TV Fanatic

Rookie Blue Review: All the Time in the World

christine@tvfanatic.com (Christine Orlando) — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:10:18 EST

Rookie Blue made its summer return with "Surprises" and this may just be the show's best premiere to date.

It's been six months since the season 3 finale and Nick and Andy certainly look cozy. They've spent their undercover assignment infiltrating a drug ring…as a couple. For a moment I began to wonder how intimate they'd actually gotten.

Nick: I don't like going to bed angry. | permalink

That said, I honestly think they spent their cohabitation taking turns sleeping on the sofa.

Still, these two have certainly formed a bond and Nick obviously had his own opinions about how Sam dumped Andy last year.

Andy seemed different. I think it was that she exuded a confidence we've never witnessed before. The kind of attitude that a long term undercover assignment can produce.

Although I wanted to yell at her as she was walking outside the drug dealers house. She started asking about warrants while talking on the phone and had no idea who might be on the other side of that fence or who could have been listening from a second story window It felt like a rookie mistake.

I guess her biggest mistake was not thoroughly clearing that house before she started snooping. Assuming you're alone is dangerous, especially for a cop.

No one was more shocked than I was when Nick pulled that trigger. I suddenly had all these questions about the things we don't know about Nick. His explanation made sense given his background but I'd guess this is something Andy will hold over his head for quite a while. Maybe forever.

I couldn't believe Andy picked up the phone and called Sam while she and Nick were hiding out. Obviously she still remembered his number but 911 could have worked too. Wait, do they have 911 in Canada?

Perhaps she could have skipped the small talk and gotten right to the heart of the matter. Like telling him to trace the call and send in the cavalry before they both got shot.

When Sam finally did ride to the rescue, their stilted conversation was almost painful. All I wanted was for him to grab her and hold her…or her to fly into his arms but that wasn't meant to be.

However that's exactly the reunion that Nick received, after Gail socked him in the jaw but he had that coming.

Speaking of Gail, the girl may have gone all zen but she certainly hasn't lost her snarky humor. I couldn't believe she lied to Chris about the letter. Actually I could completely believe it. That was so cruel…and funny. That's why I've always loved Gail.

So now Chris has a decision to make. Stay at 15 and risk his relationship or head to Timmons and be professionally bored to tears. Honestly, Chris has never been a favorite of mine so even if he left I wouldn't be heartbroken but I am interested to see how the show resolves this personal/professional crossroads.

Only Dov would announce to his friends and coworkers that he's been celibate for six months. Personal and professional boundaries don't really exist at the 15th.

As if to solidify that thought, Andy walked in on Sam kissing Officer What's Her Name. Yes, Andy's the one who walked away six months ago and Sam had the right to move on…but I hate Officer What's Her Name anyway.

And no, I stubbornly haven't learned her name. I'm guessing I'll have to, but that can wait until next week. I'm too busy hating her now to be bothered.

The look on Andy's face was the epitome of wearing one's heart on their sleeve. Her expression was one of raw hurt that she couldn't hide. As Andy said in this Rookie Blue quote...

Andy: I don't hate change. I hate surprises. | permalink

I think she's about to get plenty of both.

But this was only episode 1. We have 12 more to go, which gives us all the time in the world to get Sam and Andy back together. Welcome back Rookie Blue season 4. Bring it on.

CCH Pounder to Lawyer Up on Sons of Anarchy

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:51:39 EST

Kurt Sutter is dipping his pen back into The Shield well.

With such alums of that FX hit as Jay Karnes, Walton Goggins, Jay Karnes, Benito Martinez, David Rees Snell and Kenny Johnson all having appeared over the years on Sons of Anarchy, Entertainment Weekly now confirms that CCH Pounder will come on board for multiple episode this fall.

She'll portray a district attorney who crosses path with Jax and company.

Pounder will debut on episode two of Sons of Anarchy Season 6.

She joins an impressive guest list that includes Drea de Matteo, Jimmy Smits and Donal Logue, all of whom appeared last year, and Kim Dickens, who will pop up as a Madame.

FX Sets Premiere Date for The Bridge

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:45:11 EST

FX has scheduled a premiere date for its next big drama.

The Bridge - which stars Diane Kruger and Demian Bichir as an American detective and Mexican detective, respectively - will air its first episode on July 10 at 10 p.m.

The Bridge Promo

The drama will center on the murder of a judge on the El Pasa and Juarez border, promoting Kruger's character and Bichir's character to work together in bother countries in order to catch a serial killer.

