Unforgettable On CBS

TV PICKS: Switched At Birth (FAM); Major Crimes (TNT); King & Maxwell (TNT); Under The Dome (CBS); Longmire (AET); Push Girls (SUN); Pretty Little Liars (FAM); Twisted (FAM); Covert Affairs (USA); Chopped (FOO); Mythbusters (SCI); Mythbusters (DSC); Royal Pains (USA); Futurama (CMY); South Park (CMY); Through The Wormhole (SCI); Burn Notice (USA); Degrassi (TNK); Phineas & Ferb (DXD); Kung-Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (NIK); SpongeBob Squarepants (NIK); Beware the Batman (CAR); Transformers: Prime - Beast Hunters (HUB); Looney Tunes (CAR); Unforgettable (CBS); Doctor Who (PBS); Austin City Limits (PBS); Falling Skies (TNT); True Blood (HBO); and, Newsroom (HBO).

WHY DOME DOMINATES By Stephen Battaglio: ^Stephen King’s "Under The Dome" may provide the cure for broadcast television’s summertime blues. CBS exeutives breathed a collective sigh of relief after 13.5 million viewers tuned into the 24 June premiere of the disaster drama – the most for any summer drama series since 1992. The show picked-up another 3.2 million viewers when three days of DVR playback an on-demand viewing were calculated. The second episode’s live viewers numbered more than 11 million.^

VERY BAD BEHAVIOR ON "BIG BROTHER" By Rob Moynihan: ^"Big Brother" viewers are told every summer to expect the unexpected. But, fans tuning in to this year’s live feeds from CBS.com have witnessed some disturbing behavior from the seemingly fun-loving house guests. Racism and homophobia run rampant. The game’s only Asian contestant, Helen Kim, has been verbally attacked with comments such as, "Go make some [fornicating] rice." Openly homosexual contestant, Andy Herren, was referred to with the use of multiple forms of contemptuous slang.^

IN THE NEWS: NBC has outbid History Channel for "A.D.: Beyond the Bible", the follow-up to the hugely successful "The Bible", produced by Mark Burnett. Gary Carr and Paul Giamatti join the cast of "Downton Abbey". Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon praise their current story airing on [TNT’s] "Rizzoli & Isles". Disney Channel going ahead with it’s episodes of "Good Luck Charlie" featuring a preschooler with two mothers. Tinkerbell to be featured in Season 3 of [ABC’s] "Once Upon A Time"! On [FOX’s] "Bones" Booth and Brennan may yet be married. TV Guide columnist, William Keck, will be moderating panels for [FOX’s] "Bones" and [ABC’s] "Once Upon A Time" at this year’s San Diego Comic Con.

FANTASTIC VOYAGES By Matt Roush: The top ten Sci-Fi Television Shows include "Star Trek"; "Star Trek: The Next Generation"; "The Twilight Zone" (circa 1960); "The X-Files"; "Buffy, The Vampire Slayer"; and, "Game of Thrones".

CAN THIS BROMANCE BE SAVED By Damian Holbrook: ^All around the sprawling bull pen pf one of Manhattan’s ritziest law firms, first-year associates and ambitious clerks hurriedly deliver files, messages and coffee to their bosses. Meanwhile, a conversation in a swank corner office escalates into a moment every high-powered attorney dreams of: an overt threat to torpedo a shady colleague’s career, followed by a dramatic exit.^

FULL MOON FEVER By Damian Holbrook: ^MTV’s sexy werewolves are taking a bite out of the competition. The third season of "Teen Wolf" premiered 03 June and brought in the shows biggest audience to date.^

SAN DIEGO COMIC CON: William Keck will moderate panels for ABC and FOX. Josh Holloway will be promoting [CBS’s] "Intelligence". Candice Accola will sit on the "Vampire Diaries" panel. STARZ will screen the pilot for it’s high-seas drama, a prequel to [Robert Louis Stevenson’s] "Treasure Island", titled "Black Sails". Disney XD’s upcoming animated [Marvel] series, "Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.", will be represented. Sean Astin and Corey Feldman may also be seen, representing "The Goonies" and [Nickelodeon’s] "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"! FOX will be promoting it’s Saturday Late Night block of animated series for adults. ABC will screen "top secret Wonderland scenes" from the upcoming season of "Once Upon A Time"! Ronald Moore’s upcoming series "Helix" will also be represented and don’t be surprised to see something of his "Outland". And, kids will be thrilled to find Phineas and Ferb saving the day fro Marvel Heroes this summer. But, the biggest draw this year may be "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" from ABC!

HIGHLIGHTS: Jerry O’Connell will appear with, his wife, Rebecca Romijn, in [TNT’s] "King & Maxwell". Allison Scagliotti, of [SYF’s] "Warehouse 13", will guest on [FAM’s] "Switched at Birth". "Whose Line is it Anyway" is back with Wayne Brady, Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, and, new host, Aisha Tyler on The CW. "Covert Affairs" new season will debut 16 July on USA Network. ABC Family will air an introduction to it’s "Pretty Little Liars" spin-off, "Ravenwood". Tom Berenger will guest star on [TNT’s] "Major Crimes". National Geographic Channel will reveal the damage caused by sex trafficking. ABC will present unaired episodes of it’s cancelled series "Zero Hour". And, Poppy Montgomery is returning in all-new episodes of "Unforgettable" on CBS!

