The Following: The Poet’s Fire (S1E3) Preview

2 02 2013

TheFollowingCastAt the end of episode 2, we see the first part of episode 3, where “Rick” (Michael Drayer) sets fire to a certain individual on the street. It is not random. The victim was chosen for a particular reason. The team tries to uncover what this cult is about, what the underlying message is from the cult leader. Jordy is awake and the team tries to uncover more clues from him as to where Joey, the missing boy, is located. I lost count at the number of victims in this episode and without spoiling, let’s say that no one in this show is safe, except perhaps Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy because without them there would be no show.

Meanwhile at the house with Emma, Paul and Jacob, tension mounts. That, too, takes an unexpected twist.

Any woman who ever thought of going out with a strange man should watch this episode as it will instantly cure you from ever entertaining that thought in the future.

As shows go, usually season 1 is all about developing characters, getting to know storylines, hits and misses in plots. Not with this show. Every time I think something is going to happen, I’m completely surprised. Then, when I think, “Okay, this is where they pull the bait and switch” I am completely thrown off again. There is no pre-guessing outcomes.

The ending is completely evil, perverted and twisted that it is terrifying to witness.

Tune in to “The Poet’s Fire” episode of THE FOLLOWING airing Monday, Feb. 4 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

My thanks to FOX Broadcasting and the FOX VIP program for allowing me the privilege of previewing this episode.


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American Idol Season 12 Auditions Oklahoma City

2 02 2013

The American Idol city auditions came to an anticlimactic end that seemed to produce the least talented group among all the cities. Forty-five contestants were sent to Hollywood.

Wanting to prove that gingers have soul, Karl Skinner sang “I Feel Good” by James Brown for the judges. He is a young man with a LOT of energy. I preferred his original song that he played on the guitar. He “wants to be uncomparable.” I think he has already achieved that.

KarlSkinner

Karl Skinner

Contestant 80132 proved gingers did not have soul. Contestant 80685 did a poor job at singing Super Bass. And the guy who sang the Jessie J song was fun but never in tune.

Another contestant with great energy is Nate Tao. He is an American Sign Language instructor. Both of his parents are deaf. He sang “For Once In My Life” by Stevie Wonder. He has a good voice. I wished he would have signed the song as he sang it because that would have added to it (for me). We use some basic signs with Patrick (my son with autism) to communicate. Sign language is not only for people who are deaf and hearing-impaired. I hope he does well in Hollywood.

NateTao

Nate Tao

Then Oklahoma brought out the weird. Halie Hilburn is a great ventriloquist. She brought her puppet Oscar with her to do a duet. I was immediately drawn to the fact that Oscar has no eyes. If you’ve been watching “The Following” on Fox you’ll immediately get the reference (and if you aren’t watching, you should). She said she just got married. I really hope Oscar does not sleep in the bed with them because that would be downright awkward. They asked her to sing without Oscar and she sounded much better, even if Oscar could yodel. Keith felt like Oscar was holding her back. (I love Keith’s humor). It was a “no” from Randy but everyone else said yes. Then they showed Oscar on the street asking for money and ultimately in the trash. Poor Oscar. One day you are doing duets and the next day your partner dumps you.

HalieHilburn

Halie Hilburn

PoorOscar

Save Oscar

I wondered what acid the next contestant was dropping when she came to the audition. Zoanette Johnson had the nerve to disgrace our national anthem like that, not even remember the lyrics, and yet, the judges put her through. All of them. I think the woman needs Ritalin.

Zoanette

Zoanette Johnson

Oklahoma City is full of weird. Anastacia Freeman said that God told her to audition for Idol (not the X-Factor, not The Voice, but Idol). She attempted to sing “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton. Sometimes the devil disguises himself as God to fool you into doing things you should not. (2 Corinthians 11:14). This is truth because we had to endure the horror unfolding on our televisions. The whole song was out of key, several keys, was flat. This is someone who should not even sing privately. She stopped in the middle of singing because the judges were laughing. “Are y’all laughing at me?” They all say “no.” Of COURSE they are! But she continues, “…without you I can’t go on.” Yes please don’t go on. Make it stop. Her singing I consider contributes to the noise pollution in our world. Somewhere out in space that will reach the ears of some alien life form and they will come to conquer us just because we sent that crap to them.

AnastaciaFreeman

Anastacia Freeman

The last contestant was a young man, age 16, named Caden Kayden Stephenson. He brought the light of God back into that room. This is a child whose soul is much older than his tender years. Even though the life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis has increased over the last half-century, Caden Kayden has made peace that his life may end by his mid-30’s. In 1955, children with cystic fibrosis were not expected to live past grade school. Caden Kayden is living each day to its fullest. He sang “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder. It was not gushingly great, but the aura and that wonderful personality carried him far. The judges were going to make this happen for him.

