Interview: Billy Campbell's Helix Quest

Billy Campbell as Dr. Alan Farragut on Helix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Q and A: Week of March 2

Billy Campbell as Dr. Alan Farragut

Q: I am so glad that “Helix” is back on Syfy. Can you give me any hints of what to expect this season? — Lily T., via email

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christina Ricci as Lizzie Borden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Interview: Dana Davis — The Rewards of Perseverance

Dana Davis, who has been entertaining audiences for three seasons now as Carmen Phillips on “Franklin and Bash,” the ex-con, tough-girl private investigator who has helped her partners, the aforementioned Franklin and Bash, out of more than one tight spot. You may also recognize her from various guest-starring and feature roles on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Gilmore Girls,” “Heroes” and “The O.C.” And soon you’ll get to see her in the Syfy adventure series “High Moon.” When I spoke with Dana recently, she told me all about life on the “Franklin and Bash” set (which recently got word of a fourth-season renewal), and how excited she is for fans to see her in this new Syfy series.

Celebrity Extra: Looking back at your body of work, you’ve done so much already, and you’re only in your 30s! It must be quite an acting education in itself to have such a varied and exciting resume to build off.

Dana Davis: It’s definitely rewarding, fun and a lot of hard work. There are times I look back at my resume and I do remember the struggle of it all, but there is a balance. You know, pleasure and pain. I realized that I had 300 auditions in one year. I had 300 auditions and I did three jobs. It’s pretty grueling, but definitely rewarding.

CE: Now that “Franklin and Bash” has been renewed for a fourth season, let’s talk about Carmen. When you first got the call about auditioning for this role, what did you think about her?

DD: I always like bringing a fresh prospective to a character. I remember when I first got the script for “Franklin and Bash,” I called my agent to say I didn’t think I’d be able to do this. I didn’t feel I was right for the part. But they knew I’d be missing out on a great opportunity. They told me, “Dana, we insist you go to this audition because we don’t think they know exactly what they want.”

The part was initially written — I don’t want it to come off wrong here — but Carmen was literally written as a super-tough and rough lesbian. I have no problems playing lesbians. That wasn’t the problem for me. The problem was the stereotype; I don’t like playing roles that are stereotypical. I like to invent something fresh and something new. So when I saw it, I was like, “This is not me.” But my agents encouraged me. They were like, “Go in there and make it your own.” And so I did just that.

CE: If I recall correctly, the show, as it is now, doesn’t really touch on her sexuality.

DD: Yeah, it’s not that she’s not a lesbian, it’s just something that was never talked about anymore. They ended up not going with that story line, that direction.

CE: Tell me about Carmen.

DD: She is the assistant to Franklin and Bash. She has kind of a shady past. They bailed her out of it and wanted to use her street smarts to their advantage. I always joke to our producers and say: “If we had the budget, I imagine Carmen would be jumping out of planes to get information. Or under a moving train.” She is able to get things that other people can’t get. She has a kind of brother/sister relationship with Franklin and Bash, which is so funny, because I feel like when you have someone as attractive as Mark-Paul Gosselaar, you think, “Why don’t they hook up? What’s going on?” But it’s not like that; they’re family.



CE: And in real life, it’s not like you date every person you find to be attractive.

DD: Exactly! Even in our own lives, we have guy friends, and we have girl friends. Some of our guy friends are extremely attractive, but we’re not attracted to them. So, I like that element of it that they have a family-type bond. And it’s just too fun working with Mark-Paul and Breckin Meyer, because they’re really, really funny, so I’m just dying laughing all day long on the set.

And I respect them so much. I’m such a big fan of Breckin. He’s so talented and so quick on his feet. I’ve never seen someone come up with such hilarity. It’s amazing to work with people like Breckin and Kumail Nanjiani, because they’re so hilarious — and they’re not even trying. It’s really nice working on that show.

CE: Tell me about “High Moon.” From what I’ve read, it sounds like a very interesting and fun new series.

DD: “High Moon” is Bryan Fuller’s new project. It was written by Bryan and another writer named Jim Danger Gray. And as you know, Bryan Fuller has done “Pushing Daisies” and he’s doing “Hannibal” right now.

CE: That right there tells me it’s gonna be a good one!

DD: Bryan’s amazing and so talented. “High Moon” is a pilot, which could go to series. The way Syfy does things is they shoot it as a movie of the week. It will be picked up in the next couple of months if it is going to series. If it doesn’t go to series and the network passes on it, it will still air as a movie of the week on the Syfy channel. The story is based on a book called “The Lotus Caves.” And it’s about colonizing the moon and mining it for its resources and discovering life on the moon.

CE: This sounds like it would be a really fun project to be a part of.

DD: Oh my gosh. When I first read the script, my heart kind of stopped, I was so excited. I called my people and was like: “This is it. This is the show. I love it.” I’m a huge sci-fi nerd. I was super excited about doing something like this because it goes back to my childhood of watching episodes of “Star Trek” with my mom and that sort of thing.

My character, Yama, is the daughter of the general of the American Army on the moon. She is the first and last kid ever born on the moon. What they discovered was her being born on the moon actually affected her skeleton and her ability to walk. She’s not functional anywhere else but the moon, which is why she’s the last kid born on the moon. She can’t actually leave the moon. She has this dream of going to Earth someday. It’s the thing she wants so bad, but she can never have it.

CE: Tell me about your children’s show, “The Wish i Mayz.”

DD: When my daughter was born, she was born with something called infant anxiety. It’s not very common. But I literally could not put her down. If I put her down she screamed and panicked. I found out that music was very, very soothing to her. I found she had favorites, even as an infant; she loved Chopin and Michael Jackson.

As she grew, I saw that music was so important to her and how it helped her overcome the anxiety. I realized that with the music that is currently in children’s programming, we are underestimating our kids a little bit. Children have a palette for more. I know that they enjoy the simple songs and the ABC’s, but I thought it would be wonderful to expose them to an evolution of music. And so I got the idea for “The Wish i Mayz.” It’s about three aliens from the Star Planet who speak only in song, and that’s how they teach the kids on Earth the fundamentals of music.

I started to shop the idea around town, and many people became interested. I’ve got a writer on board and producers, and we finished our script and our pitch packet. Right now we are pitching it around town. I’m really passionate about it, and so many people love the idea. But right now, it’s in the beginning stages.

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Interview: Julie Benz Is Kick-Ass

Julie Benz

Julie Benz is known for the variety of roles she’s played — from the sweet and unsuspecting Rita on “Dexter” to the lesbian stripper who turns Katherine’s head on “Desperate Housewives” to a tough and determined mayor in the near-future apocalyptic city-state of “Defiance.” But this weekend on Lifetime Television, Julie plays a tough New York City detective who will stop at nothing to save her daughter in the original movie “Taken: The Search for Sophie Parker” (premieres Saturday, Sept. 21 and re-airs throughout the weekend; check your local listings).

I spoke with Julie recently, and she was excited to tell me about this new sort of role for her, and she also spilled a few secrets about season two of her hit Syfy drama “Defiance.”

