Saving Grace At The Paley Center

Editor’s Note: We don’t talk about Saving Grace much here at NGTV, not because we dislike the show but because we just don’t have to discuss every show we watch. When Tiffany had the chance to attend the Saving Grace event at The Paley Center, we thought this would be a good opportunity to spotlight the show as it bows for a third season tonight on TNT.

Holly Hunter at the Saving Grace panel at The Paley Center

As a member of the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles, I was able to attend a special screening and Q&A panel for the TV show Saving Grace last weekend.  The special guests for the evening included: Holly Hunter (who plays Detective Grace Hanadarko), Kenny Johnson (who plays Detective Ham Dewey), Bailey Chase (who plays Detective Butch Ada), Gregory Cruz (who plays Detective Bobby Stillwater), Lorraine Toussant (who plays Captain Kate Perry), Laura San Giacomo (who plays medical examiner Rhetta Rodriguez), Dylan Minnette (who plays Grace’s nephew, Clay), Yaani King (who plays a new character on the show), Nancy Miller (creator and writer for the show), and Cynthia Littleton (best known for her columns in Daily Variety, who was that evening’s moderator).

That evening we were in for a treat as they had chosen to show us the 3rd season premiere episode of Saving Grace which had not yet been broadcast – and for any fan of a TV show, there is nothing better than the opportunity to see an episode before everyone else.  The episode did not disappoint as it had everything one could wish for:  intense
drama, unexpected humor, thrilling surprises, tender moments, big revelations, and powerful lessons to be learned.

The entire premise of Saving Grace is about a ferocious and fearless Oklahoma police detective portrayed by Holly Hunter, and her character’s entanglement with a “last chance angel” by the name of Earl.  This is not the easiest of shows to watch and, as a viewer, you cannot be feint of heart.  It is in-your-face intense drama that unapologetically preaches the need for God in our lives – especially during our darkest moments.  But that being said, the show is also
unabashedly sexual, lively and filled with warm-hearted people.  It is not a show I ever expected to like and enjoy, but I do.  It is irrepressibly addictive.

So the screening was eerily quiet with awe and amazement and there was a near standing ovation as the credits rolled.  That must have made their day for the half-dozen writers from the show who had snuck in the room.  For frequently, writers of the featured show will come to sit in just to gauge the audience’s reactions to their work as it provides an unparalleled opportunity to get a fresh reaction from the fans.

The cast of Saving Grace at The Paley Center

Afterward, the special guests (aka: the stars) received no less a thunderous greeting as they took their seats in the front of the room for the Q&A panel.  It started off restrained enough with the proper questions from the moderator, but as the guests began to feel more comfortable in front of their fans, they would spontaneously make faces and pose coyly for the cameras in the room.  It only added to the gleeful feeling in the room for it is not very often that cable TV
shows get the chance to meet their fans in such an informal and fun setting.

I found the Q&A session particularly insightful as Nancy Miller explained the genesis of the show and the background that led to each of the cast members being brought onto the show.  I was first taken aback by Holly Hunter’s intense responses about sex discrimination in Hollywood.  But upon reflection, I realized that she is absolutely right: women so rarely get such choice and meaty roles in either television or film and the chance to play Grace Hanadarko was too rich of an opportunity for her to pass up.

At the conclusion of the panel, I was stunned to find that the cast not only stuck around to sign autographs and pose for pictures, but they continued to hang out and mingle with the fans!  Clearly, these were people who are, not only proud of their work, they are delighted to share their joy with their fans.  I applaud such enthusiasm and their approachability in sharing such an amazing show with those who cherish it as much as they do.

For anyone who feels so inclined, I highly recommend you both check out Saving Grace and make plans to attend a panel at the Paley Center in your future – it will provide memories that will last a lifetime!

Photos belong to Tiffany / NiceGirlsTV.com. The third season of Saving Grace premieres on TNT tonight at 10/9c.