Screen Things By Frank Jaymes
From TV Guide
15 July 2013

A Hollywood Mogul

SNEAK PEAK: Alex O’ Loughlin and Simon Baker in prison charged with murder – [CBS’] “Hawaii Five-O” and “The Mentalist” season premieres! And, ‘House’ is in the big house on FOX! [HBO’s] “True Blood” season finale (11 September) will finally reveal Sookie’s love choice! Sir Paul McCartney [producing? hosting? both?] a 9/11 benefit concert. FX’s firehouse (“Rescue Me”) is shutting down. The “Miracle Day” of ‘Torchwood’ is coming to a sacrificial end? And, the “Sons of Anarchy” are free.

PICKS OF THE WEEK: “Alphas” (SYF); “Ancient Aliens” (HIS); “Backdraft” (HBO); “Burn Notice” (USA); “Degrassi” (THN); “Dinosaur Revolution” (DSC); “Doctor Who” (BBC); “Eureka” (SYF); “Family Guy” (FOX); “Firebreather” (CAR); “Frontline” (PBS); “Futurama” (CMY); “General Hospital” (ABC); “Good Luck Charlie” (DIS); “Haven” (SYF); “History Detectives” (PBS); “Home Alone” (ENC); “Into The Universe” (DSC); “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” (CMY); “Jurassic Park CSI” (NGO); “LA Ink” (TLC); “Law & Order: UK” (BBC); “Masterpiece Mystery” (PBS); “Necessary Roughness” (USA); “Nova” (PBS); “Phineas & Ferb” (DIS); “POV” (PBS); “Pretty Little Liars” (FAM); “Ray” (BET); “Rizzoli & Isles” (TNT); “Royal Pains” (USA); “Secret Life [o/t] American Teenager” (FAM); “Sophie’s Choice” (FLX); “Suits” (USA); “The Big C” (SHO); “The Closer” (TNT); “The Graham Norton Show” (BBC); “The Looney Tunes Show” (CAR); “The Lying Game” (FAM); “The Simpsons” (FOX); “Thundercats” (CAR); “True Blood” (HBO); “Voltron Force” (CAR); “Warehouse 13" (SYF); and, “Weeds” (SHO).

IN THE NEWS: Ray Romano and Patricia Heaton coming to [ABC’s] “The Middle” (21 September). With ‘Stefan’ missing and ‘Jeremy’ seeing the dead, a birthday celebration may be unlikely for ‘Elena’ ([CW’s] “The Vampire Diaries” 15 September). Paget Brewster returning to [CBS’] “Criminal Minds” (21 September)!! [NBC’s] “Law & Order: SVU” has a new team of detectives and a new executive producer (21 September). Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete let-go from [CBS’] “The Talk”, ‘guest-host’ replacements may be used to fill their spots until final replacements are determined. Additionally, Ms. Osbourne “will return with a reduced schedule”, meaning she’ll be featured in half as many shows.

EXCLUSIVES By William Keck: [CBS’] “NCIS” will hit the big 200 in 2012; however, though many past faces will be seen – Lauren Holly is “not likely” to return! [CBS’] “Hawaii Five-O” bringing us “ghost stories [...] spooky cemeteries [and] ancient human sacrifices” for Halloween! [AMC’s] “Mad Men” will replace Jared Gilmore (‘Bobby’) who will now be co-starring in [ABC’s] “Once Upon A Time”.

ROUSH REVIEW by Matt Roush: Would like to forget those “few weeks” wherein “Eric Northman pillow-talked [with Sookie]” {– I thought it was creepy, icky. He was much more appealing as a menace.} But, [FX’s] “Rescue Me” and [TNT’s] “The Closer”, along with [AMC’s] “Breaking Bad” are worth remembering! “Falling Skies” on TNT scored where {the NBC original and ABC resurrected} “V” failed. And, ABC-Family’s {FAM’s} “Switched At Birth” was among “[the] best and warmest [and even] compelling” programs of the summer television season.

DINO MIGHT by Megan Lehmann: ^FOX, Going Prehistoric With “Terra Nova”, an ambitious CGI-filled adventure from Steven Spielberg. [...] There’s an earsplitting boom and Stephen Lang [hit] the deck hard as the windows implode. [...] “That’s nothing,” said the buff 59-year-old actor, removing his earplugs and brushing sawdust from his hair. “You wouldn’t believe the stuff that happens around here.” [...] We’re deep in the Australian bush on the set of FOX’s new adventure series, “Terra Nova”. In the scene [being filmed] today, a meteor has just exploded in the atmosphere above the prehistoric colony presided over by ‘Commander Nathaniel Taylor’ (played by Lang). [The exploded meteor has knocked out power to the colony, creating] yet another obstacle for the [future] pilgrims grappling with the past.^

HELLO, ANGELS! by Damien Holbrook: ^Charlie’s girls are back! ABC’s new show, executive produced by Miles Millar and Al Gough, is filming in Miami (FL). Minka Kelly is ‘Eve’, an ex-convict. Annie Ilonzeh is ‘Kate’, a former police officer. Rachael Taylor is ‘Abby’, a disgraced socialite. Ramon Rodriguez will be featured as ‘Bosley’. Robert Wagner was originally hired as ‘Charlie’ but recently backed-out of the role. The show is set to premiere [albeit with a “temporary” ‘Charlie’] 22 September.