Celebrity Extra: Tell me about your character, Stevie.

Julie Benz: Stevie is a very tough NYPD detective. She’s a widow, and she will do anything for her daughter. When Sophie gets kidnapped (in Russia) and is sold into sex slavery, Stevie jumps into action to rescue her. Stevie’s husband was also a cop and had died in the line of duty. She’s put her life on hold to raise her daughter so she wouldn’t feel the absence of a parent.

CE: Aside from getting to play a kick-ass NYC cop, what else about the script and Stevie made you want to be a part of this project?

JB: There are a couple of things that I really loved about the script when I read it. One was that it was a woman in power versus a woman in peril. It really appeals to me. At this point in my career, I try to find very strong female characters to play. It’s very important to me to make a conscious decision about that.

And then obviously the subject matter is important. I don’t think you can be a woman and not be affected somehow emotionally by the idea of human sex trafficking and violence against women. And this movie deals with both of those issues. It’s just something that as a woman I’m very emotionally connected to, and felt that it was a good story to tell.

CE: It seems like it’s only been in recent years that the public has really been made aware of what a catastrophic problem human trafficking has become.

JB: The sad fact is that thousands of girls go missing every year. I’m sure hundreds of thousands of girls go missing every year. A large part of them are sold into sex slavery or either beaten or drugged or they are held captive and they can’t get away. And it goes on in the United States as well; it goes on all over the world, including our own country. I have some statistics in front of me: $23 billion is generated annually from human trafficking, with $15.5 billion made in industrialized nations, including the U.S. It’s the fastest growing crime worldwide. It’s the third largest crime worldwide behind drug trading and arms dealing.

CE: Was the filming demanding on you, whether physically or emotionally?

JB: It’s overwhelming to look at those statistics. It’s a harsh reality. Part of what I loved about playing in the film was you see Stevie’s strengths of being able to jump into action and not let anybody get in her way or slow her down. It’s kind of a fantasy of what I think we would all hope we would do if we were put in the situation. Physically, it was a lot of running around. I love that stuff though. I love action movies. I love playing very strong women. It feeds into my competitive nature and my athleticism.

CE: How were the cast and crew to work with?

JB: We had such a great group. I feel so blessed. We all became so close because we were on location in Bulgaria filming. A lot of the actors came out of England. We had so much fun filming. You have to have a certain amount of fun in between shots and a certain amount of levity to take away the darkness of the subject. We all were very supportive of each other through the whole process.

Julie Benz and her "Braid of Justice" in Defiance

CE: So how is season two of “Defiance” going so far, and what can you tell me about what to expect this coming season?

JB: It’s going really great. Season two is really intense. I can just say — the great thing about doing a science-fiction-genre show is that you have the ability to reset the world anytime you want. The great thing about what happened with “Defiance” in the finale is we basically hit the reset button, so we start season two in a whole different place. Every character is in a different place from where they were during season one. Creatively it is so much fun to play characters who can grow and change exponentially each season, and that is what you are going to see in season two of “Defiance.” It’s a much darker “Defiance” this season, especially my character.

CE: You must tell me: Will the “Braid of Justice” return in season two?

JB: (Laughs) Everyone loves that side braid. You know that I was nervous about the braid. I’ll be completely honest about the braid: The braid was inspired by Katniss of “The Hunger Games.” I’m a little lazy when it comes to wanting to be in hair and makeup. I didn’t want to have to sit in hair and makeup for long, so I thought, “If I wear my hair in a braid, then I don’t have to.” So, that’s where the braid came from. I didn’t realize it was going to be so popular. I don’t know if we’ll see the “Braid of Justice” this season. Amanda’s look has changed, as well as the world of Defiance. As we left season one, the Earth Republic was moving in. So, the world of Defiance has changed, and with that, so does the look of the show. We do see a much darker Amanda this season. She’s having a very hard time. Her ex-husband was killed during season one; she lost her job, which that is truly how she defined herself; and her sister has gone missing. She’s really in a bad place when season two opens.

CE: A lot of fans love and remember you for “turning Katherine’s head” on “Desperate Housewives.” Tell me about your time on that show.

JB: When people ask me what my favorite role has been so far, that is one of the standouts for me. I was a huge fan of “Desperate Housewives” from its inception and never thought in a million years that I would ever be a part of the mythology of the show. I was so shocked when they called and asked me if I would play Robin. I had so much fun with her. I got offered the role literally the day after the “Dexter” season four finale aired. It was a great place for me to go and kind of heal from that. Rita was the furthest thing away from Robin. I got to go into something completely opposite and work with a group of women who inspired me over the years, who I’d admired for so long, and admired their work for so long.

I geeked out on set, running up and down Wisteria Lane my first day, freaking out that I was there. I had moments where I would forget I was actually shooting, and instead I would be watching the rest of the cast, and I would forget that it was my line next. I’d be like: “Oh my goodness. I’m just sitting on my couch watching you guys on TV in my head. This is so surreal for me to be here.” It really was a very welcoming and warm place for me to go and to do something completely different from what I had been doing. I had a blast.

CE: I love to hear stories about stars “geeking out” when they meet other stars who they love and look up to.

JB: My Sunday night for years was to sit down and watch” Desperate Housewives.” I just couldn’t believe it when I was cast. The women (in the cast) and everyone (on the crew) were just so wonderful and so welcoming. It was amazing to see their work ethic and how committed they were to their work, and the tremendous amount of thought and detail that each actress put into her character. It just blew me away.

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Q and A: Week of May 20

Readers: A few weeks back, I reported about the resurrection of Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva.” We now have a premiere date for season five: The 13-episode season premieres June 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with stars Brooke Elliott, Kate Levering, Margaret Cho, Jackson Hurst and April Bowlby returning. Former “90210” co-star Justin Deeley joins the ensemble cast, and John Ratzenberger and Jamie Ray Newman will be returning for guest appearances.

Q: First “America’s Most Wanted” was canceled, and now I hear “Cops” is following suit. Please say it ain’t so! — Jeremy S., Washington, Ohio

A: It ain’t so, Jeremy, but there has been a change of venue. “Cops,” which has been a fixture on Fox’s Saturday nights for 25 years, is moving to the Spike network. Beginning in September, the cable network aimed toward younger male TV viewers will begin airing all-new episodes of everyone’s favorite real-life cops-and-robbers show.

For those who’ve been following the story, the move isn’t a surprise, as Fox ordered fewer episodes this season, and often took to pre-empting the show in favor of a sporting event. This move should be good for “Cops,” since it’s right up Spike’s alley and would most likely be given precedence over other types of programming.

Q: I liked the series “Haven.” Do you know if it’s coming back? — David V., via e-mail

A: The Syfy series based on the Stephen King novella will return for a 13-episode fourth season, which should begin airing late summer or early fall.

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Q and A: Week of Sept. 17

Adam Ant (photo by Hannah Domogala)

Q: I saw Adam Ant on an entertainment television show recently, but I only caught the tail end of it. Can you tell me what he’s doing? Does he have a new album coming out, or is he touring? He’s always been one of my favorite musicians. — Dale W., Atlantic City, N.J.

