Q and A: Week of March 11

Eric McCormack

Q: One of my favorite actors is Eric McCormack. I loved him in “Will and Grace,” and I really love his new show, “Perception.” Can I see him in anything else while I wait for “Perception” to return? — Giovanni W., via e-mail

A: The multifaceted actor can next be seen on the Lifetime Original Movie “Romeo Killer: The Chris Porco Story,” which airs Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. It’s inspired by the true story of a handsome young college student who became the prime suspect in the shocking murder of his father and disfigurement of his mother in a savage ax attack. Eric portrays Detective Joe Sullivan, the lead investigator on the case, who goes on a mission to prove Chris’ guilt.

In “Perception” news, Scott Wolf, of “Party of Five” and “V” fame, has signed on to be a recurring character as an assistant U.S. attorney. He has a hidden agenda that involves his soon-to-be ex-wife, Kate, played by Rachel Leigh Cook. Look for 13 new episodes of “Perception” to begin airing this summer.

Q: I am absolutely gutted by the ending of season three of “Downton Abbey,” and I can’t wait for season four. Can you recommend anything for me in the meantime? — Jen S. in California

A: Well, if you’re looking for another high-quality period piece to take your mind of the heartbreaking fate of Matthew Crawley, then may I recommend another Masterpiece series? “Mr. Selfridge,” which premieres March 31, stars Jeremy Piven as a wheeling, dealing, womanizing American who teaches early-1900s Londoners how to shop. The eight-part series centers on the real-life story of the flamboyant and visionary founder of the London department store Selfridge’s.

Q: What has “Lost” star Josh Holloway been up to? Will he be on another series soon? — Nora S., Savannah, Ga.

A: Josh was cast as the lead in a pilot for CBS called “Intelligence.” The action takes place at U.S. Cyber Command, and focuses on a unit that has been created around one agent (Gabriel Black, played by Josh) with a very special gift: A microchip has been implanted in his brain that allows him to access the entire electromagnetic spectrum.

Josh also co-stars in the dramatic thriller “Paranoia,” which also stars Harrison Ford, Liam Hemsworth and Gary Oldman. It will be released in October. Also, in January 2014, look for Josh in the Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie “Ten,” which also stars Sam Worthington and Joe Manganiello.

Q: My husband and I recently watched a new series called “Do No Harm” on NBC; however, we haven’t been able to find it on the TV schedule. Has it been canceled? — Laura K., via e-mail

A: The medical drama, which premiered Feb. 1, was indeed canceled after two episodes. “Do No Harm” was the lowest-rated, in-season broadcast scripted series debut in modern history. The second episode declined even further, sealing the show’s fate.

Kevin Sorbo

Q: Kevin Sorbo has always been one of my favorite actors, ever since “Hercules.” I loved seeing him earlier this season on “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apt. 23.” What has been up to since? Any chance we’ll see him in a comedy again soon? — Sherri P., via e-mail

A: On March 23 at 8/7c, you can catch Kevin in the Hallmark Movie Channel’s “Shadow on the Mesa,” which also stars Wes Brown (“Deception”), Gail O’Grady (“NYPD Blue”) and Meredith Baxter (“Family Ties”). The movie takes place in the Old West, and Kevin plays rancher Ray Eastman, who is trying to protect his property from a land grab by a corrupt neighbor.

I asked Kevin if he’d like to do another comedy, and he told me: “I would love to. I’ve done a lot of guest spots ‘Dharma and Greg,’ ‘Two and a Half Men,’ ‘Just Shoot Me’ … all those different things. I did have my own sitcom back in 2005. It was a half-hour comedy called ‘Bobby Cannon,’ where I played an end-of-the-year quarterback for the Chicago Bears.

“It tested No. 1 for ABC, but then the then-president of ABC decided not to pick it up. To this day we are shocked. There’s no doubt in my mind we’d be in our eighth season right now. Oh well … welcome to the business of Hollywood.” Read my full interview with this charming and talented man here.

