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Q and A: Week of Jan. 19

January 21, 2015, 12:37 pm
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A scene from the season-three premiere of Vikings

Q: Can you tell me when “Vikings” will be back? It seems like it’s been gone forever! — Jeremy T., via email

A: You don’t have much longer to wait. The History channel’s hit historical-fiction drama will be back Thursday, Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. ET. The new 10-episode third season begins with Ragnar (played by Travis Fimmel) as king, and follows the great responsibility that now rests on the shoulders of the former farmer.

With the promise of new land from the English, Ragnar leads his people to an uncertain fate on the shores of Wessex. King Ecbert (Linus Roache) has made many promises, and it remains to be seen if he will keep them. But ever the restless wanderer, Ragnar is searching for something more — and he finds it in the mythical city of Paris. Rumored to be impenetrable to outside forces, Ragnar and his band of Norsemen must come together to break down its walls and cement the Vikings legend in history.

The gripping family saga of Ragnar, Rollo (Clive Standen), Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) continues as alliances and loyal friendships are questioned, faith is catechized, and relationships are strained. “Vikings” tells the extraordinary tales of the lives and epic adventures of these warriors, and portrays life in the Dark Ages — a world ruled by raiders and explorers — through the eyes of Viking society.

Q: I remember a while back you reported that David Letterman was going to retire and Stephen Colbert was to take his place. Do you know when this will happen? — Patty T., via email

A: CBS has announced that David Letterman’s final show as host of “The Late Show” will be May 20. Letterman has been a prominent fixture in late-night television for decades, and upon his retirement in May, he’ll hold the record as the longest-tenured host in late-night talk-show history.

Q: Was “The Blacklist” canceled? I haven’t seen it in a while. — Trudy F., Cincinnati, Ohio

A: The James Spader-starring NBC drama was not canceled; it merely went on winter hiatus. The addictive series will be back with all-new episodes beginning on Super Bowl Sunday, which is Feb. 1.

Q: Do you know yet if “Legends” got picked up for another season? It’s my favorite new show of the year. — Michael J., Brunswick, Ga.

A: The TNT series based on the award-winning book by Robert Latell will be back for a second season coming this summer. So you’ll get 10 more episodes of action-hero Sean Bean kicking butt and taking names. 
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Tom Petty Addresses "The Sam Smith Thing"

January 29, 2015, 8:44 am
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Q and A: Week of Feb. 2

January 29, 2015, 9:04 am
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Q: I keep hearing great things about the FX series “Fargo,” but I don’t have cable. Is it out on DVD, or is there another way I can watch it? — Frannie D., Springfield, Ill.

A: Season one of this wonderful FX drama/suspense series — starring Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks, Allison Tolman and Martin Freeman — is now available on DVD. And Hulu recently announced that it has acquired the streaming rights for the series. No exact date has been announced, only that we should be on the lookout for it ahead of the series’ season two premiere this fall on FX.

Q: Can you tell me when “Game of Thrones” will be back for a new season? — Bobby T., via email

A: The phenomenal drama/historical-fantasy series will be back for its fifth season on April 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. HBO also revealed that “Silicon Valley” would be begin its second season at 10 p.m., following the “GoT” premiere, and season four of “Veep” will follow that at 10:30 p.m. All three series will have 10-episode seasons.

In the meantime, you can relive some of season four on the big screen in IMAX format before that. In limited release (about 150 IMAX theaters), the last two episodes of season four’s “Game of Thrones” will be shown the way lots of fans think it should be aired all the time: in movie theaters. Those who do attend these limited showings will also be treated to an exclusive trailer for season five. Check your local listings to see if it is on the big screen in your town. According to “Entertainment Weekly,” there have also been reports of a season-five preview special to air on HBO, perhaps as soon as February. Fingers crossed for that too!

Q: My husband recently introduced me to the “Evil Dead” movies. He heard they are making it into a TV series. Is that true? — Nancy P. in Indiana

A: Your husband heard correctly. Starz is bringing the series to the small screen via an original series called “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” which takes place after the action of the movie series. The series’ star and the director of “Evil Dead” — Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi, respectively — are set to return to the production, which will consist of 10 half-hour episodes. The story begins three decades later, where Ash (Campbell) is forced to face his demons and fight the Evil Dead yet again when a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all mankind.

Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt in Jurassic World

Q: I know the project is all hush-hush, but is there anything you can tell me about “Jurassic World”? — George F., Montgomery, Ala.

A: Recently I spoke with James DuMont, who just finished another wonderfully disturbing season of “American Horror Story,” and who also plays a role in the sure-to-be summer blockbuster, which opens June 12. However, things are so hush-hush that he can’t even tell me what role he plays. This is what he could tell me: “I can’t tell you anything about story, plot, my character. I’ve signed all these very heavy-duty nondisclosure agreements up and down the street. But the good news to tell you is that it’s amazing. The cast is amazing. There are so many cool things about this movie. They got it right. Steven Spielberg’s on board. The director, Colin Trevorrow, is amazing. I think it’s going to be a really, really good movie. I’m just excited to be a part of a big movie like this.” Stop by tomorrow to read my entire interview with James.

Q: All last year I read rumors about a “Wet Hot American Summer” sequel, even on your Twitter feed, but I’ve seen neither hide nor hair of it anywhere. Is this really going to happen? — Megan M., via Facebook

A: I have good news for you, and for lovers of this outrageous and brilliant comedy everywhere. There will indeed be a sequel, but not in feature-film form. Netflix, which is quickly becoming my favorite outlet for original programming, has picked it up for an eight-episode limited series. And pretty much all of the film’s original stars will return: Elizabeth Banks, H. Jon Benjamin, Michael Ian Black, Bradley Cooper, Judah Friedlander, Janeane Garofalo, Nina Hellman, Ken Marino, Zak Orth, David Hyde Pierce, Joe LoTruglio, Christopher Meloni, A.D. Miles, Marguerite Moreau, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Marisa Ryan, Molly Shannon, Michael Showalter and Kevin Sussman. To say that I am excited about this doesn’t nearly cover the emotions I am feeling about this series. I’m thinking you’re feeling the same way right about now.

Q: I loved your interview with CCH Pounder about “NCIS: New Orleans” a few months back, and I love the show. Will it be back for another season? — Janice T., via email

A: “NCIS: New Orleans,” which is the No. 1 new TV series on broadcast television, has indeed received a second season pickup from CBS. “Madam Secretary,” which is the No. 2 most watched new series, and “Scorpion,” which is No. 3, have both also received a second season.
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Interview: Nancy Lee Grahn's General Hospital Now! Cohorts Are Here to Entertain

February 3, 2015, 9:46 am
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We all know Nancy Lee Grahn for playing Alexis Davis on “General Hospital” since 1996. And in that time, we’ve seen Alexis commit vehicular manslaughter, accidentally stab Cameron Lewis, kill Luis Alcazar by pushing him off a balcony, break and enter, and steal and lie — but you’ve never seen her like this. On her new Web series “General Hospital Now!” — which she created and co-wrote with Kaore Bonell — Nancy shows us her silly, smart and hilarious side. She also gets some of her castmates into the act with skits, talk-show panels and man-on-the-street interviews. Six episodes (each of which range from seven to 10 minutes) are now available for online viewing at abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital. I spoke with Nancy about this fun new project recently, and she is thrilled to give “GH” fans the chance to see their favorite stars cutting up and letting go.

Celebrity Extra: Who’s idea was “General Hospital Now!”?

Nancy Lee Grahn: It was mine. I have a writing partner, Kaore Bonell — we met through mutual friends — and he’s a huge “GH” fan. He’s a sketch writer, and I loathe writing, so we came up with ideas together. We just laughed and had fun and thought this would be fun to do. We pitched it to ABC, and they were receptive.

CE: I had a ball watching the episodes; this idea was long overdue.

NLG: Yes, that’s the thing — people don’t get to see that this is a very fun medium. Everyone works hard, and they take what they do very seriously and they do it really well, but it’s also entertainment. And we laugh a lot. We have a great sense of humor about all kinds of things that we do. And that to me is the fun thing about doing “GH Now!” — I think it’s important to find the humor in everything. So we are finding the humor, and we’re letting the audience know that we know that they know that we know that we know that they know (laughs). You know what I mean? It’s just really good fun, and it’s done out of love, and it’s a wink and a hug to the audience.

CE: You guys look like you’re having so much fun; is that an example of the fun you all have together off-screen?

NLG: Oh, yes, we do. That’s what’s fun about this show is we get to show what we do when the cameras aren’t rolling. We’re having a good time.

CE: Do you do this in front of an audience? I know I heard laughter and audience reactions during the talk-show portions, but I didn’t know if that was live or added later.

NLG: No, there wasn’t an audience for these first six episodes. When you do a pilot, there’s not a template for this kind of thing, so you experiment. When we saw the playback of the talk show, we realized that it sounded too hollow. There’s a reason why talk shows have the formula that they have, because it works.

CE: With the immense “GH” fan base, you should have no trouble scrounging up an audience if you decide to shoot more of these webisodes.

NLG: Oh, yes, if we get the privilege of doing more, that’s something that’s going to be addressed. We did this for a very modest budget. And if we do more, hopefully there will be some advertising money, and we can get a little more luxurious.

Nancy with Jackie Kashian, Ian Buchanan (Duke Lavery) and Jen Kober 
CE: Some of my favorite parts were when Jason Thompson could guess all of his male co-stars’ identities by their bare chests, the Alexis Jones law-office commercial, and the on-the-street fan interaction where you were teaching them to do a soap-opera face slap. What are some of your favorite moments?

NLG: I am very partial to the sketches. I love “The Crying Game” sketch, the gurney race. I like the commercials; I love doing on-the-street stuff. And there’s a funny bit where everyone goes to the bathroom in my dressing room, thinking it’s the bathroom. You know, things you’ve never seen before on “General Hospital.”


CE: How is the shooting process?

NLG: I can tell you there’s never been a moment shooting this that was not fun in some way. There was no fighting. It wasn’t like, “What are we going to do?” It was a good group. Everyone got along. Everyone pitched in. Every day was fun that we worked on the show, and I loved it.

CE: How has the fan feedback about the series been so far?

NLG: I’m knocking on wood, because it’s been very positive, extremely positive. People have been so supportive. I’m overwhelmed by how nice everybody is.

CE: I’ll bet your “GH” die-hard fans have their share of ideas for future shows, don’t they?

NLG: We’re getting all kinds of ideas. People are saying, “How about you do this in the next one?” And the actors are coming up with ideas. It’s really gotten a very wonderful response, and I’m really grateful.

CE: You said earlier that you don’t know yet if you’ll get to do more — it depends on the reception these first six episodes get — but I really hope you get the OK to do more episodes. They really are a pleasure to watch.

NLG: You are so nice; thank you so much. I so want to do more. Kaore (Bonell) and I have so many more ideas. It really is fun. And the actors involved are really good sports, and they are willing to play. Kaore and I are already starting to talk and come up with some stuff, so if we get green-lit for more, we’ll be ready.

CE: How can fans help you get that green light?

NLG: We just need a lot of website clicks, lots of clicks. People can go to abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital, and click on the “General Hospital Now!” link on the right side of the page, and watch the episodes. And share them with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s get the word out!
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Interview: James DuMont Discusses His "Indie" Film, Jurassic World

February 25, 2015, 9:40 am
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With “American Horror Story: Freak Show” behind him — although I’m sure a lot of viewers are still thinking about that ending — James DuMont is ready to move on to even bigger things, namely dinosaurs. James has a role in the sure-to-be summer blockbuster “Jurassic World,” which opens June 12. While he couldn’t tell me a lot about the hush-hush project, he did give me a little glimpse of what we can expect this summer.

Celebrity Extra: Tell me about “Jurassic World.”

James DuMont: Well, it’s this little, independent, low-budget film that’s got some dinosaurs in it and stuff. (Laughs.) But seriously, I can’t tell you anything about story, plot, my character or anything. I’ve signed all these heavy-duty nondisclosure agreements up and down the street. But the good news to tell you is that it’s absolutely amazing. The cast is amazing. A good indication of the excitement around it is when the trailer came out; 15 million people saw it within the first 24 hours. I think we’re up to 80 million views on YouTube. So, I think I can go out on a limb and predict that we’ll be the box-office hit of the summer. Chris Pratt’s in there. Bryce Dallas Howard’s in there. It’s just really great people involved; it’s going to be a great franchise. There are a lot of cool things about the movie. They got it right. Steven Spielberg’s on board. The director, Colin Trevorrow, is amazing. I’m just excited to be a part of a big movie like that. It’s the largest-budget movie I’ve ever done.

