Shortly after 9-11, there was a television series that took viewers on a weekly terrorist-fueled adventure. It was based “in real-time,” covering 24 consecutive hours each season with a cast that has made impressions of all kinds over the last eight years. Taking a “day at a time” had a completely new meaning. Whether they’ve weathered kidnappings, terrorist incursions, caravan ambushes or deadly nerve gas, we’ve all come to love the cast of “24″ for one reason or another.

Fox has released the new trailer for season 8 and after taking a gander, I have to say I am impressed. I’ve been marveling at the cast additions that have sprung up over the last several months and as usual, their shooting schedule is raucous as ever.

It’s time to rev the 24-love gas pedal again.

Included this season along with staple characters we love are a large number of proven character actors gravitating to this last installment of 24 and it looks action-packed already.

While I will always say that John McClaine/Bruce Willis invented the successful, “man in the wrong place at the wrong time” model, there’s something about taking that same viewpoint, jamming it into 24 consecutive hours in a prime-time television program that wholly belongs to Jack Bauer and 24.

Here’s to inviting a great new season, another large, racing-against-time cast into the Monday night slot of my life and millions across the Globe. It all starts on January 17th, 2010 – well, actually, with this trailer.

What do you think?

Source: MovieWeb

• Comic-Con 2009: ‘24′ Panel
• The CW Fall 2009 TV Premiere Dates & Times
• TV News & Notes: Warehouse 13, Lost, Star Wars & More
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – April 16th, 2009
• Tubey Awards For The 2008-09 TV Season
• Fox’s ‘24′ Adds More Cast Members

Stephen Root, (Eddie from True Blood, Pushing Daisies, King of the Hill) has joined the cast of Fox’s 24.

Root will be playing Ben Prady.  Prady is an officer of the Department of Corrections who’s on the lookout for a missing parolee.  This will be a multi-episodic role for Root will in the upcoming season of 24.

FYI:  On the big screen, he can be seen in the upcoming The Men Who Stare at Goats, starring George Clooney.

Source:  Hollywood Reporter

• Fox’s ‘24′ Adds More Cast Members
• New Trailer for ‘The Men Who Stare at Goats’
• The Men Who Stare At Goats Trailer
• Tubey Awards For The 2008-09 TV Season
• Mid-Week Movie News Wrap Up – August 5,
• TV News & Notes: Dollhouse, Lie To Me & More

After an amazing job hosting the Tony Awards this past June, Neil Patrick Harris was tapped to host The 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

How was he?

Yet again, pretty amazing. It seems as if he elevated the entire production to another level.

When the show first started and Neil came out singing, I have to be honest, I really didn’t enjoy it. I thought that while Neil has an amazing voice, the song just wasn’t anything great. Especially when compared to everything else that would happen during the course of the night.

Still, I didn’t give up hope. I love Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) and knew that ultimately he would do a great job. His background in acting, magic and Broadway created this perfect Doogie Howser showman. He didn’t disappoint. His jokes were great. His delivery was casual, but cool. I honestly believe that everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

I must take a moment to talk about the production value and set design. They were wonderful. I loved how everything was placed on the stage; from the orchestra to the control room, you could see everything as it was happening and the way they went in and out of commercials with the multi-camera views and the directors’ voice cueing up the next shot. Just great.

Alright, now back to the awards…

The show kicked off with “Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series” and good thing the hilarious Vanessa Williams showed her comedic prowess by being the only person not to go along with the joke of wearing goofy glasses during the nominee announcement. At that point I wasn’t so much interested as who was going to win because I had turned all my magical powers (What? I have them.) on making sure that she didn’t.

Luckily, that didn’t happen and the delightful, ball of energy, Kristin Chenoweth, came away with the award. She’s great and always puts a smile on my face. I was a big fan of Pushing Daises and was sad to see it get canceled. It seems like Brian Fuller just doesn’t have much luck with his television series. While always imaginative and playful, they just don’t last. First it was Dead Like Me and now Pushing Daises.

After that was “Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series,” of which 30 Rock was nominated for 4 out of the 5 spots. It’s really great that a show like 30 Rock gets the acknowledgment that they deserve.

Next was my biggest disappointment of the night, “Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series.” I have to be honest here and say that I’ve never liked Two and a Half Men. I don’t understand what’s funny about that show and for some reason it bugs me when people enjoy it (I know, I’m a horrible person). That being said, I do like Jon Cryer… as “Duckie” in Pretty in Pink, but nothing more.

I was so sad that 30 Rock’s Tracy Morgan didn’t win. I’m still not sure if I even thought he was the most talented actor in the group. I believe I just wanted to see what he had to say. I know that I can’t be the only one. I love just making things up and doing a horrible Tracy Morgan impression. You can say anything and believe he just might say it (”Live every week like it’s Shark Week”).

“Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series” followed and once again I was a bit disappointed. I love Sarah Silverman and felt that she didn’t necessarily deserve the award for her show, The Sarah Silverman Project, but because, in general, she always delivers the laughs. Case in point was her wearing a fake mustache while the camera was on her during the nomination announcement, but playing it completely straight. I had a feeling that Toni Collette would win. I had watched United States of Tara and completely give her credit for doing so many characters.

I just feel that my hatred of Diablo Cody skewed my opinion on this, but that’s her fault for being really horrible with her “hip” references. Ain’t that right, Baby Ruth, Mac & Cheese Daddy? (See… completely took those lines out of Juno 2: Judgment Day.)

At various times, the awards were broken up with little bits by NPH. Some of them involved Harlem Globetrotters, “The Best Seat in the House” and others, like this, involved him railing on how he didn’t win. With a live feed of Jon Cryer in the press room on all the screens, NPH asked a question from his pulpit on the main stage. He just wanted Jon to make sure that the envelope actually said “Jon Cryer.” It was a great way to break up the monotony that comes with award shows.

After a wonderful acceptance speech from Tina Fey about winning her Schmemmy last weekend, it was on to “Outstanding Directing In A Comedy Series.” The Office took the award for the episode “Stress Relief” and I’m content with that. I understand that this past season of The Office had many weak points. It always seemed that some great episodic storylines were always paired up with weak/unfunny subplots. “Stress Relief” is a perfect example of this. The opening of this episode always makes me laugh, but the great story line of Dwight screwing up got weighted down by that horrible Jack Black/Cloris Leachman illegal movie downloads subplot.

Rob Lowe came out, made some Dr. Vegas quips and then it was on to “Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series.” It was pretty obvious who was going to win. It was either going to be Tony Shalhoub or Alec Baldwin. I had a feeling it might Tony Shalhoub because Monk is ending. Nope, Alec Baldwin won it yet again and it’s completely deserved. He’s great on 30 Rock. Although, I don’t think he should count on winning it next year because I have a feeling Tony Shalhoub will be picking that up as a swan song to Monk.

That was the close of the comedy section until the big award, but they saved that for the end. Up next was reality and I’m not going to be so wordy with these awards. I’ll just make some comments.

(Pg 2 for winners in Reality and Drama)

• Dr. Horrible Emmy Video Skit
• 2009 Emmy Nominees
• ‘Dr. Horrible’ Sequel Has A Title, New Songs Written
• Dr. Horrible At The Emmys
• Tubey Awards For The 2008-09 TV Season
• Nathan Fillion’s Castle Stands Strong

This year, Bravo’s Television Without Pity, Access Hollywood, TV Guide and MediaWeek joined forces and had a massive fan vote session called the Tubey Awards and they’ve recently announced their Tubey Award winners! The system works where fans vote on different categories of things that are television related and from what I understand, the votes were in the millions.

It’s rather telling, and yet not very surprising, what people are trying to tell the networks. Below are the top category winners from the 2008-09 season that folks voted on for the annual Tubey Awards.

Best Programming Trend:  Single camera sitcoms.

Here’s one we’ll love:

The Worst Programming Trend: “Too many non-scripted series.”  (Can you say Reality TV?  I knew you could!)  Another surprise top placer in this category was “Networks not aggressively programming Saturdays.”

Worst Renewals: According to Jim, Wife Swap and Scrubs were the top 3.

Best Programming Move: Holding back Lost (ABC) and 24 (Fox) and others until midseason.

Worst Programming Move: “ABC giving up on Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money”

Best Drama: was The Sarah Connor Chronicles. (Good move Fox.)  It looks like The Sarah Connor Chronicles won multiple categories!

There are a ton of other categories, too many to list here.  If you’re interested, check out Television Without Pity for a comprehensive listing of different categories.

Come back and let us know what you think!

Source: Media Week, Television Without Pity

• TV Renewal And Cancellation Notes To Date
• Neil Patrick Harris Returns Emmys To Glory
• 2009 Scream Award Nominations
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – June 11, 2009
• Weekly TV Update – March 27th, 2009
• The Dark Knight Tops 2009 DVD Critics Awards

Fox’s 24 has found itself more cast members to get shot at during their multi-episode appearances in ’s upcoming 8th season.