Considering FX's dramatic resume (Sons of Anarchy, Justified, The Americans), it's safe to say you should set your DVR accordingly, TV Fanatics. This one should be good.

Supernatural Season Finale Round Table: "Sacrifice"

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:08:45 EST

What will become of Crowley? Will we see Abbadon again? How did you feel about the brotherly bonding?

Yes, Supernatural Season 8 may be behind us, but "Sacrifice" gave Round Table participants Carla Day, Carissa Pavlica, Sean McKenna and Alice Jester (of The Winchester Family Business) plenty to discuss and analyze.

So pull up a virtual chair now and join in below!

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What was your favorite scene or quote from the finale?
Carissa: Sheesh. Tough as always! I'll have to go with Crowley crying and asking Sam where he would start, to repent, when he has been so horrid for so many years. Like he was saying, how does the king of hell go about asking for forgiveness? Mark Sheppard did an amazing job showing his range with that scene and I really felt for Crowley. That's an amazing feat!

Carla: “Girls. You’re my Marnie, Moose. And, Hannah, she just needs to be loved. She deserves it. Don’t we all? You, me, we deserve to be loved. I deserve to be loved! I just want to be loved.” Crowley was hilarious here and it was an emotional side we haven't seen before. I'd love to see more of this more humanized Crowley. Plus, a Girls joke that works? That's a big win!

Alice: I’ve got two favorite scenes, both equally epic. The first one is the brotherly talk, but I’ve given my thoughts on that scene in question #4 (wibble). The other is the scene between Crowley and Sam, when Crowley was at his most vulnerable. This scene is so unlikely, given Sam and Crowley’s adversarial history, but both are so worn down and broken, that they actually share a moment. Crowley is suddenly calling Sam by his name instead of “Moose” and he genuinely shows regret when asking Sam where to start when confessing his sins. Sam offers hope in the injection, but he’s so weak he can barely administer it, so Crowley stretches out his neck for him. Both Mark Sheppard and Jared Padalecki just blew me away with their deep emotional delivery in that scene.

Sean: There were so many good scenes and moments this episode, it was so hard to choose. From Crowley and Sam, Dean and Sam, the Metatron betrayal, and more. But it was watching Dean carry Sam outside only to witness the spectacularly visual scene of the angels falling from Heaven. I was not expecting it from a story stand point, and seeing it was a shockingly cool way to leave me craving season 9.

What's to become of Crowley now that he's been humanized?
Carissa: Well, it seems Castiel has become humanized as well, they're both so smart witted and quick to think on their feet, they would be a very awesome duo to join Sam and Dean on whatever new fight they will be fighting next season. And, let's face it, they're both going to be pissed as hell. No pun intended!

Carla: Crowley's humanization status is still up in the air. The procedure wan't complete, so what does that mean? Will he be a humanized demon? Or, will he go back to his normal evil self? I'd love to see him remain partially humanized. It would allow Mark Sheppard to really grow the character.

Alice: While I like to think this experience would profoundly change him, since Sam didn’t finish the cure he’ll eventually go back to his old ways, crankier than ever. Of course, he’s going to be busy facing opposition from Abaddon or the other demons that didn’t come to his rescue, especially since they’ve seen how he can be weakened. Part of me would love to see Sam go back into the church and finish the cure in the season nine premiere, just so he can be walking on Earth as a human with Castiel.

Sean: Crowley was close to being cured, but it was never completed right? I've got a feeling that things are going to change for the King of Hell, and probably not for the better at least in terms of power status. Will he ever find a way to be evil again? Either way, it's pretty definite that Mark Sheppard is going to nail any incarnation of his devilishly entertaining character.

Will Abbadon return?
Carissa: It seemed to be set up that that was the plan, but I was kind of lost by the end of the hour. I have absolutely no idea what to expect. I would say the sky's the limit, except that seems to be the one place off limits right now as the angels have fallen out like roasted marshmallows.

Carla: Absolutely. When Abbadon was beheaded so quickly earlier in the season I was a bit bummed. The actress is awesome and the character had such great potential. I didn't realize they kept her around, so when the boys sewed her back together I was thrilled. I'm looking forward to the return of Abbadon. New big bad?

Alice: Oh yes, and she will take control of Hell. It’s obvious that Crowley doesn’t have any loyalists, and demons will probably want to follow a fearsome Knight of Hell rather than a salesman. I do wonder what the new vessel will be like, but she’ll be back and very likely a major player.