A: Adam does indeed have a new album, “Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter,” which is due to hit stores this January. For ardent fans like us, though, the big news is that he is touring the U.S. for the first time in 17 years. (Go to adam-ant.net to see when he’s playing near you.) 

I spoke with Adam recently, and he is thrilled to play for American audiences again — this time, on HIS terms: “I think when you are able to do something that you’re getting paid for, it only becomes a job when it’s work, when you’re working on someone else’s terms, and you don’t enjoy it as much as you should. And you become exhausted, which sort of happened to me. But now I find I really appreciate the fact that there’s the opportunity to do it under my own terms. I do what is right for me and my work. You just want to do a great show and get that high off the audience. Fortunately, that’s the way (the tour’s) been going. But I just go for it. I don’t even think about it; I just get out there and do it.” 

For a rare look into the musical genius, check back here later this week to read my full interview with Adam, where he talks about his past successes, his new album, his love of Katy Perry and Pink, and his friendship with Michael Jackson.

Q: I was wondering if the “John Carter” movie you mentioned this spring is based on the science-fiction books by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I hope so, because I’ve read them all and believe they could be made into a great series of sci-fi movies. — Paul R., Marion, Indiana

A: The March release of Disney’s “John Carter” is indeed based on Burroughs’ Barsoom book series, which were published in various magazines as a serial from 1912 to 1943. Because of their popularity, they were then published as their own book series from 1917 to 1964. The film, however, didn’t prove to be quite so popular. It was received with mixed reviews and a dismal box-office take. The film was originally planned to be a trilogy, but that plan is on hold because of the film’s poor reception by moviegoers. “John Carter” is available on DVD and Bluray, so you can see for yourself whether it deserves a sequel.

Q: What was Emily VanCamp in before she was on “Revenge”? I recognized her as soon as I saw her, but I cannot remember from what! — Iris V., Suffolk, Va.

A: The gorgeous Canadian actress has been in the business since she was 13, making her debut on Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” But before “Revenge,” she was best known for her role on “Everwood,” where she played Amy Abbott. She also had a co-starring role from 2007-2010, playing Rebecca Harper, who initially was thought to be William Walker’s (Tom Skerritt) daughter with longtime mistress Holly Harper (Patricia Wettig). Take note that the second season of “Revenge” begins Sept. 30 on ABC on its new night and time, Sundays at 9/8c.

Q: I am a die-hard “Young and the Restless” fan. I have a question about the actress who plays Katherine Chancellor in the series. I heard that she has sons who are also actors. Could it be the Baldwins? — Janet C., Battle Creek, Mich.

A: Jeanne Cooper, who’s played matriarch Katherine Chancellor on the series since 1973, does indeed have children (two sons, one daughter) who are actors: Corbin, Collin and Caren. The eldest is Corbin Bernsen, who is best known for playing Arnold Becker on “L.A. Law” and Roger Dorn in “Major League.” He plays the recurring role of Father Todd Williams on his mom’s show, and he also is a series regular on the USA’s “Psych.”

Q: When will Syfy’s “Merlin” be back for its fifth season? Please tell me it has not been canceled — Gregory D., via e-mail

A: The British sci-fi/fantasy series will indeed be back for a fifth season, which will consist of 13 all-new episodes. The series began filming in Wales and in France this spring, and if all follows according to previous seasons’ trends, season five should premiere in the U.K. in December, and in the U.S. in late spring/early summer (although no official dates have been released yet).

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Q and A: Week of July 23

Roselyn Sanchez of Devious Maids

Q: Now that “Desperate Housewives” is over, what will Marc Cherry do next? — Miranda T., via e-mail

A: Marc Cherry has never been one to gather moss, so his rolling stone is heading to Lifetime, where he’s developed a new series called “Devious Maids.” Originally developed for ABC, Lifetime will air the series in 2013, and it will star Ana Ortiz, Judy Reyes, Roselyn Sanchez, Grant Show, Mariana Klaveno and Susan Lucci.


To piggyback off an idea I got from Annie Potts when I interviewed her earlier this year, I think Lifetime would be remiss if they didn’t see the potential of grabbing up the recently canceled ABC show “GCB” and pair it with “Devious Maids.” As Annie told me: “If we were paired with ‘Devious Maids,’ we’d have the great American equivalent of ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ — the rich and righteous in Dallas and the maids of Beverly Hills. What network executive wouldn’t see home run written all over that?”

Q: Please tell me if “Sanctuary” will be back with new episodes in Syfy. — Marlies W., via e-mail

A: Syfy announced in May that the science-fiction drama would not return for a fifth season. Series star Amanda Tapping took to Twitter to address the show’s cancellation: “To all the fans of Sanctuary, we love and adore you. Thank you for the love and support.”

Q: I loved seeing Eric Mabius on “Franklin and Bash” earlier this year, and I wondered what else I can see him in? — Jeanna M., Baltimore

A: Aside from recently starring in the Hallmark Channel movie “How to Fall in Love” and making a guest-starring turn on “The Client List,” he co-stars with indie queen Parker Posey in the Sundance Festival hit “Price Check.” When I spoke with Eric recently, he told me all about the movie.


“You’re going to laugh your ass off. I think IFC bought the film. It’s a dark comedy centering on this guy I play (Pete Cozy), who gives up his dreams of being a music A-and-R guy. He moves to the suburbs of Long Island and accepts a marketing job at a small chain of grocery stores. He has a wife and a child, and is trying to pursue the ÔAmerican Dream.’


“Parker Posey’s character, Susan, is put in charge of this section of grocery stores. Nobody in the office cares about his job. Susan comes in and shakes everyone’s universe up. She is so quintessential Parker Posey. She is brilliant, and she’s so funny. It’s a lot of fun.”

Q: Will there be a “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie? — Tina T., Sarasota, Fla.

A: Universal Studios and Focus Features bought the rights to the “Fifty Shades” trilogy in March, and have brought “The Social Network” producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti on board to help bring the runaway-hit book to the big screen. There is no word yet on casting or a release date.

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Interview: Crystal Allen on Lacrosse, Superman and Storms

Crystal Allen has had to deal with her share of dangerous snakes. As the star of “Anaconda III” and “Anacondas: Trail of Blood,” she battled literal snakes, and as a featured guest star on “Desperate Housewives” a few years back, she had to handle snakes of a different sort. But with her current project, Crystal leaves all that danger behind. In “Crooked Arrows” — which also stars Brandon Routh and hits the big screen this weekend (check your local listings) — Crystal is a teacher at a school for Native American children, and Brandon comes on board as the lacrosse coach. I spoke with Crystal recently, and she told me all about the movie and what it was like working with the Man of Steel.

Celebrity Extra: Looking at your resume, it seems you’re always working. Do you have time for fun, or is your work part of your fun?

Crystal Allen: It really is — I love working. It’s so fun. When I’m working, I’m so happy. When I’m on location, I wake up every morning and I’m like, “Ah. I’m on set.” That’s a good feeling. But then you work a lot and then you’re like, “OK, I need a break.” You enjoy the time off too.