CE: I know you can’t tell me about the plot, but can you tell me about the filming process? How was that, and where did you film?

JD: They did half the film in Hawaii, where the majority of the amusement park is. The rest of it was done in Baton Rouge, and that is where I come into the movie. Louisiana has so much filming going on. At some point we were sharing space with “Terminator: Genisys.” And “The Fantastic Four” was also filming in Baton Rouge. So, you had three $100-million-plus movies all being shot in Louisiana at the same time. That was kind of wild.

CE: And all three of those movies are so hush-hush, which I fully approve of, because I am a no-spoilers kind of movie/TV watcher.

JD: I respect that they want to keep it secret. I feel the same way about the TV shows, too. When I’m doing shows like “American Horror Story,” and even when I was doing “Treme,” I didn’t know about the other scenes. So, I get to watch the show with fresh eyes as well because I don’t know about what other people are doing other than my own scenes. I absolutely like that idea of keeping it quiet and secret. It’s fun to know inside information, but I wouldn’t want to share it, because it kills the story.

CE: I keep expecting to see you pop up as country DJ Bobby Delmont on “Nashville” again, but, alas, you haven’t made another appearance yet.

JD: Juliette Barnes (played by Hayden Panettiere) is going to have to circle back around to Houston and give them a little Bobby Delmont. I thought for sure that returning was a possibility, but, you know, it’s all about the gals and the singing. But you never know. I’m just glad the show’s still going.

CE: I do love “Nashville,” and Hayden has been phenomenal this season.

JD: She’s so incredibly talented. I mean, she’s amazing. She’s the sweetest person and is so smart and sharp, and so on her game. Beyond “Nashville,” I think that some Oscar work is going to come out of her within the next five years, for sure. I was blown away by her, to be quite honest.

CE: I see you’re currently filming a movie called “Mind Puppets.” Tell me about that one.

JD: It’s this cool little ensemble comedy where seven people at a fair are up on stage and are hypnotized by a mind reader/hypnotist. He gives them particular things to do, and the audience is loving it and having a good time. But before he pulls everybody out from under hypnosis, he has a heart attack, so they are stuck in this hypnotic state. It’s a really cool film, a very fun movie. It stars Kevin Pollak, Vinnie Jones and lots of others.

CE: That sounds like a wonderful premise for something I’d like to see.

JD: It is a great premise. The other thing that I loved about it is that it’s a very different follow-up to “Dallas Buyers Club.” I mean, half the movie I’m shirtless. And I’m not built, I’ll tell you right now. I’m a fat dude who sometimes has man boobs. But I researched being hypnotized in real life, and there are no limits or boundaries. Once you’re in that hypnotic state, you’re free from all the limitations that your mind and heart and experiences put on you. There’s something kind of amazing and scary about that.

CE: Tell me about “I Saw the Light.”

JD: It is a Hank Williams biopic, which stars Tom Hiddleston. That definitely will be cut and ready in time for him to be considered for an Oscar nomination, or at least a Golden Globe. He did an amazing job of channeling his inner country singer, and him being the low-key Brit from the “Avengers” movies; you couldn’t ask for more polar-opposite characters to embody. But that one is going to be pretty exciting.

CE: Was this made with cooperation and approval from Hank Williams Jr.?

JD: Absolutely — Junior had approval. We also consulted the people who handled the estate, the musicians who worked side by side with Hank pretty much from day one. You’ve got a lot of old, seasoned folks who handled his business and his personal life. I knew there was a big Hank Williams following, but I had no idea the generational levels of his contribution. I’m excited to be a part of it.

CE: What about the movie “Little Boy”? That comes out soon, right?

JD: That comes out April 24, and I did that about three years ago. I saw a screening of it, and it’s magical. It’s really quite amazing. It’s set during World War II, and it’s about a little boy whose dad goes off to war, and he’ll do anything to make sure his dad comes back home safe. A Japanese man comes to the little town, and he befriends the boy. It’s a beautiful lesson of if you can learn to love your enemy, you can learn to love anybody. Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson, David Henrie, Kevin James — they’re all in it. It’s the kind of movie that people make with their heart, and I hope it will get a lot of attention.
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Interview: A Story Angela Robinson Is Excited to Tell

February 27, 2015, 9:17 am
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The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) has its share of new and exciting programming. And as millions of viewers have discovered, it also has a sudsy, seductive and addictive nighttime drama, by none other than Tyler Perry, that has taken the soap world by storm. I am speaking of “The Haves and the Have Nots,” which is a one-hour drama that airs on OWN on Tuesdays at 9/8c. The show stars John Schneider, Tika Sumpter, Angela Robinson and Peter Parros, and centers on the rich and powerful Cryer family (headed by Schneider) and the hired help who work in their opulent Savannah, Georgia, mansion. I spoke with series star Angela Robinson, who plays the sharp-tongued and formidable Veronica Harrington, about the show as we get into the thick of season three.

Celebrity Extra: The role of Veronica Harrington is the talk of the fans: You either love her or you hate her. She’s smart, sassy and very much someone you don’t want to get on the wrong side of. What did you think about her when you were first presented with the role?

Angela Robinson: Thank goodness for people like Tyler Perry for writing this kind of role. When I first got the script, the only thing that really defined my character in it was my relationship with my son. The character had not been developed much more than that. I was the best friend of Kathryn Cryer, and I was the mom who was going to be against her son [and his sexual orientation]. My goal with that was to just be as faithful as I possibly could about hating that. I felt as though people who really feel that way and who would go to such lengths to change their child’s sexuality, if they could see a glimpse of themselves, they may actually think twice about it if they could actually see how painful and hurtful that could be. It was my goal to go all the way with that and not worry about being liked, to be OK with being hated.

CE: Were you nervous or excited to take that on?

AR: Definitely excited. It didn’t make me nervous. I was really excited to take it on, to be a part of telling this story of this young man’s journey. So, it didn’t make me nervous at all, but it did give me pause. I just really didn’t want to sugarcoat it. That was important to me, and it was also important to Mr. Perry.

CE: Do you consider Veronica to be a villain, or just misunderstood?

AR: That’s a really good question. I think that she’s probably one of the villainesses on the show. I say that because she is one of the ones who manipulates and tries to control a situation. I would say that she is. She, along with Candace, yes.

CE: I’d put Veronica up there with Erica Kane (“All My Children”) and Alexis Colby (“Dynasty”) in the “sophisticated and gorgeous villainess” category, but also Olivia Pope (“Scandal”) and Annalise Keating (“How to Get Away with Murder”) in the “powerful, smart and woman-in-control” category.

AR: What I love is that you mentioned these women, the leading ladies on television now of color. I love that it’s not all peaches and cream, you know? These ladies are complex; we have villains, and we get to play all these different types of characters. I think that’s great.

CE: A big moment — which for me harkened back to the “Dynasty” days when Alexis and Krystle had a lily-pond catfight — was when Veronica and Maggie went at it over David.

AR: It’s crazy, the reactions we’ve been getting. I didn’t know people were so into fighting! I think it says a lot about how people feel about marriage. No matter how much they hate [my character], they didn’t like anyone trying to come between a married couple. Allison (McAtee), the young lady who plays Maggie, is a good friend, so it was all done in fun and love. It was a lot of fun. I have fun speaking my mind and telling it like it is.


CE: People were saying that since David and Maggie weren’t intimate, it’s not cheating. I say, they were in bed making out half-clothed, so, yes, that’s cheating, and Veronica has every right to be mad.

AR: I know! We talked about that a lot on-set when we were doing it. People were like, “But he didn’t do anything!” And I would always say: “But I don’t know that. He was in her room all night. That’s enough.” They could have just been talking. I think that if you know a woman is into you, you probably shouldn’t be in an adjoining room. Probably should check his clothes. David’s such a good guy. But I agree it was cheating.

CE: How does “The Haves and the Have Nots” stand out from other nighttime dramas?

AR: I think it’s a number of things. I think it’s extremely diverse. You have different races; you have people of different economic backgrounds; you have different sexual orientations. And all are on the same level on the show. You are seeing their stories play out; it truly is an ensemble cast. Our show speaks to so many different issues, and the show is really relevant. I just think people really relate to it.

CE: Onscreen there is a lot of drama, but what’s it like backstage?

AR: We are a close cast. We all get along really well. We hang out in each other’s dressing rooms. Sometimes we talk about the story line together like it’s for real. We have to catch ourselves, because we’ll be done with a scene and walking back to the dressing room, and I’ll say to David, “But you had no business in her room.” And he’ll say, “Well, you should have let me come home.” And we look at each another and say: “What are we saying? That was business. We’re done.” Sometimes we take it very seriously (laughs).

And we genuinely really like each other. We enjoy spending time with one another off-set. I miss the cast so much [when we’re done filming for the season]. It’s really hard to say goodbye.

CE: What can you tell me about season three?

AR: I really think it’s the best season we’ve done. Fans can expect a bold ride every episode. Every character gets a moment this season. Last season we were really praying that Benny was going to come out of his coma, which was a big part of last season. And Candace was kidnapped most of last season. Now Benny’s back and Candace is back, and everybody gets the photo lens on their character more this season than any other season. It’s going to be really great. You are going to see different sides to the characters. Sometimes writers like to keep their characters in a box, but Mr. Perry doesn’t write that way. We get to see different sides of the characters, which is great for an actor to not be tied to a specific interpretation. It will be a great season.
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Interview: Bree Williamson's Unexpected Journey

March 4, 2015, 8:45 am
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Back in 2013, I was obsessed with the NBC nighttime drama “Deception.” I loved everyone on the show, especially Bree Williamson, who played murdered heiress Vivian Bowers (in flashback scenes, as we backtracked trying to figure out who killed her) in the soapy drama. I was sad it was canceled, especially because the Canadian beauty is such a nice woman. Prior to "Deception," I met Bree at Disney/MGM Studios' (now-defunct) Super Soap Weekend, and she was kind, generous and insightful. Which was why I jumped at the chance to interview her about her latest project. Bree stars in the Hallmark Channel original movie, “Portrait of Love,” which premieres March 14 at 9/8c. She plays April Littleton, a world-renowned fashion photographer who returns to her small town to help it raise money for its centennial celebration. When she gets there, she finds there’s a lot to love about her hometown, including the boy she left behind.

Celebrity Extra: What did you think when you first read the script and were considering the role of April?

Bree Williamson: I empathize with being at a crossroads in your life, where you’re doing really well and you’re feeling successful and everything’s great, but you’re not feeling completely fulfilled. She went on an unexpected journey. She goes to her hometown, and she’s swept away in the journey of finding love. She’s a really cool character; I thought it was written very well, and it is a really sweet love story that my son can watch.

CE: The chemistry between all of you onscreen was very good. Did you all get along well off-screen too?

BW: We did. It wasn’t acting. We really did all get along. I had a great time. It was really fun to work with everybody. It was a fun set, and we teased each other a lot. And Jason (Dohring, who plays Luke) really likes to work. He was available and really wanted to make it a great film and a great experience. Plus, he’s really a nice guy. And Frances Fisher is so cool. I love her so much. Caitlin Carmichael is just the sweetest little girl ever. I’m always fascinated with young actors and was impressed by how she was such a pro. I really enjoyed working with her.

CE: She really is phenomenal. She handled all the fun scenes well, and with her crying scene, she knocked it out of the park!

BW: I’ve seen grown-up actors who have to cry, and they’ll call for a clear set so they can cry, and be very high maintenance about it. But Caitlin was just such a pro about it. She was amazing.



CE: How was it working with Hallmark?

BW: Amazing. It’s a great network. They treated me so nicely. I can’t say enough. It was such a positive experience. I loved the entire crew, the hair and makeup, wardrobe. The director, Kristoffer Tabori, was amazing. He’s a classy guy. He was so open to talking about everything and the whole process. Plus, I was home every night at a regular time, and that’s a dream situation for an actor, especially for a mom. I can’t say enough good stuff about the experience. It was so wonderful.

CE: What do you hope viewers take away from the movie?