Rami Malek (Night at the Museum) will be playing Marcos, who is a would-be suicide bomber.

Julian Morris (ER) will play a CTU SWAT agent & Hrach Titizian will be the 2nd-in-command for President Hassan, who will be played by Anil Kapoor.

Is it me, or is it getting more interesting as we hear about the new cast and upcoming characters for 24?

Source:  Hollywood Reporter

• Stephen Root Joins ‘24′
• 24 Season 8 Cast And Some Legal News
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – June 11, 2009
• Smallville Casting Note: Julian Sands is Jor-El
• TV News & Notes: Warehouse 13, Lost, Star Wars & More
• TV News & Notes: Dollhouse, Lie To Me & More

Today we got news for you on a former Deadwood actor whose getting Lost this season; the gang at 24 are wondering if their eighth day will be their last; Syfy will be re-opening the doors to Warehouse 13 next season; Heroes has a new poster; Apollo plays in the Dollhouse; Star Wars will soon be on TV; and ABC gets room at Clive Barker’s Hotel.

All that, and we bid farewell to a TV News Legend (see above). Let’s get to it:

.

LOST

Lost will be adding a new cast member to its sixth and final season. Deadwood’s John Hawkes (he played Jewish entrepreneur Sol Star) will join the Lost crew as Lennon, a ““Scruffy, edgy, charismatic, and slightly stir-crazy…spokesperson/translator for the president of a foreign corporation. He’s a wily negotiator, and far more powerful than his lowly position would seem to indicate.”

Hmmm… Could he be working for the nefarious Charles Widmore? Or perhaps the mysterious Hanso Corporation?

Guess we’ll find out for (semi-)sure when Lost returns next year.

Source: THR

.

24

Apparently, the 24 cast and crew are preparing Jack Bauer’s next day out to POSSIBLY be his last. In the event that Fox chooses to ax the show after its eighth season, the producers are filming several alternate season-enders that will either tie off the saga of Jack Bauer for good, or leave room for the show to live to fight another day.

Said producer Evan Katz: “We’re flexible. We have a scenario that would work well if the show ends. But we also have scenarios where it could go on.”

Hmmm… when DOES Jack Bauer start to overstay his welcome? If this upcoming season is as good as the last one, maybe it would be a good idea to go out on a high note. Judging from his nervous behavior at the Comic-Con 24 panel, star Kiefer Sutherland may be ready to move on…

24 returns in January.

Source: IMDB via Slash Film

.

Warehouse 13

Syfy’s Summer series Warehouse 13 has been something of a hit: after debuting in July to 3.5 million viewers, the cable series has managed to steadily however around the 3.7 million viewers mark every week.

Those strong numbers have made it a no-brainer for Syfy to order an additional 13 episodes of the show; Warehouse 13 season two will premiere next summer.

Sorry W13 fans, I know that’s a long time to wait – but you got to give the rest of us time to catch up / catch on!

Source: TV Squad

.

Heroes

We’ve already posted a preview trailer and a super-speed fight clip from Heroes’ upcoming fifth volume, “Redemption”, in the hopes that at least SOME OF YOU out there are still on board for this show [cue crickets]…

Well, to add to your “Heroes Mania” (sarcasm alert!) here is a THRILLING new promo poster that lets you know all about Heroes:Redemption:

[Volume on crickets increases...]

Season 4 (Volume 5) of Heroes debuts with a 2-hour premiere Monday, September 21st on NBC.

Source: TV Squad & UGO Movie Blog

• Can Heroes Redeem Itself From a Ratings Landslide?
• New Season Of Heroes To Bring ‘Redemption?’
• Heroes Premiere Discussion: What Did You Think?
• Offiicial Preview of Heroes: Redemption
• FOX To Air All 13 Episodes of Dollhouse
• Heroes Volume 5 Video: Ray Park vs. Peter Petrelli

We here at Screen Rant have so much TV news that we need to break it up into a few articles this week.

With that said, I thought in this extra chapter (or off-shoot of my weekly article), I’d bring some early news and information about Dollhouse, 24 and Lie To Me. I’ve also got some bits of news about the FX network shows Damages & Lawman.  I finally wrap it up with some King of the Hill info, The Office news and a question to you, our faithful readers.

Dollhouse

This is an FYI to the faithful fans of Dollhouse:  The 13th episode, called “Epitaph One” is now available on the US and Canadian iTunes sites.

More Battlestar Galactica Cast on 24

Watch out Jack, a Cylon is coming your way!

Callum Keith Rennie, (The Cylon Leoben Conoy from Battlestar Galactica) has been cast as Vladimir Laitana, a Russian mobster who shows up around episode 6 or so in the upcoming new season of Fox’s 24.

Vladiir is expected to team up with another mobster named Bazhaev, played by Jurgen Prochnow.

Source:  TV Guide

Lie To Me

In the first season of Lie To Me, we watched the show develop its legs and tell us the tale of Cal Lightman, (played by the ingenius Tim Roth) the human lie detector, and his work group.  We came to understand the science behind the premise of the show.

This upcoming season, show runner Shawn Ryan (The Unit) has come on board and will be taking the show towards a more character driven story. Some of the things coming up in relation to the character developments, or what we’ll learn more about are:

• Lightman’s past.
• The [Gillian] Foster-[Cal] Lightman relationship.
• Foster’s (Kelli Williams) divorce, and her continued pursuit of the adoption process.
• Lightman’s ex-wife (Jennifer Beals), will be back for a few episodes.
• Mekhi Phifer will return as a series regular.

Lie to Me is inspired by the scientific discoveries of psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman, who can read body language clues to determine the truth of the matter in criminal investigations as we follow Dr. Cal Lightman, the world’s leading deception expert, as he solves cases.

Source:  Chicago Tribune

FX Network Understands Nielsen Methodologies

If you remember, I loved the insidious nature of the legal drama Damages with Glenn Close.  It was even recognized as an Emmy nominee.  Yet the week-to-week ratings were low and FX president John Landgraf recognizes that people play catch up with their recording instrument of choice.  Unfortunately, Nielsen doesn’t even acknowledge shows that are watched outside of a 7-day window.  Other than that, he didn’t say much more, but I have to wonder if that was a precursor to kissing Damages goodbye?  I hope not, I do happen to really enjoy that show!

Aside from that, FX is looking to extend their episode order of Rescue Me to a 22 episodes while they push more into a comedy based line-up for other nights and time slots.  They seem prompted in this direction by the success they’ve had with of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which is starting its 5th season.

Personally, I think Sunny is a great fluke of comedic writing that’s pulled together and delivered by a great group of actors.  I’m not sure they’re going to get more out other comedies.  We’ll see what they have up their funny sleeves!

Despite their new comedy-based focus, they are looking to launch a new drama called Lawman starring Timothy Olyphant.  Lawman is based on the Elmore Leonard stories and follows a U.S. Marshal who returns home to Kentucky after spending time in Miami.

Source:  Variety

King of the Hill

FYI:  King of the Hill is coming to a close after a 13-season run and its final episode will be a 1-hour series finale that will air on Sunday, September 13th.

Source:  TV Guide

The Office

During a recent media get together, NBC let out some snippets of info about The Office.

Finally – Pam and Jim are going to head down the aisle after how long?  5 years!  In fact, it’s going to happen pretty quickly and take place in the 4th episode of the new season.

The sixth season of The Office begins September 17 at 9/8c on NBC.

Now you know!

Source:  E! Online

ABC’s Defying Gravity

I’ve completely overlooked the ABC sci-fi effort called Defying Gravity.  I mean completely overlooked it as in not even watched it yet.

The show is set in the near future where 8 astronauts from 5 different countries are on a 6-year mission that covers an 8 billion mile journey.

I actually have a question for you, our readers!  Has anyone taken a gander at this show?  What’s your opinion?  I’d love to hear if I should change my viewing habits to catch some episodes or not.  Now’s your chance to give us at Screen Rant a review on Defying Gravity.

• Defying Gravity: Does ABC Even Know It’s On?
• FOX To Air All 13 Episodes of Dollhouse
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – February 26th, 2009
• TV News & Notes: 2009 Fall Schedule, The Office & More
• Joss Whedon To Direct An Episode of Glee
• TV Renewal And Cancellation Notes To Date

The 24 panel at San Diego Comic-Con had Keifer Sutherland, Howard Gordon, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Katee Sackhoff, Freddie Prinze Jr., Anil Kapoor, Brannon Braga, David Fury, Manny Coto, Evan Katz & Sean Gallery in attendance today.

As you can see it was a large contingent and a great mix of production crew and actors.

Of course Keifer was the man.  When he came out the hall erupted, but Katee Sackhoff drew a close 2nd in the volume of applause.  It was great to see, not to mention Katee looking just spectacular.

There are SMALL SPOILERS within, but I don’t think they’re show killers at all.