It was great working on “Crooked Arrows.” We filmed it outside Boston. We filmed it around the prep schools there because it’s about lacrosse. I learned a little bit about lacrosse. The first couple of weeks was all about filming the lacrosse sequences, and then the last three weeks were pretty much our time to really get in there and film the movie, do the acting part of it. It was fun just to be with kids who have never been on a set before. They hired the best lacrosse players in the world to portray the players in the movie.

CE: Can you tell me a little about the movie?

CA: It’s about a guy, Joe Logan, played by Brandon Routh. He’s half Native American, and he is into opening casinos and making money. His father convinces him that he needs to get back to his roots. They ask him to coach at this lacrosse prep school of Native American kids. He takes the opportunity but is sort of not really into it at first. He’s kind of busy with other things, and his heart’s not in it. As the movie progresses, these kids change his outlook about getting back to his roots, and he really tries to help them win the championship. It’s kind of like “Bad News Bears” meets “The Mighty Ducks.”


It’s cute, but it’s not just a kid’s movie. And there hasn’t been a story about lacrosse — there’ve been movies about football and baseball, but not lacrosse.

CE: What is the connection between your character, Julie Gifford, and Brandon’s Joe?

CA: We were kind of high-school sweethearts. I work at the school as a teacher, and we reconnect there, but I give him a hard time. I challenge him throughout the movie. I think people are really going to enjoy it. It’s a spiritual movie. I felt it when I was working on it. It was a great opportunity to be on a movie I feel really strongly and spiritually about.

CE: What was it like working with Superman?

CA: He’s very professional. He’s worked hard to get where he’s gotten to be. He’s such a nice guy, and he’s got such a presence on film. I was watching some of the takes, and he just really shines and he’s really moving. I’m excited for him to have this role, because his character really grows, and he was great to work with. We had great chemistry on screen, and he’s just a fun guy.

CE: Backing up a bit, tell me how you got your start. Had you always wanted to be an actress, or was it something that just sort of evolved?

CA: I actually started out as a dancer. I was in ballet and jazz as a kid, I competed, and I went to ballet school — the Joffrey Ballet School (in New York). I guess it wasn’t until I started working as a professional dancer and traveling — I think I was either modeling or doing an interview or something, and somebody had asked me to test for a part. I just kind of fell into it. Then I started going to school at Lee Strasberg in New York and studying theater. 

I think I just do it because I’ve always chosen the most competitive and most difficult careers — that’s kind of all I know. Being a dancer is the same thing. You’re auditioning. You’re working really hard to achieve that goal as an artist. With modeling, you’re auditioning. You’re putting yourself out there. So acting was just another venue, but the most difficult one to actually achieve and to actually work because it’s much more cutthroat. But I was used to it because I had already been auditioning through dance and modeling so I knew that aspect of it.

CE: You have a nice working relationship with the Syfy channel. You've done a couple of "Anaconda" movies, and you have another original Syfy movie called "Ghost Storm." Tell me about that movie.
 
CA: "Ghost Storm" is an action movie — and since I’d done a couple of them, I knew the formula. I play a doctor, a meteorologist, and she discovers these strange phenomena going on. It’s a supernatural energy that isn’t connected with the storm and it starts killing people. It’s one of those kind of sci-fi kind of crazy films. I saw some of the CGI for it, and it looks really good. I’ve done a couple, and the CGI wasn’t as good as this one.

Carlos Bernard was great in it. I play Carlos’ ex-wife, and we merge back together throughout the movie as we chase the storm with our daughter. It’s an action film, so we were running and running and chasing and punching. It was fun. It was definitely a fun movie, and being up in Canada and filming in Vancouver was so gorgeous. I just love being home and being around the lakes and the mountains. It’s really beautifully shot, filmed just outside Vancouver.

CE: And I think it's great that you get to portray all of these strong women characters; those must be fun for you to play.

CA: You're right — those characters are fun to play and they are strong, and I seem to get those kind of roles a lot I guess because I’m tough. I’m just tough after being in this movie. 

CE: And every day you're probably getting quite a workout, filming all of those action sequences.

CA: Oh yeah. And that’s where the dancing comes in, because dancing is very similar to fighting — the chorography part of it — so I was able to pick up. I did all my own stunts. The kickboxing stuff and the choreography of the fights were really fun. I love filming that kind of stuff. It makes me keep myself in better shape and eat better when I'm filming those kinds of movies.

CE: So when you're not on a movie set where you are kicking serious butt, how do you stay in such great shape?

CA: I don’t crazy-exercise every day — I hike, and I go to kickboxing classes. I like going to classes, but I’m not like ridiculous about it. I meditate, and I like to walk a lot. I like to walk around town. I live in an area where I can walk everywhere. I take care of my skin. I try to stay out of the sun, and I clean my face every night. My mother taught me to do that since I was a little girl. And I get plenty of sleep.


I also make sure I have time for hobbies. I love cooking, and I do a lot of dinner parties for, like, 20 people. I’ll start cooking for two days, and I won’t stop, and then I’ll have this big dinner party and have all my friends over for dinner. It will be an elaborate scene, like Indian night or Greek night or something. I’ve got that foodie following on Twitter as well (twitter.com/ItsCrystalAllen).

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Q and A: Week of April 9

Q: Was “Terra Nova” canceled? — Mary D., via e-mail

A: Despite decent ratings and strong international sales of the sci-fi/fantasy series, Fox decided not to renew “Terra Nova” for a second season. However, 20th Century Fox, which produces the series, is shopping the show around to other networks, and hopefully it can be picked up in time for a fall premiere somewhere else (Syfy, are you listening?).

Q: I am a huge fan of HGTV. What happened to Sandra Rinomato from “Property Virgins”? — Cindy K., via e-mail

A: Sandra decided to leave the show after 130 successful episodes to start her new show, “Buy Herself,” which begins airing this month on HGTV Canada, and she hopes for a U.S. HGTV pickup soon. Rinomato stated on her Facebook page: “For the first time in history, a significant number of women are buying real estate on their own, taking charge of their financial situations. … Women buying real estate is not a fad; it’s history in the making, and I am very proud to be a part of i on TV.”

Paul Ben-Victor, photo by Fernando Escovar

Q: A few weeks ago you mentioned the return of USA’s “Fairly Legal,” which I do enjoy, but I was hoping for some spoilers for the show that airs right after that, “In Plain Sight.” — Vail K., via e-mail

A: I do happen to have some “In Plain Sight” info for you, as I recently spoke with series co-star Paul Ben-Victor, who portrays chief inspector Stan McQueen. For Paul, the end of the series is bittersweet, as he explained: “There’s definitely a sense of loss and there’s a sadness there. We had become a family and have gotten even closer, especially over this past year. There’s a real warmth and love on the set. I’m really looking forward to this final season, because while playing Stan McQueen has been great, I’m looking forward to spreading my wings, and there are some very exciting opportunities out there.”