CadenStephenson

Kayden Stephenson

The last performer walked in. I happened to be on a phone call with someone in my family so I had the sound down. I keep looking at this woman thinking, “This looks like Steven Tyler in drag.” And it was. I guess this is sort of a judge hazing ritual. Although Hollywood was not in his future, Boston was (July 17-19, 2012). Indeed “Dude Looks Like a Lady.”

Tyler

Steven Tyler

Next week: Hollywood where eventually a top 40 will be picked and then to Vegas where the top 10 will be decided.


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American Idol Season 12 San Antonio Auditions

1 02 2013

The San Antonio, Texas Idol auditions were carried out at Sunset Station, also known as the building of 1000 lights (The Depo). For some, those lights were on, but nobody was home. For others, they got their bright yellow ticket to the Hollywood rounds.

First up was Vincent Powell, originally from Austin, Texas, who now makes his home in Houston, Texas. He is a praise leader. He chose B.B. King’s “Rock Me Baby.” Mariah was groovin’. He made it previously to the Hollywood week during season 11 but did not get through; then he thought it would be his last year to audition and make it through, but the rules have been changed. Will this be the time his star shines? I think so. He is top 10 material.

VincentPowell

Vincent Powell

The Brothers Bacerott (Derek and David) took up way too much air time and time from the judges. They were trying to sing Mario’s “Let Me Love You.” David was trying to channel a bad Elvis imitation. He thinks he is hot. Not only could they not stay on key, they could not harmonize. The boys were very passive-aggressive. This is what they want to do. They want feedback, but apparently no constructive feedback that might save them a lifetime of pursuing something that cannot be theirs. Sometimes the truth IS a negative–the difference between what you want and what you have the talent to do. I could never build a house. But I am an excellent pet sitter. I would never attempt to build a house because it would never meet safety standards. But I have other talents and gifts I can give the world to make it a better place. Mariah tries to help but David will not be quiet. David: “But you guys were very negative.” Randy: “But it is the truth.” Then Nicki realizes they were in a state delusion. She says, “You guys were great, but it is a no from us.” Then David says, “Don’t lie to us.” Randy: “You have terrible attitudes.” Them: “We have great attitudes.” I liked Nicki intervening and said, “Your part of the audition is done.” Where is the Gong Show hook when you need it?

Savannah Votion has a lovely voice, singing, “At Last” by Etta James. Etta James seems to be real big this year at all the auditions. She will get to Vegas week I think. One comment: Watch what you wear. On the side view, you could see your abdominal fat hanging over your pants and that is just never attractive. But I’m definitely rooting for her.

SavannahVotion

Savannah Votion

Like a coyote, I was howling when Ricky Jo Garcia was singing. Randy was thoughtful: “It wasn’t good enough today.” I’m not sure it would ever BE good enough. Another person who has been deluded by people around her that she could sing well.

Cristabel Clack is another worship leader in the group. I had goosebumps. She sang, “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. I got goosebumps. I think we’ll see her move through Hollywood and onto Vegas. Mariah loves her. I adore her hair, too.

CristabelClack

Cristabel Clack

Jordan Difani nominated his wife, Ann, a former Miss University of Arkansas. Randy Jackson surprised them at a football game. She sang, “Stronger” by Faith Hill. Her voice is good, but I did not like her performance. If I closed my eyes, it was better. Not sure exactly what was making me feel uncomfortable, but sometimes it is like that with me. Keith: “There’s a lot of faith in there.” Ann: “I hope you felt the passion.” Mariah: “He meant “Hill.” Randy Jackson: “Faith Hill.” Mariah said she liked that she had an anchor (referring to her love of country but she could crossover into pop per the contestant), and then Marian did a quick head-check to Nicki because it was this same topic that caused that big argument in Charlotte.

AnnDifani

Ann Difani

Victoria Acosta spends a lot of her time singing in mariachi groups. She sang, “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” She has a good voice, but I thought it was not a good song choice. That is one of those songs that really need instruments behind it to sound okay. It did look forced. Randy asked her to sing in her style, which she did, and it was much better. Hopefully when she gets to Hollywood she can transpose that passion in that style of song into the choices they are given to sing.

VictoriaAcosta

Victoria Acosta

Stefan Jones, Ongela Clark-Falkquay and Carolyn Jackson were all branded outlaws. That was a cute segment.