Here are some of the items touched on in the panel session for 24:

Keifer: They’re going to make Jack’s life worth living, hence the introduction of Renee and Jack’s daughter last season.  In other words we’re going to see Jack in the front part of season 8 being happy.  But alas, it’s 24, and we know that’s not going to last forever.

Seasons 7 & 8 of 24 are somewhat connected.

Katee Sackhoff is feeling naked in her new role because she needs a gun!  Someone, get that girl a gun.

Mary Lynn Rajsub will be back as Chloe.

At this point, we watched a quick preview of hour 1 of day 8.  Wow, it looks promising.

Season 8 was tough for the writers to start up as they went through 4 different renditions before settling on it.

Keifer is very involved in the script writing, but usually after the first 2 episodes.  Scripts are generated for the first 2 episodes to get the ball rolling, so to speak.

About the preview clip:  Keifer said “Don’t be alarmed.  We still blow sh*t up.”

Asked about a movie, they said it’s possible, but they’re not going to do much in that direction until they’re seeing more of an end to the series and then they’ll start looking at the possibility of a film franchise.

Katee Sackhoff was hesitant to chat about whether she actually will be toting guns, for fear of giving too much away.

One attendee asked, “When will we see Keifer’s dad, Donald?”  Keifer replied “He’s made a 100 some odd movies, you can see him any time you want.”  But on the serious side, he doesn’t see that happening, though in season 6 it came real close but a scheduling issue kicked in.

Keifer, in closing showed his gratitude to the masses by saying:

“Thank you so much.  this last 8 years have been the best 8 years of my life.  Can never tell you how grateful I am.”

This season is more grounded to how he sees things in life.  The threat for season 8 centers around a peace conference in the U.N. with the U.S. and Iranian presidents being threatened – and the rest goes from there.

When opportunities present themselves, there’s always a threat in 24.

24 Premieres on Sunday, Jan. 17th and Monday, Jan. 18th.

• Smallville Comic-Con 2009 Panel
• Katee “Starbuck” Sackhoff As Typhoid Mary In Daredevil Reboot?
• 24 Season 8 Cast And Some Legal News
• The Television Presence At San Diego Comic-Con 2009
• Burn Notice Panel – Comic-Con 2009
• Warehouse 13 Comic-Con 2009 Panel

Hello from San Diego at Comic-Con.  Today’s bit of weekly TV news is a bit short today but I have managed to include some not so good news about Burn Notice’s Jeffrey Donovan, some good news for 24 star Keifer Sutherland, returning news for Jorja Fox on CSI, and TV ratings from last week.

Jorja Fox Returns to CSI

Jorja Fox’s relationship with CBS and CSI is an off-again, on-again event over the last few years.  It looks like things are “on” again as Fox will be appearing in the upcoming 10th season premiere and an additional few episodes throughout the season.

When inquired if Petersen would return and CBS has no comment.  Grr.

Source:  TV Guide

Michael Westen Really Burned

Burn Notice star Jeffrey Donovan has been busted on July 12th for operating his motor vehicle while under the influence, down in Florida.

He was released on bail.

Source:  TV Guide

24’s Keifer Sutherland Off The Hook

While one star got into trouble, another got out of it.  The Manhattan district attorney has decided not to pursue charges against Keifer Sutherland in that head butting case where Keifer stepped in and reportedly head-butted fashion designer Jack McCullough.

Then again, Sutherland and McCullough did meet and reconcile their issues after the fact.

With the charges dropped, Sutherland is no longer threatening his five-year probation issue from his 2007 DUI.

Source:  TV Guide

Torchwood To Continue

Without giving away too much, Russell T. Davies has said that he’s fairly confident that Torchwood will go on.  There are many different options on the table, so don’t fret.

Just thought you’d like to know.

Source:  EW.com

TV Ratings

This week, sports led the way in ratings while a few reality shows kept sticking their nose in the ratings mix.

I try to stick to the ‘all viewers’ mode to capture a better, more rounded set of ratings, though at times, reality programming just doesn’t go away.

Rank, Show, (R)= Repeat, (S)=Special, Network, Viewers (Millions)

1.  MLB All-Star Game (S) – FOX – 14.6
2.  America’s Got Talent – Tue – NBC – 13.5
3.  America Got Talent – Wed 9PM – NBC – 11.6
4.  MLB All-Star Pre-Game – (S) – FOX – 11.2
5.  NCIS (R) – CBS – 10.5
6.  Two and a Half Men – (R) – CBS – 9.1
7.  The Mentalist – (R) – CBS – 8.4
8.  The Big Bang Theory – (R) – CBS – 8.2
9.  The Bachelorette – ABC – 8.0
10. CSI: Miami – (R) – CBS – 8.0
11. CSI: NY – (R) – CBS – 8.0
12. Wipeout – ABC – 7.7
13. CSI – (R) – CBS – 7.7
14. CBS News: Remember Cronkite – (S) – CBS – 7.6
15. Criminal Minds – (R) – CBS – 7.5
16. America Got Talent – Tue 8PM – (R) – NBC – 7.5
17. So You Think You Can Dance – Thur – FOX – 7.2
18. Law And Order: SVU – (R) – NBC – 7.1
19. So You Think You Can Dance – Wed – FOX – 6.9
20. America Got Talent- Wed 8PM – (R) – NBC – 6.5

Noted Shows On Cable

Rank, Program, Net, Viewers (millions)
3rd – Burn Notice on USA – 6.7
4th – The Closer on TNT – 6.6
5th – Royal Pains on USA – 6.2
19th – NCIS on USA – 4.3

Source:  TV By The Numbers

Thanks for coming by.  Reader comments are always welcome here on Screen Rant.

• Weekly TV Wrap-Up – June 4th 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 2nd 2009
• Torchwood Premiering On BBC America
• Tony Almeida To Guest Star On Burn Notice
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 16th, 2009
• Doctor Who & Torchwood Panels At 2009 Comic-Con

UpDated 7-2-09

Last year at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con, the event was ruled by several big named movies that ranged from youthful vampires to illegal vigilantes.  TV was more a side-note than anything else.

This year at the 2009 Comic-Con, things will be a bit different as television programming seems to have a bigger presence than last year.

For instance, the Warner Brothers Television Group will have 11 different panels for their shows.  That’s a studio best for them.  ABC Studios will have 7 panels.  20th Century Fox will have 9 panels.

Do you think your favorite television show will be represented?

This year, I’m ready…  I hope.  So in preparation, I’ve started sifting through the network press releases and other resources, pulling it all together for myself.  I decided…  OK, maybe I was nudged a bit by Vic, to actually put it all prep info together here, for you, our loyal readers.

I’m done chatting.  Let’s take a look at what television panels are lined up for the 2009 San Diego Comic Con.

.

Wednesday Evening, July 22nd:

6-9 p.m.:
Warner Brothers Television will be airing pilot previews this evening for the early-arriving crowd.

Human Target, V and The Vampire Diaries are the shows being previewed on this evening.

.

Thursday, July 23rd:

Burn Notice, Time To Be Determined (TTBD)
This panel will feature Bruce Campbell and writers from the series.

Legend of the Seeker, TTBD

Psych, TTBD

5-6 p.m.: Dexter

8 p.m. – Special Screening – Green Lantern [UPDATED]
Catch a special screening of the 5th DVD in the Green Lantern series, titled Green Lantern: First Flight. It will have it’s world premiere in Ballroom 20.  That’s 5 days before it’s released to DVD!

Continue to the next page for Friday’s schedule

• Sci-Fi Channel Panels At San Diego Comic-Con ‘09
• Doctor Who & Torchwood Panels At 2009 Comic-Con
• Comic-Con Schedule For Sunday, July 26th
• Heroes’ Odd Off-Site Comic-Con Panel
• WB Comic-Con Lineup, Featuring Green Lantern: First Flight
• ABC’s FlashForward: Season Preview & Pilot Clip

Today in Screen Rant’s weekly TV Wrap Up, we have some great casting news for 24, we’ll be talking about David Carradine’s appearance in Fox’s new show Mental and we also have some Heroes casting news, the possibility that My Name Is Earl may be getting new legs, some news on Ghost Whisperer, The Sarah Connor Chronicles coming to DVD and a bit about Futurama’s, err, future.

We’ll wrap it up with ratings from last week.  This week in the ratings section, I thought I’d try something new and toss in some cable viewer numbers.

24 Gets More Cast Members

I’ve previously reported that Freddie Prinze Jr. had joined 24 and now Fox has added more cast members to the popular action series.

The actress I’m most excited about seeing come on board is Katee Sackhoff.  Sackhoff played the tough-luck viper pilot Kara Thrace / Starbuck on Ronald D. Moore’s Battlestar Galactica and did a believably depressing characterization of Kara Thrace.

Sackhoff will be playing expert CTU data analyst Dana Walsh and I can’t wait to see what she brings to 24.

