb' in Dexter Season 6, Episode 1, 'Those Kind Of Things.':
Screencaps! - Dexter Episode 6.01 'Those Kinds of Things' - 2 Sneak Peeks VIDEO SCREENCAPS:
Promo 1 and Promo 2 Episode 6.01 - Dexter: 'Tragedy Strikes' - 'An injured Dexter calls for help.' and Dexter: 'Alpha Omega' - Miami Metro investigates a washed up body.
Dexter: 'Alpha Omega'
Published on Sep 23, 2011 by SHOWTIME
Miami Metro investigates a washed up body.
This is a toe-curling scenen that is SPOILERish--at least if you have an aversion to seeing _______ slithering out of a dead guy's abdominal cavity. In this sense the premiere of Dexter season 6, Episode 1 - 'Those Kind Of Things,' is classic Dexter (remember when Dexter had to fish body parts out of a 'gator he'd slit open)?
Check back soon for my advance review of Dexter season 5.
'The explosively popular DEXTER® is back with a vengeance for a sixth season of startling suspense and unexpected twists. It's been a year since last season's shocking and heartbreaking conclusion, and mild mannered criminologist-cum-grisly serial killer Dexter Morgan has come to terms with who he is. But his existence is shattered when he crosses paths with an enemy unlike any he's faced before. A delusional religious zealot with unflinching convictions, this new adversary soon draws Dexter into a dangerous game that could well end in disaster."
Claire Danes and Damian Lewis star in the suspenseful new SHOWTIME Original Series HOMELAND. New episodes Sundays at 10pm ET/PT beginning October 2nd, only on SHOWTIME.
Dexter Poster - Key Art Giveaway!:
Leave a comment saying you'd like a full size copy of the awesome season 6 key art poster featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter. I'll announce the winner Thanksgiving week. More deets later!
Dexter - Season 6: Episode 1 - 2 Small Spoilers:
Q: Please give us scoop on the new season of Dexter!
A: The season premiere opens on a bleeding Dexter calling 911 to report that he has been stabbed.
Has someone finally discovered his secret and exacted a poetic revenge? Did he slip in a pool of someone else's blood and fall on his own knife? Will he analyze his own spatter pattern while he waits for the ambulance to arrive? Nope, nope and nope.
SOURCE:TVGUIDE (make sure you have you pop-up blocker actived!)
Dexter - Episode 6.01 - Those Kinds of Things - Short Synopsis:
Dexter Morgan attends his 20th high school reunion; Dexter considers his son's legacy; Debra becomes an unexpected hero.
On the subject of HOMELAND, Showtime is teaming up with GameSpot to give away 5000 beta keys to preview the newest version of the first-person shooter game Ghost Recon: http://www.gamespot.com/event/codes/ghostrecon/ Beta keys will be given out at random times over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out on Homeland's Facebook and Twitter pages to claim yours!
Also, all of the games at http://watchcareful.ly are live, and starting today, you can unlock the first episode of HOMELAND. Watchcareful.ly is the only place where HOMELAND will be shown unedited online.
Published on Sep 7, 2011 by SHOWTIME
The CIA debriefs Sergeant Brody.
After the jump - Homeland - 'Presumed Dead' Sneak Peek (VIDEO)
True Blood Season 4 - 'Alcide Makes His Pitch to Sookie' (VIDEO):
Uploaded by trueblood on Sep 8, 2011
For The Love Of Sookie:
'Watch a clip (above) from the season finale of True Blood which premieres on Sunday, September 11th at 9:00 pm.'
Poor Alcide! (Joe Manganiello) Gorgeous, sweet hunk of a guy just can't seem to get any good lovin'!:
Now that he has divorced demented Debbie--wolf-style ("I abjure you!') after finding her in their home in her underwear with now-dead Shreveport packmaster Marcus, Alcide finally turns to Sookie (Anna Paquin) urging them both to not follow their hearts but instead--their brains! It is a highly unlikely prospect for either one of the notorious 'fools for love,' but still, hafta give Mr. Herveaux props for trying. Sookie could do a lot worse than Alcide Herveaux but if her TV counterpart !!!BOOK series SPOILER!!! follows her Sookie Stackhouse series self, Alcide shall only have a brief interlude of happiness with our fair Sook.
Let's face it, Sookie is on team fangbanger all the way. It's either Eric Northman (played by Alexander Skarsgård) or Bill Compton (Paquin 's real-life spouse, Stephen Moyer). No other human, faery, shifter, shifter-werewolf or wereother, truly has a chance for the love of Sookie.