Sean: She has to, although I kind of wish it was the same vessel coming back. Or maybe it is? That said, I think she's a worthy potential for new big bad although I hope that if it is a new actor or actress, they are able to fill the shoes and pull off Abbadon convincingly.

Sam admitted his greatest sin was letting Dean down. What did you think of their heart to heart?
Carissa: Fine, Sean, fine. I cried. And the funny thing was my sister and I were watching and she turned to me and said (we were just crying to each other an hour earlier) WHO DO THEY SOUND LIKE?! Because there is something very penetrable about the bond of siblings, and the unawareness from the other that the feeling of letting each other down exists. It never occurs to the one is is supposedly being let down, yet the pain can be tearing the other apart. Jared Padalecki tore that scene up. It was a finale of extremely great acting. I hope Sam letting that out and Dean understanding how Sam felt draws them closer next season.

Carla: The Winchesters need to let their walls down a bit more often. While it creates epic moments like this conversation, they have been together long enough that they should be more honest and open with each other. It would strengthen their overall relationship and partnership. Though, I loved the moment. It was a long time coming.

Alice: I have a new favorite brotherly scene of all time. Sam is so closed and swallows everything that hits him, so we never really know what’s truly going on inside. To see him in this exhausted and worn to the core state, where his emotional vulnerabilities were open for everyone to see, I had no idea how bad his past failures with Dean impacted him. All those years of swallowed pain were just killing him inside and he was willing to die for it. It took him being on the brink of death to finally bring all that out in the open. Of course Dean was the only one that could bring him back from that point. Their hug wasn’t no ordinary hug, it was Sam clinging onto his brother for dear life, taking in the healing from Dean. I get weepy every time I see it.

Sean: We see so many Sam and Dean moments, but this was an outstanding emotional scene between the brothers. It was raw, real, and full of open sentiment. I believed in everything Sam said as he struggled to get Dean to trust him at the same time that Dean was able to convince his brother just how important he is. This is probably one of my favorites scenes between the brothers and I loved that Sam didn't complete the trial but rather listened to Dean. Them leaving together, as exhausted and rundown as they were, was a great moment to bring them back on the same page as a team. I hope that extends when we come back next fall.

What did you think of Castiel losing his grace?
Carissa: I suppose it means we're going to see a lot more scenes similar to the one of him in the convenience store. He's going to be like a deer caught in the headlights. He was human, I believe, for a very short period before remembering he was an angel, but he forgot that life fairly quickly. He'll have so much to learn and he's going to feel even worse than Sam when it comes to letting people down. He let down the world. Heaven is closed, whatever that mean. How does a lost angel recover from that?

Carla: Sad. Castiel has been all over the place through the seasons. I'm surprised his host body has deteriorated by now. Though, Castiel without Misha Collins wouldn't be Castiel. If anything, I'm dismayed that once again Castiel is going through a big change like this.

Alice: The poor angel, or ex-angel I should say. He just doesn’t learn. He didn’t listen to Dean again, and it bit him again. Although, Metatron would have tracked him down eventually, but Castiel made it too easy by showing up in Heaven and letting Metatron finish his spell. I liked seeing Castiel struggle as a fallen angel in season five, so I’m fascinated by the idea again for season nine. This opens up some amazing new possibilities for his character.

Sean: It's a bummer he rushed headlong into a trap, but Castiel being human will be interesting to see. Will it make him want to be human or return to an angel? There's so many possibilities to explore especially with his fallen angel brothers and sisters. I just hope it doesn't become a gimmick to watch his antics in human form. I'd rather see a growing exploration of his character and a new arc for him.

Were you surprised Metatron tricked everyone? Will he be the big bad in Season 9?
Carissa: Not really, he was too easy. The whole going to lunch thing after a hundred of years of being stuck in a hotel room? Something stunk about that. I'm not sure I'm ready for him to be the big bad, so I hope they choose someone a bit more amusing. He's almost too sadistic without the charm. Even when Crowley was at his worst, he had a charm about him that let you suffer through his sadistic nature and give him a day pass, so to speak. Not so with Metatron. Plus, he sounds like a Transformer.

Carla: Yes. Absolutely. That twist was shocking and well done. I think either Metatron or Abbadon will be the new big bad.

Alice: Ooh, that’s a good question. Yes, I’m surprised that his plan was so disastrous for the angels, and he executed it so easily. It’s quite clever how he waited all those years for the right opportunity. As for being a big bad, I’m not sure. Seems like his plan has been successfully executed and his revenge is done. I think he’ll sit back and enjoy his isolation in Heaven.

