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‘Glee,’ ‘Big Love’ at Outfest

July 2, 2009 by Vlada

Outfest 2009 in Los Angeles will host panels for Big Love and Glee, including a screening of Glee’s second episode. Here’s how Outfest’s site describes the panels:

A Li’l Bit of Glee – July 18 at 1:30 p.m., DGA Theater

Outfest is screening the second episode of Glee – even before it shows at Comic Con!

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll SING! From Ryan Murphy, the creator of Nip/Tuck and Popular, comes FOX’s GLEE, a one-hour musical comedy that follows an optimistic high school teacher as he tries to transform the Glee Club and inspire a group of ragtag performers to make it to the biggest competition of all: Nationals. Join us for a screening of the an upcoming episode and a Q&A with Showrunner/ Exec Producer Dante Di Loreto, Co-creator/Writer Ian Brennan, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer and moderator Ari Karpel (journalist and Outfest Board Member).TV PANEL POST RECEPTION: DGA ATRIUM

God Only Knows: A Look at ‘Big Love’ – July 19 at 5 p.m., DGA Theater

Bold, funny and wholly original, HBO’s ‘Big Love’ explores the evolving institution of marriage in America through a typically atypical family. Creators/Executive Producers Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer have crafted three seasons of sophisticated, intriguing entertainment that remains utterly topical. Join Mark V. Olsen, Will Scheffer, Matt Ross (’Alby Grant’), Mary Kay Place (’Adaleen Grant’),  Sandy Martin (’Selma Green’), additional members of the cast and moderator/Outfest programmer Alonso Duralde for an in-depth look at their groundbreaking series.

Tickets can be purchased at Outfest.org for $13 each.

Posted in around town, big love, glee | Leave a Comment »

‘Being Erica’: A Sudsy Import with a Time-Travel Twist

July 1, 2009 by Vlada

It’s almost the Fourth of July—and that means it’s time to declare your independence from subpar television.

All this week, TVWeek.com is turning the spotlight on some of the small screen’s most promising new series, young shows with breakout potential. We’ll tell you what the critics are saying, what episode you simply can’t miss and what to expect when new episodes return.

We’re calling these shows the Buzzmakers. You’ll call them signs of intelligent life in a TV universe dominated by summer reruns and reality retreads.

When & Where: Back for season two on SoapNet in early 2010. Canadians can stream the entire series on the CBC’s site.

Premise: Erica Strange is a thirty-something woman living in Toronto, wondering what happened to her life. On a particularly terrible day—she gets stood up by a guy because he has to go to the gym and has a severe allergic reaction that sends her to the hospital—Erica meets the mysterious therapist Dr. Tom (Michael Riley), who makes her write down a list of her regrets. And then sends her back in time to revisit them.

Standout Star: As Erica, Erin Karpluk is everything you want in a lead: smart, funny, strong, relatable, independent, vulnerable, beautiful in a very real way. She grounds the fantastical premise and proves to be an immensely watchable female heroine.

The Buzz: The Canadian drama first premiered up north on CBC Television, but found a following in the states after a run on SoapNet. The series has earned positive notes from The New York Times (“a sweet, blender smoothie of a concoction”), Entertainment Weekly (a “rare find—a smart, funny single-girl show that’s shockingly relatable for being about a gal who can time travel”) and USA Today (“a time-traveling, funny, romantic drama” that “reminds me a lot of ‘Felicity,’ a tad of ‘Lost’ and has a bit of ‘90210′-esque soap-y flavor thrown in”).

“We had a great reception up here in Canada, but it’s always a big added bonus to get recognition in the U.S.,” says executive producer Aaron Martin. “It really speaks to how universal this show is even though it’s set in Toronto.”

American viewers will get to continue their love affair with “Erica.” SoapNet announced Tuesday that it would air the 12-episode second season, which is currently in production for a fall debut in Canada, in early 2010.

“We’re very excited that ‘Being Erica’ will come back for a second season on SoapNet,” says Martin. “It’s a great fit, and we feel really fortunate to have such a supportive network.”

Continue Reading »

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‘Better Off Ted’: The Cool New Office

June 29, 2009 by Vlada

It’s almost the Fourth of July—and that means it’s time to declare your independence from subpar television.

All this week, TVWeek.com is turning the spotlight on some of the small screen’s most promising new series, young shows with breakout potential. We’ll tell you what the critics are saying, what episode you simply can’t miss and what to expect when new episodes return.

We’re calling these shows the Buzzmakers. You’ll call them signs of intelligent life in a TV universe dominated by summer reruns and reality retreads.

When & Where: Currently airing fresh episodes Tuesdays at 9:30 on ABC.

Premise: Ted (Jay Harrington) is an all-around good guy and single dad working at Veridian Dynamics, a less-than-moral corporation, which creates everything from chairs so scratchy they increase productivity to pumpkins that double as weapons of mass destruction.

Standout Star: Portia de Rossi as Ted’s emotionless, human interaction-challenged boss Veronica. Walking around with her hair slicked back into a super-tight power bun, de Rossi gets some of the show’s best dialogue, which she delivers with one hundred percent commitment. When she says, “Well, I’m different than other women, Ted, and by different, I mean better,” you know it’s true.

