Nice Girls News Round-Up: Friday Night Lights, Alex O’Loughlin, Royal Pains
We’ve been so busy with our sister sites, True-Blood.net and ChuckTV.net, that we’ve been sadly remiss in reporting news about our favorite shows and actors. In the interest of catching up quickly, here are some tidbits that have us excited:
- NBC just launched their new Friday Night Lights website in advance of the April 30 season premiere. In related news, sources confirm that the fifth season, debuting on DirecTV next autumn, will be the show’s last.
- Alex O’Loughlin has been signed on as Det. Steve McGarrett in CBS’ remake of Hawaii Five-O. Lost’s Daniel Dae Kim and Battlestar Galactica’s Linda Park co-star. The pilot is being written & produced by Fringe’s Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, along with CSI: NY’s Peter Lenkov.
- Henry Winkler will recur on USA’s Royal Pains when the show returns for it’s sophomore season this summer. Winkler will play Eddie R. Lawson, the so-far unseen father of Mark Feuerstein’s Hank and Paolo Costanzo’s Evan, who appeared to have cleaned out the HankMed bank accounts at the end of season 1.
- Season 3 of In Plain Sight premieres on USA March 31 with a slew of familiar faces lined up to guest star. Rita Moreno, Allison Janney, Steven Weber, Tess Harper, and Josh Cooke will all show up in various capacities likely to irk Mary.
Did we miss anything else pressing?
Should TV Series Have A Shorter Run?
February 9, 2010 by Rueben
Filed under Rueben's Ramblings
With each TV season comes a crop of new pilots, hoping to be picked up by a major network for at least an initial 13 episode run. If things go well for said pilot – such as decent ratings (obviously) as well as fan, and sometimes even critic, acclaim – the series could potentially be picked up for a full season, which is typically 22 episodes.
But what if the major networks took a hint from British television (beyond trying to copy-cat their shows) and began to shorten the episode runs for these new series? Would the new show perform better or worse with the viewing audience? Would the show simply be lost in the shuffle of the multitude of programming that is now available? Would the change really make any difference?
I have to wonder if in the not-too-distant future that the norm for new pilots, once they have been picked up by a network and ordered to series, of course, will be for shortened season runs. This could allow for more programming to be picked up by the networks because each show would only get between, say, 6 to 12 episodes.
Now, this may sound like a crazy idea, but go with me for a minute. The powers that be behind a particular show would be able to focus on story-telling (hopefully better than usual) because they would only have 6 to 12 episodes to focus on. The networks would be able to adopt a “time-share” with the timeslots (even more so than they are now), allowing for more shows to be picked up and hopefully more entertainment for all of us.
This would not only work out for the folks who work within the industry (after all people need to have a job, like writers, producers, actors, et al), but would also hopefully work out for those of us who love to sit at home in front of that big screen and be entertained.
Granted, it would all be about quality AND quantity and yes, that could become a slippery slope; but being the optimist that I’m attempting to be more often, it could be a win-win situation for all concerned. Right? Okay, maybe not… but I have to admit it’s an interesting idea and one that’s not too far fetch given the direction that the major networks seem to be, albeit, slowly heading toward.
And, if they can learn one thing from the cable channels that are already succeeding with this type of format, it is to find good material and allow it to flourish even in a shortened format. Of course, it’s important for the new shows to be cast properly, have good writing and be interesting to watch; otherwise, we would all be watching reality. But I won’t digress into that arena just yet.
Case in point: The Canadian series Being Erica is quite popular with our northern brethren (and is slowly becoming popular here in the States too) and is currently in its second season. The first season of the series had only 13 episodes, allowing the writers to hone in on the storyline, making each episode sharp, engaging and imaginative. The second season will consist of 12 episodes and I’m sure they are just as crisp and creative as last season.
Other examples are Burn Notice which aired 12 episodes in its first season and 16 episodes in its second; In Plain Sight also has 12 episodes during its freshman run and had 15 episodes in its sophomore year; Army Wives had 13 episodes its first season followed by 19 and 18 episodes, respectively, for their next two seasons and The Closer has averaged 15 episodes for each of its seasons except for the 13 episode run it received for its first season.
So, it is possible to have successful shows with shorter runs and here’s to hoping that the major networks can come close to their cable counterparts.
NGTV Guide: Sunday, August 8
Our wizard, Merlin, gets the night off, but we have vampires and U.S. marshals on tap to close out the weekend.
True Blood – HBO 9/8c
“Timebomb” – Sookie’s predicament changes with Eric’s arrival; a shocking discovery at Merlotte’s spells trouble for Sam; Jessica and Hoyt’s courtship continues; Jason tries to put his checkered past behind him.