BW: I always hope that everybody just ends up feeling great after they watch something, that it brings some joy and happiness into their life. If it means more to them, that’s awesome, but that’s all I really want.
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Q and A: Week of March 2

March 4, 2015, 9:06 am
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Billy Campbell as Dr. Alan Farragut
Q: I am so glad that “Helix” is back on Syfy. Can you give me any hints of what to expect this season? — Lily T., via email

A: I spoke with series star Billy Campbell not too long ago, and he gave me enough “Helix” scoop to get you through the next few episodes. When we caught up with our season-one survivors when season two began on Jan. 16, we were introduced to two new characters, Brother Michael and Dr. Kyle Sommer, played by Steven Weber and Matt Long, respectively. Billy told me what it was like to work with them: “They’re both, first of all, first-class gentlemen. They are wonderful actors. I’ve known Steven Weber for many years. We first worked together in the mid ’80s and then again on ‘Once and Again.’ And he’s a rake and a rogue and an imp, and I always knew he was a creepy guy inside. And now he had the chance to prove it. He’s one of the funniest and now, I believe, one of the creepiest guys I’ve ever met.”

As far as season two goes, will Billy’s character, Dr. Alan Farragut, continue his quest to uncover the truth behind Ilaria and the virus outbreak? “I would say that I come uncomfortably close to realizing my quest. Everything about the second season ties very neatly into that storyline. If you were shocked and surprised by season one, you will be doubly shocked and surprised by season two. They really outdid themselves. I’m not sure exactly what they were smoking in the writers’ room for season two, but they sure seemed to be having a great time smoking it.”

Stayed tuned later this week to read my full interview with Billy.

Q: I am sad that Will Arnett’s series “The Millers” was canceled. Can you tell me if I’ll get to see him in something else soon? — Jean F., Branson, MO

A: The hilarious and talented actor is set to team up with Netflix again, this time developing a series called “Flaked,” where Will stars as a self-help guru named Chip who’s struggling to stay a step ahead of his own lies. Will also co-created, co-wrote and co-executive-produced it with Mark Chappell. The series will premiere next year with eight episodes.

Q: When will “Mad Men” be back? — Mike D., via email

A: The award-winning drama returns to AMC with its final seven episodes on April 5 at 10/9c. Regarding the finale, series star John Slattery told “Variety”: “It was surprising to the end”; while January Jones said: “It’s a beautiful story. It’s perfect in every way.”

Series creator and writer, Matthew Weiner, told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour that while he hopes fans will be pleased with the ending, “as the person telling the story, I think people sometimes have to be protected from what they want to see happen. To delight them with a surprise, you can’t give them everything they want.”

Christina Ricci as Lizzie Borden
Q: I absolutely loved Lifetime’s “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax,” and was so happy when you wrote that the network was turning it into a series. Can you give me any more information about that? — Steff S. in Florida

A: I do have a few more details about the Lifetime limited series, which sees Christina Ricci taking up her ax again as Lizzie Borden, with Clea DuVall returning as her sister, Emma; the series also stars John Heard, Cole Hauser, Jessy Schram and Jonathan Banks. And more great news for fans: “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles” has been extended from six episodes to eight, with the series airing sometime this April.

“Chronicles” delivers an intense and fictionalized account of actual events and people surrounding Lizzie’s life after her controversial acquittal of the horrific double murder of her father and stepmother in 1892, when the exonerated figure lives a life awash in newfound celebrity filled with scandalous love affairs. But when numerous people close to Lizzie — ranging from her half-brother, William, to Broadway luminaries to business associate/underworld kingpin Mr. Flowers — start to mysteriously die under brutal and strange circumstances, legendary Pinkerton detective Charlie Siringo becomes determined to prove her involvement in their demise. Jessy Schram plays Nancy O’Keefe, an alluring and ambitious actress and dancer who befriends Lizzie; Emmy nominee John Heard portrays William Almy, the business partner of Lizzie’s murdered father.

Q: You told us that “Hannibal” would be back as a midseason show, but I haven’t heard anything about when it will be on. Please help! — Daniel S., via email

A: I promise I did not lie to you, Daniel. NBC merely changed up the timing of the season-three premiere of cult-hit drama. The network announced recently that it will air the series this summer, which I think will actually be good news for the show, which sometimes is lacking in the all-important viewer numbers. With less competition over the summer, maybe more people will find their way to this show and help propel it to a much-deserved fourth season. The new season will take story elements from Thomas Harris’ “Hannibal Rising” and “Red Dragon” novels, and will include a different origin story for Dr. Lecter, according to show runner Bryan Fuller.

Q: I miss Eva Longoria. Will she star in something soon? — Olivia F. in Connecticut

A: NBC has given the green light for 13 episodes of a single-camera comedy called “Telenovela,” which will star Longoria as Ana Maria, the domineering-diva star of Latin America’s most popular telenovela, whose off-screen drama rivals that of her on-screen personality.

According to NBC president Jennifer Salke: “[Longoria] is a perfect fit for ‘Telenovela.’ Her character will try to navigate the hysteria and high jinks that everyone must endure in putting together a daily show.”


Q: I was so excited to see the teaser trailer for “Heroes Reborn” during the Super Bowl this year. Do you have any spoilers or news about it? — Amelia D., via email

A: As I reported earlier, “Heroes Reborn,” which will air on NBC sometime in 2015 (an exact airdate had not been set as of this writing), will be a 13-episode event series. Although this reboot will be a brand-new series featuring new, extraordinary characters, Jack Coleman will return as Noah Bennet, aka HRG. “Chuck” alumnus Zachary Levi has joined the show in an undisclosed role.

Regarding other former cast members returning for the reboot, NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt recently revealed: “I’m not trying to be coy, because we just don’t know, but I think you’ll see several of the old cast popping in to episodes.”

Q: I think this season of “Portlandia” might be the funniest one yet. Please tell me I’ll get to enjoy new episodes for years to come. — Paula T., via email

A: I am happy to tell you that you’ll get at least two more seasons of funny from Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. IFC announced that it has picked up the hit comedy for seasons six and seven, each encompassing 10 half-hour episodes.

Q: I wanted to ask about two ABC shows that I very much miss and wondered if there's any chance they'll be aired again: “Red Widow” and “666 Park Avenue.” I very much enjoyed both shows, especially the eye candy in “Red Widow.”—Marsha R., Naples, Fla.

A: Both ABC series premiered in the 2012-13 season — “666 Park Avenue” in September and “Red Widow” as a midseason replacement — to much hullabaloo and fanfare, however, both were canceled due to low ratings. Of the two series, “Red Widow” is available on DVD, in case you are feeling nostalgic, and want to relive the drama and intrigue and eye candy.

Q: I truly hope the writers and producers of “Galavant” know what a superb show it is. I laugh so hard and watch each episode several times since there are so many jokes and bits every second. I thank them for this wonderful production. If it comes out on DVD, I will buy it! — Nancy M., Venice, Fla.

A: I know a lot of people who feel the way you do, Nancy. And they are all hoping for a second season, as I’m sure you are. If anything, it’s just nice to have the option to watch a series that is inventive and unique, and there really is no other show out there like it right now. I believe in rewarding people for thinking outside the box, and I hope ABC does too. While “Galavant” is one of the shows that started out really strong, it then slipped in numbers as the limited series went on. However, since it is a limited series (meaning each season has fewer episodes than a normal series, and it can air at any time during the season as a place-filler or replacement), its low numbers won’t necessary be nails in its coffin, but I’d still place this show very much on the bubble. We’ll keep our fingers crossed!

Q: I read that Andrew Garfield will no longer star in “Spider-Man.” Does that mean the franchise will be ending? — DeeDee R., via email

A: The franchise will go on — but with a new Spidey. Like Tobey Maguire before him, Andrew is moving on to other things, and a new (not-yet-cast) actor will take his place. The premiere date for the new “Spider-Man” movie has been set for July 28, 2017. Because of this, “Thor: Ragnorak” will now open in November 2017, since Peter Parker and company have taken his release date.

Readers: A few months back I answered a reader’s question about whether “Outlander” would be available on DVD. I answered that of course it would, we just didn’t know when yet. Well, now we know. “Outlander: Season One, Volume One” is now available on DVD and Blu-ray (it came out yesterday). The two-disc set includes the first eight episodes of season one, some “making of” featurettes, a 32-page book with photographs, and deleted scenes. The Blu-ray version has even MORE deleted scenes and featurettes. It might even give you enough to keep you occupied as you wait for the season half of season one to begin on Starz on April 4.
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Interview: Billy Campbell's Helix Quest

March 6, 2015, 9:23 am
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Billy Campbell as Dr. Alan Farragut on Helix
Billy Campbell made women swoon on “Once and Again,” he surprised us all on “The Killing,” and he has us all enthralled as Dr. Alan Farragut on the apocalyptic thriller “Helix” (which airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on the Syfy network). As a brilliant scientist trying to figure out the source of and stop the progression of a life-threatening disease outbreak, Billy certainly has his hands full. But he made time recently to talk with me about the series, and to tease a little about what fans can expect as season two gets down and dirty.

Celebrity Extra: The premise behind “Helix” is fascinating and frightening. What was it about the show that appealed to you most?

Billy Campbell: I loved the premise. I loved the possibilities. This kind of show could be really spectacular. And I wanted to work with (executive producer) Ron Moore (who produced season one, but is now busy with Starz’s hit time-travel drama “Outlander”).

CE: And what did you think about your character, Alan Farragut?

BC: I thought I was right for the part; that’s about all I thought, really. A lot of the choices I’ve made over the years have to do with whether I can see myself in the role. It doesn’t matter how good the project is, if I don’t see myself in the role, I generally don’t go after it.

CE: How was it working with new cast members Matt Long and Steven Weber?

BC: They’re both, first of all, first-class gentlemen. They are wonderful actors. I’ve known Steven for many, many years. We first worked together in the mid-80s and then again on “Once and Again.” He’s a rake and a rogue and an imp, and I always knew he was a creepy guy inside. And now he’s had the chance to prove it. He’s one of the funniest, and now, I believe, one of the creepiest guys I’ve ever met. (Laughs.)

CE: What can you tell me about how season two will progress?

BC: I will say that I come uncomfortably close to realizing my quest. Everything about the second season ties very neatly into that story line. If you were shocked and surprised by season one, then you will be doubly shocked and surprised by season two. They really outdid themselves. I’m not sure exactly what they were smoking in the writers’ room during season two, but it sure seems like they had a great time smoking it.
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Interview: Jeremy Piven (Mr Selfridge) on His "Humbling" Role

March 27, 2015, 6:05 am
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Jeremy Piven as Harry Selfridge
Film, stage and small-screen star Jeremy Piven is a jack-of-all-trades. He’s co-starred in numerous films, like “Grosse Pointe Blank,” “Serendipity,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Old School” and the soon-to-be-released “Entourage” movie (June 5). But he’s also had his hand in many hit TV shows, like HBO’s “Entourage,” “Cupid,” “The Larry Sanders Show” and much more. His latest project is, in my opinion, one of his finest: PBS’ “Mr Selfridge.” The fantastically brilliant period drama returns for its third season March 29, and a lot has happened: The year is 1919, World War I is over, and Harry (Selfridge, played by Jeremy) must face the loss of his beloved wife. I spoke with Jeremy recently about the new season, and he is anxious for folks here in the States to discover what the folks in England already know: that “Mr Selfridge” is can’t-miss TV.

Celebrity Extra: Tell me about what you thought when you first heard about the role, and that you’d be playing such an iconic, fascinating and brilliant man.

Jeremy Piven: I remember exactly where I was: We had finished eight seasons of “Entourage,” and I was taking a little bit of a much-needed break. I was passed information that here was a guy from the Midwest who had made a name for himself at a store (Marshall Field) that I had grown up going to, and my mother and her mother before that. He was incredibly ambitious; he decided to jump on a boat — it takes about three weeks to take a boat from New York to London — and go to England to invent a department store. At that time, department-store shopping didn’t exist over there.

He had an incredibly colorful life, and those involved (with the show) said: “Listen, let’s tell his entire life in four years. You’re the guy for it.” To be offered a role of this magnitude was humbling. I pretended like I needed to take a beat to think about it, but I didn’t. I needed to take no beat. I thought: “This guy exists? Are you kidding me? When do we start?”

CE: I don’t blame you for your excitement; this is such a wonderful show. What can you tell me about season three?