FAMILY PREVIEW by Megan Walsh-Boyle: “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” returning [on Cartoon Network] 16 September, featuring “some of the most ambitious battle sequences [ever staged]” – Katee Sackhoff is among those guest-starring this season! Debby Ryan will star in “Jessie”, “a Texas girl who [moved] to New York City to follow her dream [but became] a nanny to four kids.” (Disney Channel, 30 September). Don’t Miss – “Sesame Street” (PBS, 26 September); “Handy Manny” (DIS, 03 October); “Arthur” (PBS, 10 October); “The Secret Circle” ([CWB], 15 September); and, “Terra Nova” (FOX, 26 September).

DAYTIME [DRAMAS] by Michael Logan: Carol Burnett returning to [ABC’s] “All My Children”, 06 September – her fifth appearance as ‘Verla Grubbs’! Meredith Vieira is no longer part of “The Today Show” but she’s continuing her duties with “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, returning 26 September.

FAREWELL TO PINE VALLEY? by Michael Logan: ^As “All My Children” is ending it’s run on ABC, Susan Lucci is looking back on her reign as the [greatest star of daytime drama]. [...] Once upon a time {way back in 1970} the execs at “All My Children” were so uncertain about Susan Lucci’s ability to portray Erica Kane, she spent her first few weeks on probation. Would this inexperienced young actress with the ethnic look an big hair be able to compete with the blonde, blue-eyed heroines so popular [at the time]? Would the audience embrace ‘Erica’, a snobby, spoiled, self-adoring teenager with daddy issues [...]?^

HIGHLIGHTING ‘ERICA KANE’ by Michael Logan: ^1970s – Teenaged Erica wed Jeff (Charles Frank) Martin and had the first “legal” abortion on television. 1980s – Menaced by a grizzly, Erica’s shout frightened the beast away. 1990s – Introducing Sarah Michelle Gellar as Erica’s daughter, by rape, Kendall - a lolita who went after her mom’s husband! 2000s – Erica freaked when Bianca (Eden Riegel) was revealed to be homosexual! 2010s – Erica is terrorized by a look-alike and wooed by a Hollywood mogul.^

By Frank Jaymes
from TV Guide Magazine
29 August 2011

From Hermes Press

The Hot List:
Monday – “Life Unexpected” (CWB) [Season Finale!]; “24" (FOX); “House” (FOX) [Hugh Laurie directed!]; “Castle” (ABC); “Saving Grace” (TNT); and, “United States of Tara” (SHO).
Tuesday – “V” (ABC); “NCIS” (CBS); “NCIS - LA” (CBS); “Justified” (FX); “Parenthood” (NBC); “Law & Order - Criminal Intent” (USA); and, “The Good Wife” (CBS).
Wednesday – “Criminal Minds” (CBS) [guest-starring Forest Whitaker]; “Human Target” (FOX) [‘Six Million $’ Guest!]; “Law & Order - Special Victims Unit” (NBC); “Ugly Betty” (ABC) [Series Finale!]; and, “In Plain Sight” (USA).
Thursday – “Bones” (FOX) [100th episode!]; “Vampire Diaries” (CWB); “Known Universe” (NGO); “Supernatural” (CWB); and, “Fringe” (FOX).
Friday – “Miami Medical” (CBS); “Star Wars - The Clone Wars” (CAR); “Degrassi - The Next Generation” (TNK); “Wizards Of Waverly Place” (DIS) [guest-starring Shakira!]; and, “Stargate Universe” (SYF).
Saturday – “SciGirls” (PBS); “iCarly” (NIK); “Doctor Who” (BBC); and, “My Friends Tigger & Pooh” (DIS).
Sunday – “Victorious” (NIK); “Masterpiece Classic” (PBS); “The Simpsons” (FOX); “Brothers & Sisters” (ABC); “Family Guy” (FOX) [featuring ‘Hank Hill’]; “Army Wives” (LIF) [season premiere]; “The Pacific” (HBO); “Sonny With A Chance” (DIS); “Good Luck Charlie” (DIS); and, “Treme” (HBO) [series debut].

Breaking News:  Beginning 13 June, discover the secret of Eric (Alexander Skarsgard)’s interest in Sookie (Anna Paquin) in the new season of [HBO’s] “True Blood”. This is officially the last season of [FOX’s] “24" {though I’m holding-out hope for a theatrical film and a USA series!}. Given the quick rise to the top of the ratings, it would seem [NBC’s] “The Tonight Show” audience just preferred Jay Leno {guess they ain’t Conan friendly}.
  Sharon Stone, coming to [NBC’s] “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” beginning 28 April. ABC has announced, no renewal for “Scrubs”; so, it’s {apparently} really dead this time. And, one of it’s sci-fi’s will get the ax – “V” or “Flash Forward”? Alas, “The Forgotten”... {I forget}. CBS’ entire Friday night may end; gone, like “Cold Case”.
  It would seem, for ABC and CBS, the money is in new comedy. CWB is backing weekly drama in the “soap opera” venue. And, NBC is still kicking with action - though they’re hoping for big numbers (ratings and other network syndication) from “Heroes” and “Law & Order” to justify renewal. It’s a first for ‘Jack’ [Bauer] - an actual “intimate” moment during his hectic day (22 April)!