But even though Veronica “is smart, driven and seemingly perfect,” de Rossi still manages “to make Veronica likable even though she slaps around her employees, fires a gun to relieve stress and feeds
her sister pudding in her sleep to make sure she stays fatter,” says creator Victor Fresco.

The Buzz: “Better Off Ted” is giving NBC’s “The Office” a run for its money as TV’s most so-true-it’s-funny workplace comedy. The show has enjoyed critical raves and a loyal viewer following stemming from Fresco’s previous cult comedy “Andy Richter Controls the Universe,” giving the network that inexplicably kept renewing “According to Jim” some major credibility in the comedy department. Alan Sepinwall of the New Jersey Star-Ledger called it “one of the funniest shows on TV right now,” while Entertainment Weekly’s Ken Tucker raved that a recent installment had “more good jokes per minute than on any other sitcom this year.”

Despite so-so ratings, ABC gave “Ted” a vote of faith, renewing it for a second season. The network has also given the show some extra exposure, scheduling six new episodes leftover from last season to air during the summer.

“I’m very happy to be back on the air,” Fresco says. “It keeps the show in the public consciousness. Plus, it gives America something to do. You’re welcome, America.”

The summer move suggests ABC believes there’s a bigger audience out there for “Ted” and hopes that some new samplers will come back for season two. Fresco is optimistic about the show’s growth potential.

“It takes time for a new comedy to build an audience,” he says. “But I think ‘Better Off Ted’ has broad appeal and will be huge. In fact, I’m already designing lunch boxes and have written several songs for an ice show.”

Must-See Episode: “Racial Sensitivity.” The company learns that its new light-sensitive security system doesn’t detect African American employees. What’s a company to do? Hire white people to follow the African American staff, of course! And celebrate “the fact that it sees Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders and Jews.”

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Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

‘Party Down’: Hollywood’s Hippest Entourage

June 29, 2009 by Vlada

It’s almost the Fourth of July—and that means it’s time to declare your independence from subpar television.

All this week, TVWeek.com is turning the spotlight on some of the small screen’s most promising new series, young shows with breakout potential. We’ll tell you what the critics are saying, what episode you simply can’t miss and what to expect when new episodes return.

We’re calling these shows the Buzzmakers. You’ll call them signs of intelligent life in a TV universe dominated by summer reruns and reality retreads.

When & Where: Reairing on Starz channels and On Demand.

Premise: A group of hoping-to-breakout actors and writers work as cater-waiters. Each episode focuses on a different event, where the wannabes serve appetizers while checking their messages to see if they got the part.

Standout Star: It’s hard to chose from such a large and talented ensemble cast (see below), but we’re going to go with Martin Starr for his deadpan, sarcastic turn as Roman. He keeps his love for Casey hidden by rating her a 6.8 or 6.9 on a scale of 10 and strikes out with an adult film star because he gets angry when she mistakes fantasy for hard sci-fi.

The Buzz: With a dream cast featuring regular Judd Apatow players (Martin Starr, Jane Lynch, Ken Jeong), numerous cult film and TV stars (Ken Marino, Lizzy Caplan) and a gaggle of regular cast (Ryan Hansen, Adam Scott, Marino) and guest stars (Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni) from co-creator Rob Thomas’ canceled fan-favorite “Veronica Mars,” each cast member of “Party Down” brings his or her own built-in fanbase. We’re willing to bet more than a few people subscribed to the pay channel just to check out this show. What they saw when they tuned in was a comedy about trying to make it until you breakthrough, which has been called “one of the most reliably enjoyable comedies on television” by the Chicago Tribune’s Maureen Ryan and “a cutting social satire of the wannabe Hollywood set” by the popular TV blog Televisionary.

Must-See Episode: Thomas recommends “Pepper McMasters Singles Seminar” because it “feels like the one where we started nailing the tone of the show.”

We also like “Taylor Stiltskin Sweet Sixteen.” The Party Down crew caters a Sweet Sixteen party for the spoiled daughter of a film producer (J.K. Simmons). Unfortunately, the guest of honor won’t come out of her room because only the outcast kids showed up to the party. Caplan’s Casey and Lynch’s Constance try to coax her out with differing opinions of what matters most in high school. Meanwhile, Hansen’s Kyle tries to score with the girl’s mom (Joey Lauren Adams) for a part in her husband’s film, but his recently bleached teeth hurt too much to kiss her.

Continue Reading »

Posted in party down, tvweek articles, veronica mars | 1 Comment »

TVWeek’s Hot List 2009

June 29, 2009 by Vlada

TVWeek unveiled its Hot List 2009 earlier this month. The list highlights the “hottest up-and-comers in the business of television.” I interviewed Brett Bouttier, senior VP of digital for Warner Bros. Television Group, and actor-writer-comedian Aziz Ansari (who is part of the On the Horizon list) for the feature. Read on for the full profiles.

Name: Brett Bouttier

Title: Senior VP, digital, Warner Bros. Television Group

Age: 33

Big Break: Being promoted to his current title in May 2007.

Who Knew?: Mr. Bouttier did the interview for this piece from Cedars-Sinai two days after he and his wife welcomed their newborn son into the world.

The worlds of television and digital media may be blurring, but Brett Bouttier is navigating the murky waters just fine.