JP: It’s great, and the show itself is continuing to evolve. The third season, the stakes are raised; there are incredible turning-point moments, which I can’t tell you about too much, but it’ll completely take you by surprise. To be able to tell his life was so fascinating. It was beautiful and inspiring and tragic and all those things. It’s been a feast and just a gift to do this. It’s also a fascinating journey in terms of how it’s coming to people’s attention here in the States. As you know, we’re on PBS; it’s a very select audience. Overseas it airs on ITV, which is the equivalent of one of our major networks or HBO or something. It’s a monster hit. It’s been sold to 165 out of 200 countries. That’s more than “Entourage,” “Downton Abbey” — it’s just staggering. Here in my own backyard, it’s still kind of catching on. With season three starting on March 29, you can binge-watch the first two seasons (on Amazon Prime or iTunes), and then catch up on season three, which I think is the perfect way to see it.

CE: A lot of people compare “Mr Selfridge” to “Downton Abbey” simply because they are both period dramas set circa World War I and take place in England. How would you describe “Mr Selfridge” to dispel those misconceptions?

JP: I happen to be a fan of “Downton Abbey.” All of us as Americans are absolutely living in the present moment, and to see a simpler time where people have to confront each other face to face, it’s fascinating — it’s something, I think, we all secretly long for. “Downton” deals mostly with the country. And “Selfridge” is very much in the heart of the city. Those are two totally different energies. Yes, you get the period drama, but you have the pace and the energy of the city. It’s incredibly vital and edgy. It’s a faster-paced, energized version of maybe what one’s reference is for “Downton.”

CE: Harry Selfridge truly was a man ahead of his time when it came to advertising and modern-day selling hype. He was a brilliant trendsetter. What were your thoughts on the man as you did your research to portray him?

JP: He was ahead of his time in every aspect. At Marshall Field (his flagship store in Chicago) in the late 1800s, he built these enormous windows and portrayed scenes like a still-life play. That’s how he got people to come in. Quite a bit of what we see in department stores nowadays was his doing: putting all the products and perfumes where you can see them as soon as you walk in — he stole that particular idea from the French, but if you’re going to steal, you’re going to steal from the best — but those were all his ideas.

As soon as the television was invented, he put them in his stores and made it so the people could film themselves and show themselves in his store like a reality show. He wanted people to have a place where they could gather, be themselves, be whomever they see themselves as, and treated like guests. My mother and my grandmother have memories of being in Marshall Field, where there were places for my mother, as a little girl, where she could go and play and have the time of her life.

CE: Tell me about Harry Selfridge, the man.

JP: He had an incredible wife and family. He was a man-made celebrity and loved it. He put so much money into advertising. He was there every morning greeting all the customers, and there they could see the famous Harry Selfridge. It’s like walking in and seeing P.T. Barnum or Harry Houdini. He fancied himself a performer and an artist.

He wasn’t faithful to his wife, and she passes away (at the beginning of season three), and it completely rocks his world. He feels like he’ll never find love again. And that’s where we begin the season. He’s been taken down quite a few pegs. It was a little risky the way I’m playing it. I played him as a performer from the onset, and he’s been taken down quite a few notches. His heart is completely broken. He doesn’t know how he is going to continue. He’s got his mother there, and she’s been a rock for him, but now his wife is gone. And so he’s completely given up on love. And then enters Nancy Webb, who is this incredible force of nature who he completely falls for. I can’t tell you too much more.

CE: Why must you tease? I’ve read that Lord Loxley is back to make trouble for Harry …

JP: I think that’s one of the things that both “Mr Selfridge” and “Entourage” do so well is that they really take a cue from the performance aspect of the show itself — the execution — and they can see when a character is really executing well, and then continue to explore and heighten that character. And that’s the case with Lord Loxley. He comes in — he had no idea that he had been spoken of. Lady Mae would speak of him, and he was an off-camera presence the first season. And then enter Aidan (McArdle). Aidan is this brilliant Irish-British actor who plays him so brilliantly; he plays him almost like Richard III in terms of he relishes in his own evilness. He enjoys it. And he really is a thorn in Harry’s side. He’s back, and he blames Harry for the loss of his wife because Harry was very close with Lady Mae. They had a great relationship. I think they are alike in a lot of ways. They’re both survivors and incredibly crafty and all that stuff. But it was totally a platonic relationship. There’s something about that relationship that really makes Lord Loxley crazy. And he’s hellbent on bringing Harry down and his store down. He’s quite capable of doing it.
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Interview: Haylie Duff — It's a Dream Come True

April 17, 2015, 1:09 pm
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Haylie Duff, courtesy the Cooking Channel
Actress and singer Haylie Duff is perhaps best known to audiences for her roles on “7th Heaven” and in the cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite,” but nowadays, when she’s not preparing for the birth of her daughter, the soon-to-be first-time mom is cooking up a storm on the Cooking Channel. Her series, “The Real Girl’s Kitchen,” begins its second season on Saturday, April 25, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, and Haylie promises lots of fun, surprises and, of course, food.

Celebrity Extra: I know that your show started out as a blog, then became a book, and now it’s a series. How did that evolution come about?

Haylie Duff: Well, we kind of did everything backward, which is funny. I think most people end up on food television in some way, and then write a cookbook related to their series. But I didn’t really have a plan to ever actually be doing anything in the food world. I started my blog as a way of sharing my experience of learning how to cook and realizing that I was enjoying it and falling in love with how creative you get to be. Everything grew at a nice, organic pace. After the cookbook came out, I was approached by OraTV, which is the company I produce the show with, and they offered me a Web series.

I felt like: “Oh, I can do a couple of episodes of a Web series. It’s kind of low pressure, and if I don’t like it, I don’t have to keep doing it. Or if people don’t respond to the show, then it’s like, no harm, no foul.” I had so much fun making the show. By the time our promo was released online, we got a call from the Cooking Channel saying they wanted to buy the show, and it just grew from there, which was probably one of the most insane moments of my life to get that phone call. I am so excited to be starting season 2. It’s truly like a dream come true.

CE: For those who aren’t familiar with the show, can you tell me about the show and what viewers can expect?

HD: “The Real Girl’s Kitchen” really just is about a real girl in the kitchen: me learning how to cook, and sharing recipes that I love, and cooking for my family and my friends. Nothing is really a format on the show, which is what I love so much about it. It is very loose, and every episode is different. And we get out of the kitchen. A very fun way to share the love of food with someone is getting out there in the field, so to speak, and going to farms and farmers markets. We describe our style of food as “healthy decadence.” It’s a balance of healthy food and indulgent things as well.

CE: Speaking of healthy decadence, I’ve already bookmarked your recipe for creamy kale and pea pesto, and I can’t wait to try it!

HD: Oh good! I did that for the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. I did my first cooking demo there this year. I’ve cooked on morning shows and things like that, but I had never done a live cooking demonstration in front of, like, 200 people before. We ended up turning it into an episode of the show where you see the behind-the-scenes stuff of my recipe — testing what I’m going to make on stage, and then the episode will end at the festival. I’m not going to tell you how it ends, but it was terrifying to get up in front of that many people.

CE: I know you like to include your family and friends in episodes of “The Real Girl’s Kitchen.” Tell me about their involvement with the show for season two.

HD: We had a surprise birthday party for my mom. I love to mess with my mom. She hates to be on the show, but she’s so funny, I force her. She’s a riot; everybody loves Mama Duff. I told her I was going to be out of town for her birthday, and so she was giving me a hard time. And, of course, I surprised her in the end.

There are a lot of my friends on the show, and my family. We do a great Italian episode. My fiance is Italian, and he is always giving me a hard time, saying that Texas girls can’t make Italian food. So I set out to prove him wrong this year. It was a lot of fun. There’s another great episode where my buddy Jimmy — who is kind of a man about town with the ladies — has a date, and he suckers me into cooking for them, and then he pretends that he made the meal. It’s all very loose and fun, and I think you’ll enjoy it.

CE: Do you incorporate your pregnancy into the show in any way, like showing how you’re eating and/or cooking habits have changed?

HD: We didn’t because when I first started shooting, I was pregnant, but I didn’t look pregnant. And sometimes they change the order of the episodes when they air, and we were concerned that it would be confusing if an episode aired where I looked very pregnant and then another where I didn’t look pregnant. So we just avoided mentioning the pregnancy all together for season two.

However, I just finished shooting a summer special for the Cooking Channel that will kick off their summer programming, and I got to be very pregnant for that. I’m excited that I get to share pregnancy cravings and all kinds of fun stuff in the summer special.

CE: How have your eating habits and cooking methods changed since you’ve been pregnant?

HD: In the beginning of my pregnancy, I was never really sick or anything. I wasn’t nauseous, but I really just wanted light and healthy food. I had a lot of green smoothies and a lot of fruit. But as my pregnancy has advanced, I’ve become more lenient with what I allow myself to eat. There’s definitely been more pizza, more macaroni and cheese — you know, all the good things in life. And now that I’m done shooting and just enjoying these last few weeks, Matt and I are definitely eating some bad meals around here.

CE: You’ve got all this stuff going on professionally, and you’re preparing for a new baby. How do you fit it all in?

HD: I’m renovating a house, too. Isn’t that crazy? They tell you that you get this weird burst of energy when you’re pregnant, and it’s really true. The first trimester you want to take a nap every day. But after that, there’s something that takes over where you’re Superwoman. I can’t believe how much I can fit into one day. I’m sure that will calm down once the baby is here. I think it comes from nerves of not knowing what to expect and wanting to have everything in order before she arrives. And my mom is very much a multitasker as well, so I think I inherited that trait from her.
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Zuleikha Robinson: It's "Refreshing" to Be on The Following

April 24, 2015, 12:41 pm
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Zuleikha Robinson, courtesy Fox
If you’ve been following “The Following,” then you know it is an intense, roller-coaster ride of serial-killer madness — and it’s one of the most addictive shows on television. Starring Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy and Zuleikha Robinson, “The Following” is now airing its third crazy season on Monday nights at 9/8c on Fox. I spoke with Zuleikha recently, and she shared with me some insider secrets and fun facts about working on the series.

Celebrity Extra: When you first knew you were going to play Gwen, were you a little intimidated, knowing what an intense and gory show it can be, or were you excited to take on the project?

Zuleikha Robinson: I can’t say I’m a huge fan of anything gory, in general, but this is a really great show. I was drawn to it by the actors in particular. They’re just brilliant, and they work so well together. It is really well cast. When I watched the previous seasons to prepare for the role, I got so caught up in all the performances.

So, I was actually really excited to get to work. I worked with James Purefoy on “Rome,” and of course Kevin Bacon is incredible — very well-respected actor, deservedly so. I was really looking forward to getting into it. And also, it’s probably the first time that I’ve ever played a role where I haven’t had some sort of bad streak — unless, of course, something changes.

CE: Yeah, no offense, but I just don’t trust Gwen. I’ve learned not to trust anyone on that show after season one, when we found out Joe Carroll’s crazy cult members had infiltrated the FBI.

ZR: Of course — I totally understand. Kevin’s character, Ryan Hardy, feels that way pretty much all the time. It’s so hard to trust anyone. I’m sure it’s very hard for him to bring women into his inner circle for that reason. Not only because they could possibly turn out to be planted, but also just because of what he goes through from all the threats of death to his loved ones and losing people. It’s really hard for him.

CE: And that has to have an effect on Ryan and Gwen’s relationship.

ZR: It’s a real challenge for him. He never really allows himself to fully be there in a safe and loving way. There’s always been so much turmoil around everything he’s had to deal with. It’s clearly hard for him to open up, but he does his best. That is certainly where we tend to butt heads the most.

CE: What’s it like working with Kevin?

ZR: It’s really lovely. I met him before I started working. We had a lunch to just talk about stuff. It was really nice that he reached out. And we’ve had this wonderful progression to our relationship. It’s really lovely working off him. I’m enjoying it. He’s a very generous actor and extremely present and wonderful to work with. It’s been a real joy.

CE: Now that the show is well into its third season, you can tell that the actors have really developed a chemistry and camaraderie. What’s it like working on that set?

ZR: It’s one of my favorite sets I’ve ever worked on. Everything is pretty seamless on the show. Everyone gets on really well. It’s comfortable — it’s a very nice, comfortable energy. It can be challenging when you’re always going off to some other city or town to work on something. Well, most of the time, it’s great. But there have been a couple of instances when things haven’t worked so well. So, it’s always refreshing to come onto a show like “The Following,” where everything just kind of melds together in a beautiful way. The cast and crew are the best group of people I’ve worked with.