“The Biz:: Movie Stars’ Must-Have – A TV Role”:  ^Once upon a time, network casting executives who sought to hire Hollywood stars were met with a two-word response from agents, “No television”. But, now names once exclusively associated with the big screen are making their way into series television. Glenn Close, Kyra Sedgwick and Holly Hunter have become popular cable television series stars. While, Sally Field, Rob Lowe, and Laurence Fishburne haven’t hurt their careers any becoming popular network television series stars.^

From William Keck:  The writer’s of “Bones” have a rather odd decoration in their office – a skeleton displaying clues to every episode of this season [including those not yet aired] – and it’s being auctioned to benefit UNICEF beginning 01 April... {or maybe NOT}!? Lucy Davis, wife of Owain Yeoman (‘Wayne’), will be featured in the 06 May episode of [CBS’s] “The Mentalist”. David Boreanaz directed the 100th episode of [FOX’s] “Bones”, airing 08 April.

From Ingela Ratledge:  While ‘Ellie’ and ‘Andy’ are spending all their time with ‘Jules’, who’s watching their baby?! {Perhaps the folks on Wisteria Lane are simply 'desperate' for a brain?} Did ‘the visitors’ rewrite the natural laws of procreation [again]?! {Actually, given their bipedal nature and ability to appear and sound human, one could easily assume they aren’t strictly reptilian. Also, they’re likely to have technology well in advance of ours, including reproductive technology!} And, is Kara flirting with Simon on ‘Idol’?

“Getting Some Action” by Hugh Laurie:  ^Physician, direct thyself. That was the offer, challenge, piece of lead pipe they swung at my head. And, I knew straightaway I was in trouble.^

“Bye, Bye Betty!” by William Keck:  ^After four wildly colorful, fabulously gay and extremely bitchy seasons, ABC’s “Ugly Betty” will bid farewell 14 April. The final weeks of filming have proven emotional for America Ferrera, who long fretted over the show’s changing time-slots; moving studio locations; struggling ratings; and, wacky sub-plots.^

From Matt Roush:  This week’s “Masterpiece” [on PBS] is a new dramatization of “The Diary of Anne Frank” and will air [appropriately] on ‘Holocaust Remembrance Day’, 11 April. Patricia Cromwell’s “At Risk” and “The Front” come to Lifetime [Network] 17 April. Doctor Who is “especially amusing”, still “a pleasure” in the “capable and charming” hands of Matt Smith {star} [and Steven Moffet {producer}]. And, [HBO’s] “Treme” is “a feast for the senses and a gritty tribute to the soul and irresistible culture of a mighty city.”

“Walternate Reality” by Damian Holbrook:  ^As a ‘mad’ scientist, John Noble is going back in time and teasing some future shocks for [FOX’s] “Fringe”. For the past two seasons, Mr. Noble has been breaking our hearts and blowing our minds as ‘Dr. Walter Bishop’. Some major secrets are being revealed with the 01 April season premiere of “Fringe”, a flashback episode entitled “Peter”^ {And, look for a “musical episode” coming 29 April!}

Sci-Fi Preview:  [CWB]’s “Smallville” this season will feature ‘Amanda Waller’ (Pam Grier); Checkmate; and, ‘Maxwell Lord’ (Gil Bellows). David Sark (of “Alias”; “Heroes” and “24") will be featured on [CWB’s] “Vampire Diaries” beginning 15 April.
  Syfy is promising new aliens; a civil war; and possibly a baby during this season of “Stargate Universe”. Plus, a flashback episode revealing the tragedy in the life of ‘Dr. Rush’ and his “surprising” connection to ‘Daniel Jackson’.
  In addition to the 13 April episode of [ABC's] "Lost", ‘Libby’ (Cynthia Watros) and ‘Michael’ (Harold Perrineau) will join a host of other “killed-off” characters for the “top-secret series finale”. The 13 April episode of [ABC’s] “V” will reveal ‘the visitors’ “claws” and the leader of ‘The Fifth Column’.
  Matt Smith will debut [in the United States] as ‘The Doctor’ 17 April on BBC America, where “Doctor Who” apparently more popular than it was on Syfy Channel. {And, I still hope my local PBS station will air the classic series. Here in Rochester, PBS is broadcasting “Doctor Who” [one season behind BBC America] Saturday’s at 11PM. But, I’m campaigning for them to add the classic series to the schedule too!}
  Cartoon Network recruited fan favorites Adam West (live-action “Batman” circa 1966) and Kevin Conroy (the animated series circa 1996) for it’s 09 April “Brave and the Bold” prequel episode. Boba Fett will seek his revenge in [Cartoon Network’s] “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” beginning 23 April! Finally, “Ben10: Ultimate Alien” will debut 23 April!

“New Orleans Saints (and Sinners)” by Joe Rhodes:  ^David Simon (exec producer of “The Wire”) will explore the lives of survivors of Hurricane Katrina in HBO’s gritty new drama “Treme”. The scene, if it were taking place anywhere else in America, would seem contrived: In a hospital waiting room, a down-and-out trombone player, frustrated that no one will tend to his busted lip, has begun to sing a song to himself, conjuring alternative lyrics to “St. James Infirmary”. Eventually, half the people in the room start playing along, thumping their crutches, bobbing their bandaged heads, tapping out rhythms on purple plastic chairs.^

“For the Love of Gibbs” by Chris Willman:  ^As played by Mark Harmon [for CBS’ “NCIS”], ‘Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ has been notoriously unlucky in love. Ant, that’s been lucky for a couple of actresses with recurring roles on the top-rated drama. “Gibbs is a great character,” said Dina Meyer, on of the new additions, “and I’d think the audience would like to see his feathers ruffled just a little bit.”^