In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c – SEASON FINALE
“Don’t Cry for Me, Albuqurque” – A Latina political activist hides in Witsec with help from the U.S. government, but the arrangement soon sours when she moves to her new home.
In Plain Sight to Return Next Season
USA announced a 16 episode pick up of In Plain Sight for next season. Mary and company will be back! So far this season, we’ve seen Mary Shannon get into some situations that she just can’t fix. Care to speculate on what next season could bring?
NGTV Guide: Sunday, July 26
Comic Con is winding down and we’re looking forward to our own beds soon, but first, more great TV!
Merlin – NBC 8/7c
“The Beginning of the End” – Merlin finds an unexpected ally in Morgana when he attempts to shield a magical druid boy from Uther’s wrath and smuggle him back to his people.
True Blood - HBO 9/8c
“Hard-Hearted Hannah” – Accompanied by Isabel’s human boyfriend Hugo (Christopher Gartin), Sookie embarks on a dangerous mission to locate Godric. Meanwhile, Bill is shocked when a vampire from his distant, more violent past resurfaces in Dallas. In Bon Temps, Daphne presses Sam to get comfortable in his own skin(s); Hoyt (Jim Parrack) continues his unlikely courtship of Jessica; Andy (Chris Bauer) interrogates Lafayette about his disappearance; and Tara and Eggs (Mehcad Brooks) take a detour while on a road trip. At the Light of Day camp, Jason faces difficult emotional and physical choices. Don’t miss our coverage of True Blood at Comic Con on our sister site, True-Blood.net!
In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c
“Let’s Get It Ahn” – A counterfeiter witness is implicated in a murder. Mary and Marshall become suspicious of the clues, which seem fake, and wonder if there’s a deeper conspiracy at hand.
NGTV Guide: Sunday, July 19
The weekend is winding down and we’re relaxing with wizards and vampires and telepaths. Join us!
Merlin – NBC 8/7c
“The Gates of Avalon” – Arthur saves elderly Aulfric (Kenneth Cranham) and his daughter Sophia (Holly Grainger) from bandits, and then falls heads over heels for the young lady. In other events, Morgana, has dream in which she sees Sophia drowning Arthur; Gaius and Merlin become suspicious of the outsiders; and Gaius recognizes a magical potential in Morgana .
True Blood – HBO 9/8c
“Never Let Me Go” – In Dallas, Sookie connects with one of her own, then joins Bill and Eric for a strategic summit at the lair of the missing vampire, Godric (Allan Hyde), attended by his lieutenants, Stan (Ed Quinn) and Isabel (Valerie Cruz). Meanwhile, Jason shows his mettle at a Light of Day boot camp, and is rewarded for his hard work with a gift from Sarah (Anna Camp). Rebuffed by Tara in her relocation efforts, Maryann decides to cast her spell on the staff of Merlotte’s, softening Tara up towards her new “family.” Eric shares a little-known secret about his past with Bill, and Sookie makes a decision that might solve the Godric mystery – or get her killed.
In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c
“Training Video” – Mary shares her expertise with a film crew making a training video for U.S. Marshals. Elsewhere, Marshall makes arrangements for an elderly mobster in Witsec to go to his son’s funeral.
NGTV Guide: Sunday, July 12
Thank goodness True Blood is back! Plus new episodes of In Plain Sight and Merlin close out our weekend.
Merlin – NBC 8/7c
“A Remedy to Cure All Ills” – When Gaius cannot cure Morgana of a serious, mysterious sickness, a new court physician named Edwin (Julian Rhind-Tutt) arrives in Camelot, proclaiming that he has a remedy for all ills. Uther is soon besotted by Edwin and his abilities, but Gaius and Merlin both have doubts.
True Blood – HBO 9/8c
“Snap and Fingerpop” – Bill, Sookie and Jessica fly to Dallas on a mission for Eric to find a missing vampire; Maryann corrals the locals for Tara’s birthday party; Jason’s new assignment at the Light of Day Institute inspires even more jealousy among his rivals; Lafayette receives an unlikely remedy for his injured leg; Sam finds a reason to delay his departure.
In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c
“Jailbait” – A witness’s teen daughter becomes involved in a reckless romance. Elsewhere, Raphael’s mother visits and begins planning an engagement party without Mary’s consent.
NGTV Guide: Sunday, June 28
Let’s start the week off right with some juicy, action-packed, fantasy-filled TV! Here’s what the Nice Girls are watching tonight:
Merlin – NBC 8/7c
“The Mark of Nimueh” – A beautiful witch, Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) casts a spell with a monster that poisons Camelot’s drinking water, spreading a terrible sickness throughout the city. When Gwen’s (Angel Coulby) father falls ill, Merlin (Colin Morgan) disobeys Gaius’ (Richard Wilson) orders and desperately tries to help. As the monster poisoning the water grows larger each day, Merlin is caught between saving his friends or himself.