Joe Manganiello is a very likable Alcide whose physical attributes need no touting. Clearly, Sookie could make a go of it with this hot-blooded man-creature. But <sigh> Sookie still has much to learn and the kids question has not been addressed between these two yet, (mostly 'cause Sookie keeps shutting him down).
Episode #48: “And When I Die” (season finale) Debut: SUNDAY, SEPT. 11 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
It’s Samhain, Wicca’s greatest holy day, and spirits of the dead surface in Bon Temps, giving Sookie (Anna Paquin) valuable allies to combat Marnie’s (Fiona Shaw) newest incarnation. Lafayette’s (Nelsan Ellis) latest medium encounter imperils his relationship with Jesus (Kevin Alejandro); Jason (Ryan Kwanten) finds confession good for the soul, but not the body; Alcide (Joe Manganiello) makes a heartfelt appeal to the woman he loves; Terry (Todd Lowe) receives an unexpected visitor at Merlotte’s; Sam and Luna (Janina Gavankar) envision a storybook ending, for once; Nan (Jessica Tuck) wears out her welcome with Bill and Eric. Debbie confronts Sookie and Tara(Rutina Wesley) with deadly consequences, and the denizens of Bon Temps brace for a new crisis with a familiar face.
Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by Scott Winant.
'As much as I like the idea of Dexter, the collateral damage he causes due to his code deviations are too high. I guess it could be attributed to human error, but is it worth the loss of innocent life?
Kills shown in chronological order.
The kill count of each of Dexter's victims is the minimum amount known, there's definitely a lot more deaths that he has avenged.'
"The explosively popular DEXTER® is back with a vengeance for a sixth season of startling suspense and unexpected twists. It's been a year since last season's shocking and heartbreaking conclusion, and mild mannered criminologist-cum-grisly serial killer Dexter Morgan has come to terms with who he is. But his existence is shattered when he crosses paths with an enemy unlike any he's faced before. A delusional religious zealot with unflinching convictions, this new adversary soon draws Dexter into a dangerous game that could well end in disaster."
'How many times has Sookie saved your life, letting you drink from her like your own private soda fountain?' - Jason to Bill:
True Blood Season 4: Eric, Bill, Pam, Jessica, and Jason Clip (Effing Sookie Clip):
Bill (Stephen Moyer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) and Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) are about to blow up the Moon Goddess Emporium when Jason (Ryan Kwanten) intercedes, informing them that (in addition to Tara) Sookie is now held hostage inside as well. So commences a chorus of exclamations from the vampires beginning with Eric, of 'Effing Sookie.' Jason takes great umbrage at this display of disrespect and ungratefulness and proceeds to stand up to them, ticking off a list of the many ways that Sookie has pulled the vampires' collectives butts out of the fire on multiple occasions.
'Fuck you chump, it's her home!' - Jason to Eric
True Blood Season 4 - Sookie, Marnie, Lafayette, Jesus, and Tara Clip:
'Marnie just puked the bitch out.' Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) the medium, after witnessing Antonia leaving Marnie's (Fiona Shaw) body.
True Blood Season 4 Episode 11 (4x11) Promo - 'Soul of Fire' (HD)
True Blood - Season 4 - September 2011 - Episode #47 Synopsis:
As the Wiccan-vampire standoff reaches a critical juncture, Sookie (Anna Paquin) summons her faerie powers to prevent Marnie (Fiona Shaw) from bewitching Bill (Stephen Moyer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) into a suicide march, while Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) casts a secret spell designed to un-bind Marnie/Antonia and break the witch’s deadly defenses. Sam (Sam Trammell) settles a score with Marcus (Dan Buran); Alcide (Joe Manganiello) confronts Debbie (Brit Morgan) about her allegiances; Andy (Chris Bauer) finds unexpected passion in the forest; Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) is consumed by the past. Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Michael Lehmann.
Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) has a "Russell Edgington' moment after he rips out the throat of a Wiccan (HBO credit).
HBO True Blood Season 4, Official Episode 4.09 Promo: 'Run':
UPDATE! Episode 4.08 VIDEO Recap with Screencaps:
Joe Manganiello as True Blood werewolf Alcide Herveaux, carries a limp, gutshot Sookie (Anna Paquin) to safety.
This is NOT a promo--it's only a tease. My bet is there will be more coming up this week--longer, better (maybe) but still I agree with other disappointed #trueblood fans, we absolutely got shorted on the promo for next week's True Blood episode "Run" (4.09).