“I Owe It All to Raylan” by Elmore Leonard:  ^Names are important to me when I’m writing a book. If I give someone the wrong name, he might not talk when he’s supposed to, or be comfortable with himself. In “Bandits”, I called the main character ‘Frank Matisse’ and he almost refused to talk. I changed him to ‘Jack Delaney’ and I couldn’t shut him up. Other times, a name will just float down from the heavens and a character is born instantly. Such was the case when I met Raylan.^

From Michael Logan:  ‘Ma Walton’ is hospitalized! Yup, Michael Learned will join [ABC’s] “General Hospital” 16 April for “a multi-week run” as a dying cancer patient attended by ‘Elizabeth Webber’ (Rebecca Herbst). Alas, GH is getting another new ‘Michael’. Apparently, Drew Garrett [who replaced Dylan Cash {because ‘Michael’ was aged like seven years during his one year coma!}] is being replaced for the more appealing Chad Duell.
  Alicia Minshew (‘Kendall’) and Thorsten Kaye (‘Zach’) make a brief return to [ABC’s] “All My Children” 09 and 13 April.
  Peter Reckell (‘Bo’) hasn’t been fired from “Days of Our Lives” {where, incidentally, ‘Pa Walton’ can be seen as ‘Father Matt’} but he has been placed on a mandatory hiatus – because he’s reached his contractual maximum number of episodes and the studio doesn’t want to pay him for the overtime!
  Erin Karpluk (“Being Erica” and “Life Unexpected”) is moving to Los Angeles where she’s hoping to get some Hollywood work.
  ‘Kyle’ and ‘Fish’ are abruptly exiting [ABC’s] “One Life To Live”, skuttle-butt is “complaints from [homophobic] viewers”. {Those ‘viewers’ may be watching in the network exec offices because web, mail and phone response to the firing is contradictory to the official statement!}
  You may have heard about the “Dark Shadows” feature film starring Johnny Depp but did you know the original television series is now available on DVD and the cast is still performing the series!? Yes! You can find original audio dramas, featuring the original cast members, available from Amazon. {And, trade collection of the original graphic serializations are available from Hermes Press!}

Screen Gems by Karon West
08 April 2010
from TV Guide 05 & 12 April 2010

The GH Series

ABC scored big with “Charlie Brown” this year. While CBS, still feeling the hit from having lost it’s license for “Charlie Brown”, gave as good as it got with “Rudolph”.

Daytime Drama may see it’s end this year. Ratings are down overall and the costs are ever rising to keep those who are watching from tuning out. The highest paid stars are being asked to take significant salary cuts in order to maintain the high cost of production of their respective dramas.

Paul Benedict (‘Mr. Bentley’ of “The Jeffersons”) was found dead in his home 01 December, he was 70 years old.

SCI-FI has ordered 20 episodes of “Caprica” [a prequel to “Battlestar Galactica”], starring Eric Stoltz and Esai Morales. The series is scheduled to premiere in 2010.

You know the song... “Come and play. Everything’s a-ok. On my way to where the air is sweet. Can you tell me how to get.. how to get to Sesame Street.” For the popular PBS program’s 40th anniversary the book “Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street” [written by Michael Davis] was published last year (29 December). And, 27 January, “Sesame Street” will be featured in a fantasy sequence on [ABC’s] “Scrubs”!

This season of [HBO’s] “Big Love” will feature stories developed from real-life events which occurred in Texas last year. Jeanne Tripplehorn (‘Barb’ of “Big Love”) will play [along with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange] Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for HBO’s upcoming “Grey Gardens”. And, (her “Big Love” husband) Bill Paxton will produce [along with Tom Hanks] a mini-series honoring the life and death of John F. Kennedy, to air in 2013 - the 50th anniversary of the President Kennedy’s assassination.

George Takei {of “Star Trek” fame - duh!} will be featured as ‘Lord Durd’ on [Cartoon Network’s] “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”, airing 16 January and 23 January 2009!

Wil Wheaton {again - duh!} will portray “the original Blue Beetle” on [Cartoon Network’s] “Batman: The Brave And The Bold”, airing 23 January 2009.

The 100th episode of [SCI-FI’s] “Stargate Atlantis” marked it’s final television adventure. Production of a straight-to-DVD film will begin this spring.

The last nine episodes of this season’s [FOX’s] “Sarah Connor Chronicles” will begin 13 February 2009. [Series creator] Josh Friedman is promising revelation regarding the mechanical defects of ‘Cameron’; the romance between ‘John’ and ‘Riley’; and, “the death of a major character”.

Ratings are diminishing for [FOX’s] “[Terminator:] The Sarah Connor Chronicles” and people are at a loss to explain it. The acclaimed series should have an easy ride ... {maybe it would if it hadn’t become so dang convoluted with it’s time tripping back and forth – plus we still don’t know if we should trust two of the lead characters AND what the heck is up with that liquid metal terminator babe?!}

Celebrating the spring release of “[X-Men: Origins -] Wolverine” at movie theaters nationwide, Marvel has produced it’s third animated X-Men series. The series (“Wolverine [and the X-Men]”) will air on Nicktoons Network.

If you ask me, ABC’s cancellation of “Eli Stone” was inevitable as soon as the cause of the visions seen by ‘Eli’ was determined to be a “brain aneurism”... and then ‘the deity’ appeared to say she put it there for a reason – never explain the unexplainable!

Rena Sofer does seem to have found a niche as the ‘wife-in distress’. Her latest gig [following “24" and “Heroes”] is for [CBS’] “Ghost Whisperer”.