Also on board are Mykelti Williamson (Forest Gump) as the man in charge of CTU, Brian Hastings.  John Boyd will play CTU analyst Arlo Glass, Chris Diamantopoulos and Jennifer Westfeldt (Grey’s Anatomy) is an ambitious journalist with ties to the situation as it unfolds.

The Emmy Award-winning drama starring Kiefer Sutherland returns for its next day with a two-night, four-hour premiere beginning Sunday, Jan. 17th, 2010 (9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

I can’t wait.

Source:  FOX

Fox Will Still Air Their David Carradine Episode

Despite the sadness surrounding the events of recent time with David Carradine passing on, Fox is still planning to air the episode of their new show, Mental in which Carradine appears.

Mental is Fox’s newest House-like medical drama.

Carradine will play a famous professor, author and philosopher named Gideon Graham.  Graham lapses into a non-responsive catatonic state after he gets struck by lightning.

It will be an odd and sad episode indeed.  I’m not sure how I feel about this, but I am sure that with recent events, the episode will probably net higher than expected viewer numbers.

Source:  The Washington Post

Heroes

Earlier this month, a fellow Screen Rant scribe wrote about Robert Knepper and Madeline Zima joining the cast of Heroes.  We can now add a few more names to that list.

Ray Park (who played Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode 1 and is in the new upcoming G.I. Joe movie) and Deanne Bray have also signed on the dotted line to appear in multiple episodes.

The word is that Park will be playing the role of a knife thrower while Bray will be the deaf love interest of one of the main characters.

Speaking of Heroes, NBC announced on June 4th the release of The Heroes Comic Reader for the iPhone.

The NBC press release states:

“Fans can pick up where the on-air story leaves off with original graphic novels that extend and deepen stories and characters.”

If that’s your thing, then this is a neat add-on for franchise for fans.

Source: NBC, Entertainment Weekly

Click to continue ‘Weekly TV Wrap Up – June 11th 2009′

• Weekly TV Wrap Up – August 6th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – June 18, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 2nd 2009
• Ratings For The Week Ending September 13
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 23rd, 2009
• Friday Night Ratings: Dollhouse & Smallville

24 Casting News

The cast for the upcoming 8th season of 24 is growing ever so slowly, but surely.

Jennifer Westfeldt has been cast in the recurring role of an ambitious journalist named Meredith Reed.

This ambitious journalist has connections to a Middle East leader who is in the U.S. on a peacemaking mission, named Arman Hashemi.  Hashemi will be played by Anil Kapoor (Slumdog Millionaire).

Chris Diamantopoulos (The Starter Wife) will be in the regular role of Rob Weiss, President Allison Taylor’s new chief of staff.

The CTU will be getting new faces as well, and one of them will be John Boyd (The Notorious Bettie Page) as systems analyst Jonah Schwartz.

Other sources are adding that Freddie Prinze Jr is being cast as Davis Cole.  Cole is fresh off active Marine duty and runs the CTU Field Ops and might be looking to fill Jack Bauer’s shoes.

Season 8 of Fox’s 24 will be coming at us Jan. 17, 2010, with a two-night, four-hour event.

Outside The Studio, Keifer Sutherland Legal Issues Update

Kiefer Sutherland’s legal issues regarding the alleged headbutting of fashion designer Jack McCollough may be settling down.

Back on May 5th at a party, women’s wear designer Jack McCollough, who is a friend of Brooke Shields’s, interrupted her and Sutherland while they were chatting and this interruption resulted in an irate Sutherland allegedly headbutting McCollough after they exchanged words.

Was Keifer channeling Jack?

Nothing has been settled yet but Keifer Sutherland has issued a public apology to McCollough and McCollough has issued a statement saying he appreciated Keifer’s public statement.

If everything works out between the party buddies, it will clear the way for the assault charges against Keifer Sutherland to be dropped.

Right now Keifer is under a 5-year probation for a DUI (His 2nd) and this legal issue in New York may still be a snag on his probation terms from California.

California officials are making stink and asking for reports on the party nose-breaking moment.

Sources:  People, TV Guide, THR

• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 23rd, 2009
• Comic-Con 2009: ‘24′ Panel
• 24 Season Finale Review & Discussion
• TV News & Notes: Warehouse 13, Lost, Star Wars & More
• Stephen Root Joins ‘24′
• Fox’s ‘24′ Adds More Cast Members

Normally, I come away from a show with a critical eye towards issues or angles that distract me from the main plot, yet this seventh season of 24 and its finale came at us with a new sense of energy, focus and desperation that I don’t remember feeling before. I also found myself hating not one, but two characters from the show while being shown a side of Jack Bauer that I was not used to seeing.  That was unique and somewhat disturbing.

This year we had no CTU and Jack had to work as a cooperative consultant for the FBI (imagine a consultant that’s one of the most dangerous men alive!).  We did get to see some of our CTU favorites but in unique scenarios.

You’ll see why after the break, where the SPOILERS are hiding.  You’ve been warned.

SPOILERS FOLLOW

.

.

.

.

Up until the finale, we were thrown one curve after another but that’s the norm for a day in the life of Jack Bauer.

Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) was removed (read: borrowed) by the FBI from the Senate hearings where he was on trial for his brutal but necessary methods from previous seasons.  The FBI came looking for him for help with dealing with someone from his past – Tony Almeida.

In the course of his duties, Jack is infected with the chemical bio-weapon and for the first time, we see Jack at a disadvantage.  Dealing with the affects of the bio-weapon, he’s weakened and confused at times.  It was eerie to see Jack this way.

We found out that Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard) was alive but was working with the bad guys, while working for the good guys, and then, as it turned out, Tony was working for the bad guys to kill a bad guy.  Bernard portrayed Almeida very well and I really ended up disliking him.

Almeida is the ultimate when it comes to doing everything necessary to achieve his goal, no matter what.  At this stage of the game, what little morals he might have had are gone.

In the course of the first few hours of the day, we found that a secret splinter-group of the CTU was still in operation in the form of the ever sarcastically snippy Chloe O’ Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) and the earnestly focused Bill Buchanan (James Morrison).

Through a round-about fashion, Chloe ends up assisting the FBI with their computer woes, Bill Buchanan selflessly gives his life to save the President.  Bills death was a stunner for viewers and Jack alike.

From one moment to the next, the terrorists are thwarted by the FBI, with the assistance of a sick Jack Bauer, who was able to maintain some semblance of composure with medications that temporarily stave off the affects of the biochemical coursing through his system.

The Final Few Hours Ratcheted Up The Intensity

Despite having captured Tony Almeida, the terrorists get to Jack’s daughter and Jack is manipulated into helping Tony escape, much to our chagrin.

Tony takes Jack hostage with the intent of using his body as a source for a new bio-weapon.  We learn that everything Tony has done he did in order to meet the mastermind behind all of the terror on this day, Alan Wilson (Will Patton).  We learn that Wilson is the grand conspirator behind the deaths of Tony’s wife and President David Palmer back in season 5.

Back at the airport the FBI manages to apprise Kim that she’s being watched by the terrorists.  The cops show up, a shoot out ensues in the airport and one of the terrorists makes a break for it.  The FBI aren’t there, so Kim follows the terrorist hoping to retrieve his laptop.  He crashes his car after being shot and Kim needs to get on Twitter bad.

Kim bravely digs deep and crawls in the burning car to retrieve a laptop because it’s the only connection to where her father, Jack might be.

In the end, after tracking the laptop signal to where Jack was being held, the FBI shows up in time just before Tony could detonate the bomb that he strapped to Jack, with the intent to kill master bad guy Alan Wilson.

Back at the White House, meanwhile, other things were going on.  The First Daughter, Olivia Taylor (Sprague Grayden), has tricked her way into the White House Chief Of Staff position and is a very manipulative little b*.  I really hated this woman – hence my kudos to Grayden for her portrayal of this little trickster.

Olivia lets her emotions get the best of her and she has Jonas Hodges (Jon Voight) assassinated.  Hodges was one of the initial middlemen in this terrorist plot and was responsible for killing Olivia’s brother at the end of the 24: Redemption.

Aaron Pierce (Glenn Morshower) gets the former Chief of Staff, Ethan Kanin (Bob Gunton), to assist in retrieving a recording device disk from his old office and gets the phone record evidence necessary to prove Olivia’s involvement in Hodges’ assassination.

President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones) has her daughter arrested for her transgressions against the law.  She has no other choice, as the leader of the nation.  This tough decision may destroy her family.

In the beginning of the day, Special Agent Renee Walker (Annie Wesching), was rather aghast at Jack’s brutal methods.  After slowly recognizing that his methods are more effective and expedient than the legal process (and having her boyfriend murdered by Tony Almeida), she crossed a threshold that she never thought she would.

In the FBI interrogation room, the man behind it all, Alan Wilson, smugly sits patient, knowing he’s untouchable.  He can’t be connected to anything.  Actor Will Patton has this touch to playing insidiously evil, cunning men.