Season 4, Episode 9: 'Run'
Original Air Date—21 August 2011 Convalescing after her latest near-death trauma, Sookie envisions a world where there's room for both Bill and Eric. Jesus tries to purge the restless spirit out of Lafayette; Marcus enlists Alcide to help him deal with the Sam situation; Bill and Nan Flanagan clash over their agendas; Hoyt asks Jason to make a delivery to Jessica; despite Tara and Holly's misgivings, Marnie plots her next move against the vampires, during a "Festival of Tolerance" event at Shreveport. Next US airings: Sun. Aug. 21 9:00 PM HBO Sun. Aug. 21 11:05 PM HBO
True Blood Season 4 -: Episode 8 "Inside The Episode" with Screencaps:
Inside the Episode #44: Writer Alan Ball and director David Minahan offer their insights:
After the Jump - Recap True Blood Episode #44 'Spellbound' [VIDEO]:
Vampire Bill glamours his way onto the evening news:
Best clip of the three.
In the aftermath of the vampire suicides (under the spell of the witches) 'Vampire Bill' Compton a/k/a the 'Vampire King of Louisiana', (Stephen Moyer) glamours his way onto the TV news after the reporter's initial refusal to allow him to make a statement.
True Blood Season 4 - Marcus, Alcide, and Debbie Clip:
Marcus (Dan Buran), the packmaster of Shreveport, says the word 'f*ck' or a variation of it about 15 time in 60 seconds whilst discussing the witches vs. vampire situation with his pack.
True Blood Season 4 - Antonia and Tara Clip:
Tara (Rutina Wesley) listens intently to Marnie/Antonia (Fiona Shaw) ranting that their efforts to kill 'all vampires' were almost for naught as just 'a single vampire (Maxine Fortenberry's neighbour) burned.' She insists that the vampires must be 'snuffed out, once and for all.'
After the jump: HBO RENEWS HIT SERIES TRUE BLOOD FOR FIFTH SEASON:
Weeds: Season 7 Episode 6 - 'That's not true! I'm obsessed with your black ass!':
'I Missed You'
Nancy (Mary Louise Parker) tries to reconnect with Heylia (Tonye Patano)
This is the funniest--and most fun scene of Season 7 thus far. Finally, the character that Weeds fans have been clamoring to see again--has returned--and she is very much the straight talkin' not to mention straight-shootin', lady we loved.
Dig it!
Sample dialogue:
Nancy: 'Don't you even want to know why I went to jail for three years?'
Heylia: "Involuntary dumbassery? First degree steppin' in shit you can't handle?'
Heylia: 'I'll bet you haven't even thought twice about my black ass in the past 5 years.'
Nancy (flummoxed): 'That's not true! I'm obsessed with your black ass!"
Weeds Season 7 Episode 6: Object Impermanence:
Nancy confronts an old friend, leaving Silas caught in the crossfire; back at the loft, Andy comes up with a new business venture, and turns to Shane and Doug for help.
Season 7 Episode 6 Sneak Peeks Promo Screencaps:
After the jump: Uncle Andy, Doug & Shane Discuss Andy's New Invention [VIDEO]:
Episode 4.11: ‘Soul of Fire’ – As the Wiccan-vampire standoff reaches a critical juncture, Sookie summons her faerie powers to prevent Marnie from bewitching Bill, Eric and Pam into a suicide march, while Jesus casts a secret spell designed to un-bind Antonia and break the witch’s deadly defenses. Sam settles a score with Marcus; Alcide confronts Debbie about her allegiances; Andy finds unexpected passion in the forest; Lafayette is consumed by the past.
Episode 4.12: ‘And When I Die’ – Season Finale. – It’s Samhain, Wicca’s greatest holy day, and spirits of the dead surface in Bon Temps, giving Sookie some valuable allies to combat Marnie’s newest incarnation. Lafayette’s latest medium encounter imperils his relationship with Jesus; Jason finds confession good for the soul, but not the body; Alcide makes a heartfelt appeal to the woman he loves; Terry receives an unexpected visitor at Merlotte’s; Sam and Luna envision a storybook ending, for once; Nan wears out her welcome with Bill and Eric. As Season Four comes to a shattering conclusion, Debbie confronts Sookie and Tara with deadly consequences, and the denizens of Bon Temps brace for a new crisis with a familiar face.
True Blood Season 4- Tara and Naomi 'Passionate' Clip: Jul 28, 2011 Clip from True Blood - Episode 406, 'I Wish I Was the Moon': Make sure to watch True Blood season 4 every Sunday night, 9 pm, only on HBO.