As senior VP of digital at Warner Bros. TV Group, Mr. Bouttier has overseen the transition of Web properties to television—the successful launch of TMZ.com as a syndicated TV show—and TV properties onto the Web.

Last August, Warner Bros. TV Group brought The WB network and its kids programming block to the Web with the launch of TheWB.com and KidsWB.com. Mr. Bouttier and the WBTVG team secured DailyMotion, Joost, Sling Media, TiVo and Veoh Networks as distribution partners, as well as TV talents such as Josh Schwartz, McG and “The Colbert Report’s” Rob Corddry to create original content for TheWB.com. The Web site has become a destination for digital watercooler conversations and TV writer-producers looking for the freedom that the Web allows. It’s even attracting interest from the networks.

“Several of the original shows on TheWB.com have generated interest from television networks,” Mr. Bouttier said. “They saw an audience start to follow the programming and now want to develop it into a television show. We have people coming to us.”

Meanwhile, “KidsWB is growing at an immediately fast clip, reaching tons of kids and boys through the D.C. side of it.”

Continue Reading »

Posted in parks & recreation, tvweek articles | Leave a Comment »

What to Watch: ‘Virtuality’

June 25, 2009 by Vlada

Tomorrow night, June 26, Fox will air Virtuality at 8 p.m.

The two-hour movie was originally a two-hour pilot created by Battlestar Galactica’s Ronald D. Moore and Michael Taylor. Fox didn’t pick up the series last season and has chosen to burn it off on Friday night, although there is still a small chance the show could continue if by some miracle a lot of people watch the movie.

Virtuality chronicles a crew of astronauts on a 10-year mission to a distant star after an environmental disaster threatens Earth. To help the crew pass the time, the ship has been equipped with virtual reality modules that allow them to escape into fantasy worlds. They’re also being filmed for “Edge of Never,” a reality show airing back on Earth in order to help finance the mission. Check out webisodes for the reality series here.

The ensemble of twelve actors features many ethnicities and couples, both straight and gay. Among the familiar faces are Joy Bryant, Clea Duvall and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who starred on Fox’s short-lived New Amsterdam. The series wasn’t the greatest, but I was impressed with its star. As Captain Frank Pike, Coster-Waldau has a little bit of the solitary ruggedness of Nathan Fillion’s Captain Mal (of Firefly) and the sharp lines of Aaron Eckhart. Hopefully, by casting him in Virtuality, Fox is showing that it too believes this guy has real potential and will find another series for him.

The two-hour movie sets up an intriguing, thought-provoking and unique premise. The direction by Friday Night Lights‘ Peter Berg is both epic and intimate. There is no doubt in my mind, it would make a great series. But chances are we’re not going to get more, so unfortunately, viewers are going to be left with plenty of questions after the shocking conclusion.

Still, Virtuality is definitely worth your time. It’s smart and different, which was what probably doomed it.

Read more about what co-creator Moore had to say about the show’s chances, its birthing process and the state of network TV here.

Posted in virtuality, what to watch | Leave a Comment »

Where Have All the Family Dramas Gone?

June 15, 2009 by Vlada

It’s been three years since “Everwood” signed off the air and almost five years since the first season was released on DVD. While fans of the show will finally be able to buy season 2 on DVD Tuesday, they may have to wait even longer for another show like “Everwood” to come along. Everwood DVD

When The WB network turned off the lights on Sept. 17, 2006, it was like saying goodbye to a dear friend that had helped to shape and define my early, formative years. I still can’t listen to “Crawl” by This Way, which was used in one of the network’s early promotional campaigns, without getting nostalgic and melancholy.

And when “Everwood” signed off a few months earlier on June 5, I had a feeling that I was watching the last of its kind. Because when the residents of “Everwood” said goodbye, TV was saying goodbye to the type of show “Everwood” was: a multi-generational, family drama that was smart and insightful without being saccharine or preachy, that had heart and guts. An ensemble in which every generation was richly written and integral to the storytelling. A place where grandparents existed and not just during Thanksgiving episodes.

Before “Everwood,” there were smart, poignant family dramas like “My So-Called Life” and “Once and Again,” both not-so-coincidentally from producers Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick. They gave each generation of characters their due. The kids were real. The parents were even realer and then turned into teenagers themselves when their own parents stepped into the picture. They had messy, complicated relationships that couldn’t be easily resolved. And both shows, like “Everwood,” were canceled. I guess it’s easier to just stick a bunch of doctors in a room together and watch them cut people up and have sex with each other.

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Posted in brothers & sisters, everwood, friday night lights, medium, my so-called life, once and again, parenthood, the cw & the wb, tvweek articles | Leave a Comment »

‘Anything Is Possible’ Says ‘Virtuality’ Creator Moore

June 11, 2009 by Vlada

Fox is taking a wait and see approach with the two-hour pilot movie “Virtuality,” airing June 26.

While co-creator Ronald D. Moore said it doesn’t look like the project is going to series, he cautioned, “Never say never.”

“They [Fox] haven’t picked it up to date. Their attitude, I think, is kind of wait and see. They want to see what the reaction is going to be,” Moore said in a conference call. “I think right now it doesn’t look like it’s going to series, but if enough people watched and enough people got excited about it, anything is possible.”

