Heroes, 90210, Brothers & Sisters and More
Rebecca in Austin, Texas: What’s the latest on your news about Shannen Doherty on 90210? Is she signed yet? And do you really think they’d put Jennie and Shannen together again? You can’t be serious. That would be crazy!
Um, you mean crazy good. Inside sources tell me today the CW is working very hard to get Shannen’s deal done ASAP so they can shoot the scene with her and Jennie. So yes, it does look like it’s happening (barring any last-minute glitches or red-dress scandals), and yes, they most definitely do want Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth together onscreen—and I’m hearing both girls are open to it. Which leaves only one Q: Screening party at my house or yours? I’ll wear my fancy acid-washeds for the occasion!
Lourdes in Dallas: Any big news on Heroes? Any cast changes for season three?
Yes! I’m hearing some old friends are returning—some alive and some not so alive. Check the spoiler section for that info.
Kristi in Murfreesboro, Tenn.: I was watching Hairspray last night (the new one directed by Adam Shankman), and which dancer gets a big fat closeup? Twitch, from So You Think You Can Dance! The show sometimes judged by Mr. Shankman…Interesting.
Well, Twitch also made an appearance on guest choreographer Wade Robson’s old show The Wade Robson Project, but as they say in the disclaimer at the end of every So You Think You Can Dance episode, “Due to the nature of the dance profession, members of the cast, choreographers, and/or judges may have had varying levels of professional interaction prior to the production.” I’m sure there are myriad other connections between the contestants and the judges, but I personally trust that they’re all keeping it honest and above-board. Why do I think this? Because I luuuurve that show.
Pam in Tacoma, Wash.: Any word on Californication? Strangely, I miss it the most. When does it return?
Late September. I talked to Mia, aka Madeline Zima recently, and she told me they’ve shot eight of the 12 episodes of season two of Californication, and that so far the season features “a lot more…sex. More sex and more hilarious situations that could only happen to someone [like Hank].” Madeline also gets a little defensive while discussing her character’s naughty behavior, saying, “She’s not a troublemaker. She’s just young. She doesn’t really know anything.” (Ah, those crazy kids today, with all their fornication and plagiarism!)
Jules in Solvang, Calif.: Have you seen Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog yet? I’m dying to hear what you think.
I get to see it Thursday (Neil Patrick Harris and Joss Whedon, I’ve missed you!), and I’ll be sure to bring you the full report ASAP! Actually, speaking of that upcoming Whedonry, here’s a fun fact I picked up: Joss’ brothers (Jed and Zack, the cocreators of Dr. Horrible) and Bones star Emily Deschanel went to the same high school. According to Emily, “I know his family. Joss actually taught video at my school, because he was a little older.” Lucky girl!
Mark in Dallas: Mad Men is coming back soon! Please tell me you have some juicy gossip!
Instead of asking about the show, how about being on the show? AMC is running a contest for all the Don Drapers, Pete Campbells and Peggy Olsons out there. All you need to do is grab a camera, download one of the short scripts and put on your best 1960s gear and attitude by Aug. 25. The winner gets a walk-on role in season three!
Christina in Berlin, Germany: Hey Kristin, somebody told me the new Ryan Murphy series called Pretty Handsome (with Joseph Fiennes, Carrie-Ann Moss and Blythe Danner) didn’t get picked up by FX. Is that true? I can’t find anything official on the Net.
Sources at FX confirm that the network is not picking up the Pretty Handsome pilot to series. Sorry.
Rob in Rio Rancho, N.M.: What do you think of the new HBO miniseries, Generation Kill?
Generation Kill looks to be good stuff. Based on what I’ve seen so far, Generation is a smart, thoughtful and funny look at some of the U.S. Marines who invaded Iraq. Most of all, in true HBO tradition, it’s dirty—there’s a lot of sex talk and a lot of gritty sand getting all over the place. And fans of HBO’s Oz will appreciate the return of the outstanding Lee Tergesen. Definitely give it a shot.
Kiyoshi in Gardena, Calif.: I’m dying of boredom this summer. There’s hardly anything to watch. Help!
Good news: In the next few weeks, this-here Watch With Kristin section will be filled with all sorts of real-life encounters with your favorite TV peeps. (It’s not TV, but it’s the next best thing!) The TV summer press tour is starting up very soon, and then we go right into Comic-Con, so keep checking back for liveblogging, party reports and tons of exclusive red carpet footage. If you have any specific Q’s you want answered, email me at .
Tom in Orlando: I thought Linderman was dead on Heroes, but then I heard Malcolm McDowell say he’s returning. WTF?