Sarah Brown will be with “General Hospital” for another year. {Yea!}

It’s official, Jay Leno will leave [NBC’s] “The Tonight Show” in May. However, his 17 years with the prominent late night talk show has prompted NBC to sign him to a new show – a prime time gig which will begin September 2009! Still, some industry folks aren’t pleased with this turn of events. A 10 PM talk show will create a vacuum for dramatic programming. With one less spot for script based television, producers, directors, crew and performers will likely have no jobs next fall. Responding to criticism, NBC executives have cited their consistent ratings losses in the 10PM slot. And, they believe Leno will be a ratings powerhouse to combat the strong 10PM dramas of CBS and ABC.

Some people are pleased with the news of Jay Leno’s upcoming prime time show. Jimmy Kimmel’s spot after “Nightline” was endangered by speculation that Leno would get a late night show at ABC. CBS is hopeful of a ratings boost for David Letterman. “Nightline” producers have a promising new year ahead as they seem no longer in danger of “extinction”. And, of course, Conan O’Brien [who will take the reins of “The Tonight Show” 01 June 2009] is happy to not be competing with his predecessor.

Appearing together publicly in recent months, David Duchovny and [his estranged wife] Tea Leoni appear to be in a state of reconciliation.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler (of [HBO’s] “Soprano’s”) will return [playing herself] to “Entourage” this year.

December (2008) was a good month for Kiefer {who’s not incarcerated following a DWI conviction earlier in the year} Sutherland. Two days after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the “astonishingly good actor” (as declared by his father, Donald Sutherland), received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in [FOX’s] “24: Redemption”. {Ironic: The “mini-series” was the result of the strike fouled production! This day of “24" was supposed to take place in Africa but the strike and in-country difficulties made production impossible to continue. But, rather than dump what was in the can [especially considering the show had been off-air for more than a year] when the strike ended, the two hour ‘prologue’ to this season’s day was created.}

Being inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame, Sherwood Schwartz declared a deal to bring “Gilligan’s Island” to the silver screen “just happened in the past 48 hours”.

Though they appeared amicable at the ATAS event honoring Sherwood Shwartz, word is, Christopher Knight is still furious with Florence Henderson over a comment she made July 2008 regarding his marriage to Adrianne Curry.

Fecal matter is still flying at NBC for it’s decision to keep “Knight Rider” while tossing “My Own Worst Enemy”! {Pile it on!}

Recent British imports pale for networks. Though [ABC’s] “Life On Mars” has apparently grown an audience, [NBC’s] “Kath & Kim” and “Phenomenon”; [CBS’] “The Ex-List”, “Worst Week” and “Eleventh Hour” are flailing and failing. On the other hand, Showtime’s acquisition of “The Secret Diary of a Call Girl” is a ratings hit! Likewise, HBO’s “Summer Heights High” has sweet numbers. The lesson here would seem to be, don’t remake it – replay it!

Who’s bonehead idea was it?! Miley Cyrus’ Sweet-16 at Disneyland was promoted as a bit bash with fans being invited to come to the party – for $250 per person... for four songs and fireworks!?! Disney is infamous for control of it’s licensees; so, I doubt Miley was entirely to blame – but she does have clout and should have objected!

Turner Classic Movies honored Ron Howard’s career December 2008 (“Ron Howard: 50 Years In Film”)... without mentioning his role in “The Music Man”!

Among the honored at Kennedy Center last year were Barbra Streisand, Morgan Freeman, George Jones, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend.

Maria Arena Bell (daughter-in-law of show creator, Bill Bell) is heralded as the savior of [CBS’s] “The Young and the Restless”. Eric Braeden and Melody Thomas (‘Victor’ and ‘Nikki’ of “Y&R”) would likely agree, heralded as “a daytime super couple” with nearly 30 years experience. Accolades are still being paid to the ring of Bruce Weitz (‘Anthony Zacchara’ of [ABC’s] “General Hospital”) for his exuberant performance in a role that didn’t seem to be needed – but now we can’t seem to do without! And, [ABC’s] “All My Children” is still being praised for reuniting ‘Jesse’ and ‘Angie’!

Following her stage work (with Oliver Platt) in “Guys and Dolls”, Lauren Graham (of “Gilmore Girls”) will produce and star in a new comedy for ABC.

Nathan Fillion (of “Firefly” and [most recently] “Desperate Housewives”) will star as “a famous mystery writer-turned-sleuth ‘Richard Castle’” for ABC’s new series, “Castle”, premiering March 2009. Meanwhile, Joss Whedon (creator of “Firefly”)’s latest series “Dollhouse” (starring Eliza Dushku) is set to premiere 13 February on FOX.

Eartha Kitt died [from colon cancer] 25 December 2008. Her last work, a PBS special, will air February 2009.

John Schneider (of “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Smallville”) will be featured as ‘Ram Peters’ this month on “Nip/Tuck”.

Is it me? Does the auctioning of “Battlestar Galactica” props, clothes, gear and sets seem like an estate sale... creditors repossessing? Really, what’s the deal?

Donation to charity or not – who’s this fudge-head who paid $5300 [at on-line auction] for a facial tissue used by Scarlett Johansson to evacuate her blocked nasal passages!?! Maybe it wasn’t a fudge-head, could’a been an egg-head with a cloning machine – and a freak for the young lady.