One of those opportunities is promoting his new movie, which he stars in and co-wrote, called “Should Have Been Romeo.” It was selected to the Newport Beach Film Festival in the featured slot the first weekend of the festival. “We’re real excited about that,” Paul enthused. “They’re focusing the whole event around our movie that first weekend. So, on the heels of this, there’s the last season of ‘In Plain Sight,’ which is something that’s going to be really extraordinary. Especially the last few episodes; they’re just phenomenal.”

Q: What has Christopher Judge been doing since playing Teal’c in the “Stargate” series? — Henry F., Miami

A: Christopher has been doing a lot of voice work in video games and animation, as well as a few guest-starring turns here and there on shows like “NCIS: Los Angeles.” This summer, he is set to appear in “The Dark Knight Rises,” which premieres July 20, and is sure to be summer 2012′s runaway blockbuster.

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Q and A: Week of Nov. 7

Kevin Dillon

Q: I’m writing to inquire about ‘Human Target.’ Is it coming back this fall, or maybe as a midseason replacement? At the end of the program last summer, it said it was the season finale, not the series finale. — Fran N. in Ohio

A: Everyone involved in a show is always hopeful that it will get picked up for another season, hence the wording of ‘season finale’ versus ‘series finale.’ After the second-season finale aired, Fox decided not to renew ‘Human Target’ for a third season. But hey, at least it got to have two seasons.


Even more of this fall’s new shows have been canceled after airing only a few episodes, including the CW’s ‘H8R,’ ABC’s ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (which will air its remaining produced episodes) and CBS’s ‘How to Be a Gentleman,’ starring ‘Entourage’ star Kevin Dillon.


On the critical list are NBC’s ‘Prime Suspect’ and ABC’s ‘Man Up!’ ABC’s ‘Pan Am’ started fairly well, but has been hemorrhaging viewers left and right. However, this seems to be ABC’s darling, so it might get the network support it needs to survive the season.

Q: When will ‘Merlin’ return for another season on Syfy? — Mary D., via Facebook

A: Syfy confirmed at this summer’s San Diego Comic-Con that ‘Merlin’ will return in early 2012 for its fourth season. However as of this writing, no firm date had been set. Also, BBC-One, which produces and airs the show first in the U.K., has approved a fifth season of the popular fantasy, and considering its good ratings on Syfy, there’s a great chance we’ll get a fifth season here as well.

Q: Is ‘Shark Tank’ gone from TV? I loved that show. Will it come back? —Anonymous, via e-mail

A: ‘Shark Tank’ will be back midseason 2012 on ABC for its third season, along with ‘Secret Millionaire,’ which returns for its second season. Producers for the hit entrepreneurial reality show have not yet announced an exact airdate for the season premiere of ‘Shark Tank,’ but if past seasons are any indication, expect it sometime between January and March 2012.

Q: What is going on with Netflix? Is it still going to be around, or is it going to be Qwikster? I am so confused. — Dee Dee T. in Georgia

A: Netflix recently reversed its decision — in a rare move of a big corporation actually listening to its customers! — of having two separate websites/companies for its DVD-mailing service (which was to be Qwikster) versus its streaming service (Netflix). Because customers did not want the hassle of having two separate accounts, movie queues and billing statements if they wanted both mail and streaming DVDs, they voiced their complaints, and Netflix listened. Look for everything at Netflix to remain the same — at least for the time being.

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Q and A: Week of Oct. 31

Q: When will Tori Spelling’s reality show return to Oxygen? It’s one of my guilty pleasures, and I have to admit that I miss it! — Patty T., via e-mail

A: Tori and husband Dean McDermott will return for the sixth season of “Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood” on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Originally named “Tori and Dean: Inn Love” — where the couple opened a B-and-B while Tori was eight months pregnant with their first child — the new season will welcome the couple’s third child together, Hattie Margaret, who was born in October. Hattie joins siblings Liam and Stella, as well as Dean’s son, Jack, from a previous marriage.

Q: Will “Swamp Wars” be back on Animal Planet anytime soon? — Fred R., Baton Rouge, La.

A: Animal Planet will be bringing back “Swamp Wars” for more drama as the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Venom One unit carries on its battle against the lethal animals that threaten South Florida. A 12-episode second season begins on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, starting with six all-new episodes and another set of six episodes slated to air in 2012.


This season has our heroes facing a Tegu lizard outbreak as well as Nile monitors and Burmese pythons — you know, just the usual deadly invasive creatures. They also battle venomous lionfish, which are proliferating the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and have no known aquatic enemies.

Q: I read and enjoy your articles that appear in our newspaper every Sunday. I bet you can answer this: Will “Covert Affairs” on the USA channel be back? — Virginia G., Webster, N.Y.

A: “Covert Affairs” begins airing the second half of its second season on Nov. 1, with six episodes left to round out the season. And I have even more good news for you, Virginia: USA has renewed “Covert Affairs” for a 16-episode third season, to begin airing summer 2012. In fact, all of USA’s original summer programming has been renewed, including “Royal Pains” and “Necessary Roughness.”


USA co-presidents Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel said in a statement: “USA’s original programming blew through all expectations this summer. It’s a rare and wonderful thing to announce the pick-up of our entire summer of programming.”

Q: I remember reading in previous columns that you are a big fan of Syfy’s “Being Human,” so I figure you can tell me if/when it’ll be back for a second season? — Johnny T., via e-mail

A: I am, and I can. The werewolf/vampire/ghost paranormal drama will return for its second season on Monday, Jan. 16. As you’ll recall, last season saw the demise of Bishop at the hands of Aidan, with Aidan becoming the new leader of Boston’s vampires; Nora learned Josh is a werewolf, not revealing to him that he scratched her while he was in werewolf form; and Sally missed her window to the Great Beyond to help save Aidan.

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Q and A: Week of May 9

Q: I read somewhere that my all-time favorite band, KISS, is back in the studio working on a new album. Is that true? If so, when can we expect some new material from them? — Rodney G., via e-mail

A: It’s true: KISS is working on a new studio album. The band began recording in April, and lead singer/songwriter Paul Stanley told me that they expect to release the album in late fall or early 2012, depending on how things go. He said: “So far, it sounds phenomenal. It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.”


In the meantime, Paul also is working with the House Research Institute to help bring awareness to teen hearing loss. Having been born deaf in one ear as well as being a mega rock star, Paul knows all about protecting his hearing, and he wants to help spread the word any way he can. “Hearing loss affects kids, it affects teens, and it affects adults. I tell people, ‘If you won’t listen to somebody in a white coat, maybe you’ll listen to somebody in black leather.’”

For more info on how you can protect your hearing, go to earbud.org, and to learn more about Sound Rules! visit soundrules.org. Go here for my full interview with Paul.

Q: Will “Memphis Beat” and “Rizzoli and Isles” be back on TV? I’m already getting tired of all the summer reality shows! — Glenda F., via e-mail

A: “Memphis” and “Rizzoli” will be back this summer on TNT, starting June 14 and July 11, respectively. In fact, TNT recently announced its all-new summer programming slate, which includes two new series, “Franklin and Bash” with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer, and “Falling Skies” with Noah Wylie. Other returning series include “Men of a Certain Age” on June 1, “HawthoRNe” on June 14, “Leverage” on June 26 and “The Closer” on July 11. So get ready for some summertime drama, because TNT is filled to the brim with it!