Renee enters the interrogation room with her gun and the scene fades to black.  We’re left making our own assumptions or wishes of what happens next.

Kim goes to the hospital where her dad, Jack is dying.  He finally decides it is time to let go and he’s in a coma from the medications needed to alleviate the pain.  Despite Jack earlier declining the idea of an experimental stem cell procedure to save his life, Kim decides to go ahead and have the risky procedure. Will it save Jack’s life? We’ll know for sure when season 8 starts.

This Finale Was Fun

Some say the 24 season 7 finale episode was predictable.  We’ve seen old and new characters.  Tony was not killed, so maybe we’ll see him again?  He can always manage a break out.

I’ve always enjoyed Aaron Pierce and I hope we get to see him again.  We also found ourselves watching the return of Kim Bauer.  I hope that next season, we get to see Kim some more.  Who knows?

Some good justice got dispensed by the end of the season: Olivia Taylor paid the piper and Tony Almeida, for all his love torn revenge, failed when only inches from his goal.  What a waste of all his energy, to finally be thwarted within feet of his target (see the pic above).

I really enjoyed the hard emotional transition that Renee Walker endured to become the perfect girl for Jack Bauer.  More importantly, she understands Jack on a different level than most.  Jack and Renee had a heart to heart talk about dealing with everything they had to do to get the job done and I felt a connection at a very deep level between the two.

I do believe she was stepping over the line as she walked into that interrogation room.  But truly, I jest about “the perfect girl for Jack”, because we know jack never really enjoyed anything he had to do. Jack did what he had to, for his country.

I had fun with this episode, as many of the story lines were properly tied off and very little was left hanging, though I can’t wait to find out what happened with Renee. If she didn’t cross the line, I’d love to see her and Jack work together.  The bad guys would be in so much trouble.

So does Jack Bauer live through the experimental treatment?  I guess so since we have another season coming at us.  In fact, 24’s eighth season debuts Jan. 17, 2010!  But even sooner, you can own the Blu-ray version of season 7, which was released on Tuesday, May 19th.  That’s fast.

Tidbit:  The 8th season of 24 is described as a real world political situation that takes place in New York approximately 12 to 18 months after the events of season 7. Filming starts in a few weeks.

Was it a good finale? Oh yeah.  Was it predictable?  Sort of, but what had me on the edge of my seat was worrying about that which I was expecting to not happen.  Would they twist it up and tick me off?  Or do the same ‘ol and bore me?  I wasn’t bored wondering.  I had fun.  Did you?  What did you like?  Did anything irk you?  Let us know your thoughts.  We’re eager to hear them.

Season 8 info source:  Sci-Fi Wire

• Comic-Con 2009: ‘24′ Panel
• 24 Season 8 Cast And Some Legal News
• 24 Season 8 Trailer Revs a Mighty Engine
• TV News & Notes: Warehouse 13, Lost, Star Wars & More
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – April 16th, 2009
• TV News & Notes: Dollhouse, Lie To Me & More

It’s Thursday and I hope that April 15th didn’t treat you too harshly yesterday. Whether it did or not, I’m still here to razz or rant on some stuff that’s happening in and around the tube.

Stargate Universe

As if this is a surprise to Stargate fans, but Stargate Universe will be having a few notable guest stars in the form of a few veterans reprising their Stargate SG-1 roles.

Yep, you read that right.

We’ll be seeing Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks and Gary Jones reprising their roles we’ve come to love over the years. Additonally, we’re going to see Christopher McDonald (U.S. senator Alan Armstrong), Janelle Monáe (plays herself. She and her band will perform) and Carlo Rota (Carl Strom, head of the International Oversight Advisory) will also make an appearance.

If this is anything like the way Stargate Atlantis started, we’ll see them in one quick scene, making it an official Stargate send off. I can’t imagine anything else, unless there’s a holodeck on the Ancient’s ship.

Stargate Universe stars Robert Carlyle, Lou Diamond Phillips and Ming-Na and is set to premiere on SCI FI in October with a special two-hour episode.

Source: SciFi Wire

Southland

Southland is a new crime drama show that takes the place of ER on Thursdays. It came in pretty strong with just under 10 million viewers for it’s premiere episode last week. I think this show may just play well into this time slot. I plan on watching it some more because I found it compelling. Did you?

24

Not to give much away for the time-shifted viewers but I thought the last episode of 24 brought some emotion to Jack’s life and a real twister of an ending. What a mind blowing twist of scenes.

If anyone saw it and wants to express their thoughts, try not to leave any spoilers please. (It’s hard, I know.)

The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Normally, this is where I might speak about the last episode of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, since they had their season finale. But we need more space to touch on some issues, so stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming article on the show. I’ll just say this for now: The season finale drew in approximately 3.6 million viewers.

I apologize for the tease.

Harper’s Island

Harper’s Island is a murder mystery drama and that reference isn’t the best draw for some folks. Yet being brought to us by Jerry Turtletaub (Jericho) not only gives it some merit, I believe it’s evident in the show. There’s great character interaction and mystery upon mystery leveled at us like layers of an onion.

With that noted, Harper’s Island premiered 20th on our charts with just over 10 million viewers clocking in to watch it. I found it entertaining enough that the hour flew by for me pretty fast and I was surprised it went so fast.

Did Anyone else catch this show? Have any thoughts?

Damages

Dang. I just got around to watching the last 2 episodes of Damages.

The flash forwards and flash backs throughout the season set me up for some premises I thought I had. Yet they artfully sidestepped everything and took us down a very entertaining path. That last episode moved at a pace that was complimentary to the writing throughout the season. It was one surprise after the other.

Another season, well done for Damages. I am hoping they return for another season.

Smallville

In case you’re wondering where new episodes of Smallville are, well, you’ve come to the right place.

It’s just taking a break and new episodes will be returning on April 23rd.

Leno on NBC in Boston

Remember that NBC Affiliate that said it wasn’t going to air the new Jay Leno primetime show because it was going to be “adverse to their finances?”

After NBC made a statement about pulling their affiliation from the station, they’ve had a change of heart.

WHDH-TV owner Ed Ansin said recently that “upon further consideration,” they will air Jay Leno’s program at 10 pm/ET beginning in September.

Well, that didn’t last long.

Source: THR

Friday Night Lights

Time Shitfted Viewing Light Spoilers.

Friday Night Lights came to season close last week.  Man, I think coach got the shaft from the rich brat dad using his influence to get what he wants or that he was getting revenge for getting turned in to child protective services.  It’s killing me.

Now, as you can see, Coach is going to have his job cut out for him.  What a drastic change of venue.  I’m betting this new job only has one football from the looks of that tattered field.

Trust Me

If you were a Trust Me fan, I hope you weren’t too hooked on it.

Despite TNT confusing me and calling it a “creative success,” TNT pulled the plug on the show last Friday.

Trust Me starred Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanagh as creative executives at the imaginary agency and it just didn’t catch on, averaging only 1.4 million viewers per episode.

I so did not want to tell me wife this news. She’s a big Cavanagh fan.

Source: NY Times

Ratings

Below are network ratings from the week of April 6th to April 12th:

As you can see, American idol dominated. What’s new? NCIS performed consistently with just over 17 million viewers and CSI did well with just over 16 million viewers. The action adventure platform known as 24 pulled in just over 10 million viewers.

The most viewed premiere of the week was Surviving Suburbia with 11+ million viewers, then Harper’s Island with just over 10 million pairs of eyeballs. Southland premiered 3rd amongst premieres with just under 10 million viewers, but I feel like it’s capable of more and will probably do more. We’re still in withdrawal from ER.

NBC’s Parks and Recreation premiered in the middle of the pack as did The Unusuals, both with around 6.8 million viewers.

For me, I tried watching The Unusuals premiere episode. It just didn’t draw me in. In fact I had just watched Southland and I turned of The Unusuals about 20 minutes in. I gave it a 2nd try last night. I didn’t turn it off, but it just felt lacking to me. I might gel with other folks but I just don’t see Amber Tamblyn (Joan Of Arcadia) as a cop. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg on this one, so I’ll be nice and say no more.

Rating Numbers via TV By The Numbers.

• Stargate Universe Premiere Overnight Rating Numbers
• Stargate Universe 2nd Episode Ratings Improve
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – April 30th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – May 21st, 2009
• Ratings: ‘Smallville’ Flying High, ‘FlashForward’ Losing Viewers
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – April 2nd, 2009

Due to technical difficulties beyond my control, the digital dog ate my homework. Or, I had to write this article twice! The digital dog just sounds more light-hearted than what the second line implies. Enough about my woes with technological gremlins.

There wasn’t a ton of news to report or snark on this week, so I had to dig up enough to make this yet another interesting read. Well, at least I think it is! I do have a few snippets that might be spoilers for The Office (Guest appearance) and Lost (Possible finale shoot notes).