If the pilot, which doesn’t completely resolve itself in two hours, is not picked up for series, Moore said it could continue in another medium, such as comic book form or as another TV movie.

“We’ve talked about all those possibilities. It depends on where we go after the broadcast,” he added. “Sometimes these things have a bigger life that blossoms a few weeks after the broadcast.”

But with dense, sci-fi shows like “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” getting canceled and “Dollhouse” just barely earning a surprise renewal, “Virtuality’s” situation seems even more precarious. Moore, who was able to juggle “Virtuality” with cable sci-fi shows “Battlestar Galactica” and “Caprica” thanks to the proximity of their Vancouver sets, expressed concern over the state of network television and reinforced the need for patience on the network’s side.

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Posted in tvweek articles, virtuality | 1 Comment »

Go Inside Your Favorite Shows

May 30, 2009 by Vlada

For folks in Los Angeles and New York, there’s a couple of TV-related events coming up.

1.) The LA Times’ Envelope section is back with its Emmy Screening Series. I was able to attend the Big Love and House screenings/panels last year at the Arclight. All the events will be held at Mann Chinese 6 Theaters in Hollywood this year. You can still RSVP for the panels, but note that priority goes to guild members. The lineup is:

Sons of Anarchy June 1, 7:30pm

The Shield June 1, 7:30pm

Californication June 2, 7:30pm

Rescue Me June 3, 7:30pm

Battlestar Galactica June 4, 7:30pm

In Plain Sight June 9, 7:30pm

The Cleaner June 10, 7:30pm

2.) The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills will host The Creative Process: Inside House on June 17. Member tickets are $15; general public tickets are $25.

Meanwhile, the Paley Center in New York City will host a preview and discussion for Bravo’s upcoming reality show NYC Prep on June 1, as well as the premiere screening of NBC’s The Philanthropist on June 23. The event will include panelists Tom Fontana (executive producer), Peter Horton (executive producer/director) and stars James Purefoy and Jesse L. Martin.

Posted in around town, battlestar galactica, house, in plain sight, nyc prep, paley center, rescue me, sons of anarchy, the cleaner, the philanthropist, the shield | Leave a Comment »

Video: CW’s ‘Life Unexpected’ and ‘Body Politic’

May 20, 2009 by Vlada

The CW announces its 2009-2010 schedule tomorrow and while it’s a sure thing that “Vampire Diaries,” “The Beautiful Life” and “Melrose Place” will be joining the network’s fall slate, midseason is a little less clear.

Among the midseason contenders are “Life Unexpected” (starring Shiri Appleby, Kerr Smith and Brittany Robertson) and “The Body Politic” (starring Minka Kelly, Jay Hernandez, Jason Dohring and Gabrielle Union). Their fate may be uncertain at the moment, but you can check out scenes after the jump from their pilots, which may be The CW’s next new show or simply development season’s leftovers.

You can also watch previews of “Vampire Diaries,” “Beautiful Life” and “Melrose Place” at TVWeek’s New Season Preview Player, which is part of our Upfront Navigator. Episodic and cast photos from the pilots can be viewed here.

Click here to watch the video previews.

Edited to add: “Life Unexpected,” now titled “Parental Discretion Advised,” has been picked up for midseason. Check out The CW’s upfront announcement here.

- Written for TVWeek.com

Posted in melrose place, parental discretion advised, the beautiful life, the body politic, the cw & the wb, tvweek articles, vampire diaries | Leave a Comment »

Pretty Pictures From The CW’s Fall Series

May 20, 2009 by Vlada

The cast of "Melrose Place."

The cast of "Melrose Place."

Meet the new troublemakers of “Melrose Place.”

The CW has released cast shots and episode photos of new fall shows “Melrose Place,” “Vampire Diaries” and “The Beautiful Life.”

Laura Leighton is back as Sydney for the new “Melrose Place” and, judging from the pictures, back to her old ways. Check out photos after the jump of her getting up close and personal with Shaun Sipos’ David and looking none too pleased with Ella, played by Katie Cassidy. The photos also offer a little peek at the title character itself—the new Melrose Place apartment complex.

The cast of "Vampire Diaries."

The cast of "Vampire Diaries."

The CW isn’t about to let HBO and Summit Entertainment have all the vampire fun. “Vampire Diaries,” from “Dawson’s Creek” creator Kevin Williamson, stars Nina Dobrev (“Degrassi: The Next Generation) as a girl torn between two vampire brothers, played by Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. (The CW’s count of former “Degrassi” stars is up to two now with “90210’s” Shenae Grimes and Dobrev.)

Looks like the show borrowed “Smallville’s” graveyard set in Vancouver, Canada. According to Mr. Williamson’s Twitter, the show was “going to Georgia to see if it can pass for Vancouver which passed for Virginia.”

There simply aren’t enough pretty, skinny, white people on The CW. Here’s some photos from “The Beautiful Life,” starring Sara Paxton, Mischa Barton and Corbin Bleu. Looking forward to the catfights and inevitable eating-disorder episode, which would lead nicely out of “America’s Next Top Model.”

The cast of "The Beautiful Life."

The cast of "The Beautiful Life."

Check out all the high quality cast and episodic photos here.

