Q and A: Week of Jan. 2

Q: I have been following the career of Sam Neill ever since “Jurassic Park.” I loved him in “The Tudors,” “Happy Town,” “The Horse Whisperer,” “Wimbledon,” “Daybreakers,” “Crusoe,” etc. What does he have coming up next? — Will O., via e-mail

A: Sam is rumored to be returning as Dr. Alan Grant for “Jurassic Park IV,” which doesn’t have any production or release-date details as the movie was too recently announced. He co-stars in the big-screen adaption of Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge,” to be released later this year. But you can catch him even sooner. Sam (above, fourth from the right) comes back to the small screen on Monday, Jan. 16, on Fox when he stars in the new series “Alcatraz.” This show looks creepy, scary and super exciting, and I plan to tune in to see exactly what all the hubbub is about.

Q: I really miss Christopher Meloni on “Law and Order: SVU.” Please tell me I can see him on another series or in a movie soon. — Randi E., via e-mail

A: You’ll be able to see Christopher as soon as this summer on the small screen when he makes his debut on the sixth season of HBO’s “True Blood.” Details are hush-hush, as it always is with “True Blood,” but according to executive producer Alan Ball, Chris will play “an ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands.”


For the big screen, you can see him sometime this year (a release date has not yet been announced) in the comedy “Awful Nice.” And in June 2013, he co-stars as Colonel Hardy in the new “Superman” film, “Man of Steel,” which also stars Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, and slew of other top-notch stars.

Q: With Piers Morgan gone, will they be getting another judge for “America’s Got Talent,” or just stick with Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne? — Callie H., Portland, Ore.

A: In a move that is causing some controversy (when hasn’t controversy followed this man?), shock-jock Howard Stern has been tapped to be the third “Talent” judge. Said NBC exec Paul Telegdy: “Howard Stern’s larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to ‘America’s Got Talent’ starting this summer. He’s a proven innovator, and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”

Q: It seems like it’s that time of year again … when will the next season of “American Idol” be on? I am kind of disappointed by “The X-Factor,” and I could really use my Steven, Jennifer and Randy fix right about now. — Tina R., Wheeling, W.Va.

A: You don’t have to wait much longer: America’s most popular talent competition will be back Wednesday, Jan. 18, on Fox, with the show airing Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c.

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Q and A: Week of April 4

Q: I love it that a lot of networks are now airing new programming over the summer. At first it was only the cable networks, but now it seems the basic cable networks are getting in on the act. Can you tell me what to expect from my favorite network of the Big Four (that being NBC)? — Fred F., Lansing, Mich.

A: NBC recently announced it does indeed have new programming planned for the summer. “America’s Got Talent” returns on Tuesday, May 31. Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan all will be back as judges, with Nick Cannon again hosting. “The Marriage Ref” returns on Sunday, June 26, while “Law and Order: Los Angeles” continues with new episodes on Mondays. Speaking of “Law and Order,” “Criminal Intent” begins its final season May 30. Also, the final season of “Friday Night Lights” continues well into the summer. New shows include a vocal talent show called “The Voice,” the game show “Still Standing” and an adventure-dating series called “Love in the Wild” — all premiere in June.

Q: I really enjoyed Jason Dohring in “Veronica Mars” and “Moonlight.” What is he up to now? — Mary A., in Oklahoma



A: Jason, 29, has been pretty busy since “Moonlight” ended, guest-starring in “Party Down,” “CSI” and “Lie to Me.” He recently completed filming on the movie “Searching for Sonny,” which also stars one of the newest “Charlie’s Angels,” Minka Kelly. The story follows three friends who return home for their high-school reunion and get sucked into a small-town murder mystery.

Q: My wife and I love “Law and Order,” and we were sad when S. Epatha Merkerson left the show last year. We know she had to leave because she had cancer, so we would like to know her condition. — Harry T., Essex Junction, Vt.

A: Don’t fret — S. Epatha does NOT have cancer; her character on the show, Lt. Van Buren, had cancer. S. Epatha has said she had a wonderful 16 years on the show, but it was time for her to move on. She recently wrapped filming on the movie “We the Peeples” with Kerry Washington and Craig Robinson.

READERS: This summer is the summer of contests! First contest: Rachel Fine (pictured, above left) is not only the gorgeous co-host of the weekly comedy news series “The Bonus Show” for Howard (Stern) TV on Demand, but she also is an accomplished singer. She recently released her first CD of original music, all of which she co-wrote with Timothy Schletter, called “Own Your Own” (left) I’ll be giving away five autographed copies of the CD — all you have to do is write to me at letters@cindyelavsky.com or at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, and tell me what you like most about discovering new musical talent. I’ll pick my five favorite entries to win the CDs, and I’ll even print some of the best answers. Deadline is May 15.

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