Alexander Skarsgård ('Eric Northman') & Anna Paquin ('Sookie Stackhouse') True Blood Season 4
San Diego 2011 Comic Con True Blood VIDEO & Screencaps:
I think I snagged a few more intriguing screencaps that I've added to the Picasa album but bewarned--they look super-spoiler-ish.
I realize that some scenes (most?) have been rearranged to insinuate something. Even so, certain stuff is right in your face and clearly actual scenes, not dreams. The rest of True Blood - Season 4, as rumoured, looks like a very bumpy ride, particularly for the vampires of Louisiana.
True Blood Season 4: Comic-Con Trailer (HBO):
See what's to come in the upcoming episodes of True Blood Season 4.
Jessica Tuck as 'Nan Flanagan' TreuBlood (HBO) Season 4 2011
SPOILERS Season 4 Comic Con 2011:
Jessica, with wrist's already showing deep silver chain burns, runs through Bill's mansion in the daylight and throws open the front double doors to the bright sunlight.
Also The Authority mouthpiece, Nan Flanagan, King William of Louisiana (Vampire Bill Compton) and Eric a/k/a Amnesia!Eric are, or have been in custody of captors bearing the same silver chain restraints.
Sookie and Eric get it on. I hope she fell this hard and fast on account of his blood that he tricked her into ingesting. She got all moony-eyed over him pretty quickly, like he was a rescue puppy in Adonis form.
Were-bitch Debbie Pelt confesses to were-husband Alcide Herveaux her insecurities regarding Sookie.
She's shown at Sookie's door, being let in--and pulling out something that was clearly being held behind her back like "Surprise!"
I'm thinking maybe sewing scissors?
The Shreveport pack leader harassing Alcide to join up...is Luna, Sam Merlotte's new girlfriend's, -ex. He looks to be tangling with both Sam and Alcide.
Sookie is shot in the gut. It is implied that Alcide carries her to get help as there is a very fuzzy screencaps with tiny Anna Paquin (Sookie) in Joe Manganiello's (Alcide) massive arms.
Deborah Ann Woll as 'Jessica Hamby' True Blood Season 4
Jessica's (Deborah Ann Woll) body language is screaming, "We are over, Hoyt.'
It seems she cannot bear to be with him now that she's 'kissed' another man. When she confessed her singular transgression, Hoyt (played by Jim Parrack) had complained that he would 'taste' the Fangtasia fangbanger-blood donor when he kissed her.
True Blood Season 4: Jessica, Jason, and Hoyt Clip:
Oh, now this is what were are talking 'bout when we Truebies talk about how awesomely funTrue Blood is. Here, we have 'Eric Northman's' (Alexander Skarsgård) ancient, now dead maker 'Godric' (Allan Hyde) back to re-teach Eric the ways of a 'creature of death.'
Godric: <grabs Eric by throat> You. You are incapable of love. You are damned.<forces Eric to his knees>
Eric: She can redeem me!
Godric: You cannot be saved. You are a creature of Death and the living are only good for one thing...and it is not love.
Godric: <forces Eric towards a peacefully sleeping Sookie>
Drink now.
Stop fighting your nature.
DRINK!
Screencaps for True Blood 4.05, 'Me & the Devil'
True Blood Synopsis Episode #41 (4x05): “Me and the Devil”:
Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy’s accomplice; Arlene and Terry look to religion to solve their problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman’s power; Jason convalesces. (Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Daniel Minahan.) July 24, 26, 27 and 30 (Credit: HBO, Inc.)
Weeds Episode 5 - Is Nancy Capable of Going Straight?:
A surprise awaits Nancy and Silas in the new episode of Weeds.
Weeds fans are speculating that in this episode, Nancy & Silas seek out Heylia who with Conrad, taught Nancy the ropes when Nancy first started dealing 'weed' back in her bucolic-seeming Agrestic days. Things literally went up in flames and Nancy beat a hasty retreat from what was left of Agrestic so it's quite a mystery as to how, if she indeed is seeking Heylia out, Heylia will react to Nancy showing up on her doorstep.
Weeds: 'Character Witness'
Nancy asks Silas to be her character witness in the custody hearing.
A couple of observations about Weeds: Season 6 thus far. The show has again radically changed it's tone and along with it Nancy's sons Silas and Shane, from whom she been seperated by both an ocean and 3 years behind bars.
Shane initially presented as the Shane of old but he's catching on quickly that his mom has not been 'reformed' as he previously optimistically/naively put it, by her three-year stint in the pokey and further, she is rebuffing every loving gesture he puts forth.