Q: Isn’t it about time for a new “Dancing With the Stars”? — Gina W., Columbus, Ohio

A: It sure is, Gina. And this year has your usual crop of actors, singers and athletes, all of whom are ready to heat up the dance floor beginning Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. EDT with a two-hour premiere. The 16th season of the hit dancing-competition show stars country singer Wynonna Judd, gymnast Aly Raisman, skater Dorothy Hamill, boxer Victor Ortiz, football player Jacoby Jones, reality star Lisa Vanderpump, country singer Kellie Pickler, comedian D.L. Hugley, comedian Andy Dick, soap-opera star Ingo Rademacher and Disney star Zendaya Coleman. **This just in: "Bachelor" star Sean Lowe will also be competing for the coveted disco-ball trophy.**

Q: Has CBS canceled “Vegas”? Visually and stylistically, it’s different from the usual cop programs on TV, and it’s a joy to watch. — Marcia A. in New York

A: While CBS hasn’t canceled the Dennis Quaid/Michael Chiklis drama as of this writing, things aren’t looking good for it. The ratings aren’t as high as CBS expects from its dramas, especially one that’s so expensive to produce, and CBS downgraded its episode order from 22 to 21. “Vegas” returns with new episodes on Tuesday, March 19, after a month-long hiatus.

Q: Did you ever find out if “The Witches of East End” is going to be a regular series on Lifetime? — Callie D., via e-mail

A: Lifetime recently announced that it did indeed pick up “Witches” for a 10-episode run to launch later this year. The drama stars Julia Ormond, Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Rachel Boston. As soon as I get a firm date, I’ll let you know.

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Q and A: Week of Oct. 17

Josh Holloway (you're welcome)

Q: I loved the TV show ‘Lost’ and have been wondering about the man who played Sawyer. He is such a good actor. Do you have any info on what he’s doing now? — Janet R., Newark, Ohio

A: The handsome Josh Holloway, 42, has been keeping pretty busy since ‘Lost’ ended last year. You can see him again soon on the big screen in ‘Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol.’ In the movie, which hits theaters on Dec. 21, Josh plays Trevor Hanaway, a member of Ethan Hunt’s (played by Tom Cruise) Mission Impossible force, along with Ving Rhames and Academy Award-nominee Jeremy Renner.

Q: I am heartbroken that Fox has canceled ‘America’s Most Wanted.’ I’ve watched the show since the beginning, and I am so proud of all the good John Walsh and his crew have done to ‘get those dirtbags off the streets’! Is there an address for Fox that we can write to, hopefully to change their minds? — Gertrude T., via e-mail

A: I have good news for you, Gertrude. Lifetime Television recently announced that it has picked up John Walsh’s top crime-fighting show, which will return for its 25th season later this year. While there is not an exact airdate scheduled as of this writing, keep an eye on this column for updates as I get them. Also, check back here as December gets closer for my exclusive interview with John Walsh about the resurrection of ‘AMW’ on Lifetime. I’m sure we’ll also talk about all those ‘creeps’ and ‘slimeballs’ that John will be trying to capture this upcoming season.

Q: I really liked your idea a few months back of having Beth Littleford (of ‘Crazy Stupid Love’) playing James Spader’s wife in ‘The Office’ this season, but now I hear Maura Tierney has been tapped for the part. Is that true? If so, what do you think about that? — Holly T., via e-mail

A: While Maura is no stranger to comedy — she co-starred on ‘News Radio’ from 1995-99 — she usually plays the straight (wo)man, which is exactly what James Spader needs, now that we are getting a better idea of what his character, Robert California, is like. So now I make this modest proposal: How about we cast Beth as Robert’s Scranton mistress? Her offbeat and hilarious sense of humor, along with her improv skills and deadpan humor, would make her the perfect ‘secret lover’ for the new boss, as well as an excellent foil for the rest of the cast. Are you listening, Paul Lieberstein and crew?

Q: I really like the reality/survival series, ‘The Colony,’ on the Discovery Channel. When will the third season start? — Jane R., Philadelphia

A: According to a Discovery Channel representative, currently there are no plans to bring ‘The Colony’ back in 2011. I’ll keep checking and keep you posted as I learn any more details for 2012.

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