Dates to watch:
09 January – “Monk” premiere
12 January – “Kyle XY” premiere
16 January – “Battlestar Galactica” premiere
18 January – “Big Love” and “The L-Word” premiere
18 January – “Secret Diary of a Call Girl” premiere
18 January - "The United States of Tara" debut
22 January – “Burn Notice” premiere
26 January – “The Closer” premiere and the debut of “Trust Me”
02 February – “Heroes” returning
08 February – “Sonny With A Chance” debut
15 February – “Aaron Stone” debut
xx March – “Saving Grace” premiere
xx March – “The Penguins of Madagascar” debut

Ashley Jones (of “The Bold And The Beautiful”) will be featured in upcoming episodes of “Trust Me”. Plus, the actress is starring in the short-film “His Good Will”, amid much Oscar buzz! And, later this year you’ll see her [“but not ‘all’ of (her)”] in [HBO’s] “True Blood”. All the while, she’s still ‘Bridget’ for the daytime series!!

A popular phrase on “Sex And The City” became a best selling novel; and now, a theatrical film opening 06 February. “He’s Just Not That Into You” will feature Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson and Justin Long!

“The Power Puff Girls” enter the Boomerang roster 15 January 2009. Then, 19 January 2009, Cartoon Network will debut an all-new episode of “The Power Puff Girls” – the first since 2004!!

SAG will honor James Earl Jones with a Lifetime Achievement Award 25 January 2009.

‘Donna Martin’ is returning to “90210"! That’s right, Tori Spelling has officially been signed for episodes airing this spring. Also, Ms. Spelling is returning to “Smallville” 05 March!

And, look for the return of Stephanie March (‘ADA Cabot’) to [NBC’s] “Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit” 17 February. Meanwhile, Mariska Hargitay is unavailable for shooting on ‘SVU’ after suffering “a partially collapsed lung while on break”.

Kelly Ripa will appear as ‘Detective Wednesday Jones’ 19 January on [the new] “Electric Company” for PBS! Meanwhile, B.B. King will be featured in [PBS’s] “Soundstage” the week of 28 January 2009.

Were you watching the Giants v. Eagles game, 11 January on FOX? Did you see ‘The Observer’? “Fringe” fans would recognize him. Word is, FOX has plans to place this guy in many real world places during the show’s season... freaky product placement!

John Wells has confirmed he’s received a call from ABC regarding a new future for “ER” – !!

Word is, Showtime is considering a spin-off from “The L-Word” following the series finale this spring. Apparently, the new series would follow an “L-Word” character to prison... will it be ‘Alice’?

Ricardo Montalban died 14 January....

Balthazar Getty’s extra-marital affair is rumored to be the cause of his exit from [ABC’s] “Brothers & Sisters”. Recurring appearances next season have been offered to the actor but he’ll exit this season early in March 2009. Also leaving the show will be Getty’s on-screen wife, Sarah Jane Morris. She’ll finish this season but is not likely to return next year.

P&G kowtowed to “conservative viewers”, treating Noah & Luke’s intimacy as something less proper, something to be hidden, something wrong. Unlike the first time intimacy of their heterosexual couples, even those of a young age, P&G delegated Noah & Luke’s first time to an off-camera event without a word of introduction! {Slime!}

This year’s “General Hospital” disaster will stem from a bio-toxin released during surgery. The epic will begin 28 January.

SOAPNet is dispelling rumors regarding the epitaph of “General Hospital: Night Shift”, declaring it hasn’t be killed at all. And, welcoming other daytime dramas to pitch night-time spin-offs to join the GH series.

Screen Things

From TV Guide 15 December 2008 to 08 February 2009

By Frank Jaymes

24 Is Returning

Paul Newman (born 1925) passed away 26 September.

FOX’s upcoming series, “Virtuality” [featuring Joy Bryant; Pablo Cantillo; Clea DuVall; and, Gene Farber], is being heralded as “Melrose Place” in space.

Miley v. Selena? Said Selena, “... completely blown out of proportion. ... There’s no feud.”

Jeanne Cooper of “The Young And The Restless” is now 80 years old and has signed a new contract with the daytime drama, keeping her working until 2011. Said the actress, “I still have twenty years to go before I hit one-hundred. I’ve lived a long time and seen a-lot – but I ain’t seen it all yet.”

Clint Eastwood’s “Changeling” featured Eddie Alderson of [ABC’s] “One Life To Live”.

ABC ready to rewrite storylines should any of the ‘Housewives’ become pregnant.

Minnie Driver gave birth to her son (Henry) 05 September. Baby’s first picture was proudly displayed on the actress’ ‘My Space’ page. She’s still mum about the father.

Jesse L. Martin (formerly of “Law & Order”) may soon sign for [NBC’s] “The Philanthropist”. And, Selma Hayek has joined the cast of [NBC’s] “30 Rock”, in a recurring role.

Perhaps Barbara Walters and company should rename their show “The Views” – or stick to a single point of view {as suggested by the present title of the ABC morning show}!

Tamara Braun has joined [ABC’s] “All My Children” for role poised to “make daytime TV history”.

Irene Dailey (‘Aunt Liz’ of “Another World”) died 24 September after a battle with cancer.

SOAPnet fans applaud the second season of “General Hospital: Night Shift”. And, like their daytime counterparts, herald the show as “indisputably superior” to it’s daytime sister.

Networks realize the significance of DVR viewership, creating new ratings competition and statistics. Overall, this season has been a ratings disappointment for most series. Even long-running series have had significant ratings decline. Networks have declared a production retooling during December, hoping to inject new life into their series after the December and year-end hoopla.

Jon Lindstrom [‘Kevin’ of “General Hospital”] has signed-on-to portray ‘Craig Montgomery’ for “As The World Turns”. He’s the fourth actor in three years to play the part!