Shall we get on with it?

Big Reminder:

The DVD movie, Stargate Ark of Truth will be on Friday night on The Sci-Fi Channel!  Don’t forget!

Viewer Numbers From Last Week

As of Wednesday, these are some of the viewer estimates from some shows we like, and some we think you may follow.

The top performing show of the week was Wednesday’s American Idol which brought in just over 23 million viewers. After that, are some of the shows we’d be more interested in how they’re doing.

Show (Network): Number of viewers in the millions

• 60 Minutes (CBS): 17.04 (Would you look at that! People like the news!)
• NCIS (CBS): 15.84
• The Mentalist (CBS): 15.49
• Desperate Housewives (ABC): 14.75
• Grey’s Anatomy (ABC): 14.61
  
• Two and a Half Men (CBS): 14.12
• Criminal Minds (CBS): 13.74
• CSI: Miami (CBS): 13.61
• House (Fox): 13.13
• CSI: NY (CBS): 12.79
• Without a Trace (CBS): 11.87
• Rules of Engagement (CBS): 11.42
• Cold Case (CBS): 11.41
• 24 (Fox): 11.36
• Castle (ABC): 10.97
• Law & Order: SVU (NBC): 10.74
• Bones (Fox): 10.52
• Lie to Me (Fox): 10.26
• Brothers & Sisters (ABC): 10.15
• The Big Bang Theory (CBS): 9.69
• ER (NBC): 9.47
• Lost (ABC): 8.82
• The Office (NBC): 7.95
• Burn Notice (USA): 7.31
• 30 Rock (NBC): 7.02
• Ugly Betty (CBS): 7
• Heroes (NBC): 6.48
• My Name Is Earl (NBC): 6.42
• Better Off Ted (ABC): 5.50
• Kings (NBC): 4.60
• Dollhouse (Fox): 4.14
• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox): 3.65
• Smallville (CW): 3.29
• Supernatural (CW): 3.15
• Battlestar Galactica (SciFi): 2.4

Better Off Ted

As you can see the premiere of Better Off Ted wasn’t as big as ABC might have hoped for. Maybe things will pick up after basketball.

Some Of Our Faves

Though the Fox network had its usual low set of numbers for a Friday with Dollhouse and The Sarah Connor Chronicles, both shows had a small improvement from the week before. Supernatural also had some increase in viewers but Smallville had a slight drop.

Word on the street is that despite the numbers, Dollhouse may return next season. No promises Though.

Battlestar Galactice Finale

The highly debated two-hour series-finale of Battlestar Galactica brought in 2.4 million viewers last Friday. No, not big on the numbers compared to network, but good enough for cable networks. That number made it the most-watched episode since Jan. 6, 2006 and it outperformed the season three-finale by 56%.

Burn Notice

The second season-finale of the USA drama Burn Notice hit a record 7.31 million viewers in its Friday 10 p.m. time slot. Go Michael Westin!!

Sources: Media Week, TV By The Numbers, TV Guide

Nothing Says Canceled Like…

This is pure conjecture on my part, but from what I’m seeing, I feel that The Sarah Connor Chronicles is not coming back next season. I say that because Stephanie Jacobsen, (Jesse from The Sarah Connor Chronicles), has joined the cast of the Melrose Place pilot in the role of Lauren. Lauren is a med student who is a high-end call girl by night. (Now let’s see if you can get her accent out of your head now!)

On top of that, Brian Austin Green, is being reported as lining up a role in another CW pilot called Body Politic.

Granted, these two are not main characters and these shows are only pilots, but I’m guessing some contracts either allow for this, or have ended on TSCC. My feel is that the execs at FOX aren’t holding their breath for an additional season and specific characters are not going to be needed. I actually got that feel from the panel at WonderCon in ‘Frisco anyway.

TSCC did get their 2nd season from the advertisers, and again – my conjecture – because of the upcoming Terminator Salvation movie. With that movie fast approaching release date, the curiosity seekers have dwindled and the tie-ins that could be, are no longer.

Last weeks episode carried quite a bit of drama with it and I am enjoying it. Yet there’s only so far they can go with it.

In case you have the hots for additional news on the desperate reboot attempt of Melrose Place, other cast members reporting in are Colin Egglesfield, (All My Children), Michael Rady (Greek), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), Ashlee Simpson (7th Heaven) and Jessica Lucas (90210).

Source: TV Guide

Speaking of Brian Austin Green

Brian Austin Green’s role as Derek Reese on TSCC may not be the only thing he’s possibly leaving behind! This is just shameless gossip, and a great excuse to add a nice picture to my post, but it’s been reported that Megan Fox moved out of the house she was sharing with Brian.

You know those moments that we look back on and reference about the “One that got away”? I think Green just took the cake on this one!

Guys, the line forms to the right!

Source: E Online

The Sopranos Creator Returns To HBO

David Chase, the creator behind The Sopranos, is coming back to HBO with a new idea in mind.

A Ribbon of Dreams is a mini-series that is set in 1913 and follows two very different men — one a college-educated mechanical engineer and the other, a cowboy with a violent past.

They form a partnership and become motion picture pioneers. Their journey is followed as the Hollywood film industry evolves from silent westerns to talking pictures and into the studio system of present day.

The premise initially seems kind of ‘meh’, but if you dwell on this, it may have a ton of potential with the various eras and lots of different people that may come and go through the series.

Source: TV Guide

No Heather Locklear Here

Even though the CW landed many of the veteran stars back on set for the 90210 reboot, they are having no luck getting Heather Locklear for their new version of Melrose Place. I think it might have been a matter of who is employed and who is not. Locklear has a few projects in the making.

The CW has tried to cover their tracks with this thinly disguised cop out press release:

“There wasn’t a way to bring her back that made sense.”

Riiight. I love PR. But some days it seems like it really is their job to get blood out of a turnip. (Have you figured out this was just another excuse to post a pretty face?)

Source: EW

Back Gets More Cast

CBS has two more stars for their new pilot titled Back. The CBS pilot will star Skeet Ulrich (Jericho) and the two new cast members are Sherry Stringfield (ER) and D.B. Woodside (24).

Back is about a man (Skeet Ulrich) who returns home after eight years. The catch? Everyone thought he died in the 9/11 tragedies, so he was reported as missing.

Sherry Stringfield is Ulrich’s wife. Upon his return, he discovers she’s moved on with a new hubby, which is classic Cast Away. (Man I hurt for him when Hanks returned home to find his wife off with a new hubby and kids.) With Ulrich’s return to this depressing scenario, he’s going to need a shrink. That’s where Woodside comes in. He will be playing that shrink.

Dang, I’m depressed for him already!

PS: Before you ask, no, I don’t know why he went away.

Source: TV Guide

The Office Guest Star

(Mild actor / story line Spoiler)

If I’m not mistaken, Idris Elba (The Wire, Rocknrolla), has started his 6 week guest stint on The Office.

Amy Ryan (The Wire, Gone Baby Gone), is also scheduled to show up as the H.R. goddess Holly Flax for the final episode of the season.

Source: E Online

Lost Season Finale Conjecture

(May be a mild finale spoiler)

It seems that ABC was advertising or seeking extras in Hawaii to play the parts of guests at a wedding on Lost. The timing of such an inquiry is not lost on a few. If schedules are on track, this is the time frame that they would be shooting the season-finale.

Now what would a wedding pertain to? Who knows. It could be a past wedding, or a future wedding. Or a future wedding from their past that is really the present yesterday? I think I just hurt my brain.

Eh, just thought I’d toss this snippet out.

Source: E Online

SOME FUN STUFF:

Next Top Model Gone Bad

Last week 4 people were injured and 2 hospitalized after a stampede of high heel cuties erupted in New York during a casting call for America’s Next Top Model.

At first I thought there was an impromptu makeup sale on the street corner.

It turned out that while hundreds of fashion model wannabe’s were lingering around in line to audition for the show, an argument had ensued. During or after the spat, a BMW either drove by or broke down near the mascara smeared mob and when it spewed some smoke, someone in the automotive-challenged hoard had yelled bomb, and the surge for pseudo safety was on!

The three that were arguing were arrested.

I really enjoyed the reference to this whole thing from the source article over on E Online:

“Fashion Week meets Thunderdome.”

I can’t imagine what a herd of spiked heels running might sound like.

Universal Pictures Has Some !!!!’s

The Advertising Standards Authority, (ASA) a London-based watchdog group, is asking British broadcasters to not air a commercial regarding the DVD release of the 2008 Angelina Jolie flick, Wanted. They’re saying that the movie glorifies and glamorizes gun violence.

Being that the ASA doesn’t get that people are not that stupid, Clearcast, the approving agencies for TV advertisements feels confident that viewers just might be able to distinguish the difference between the fantasy shooting action in Wanted vs. real life. What? You can’t curve bullets? Crap.