Sean: I actually was surprised initially, but at the back of my mind I had a sneaking suspicion. I loved seeing him transform from the simple scribe to the calculating revenge seeker. I'm not sure if he will be the big bad, but I've got a feeling there's no way it is the last of Metatron. I really just want to know if we are ever going to see Supernatural's version of God at some point.

Any predictions on what's going to happen now that the angels have fallen from Heaven?
Carissa: It depends on whether when they fell they were dead on delivery. Did they fall to the sky burnt up little winged bodies? Did they fall and now will walk the earth hungry for revenge? Will Sam and Dean have a new group of restless people to work with to try to fight with to get heaven back? It was such an open ending. Did the world see them fall? Will Sam and Dean be forced to try to explain to the world what it was? With a friend in Benny, I'm sure Dean's probably kind of happy he didn't close the door to hell. They're going to need someone on their side and they've befriended demons before. Maybe demons are their next call to duty. I don't know, but I'm excited to find out.

Carla: Chaos. Epic chaos. Beyond that, I have no clue. I wouldn't even want to put forth a guess, because I don't even know where to start.

Alice: I figure that they aren’t going to take being separated from Heaven very well. The adjustment will be awful for most of them. They’re going to be every bit as aimless and disorganized on Earth as in Heaven. Someone is going to have to step forward and rally them or the chaos on Earth will be very bad. They had lost sight of their role to protect God’s creations, so maybe this is the exact wake-up call they need to set them back on track.

Sean: It's going to be a new world, that's for sure. And will the angels remember being angels? Are they dead? Are they human? Just wingless? I never thought we'd see something as dramatic as that ending, and it's certainly a game changer. Will the demons be able to run free now that the angels can't do anything? It's such a fascinating concept that I'm just excited for the premiere of season 9. Ugh, why is it so far away?

Damon Lindelof Reflects on Lost Finale

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:27:58 EST

Three years.

It's been exactly three years since the eyes of Dr. Jack Shephard closed for the final time and three years since viewers shut off their televisions following the Lost series finale, either confused, furious or filled with glee.

"They say it takes half the duration of the entire relationship to get over someone," producer Damon Lindelof Tweeted today. "Three years ago, LOST ended. I still miss her."

The same can be said for most fans, even those angered by the final episode and/or final season.

With time to reflect, where do you stand on the finale?

Sharon Gless Teases "Bittersweet" Ending to Burn Notice

jimhalterman@gmail.com (Jim Halterman) — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:14:10 EST

It will be bittersweet, but it will not disappoint.

So Sharon Gless teased on the red carpet of last week's USA Network Upfront when asked about the final season of Burn Notice, which kicks off in two weeks.

What can fans expect from the June 6 premiere? From the concluding run of episodes as a whole? From her character in particular? Gless remained mostly mum on any spoilers, but did say the writers have "balls" with where everything is headed and that she can't wait for viewers to see.

Watch now:

Sharon Gless Speaks on Final Burn Notice Season

TV Ratings Report: Season Finales Galore!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:56:11 EST

The fall television season officially came to an end last night, with season finales airing around the dial.

In a nutshell, Nashville, Criminal Minds and SVU also showed improvement of their penultimate episodes, while Chicago Fire and Modern Family both dropped a bit...

8 p.m.
MasterChef: 5.2 million
Dateline: 6.1 million
The Middle: 7.5 million/Modern Family rerun: 5.6 million
Two and a Half Men rerun: 5.3 million/Mike & Molly rerun: 5.3 million

9 p.m.
Modern Family: 9.9 million/How to Live with Your Parents: 6.3 million
Criminal Minds: 10.8 million
Law & Order SVU: 6.6 million

10 p.m.
Nashville: 6 million
Chicago Fire: 6.1 million

Castle Season 5 Report Card: A-

christine@tvfanatic.com (Christine Orlando) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:21:16 EST

With a long, hot summer looming ahead, TV Fanatic is going back and grading the best - and worst - of the 2012-2013 season.

Having submitted our report cards for The Mentalist Season 5 and Once Upon a Time Season 2, we're taking out our proverbial red pen and moving on. It's time to grade this season of Castle.

Did Kate and Rick's romance work for you? Did the season finale leave you yelling at your TV? Check out our report and then tell us what you thought about Castle Season 5.

Best Episode: "Still" Yes, it was a clip show but is was the best damn clip show ever! Watching all of the love, laughs, and drama from all five seasons was a treat. Having Castle stand by Kate even as a the bomb ticked down was a bonus. Finally hearing Beckett tell him she loved him and that they were just beginning…sigh. I'll be rewatching this episode all summer long.