Just prior to Nancy's arrest, elder brother Silas found out that his mother had deceived him about his parentage--Juda Botwin was NOT his real dad. Silas, who was able to support himself quite nicely as a model while in exile seems to relish seeing his mother at the mercy of the prison system, which has seen fit to transfer Nancy to a halfway house to serve out the rest of her sentence. Since everyone's face time with Nancy is quite constrained by her circumstances, most of the family interactions are fraught with tension. True, this is nothing new for Weeds but there's been a significant shift in the family dynamic from Nancy's bumbling through and the family following almost lock-step, to a splintering among them which seems to get more painful with each interaction with the utterly unreformed Nancy.
Next on Episode 5: Nancy travels to California for a court hearing.
Weeds Season 6 Episode 5 : 'Fingers Only Meat Banquet':
With help from her lawyer and Silas, Nancy returns to California to continue her custody battle against Jill; Andy's relationship takes a bizarre turn; Shane gives college a try by enrolling in classes; back on Wall Street, Doug makes do without Nancy.
Screencaps: Weeds Season 6 Episode 5 : 'Fingers Only Meat Banquet'
Eric's Maker, Godric - Devil on Amnesia!Eric's Shoulder?:
I'm fairly certain, based on the HBO promo for True Blood Season 4 Episode 5, 'Me & the Devil' that the 'devil' in question is Godric (Allan Hyde), Eric's (Alexander Skarsgård) maker, who appears as a 'devil' on Eric's shoulder metaphorically, urging Amnesia!Eric to attack the sleeping Sookie. It makes sense that bits of Eric's memory are seeping into his semi-consciousness, first when speaking in his native tongue to Sookie, now when remembering his maker with whom he had a 1000-year relationship, until Godric's suicide near the end of season 2.
As with many True Blood episodes, there make be other devils (possibly literal ones --yikes!) in episode 5 but from we see so far, Godric is getting the starring title song credit by getting there first in the HBO official promo with this fun little scene.
All in good fun--until someone gets bitten.
True Blood Synopsis Episode #41 (4x05): “Me and the Devil”:
Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy’s accomplice; Arlene and Terry look to religion to solve their problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman’s power; Jason convalesces. (Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Daniel Minahan.) July 24, 26, 27 and 30 (Credit: HBO, Inc.)
Vampire Pam to King Bill: 'All of your subjects are learning how ruthless you really are':
Vampire Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) all but admits she is withholding information from 'King William' a/k/a Vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) about the whereabouts of her memory-wiped maker, Eric Northman- yet the king of Louisiana though exasperated with the Viking vamp's loyal-to-the-true-death progeny, exits 'Fangtasia' without meting out any consequence to her--not this time, anyway.
Did you remember to tune into Weeds and The Big C this Monday past? 'No,' you say? Don't despair!:
The premieres of both season 7Weedsand season 2 The Big C are being offered by Showtime on YouTube in their entirety (minus the swear words) for FREE! It's only for a limited time so you'd best hustle over there or better yet, stick around here, scroll down past the jump, watch episode 1 of The Big C then scroll back up here to see the promo and 2 sneak peeks! Just click the Weeds link ( above) to go to a previous post here on Forever A Fangirl to watch episode 1 of Weeds plus sneak peeks and next week's promo. Such a deal!
I loved the episode--especially the huge twist! I would never have guessed that The Big C would be that daring! But it was awesome, surprising, and sort of mind-bending. Can't wait to see where this season is going because it has a great vibe to it already.
The Big C - Season 2, Episode 2: 'Musical Chairs'
Frustrated at not being able to land a spot in the clinical trial of a new treatment by a respected oncologist (guest star Alan Alda), Cathy resorts to supernatural aid; Sean becomes assertive around the house; Adam capitalizes on his classmates' sympathy about his mother's illness.
Preview Episode 2
Cathy resorts to supernatural aid; Sean becomes more assertive.
The Big Dollar Sign Cathy and Paul pay the bill for her last treatment and look at the next step.
After the jump: Watch The Big C: Season 2, Episode 1 FREE Here!:
This sneak peek is very, very funny. I so love Uncle Andy (Justin Kirk) and Alexander Gould just gets better each season. Having literally grown up in his role of Nancy's misunderstood (some call him 'weird') younger son 'Shane,' he really seems now more than at any time, to exude complete comfort when wearing his 'Shane suit'.
Weeds - 'Game Time'
Doug tells an old friend about his relaxed lifestyle, but gets a sales pitch to re-enter "the game."
HEY!:
Weeds/The Big C Poster Art Giveaway:
Of course, I'm giving away posters! Drop me an email: foreverafangirl@gmail.com. Be sure to put 'Weeds' in the subject line and if I pick your name out of a hat on July 13, you win the poster art for both Weeds and The Big C!