- Written for TVWeek.com

Posted in melrose place, the beautiful life, the cw & the wb, tvweek articles, vampire diaries | 2 Comments »

Make Room for ‘Erica’ on Thursday

May 11, 2009 by Vlada

This Thursday is going to be a very busy night for TV fans. The evening features the season finales of Smallville, Supernatural, Bones and Grey’s Anatomy, in addition to NBC’s Thursday night comedy block of The Office, 30 Rock and Parks & Recreation. That’s not even mentioning CBS’ lineup or new episodes of Ugly Betty and Southland.

And yet, I’m writing  to add one more show to your TV viewing plate. This Thursday also marks the season finale of Being Erica on SoapNet at 10 p.m. If you haven’t been following this charming gem of a show, here is my first post begging telling you why you should watch it.

The series follows Erica Strange (the winsome Erin Karpluk), a thirty-something woman with a long list of regrets. Unlike you and me, she gets to go back in time with the help of a mysterious therapist and get a do-over. Most of the time, Erica doesn’t change her past too drastically though, instead learning that her instincts were right the first time around or gaining insight into her present relationships. Check out a slideshow primer of Erica’s first season at SoapNet’s website.

The number one regret on Erica’s list would have to be the death of her older brother Leo, which is naturally at the center of Thursday’s finale, simply titled “Leo.” Dr. Tom warns Erica that under no circumstances should she try to save her brother, but Erica wouldn’t be Erica without some mistakes and regrets.

Oh yes, and Erica’s best friend turned love interest Ethan (the adorable, earnest Tyron Leitso of Wonderfalls) proves why he may be the best boyfriend ever.

Being Erica has been renewed for a 12-episode second season by Canadian broadcaster CBC. Hopefully, SoapNet will continue to air the series in the U.S. UPDATE: Channel Canada confirms that “Being Erica” began production on season 2 on June 1.

On a related note, I’ve noticed a lot of people coming to this blog because they are searching for a song from the show with the lyrics, “Every little thing I do / Trickles down and lands on you.” Thanks to commenter salsa, the song is “Every Little Thing” by Melanie Doane.

Finally, on a more tangential note, if you happen to catch the ABC Family movie I Want to Marry Ryan Banks! on TV (sadly, it’s not out on DVD), watch out for Erin Karpluk as Bradley Cooper’s assistant. You’ll also see a charming and funny film with suprisingly good chemistry between leads Bradley Cooper and Emma Claufield.

Posted in being erica, i want to marry ryan banks!, what to watch | 1 Comment »

HBO’s ‘Big Love’ Packs in the Action

April 23, 2009 by Vlada

If you’ve ever wondered how much story can fit into a one-hour TV drama, “Big Love” has the answer: A lot.
medium

The last season of HBO’s polygamist drama about Bill Henrickson and his three wives featured a teenage pregnancy that became a miscarriage, blackmail, kidnapping, identity theft, multiple deaths, a cancer scare, confessions of love, a long-lost daughter and a road trip. And that’s just the half of it.

“They put me through everything you can think of,” Bill Paxton said at Wednesday’s PaleyFest panel for the show at Hollywood’s Arclight Cinerama Dome. “I have a twitch ever since the show wrapped. It was exhausting.”

“Big Love’s” intricate web of interweaving, nuanced storylines also took a toll on the show’s creators, Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer.

“The real headache began in the last two episodes,” when they were figuring out how to wrap up all the storylines, Mr. Olsen said.

The creators admitted they had used up their original six-year agenda for the show by the end of season three. Jeanne Tripplehorn, who plays first wife Barb, even worried that the show might lose viewers due to its dense and complicated storylines.

“We’ve never hired an actor we didn’t love,” the creators added, explaining their need to create more story.

But just because “Big Love” has exhausted its original plan doesn’t mean the show is over. It simply has expanded beyond Mr. Olsen’s and Mr. Scheffer’s original vision into something bigger and deeper.

The writers have been hard at work for a month breaking stories for season four, which is expected to begin production in August. Their overarching theme for the next season will be exploring the subjugation of women in a deeper way, which led Ms. Tripplehorn to wonder how much deeper the show could explore the subject.

The new season will find Harry Dean Stanton’s Roman Grant “absolutely dead,” Mr. Scheffer declared.

“This isn’t one of those vampire shows,” Mr. Olsen added when the possibility of Roman returning was tossed out.

While fans of the show may be having a hard time letting go of the dastardly but captivating Roman, no one seems to be having more trouble than Mr. Stanton himself, who brought up the fact that his character is dead at regular intervals during the panel.

Other tidbits from the panel:

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Posted in around town, big love, paley center, tvweek articles | Leave a Comment »

Fans Haven’t Given Up on ‘Pushing Daisies’

April 20, 2009 by Vlada

Creator Bryan Fuller, left, Ellen Greene, director and executive producer Barry Sonnenfeld and Chi McBride introduce the screening.

Creator Bryan Fuller, left, Ellen Greene, director and executive producer Barry Sonnenfeld and Chi McBride introduce the screening.

“Pushing Daisies” may be canceled, but the sold-out crowd at PaleyFest’s Sunday screening of the series’ last three, as-yet-unaired episodes wasn’t ready to let go. Neither was the show’s cast and crew.
medium

Introducing the screening to a standing ovation (another one followed the final episode), creator Bryan Fuller said, “I’m hoping there is a life beyond television for ‘Pushing Daisies.’”