Q: The Season 1 cliffhanger for Syfy’s “Being Human” had me on the edge of my seat. Please tell me it has been renewed for another season — I can’t wait to see what they come up with next! — Jackie H. in Montana

A: The vampire/werewolf/ghost fantasy-drama has been renewed for a second season by the Syfy network. In fact, the Season 1 finale shattered ratings records for the network. Although no official Season 2 premiere date has been given, I would assume to look for it come January 2012.

Q: I was happy to read in your column that “In Plain Sight” would be back on USA for a fourth and fifth season, but I read that star Mary McCormack is pregnant in real life. How will they handle it on the show? — Colleen V., Las Vegas

A: Mary and hubby Michael Morris are expecting their third child together. Mary told People magazine that her pregnancy will be written into the show, so it will be interesting to see what this means for her character, Mary Shannon.

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Interview: Mark Pellegrino's New Vampire Family

Mark Pellegrino (photo credit: Eric Williams) is a versatile actor whose credits include “Lost,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Supernatural,” “Dexter,” and “The Big Lebowski” and many more. Now fans can catch him on Syfy’s latest supernatural drama, “Being Human.” In the weeks since its Jan. 17 premiere, it has shattered records for the network, becoming a bona fide hit. This ain’t a flash in the pan either: “Being Human” is an engrossing and thrilling drama about a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost all sharing the same house as they try to “live” together as best they can.

Before you start thinking, Oh, it’s another “Twilight” or “True Blood,” you need to watch the show, which airs Mondays on the Syfy network at 9 p.m. I spoke with Mark — who plays vampire-boss Bishop in the series — recently, and he shed some light on “Being Human,” dispelling any comparison to previous vampire/werewolf series.

Celebrity Extra: What can you tell me about Bishop, who is not only a vampire, but a lieutenant on the police force?

Mark Pellegrino: He’s not only a lieutenant on the police force, he’s a proprietor of a funeral home, which goes back in the vampire family history. He’s the vampire boss of Boston, and his basic motivation is to consolidate his power and to bring Aidan back into the family. Aidan has decided to quit being a vampire, so I’m trying to bring him back into the fold.

CE: What sets this show apart from the other vampire and werewolf movies and TV series?



MP: It’s literally about humanity. It’s not like it’s a romance novel; it’s people who have very serious issues that they’re contending with. I think that the title, “Being Human,” says it all. Being human is not just about, for these characters, assimilating, but being human is dealing with character flaws. Everybody has to deal with their character flaws, and for these characters it’s literal monsters within them that they have to control and battle with. What I think makes it unique as well is that it’s not just scary, and it’s not just funny, but it’s also a story about family. And I don’t think you get that as much from the other vampire/werewolf stuff.

CE: What do you enjoy about playing Bishop?

MP: I like the fact that Bishop is really, really smart and patient and constant. He knows what he wants. He’s old enough, has been around long enough and is wise enough to know how to make sure all of the cards are in the right place, and I like a guy like that. He’s about family too. Some people might look at Bishop as a bad guy, but I look at him as a guy who just wants to keep his family together.

CE: I love that all of these cable networks — like Syfy, TNT, HBO and Showtime — are developing their own programming, because they can take more risks with their shows. Was this aspect appealing to you as an actor?

MP: I love that. I love that shows are doing that. Television is interesting now, don’t you think? There’s almost too much to watch, and it’s all really, really good.

CE: What are some risky aspects of this show that attracted you to it?

MP: What really nailed me for the show probably wouldn’t be considered risqué per se, but the simple humanity of it. Every situation is based on something that every other human being can relate to. It’s not some mythic romance stuff, but it’s stuff that everybody goes through, just transposed through the supernatural world. To me, that’s where they’re breaking ground. You can touch all of these characters and say, “I’ve seen this guy” or “I’ve experienced this before.” I think that is really cool.

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 7

Q: What can you tell me about my favorite new TV couple: Detective Esposito and Dr. Parrish on “Castle”? I’ve been wanting them together forever, and now that it’s happened, I can hardly believe it! — Suzie W., Conyers, Ga.

A: Well, believe it, Suzie! The fans spoke, and the higher-ups actually listened! I chatted recently with Tamala Jones, who portrays the beautiful and slightly sassy medical examiner Dr. Lanie Parrish, and this is what she told me about how it all came about: “Jon (Huertas, Detective Esposito) started campaigning for this last season. He got all of the Twitter fans to join him and get this thing going. And the producers decided: ‘OK, let’s do it. If it’s what they want to see, let’s give it to them.’ That’s the one thing that our producers definitely pay attention to — Twitter and e-mails they receive about what people want to see.”

Q: Can you tell me if “Sanctuary” will be back on TV for another season? I really hope so, because it is one of the most original and interesting dramas on television today. — Jamie J., via e-mail



A: You’re in luck — Syfy has greenlighted a fourth season of “Sanctuary,” which is scheduled to begin production on a 13-episode season this spring in Vancouver, B.C., with an eye toward a fall 2011 premiere. “Sanctuary” follows brilliant scientist Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping) and her team, who use their unique combination of instinct, medicine and cutting-edge science to find and aid a clandestine population of beings that the world refuses to believe exists.

Q: Did Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have another baby? When did this happen? I’ve seen her at premieres and on awards shows, and she never looked pregnant to me! — Fred D., Tacoma, Wash.

A: Nicole has had a history of difficult pregnancies and miscarriages, so for this baby, the couple decided to use a gestational surrogate. This means that the egg came from Nicole and the sperm from Keith; however, they used a surrogate to carry the baby to term for them. Daughter Faith Margaret was born Dec. 28 in Nashville.

READERS: With the Academy Awards coming up, many readers are asking for my Oscar picks. I’ll give it a go, but let me warn you, I haven’t batted over .500 since the year “Titanic” swept the awards. Here are my main-category picks: Best Picture: “The Social Network”; Best Director: David Fincher (“The Social Network”); Best Actor: Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”); Best Actress: Natalie Portman (“Black Swan”); Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale (“The Fighter”); Best Supporting Actress: Hailee Steinfeld (“True Grit”); and Best Animated Feature: “Toy Story 3.” Tune into the awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 27, to see how many I got right.

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 10

Q: When will my favorite show, “Being Erica,” be back on SoapNet? It seems like it’s been forever! — Nicole S., Sacramento, Calif.

A: Erin Karpluk (pictured) and cast will be back for another season of time-traveling psychotherapy on Jan. 26 on SOAPnet at 11 p.m. ET/PT. Erica has graduated to group therapy, which means the introduction of some new cast members (as well as few visits from some familiar faces). When I spoke with Erin recently, I asked her what viewers can expect in the highly anticipated third season.


“It’s the same show, but it seems like we just went deeper into everything, into all of Erica’s different relationships and with her therapy, she said. “This season is about transformations. New characters are introduced. There’s a character, Adam, that’s introduced. I won’t say anything too much about what their relationship is, because Erica and Adam ended up with a very strong connection to each other. A new doctor is introduced, Dr. Arthur.