Worst Episode: "Swan Song" While there were some fans that enjoyed this episode's unique mockumentary style, I felt the entire concept fell flat. Watching Castle and Esposito mugging for the cameras while Beckett and Ryan shyly tried to avoid them worked…for about the first ten minutes. Then it quickly became an annoying gimmick and I found myself wishing it would all be over.

Biggest Improvement: Caskett. After four long seasons of its audience wishing, hoping, and begging, the show finally made our dynamic duo an official couple. Nothing was better than watching these two smile at one another over their coffees…while in bed. It's about damn time.

Most Frustrating Moment: Plenty, I'm afraid. The most annoying thing about this show is that these two incredibly intelligent, likable characters rarely talk to one another. At times it feels as though every important conversation gets interrupted never to be finished. Like in "After Hours" when Castle begins to address Kate's concerns about them being so different only to be cut off. And did anyone else have their fingers crossed during "Significant Others" hoping that Kate would find out that Meredith cheated on Castle during their marriage? It's the missed opportunities on Castle that make me crazy.

Character We Saw in a Whole New Light: Detective Kevin Ryan. Yes, Ryan has always been adorable and good at his job. We love his bromance with Esposito and his relationship with Jenny, but "The Wild Rover" was a revelation. Who knew Kevin Ryan could be such a bad ass? In one episode he went from sweet sidekick to an undercover cop with a dangerous streak. Seriously hot!

Character We Need to See More Of: Dr. Lanie Parsh. It's been five seasons. Why don't we know more about this sassy, sexy lady besides she's Kate's best friend and Esposito's on again/off again booty call? Lanie Parish is far too dynamic to be kept in the background.

Hopes for 2013:

Less Fear: Or at least have them deal with their fears together. I have loved Kate Beckett since Castle's season one premiere but even I found her frustrating over the last few episodes. Deep down, Kate is afraid that the moment she's all in, Castle will get bored and leave. And Castle has kept things status quo all season because he's terrified that if he pushes for more he'll scare her off. I get it…but that doesn't make it fun to watch. No matter what the answer is to the proposal at the end of "Watershed" I'm hoping it pushes these two to open up and face their fears…together.
More Down Time: Yes, I know Castle is a crime procedural but to be honest, I don't tune in for the murder of the week. It's the characters that keep me coming back for more and the scenes I love the most are the casual scenes outside of the precinct. Let's see the gang hanging out at the Olde Haunt or another poker game at the loft where Martha can flirt with Esposito. Those type of scenes from season 1 were huge fun and I miss them.
More Romance: There were some episodes where we didn't even see our favorite couple holding hands and more kisses were cut short than completed. Thankfully things picked up over the last few episodes and I hope that's a trend going forward. I'm not asking for sex scenes (although I honestly wouldn't complain) but it's the small, intimate moments that make this show and this couple such a joy to watch.

Castle Season 5 Report Card: A-

Now it's YOUR turn Castle fans. Grade the past 24 episodes:

Daniella Pineda and Danielle Campbell Preview New Characters on The Originals

jimhalterman@gmail.com (Jim Halterman) — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:08:23 EST

Vampire Diaries fans are already familiar with Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies and Claire Holt.

But they were introduced to Daniella Pineda and Danielle Campbell on the April 25th backdoor pilot for The Originals, two actresses that will play key roles on this highly anticipated spinoff in the fall.

What can we expect from each of their characters? In the following interview, conducted at last week's CW Upfront, Pineda talks about Sophie and how she'll be working very closely with Klaus in the future:

Daniella Pineda Interview

As for Campbell's Davina? This is a witch with a great deal of power, the star teases below. Perhaps more than is good for her...

Danielle Campbell Interview

For more from the Upfront and about The Originals, check out our exclusive Q&As with Charles Michael Davis and Phoebe Tonkin and also with Morgan and Gillies.

Billy Baldwin to Guest Star on Copper Season 2

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:02:56 EST

Billy Baldwin is on his way to BBC America.

The veteran actor - whose previous small screen experience includes stints on Gossip Girl, Parenthood (below) and Hawaii Five-0 - will come on board Copper for the final two episodes of Season 2.

Baldwin will portray a member of the Tammany Hall political machine named William "Wild Bill" Eustace.

Look for the character to be a saloon owner who took advantage of his business and family connections to earn some major muscle. He now works as a fixer.

Copper returns with new episodes on June 23 at 10/9c.