CE: Can you give me any clue as to what viewers can expect as the season progresses?

ZR: There’s not really much I can say at all. The difference between, I think, last season and this season is that family and relationships are a lot more front and center. That goes for both the heroes and the villains of the show. It’s nice to be able to learn more about people’s personal lives. So, we will definitely be seeing more of that this season.

CE: And I love that we are seeing more of Joe Carroll as well.

ZR: I think people really love James’ character. My mother, she’s never really excited about TV, but when I told her I was going to be on the show, she was like, “Oh my God, I love that show.” She just loves James’ character. He definitely has a huge following.

CE: Can you tell me what you know about Gwen’s future? As you know, many of Ryan’s love interests don’t make it a full season.

ZR: I can tell you that I’m in the full season, so far. We’re almost done filming, and so far I’ve pretty much worked the whole season.

CE: But Gwen could still die — we just don’t know with this show!

ZR: That’s true. I could be gone.

CE: With so much killing and gore on the show, how do you keep the mood light? Is there a prankster on the set?

ZR: There’s one instance I can think of, but I don’t know. I don’t want to embarrass anyone, so I probably shouldn’t say exactly what happened, but it was pretty funny.

CE: It’s good to know that you guys can keep your sense of humor amid all the carnage.

ZR: Oh, yes; it does tend to be very light in between takes, before all the killing starts happening. It definitely breaks up all the tears and the screaming.
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Renewed or Canceled — 2015-16 TV season

May 14, 2015, 7:48 am
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The networks have announced the renewed and canceled shows for the 2015-16 television season.

In alphabetical order, renewed shows include: 2 Broke Girls (CBS), 48 Hours (CBS), 60 Minutes (CBS), The 100 (CW), The Amazing Race (CBS), America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC), America’s Next Top Model (CW), American Crime (ABC), Arrow (CW), The Bachelor (ABC), Big Brother (CBS), The Blacklist (NBC), Beauty and the Beast (CW), The Big Bang Theory (CBS), The Biggest Loser (NBC), Black-ish (ABC), Blue Bloods (CBS), Bob’s Burgers (Fox), Bones (Fox), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox), Castle (ABC), The Celebrity Apprentice (NBC), Chicago Fire (NBC), Chicago P.D. (NBC), CSI: Cyber (CBS), Criminal Minds (CBS), Dancing with the Stars (ABC), Elementary (CBS), Empire (Fox), Extreme Weight Loss (ABC), Family Guy (Fox), The Flash (CW), Fresh Off the Boat (ABC), Galavant (ABC), The Goldbergs (ABC), The Good Wife (CBS), Gotham (Fox), Grimm (NBC), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Hannibal (NBC), Hawaii Five-0 (CBS), Hell’s Kitchen (Fox), Hollywood Game Night (NBC), How to Get Away With Murder (ABC), iZombie (CW), Jane the Virgin (CW), Law and Order: SVU (NBC), The Last Man on Earth (Fox), Last Man Standing (ABC), Madam Secretary (CBS), Marvel’s Agent Carter (ABC), Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC), MasterChef (Fox), MasterChef Junior (Fox), The Middle (ABC), Mike & Molly (CBS), Mom (CBS), Modern Family (ABC), The Mysteries of Laura (NBC), Nashville (ABC), NCIS (CBS), NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS), NCIS: New Orleans (CBS), New Girl (Fox), The Night Shift (NBC), The Odd Couple (CBS), Once Upon a Time (ABC), The Originals (CW), Person of Interest (CBS), Reign (CW), Scandal (ABC), Scorpion (CBS), Secrets and Lies (ABC), Shark Tank (ABC), The Simpsons (Fox), Sleepy Hollow (Fox), So You Think You Can Dance (Fox), Supernatural (CW), Survivor (CBS), Undateable (NBC), Undercover Boss (CBS), Unforgettable (canceled by CBS but picked up by A and E), The Vampire Diaries (CW), The Voice (NBC), World’s Funniest Fails (Fox).

TV shows that have either ended their run or have been canceled include: A to Z (NBC), About a Boy (NBC), Allegiance (NBC), American Idol, after season 15 (Fox), Backstrom (Fox), Bad Judge (NBC), Battle Creek (CBS), Constantine (NBC), Cristela (ABC), CSI, which will gave a two-hour wrap-up movie in September (CBS), The Following (Fox), Forever (ABC), Gang Related (Fox), Glee (Fox), Gracepoint (Fox), Hart of Dixie (The CW), Kitchen Nightmares (Fox), Manhattan Love Story (ABC), Marry Me (NBC), The McCarthys (CBS), The Mentalist (CBS), The Messengers (The CW), The Millers (CBS), The Mindy Project (Fox), Mulaney (Fox), One Big Happy (NBC), Parenthood (NBC), Parks and Recreation (NBC), Reckless (CBS), Red Band Society (Fox), Resurrection (ABC), Revenge (ABC), Selfie (ABC), Stalker (CBS), State of Affairs (NBC), The Taste (ABC), Two and a Half Men (CBS), Utopia (Fox), Weird Loners (Fox)
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Interview: Victoria Laurie Talks Ghosts, Death Dates, and Her Real-Life Dutch

May 14, 2015, 11:17 am
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Mother knows best — well, at least in this instance, she did. A few years ago, my mom recommended a book series to me by New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie. The Ghost Hunter Mysteries series centers on M.J. Holliday, a spiritual medium who — along with her BFF Gilley Gillespie — runs a ghost-busting business, which often puts historical murder and mayhem front and center. With competing love interests, a best friend who’s scared of his own shadow, and a parrot with attitude, some days, it’s all M.J. can do just to stay focused. (Don’t let the lighthearted description, taken from Victoria’s website, fool you: These books will scare the beejeezus out of you!)

So I read the series, and I loved it. I quickly moved on to Victoria’s other series, the Psychic Eye books, and methodically devoured each one of those. I was really and truly in love — with Victoria’s books, and then with the author herself. While we all have certain authors we like, it takes a certain personality to LURVE. I joined Victoria’s Facebook Fan Page, and couldn’t have been more impressed by the time and dedication she devotes to her fans: answering questions, replying to comments, giving us a glimpse into her life. That’s why I was more than thrilled when she was excited to talk to ME, to give me an interview—and a bigger glimpse into the life of the woman behind the words.

Our interview took place over the course of two phone calls, both of which started with a half-hour of just chatting and catching up, like we were old friends who hadn’t missed a beat in our relationship. But once we got down to the business of interviewing, I was enthralled by what Victoria had to tell me. I think you will be too. (Author’s note: Don’t worry, we also discussed her newest book, When, in great detail, which I will get to later.)

Celebrity Extra: Your book series deals with characters who have well-developed psychic abilities, which you have yourself. When did you first become aware of your abilities?

Victoria Laurie: There were a lot of glimpses in childhood of, I wouldn’t even say an ability, but sort of an awareness. It was a very scary thing, because you don’t really understand the source — it’s just stuff that popped out of my mouth at inopportune times. No one ever put a title to it, least of all me. In my 20s I went to see a gentleman who came  highly recommended. He was a psychic, and he remains the best psychic I’ve ever seen. He eventually became my mentor. He intimated that I clearly had a talent. It wasn’t anything that I wanted to embrace because I figured all psychics lived in trailer parks with big hoop earrings with scarves on their heads, and barely got by; I wanted to be an economist. And then I wanted to be a lawyer, so there was no room for this psychic-schmichic stuff.

And then I moved to Florida from Michigan, and I had some really bizarre incidents where I really couldn’t ignore it anymore. I was almost in a panic because it felt like it was an assault of information. A friend in Michigan had befriended Rebecca Rosen, who is a world-renowned medium at this time, but back then she wasn’t even doing readings professionally. So he put us in contact. It was a wonderful gift because we were both experiencing a lot of the same things, and she was so much more OK with it than I was at that time. She was the first person to ever say: “You know what? You are psychic. You are an intuitive.” She made it OK for me to experiment and to try. Then she challenged me to start doing readings professionally, because I had been pushing her. So she said, “I will if you will.”

It took me a very long time to actually embrace the title of “psychic.” You say that you are psychic to people, and they put an “o” on the end of that: “psycho.” I didn’t want that label. For me it’s much more comfortable to say that I’m intuitive than it is that I’m psychic. It’s not my abilities and anything that I’m ashamed of — it’s the bad connotation that comes with the label.

CE: How or when did you discover you also had a talent for writing?

VL: I didn’t think I could write. I had read the first three books of Janet Evanovich’s brilliant, fabulous series — the Stephanie Plum series — and I felt such a connection to Janet’s voice.  I felt like I expressed myself that way. I didn’t think I could write like her, but I felt like I could express myself. We had a similar sense of humor and kind of looked at the world a little bit the same way. I was so naive at the time; I didn’t even know you could have an amateur sleuth. I thought you had to be like a private investigator-turned-writer or a coroner-turned-writer or a crime scene investigator-turned-writer. So the whole amateur-sleuth genre got introduced to me in that nutshell.

CE: The character of M.J. has medium abilities; do you share those abilities?

VL: I do have a little bit of medium ability. A lot of it comes from my friendship with Rebecca. It’s hard to be in her atmosphere and not experience a little bit of an amplification of that ability. Rebecca is so powerful. She opens that door, and if you are at all intuitive, you can feel them come through. I used to do readings where I would connect people with deceased loved ones, and I have had quite a few really great amazing connections, but it’s not quite my forte. But I’ve experienced it enough to be able to write authentically about how it feels. I wouldn’t have written M.J. as a medium if I didn’t feel I could pull it off. If it weren’t so hard for me and didn’t take so much out of me, I’d do it almost exclusively because it’s fun.

CE: I know some aspects of your characters’ personalities are based on people in your life. Let’s start with Steven.

VL: Steven wasn’t actually an ex of mine; we were really good friends. I had broken my hand in 2004, and I went to go see him to repair it. He took such wonderful, wonderful care of me. He treated me like he would a concert pianist because he knew I make my living through my fingertips, typing up my books. Every once in a while you come across someone who’s like a magnet, who just attracts other people through their light. Steven was definitely that.

He was a character I just couldn’t NOT put in a book. I thought he’d be a really great complement to M.J., who’s still a bit of a wounded child from the loss of her mother. I figured Steven could come along and repair that.

When I moved out of Boston, I just didn’t have enough interaction with Steven to be able to continue to pull on his character. So I thought, “OK, I’m just going to have to make up a new person.” And that’s when Heath came along.

[The real Steven] passed away of ALS. ALS comes in a couple of different forms, and he unfortunately had the most aggressive kind. It’s so heartbreaking to think of this person who was so alive is now gone. He was like sunshine walking into the room.

CE: What about Cat?

VL: My sister is Cat. It’s hard on her because the way I paint Cat is sort of as a base — the base of Cat and how much she loves Abby, and how smart she is. That’s my sister, but everything else is completely blown out of proportion.

CE: And Gilley?

VL: Gilley is my agent, Jim, and he’s been so generous.

CE: How about some of the Psychic Eye characters?

VL: Dave was a real handyman that I had in Florida. Dutch is actually based on my sweetheart. Milo is based on a really dear friend of mine. It’s hard to actually find a character who is in the books on a regular basis who isn’t based on someone I know. Don’t ever be friends with or date a writer, because you’re just doomed.

CE: For me, Dutch could be played by Aaron Eckhart. Who do you picture when you write him?

VL: The real Dutch[, my sweetheart,] is Polish, very cute, a beautiful dresser. He takes my breath away, which is all that matters. The very first time I met him, 20 years ago, he took my breath away and hasn’t stopped doing it sense. But I think Dutch in my mind looks a lot like [actor] Neal McDonough. For my readers, I want Dutch to be anyone who floats your boat. Anyone who makes your heart beat a little bit faster. So if Aaron Eckhart knocks your socks off, Cindy, go for it!

CE: Oh, he does. Switching gears to your newest work, When: How did the idea for that story come about? (Author’s note: When is a YA book told from the point of view of Maddie, a high school student who, when she looks at someone, sees a series of digits floating just above his or her brow, with the digits representing the date that person will die. She and her mom, struggling to make ends meet, use her talent to make extra money. Things get scary when a woman comes to ask about her sick daughter. While Maddie has good news about her daughter — she’ll get better and live a long life — the woman’s middle son is another story. His deathdate is within days, he soon goes missing, and the FBI thinks Maddie is involved.)