Mr. Fuller, who noted that one of his first PaleyFest panels was “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” brought director and executive producer Barry Sonnenfeld and stars Chi McBride and Ellen Greene to the stage to say a few words.

“For all of you attending today, there’s pitchforks and torches we’ll be handing out,” Mr. McBride said, rallying the audience into protest mode.

Ms. Greene was a bit more somber, even tearing up as she spoke of what the show meant to her and thanked fans for trying to save it.

Jim Dooley, the show's composer, leads a band in some music before the screening.

Jim Dooley, the show's composer, leads a band in some music before the screening.

While “Pushing Daisies” won’t be blooming on TV anymore, there will be a DC Comics series. Mr. Fuller just broke the first 12 episodes of the comic book series.

As for the final three episodes, “Window Dressed to Kill,” “Water and Power” and “Kerplunk,” which will be broadcast on ABC Saturdays at 10 p.m. starting May 30? The Daily Blink would not dare to spoil it, but will say viewers can look forward to many fun guest stars, including Wilson Cruz (who was in attendance at the screening), Willie Garson, Michael McDonald, Gina Torres, David Arquette, Constance Zimmer, Wendie Malick, George Segal and Josh Hopkins as a “himbo.”

Viewers also will get another chance to hear Kristin Chenoweth show off her lovely voice, singing Lionel Richie’s “Hello.”

Bryan Fuller and Ellen Greene raffle off props from the show.

Bryan Fuller and Ellen Greene raffle off props from the show.

Following the first two episodes, Mr. Fuller and Ms. Greene raffled off props from the show, including the MOTHER license plate from “The Norwegians,” a Honey for the Homeless jar and a Pie Hole menu. The Daily Blink wasn’t lucky enough to win a prop or catch one of the shirts Mr. Fuller and Mr. McBride were chucking into the audience, but it did to get to see how it all ends.

“This was an interesting episode for us because we didn’t know it was our last episode,” Mr. Fuller said, introducing the final episode. “And we had originally an ending, which was a cut to black, and we figured you guys would kill us. So in post, we crafted an ending. We had no money. We got visual effects houses to donate shots, to get us $90,000 effects shots for $8,000. So it really was a labor of love by everybody, including the visual effects houses who really love the show as much as everybody in this room.”

- Written for TVWeek.com

Posted in around town, bryan fuller, paley center, pushing daisies, tvweek articles | Leave a Comment »

Whedon Says ‘Dollhouse’ Isn’t Canceled

April 16, 2009 by Vlada

The “Dollhouse” is not closing up shop just yet.

Creator Joss Whedon was optimistic about “Dollhouse’s” chances for renewal at a Paley Festival panel for the show on Wednesday evening.

“The show is not canceled,” Mr. Whedon said. He pointed out that while the show’s ratings are soft, its key demographic and DVR numbers are great. He also noted the show will have a new lead-in soon in the form of “Prison Break.”

And when asked how many secrets we’ll learn in the season finale, Mr. Whedon said, “We have a lot of questions left to answer. We get the feeling we might have the chance to answer them.”

“Dollhouse’s” journey to the screen has been “the stuff of legend, but it was not legendary while it happened,” Mr. Whedon said.

The original pilot was scrapped and cannibalized across the show’s 13 episodes. Eliza Dushku, the show’s star and executive producer, said, “It’s fun to watch the show because we chopped it up and filmed it out of order. And with that added producer credit, I’m really invested in it.”Still, every move by Fox relating to “Dollhouse” has been scrutinized by Mr. Whedon’s very loyal and vocal fans, especially last week’s reveal that Fox will not air the show’s 13th episode. The episode, which was written by Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, was produced for the studio for DVD and foreign sales, but Mr. Whedon hopes it will still air.

“I’ve been sitting down with [Fox] saying I just want this to air as part of the season. I’m really proud of it. It’s unbelievably strange,” Mr. Whedon said. “Fox is taking a look at it. The jury is still out.”

However, Mr. Whedon noted that “Omega,” the 12th episode, written by Tim Minear, does work as a season finale.

Despite the ups and downs, Mr. Whedon was positive about the state of television when answering a question about why he doesn’t just put his shows online for download.

“We’re not there, but we’re approaching an era where something like that is possible. A lot of us are sniffing around that very paradigm,” Mr. Whedon replied. “TV Internet is very grassroots. TV exists on a level where you can tell epic stories. I look at what TV is now, still. To work on this scale is a privilege.”

- Written for TVWeek.com

Posted in around town, dollhouse, joss whedon, paley center, tvweek articles | Leave a Comment »

‘Dr. Horrible’s’ Whedon Excited About Web Video

April 15, 2009 by Vlada

Fans line up outside the Arclight Cinerama Dome for the PaleyFest "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" panel.

Fans line up outside the Arclight Cinerama Dome for the PaleyFest "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" panel.

Joss Whedon wants to give back.

Mr. Whedon was in attendance Tuesday evening at the Paley Festival’s panel for “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” the first time PaleyFest has honored a Web series.

Mr. Whedon, who was late to last year’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reunion at PaleyFest because he was filming “Dr. Horrible,” acknowledged that the original Web musical would not have been possible without “waivers and favors,” as moderator Matt Roush put it.