“Kai returns; Cassidy returns; Erica’s sister, Sam, gets a boyfriend, Lenin. Barb goes through some serious life changes. Erica is mourning the loss of her relationship with Ethan in a very realistic way. And there’s also Erica’s budding business with Julianne. They’re trying to get 50/50 Press up and running, and that will bring a lot of comedy to the show.”



Q: I love the FX show “Justified,” especially its star, Timothy Olyphant. I saw that he guest-starred on a few episodes of “The Office,” which he was great in, but it got me nervous that maybe “Justified” had been canceled. Has it? — Gennifer G., via e-mail

A: Don’t you worry — you’re in for another season of gun slinging when “Justified” returns for its sophomore season on Wednesday, Feb. 9, on FX. Not only will Timothy return as U.S. Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens, we’ll also see some new faces. New cast members include Margo Martindale (“Mercy”), Jeremy Davies (“Lost”), Joseph Lyle Taylor (“100 Centre Street”) and Brad William Henke (“October Road”). They will all play members of the Bennett family, the biggest pot farmers in eastern Kentucky.

Q: Has “Medium” been canceled? — Frankie T., via e-mail

A: The struggling drama starring Patricia Arquette and Jake Weber has indeed been canceled for the second time. The first time was in 2009, when NBC dropped the show from its schedule and CBS picked it up. But CBS recently announced that it had reduced season seven’s episodes from 22 to 13, with the series finale airing on Friday, Jan. 21.

Q: I love the Syfy series “Haven.” Will it be coming back? — Mary D. in Oklahoma

A: Syfy has renewed the supernatural drama series (based on Stephen King’s “The Colorado Kid”) for a second season. The new season begins production in the spring and should start airing this summer (although a solid release date has not been issued).

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 3

Q: I’ve seen ads on Syfy for its new show “Being Human,” and I see it has vampires and werewolves and all that, which seems to be all the rage these days. What sets this show apart from all the others? — Justine F., via e-mail

A: When I spoke with series star Mark Pellegrino (pictured left, photo credit: Eric Williams) recently, he told me: “I think what sets this show apart is its literal humanity. It’s not like it’s a romance novel — it’s people who have very serious issues that they’re contending with. I think the title, ‘Being Human,’ says it all. For these characters, being human is not just about assimilating, but also dealing with character flaws. Everybody has to deal with their character flaws, and for these characters it’s literal monsters within them that they have to control and battle with. 

“What I think makes it unique as well is that it’s not just scary and it’s not just funny or a combination of all those great elements, but it’s also a story about family. I don’t think you get that so much from the other vampire/werewolf stuff.” You can catch the premiere of “Being Human” on Monday, Jan. 17, at 9/8c on Syfy.



Q: How is Shania Twain doing? I know she went through a rough divorce a while back. — Ginger F., Ocala, Fla.

A: Shania’s heart is mending just fine — thanks to new husband Frederic Thiebaud (they were married in a sunset ceremony on New Year's Day in the Caribbean). She and former hubby, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, separated in 2008 (with the divorce becoming finalized this past June) when Mutt left her for her former best friend, Marie-Anne Thiebaud. And yes, you are reading that last name correctly: Shania decided to mend her broken heart with the help of her former friend’s husband.

Q: Can you tell me if I can see one of my favorite Hollywood hotties, Bradley Cooper, in a new movie soon? — Deanna R., via e-mail 

A: While Bradley has lots of movies in the hopper, the movie he has coming out in March, called “Limitless,” with Robert DeNiro, looks promising. Bradley stars as a ne’er-do-well who takes medication to unlock the 80 percent of his brain that humans don’t use in order to improve his life, career and bank account, with some negative effects.

Q: I heard that “Stargate: SGU” has been canceled due to low ratings. I knew it had been on the bubble for a while, but please tell that Syfy hasn’t canceled it. — Rebecca J., Tulsa, OK

A: Syfy announced in mid-December that “SGU” will be canceled after this season ends. Initial viewing numbers had dropped off from its first season to its second, which is mainly due to Syfy changing “SGU” from Friday to Tuesday nights, landing it right up against ABC’s powerhouse “Dancing With the Stars.” Another aspect of Syfy’s handling of the show that doesn’t sit right with me: A lot of the cast found out the show had been canceled via the show's fans on Twitter.

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Q and A: Week of Dec. 27

Q: When will “Southland” be back? I was so happy when TNT picked it up from NBC, and have been eagerly awaiting its return. — George F., via e-mail

A: The cutting-edge drama will be back on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 10 p.m. on TNT. Series star Benjamin McKenzie (pictured left; photo credit: Doug Hyun) gave me the scoop: “It’s going to be the same show you’ve seen before, it’s just going to be more focused on the four principle characters left: Ben, Lydia, Sammy and John. It’s a pretty aggressive show; this season it’s really going to double-down on the aggressiveness. It’s fast, hard-hitting and uncompromising.


“With my character and John, the dynamic has changed yet again. It’s more of a peer-to-peer relationship than it has been in the past. Although Ben will still mess up and John will criticize him brutally for it, he’s got a little more freedom to do a little more of his own work. The end of the season will mark the end of his probationary period.”

Q: I love the Syfy show “Merlin.” I haven’t seen new episodes on the schedule for a while, and I’m afraid it has been canceled. Please tell me it hasn’t! — Mark T. in Vermont



A: Don’t worry, Mark. The magical Syfy series will indeed be back for a third season beginning Friday, Jan. 7, at 10 p.m. Season three finds the young Merlin (played by Colin Morgan) in increasingly more dangerous and dark battles in his secret quest to protect Prince Arthur (Bradley James) in the fabled kingdom of Camelot, where magic is forbidden by King Uther (Anthony Head). They rejoin Morgana (Katie McGrath) — who has a dark destiny of her own — with Angel Coulby as her loyal maid Gwen, and Richard Wilson as wise court physician Gaius. John Hurt returns as the voice of the Great Dragon.

Q: Is Jillian Michaels really leaving “The Biggest Loser”? I can’t imagine the show without her! — Tawny D., via e-mail

A: Well, start imagining it, because Jillian is outta there. After this season, which begins Jan. 4, her contract is up, and she is leaving the show. Jillian explained her decision: “I want to take a year off TV and focus on becoming a mommy and doing more charity work. Shooting ‘Losing It’ also had a big impact on me. Living with kids, I saw firsthand what I was missing.”

Q: How is Vanessa Williams fitting in as the newest cast member of “Desperate Housewives”? — Sandi S., Lousiville, Ky.

A: Vanessa is doing great, at least according to co-star Joshua Moore, who plays Parker Scavo. When we spoke about the show’s return from winter break on Jan. 2, he told me: “She’s just great to work with. I think she’s a really good actress and she’s great in her role. She’s just a very cool person to talk to and hang out with. She definitely has to flip that switch on to be mean (like her character, Renee).”