Papa Peachez is an interesting fellow. He said he felt like a big black woman trapped in a little boy’s body (a little white boy’s body). He decided to perform an original song. I’m adoring what I’m calling “Keithisms” “Papa Don’t Peach.” I was 100% surprised they said yes. He is interesting, but he’ll be swallowed alive during Hollywood week and nothing but peach pits will be left.

PapaPeachez

Papa Peachez

Sanni M’Mairura is a Pearland, Texas resident (a community south of Houston). For 16, he is adorable. If he does not make it through Hollywood week, he should definitely consider trying out for So You Think You Can Dance when he turns 18. He has a GREAT attitude. I liked his voice. He sang, “Who’s Lovin’ You” by Michael Jackson.

Sanni

Sanni M’Mairura

Adam Sanders looked like Jimmy Kimmel with a wig on. I heard some on Twitter calling him a Latino Adam Lambert. This young man would have been completely happy if he just met his idol Mariah that day. He said he felt he was R&B, Soul or Pop. This was either going to be really, really good or bad, but given that he has the last spot for the day, it is likely going to be spectacular. He sang, “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. GOOSEBUMPS. He will be in the group going to Vegas after Hollywood. I have NO DOUBT. TESTIFY! He got a standing ovation.

AdamSanders

Adam Sanders

The number of people who made it through to San Antonio was not given, but I would guess, if it is the typical amount, somewhere in the 40-50 range. Next up: Long Beach, California on the Queen Mary.


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Touch Season 1 Episode 4 “Kite Strings”

30 01 2013

(I got behind in the spring on these recaps. With Touch returning Friday, February 8, I thought I’d catch up).

Martin (Kiefer Sutherland) receives a letter from the chief medical examiner presumably about his wife’s remains at the World Trade Center. He looks over at the red kite, picks it up and leaves.

The newspaper says that the TriState Lotto winner was costing them $140,625 a week having not claimed the prize. He won $190 million. (I should be an editor–if you look closely enough you’ll see that the newspaper article repeats twice).

NewspaperClipping

Flash to the First Congregational Church of Lynchburg where Randall Meade (Titus Welliver) reads the marquee, “You have questions? He has answers.”

Jake (David Mazouz) is narrating in the background that we are always waiting for messages. He poses that if we have not received a message, it might be because we haven’t listened hard enough.

At the center, Martin tells Clea (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) said that they have not yet identified his wife’s remains (Fact: 40% of the victims in the WTC have never been identified). Martin regrets not being there for Sarah and Jake because he thought he had all the time in the world. He wants to take Jake to the cemetery and Clea approves. Jake runs to Bobby Aresa (Kiko Ellsworth) at Sarah’s grave with his kite in hand. Bobby was a bike messenger and knew Sarah from the WTC and they became friends. Sarah Bohm was born on 4/3/1970. (I don’t know if that is significant but thought I would write it down). Jake looks down at his dropped red book with combinations of 9-5 with varying decimal points.

Notebook

Martin looks as the clock on his cell phone changes to 9:50. Jake releases the kite. Jake is wearing a red shirt, too. Jake and Martin follow the kite. Eventually they come to an intersection where we see “checks cashed 9.5%“. Jake crosses the street.

CellPhone

ChecksCashed95

All the way around the globe in Iraq, we see Tarik (Wesam Keesh) and Abdul (Shak Ghacha) who we have met in previous episodes. Band practice is at 9:50 p.m. The US soldiers hire them to play at the base. Abdul excitedly lets First Lt. Laura Davis (Sprague Grayden) know when her convoy follows.

BandPractice950pm

Back in Lynchburg, Randall Meade observes a very unconfident preacher. He tells the congregation to open to Luke 9 chapter 5. “And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” In historical context, the passage is about when armed with the power and authority that Jesus himself had been displaying, the 12 disciples are now sent out to continue the work that Jesus had been performing throughout Gallean ministry. Randall tells Pastor Steve (Josiah Early) that “he has answers” is a bunch of crap.

There is an ad on a subway sign that says Citrus O has only 270 calories and is 99.5 degrees in the shade.

SubwaySign

Another sign says, “Construction on Ninth Street; expect a half-hour delay.”

Construction9thStreet

Jake walks into the apartment building to door “65” that turns into “95” after a ball hits the door at the precise moment he is there. It’s Bobby from the cemetery. Martin asks him if 9.5 or 9-1/2 means anything to him.

DoorNumber

Jake walks into the apartment. Bobby’s daughter’s name is Sarah.

Sarah

In Iraq, the two military vehicles get hit by IEDs and the soldiers are under fire. An injured Laura pulls a squadmate out of the vehicle and gets away from the scene.