“It is both. I could never attempt to cash in those types of favors again,” Mr. Whedon replied when asked if “Dr. Horrible” was an anomaly or a model for future Web video productions.

Mr. Whedon’s 20 years in the TV business played a part in helping “Dr. Horrible” get made. He was able to get permission to film on the Universal lot from the head of production thanks to their working relationship on “Serenity.” He turned “Dr. Horrible” into a family affair with fellow writers Zack Whedon, Jed Whedon and future sister-in-law Maurissa Tancharoen (“This will either band us or break the family apart forever,” Mr. Whedon said.). He enlisted actors he’d worked with before (Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day) while welcoming Neil Patrick Harris to the Joss Whedon Repertory Company.

Mr. Whedon also credited former “Angel” and “Firefly” writer Ben Edlund as the Web series’ “unsung hero.” Mr. Edlund was involved early on in the song-writing process, but he had to depart the project. However, he left a lasting mark: Bad Horse, a character he’d been pitching as a foe on “Angel.” The character didn’t make it onto “Angel,” although the real horse behind Bad Horse did appear in an episode and will appear on “Dollhouse.”

But now, Mr. Whedon is looking into ways to give the creators of Web video content some opportunity. The Evil League of Evil applicants for the “Dr. Horrible” DVD proved there’s a lot of talent out there, and he would love “to have a system, so it can be more realistic.”

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

“It’s still very nascent,” Mr. Whedon said of the idea, “and I still have a day job.”

He urged TV business folks thinking of Web video on a TV scale to “scale it down to something smaller and modular.”

Mr. Whedon also proudly recalled how Felicia Day schooled a room of agents, who had no idea what to do with “Dr. Horrible.” Ms. Day has some experience with marketing and distributing on the Internet as the writer and star of the Web series “The Guild.” But her Internet prowess doesn’t seem to have rubbed off on Mr. Whedon, who described himself as not very tech-savvy.

“I have yet to Twitter. I think it might be dirty,” Mr. Whedon joked.

The night got one convertee, however.

“Ok everyone follow @nathanfillion. It’s really him! Muhahaha!” Ms. Day wrote on her Twitter account later that night.

Twitter wasn’t the only Web site to get a shout-out during the discussion.

“I learn what I’m doing tomorrow on Whedonesque,” Ms. Tancharoen said of the popular site for all things Whedon. Set a reminder for this on Saturday: Ms. Tancharoen and Jed Whedon are getting married.

Other tidbits gleamed from the panel:

Continue Reading »

Posted in around town, dr. horrible's sing-along blog, joss whedon, paley center, tvweek articles | Leave a Comment »

Familiar Faces Fill ‘Unusuals’ Sneak Peek

March 20, 2009 by Vlada

In ABC’s ongoing quest to find a procedural hit with quirk, the network is launching “The Unusuals” on April 8.

The show stars some familiar TV faces—Amber Tamblyn (“Joan of Arcadia”), Harold Perrineau (“Lost”), Adam Goldberg (“Friends,” “Entourage”)—as, you guessed it, unusual New York City police detectives.

In this show, the crimes are as odd as the folks investigating them. In the clip below, a naked guy runs through the street, his flabby, hairy body on full display, until he meets his untimely end.

“Poor naked, dead guy. No one should have to go out like that,” Ms. Tamblyn’s character says.

No one should have to see that, the Daily Blink says.

Check out the sneak peek video here.

- Written for TVWeek.com

Posted in the unusuals, tvweek articles | Leave a Comment »

Sneak a Peek as ‘Mars’ Stars ‘Party Down’ on Starz

March 12, 2009 by Vlada

Rob Thomas’ new comedy series “Party Down,” premiering next Friday on Starz, is filled with a plethora of former cast members and producers from his canceled UPN/CW show “Veronica Mars.”

In the pilot alone, “Mars’” Dick Casablancas, aka actor Ryan Hansen, auditions for a Ryan Atwood-like role in “The Palisades” pilot, while “Veronica’s” pops Enrico Colantoni guest stars as an unhappy suburbanite.

But until Ms. Mars herself, Kristen Bell, makes an appearance in the season finale, the holy grail of “Veronica Mars” guest stars converges in episode 2. The episode features Jason Dohring (also of “Moonlight”) as the vice president of a conservative, young leaders of tomorrow-type group, which is awaiting the Governator’s visit.

And his girlfriend? Played by none other than Alona Tal, his best buddy’s one-time girlfriend on “Veronica Mars.”

In the episode, Mr. Dohring sips an underage-friendly Freedomtini and sports a hairdo that would make Donald Trump proud. He also gives advice to a bartender played by Adam Scott, a one-time “Mars” teacher accused of inappropriate student-teacher relations by guest star Leighton Meester.

Check out some exclusive clips of Mr. Dohring and Ms. Tal here.

- Written for TVWeek.com

Posted in party down, tvweek articles, veronica mars | 1 Comment »

PaleyFest 09 Lineup!

February 18, 2009 by Vlada

The Paley Center for Media has announced the full lineup for this year’s Paley Festival, which will be held at the Arclight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood. Ticket information can be found here. Tickets often sell out, sometimes before they even go on sale to the general public, so don’t delay!