VL: My high school experience was terrible. It was horrible. I came from a really dysfunctional childhood. I was so isolated and so alone, and Maddie has many traits that point to me in high school. My editor kept trying to get me to lighten Maddie up, and I was like: “No. This kind of experience really does happen to tweens.” There are situations where it’s a struggle for some teens to fit it. It was a real struggle for me, that’s for damn sure. It was a great background for me to extrapolate from.

The idea behind knowing someone’s deathdate came from when I once told my sister when her mother-in-law was going to pass away. I said, “You know, she’s not going to make it past November.” And her mother-in-law died in early November, I believe. And then my best friend, her father-in-law was dying. And I said, “I’m so sorry, but I feel like it’s going to happen right around the holidays.” The first week in January was when he passed away. So then I thought: “What if I took that to the next level and narrowed it down to an exact date? Eureka! There’s a book there.” And so I ran with it.

CE: Recently you got the wonderful news that When has been optioned for television. Tell me about how that came about.

VL: I was at the library when my agent, Jim, called to let me know. He said: “We got a call from a scout about a week ago from Warner Brothers, and they were interested in When. I’m working with a sister agency on it for the media rights. They have now confirmed their offer.” And I slid out of the chair onto the floor of the library.

I’d had this streak of 24 books without nary a single bit of interest from anybody. And I thought, “OK, fine. I’ll just be one of those authors who just never gets optioned.” No big thing, right? In the book world, it’s kind of like you haven’t really made it until someone options your book, which is a sad thing because we all write books. We don’t write movies or television shows. But it’s that cultural perception. Like until Nicholas Sparks had Message in a Bottle made, he wasn’t really an author of note. Which is ridiculous. So, Jim was like: “This is the deal. They’re looking at it for TV. It’s a great offer, and I think we should take it.” I’m like: “Ahhhh, OK. Yeah, do that.”

CE: Do you have any details about how they’re going to handle the story?

VL: However they envision it is OK by me. I’m perfectly happy with however that proceeds. I have an executive consultant title, which I don’t even know what that means. But it’s a great title. I mean, this is such a great honor. Any way they want to include me is really amazing. But I’m trying to remain as level-headed about the whole thing as possible.

To keep up with Victoria’s books and soon-to-be TV series, go to her website at victorialaurie.com for all the info, and links to purchase her books (the newest Psychic Eye book, Sense of Deception, hit bookstores in July).
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Q and A: Week of May 11

May 14, 2015, 1:07 pm
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Shauna Rappold
Q: I just saw a commercial for “Fantastic Four,” and I can’t wait until it comes out this summer! Can you tell me anything about it? — Andy T., Canton, Ohio

A: Things are always so hush-hush with these big-budget superhero action movies, and “Fantastic Four” is no exception. I spoke with Shauna Rappold recently, who is in the summer blockbuster, which is due to hit theaters on Aug. 7, and she told me a teeny-tiny bit of what we can expect. “I specifically worked with Kate Mara, who is Sue Storm, and then Reg Cathey and Tim Nelson. My character is in the military, but that’s all I can really say, unfortunately, because it is so hush-hush. I’ve heard things of how it’s going to come out; it’s going to be great. Everyone was phenomenal to work with. And Josh Trank, the director, knew exactly what he was looking for, so it made it easy to deliver and give him just that.”

Check back next week for my entire interview with Shauna.

Q: Can you give me any more info on “11/22/63”? I am so excited for this series! — David F., Birmingham, Ala.

A: The time-travel fantasy-thriller series, based on the book of the same name by Stephen King, finally has its star: James Franco. The nine-hour event series will air exclusively on Hulu, but it does not yet have a scheduled premiere date. James will play the lead character, Jacob Epping, a high school English teacher who travels back in time to try to stop the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Q: Can you tell me what Mireille Enos has been doing since “The Killing” ended? — Kyle F., via email

A: If Mireille isn’t already a household name — although she is in my house — she soon will be, because the red-haired beauty landed the lead role in Shonda Rimes’ latest drama pilot called “The Catch.” The thriller is based on the novel by Kate Atkinson, which is about a woman who is about to get married … and about to get conned. However, because Shonda’s leading ladies tend to be strong ladies who can take care of themselves, thank you very much, our fearless heroine will surely turn the tables on her slippery fiancé.

Q: Now that “Sons of Anarchy” is over, can you tell me Katey Sagal has planned next? — Glenn F., via email

A: The lovely and talented actress is set to reteam with “Sons” creator, Kurt Sutter — who also happens to be Katey’s hubby — for the FX period drama “The Bastard Executioner.” The series centers on a former warrior/knight for King Edward I, Wilkin Brattle, who is overcome by the destruction of war and vows to lay down his sword. When violence finds him, he’s forced to return to his violent ways. Australian actor Lee Jones plays Brattle, with “True Blood” alum Stephen Moyer playing his friend, Milus Corbett. Matthew Rhys, Sam Spruell, Flora Spencer-Longhurst, Darren Evans, Sarah White, Sarah Sweeney and Danny Sapani round out the cast. Production on the series began on March 19, with no word yet on a premiere date.

Titus (Tituss Burgess) and Kimmy (Ellie Kemper)

Q: I thought Tina Fey had a new comedy coming to NBC, but I’ve looked all over for it, to no avail. Can you tell me what happened? — Kellie F., via Facebook

A: When NBC passed on the hilarious “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” Netflix swooped in and saved this brilliant comedy from obscurity. “The Office” alum Ellie Kemper stars as the eponymous Kimmy, who recently escaped from being held prisoner underground by a man who claimed the world above had ended in an apocalypse. Kimmy moves to New York City, where she tries to put her life back on track, with the help of new employer Jacqueline Voorhees (played by the always wonderful Jane Krakowski), new roommate Titus Andromedon (the fabulous Tituss Burgess), and landlord Lillian Kaushtupper (the legendary Carol Kane). Season one consists of 13 episodes, all of which are now available for streaming on netflix.com.

Q: Can you tell me if the TV series “The Bridge” will have another season, and if so when will it start? — Peggy E., via email

A: If you are talking about the American series starring Diane Kruger, then I am sad to tell you that FX canceled the series after two seasons. However, if you are referring to the far-superior Danish/Swedish original version of the series — also known as “Bron” and “Broen” — it has been renewed for a third season. You can catch up on the first two 10-episode seasons on Hulu.

Q: Will “Under the Dome” be back for another season? — Terry V., via email

A: CBS’s futuristic sci-fi drama will return for its third season on June 25 with a two-hour season premiere from 9 to 11 p.m. ET/PT. The following week it will move to its regular timeslot of 10 p.m. ET/PT. Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, “Under the Dome” tells the story of a small town that is suddenly and inexplicably sealed off from the rest of the world by an enormous transparent dome. This season, Emmy Award-winner Marg Helgenberger will guest-star in an extended story arc, beginning with the premiere episode, as the town’s inhabitants figure out the Dome’s purpose and what it wants from them.

Q: I loved “The Spoils of Babylon.” Please tell me it hasn’t been canceled! — Tina R. in Georgia

A: The second installment of “Spoils” will air on IFC this summer in the six-part miniseries “The Spoils Before Dying.” Returning to the series in brand-new roles are Will Farrell, Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Haley Joel Osment, Michael Sheen, Val Kilmer and many more. New additions to the cast include Chris Parnell, Tim Meadows and Emily Ratajkowski, among others. “Spoils” will premiere as a three-night miniseries event on Wednesday, July 8, Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 10. Two half-hour episodes of the six part miniseries will air each evening starting at 9:00p.m. ET/PT.

Q: A while back you wrote that “The Mortal Instruments” was going to become a TV series, but I’ve seen nothing about that since. Is it still happening? — Ellie R., via email

A: Back when I reported that, everything was still in the beginning stages of development, so we didn’t have many details. Finally, I can say with certainty that “The Mortal Instruments” book series will indeed be reimagined on the small screen and is called “Shadowhunters.” For those unfamiliar with the book series, the story centers on Clary Fray, who finds out on her 18th birthday that she comes from a long line of Shadowhunters, human/angel hybrids who hunt down and kill demons. ABC Family will air the 13-episode first season, with shooting expected to commence this month. There is no casting or premiere date news just yet, but just knowing that showrunner and executive producer Ed Decter (“Helix,” “Unforgettable,” “The Client List”) is heading up the project makes me feel confident that the TV series will fare better than the not-so-great 2013 feature film.

Q: I am so upset that “Parenthood” is over. Can you tell me what series star Craig T. Nelson will do next? — Paul Y., Indianapolis

A: Craig is all set to reprise his role of Coach Hayden Fox on the NBC revival of “Coach.” NBC gave the show a 13-episode straight-to-series order, with Craig returning as Coach Fox, where the now-retired football coach is called back to become the assistant coach to his own grown son, who is now the new head coach at an Ivy League school in Pennsylvania, which is starting up a new team. There is no word yet on its premiere date or other casting info, but Barry Kemp — who created the original ABC series — is on board to write and executive-produce the reboot.

Liev Schreiber as Ray Donovan
Q: When will “Ray Donovan” be back for a new season? — Howard T., via email

A: The Liev Schreiber-starring drama returns to Showtime for its 12-episode third season on July 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This season’s guest stars include Ian McShane, Katie Holmes and Elliott Gould. “Masters of Sex” returns for its third season as well, which also happens to be 12 episodes, immediately following “Ray Donovan.”

Q: What does Poppy Montgomery have coming up? Also, will “Unforgettable” be back, or has it been canceled? — Ashley W., Medina, Ohio

A: Before “Unforgettable” returns for its fourth season (I’ll get to that in a moment), Poppy has a guest-starring turn in “Signed, Sealed, Delivered from Paris, with Love” on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. The seasonal two-hour movie installment of popular series premieres Sunday, June 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Poppy plays Holly, the estranged wife of lead postal detective Oliver, played by Eric Mabius. Poppy also returns as Carrie Wells, with Dylan Walsh back as Al Burns, in “Unforgettable,” which the A and E network saved from the fire after CBS canceled the show for a second time. Back in 2012, CBS canceled the series after the first season, but then decided to renew it for seasons two and three as a shorter, summer series. CBS canceled it for a second time this past October after season three, and in February, A and E scooped up the show and will air its 13-episode fourth season later this year.

Q: I need some “Devious Maids” news! — Holly K., via email

A: Hold onto your feather duster, Holly, you have a few more months to wait to see who, if anyone, bit the dust after gunfire erupted on the church steps after Rosie and Spence’s wedding. Season three premieres Monday, June 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, where I have a feeling all of your burning questions will be answered. Expect to see some new faces too, including Naya Rivera, Gilles Marini, Cristián de la Fuente, John O’Hurley, Justina Machado, Nathan Owens and Julie Claire.

Tia Mowry
Q: I love “Instant Mom” star Tia Mowry. When will that show be back, and in what else can I see her? — Janet F., Hartford, Conn.

A: Tia’s comedy series, “Instant Mom,” which airs on Nickmom, will finish out its second season this summer, and they are currently hard at work on the show’s third season. You can also catch Tia in her brand-new show on the Cooking Channel, which is called “Tia Mowry at Home.” The show, which airs on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET, centers on Tia’s home life with her friends and family — and of course, cooking. Tia told me about the show recently: “The cool thing about the format of the show is it’s not just about cooking or me just telling people how to cook. What I’m really excited about is you will get to see my family and my friends. And one person, in particular, is my dad. My dad is so reserved and so private, but he loves to cook. So, when I asked him to be on my cooking show, he was like: ‘Oh wow! I want to be a part of it.’ He loves to cook. There’s one episode where my dad comes over and we cook an amazing meal together.

“Another episode has me doing some yoga, and I make a great post-workout meal for my friends. And then another episode we have a cool mommy day with my friends who are moms. I cook for them and then I surprise the kids with a game of basketball with Metta World Peace. One of my favorite episodes is where I plan a dinner date with my husband, and we re-create memories from our wedding day.”

