A: You’re in luck! On Aug. 23, Acorn Media will be releasing the first series of the police-procedural television drama (go to acornonline.com for more details). This series — which aired in the 1990s and 2000s on Britain’s ITV network, for a total of 14 episodes — garnered rave reviews and numerous accolades. Aside from starring the fabulous Helen Mirren, it also had big-name guest stars like Ralph Fiennes, Tom Wilkinson and David Thewlis. Director Tom Hooper, who won the Academy Award last year for “The King’s Speech,” also directed series six. Those are some mighty big shoes to fill for NBC — which will air the U.S. version beginning Sept. 22 — but I have my fingers crossed for Maria Bello and crew to make “Prime Suspect” their own.
Q: I am really digging the new TNT show, “Franklin and Bash.” Do you know if it’ll be back for a second season? — Hank F., Baltimore
A: Well, Hank, if you’ve got a hankering for a second season of “Franklin and Bash,” then I’ve got good news for you: TNT has picked up the hit legal drama for another season. Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer will return as the titular characters to cause more waves at their button-down agency. No word yet on many episodes will be in the new season or when it will premiere, but we’ll assume it’s summer 2012. The show also stars Malcolm McDowell, Dana Davis, Kumail Nanjiani, Reed Diamond and Garcelle Beauvais.
Q: I am a huge fan of “White Collar” and have season one on DVD. When will seasons two and three be out? — Rita S., Port Charlotte, Fla.
A: The USA network show about a con man working with an FBI agent to catch criminals (as part of his work-release program from prison) recently returned for its third season in June, so you’ll have to wait a bit for those DVDs. However, you can now find season two at your favorite local and online retailers. The four-disc set includes all 16 episodes, deleted scenes, a gag reel, featurettes and commentaries for episodes nine, 12 and 16.
Q: I am so glad that “The Glades” has returned, and I was wondering what else has series star Matt Passmore been in? He is my favorite actor on television right now. — L.S., Granbury, Texas
A: Prior to landing the lead role of Jim Longworth on A&E’s “The Glades,” Matt Passmore — who was born in Brisbane, Australia, on Christmas Eve 1972 — worked on several TV shows and movies. You might have seen him in: “McLeod’s Daughter,” “Son of the Mask,” “Last Man Standing” or “The Cut.”