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Friday, April 10, 7 p.m.
In person: Creator-Executive Producer-Writer-Director Rob McElhenney, Executive Producer-Writer Glenn Howerton, cast members Danny DeVito and Kaitlin Olson. Additional panelists to be announced.

90210
Saturday, April 11, 7 p.m.
In person: Panelists from the cast and creative team to be announced.

True Blood
Monday, April 13, 7 p.m.
In person: Creator-Executive Producer Alan Ball, cast members Ryan Kwanten, Steven Moyer, Anna Paquin, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wessley. Additional panelists to be announced.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog
Tuesday, April 14, 7 p.m.
In person: Creator-Executive Producer-Writer-Director Joss Whedon, Executive Producer-Writer Zack Whedon, Composer-Writer Jed Whedon, cast members Felicia Day and Nathan Fillion.

Dollhouse
Wednesday, April 15, 7 p.m.
In person: Creator-Executive Producer-Writer-Director Joss Whedon, cast members Eliza Dushku, Enver Gjoka, Fran Kranz, Dichen Lachman, Harry Lennix, Tahmoh Penikett, Olivia Williams.

The Big Bang Theory
Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m.
In person: Cast members Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons. Additional panelists to be announced.

The Mentalist
Friday, April 17, 7 p.m.
In person: Creator-Executive Producer Bruno Heller, Co-Executive Producer-Director Chris Long, cast members Simon Baker, Tim Kang, Amanda Righetti, Robin Tunney, Owain Yeoman. Additional panelists to be announced.

Desperate Housewives
Saturday, April 18, 7 p.m.
In person: Panelists from the cast and creative team to be announced.

Matinee Screening Event: Pushing Daisies’ Last Unaired Episodes
Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m.
Introduction by Creator-Executive Producer Bryan Fuller

Battlestar Galactica/Caprica
Monday, April 20, 7 p.m.
In person: Executive Producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore. Additional panelists to be announced.

The Hills
Tuesday, April 21, 7 p.m.
In person: Creator/Executive Producer Adam DiVello, Executive Producers Tony DiSanto and Liz Gately, cast members Heidi Montag, Audrina Partridge, Spencer Pratt. Additional panelists to be announced.

Big Love
Wednesday, April 22, 7 p.m.
In person: Cast members Ginnifer Goodwin, Bill Paxton, Chloe Sevigny, Harry Dean Stanton, Jeanne Tripplehorn. Additional panelists to be announced.

Fringe
Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m.
In person: Cast members Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Lance Reddick, Anna Torv. Additional panelists to be announced.

Swingtown Celebration
Friday, April 24, 6 p.m., at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills
Festival Closing Reception & Panel Discussion
In person: Creator-Executive Producer Mike Kelley, Executive Producer Alan Poul. Additional panelists to be announced.

Which events will you be attending?

Posted in 90210, around town, battlestar galactica, big love, caprica, desperate housewives, dollhouse, dr. horrible's sing-along blog, fringe, it's always sunny in philadelphia, joss whedon, paley center, pushing daisies, swingtown, the big bang theory, the hills, the mentalist, true blood | 1 Comment »

What to Watch: ‘Being Erica’

February 17, 2009 by Vlada

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these. I saw a negative review in the Logan’s Riff section of TV Guide about a series I’m very much enjoying and felt compelled to post something.

The Canadian series Being Erica is premiering in the states this Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10 p.m. on SoapNet, and it’s a little gem of a show.

Erin Karpluk stars as Erica Strange, a thirty-something women who finds herself single and unemployed (she gets fired from her call center job for being overqualified — she’s got a MA in English). After a really, really bad night, Erica meets Dr. Tom, a therapist who sends her back in time to the moments of her biggest regrets. With such a fantastical, kooky premise, Being Erica definitely could have gone down a very bad road.

Luckily, just the opposite happened. The show is cathartic, emotional and funny, largely in part to Ms. Karpluk’s wonderfully grounded and relatable performance. She makes Erica both strong and fiercely independent, as well as vulnerable and fragile. Erica is a type of female progtagonist that’s hard to find on TV these days: a real, imperfect woman who’s just doing the best she can.

Also starring in the show as Erica’s college friend is Tyron Leitso, who Wonderfalls fans may remember as the adorable Eric. For those missing Wonderfalls, good news: Mr. Leitso’s character is not too far off from the one he played on the canceled Fox show. And yes, he’s still got that swoon-worthy factor.

The series also has another great thing going for it. Since much of the show revolves around Erica going back in time to the ’90s, the soundtrack features lots of tunes you probably haven’t heard in a while, in addition to a hilarious Britney Spears reference. Another episode features karaoke takes on “Take On Me” and “Girl Just Wanna Have Fun,” as well as Dirty-Dancing themed party with a band playing “Hungry Eyes.”

It’s a very charming series. I’d even venture to say it’s my favorite new show of the season, and yes, I’m counting all the stuff that the U.S. broadcast networks have premiered so far.

“Being Erica” premieres on SoapNet Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. The series will also be coming to BBC.

Canadians can watch the show on CBC Television Wednesdays at 9 p.m. or stream aired episodes here.

UPDATE: Click here to read my “Watch the finale!” post and news about a second season.

Posted in being erica, what to watch | 6 Comments »

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