Q: I can’t get enough “Downton Abbey”! Can you please give me some scoop on the show? — Jessie F., via email

A: I also can’t get enough of this wonderful BBC/PBS period drama, but after season six, it will have to be enough. Series creator Julian Fellowes and executive producer Gareth Neame recently announced that the show’s next season will be its final season. Said Neame: “We wanted to close the doors of ‘Downton Abbey’ when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together. We can promise a final season full of all the usual drama and intrigue, but with the added excitement of discovering how and where they all end up.”

Q: I was so happy when Netflix brought back “Arrested Development.” Will there be more new episodes? — Jack F., via email

A: While series producer Brian Grazer hasn’t made an “official” announcement yet, he did tell Bill Simmons, when he appeared on the latter’s “B.S. Report” podcast, that they are making a 17-episode fifth season of the cult-hit comedy series. Grazer let slip: “I love ‘Arrested Development,’ but it was never a huge thing. But people are loyal to it. We’re going to do another 17 episodes.”
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Q and A: Week of June 1

June 4, 2015, 1:07 pm
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Cast of The Unauthorized Full House Story (photo courtesy Lifetime)
Q: I have two questions: The first one, is it true that they are rebooting the “Full House” series; and second, why? — Jeremy I., via email

A: The answers are yes, and heaven knows why, in that order. Netflix has confirmed that the monthly subscription online network — which has brought us such masterpieces as “House of Cards,” “Bloodline” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” — is indeed resurrecting the schlocky sitcom (which originally ran on ABC from 1987-95). The new incarnation will be 13 episodes and is named “Fuller House.”

According to “TV Line”: “Candace Cameron-Bure, Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber are set to star, reprising their roles as D.J. Tanner-Fuller, Stephanie Tanner and Kimmy Gibbler, while John Stamos will serve as a producer and guest-star as Uncle Jesse. In the continuation, due to debut in 2016, veterinarian D.J. is pregnant and recently widowed, living in San Francisco. Her younger sister, aspiring musician Stephanie, and lifelong best friend/fellow single mom Kimmy, along with Kimmy’s feisty teenage daughter Ramona, all move in to help take care of D.J.’s two boys — rebellious 12-year-old J.D. and neurotic 7-year-old Max — and her soon-to-arrive baby.” Bob Saget, Dave Coulier and Lori Loughlin are also set to return.

In other “Full House” news, it was recently revealed that Lifetime — the network that brought us “The Unauthorized Saved By the Bell Story”— is producing “The Unauthorized Full House Story.” The movie will cover the rise of the cast and behind-the-scenes goings-on during the show’s eight-year run. Ron McGee, who wrote the “Saved By the Bell Story,” is set to write the “Full House Story,” which premieres Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

Q: It seems like I’ve been waiting forever. When will “Orange Is the New Black” be back? — Gina R., Fresno, Calif.

A: You’ll have to wait just a little while longer. Season three of the hit Netflix drama returns with 14 (instead of the usual 13) all-new episodes on June 12 at midnight PST. And, if you didn’t already know, “Orange” has been renewed for a fourth season, which will premiere in 2016.

Q: Can you give me any news about the next “American Horror Story”? — Nina D., Mount Carmel, Indiana

A: The list of big names who have signed on to star in “American Horror Story: Hotel” keeps getting bigger. I previously reported that Lady Gaga, Chloe Sevigny, Kathy Bates, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer, Cheyenne Jackson and Sara Paulson were checking into “Hotel,” and it was recently announced that Angela Bassett has been added to the hotel’s registry. Rumors have been swirling that Alexander Skarsgard and Michelle Pfeiffer would also be on the show, however, that casting news is looking to be more and more like a red herring, unfortunately. I’ll keep you posted on those developments as the premiere date gets closer. Season five is set to premiere this coming October on FX.

Gillian Anderson and Mads Mikkelsen of Hannibal
(photo courtesy NBC)
Q: Aside from “The X-Files” reboot, can you tell me what Gillian Anderson has coming up? — Betty R., via email

A: Ms. Anderson is one busy lady. “Hannibal” returns to NBC for its third season tonight, where you can see Gillian as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier. You’ll recall at the end of last season, she and Hannibal Lector (Mads Mikkelsen) were fleeing to France after the bloodbath at Dr. Lector’s house, which included much blood being shed by Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne).

It was recently announced that she will co-star in the Lifetime/A and E/History networks’ joint production of “War and Peace,” which is based on the classic novel by Leo Tolstoy. The limited-series event also stars Paul Dano, Lily James, James Norton and Jim Broadbent, and will be simulcast on all three networks in 2016.

Anderson is also set to return for season three of the BBC2 psychological-thriller series “The Fall,” which should air sometime in 2016. “The Fall” also stars “Fifty Shades of Grey” heartthrob Jamie Dornan.

Q: I’m a huge fan of “The Good Witch” movies on Hallmark Channel, and was thrilled that “Good Witch” became a series. Will it be back for more episodes? — Deenie F., via email

A: The popular supernatural series starring Catherine Bell and James Denton recently aired its season-one finale, and I am happy to report that it will be back for a second season. Says Michelle Vicary, executive vice president of programming and publicity for Crown Media Family Networks: “Our viewers have fallen in love with Catherine Bell and her enchanting journey, as well as her talented co-stars, James Denton and Bailee Madison. After seeing the tremendously overwhelming response to the series, there was no question that ‘Good Witch’ would be renewed for a second season.”

This fall there will be a two-hour season-two premiere, followed by 10 new hours to follow in early 2016. While there is no word yet on the exact dates of these airings, I’ll be sure to keep you posted as the information becomes available.

Q: I am a big fan of “Secrets and Lies,” but I don’t have a computer. So you can imagine my dismay when I heard that a final, extra scene was available online only. I can’t believe ABC is leaving all of us without computers hanging. Can you tell me what I missed? — Mary B. in Virginia

A: I agree that it’s not fair to those without a computer. I’ll try to sum it up as best I can, and you’ll see that the scene is a setup for season two. The story picks up 14 months later. It’s Natalie’s 18th birthday, and she and Dave are having a simple celebration at a coffee shop. Detective Cornell walks in and tries to convince Natalie to testify on behalf of Ben. Natalie decides she does want to testify and clear her father’s name. Unfortunately, the way they keep referring to Ben, it sounds like he has died, but no one explicitly says that. (Ryan Phillipe recently released a statement that he will not be back for season two because his story came to and end, and a new story will be beginning.) After Cornell leaves, we see her approaching Abby and her mother as they’re on a shopping trip, giving Abby quite a scornful look. The scene fades as Cornell looks like she’s about to speak to Abby.

Kermit and Gonzo of The Muppets (photo courtesy ABC)
Q: This can’t be true, but I hope it is. Are they really making a new “Muppet Show”? — Todd T., via email

A: ABC is indeed making a new show involving the Muppets. According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” the new incarnation of the popular puppet/comedy/variety show is described as “a contemporary, documentary-style show that, for the first time ever, will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, breakups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires — a more adult Muppet show, for kids of all ages. Producers filmed a pilot presentation for the ABC Studios-produced series that sources say was incredibly well received.” The pilot episode of “The Muppets” was just made available on the ABC press site, and I’ll be sure to tell you how it is as soon as I’ve watched it.

Q: Can you tell me when “Cedar Cove” will be back? It seems like we’ve been waiting forever! — Donna R., via email

A: You’ll have to wait just a little while longer. The hugely popular Hallmark Channel original series, starring Andie MacDowell and Dylan Neal, will be back for its third season on Saturday, July 18, with a two-hour season premiere starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
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Interview: Shauna Rappold on Fantastic Four, Zipper, and Wanting to Be a Rock Star

June 4, 2015, 1:18 pm
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After being featured in “Treme,” “Memphis Beat” and “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” you’d think that Shauna Rappold would be an old hand at the “Hollywood Thing.” But Shauna is one of the nicest, most down-to-earth actresses I’ve interviewed in quite some time. It was a pleasure to speak with her about her upcoming projects — first and foremost, the sure-to-be-summer-blockbuster “Fantastic Four.”

Celebrity Extra: Can you tell me how you got your start? Have you always wanted to be a performer?

Shauna Rappold: Oh yes, this is something that as soon as I was able to make a decision on what I could do or what I could be when I grew up, it was always that I wanted to be an actor or to tell stories or to be in this industry in some way. I think I did my first pilot when I was 7 years old. I was one of those girls who would sing into her hairbrush. And I’d be like: “I’m going to be a rock star. Or I’m going to be a movie star.” There are lots of incriminating photos of me as a kid.

CE: You’ve got “Fantastic Four” coming out Aug. 7, which was filmed in your hometown of New Orleans. So many TV shows and movies are being filmed there nowadays; it’s becoming the new Hollywood East.

SR: It really is. It’s awesome, because I moved to California and I lived there for a year last year, but I kept flying back to New Orleans to work. So, I got to move back and live near my family and my friends. New Orleans is just a really cool, magical place, and it’s awesome that I get to do what I love there.

CE: I know it’s really hush-hush, but what can you tell me about “Fantastic Four”?

SR: I can’t really talk about my role, but I can say that the people I specifically worked with were Kate Mara, who plays Sue Storm, and then Reg Cathey (Dr. Franklin Storm) and Tim Nelson (Harvey Elder). All of these people were phenomenal. Everyone was playful, but extremely professional, and really open and wonderful people.

CE: How about working with director Josh Trank?

SR: He knew exactly what he was looking for, so it made it easy to deliver and give him just that. The communication was there.

CE: This is one of those summer blockbusters I can’t wait to see.

SR: Me too. When you’re filming something, you know what you’ve done, but you never know how it’s going to turn out. And you never know how it’s going to fit into the big scheme of things. But I’ve heard things of how this is going to come out, and I can tell you that it’s going to be great.

CE: How was the cast to work with?

SR: They were really great. I will say this about Reg Cathey: He was always smiling and making jokes. I had to check myself and be like, “OK, stop being one of those bad kids in class and focus.” He is just so funny, you want to cut up on set. But you can. It’s work time, and you’ve got to get it together. There were, of course, long hours, but the morale stayed up.

CE: Tell me a bit about “Zipper” and your role in it.

SR: It premiered at Sundance in January. I worked directly with Lena Headey, Patrick Wilson and John Cho; all of these people were so awesome. I play Lena’s best friend — her character’s name is Jeannie Ellis, and I was her best friend, Heidi. I’m a career woman who’s not quite finding my relationship to be as successful as my career. Heidi is very jealous of Jeannie, but little does either of them know that maybe the men weren’t so good.

CE: You mentioned Patrick Wilson …

SR: He plays Lena’s husband, Sam, in the movie. Heidi always makes these comments on how good Jeannie has it. There are people getting busted for escort services, which Sam has been using, and Heidi talks about it, not realizing that Jeannie knows about it, and Sam’s involvement. So, Jeannie knows, but Heidi doesn’t know what is going on, and she’s telling her how great her life is. I can’t wait to see this film. It’s going to be amazing.

CE: You’ve been singing for a while now too; tell me about that.

SR: I took five years of voice lessons. I’m a mezzo soprano. I trained with Greta Hardey in Louisiana. More Broadway-type songs, but to be honest with you, I love to rock. I’m a rock ‘n’ roll fan. Growing up in New Orleans, of course I love live music. I love going to see jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. If there is a live band somewhere, you will find me there. I would love to be in a band. My boyfriend, Armando Leduc, has a band in New Orleans. They were voted as New Orleans’ best wedding band in 2014. I’ve sung with them every now and then. But I would love to be in my own band. If I had an ultimate dream, I would like to be in a movie where I got to sing.

CE: Then it would be the best of both worlds for you, artistically speaking.

SR: Exactly! When “Black Swan” came out, it made me realize that I want to do a film where I have to train for something — whether it be for dance or to learn an instrument better than I already know it — and then use that in a film. It would be a huge dream come true for me to do something like that.

CE: Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

SR: I just want to be able to tell stories that inspire me, that effect a visceral change in other people. That is honestly why I got into this in the first place, because a lot of people go to the movies or to the theater or to see some sort of art because they just need a pause. They need a pause to focus on something else. Or maybe they are already on a high in their lives, and they want an extra high by being inspired by art. People like to be entertained for different reasons: to laugh, to cry, to learn something, to be turned on, to be entertained. I want to be able to do that for people as my full-time job.
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Interview: Abigail Spencer Heats Up True Detective

June 17, 2015, 2:01 pm
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Abigail Spencer
Abigail Spencer has come a long way since her “All My Children” days: Since she left the show in 2000, Abigail has been in numerous TV shows and movies. These include “Angela’s Eyes,” “Mad Men,” “Hawthorne,” “Cowboys and Aliens,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “This Is Where I Leave You,” “Rectify” and, most recently, “True Detective.” I spoke with Abigail about “Rectify,” which comes back to SundanceTV for its third season July 9. But first we spoke about her new role, that of Alicia on season two of the critically acclaimed HBO drama “True Detective,” which premieres June 21.