Laura

Jake seems attracted to the red roses on the table as Bobby shares his memory of Sarah with Martin. He knew that the WTC would come down as he felt the instructions to go back into the offices was wrong. He has been feeling guilty for not going after Sarah.

Roses

Pastor Steve shares how the church has stayed in the family and the plans his father had for expansion. He tells Randall that he had plans to go up to New York and follow his girlfriend (which turns out to be Laura). Randall shares his story about what happened with Sarah. He also shares about his background in construction work growing up. Steve asks him if he could look at something in the basement. As they walk down the stairs, they fall in and get locked in.

Tarik’s band, Deep Lightning, is using an amp, a RichterVox Model 95-A, but they want to make sure they don’t exceed the safety level of volts.

RichterVox

In the background is a poster of Andrew James who is a famous bass player. (Yes, I notice this stuff).

AndrewJames

They ask King Roadie (Joshua Leonard) who types in 50 volts. King Roadie apparently keeps his old instruction sets in a red suitcase.

50volts

The soldiers are asked to give their sit-rep 9-5. They still cannot locate the two injured soldiers.

Jake goes into a room in Bobby’s apartment, locks the door and climbs out to the fire escape. He goes after the red kite. King Roadie’s girlfriend is startled by Jake at the window (Jake had changed the satellite signal where the red kite was caught). The girlfriend falls back, a pen drops on the keyboard and 50 volts gets changed to 950 volts.

950volts

Jake reaches for the kite. Martin realizes that Jake wants Bobby to help him get it. Bobby catches Jake before he falls. Martin tells him that in saving Jake, his debt he felt to Sarah was repaid.

BobbyJake

Over in Iraq, 950 volts makes for quite a light display and it lights up a particular transformer where the two soldiers are. Their coordinates were 3-0-9-5. (Look in the right corner of my screen. There are 9:59 minutes left of the show–LOL).

Green

Bobby remembered how 9-5 was significant in his life with Sarah. It was the last session with Sarah. Sarah was tutoring him to help him get his GED so he could better provide for his family.

Pastor Steve talks to Laura who is not sure if she will make it, but wanted him to know that something he said to her helped save her squadmate. He tells Laura he has been given a sign to move on with his life. He plans to go to Germany to be with her. Randall thinks his question has been answered, too.

LauraBeforeSurgery

Back at the apartment, Martin looks in Sarah’s appointment book where he sees B.A. (Bobby Aresa) in her 9/5/2001 appointments. He also finds a receipt to Thomas Brothers Jewelry. He goes there. They held onto the wedding ring that belonged to Sarah. She was having it engraved with 1 + 1 = 3.

SarahsRing


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American Idol Season 12 Baton Rouge Auditions

30 01 2013

The next stop on American Idol‘s talent tour was Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. It brought out an eclectic group of individuals. And the alpha-dog battle between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey has calmed.  Thank God!

An injured Megan Miller hobbled her way in and into the hearts of the judges. She was on her way to surgery but wanted to audition before she did. Instead of trying to vie for attention, she used her temporary disability in a humorous fashion which delighted the judges. She is Miss Greater Baton Rouge. She delivered an Etta James song like a professional. Why do people think these 1980-like headbands are cool? They really are not. It’s so Olivia Newton John.

MeganMiller

Megan Miller

Charlie Askew was a great surprise. He reminds me of Clay Aiken, someone who likely will undergo a big transformation style-wise if he makes it to the top 10. His voice sounds a lot like Chris Colfer (Glee). He sang “Breakthrough” by Queen, and then “Nature Boy” by Nat King Boy. I thought “Nature Boy” was better. Charlie has a very interesting, big voice for such a petite-sized young man. He is quite unique. Keith mentioned something about a vagenda. The only time I’ve heard the word “vagenda” used was in the TV show “Fringe.” Unless it is a different spelling and Australian slang, it means: “Using your feminine wiles to accomplish evil ends.”

CharlieAskew

Charlie Askew

Nominations have been done with mixed results now. Sylvia Assel nominated her granddaughter, Maddie Assel. I found Sylvia much more interesting. Exactly how much magic dust has she inhaled? Sylvia tells Ryan, “I want to kidnap you and take you home with me.” Maddie sang, “Oh! Darling” by The Beatles. Her vibrato is borderline annoying, but if she tames that just a little bit, she’ll do well. She, too, is unique.

MaddieAssel

Maddie Assel

Of course, there is a string of auditions that do not go well at all. The young lady with the purple glasses needs some anger management classes.

I like Paul Jolley‘s spirit. He did well with Rascal Flatts’ “Don’t Let Go.”