Per BBC News, Universal Pictures has replied with the most humorous statement:

“Maybe the ASA, which also banned the ‘Wanted’ posters last year, objects to a female lead handling the big guns, rather than the guns themselves.”

Though I have a hard time believing that was their official company line on the issue, I think Universal Pictures just made a fan out of me anyway.

Source: E Online

• The Friday Night Death Slot: Sarah Connor Chronicles & Dollhouse
• TV Renewal And Cancellation Notes To Date
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – March 12th, 2009
• Are Smallville And Supernatural Ending Next Season?
• Dollhouse & Sarah Connor Ratings Better Than We Think
• Solved: Dollhouse – The Mystery Of The 13th Episode

Hello Screen Rant readers. There isn’t a lot of TV stuff going on, but I did manage to dig up some noise on a few things. Namely some info on the upcoming Caprica DVD, Tin Man, The Mentalist, Dollhouse, Heroes and ER.

Let’s get to it.

The CW

Earlier this week we reported that The CW renewed Smallville and Supernatural. In addition to those tentpole shows, they also renewed Gossip Girl, 90210, America’s Next Top Model (cycles 13 and 14) & One Tree Hill. They’ve also ordered a prequel to Gossip Girl, titled Lily, and 2 other new shows, the Vampire Diaries and something called Light Years.

Source: TV Week

Caprica

Last week in this column I reported that the Battlestar Galactica prequel, Caprica, is being release on DVD before it airs. Way before it airs. The uncut, unrated version will be coming out April 21st, 2009. The show isn’t due out until its 2010 premiere date. The bonus features on the DVD include:

• Behind the scenes of the show
• Commentary from directors Jeffrey Reiner, Moore and Eick
• Deleted scenes
• Video blogs
• Featurettes What the Frak is Caprica? and other video bits like The Birth of a Cylon.

Sounds like it has a lot for the daring soul who might cough up the dough on a new unproven show. Releasing it on DVD long before it airs doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense…

Here’s a shot of the DVD cover:

Source: SciFi Wire

The Mentalist

I personally haven’t watched The Mentalist, but it is pulling some serious ratings numbers. For the 2nd week in a row, it was the #1 scripted show. For the week ending Feb. 22, it brought in over 18 million viewers. Does anyone out there have anything to say about this show? Notice they now have to differentiate it as a scripted show. Reality TV has definitely changed the TV landscape.

Source: CBS

Tin Man

Anyone remember the mini-series Tin Man on The Sci-Fi Channel? It was a nice twisted take on the Wizard of Oz and was one of the biggest, most watched shows on the Sci-Fi Channel. Sci-Fi is in talks to make the mini-series into a series. At least that’s the word from Neal McDonough. If you ask me, I think they’re looking for another dark series to step in and take the place of Battlestar Galactica, but that’s OK by me. I like the dark.

Source: io9

Dollhouse

Dollhouse already has a new bad guy in the form of a rogue active named Alpha. Alpha is the person who went “Charlie Manson” all over the residents of the Dollhouse a while back (flashback on the show). He will be played by Alan Tudyk. If anyone recalls, he was the pilot of the Serenity on Firefly.

Get ready for some crazy from Alpha: He’s described as having multiple personalities and is fragmented and twisted from his time in the Dollhouse. I probably would be too from sleeping in those power-lid coffins they go to sleep in! Did you know that like “the Watcher” in Fringe, we’ve already seen Alpha in the background? Weird, in a stalker kind of way.

Source: New Film Dimension

ER

When ER was heading into its final season, NBC was a little hard pressed to get a few personalities back on for a final ratings-grabbing scene. Once George Clooney finally agreed to come back, others piled in with him. But it’s a costly appearance that Dr. Ross will be making – to compensate for paying the venerable George Clooney, NBC is trying to sell some expensive ad time to pay for his half million dollar appearance. And it’s reported that he will be on screen for only a few minutes (nice work if you can get it).

The final episode will air April 2nd. There will be a one hour retrospective, then the two hour finale.

Source: TV Guide

Heroes

Is Heroes getting hurt by 24? 24 has been pretty intense this season and as Vic puts it, after 24, Heroes seems a little less exciting. But can that perception be hurting Heroes?

Heroes viewership dropped below seven million viewers this week, losing one million viewers from the week before. In fact last week’s episode performed worse than the show that ran during the writers strike, My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad.

Ouch. What’s your take? Is the show holding up for you?

Source: E Online

And that’s it for this week!

• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• Ratings: ‘Smallville’ Flying High, ‘FlashForward’ Losing Viewers
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 30th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – March 19th, 2009
• Dollhouse Season 2 Premiere – Ratings & Discussion
• How’s the Jay Leno Show Faring These Days?

So it’s finally really begun again – another riveting season (7) of Fox TV’s 24.

Less than two months ago we were given the “Day 7″ teaser called 24: Redemption, which gave some backstory for what will happen over the next 24 hours (Jack Bauer time). I stated in the comments on that post that it looks like the show has recovered from its “jump the shark” season 6 and seems to be back in fine form.

And tonight’s two hour season premiere continues the “24 is BACK” feeling.

The episode opened with Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland, looking a lot older and more ragged than when we first met him) in front of a Senate committee, being grilled by a senator in an obvious set up that will lead to his indictment. He is called away by the FBI in order to help track down domestic terrorists led by Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard), thought to be dead.

Jack is partnered up with FBI agent Renee Walker (Annie Wersching), a smart and capable agent who grudgingly goes along with Jack’s “special” way of doing things. There’s an informant at the FBI and he convinces her that until we know who that is, she can’t trust anyone. Among the cast are Chloe O’Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) – the socially inept but super-savvy computer geek (she hasn’t appeared yet and I miss her already). In her place (at least initially) we have another female computer geek, Janice Gold, played by (if you can believe it) Janeane Garofalo. Knowing her political stance on things and the fact that this show skews Conservative, I’m really stunned to see her on it.

Also returning to the show will be the stalwart Bill Buchanan (James Morrison, also not yet seen). Another new person is smarmy, sarcastic computer expert Sean Hillinger (Rhys Coiro), who no doubt will be getting a comeuppance at some point during the season.

The newly elected, and first female President (Allison Taylor) has to make a decision on invading a foreign country (as seen in “Redemption”) where a rebel leader is committing genocide in the hundreds of thousands. This of course dovetails with the local terrorists with which Almeida is involved. At this point it’s not clear if he really has “gone bad,” but I suspect he’s trying to infiltrate and uncover something big.

In any case, I thought we needed a central discussion point here at Screen Rant for the 7th season of 24, so here you go!

For more information visit the official site for the series.

• 24 Season Finale Review & Discussion
• TV News & Notes: Warehouse 13, Lost, Star Wars & More
• Comic-Con 2009: ‘24′ Panel
• TV News & Notes: Dollhouse, Lie To Me & More
• 24 Season 8 Trailer Revs a Mighty Engine
• 24 Season 8 Cast And Some Legal News

24: Redemption is the prequel to 24: Day 7. It’s also the gift to us, the viewers, for having to wait for the next season of 24 for such a long period of time.

In Redemption we meet a collection of characters as this prequel takes place between the hours of 3 and 5PM.

• A most annoying bug named Frank Trammell (Gil Bellows) who is a govt lackey trying to serve a subpoena to Jack to get him to a Senate Subcommittee questioning session.

• Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is in Africa helping out at a school for young boys run by an old special OPs buddy Carl Benton (Robert Carlyle).

• The evil of this 2-hour dose of action is Colonel Benjamin Juma (Tony Todd) who’s abducting young children, brainwashing them into becoming his army of gun-toting children. It’s haunting to have this addressed in plain view. Colonel Juma leads a coup in his country and all h*ll breaks loose. It’s elements of this coup that Jack has to deal with as he moves to get the children out of the country.

• Colonel Jumas coup is funded by a shady businessman named Jonas Hodges (Jon Voight).

• We get to see Peter MacNicol reprise his role as Tom Lennox, even if it was for just a few moments.

There was a lot filled in during this two-hour moment that has established characters for the upcoming season. It didn’t disappoint as we got the usual level of intensity and action that we expect out of what happens around Jack Bauer.  But unlike the usual settings of warehouses hidden away in industrial complexes or in back offices where people get “questioned”, we had a mostly outdoors experience this time through.

Poor Jack… no rest for the weary. He kept trying to move on and leave but he kept getting drawn into doing the right thing. Which in the long run, was save the children who were from the school and get them out of the country before they were abducted into the evil Colonels army.

Meanwhile the President Elect gets sworn in. Her son, Roger Taylor (Eric Lively) looks like he is going to be a target of Hodges’ henchmen because a friend of Rogers discovered some interesting information on Hodges, but has ended up under an oozing pile of fresh cement somewhere. Hodges is covering all his bases.