Eileen Herlie, who played ‘Myrtle’ on [ABC’s] “All My Children” for {OMG!} 32 years [following stage and film work] was stricken with pneumonia and died 08 October.

Renowned daytime television writer [and series creator], James Reilly died 12 October following cardiac surgery.

Gillian Anderson gave birth to her second son 15 October.

Alyson Hannigan and [her husband] Alexis Denisof are expecting their first child Spring 2009.

Josh Henderson has departed [ABC’s] “Desperate Housewives” to portray ‘Sean’ on [CW’s] “90210".

Thomas Dekker was unable to accept the role of ‘Marco’ in the upcoming “Fame” [redux] after FOX renewed “[Terminator:] The Sarah Connor Chronicles” for a full 2009 season.

Fans and critics unite – all rave for Bruce Weitz as ‘Anthony Zacchara’ on [ABC’s] “General Hospital”!

Apparently, the much heralded return of “the real Greenlee” was not-so-much worth the effort. Rebecca Budig is leaving “All My Children” “in early 2009", poor writing for the role has been cited as the cause of the actress’ departure.

“Private Practice” renewed for 2009 but “Pushing Daisies” and “Dirty Sexy Money” are turned toward ABC’s chopping block. “Gossip Girl” and “90210" save The CW from impending doom. “House” and “Fringe” return FOX to Fall Season contender status [but it’s still the January champ]! The deal with Ford Motor Company may be the only reason [NBC’s] “Knight Rider” has been junked. But, disappointments like [the now canceled] “My Own Worst Enemy”; “Kath & Kim”; and, “Crusoe” have caused NBC to reconsider it’s decision not to produce pilots for prospective series.

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, Patrick Swayze is nevertheless working on the set of [A&E’s] “The Beast”. It’s been reported that he’s only missed “a day and a half or work”.

Described as “disgruntled”, Katherine Heigl is being “allowed to exit” [ABC’s] “Grey’s Anatomy” at the end of this season. But, come January, Tyne Daly is joining the cast, in what may become a recurring role!

The CW has confirmed they are “exploring development” of a new “Melrose Place” for 2009.

Christina Applegate – cancer free and back to work.

ABC, NBC, CBS and {!!} SOAPnet all declined to broadcast next year’s daytime Emmy Awards ceremony.

“True Blood” fans may clamor for the musical opening but there wish for “Bad Things” (by Jace Everett) may never be fulfilled. The album [of which the song is part] “tanked miserably” when released and is now “out of print”. Everett’s label dropped him shortly after the album’s release; however, [creator, producer] Alan Ball’s choice to use the song for the opening of [HBO’s] “True Blood” may give Jace Everett “a second chance”.

Cancelled by FOX, “King Of The Hill” is now of interest to ABC. In the meantime, [Cartoon Network’s] ‘Adult Swim’ will be lead by “King” beginning January 2009.

Michael Crichton (born 1942) [writer, producer, director], stricken with cancer, died 04 November.

Though not-yet-confirmed, word is that Noah Wyle, George Clooney and Eriq La Salle will return to [NBC’s] “ER” “at the end of the [season]”. Another word is, Noah Wyle’s successful TNT telefilm series (“The Librarian”) may become a major motion picture.

Miley [Cyrus] and Emily [Osment] due to hit the big screen April 2009 with “Hannah Montana: The Movie”.

In an effort to keep viewers tuned-in, FOX is spearheading a new advertising trail – fewer commercials (“about five minutes per hour”) at “premium” rates. I can tell you from experience, trying to skip the DVR ahead 60 seconds, is too fine a task for human fingers and modern electronics. You do find yourself watching one or two quick commercials!

Advertisers, desperate to have their ads seen {honestly, isn’t all this dang competition tiresome?!} are turning to new forms of message transmission: “Subsidized TV” [think Ford and “Knight Rider”]; “Product Placement” [like it’s done on the big-screen]; “On-line ads” [tracking, spying and SPAM].... {I find little use for commercials. I want something, need something, I go to the store and I buy it. Is it really worth the time and effort to compare prices store-to-store? And, how effective are quick innovations – is it necessary to have a new model or design every twelve months?!}

A milestone coming to [CBS’] “The Young And The Restless” – Twenty Years At The Top! It’s true. Since 1988 Y&R has been the most watched daytime drama! {Who knew?!} Following the writer’s strike [of 2007], the show’s producers [writer-producer] Lynn Marie Latham [who’d “decimated the show”] “was not allowed back”. To replace her, the network turned to Paul Rauch and Maria Arena Bell [daughter-in-law of series creators Bill and Lee Bell]. Since the pair took the reins, the mood on the set has been more “relaxed”. Bell and Rauch are determined to “get back disillusioned viewers” by restoring the romance, character and integrity they’ve demanded.

Drake Hogestyn (‘John’) and Deidre Hall (‘Marlena’) have been fired from “Days Of Our Lives” following NBC’s “budget slashing”. Peter Reckell (‘Bo’) and Kristian Alfonso (‘Hope’) have taken a pay cut rather than accept dismissal. “Messy management” and “overspending” threaten the life of the venerable NBC daytime drama. It is currently under contract for only eighteen months.

The Miser brothers from “The Year Without A Santa Claus” finally have a show of their own (13 December)!

Jack’s back! [FOX’s] “24" is returning 11 January 2009...!!

Screen Things

By Frank Jaymes

December 2008

With material from TV Guide Magazine