PaulJolley

Paul Jolley

Chris Barthel was nicknamed “Mushroom.” He has now ruined “If I Had You” by Adam Lambert. He was quite entertaining with his dance moves. Keith Urban was laughing so hard he was crying. “I like the keys that song was in.” Perhaps Chris’ calling lies in comedy. When Nicki was running her fingers through his hair, he says, “Nicki you are awesome!” Mariah’s face was priceless. After receiving 4 “no” responses, he says to Ryan, “I met four awesome people including you.” Who was Chris leaving out?

ChrisBarthel

Chris “Mushroom” Barthel

You know you are getting old(er) when the doctors could be as young as your own children. Dr. Calvin Peters, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, came in confident. He pulled off a difficult Maxwell song. It was as smooth as silk.

CalvinPeters

Dr. Calvin Peters

Out of the next contestants, Michelle Montezer (what is UP with those headbands!), Breanna Steer, and Brandy Hotard, I liked Breanna’s voice the best. They are all through to Hollywood.

MichelleMontezer

Michelle Montezer

BreannaSteer

Breanna Steer

BrandyHotard

Brandy Hotard

Alissa Griffin was just horrid.

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard Nicki Minaj ask the contestant if they have a boyfriend. This is not “The Dating Game.” Firefighter Dustin Watts did a wonderful job with Garth Brooks’ “She’s Every Woman.” I like the tone in his voice.

DustinWatts

Dustin Watts

The last contestant usually has a backstory that is shared to move the audience. Burnell Taylor was no different. His home was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, but they moved to Baton Rouge. It was a lesson learned about what is important in life. He slayed “I’m Here” from the movie “The Color Purple.” He had a wonderful voice. I didn’t think he was the best voice in the competition, but he also had a great stage presence. Keith was having a blast with him. Randy, Keith and Mariah gave him a standing ovation. He made Mariah cry. Keith said, “Somewhere there is a spotlight waiting for you to walk into it.”

BurnellTaylor

Burnell Taylor

A total of 35 people made it through to Hollywood. Next: San Antonio


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Two New Fox Shows In Development

30 01 2013

(Press Release) FOX UNVEILS FIRST TWO MAJOR EVENT SERIES IN DEVELOPMENT

>M. Night Shyamalan’s WAYWARD PINES and Bruce C. McKenna’s BLOOD BROTHERS

Kick Off FOX’s Marquee Event Series Development Slate

Marking its official entry into developing long-form event series, Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) announced that it has inked development deals for two large-scale drama projects: WAYWARD PINES, from M. Night Shyamalan (“The Sixth Sense,” “Unbreakable”) and FX Productions; and BLOOD BROTHERS, from Bruce C. McKenna (“Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific”), Gary Randall (“The Glades,” “Saving Grace”), Timothy Scott Bogart (“Majors & Minors,” “Touched”), Boardwalk Entertainment Group and Fox Television Studios.

FOX will order its first event series pilot(s) later this year with plans to debut its first long-form event series in 2014.

“With top-notch auspices and feature-quality production plans, WAYWARD PINES and BLOOD BROTHERS represent exactly the kind of high-impact, 10- to 12-part events we set out to develop when we entered the limited series business,” said Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “These two series are the first of many big ideas, big names and big talent that you can anticipate will be on our air in the next 12-24 months.”

Based on the best-selling novel, “Pines,” by Blake Crouch and brought to life by suspense-driven filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, WAYWARD PINES is an intense, mind-bending thriller evocative of the classic cult hit “Twin Peaks.” Secret Service agent ETHAN BURKE arrives in the bucolic town of Wayward Pines, ID, on a mission to find two missing federal agents. But instead of answers, Ethan’s investigation only turns up more questions. What’s wrong with Wayward Pines? Each step closer to the truth takes Ethan further from the life he knew, from the husband and father he was, until he must face the terrifying reality that he may never get out of Wayward Pines alive. WAYWARD PINES is based on a spec script written by Chad Hodge (“The Playboy Club”) and executive-produced by Shyamalan, Hodge, Donald De Line (“Green Lantern,” “The Italian Job”) and Ashwin Rajan (“After Earth”).

BLOOD BROTHERS is the true story of the West Point Class of 1861. As our bitterly divided country tore itself apart over the issue of slavery, the West Point Brotherhood broke apart. Best friends, bonded in the intense crucible of the Academy, found themselves on opposite sides of a conflict that quickly became the bloodiest in U.S. history. For four violent years, these former comrades fought directly against each other, even as many of them rose from lowly second lieutenants to field generals. Throughout the conflict, however, they never lost their love and esteem for each other, which often resulted in many acts of kindness that stretched across enemy lines. Some died; others were broken by the conflict. But every one of the Brothers was utterly changed by a war that not only redefined America, but which still resonates today. BLOOD BROTHERS is written by McKenna, and executive-produced by McKenna, Randall and Bogart.