Q: I was so happy when I heard that Nancy O’Dell would be replacing Mary Hart as co-anchor on “Entertainment Tonight” when Mary retires in 2011. It will be nice to see Nancy’s lovely face on TV again! What is she up to in the meantime? — Jillian F., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Nancy is thrilled by her latest career move. She told me: “It is such an honor (to be chosen to replace Mary Hart). Mary is such a TV icon. I remember watching it when it first debuted and thinking, ‘Oh my God, that would be such a cool show to work for.’ And here I am, working for it! It is very exciting.”


Nancy also has teamed up with Florida Orange Juice on a promotion to help make mornings special for families. She explained: “It’s so difficult for people to make their mornings meaningful with their families, as they are being pulled in so many directions. But all you need is 15 minutes, whether it’s over a glass of orange juice or over breakfast, to just sit down and talk with your family.” So Nancy is helping launch the Florida Orange Juice Morning Squeeze contest, with the grand prize being a family trip to Florida. To enter, go to www.FloridaJuice.com/Morning_Squeeze.php.

Q: Will “Army Wives” be back anytime soon for a new season? — William S., via e-mail

A: Rest assured, Lifetime Television’s perennial hit drama “Army Wives” will be back for a fifth season with 13 all-new episodes. “Army Wives” is Lifetime’s most successful series in the 26-year-history of the network, so I’d say the show has quite a bit of life left in it. It will be back in 2011, however the exact date has not been announced. If previous seasons are any indication, it should be back by late spring to early summer.

Q: I caught the tail end of what looked like a really good documentary on Animal Planet about men diving with Nile crocodiles. Can you tell me what it was called and when/if I can see it again? — Sam M., via e-mail

A: The show is called “Into the Dragon’s Lair,” which documents wildlife photographer Roger Horrocks and world-renowned underwater cameraman Didier Noiret as they travel to Botswana’s Okavango Delta to capture never-before-seen behaviors to help broaden the world’s scientific understanding of these fearsome creatures. It is definitely a don’t-miss show, and you can see it again Thursday night, Jan. 20.

Q: How much do reality-television stars, people like Kim Kardashian, make? — Frankie F., Washington, D.C.

A: It depends on the star’s popularity, as well as extracurricular activities, like perfume and clothing lines, books, etc. Kim, for instance, is the highest-paid reality star, raking in $6 million in 2010. Lauren Conrad is close behind, banking $5 million in 2010.

Q: I was so sad to hear that one of my favorite comedic actors, Leslie Nielsen, had passed away recently. Did he film anything before he died, to be released posthumously? — Jeff D., via e-mail

A: The great Leslie Nielsen, 84, who began his acting career back in 1950, passed away in November after a short battle with pneumonia. For his final movie, he voiced a character in the animated comedy “The Waterman Movie,” which is scheduled for release some time next year.

Q: What has happened to Rich Fields, the announcer for “The Price Is Right”? They keep having “guest” announcers. Will he return sometime soon? — Donna C. in New York

A: Rich Fields, 50, who came aboard “The Price Is Right” after the death of longtime announcer Rod Roddy in 2004, is no longer the announcer of the perennial game show. Before the start of the 2010 season, Rich was informed that the producers wanted to go a different way with the show, which included a new announcer with improvisation-comedy background. For now, the show is employing a series of guest announcers, but hopefully the producers will settle on one announcer soon, instead of continuing this game of announcer musical chairs. Currently, Rich is a part-time meteorologist in Los Angeles.

Q: Watching older movies with George Clooney, and comparing how he looked then with now, it looks like he has had a little tightening done to his face? Has he? To me, he seems like the last person on Earth who would undergo plastic surgery. — Hannah F., via e-mail

A: Actually, the 49-year-old star confessed to Oprah Winfrey back in 2007 that he had had some excess skin under his eyes removed. As he said: “It’s important to look awake.” If you check out some before and after pictures online, you can see that the result is subtle and natural-looking, unlike some other pulled-tight celebs who shall remain nameless.

Q: Why did the ABC/Disney-produced “Legend of the Seeker” get canceled? There is a worldwide fan campaign (saveourseeker.com) that is working hard to get this beloved, high-fantasy show back for a third season. Have you heard anything about the show coming back? — Shirley T., Derby, Conn.

A: The Internet is exploding with campaigns to save the show, as well as some well-placed rumors that the show might not be finished. Back in October, “Seeker” stars Craig Parker and Bruce Spence hinted at the fan gathering RingCon 2010 that the show might not be over, yet. Bruce stated, “I know that a lot of people think it’s dead, but it’s not.”


While he might just be employing positive thinking, rumor has it that many alternative stations have been approached about picking up the show for its third season, including SyFy and BBC (both of which reportedly passed). For some fan-made videos, as well as other links to help save the show, check out craighorner.com (a fansite for the “Seeker” star).

Q: I really miss “Parks and Recreation” — it is by far my favorite comedy on TV, along with “The Office.” When will it return? I can’t take much more of “Outsourced.” — Samuel F., via e-mail

A: You will be happy to hear, as I was, that “Parks and Rec” (as many of us lovingly refer to it) will be back on NBC on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 9:30/8:30c after “The Office,” where it belongs. I also was getting a little nervous that the mediocre comedy, “Outsourced,” was going to usurp Leslie Knope and company from their rightful spot on must-see Thursday night TV. I am not sure what this means for “Outsourced,” but I don’t really care. It is difficult for me to get behind a show that makes light of a real problem in America nowadays: high unemployment and jobs being shipped overseas. Aside from that, it just ain’t funny!

Q: Last I heard, “V” was coming back to ABC in November, but November came and went, and no “V.” Please don’t tell me that it has been canceled. After the cancelation of “FlashForward” and “The Gates,” I don’t think I can take another early cancelation! — Theresa R., Baltimore

A: Don’t you worry, Theresa. “V” will make its highly anticipated season premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 9/8c. Season two will feature more character and lizard revelations, more details about the V’s mythology, as well as even more action and more plot twists. As my favorite new show of the 2009 season, I can’t wait to see what develops.

Q: I loved Laura Prepon on “October Road,” and was sad when it went off the air. Can you tell me what else I can see her in? — Danni J. in Georgia

A: Laura, 30, has been busy since “October Road” was canceled in 2008. She guest-starred on “In Plain Sight,” “Medium,” “House M.D.” and “How I Met Your Mother.” In January, Laura plays Natalie Gray, the actress who portrays Nicki Heat in the movie adaptation of Richard Castle’s best-selling mystery book “Nicki Heat” on ABC’s “Castle.”

Q: I have loved all of the “Glee” cameos as of late, especially Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow. Now I hear that Anne Hathaway might be on the show? Is that true? — Denny T., via e-mail

A: While there are no immediate plans for Anne Hathaway to guest-star on the popular Fox musical/comedy, if Anne gets her way, you just might see her walking down the halls of McKinley High. She recently revealed: “In my head, I’ve cast myself, and I know what song I’m going to sing! I would want to play Kurt’s long-lost aunt’s mother’s sister, who is also gay and comes back to help him deal with his sexuality, and I would sing ‘You Are Not Alone’ from Steven Sondheim’s epic show ‘Into the Woods.’”

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