Is Weeds' Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) 'the same ol' Nancy'? Do you really need to ask? Even if you don't, it is big fun finding out how much of 'old' Nancy remains and how much 3 years in prison have changed her--for good or ill.
Then there are 'the guys' -- Nancy's family plus 'Doug' (Kevin Nealon), for whom Nancy, as creator Jenji Kohan states, is their 'True North.' Watch for them to abandon Amsterdam for Nancy's new stomping grounds--New York City--but don't expect each of them to be on board for the move.
Weeds Season 7, Episode 2 - From Trauma Cometh Something
Struggling to create a new life for herself in New York, Nancy is thrown for a loop when Andy and Shane show up on her doorstep; Silas seeks to launch a state side modeling career; Doug looks up an old friend.
SPOILERS: Nancy - Gay For the Stay?:
Q: How could Nancy betray her cellmate/lover like that on Weeds? Is that the last we'll see of her?
A: Don't count on it, executive producer Jenji Kohan says. But also don't count on it being all hearts and flowers next time they meet. (Remember, said girlfriend did set fire to her last boyfriend.) "Zoya is a woman of passion," she adds. "[But Nancy was just] gay for the stay."
Everyone's favorite TV troublemaker, Michelle Trachtenberg, is set to cause some serious trouble for Nancy Botwin on 'Weeds' this season.
Like Mary Kate Olsen before her, Trachtenberg will play a pot dealer on the Showtime series -- but her character will be one of Nancy's rivals, not one of her coworkers. Look for the actress also known as Georgina Sparks to pop up in two episodes this season.
I have a sneaking suspicion that also 'like Mary Kate Olsen before her,' Trachtenberg's character is going to be bedding Silas (Hunter Parrish). Call it a hunch because it isn't a spoiler. ;)
After the jump: The FULL Season 7 Episode 1 of WEEDS!
BRING IT ON. Mondays are hotter than ever, on SHOWTIME ®.
After explaining why in a recent post that if you enjoy award-winning, edgy comedy television why you should be tuning in to Weeds on Monday, June 27 at 10 E/ 9pm Central on Showtime, I'm going to tell you a bit about The Big C, which is also an edgy half-hour comedy starring another award-winning stage and screen actor, Laura Linney, which is premiering on Monday night, too.
The Big C directly follows Weeds on Mondays at 10:30 E/ 9:30 Central on Showtime.
Full disclosure: I started watching The Big C last year as 1. Laura Linney is amazing and 2. It followed Weeds so it was easy to just spend an hour and see two complete shows, plus 3. More and more in recent years I find myself really intrigued by Showtime's off-beat offerings.
(To put it diplomatically, I'm finding most of the television that I enjoy best on the two major premium cable channels.)
I wanted to love The Big C but after nearly half it's run, I quit watching.
I didn't dislike it exactly. There were just aspects of it that sort of struck a weird chord with me. The show after all, is a very dark comedy about a woman in her 40's who is struggling to deal with a diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer. That is one heavy topic to take on in any context, never mind a comedic one.
Despite my not following through, Laura Linney struck gold--a Golden Globe to be specific, as best actress in a comedy which further validates that the show had and has huge potential. The people that make the show listened to some of the feedback--both positive & negative and they responded by segueing into season 2 with a bit of a different tone.
For one, and I think it was the primary thing that I wished was different, the character of 'Cathy' who was estranged from her husband last season will help him 'grow up' this season, as Linney puts it. I've embedded cast interviews in a Weeds /Big C mash-up video selection in this post.
Her husband is played by the very likable actor (I want to say 'lug') Oliver Platt. Cathy was just so mean to him last year and though I understood why--because he's a bit thick about certain subjects--I also felt sorry for him and I felt irritated with her.
Also, at times in season 1, Cathy's attitude seemed really over-the-top, with almost a slapstick feel to some scenes. Again, Linney addresses this in the interview that Cathy's 'relationship with her cancer' is now 'evolving'. I would like to see Kathy retain the fire in her belly but express it in a somewhat less expansive/destructive way and I'm pretty sure season 2 will move more in that direction.
Finally, Cathy's decision to not seek treatment for her cancer left me feeling really unsure about her future (and thus, the future of the show). I didn't know whether to commit to it or not plus I was a bit annoyed with her that she wouldn't even try to help herself medically. This too changes in the upcoming season 2.