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Fox Broadcasting Briefs of Your Favorite Shows

30 01 2013

Seth Rogen will guest-star on “The Mindy Project” on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. Bones has been picked up for season 9. Touch premieres Friday, February 8, 2013 at 8/7 central. Hell’s Kitchen begins on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. Will and Emma of Glee tie the knot on Valentine’s Day on Glee. Ben and Kate fans will be disappointed to learn that it has been pulled from the line-up and will not finish production. Any finished episodes will air at a later date.


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Fox Broadcasting Announces New Show: Rake

30 01 2013

(Press Release) FOX ORDERS PILOT FOR NEW DRAMA “RAKE”

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE AND EMMY AWARD WINNER GREG KINNEAR TO STAR IN LEAD ROLE

Character-Driven Drama Executive-Produced By

Peter Duncan, Peter Tolan and Michael Wimer

Kicking off its drama pilot orders, Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has given a pilot order to RAKE, a character-driven comedic drama by Peter Duncan (creator of the original Australian series) and executive-produced by Peter Tolan (“Rescue Me,” “Analyze This”) and Michael Wimer (“2012”). Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Greg Kinnear (“Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Kennedys”) has been cast in the lead role of KEEGAN JOYE, a brilliant, but self-destructive criminal defense lawyer. Kinnear also will co-executive-produce.

Based on the Australian AACTA nominee for Best Television Drama Series, RAKE follows the chaotic and comedic life of criminal defense lawyer KEEGAN JOYE (Kinnear). Brilliant, frustratingly charming, and with zero filter, Keegan is one of life’s great addicts. His staggering lack of discretion and inability to self-censor land him the cases that nobody else wants, but behind that lies a resolute optimism and belief in justice that fuel his dogged determination to defend those who seem beyond redemption. In addition to Keegan’s cases within the justice system, the show follows his personal trials and tribulations, including his ongoing battle against the IRS, his mounting debt to his bookie, overlapping affairs and liaisons with women, a hormonal son, an exhausted ex-wife and the evolving relationship between his two married best friends, Ben and Scarlett.

Greg Kinnear received an Academy Award nomination for his work in the 1997 film “As Good as It Gets.” His recent role on “Modern Family” earned him a 2012 Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. For his performance as John F. Kennedy in the cable miniseries “The Kennedys,” he was nominated for 2011 Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. In 1995, Kinnear and the producers of cable’s “Talk Soup” won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Program.

In 2006, Kinnear starred in the Academy Award-nominated film “Little Miss Sunshine.” Other film credits include “Thin Ice,” “Green Zone,” “Flash of Genius,” “Ghost Town,” “Baby Mama,” “Feast of Love,” Invincible,” “Fast Food Nation,” “Bad News Bears,” “Stuck On You,” “Auto Focus,” “The Gift,” “Nurse Betty” and “You’ve Got Mail.” He will next be seen in Josh Boone’s “Writers,” co-starring Jennifer Connelly, Kristen Bell and Lily Collins. The film premiered at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival. He also has completed production on Craig Zisk’s “The English Teacher,” co-starring Julianne Moore, Lily Collins and Nathan Lane. RAKE is Kinnear’s first network drama pilot.

RAKE is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Fedora Entertainment and Essential Media & Entertainment Pty Ltd. The pilot is created and written by Peter Duncan. The pilot is executive-produced by Duncan, Peter Tolan, Michael Wimer, Richard Roxburgh (“Rake,” “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole”) and Ian Collie (“Rake”).


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American Idol Season 12 Charlotte Auditions

29 01 2013

AmericanIdolLogoCharlotte, North Carolina. One of the places “The Hunger Games” was filmed. It is also known as the “Queen City.” Arrows were shot between diva queens Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey. I was hoping they would get it out of the way at the top of the show and move on, but no, they had to drag it out. I do understand it happened and it has to be shown. But these are professional people. I love watching “So You Think You Can Dance” in part because the judges are not FIGHTING or being rude to each other. They can disagree with a performance but do it in a respectful manner. Nicki Minaj has some very insightful and constructive criticism for the contestants, but I’m finding myself drawn to the quiet energy of Keith Urban. I have never been a country music fan and all I know of Keith is that he is a successful country music singer from Australia who married Nicole Kidman. I actually now want to go listen to his music and find out more about him. If this is what I am going to see in Idol for the next several months, I really do not know if I can take it and for the first time since season 2, may decide not to watch. It is ironic that a Navy reservist, Brandy Hamilton, pleaded with them “Please don’t fight, it makes us sad” should be a wake-up call.