Is it me or did a lot happen for a mere two-hours? They seemed to stick to time constraints, but there’s that nagging feeling. I like Tony Todd and I think he’ll make a great Colonel Jumas and adversary. Just don’t mess with him too much or you’ll be dealing with the Candyman!

Tidbit: Redemption was filmed in Cape Town, Africa and Kiefer Sutherland was the executive producer. Is this fast or what: Redemption will be available on DVD come Tuesday! Remember – 24: Day 7 will premiere on January 11th, for a two-night premiere.

• 24 Season Finale Review & Discussion
• 24 Season 8 Cast And Some Legal News
• 24 Season 8 Trailer Revs a Mighty Engine
• TV News & Notes: Warehouse 13, Lost, Star Wars & More
• Fox’s ‘24′ Adds More Cast Members
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 23rd, 2009

The 2008 Presidential election is finally behind us and I think it’s time for a little levity after all the anger and angst. I must confess how stunned I am to see so many people reveling in a victory that–if we are being truly honest with ourselves–must be accredited to one man in particular:

That’s right folks, I am referring to former U.S. President, David Palmer.

In 2001, then-Senator David Palmer was going hard on the campaign trail, hoping to become America’s first  black President. When America’s Counter Terrorist Unit uncovered a plot to assassinate Palmer, the Senator showed the utmost resolve, continuing on his campaign trail despite the considerable threat, narrowly avoiding death when a bomb disguised as a cell phone was detonated in his hotel room.

However, Palmer’s courage paid off and by the fall of 2002 America had elected him as their President. President Palmer went on to have a highly distinguished term in office, steering the nation through some of its darkest days, including the detonation of a nuclear bomb on American soil; a chemical attack that left Palmer himself debilitated for a time; a biological weapon used on innocent American civilians; countless betrayals by moles within America’s intelligence community, the federal government, and even within the ranks of the First Family. By the time President Palmer was up for a second term, the job as America’s Commander-In-Chief had cost him so much personal loss he was all too happy to pass the torch without a fight.

After leaving office in 2004, President Palmer continued to play a pivotal role in American politics, helping to guide subsequent Presidents along the trail he’d blazed, until his life was tragically cut short when a domestic terrorist cabal assassinated him in 2006.

But even after his untimely demise, the legacy of David Palmer continued to influence American culture. Palmer’s tireless resolve, unwavering moral compass, acute sense of justice, combined with his total commitment to America’s safety and prosperity have inspired later Presidents to mirror his example, including President-elect Barack Obama, who hopes to do as good a job as his forerunner. His election would not have been possible were it not for President Palmer leading the way.

My friends, let us never forget the heroes who have sacrificed so much to make America great. President David Palmer is unquestionably one of those heroes. As we move forward alongside President Barack Obama, let us remember David Palmer and be inspired. Let us remember that before there was ever Change We Can Believe In™, there was one man who had the fortitude to stand in defiance of those who threatened our nation. Let us remember that it was President Palmer, first and foremost, who entered the idea into our national consciousness that the color of a man’s skin had no bearing on his ability to lead this great nation.

We thank you, President Palmer, for all your selfless contributions to this nation. Your example will never be forgotten.

And be sure to catch the two-hour 24 special event, “Redemption,” on Sunday November 23, at 8pm.

The seventh season of 24 begins with a two-night, four-hour premiere extravaganza on Sunday January 11 & Monday January 12, 2009.

What are your fond memories of President David Palmer? And how do you see his Presidency influencing the Presidency of Barack Obama? Let us know what you think.

Source: Fox

• 24 Season Finale Review & Discussion
• 24 Season 8 Trailer Revs a Mighty Engine
• TV News & Notes: Dollhouse, Lie To Me & More
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 23rd, 2009
• TV News & Notes: Warehouse 13, Lost, Star Wars & More
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – June 11, 2009

The cursed writers strike affected a lot of shows last year and is even partly to blame for the cancellation of some of them. Fox’s 24 was not immune to those effects

Before the writers strike occurred, Fox already had their own “issues.” No, not the usual ones (well, maybe the usual ones) – there was discord in the Fox house as to where they were going to film 24… since the original script for season 7 called for shooting in Africa. Africa was deemed too expensive on production costs. <<- Remember that: It – was – too – costly – to – go – to – Africa.

Once they decided not to shoot in Africa, the show underwent a major rewrite. During the rewrite, a new schedule was being looked at – but timing issues and the writers’ strike came down the pike to throw the production yet another curve ball.

As the rewrite got back underway, the estimated completion time would have broken the show into two viewing segments that would have pushed the finale into Summer.

That’s what’s technically known in the business as “a no-no.”

The Summer time frame is notorious for when networks do not air their high-profile shows. Additionally Fox didn’t want to break up the show into two separate mini-seasons. (DID YOU HEAR THAT SCI-FI CHANNEL??? Sorry… I couldn’t help myself.) So they pushed the premiere date of season 7 back to January of ‘09, taking a calculated risk by completely skipping the 2008 TV season.  At least this way, they could run the entire season continuously with no breaks, to its conclusion.

During the downtime, Keifer Sutherland served some jail time for a drunk driving charge and Joel Surnow, the show’s co-creator, quit. Busy off-season if you ask me.

The new season is referred to as “Day 7″ and a January start date was the best way to run the season without interruption to conclusion. But since we’ve been waiting so long for the new season, Fox has put together a little gift for the fans: A prequel to warm us up for January and keep our anticipation going.

THE PREQUEL:

The prequel was shot in South Africa and… yes, you heard right: Africa (Budget? What budget?). I guess Fox still has a few issues underneath it all.

The two-hour prequel (titled 24: Redemption) will be airing on Nov. 23rd and “The following takes place between 3 and 5 PM”, “24″ time (you can hear the voice saying that, can’t you?). It will of course star Keifer Sutherland. Jon Voight will be joining the cast and will play Jonas Hodges, the behind-the-scenes bad guy of the next terrorist threat. This will be Voight’s first television role in over 40 years.

I like the oddball stoic demeanor that Voight brings to the screen. He reminds me of a modern day Jack Palance, who pulled off amazing characters with his own special, stiff twist. It should be interesting to see that same atmospheric attitude as one of the bad guys.

Cherry Jones will star as the United States’ first female president.

SEASON 7:

(Warning: Some opening episode spoilers ahead)

A source of mine gave me some info on the upcoming 7th season of 24:

Season 7 starts off with CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) under full congressional investigation, with Jack Bauer spilling the beans on everything he’s done for CTU. CTU has gone underground more or less, as we won’t see hide nor hair of the organization this season.

As Jack is testifying, the FBI storms into the courtroom and tells the Speaker that they have to ask Jack to step out for a few questions.

The FBI task force asks Jack to look at some pictures – and in one of those pictures is Tony Almeida (supposedly killed last season).

Need I say more?

Casting:

General Hospital star Annie Wersching has been cast in a lead role opposite Keifer Sutherland on next season’s 24. She will play an FBI agent who is in an adversarial relationship with Sutherland’s character, Jack Bauer. Carlos Bernard returns to reprise his role of ex-dead Tony Almeida.

Fox has pedaled some noise regarding Almeida and his return – specifically, the lack of having a “silent clock” moment when Tony “died.”

Eh?

Tony Almeida and the Silent Clock:

The clock always does that deep resonating thoomb-boom, thoomb-boom at the end of scenes.  (You can hear that in your head, can’t you?)  On six occasions, the clock did not do the thoom-boom. It’s used to add extra depth to an emotional scene, usually a death. The “silent clock” was used for the passing of Teri Bauer, George Mason leaving CTU, Palmer’s assassination attempt, the death of Ryan Chappelle, when Edgar Stiles and staff were gassed, (I liked him and was bummed to see him go.) and after Jack says farewell to Audrey.

So what does this have to do with Tony? He never got the silent clock treatment, so they could “keep his death ambiguous,” they claim. Fox is making it seem that they might have had plans for Tony way back then. Leaving the door open. Or was it a last minute idea they discovered when rewatching the show?

Well, whatever. Tony is back and it will be interesting to hear the explanation. The rest is up to you, what you take away from this and the subsequent showing of 24. It’s pure conjecture on my part, but I think they’ll come up something that hints at how Almeida had to go into hiding, or rogue or abducted by aliens.

After all is said, and soon to be done:

I’m looking forward to watching Sutherland, Voight, Bernard and the rest of the gang that ends up returning to the show, like Chloe. (Oops, did I just say that?)  Not to mention the independently operative Jack Bauer rescuing humanity once again, one booming hour at a time.

Sources: TV Guide, IMDB, 24 wiki, images: SideReel.com, CarlosBernard.com

• 24 Season 8 Cast And Some Legal News
• 24 Season Finale Review & Discussion
• Comic-Con 2009: ‘24′ Panel
• 24 Season 8 Trailer Revs a Mighty Engine
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 23rd, 2009
• TV News & Notes: Warehouse 13, Lost, Star Wars & More