It's looking like there are some really strong positives to this season. First, the excellent primary cast returns (sans of course, 'Marlene'). One of the relationships I got the most enjoyment from in The Big C, season 1, was that of Cathy and her brother Sean, a homeless manic-depressive who now lives on Marlene's front lawn, across the street from Kathy.
Actor Benjamin Hickey who plays Sean, is an especially good acting match-up with Ms. Linney so this is good news.
As I mentioned before, I really enjoy Oliver Platt in his believable denseness. Women have known, and many of us are in relationships with guys like Paul. The bottom line is that he seems like a really decent chap who is hard not to like despite his foibles and it would seem in Season 2 that Cathy comes to the same conclusion.
I stopped watching before I saw much of Cathy and Paul's teenage son, Sean (played by Oliver Basso). Tonight I watched a short fan clip from The Big C with the title 'The saddest scene in The Big C,' in which Basso was the only character. (cont.)
(Above is a bit longer version of it which gives it more context).
The scene lived up to it's title as tears were streaming down my face as Cathy's son discovers that she is so sure she's not gong to be there for him in the years to come that she's bought and wrapped a storage room full of birthday, Christmas, and graduation gifts as well as a pretty, red sports car. The kid just loses it--cue audience to do the same.
To sum up, I'm sold on taking another look at The Big C in season 2 as I like what I'm hearing about it. Also, I'm totally jazzed that guest actors include Alan Alda, Parker Posey, Cynthia Nixon & Hugh Dancy.
What do you think about watching these two show? Have you been watching them both. One? None? Would you consider giving them a shot?
Showtime describes The Big C thusly:
Laura Linney returns in her Golden Globe® winning role for a new season of The Big C, the hit Showtime Original Series about living… with cancer. After spending most of season one ignoring her illness, Cathy Jamison has decided to fight back. “Bring it on,” says Cathy, as she enters an experimental clinical trial while continuing to live life to the fullest in this heartfelt and surprising comedy.
HEY!:
Weeds/The Big C Poster Art Giveaway:
Of course, I'm giving away posters! Drop me an email: foreverafangirl@gmail.com. Be sure to put 'Weeds' in the subject line and if I pick your name out of a hat on July 13, you win the poster art for both Weeds and The Big C!
Vampire 'Jessica' (Deborah Ann Woll) and human roomie, 'Hoyt Fortenberry' (Jim Parrack) in a scene early in season 4 True Blood: Sam Merlotte's (Sam Trammell) new shapeshifting honey, 'Luna,' (Janina Gavankar).He told her he'd enjoyed the view and would try to take her from behind--when they next shift into horses and race wild together.
Plus! Episode Three True Blood Preview - 'If You Love Me,Why Am I Dyin?':
True Blood Season 4 Episode 3 "If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin?" Promo:
Having just watched episodes one and two of Season 4 True Blood on HBO and HBOGo, I think the character that surprised me most was the generally self-composed, very self assured vampire sherrif Eric Northman, with his frequent displays of emotion. And this is before the big 'thing' happens near the end of episode 2! (cont.)
Warning True Blood Episode 2 Spoilers:
Is it the vampire backlash in the wake of Russell Edgington killing the news guy on live TV killing Fangtasia business 'cos Pam seems very snarky as well?
Could Bill's !SPOILER! assendence to being the King of Louisiana be chaffing Eric just a bit or has Eric truly missed Sookie?
Not only is Erik more sentimental- sounding in eppy 1 but he's sort of mood-swingy as well. This sets the stage for the SPOILER totally new Eric not being such a jarring change from the bad boy Eric of (in Sookie's mind/time-frame) just a week ago.
She needed a plausible way to segue into bedding this guy and as of episode one we have him buying and refurbishing her house whilst she was "away"...to control her he says, but we know he means (too), protect her. He's made it clear to his second in command, vampire Pam, that he has significant feelings for Sookie-- feelings of the almost human kind. And Pam makes Sookie aware of this, causing eyebrows to be raised.
Episode 1 of True Blood went fast and was very amusing. Episode 2 has a different pace. I want to watch it again not on my HBOGo before I have a real comment on it.
True Blood Season 4 - Recap s04e01 (#37) - 'She's Not There'
Jessica - A House Is Not a Home [VIDEO]:
Babyvamp Jessica Soliciting Homemaker Tips?!
After the jump: Synopses for True Blood Episodes 1-6:
Stephen Moyer,'s True Blood Season 4 'In 3 Days Promo: Here are the some screencaps (new scenes/angles):
Check out the screencap albums for lots more:
True Blood Season 4: 3 Days PromoStephen Moyer (Bill Compton) 'Vampire Bill', 'Sookie Stackhouse's' former paramour.