Nicki does like to talk, and, in fact, dominates the panel all the time. She is wonderful at lifting up a contestant’s spirits and finding something positive about them without crushing their spirit. But for me, she is beginning to sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher. She needs to be more concise with her comments. With four judges on the panel this year, I cannot imagine the live shows ever being on-time if things keep going on this way.

Scotty McCreery was on hand to pump up the crowd.  That is the American Idol finale results show that I went to see thanks to FOX VIP.

Naomi Morris. Nicki nicknames her “Omie” Nicki gives Naomi tips about her eye wear, that she needs to wear fake eyelashes and then her make-up will pop. Naomi massacred Aretha Franklin’s, “Respect.” Naomi should stick to making clothes. Perhaps she should try out for Project Runway? Marian looks like she is tired of bad singers. Randy I think was mesmerized at her boobs with the intermittent cringing of her singing.

So now that we have the bad singer out of the way, the next one should be a good one. Right? Joe Nemoyer decides that Andre Bocelli’s instruction to Chris Daughtry about singing while he was singing on the ground will improve his own singing. Nicki nicknames him “Jumanji.” He decides to sing, “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble because he is feeling….swell. How embarrassing for Joe that when the camera is getting a tight shot of his face laying down the audience was treated to…YUCK….a booger. Keith looks he feels a bit sorry for the kid. Randy thinks “never.” Mariah was a no. And Nicki just thinks she is in charge of the panel and talks and talks.

Brian Rittenberry’s wife has survived stage 4 appendix cancer. She got her hair and nails done on the chance she might get to see and/or hug Keith Urban. Brian sings, “Let It Be” by The Beatles. I like him. I got goosebumps and the wife got the hug she wanted.

Brian

Brian Rittenberry

Then there were three more yes votes, sending Jimmy Smith, Sarina-Joi Crowe, and Haley Davis through to Hollywood. Jimmy gave me goosebumps, while the other two had average voices. Na’Chelle Fullins-Lovell also made it through.

JimmySmith

Jimmy Smith

SarinaJoi

Sarina-Joi Crowe

HaleyDavis

Haley Davis

NaChelle

Na’Chelle Fullins-Lovell

 

We had too many good auditions in a row and when I saw Matthew Muse you knew it was going to be one of “those” auditions. Matthew also liked to talk about himself in the third person. Keith thought he was trying to channel Brad Paisley. Since I have never heard his music, I am going to assume that was not the case. Nicki looks like her blood sugar is dropping. “Cool dude.”

Next was the segment of the invitation. Dawgs are NOT allowed on the school bus, Randy, unless they are service dogs. You should know that. Isabelle Gonzalez was nominated by her aunt. She looks like Carly Rose Sonenclar. She sang a Sam Cooke song. It was not great. Sometimes I hear potential greatness, but sometimes she is off-key (I’ll chalk that up to nerves). I do like, however, that she has a different sound.

Isabel

Isabelle Gonzalez

Taisha Bethea sings in a rock band. But when she sang a Johnny Cash song, it did not sound like a Cash song turned into a rock song at all. The Alanis Morissette song was better. She is an average singer. It was two “yes” votes and two “no” votes. Apparently the tie-breaker in this city goes to Keith Urban, so it was a yes.

Taisha

Taisha Bethea

And then we get down to the controversial battle between Nicki and Mariah. Summer Cunningham sang “Lean on Me.” She has an average voice but nothing about her particularly stands out to me. Nicki said “yes.” Summer said she “already did the country thing” but she wanted to put more soul into it (insinuating that country music cannot be soulful). Keith Urban took offense to that. He has been pretty even with his emotions so far during his judging experiences. The comment obviously rubbed him the wrong way. Keith, Mariah and Randy said that she could be a country star, but was trying to also say nicely that her voice is not soulful R&B (like Summer thinks she is). Nicki took offense to all this because she did not think anyone should be pigeon-holed into a certain type of genre. I disagree with Nicki here. I am never going to hear a Nicki song thinking, “She could sing anything, even opera” because that is just not a reality. Summer is going through to Hollywood but how awkward was that for her. I don’t think she’ll make it to Vegas week.

Summer

Summer Cunningham

Day Two of Charlotte begins and Navy reservist Brandy Hamilton starts the day off well with an Etta James song. I got goosebumps. I really like her. As she was leaving she said, “Please don’t fight; it makes us sad.” Schooled by a warrior woman in the matters of peace.