Celebrity Extra: What can you tell me about the new season, and about your character, Alicia?

Abigail Spencer: Nothing (laughs). I can tell you my opinion of how wonderful it is. I don’t want to ruin anything, and I think if anyone were to give away anything about it, it would ruin the suspense. But I can tell you it was a really great experience. I think the season is going to be all the things that people loved about season one, and then some, with totally new and fresh stories. Nic Pizzolatto is just an incredible storyteller. And the acting is wonderful. Colin Farrell is so amazing. People are just going to be blown away, particularly by his performance on the show.

CE: Do you work mainly with Colin, and will we get to see you for the whole eight-episode season?

AS: I work with almost everybody, but I work mostly with Colin. I’m there throughout the season — heck, I probably shouldn’t say anything — but I am in it throughout the season.

CE: What can you tell me about the actual filming experience?

AS: When you have a really rich character, one who has a lot of depth, you really are just trying to bring all of that depth to the character that is on the page. It was hard. I was also shooting “Rectify” at the same time, so I was going back and forth between characters. Everyone was so great. Nic really supported me and really welcomed me into the fold of telling the story, so I really wanted to do it justice. It was incredibly intense but very fulfilling.

CE: I see Rick Springfield has a guest-starring role. Did you work with him?

AS: I didn’t, but I know of him being on the show, and I thought that was super cool. Junie Lowry-Johnson and Libby Goldstein cast “True Detective,” and they also cast “Rectify.” They are two of the most phenomenal casting directors ever. They love actors. They really hire great actors for every piece. A lot of the credit has to go to Junie and Libby for who they put forward for all the roles.

CE: Is it difficult being on a show where everything is so hush-hush, and you can’t slip up and give away any secrets?

AS: It’s so interesting — I’m pretty used to this from when I was cast for “Mad Men.” I couldn’t tell anyone I was on the show. I wasn’t allowed to walk the red carpet at the premiere or anything. But then after the fact, it’s fun. It’s fun to let people discover your work. That was a really beautiful experience for me. You do get these dream jobs where they’re like, “But you can’t tell anybody about it.” And you’re like, “What? Huh?” But really, I’m very OK with that. It’s cool that people just discover it. People will find shows or will find good work. Hopefully it’s through word of mouth and wonderful people like you spreading the word.

CE: For those unfamiliar with the show, tell me a bit about “Rectify.”

AS: “Rectify” is a story about a man, Daniel, who has been on death row for almost 20 years. The show picks up on the day he is released from prison because some new DNA evidence was brought into the fold showing that he most likely did not commit the crime. But the main issue is that it doesn’t totally clear him, but it’s most likely he didn’t do it. It’s his reintegration back into his family and the society that put him away, and back into the arms of his adoring co-dependent sister, Amantha, who has basically been in charge of his release. The show focuses on how intimately and emotionally it affects all of the people surrounding this one event and this one human by the name of Daniel.

CE: Tell me about Amantha.

AS: I would say that Amantha is a bit of the engine of the show. She’s moving things forward. She was the catalyst for his release. As we explore Amantha, we see that she is a very active character. What do you do when the active character is met with resistance from the one thing that she wanted? Her brother gets out of prison, and he’s like: “No thanks. I’m good. I don’t want to fight this anymore.” He’s had a life-changing experience. It really puts Amantha in a position where she has to start looking at herself and what her life is like. What is her life about? She has to make some hard decisions.

CE: Where do we pick up for the start of season three?

AS: We’re going to start right where we left off with season two. We left off with Daniel having this strange confession, or re-confession, of the time that he’s not even sure of, or what he did. When it comes to Amantha, she didn’t just want to get him out of prison, but she also wanted to clear his name. She wanted to go all the way with it. When Daniel says, “I just want it to be done,” that’s heartbreaking for her.

So she draws a boundary, like if you do this, I’m not going to be there. I’m going to go put my own life together. So we left with that really strong boundary, and we pick up after Daniel’s “re-confession” surprise for everybody. It’s different now. There will be more clues, and more people come into play. It’s really interesting. I’m always like: “How do we go deeper? We just went there. We went so deep.” And then season three happens, and you go: “We just did it. We just went deeper.” I’m always amazed. I’m amazed with the actors and writers and how they get right in there illustrating the complexity of human beings’ lives and celebrating it. The show is really about celebrating life — it’s about living your life and understanding who you are.

CE: You shoot this on location in Griffin, Georgia. What’s it like on set?

AS: Everybody is so supportive of us shooting there. It’s a very small town, and it is thick with the issues at play on the show. At times it can be difficult to shoot there just because there are certain needs when you are shooting a show. It’s like you live in your own world in your own town. It’s like you’re living in Oz all the time when you’re shooting something, and you have your own set of needs when you are working. So there are challenges there. But at the same time, it definitely puts you in the mood. Once we get off the plane and drive that hour south, it’s like: “Here we are. We’re back in ‘Rectify’ land.”
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Astrella to Release New Single, "Friction," by the Late Michael Hutchence of INXS

June 22, 2015, 9:23 am
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(from press release)

Iconic INXS lead singer, Michael Hutchence, will forever be in the hearts and dance moves of fans across the world. Although known for his hit band songs "Need You Tonight" and "Never Tear Us Apart," he also embarked on many solo projects.

In a partnership with fashion designer Astrella, daughter to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Donovan, Hutchence's first solo recording to be released in 15 years will now be available through her famed hybrid, T-shirt collection known as the MUSICAL T's™. PledgeMusic is honored to be a part of this campaign, where the song and T-shirt will be available exclusively via Fashion Designer Astrella's Next MUSICAL T's™ Design and is allowing the fans to vote on several graphic options. The winning option will be produced onto a T-shirt and be for sale exclusively on PledgeMusic.

Previously unreleased and available only through this package, Michael Hutchence's song "Friction" will be available for pre-order. Sales will officially begin September 1, 2015. To launch our PledgeMusic storefront, Astrella is offering 5 designs for the public to vote on, to decide which design should be put into production. Astrella has collaborated with internationally recognized artist Miguel Paredes, as well as former head of design for Lucky Brand, Tom Garner, to help design the "Friction" MUSICAL T's™ graphics. The song came from his recording sessions in 1995, before his tragic death, to create a solo record with music producers Danny Saber (Rolling Stones, Marilyn Manson, Ozzy, Korn, U2, David Bowie) and Andy Gill (Gang of Four, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Jesus Lizard, The Futerheads, The Stranglers.)

PledgeMusic, a frontrunner in the direct-to-fan platform, is bringing fans a truly special and unique experience with this campaign. PledgeMusic will be the exclusive place to purchase the song and vote for and purchase the MUSICAL T's™ T-shirt.

Pledgers will have the opportunity to get the previously unreleased Michael Hutchence single "Friction" + 2 remixes, (EMF DJ, Milfredo Seven as well as Jeff Patterson of the 3 Jays). Fans can vote on 1 of 5 T-shirt designs from Astrella Inc., and the winning T-shirt will be come the official Friction MUSICAL T's™. Fans can purchase the winning T-shirt along with experiences from co-writer of "Friction", and a long time Michael Hutchence friend and storied engineer/producer Danny Saber. 10 unreleased photos of Michael will be premiered and Danny Saber will do video breakdowns of the lyrics in the track. To pledge, please visit, http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/michaelhutchence.

Saber says, "Michael was always looking to reinvent the wheel as an artist. Delivering music and fashion together through Astrella and the PledgeMusic platform is precisely the type of ground-breaking initiative he would have been proud to be a part of. This project honors the intimate connect between artist and fan, which Michael cherished."
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Byron Mann Is Hell on Wheels

July 17, 2015, 8:47 am
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Byron Mann, photo by Kevin Thomas
Byron Mann is no stranger to the small screen (“Smallville,” “Dark Angel,” “Arrow”) or the silver screen (“Street Fighter,” “Catwoman,” “The Man with the Iron Fists”). He’s acted alongside the likes of Russell Crowe, Steven Seagal, Halle Berry and Chuck Norris, and he’s always ready, willing and able to do his own stunts. I spoke with him recently about his latest project, playing a major new role in the hit drama series “Hell on Wheels.” The historical Western begins its fifth and final season on AMC tomorrow night at 9/8c, with the first half of the season airing this summer, and the second half picking up in summer 2016.

Celebrity Extra: What can you tell me about this final season of “Hell on Wheels”?

Byron Mann: I’m in Calgary now filming this great season. It’s fantastic. This season is about the Chinese workers on the railroad and all the stories that come out of it. My character is Chang, and he is the power broker. He controls all of the workers. He gets into all of these different conflicts and vies for power with Cullen Bohannan, played by Anson Mount, and with all the other railroad owners. He is a very complex, very interesting character.

CE: How does this season compare with other seasons?

BM: It will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen. And I’m telling you the truth. It’s very gripping. It’s no-holds-barred.

CE: Without divulging too much, what can you tell me about the season? How does it open, and how are you introduced?

BM: The season opens with the introduction of the Chinese workers on the railroad. As you might be aware, the railroad in America — and certainly the line from San Francisco out to the East — was built primarily by the Chinese workers and the Irish workers. There were 15,000 Chinese workers who built this line, and their stories have never been told, on television or in movies. Kudos to the writers that they’ve dug up all of these stories and these characters. I can tell you that there will be a bitter and very complex rivalry between my character and Cullen Bohannan, which will develop and escalate throughout the whole season.

CE: How did you prepare for this role?

BM: The writers and producers gave us a lot of books to read on this history. I did some research on my character. My character parallels Cullen Bohannan in that he just came out of the Civil War in America, and my character came out of the Civil War in China.

CE: What was it like coming to work on an already-established set, co-starring for the final season of such a well-loved series?

BM: Before we started, Anson Mount gave me a call. I asked him: “What should I prepare for? I’ve never been to Calgary. I’ve never shot a Western before.” He said, “Well, bring boots.” I said, “What do you mean?” He said, “It’s going to be muddy when you come out of your trailer.” So I took his advice, and I brought my boots. And sure enough, the first day I come out of my trailer, I step down, and I’m in a pond of mud.

Also, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be in a Western. I didn’t even know what these guys wore. It turns out my character wears a lot of these coats and ties and stuff. I can’t even do it myself. I have to have someone dress me every day. It’s interesting. You have to have help to put them on.

CE: Tell me how it came about that you got the role in “The Big Short.”

BM: About six months ago, my brother, who works for a major bank in Asia, called me up and said: “Byron, there is this feature film that my client is doing. You should try to get a part in it or something.” But I blew him off. I said: “Well, you know nothing about the film industry. They’re probably just writing the script now.” And then six months later, I met Adam McKay (the film’s writer and director), and he cast me in the film. I found out that my brother’s client is Ben Hockett, the character that Brad Pitt plays in the movie. Isn’t that interesting? It is complete happenstance that I’m also in the film. But I can’t tell you too much, otherwise Paramount Studios will send ninja assassins to visit me.

CE: Without getting yourself ninja-ed, what can you tell me about the film?

BM: It’s about the subprime mortgage crisis in 2008, if you remember, that totally caused the collapse of the American economy. There were trickle effects all over. A lot of people lost their homes. A lot of major banks — like Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch — were all selling these products (that aided in the collapse). The characters played by Brad Pitt and Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling are bankers. They are trying to find out what’s behind these products and who’s selling them. So they track down my character, Wing Chau, who’s a bond manager in New York. He’s actually one of the world’s largest sellers of these products. He worked in conjunction with several major banks on Wall Street to sell them.

CE: I can’t wait to read the book this is based on; I already have it downloaded to my Kindle.

BM: It’s a great book. It’s by Michael Lewis, who also wrote “Moneyball.” He’s a great writer. And don’t be intimidated by the finance stuff, because he breaks it down very simply and very comically. Essentially that is what this movie is going to be like, too; it’s broken down in a very funny manner. It’s very accessible.
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