True Blood Season 4: 4 Days Promo Rutina Wesley ('Tara Thorton')
OK. One question. Did Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten) just throw Lafayette across the Fangtasia dungeon floor and if so, is he now putting the whammy on her? Her fierce look is getting sort of unsure--bewitched?
We've seen her dispatch with Lafayette previously in this scene and she looked very confident.:
Andy Milder is returning to Showtime's Weeds. The actor, who was heavily recurring in Seasons 1, 2, 4 and 5 and a regular on Season 3, did only one episode of the show during the most recent sixth season.
Now Milder is set to recur on the upcoming seventh season, reprising his role as Dean Hodes, former husband of the infamous Celia and good buddies with 'Doug' (Kevin Nealon) who remains part of the Weeds season 7 cast.
Weeds Season 7 Theme Song (Spoiler) This video was created to be similar to the Weeds Season 1-2 'Agrestic Theme'. Music: 'Black Seesaw' by Lauren Alegre 'New York. New High.'
Q: How will Nancy be different after "Plan C"? A: Don't assume that being behind bars (for 3 years) has taught Nancy anything. You'll see that her shrewd manipulation skills are as honed as ever — and she'll put them to good use on her cellmate. On the outside, things will be less copacetic, as Nancy's plan to reunite her far-flung family won't go smoothly, as not everyone will want to see her. "This year is the chickens (are) coming home to roost," executive producer Jenji Kohan says. "You can only push your family so far before they start to rebel to a certain extent, and it's about what happens then."
Some of Nancy's family doesn't want to see her initially. Shocking. Lemme guess. The kid who just prior to his Mom finally getting arrested found out that she lied to him his entire life about 'who' his father is. (That would be Silas, played by Hunter Parrish).
Also, little 4-year-old Stevie won't want to be with Nancy--at least not at first. She's a stranger to him and he's been raised by her sister, Jill!
Weeds: Mary-Louise Parker: Plan C
Mary-Louise Parker discusses where we pick up this season, Nancy's life in prison and shooting in New York City.
Weeds Season Premiere Monday June 27, 2011 only on SHO
'A little bird' told Eric of Marnie's coven and he demands that they no longer meet--ever (or else).
True Blood Season 4: Eric Clip:
True Blood Season 4: Jessica and Hoyt Clip:
Hoyt, just home after a grueling day fixing Bon Temps infrastructure complains that his dinner is not made (like mama used to?)
'Do understand how gross human food is to a vampire? It's all dead! - Jessica to Hoyt
Then Hoyt blows it by making it too personal: 'Do you think bleeding out into your mouth wasn't gross for me at first?!,' he retorts.
True Blood Season 4: Lafayette and Jesus Clip
Just a little bedroom banter about light and dark magic... Jesus assures Lafayette that he (Laffy) is 'light.'
Lafayette worries that they may be 'steppin' in on a place... where (they) don't belong.'
Update 6.24.11
'True Blood: Season 4 New 8 Clips (HBO) '
Vampire Pam goes further in her conversation with Sookie about Eric...taking a surprising tone with the part-faery telepath.
True Blood Season 3: Cliffhanger - Eric (HBO) Take a look at a clip of Eric from the Season 3 finale.
True Blood Season 3: Cliffhanger - Jessica (HBO) Take a look at a clip of Jessica from the end of
Season 3.
True Blood Season 3: Cliffhanger - Lafayette (HBO) Take a look at a clip of Lafayette from the
Season 3 finale.
True Blood Season 3: Cliffhanger - Sookie (HBO)
True Blood Season 3: Cliffhanger - Bill (HBO) Take a look at a clip of Bill from the Season 3 finale.
The new season of True Blood premieres on June 26th only on HBO.
Here are a couple of screenshots which I maintain positively show Bill (Stephen Moyer) using his vampire super-speed to leave Queen Sophie- Anne (Evan Rachel Wood) behind instead of waging a battle--which he would surely lose--with her. I don't know, obv., if Bill locks her in and burns down the place or runs away or what...but he leaves (and his home in the new season is completely refinished or rebuilt). My guess is that the 'fight' between Vampire Bill and Queen Sophie-Anne is very short.
Check out the sceencaps from this scene and from the other characters cliffhangers!:
Seems a foregone conclusion--Bill is going to leave the Queen behind--and destroy the mansion!
More True Blood Season 3 Cliffhangers Are After the jump!:
Next on Episode 6 Grammy Gallagher visits; Frank learns who Eddie's beneficiary is.