Brandy

Brandy Hamilton

Ashley Scott (nicknamed Blondie) has a great personality. This is one of those times when the speaking voice does not match the singing voice. When she walked out with a gold ticket for Hollywood, some of her fellow contestants seemed shocked.

AshleySmith

Ashley Smith

Janelle Arthur played a young Dolly in a local theater production. She is through. And it was time for Keith Urban to fly to New York to be with Nicole Kidman as she gets an award from the New York Film Festival.

Janelle

Janelle Arthur

“The Voice of Charlotte”, Rodney Barber, sang Edward McCain’s “I’ll Be”. His voice gave me goosebumps.

My favorite of the night, however, was Candice Glover. She got cut in Vegas last year. I had heavy goosebumps here and Randy and Mariah gave her a standing ovation. Mariah said she was the best singer they had seen so far.

CandiceGlover

Candice Glover

“Frog Killer” Ja’Bria Barber sang Bonnie Raitt’s “Pride and Joy.” Is she related to Rodney Barber?  After hearing Candice Glover, this was just okay, not spectacular.

JaBria

Ja’Bria Barber

Brad Harris was rapper “Bakon” in Houston? Poor Houston.  He should just sing for pleasure.

Seretha Gunn would close the show with “Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” By the look on the judges’ faces, they thought it would be a disaster. It was good. Her daughter, London, accompanied her. London nicknamed Nicki — DunDun (of course that is the same as saying London to that small of a child).

Seretha

Seretha and London Gunn

A total of 37 contestants made it through to Hollywood week. Next up: Baton Rouge, Louisiana


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Categories : American Idol, Fox Shows, TV shows

The Following “Chapter Two” (S1E2)

24 01 2013

This preview of the second episode DOES contain information from the pilot episode. If you did not see the pilot episode and don’t want to know anything about it, please come visit another time.

TheFollowingCast“Chapter Two”–Appropriately titled as it is the second chapter in the psycho sequel for Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), charismatic serial killer turned cult leader and the second episode of this wonderful new series on FOX. During last episode, we learned that Joe has amassed “friends” while using internet access in prison to carry on for him. At the end of the previous episode we learned that “Denise” (aka Emma; Valorie Curry) took Joey (Kyle Catlett), the son of Claire Matthews (Natalie Zea) and Joe Carroll, from his home and met up with the two guys who had been posing as Sarah’s gay neighbors, known now as Jacob (Nico Tortorella) and Paul (Adan Canto). She tells Joey, “We’re on an adventure.” At the end of our story in the pilot, Jordy (Steve Monroe), who we discover practice on animals, walks into a sorority house at the end. We know that he is about to attempt to move up to humans. And Joe Carroll tells Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), after his re-capture, that he knows Ryan slept with his wife . Joe intends to write a sequel to his first story. Joe was scheduled to be put to death in 3 weeks; obviously with Joey missing that will be postponed.

Some people expressed sadness on Twitter that they did not see Agent Mason (Jeananne Goossen) slated for any further episodes. That is explained at some point during “Chapter Two.“

This episode is mainly devoted to moving the story forward while being in the present and cutting back to the past for back story in the expertly way they did in the pilot episode. We find out more about Emma, Jacob and Paul. We meet a new character, Debra Parker (Annie Parisse), who is a cult expert, but shhhh…. they are trying not to call his followers a cult quite yet until they discover more evidence, which they do, that squarely puts Joe Carroll as a Jesus Christ equivalent. (JC? Get it). This treasure trove of discovered information makes you want to hit “pause” on the DVR to take it all in and to look for clues for future episodes. Back story is also filled in on Joe Carroll, Claire Matthews, and Ryan Hardy. Jordy fits prominently into this episode as well. A new follower, or acolyte, is discovered, but his true face is still unknown to us.

If a serial killer ever wants to set you up with a date of someone he knows, the correct response is “no.” And I think the creepiest line of “Chapter Two” is when Joe tells Ryan, “Jordy was a mere puppy.” If you saw the pilot, you will understand the reference.

Once again I was on the edge of my seat. Many times I said, “Wow, I was NOT expecting that.” There were times I screamed. “Chapter Two” did not lose any of the things people loved about the pilot episode.

If you missed the pilot, FOX is planning an Encore performed of “The Following” on Friday, January 25, at 9:00 Eastern/8:00 central. “Chapter Two” episode of THE FOLLOWING airs Monday, Jan. 28 (9:00 Eastern/8:00 Central) on FOX. Joe Carroll wants to be friends. Do you want to be his?

My thanks again to the FOX VIP program and Fox Broadcasting for the preview of this wonderful episode.


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Categories : Fox Shows, The Following, TV shows

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