Hostile Makeover – LMN 8/7c
Fearless Washington D.C. fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian (also seen in “Killer Hair”) sashays right back into trouble when her interview with reality TV makeover star turned fashion designer Amanda Manville reveals Amanda’s been receiving death threats. When the uber diva, whose bratty behavior and tendency to take credit for her sister Zoe’s designs have ruffled more than a few feathers, is gunned down at her own runway show, Lacey jumps in to investigate, one fashion clue at a time. But the one thing that can knock Lacey off her stilettos is the sudden appearance of her mother and sister who are convinced Lacey should move home to Colorado. Not only does Mom think DC is too dangerous, she doesn’t like that the vintage-loving Lacey has recycled the man who broke her heart the first time, gorgeous cop Vic Donovan. Mary McDonnell co-stars as Lacey’s mom.
True Blood – HBO 9/8c
“Scratches” – When Sookie is attacked by a mysterious creature, Bill must enlist Eric’s (Alexander Skarsgård) help to save her. At the Light of Day retreat, Jason has second thoughts about the sect’s anti-vampire agenda, but Sarah and Steve counter his doubts with flattery and promises. After snapping at Tara (Rutina Wesley) and new employee Daphne (Ashley Jones), Sam decides to cut and run. A bored Jessica heads over to Merlotte’s, where a smitten Hoyt (Jim Parrack) falls under her spell. At another Maryann-hosted party, Tara finds her attraction to Eggs (Mehcad Brooks) interrupted by a swirling, aphrodisiac fog.
Merlin – NBC 9/8c
“The Poisoned Chalice” – Posing as a servant girl, the witch Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) enters Camelot seeking revenge on Merlin (Colin Morgan) with a plot to poison him. Meanwhile, Bayard and the Knights of the Western Isles are welcomed to Camelot to celebrate the union between the two kingdoms. Unaware of Nimueh’s true identity, Merlin saves Arthur (Bradley James) from drinking from a poisoned goblet by drinking the potion himself, which puts him in a deep coma. Gaius (Richard Wilson) discovers the origin of the poison and needs to make an antidote to save Merlin. Arthur disobeys Uther’s (Anthony Head) commands and sets off on a quest to save Merlin.
In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c
“Miles to Go” – After briefing a new witness, whose testimony is contingent on visitation rights with his son, Mary learns the son is missing and sets out to find him.
Video: A Look at Sunday’s “In Plain Sight”
Movieweb has a preview clip of Sunday night’s episode of In Plain Sight, Miles To Go. Take a look!
NGTV Guide: Sunday, June 21
The Nice Girls have a full slate of goodies to watch tonight! From magicians to vampires to witness protection to crimes of fashion, it’s going to be a busy evening.
Merlin – NBC 9/8c – SERIES PREMIERE
The fantasy series, which offers a new spin on the Arthurian legend, opens with the young warlock Merlin (Colin Morgan) arriving in the kingdom of Camelot, whose king (Anthony Head) has outlawed the practice of magic upon punishment of death. He seeks out the court physician, Gaius (Richard Wilson), to whom he inadvertently reveals his gift, has a run-in with the king’s headstrong son, Prince Arthur (Bradley James), and meets an enchanting young maid named Gwen (Angel Coulby). This is a two-hour premiere, so set your DVRs accordingly! Check out BethAnne’s review of Merlin here.
Killer Hair – Lifetime Movie Network 8/7c
Based on the “Crimes of Fashion” book series by Ellen Byerrum. Who knew fashion could be dangerous to anything beyond your credit card balance? Lacey Smithsonian (also seen in “Hostile Makeover”), “Crimes of Fashion” columnist, finds herself reporting on more than just this season’s line when dead bodies start showing up in her best friend’s hot DC hair salon. Lacey’s uniquely trained fashion eye catches clues that others miss. The only thing that knocks Lacey from her high-heeled stride is the sudden appearance of Vic Donovan, the guy she left behind and the one man that makes her heart flutter. With her best friends, Stella, a punky hairstylist, and Brooke, an upper crust Georgetown lawyer, at her side, Lacey foils the murderer, solves the mystery and the fashion crime itself, all while meeting the deadline for her column. Read Melissa’s review of Killer Hair here.
True Blood – HBO 9/8c
“Keep This Party Going” – Sookie goes a bit too far in her effort to help Jessica adjust to her new life; Maryann wields her influence at Merlotte’s, much to Sam’s dismay; Jason makes friends—and at least one foe—at the Light of Day leadership conference; Eric mulls the addition of another member to the ranks.
In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c
““Who’s Bugging Mary?” – When Brandi is arrested by Agent O’Connor for drug trafficking & murder, Mary races to find a way out for Brandi and the sordid motive for his vendetta.