Let’s just say our beloved Nathan Petrelli has a brush with death (you saw that last season) and when he comes back…Wait, what was I saying again? For some reason I just started thinking about that movie with Bruce Willis where the kid sees dead people. What was that called again? That was an awesome movie. Hmmm, I wonder why my mind just went there. Old age is a bitch. Anyway, in other news, Ali Larter is coming back as a totally different person (i.e. doppelgänger), meaning someone who is not Niki or Jessica or Gina (my head is hurting), and with a whole new power. And Claire’s bio-madre Jessalyn Gilsig is also returning.
Mike in Anchorage, Alaska: Quick, give us something good on Heroes! How about some dirt on my favorite, Suresh?
Oh, twist my arm and force me to talk about one of TV’s hottest men. Mohinder Suresh has a lot coming up this season, including a love connection with a female Hero we already know (together, they are hot as fire). And let’s just say that if you had a sneaking suspicion Suresh might have some kind of superability, you would not be wrong at one point this season. There is more to him than meets the eye, but he ultimately may need to “scale back.” (Note the quotes and try to figure out what the bejeezus I’m talking about in the Comments below.)
Mariella in Salt Lake City: Is Brothers & Sisters going through with the Rebecca and Justin storyline?
Indeed! At least, that’s what I’m hearing, though they keep it a secret from the rest of the family at first. Word is, Rebecca’s getting her own apartment, so that helps with their clandestine cozying. In other news, I’m told Tommy and Kevin have major tension this season, and Tommy might even fire Kevin (which you may or may not find interesting if you have or have not read certain totally trashy gossip reports which I’m sure you do not and I don’t either).
Anais in San Francisco: Anything good about Gossip Girl? You know you love it.
As if that were open for debate! I’m hearing Dan and Serena’s on-again, off-again roller-coaster romance takes center stage for Kristen Bell’s Gossip Girl’s blog in the new season—so much so that a group of passionate tween readers accost Dan and Serena to give them a stern talking-to about what they’re doing wrong. Tee-hee.
Sam in North Dakota: Anything on my girl Allison Dubois from Medium?
Just that I’m promised the Dubois domestic distress of yesterseason is fully gone! (And good riddance.) In season five Joe has settled into a cool new job (presumably with the guy who bought his idea from the beyotch), and Allison is going back to work in the D.A.’s office. Consider the happy-ending finale of last season to be the pilot for next season. (Yay!)
Katrina in Vashon Island, Wash.: What’s coming up on Weeds? I think I kind of love this season.
I know! So good! Anyway, coming up, in the second-to-last episode, someone’s getting kidnapped and held hostage…
Shira in Israel: I love Eli Stone so much! What’s coming up in season two?
Remember when Arvin Sloane went “good” on Alias? Well, apparently Spy Daddy Victor Garber is following in his footsteps—his Eli Stone character, Jordan Wethersby, decides he wants to take the entire firm pro bono. Go Daddy Do-Good!
Jessica in Ft. Worth, Texas: Can you please do something about all the Army Wives haters? Army Wives makes me laugh and cry, and I love all the characters. Tell the snobs to watch it before they ream it, will ya? Oh, and while you’re at it, do you have any scoop?
Now how about two bits of Roland dish? I have it on good authority he’ll be shirtless in the very near future (woo!), and that as part of his teen counseling work, he gets entangled with a troubled young man who just lost his father to combat in Afghanistan. The teen, Jake, adopts Roland as a surrogate father of sorts, and things quickly start getting too close for comfort. P.S. Down with the haters!
Mikella in Oahu, Hawaii: Secret Diary of a Call Girl is so bad it’s almost good. Why can I not stop watching?
I’m right there with you, babe. It’s so dirrrrty, it’s addictive. Anyway, coming up, danger is coming to Belle’s love shack in the form of a freaky guy who won’t leave her apartment. (Scary.) Oh, and the last (eighth) episode is pretty outstanding: Belle makes a career change, and we begin to see she may have a soul mate after all. (Hint: You’ve met him.)
Marcia in Riverside, Calif.: I’m absolutely freaking out over your One Tree Hill spoiler that Brooke would go to a “dark place” this season. Please tell me she’s not going blind!?
Oh, good lord. No. Promise.
Jody in Frisco, Colo.: Is Robert Buckley returning for Lipstick Jungle’s season two? His scenes with Kim Raver are the main reason I watch the show. Any scoop on Kirby and Nico?
Yes! Buckley is definitely back (a source tells me he’s shooting in New York right now), and I have a feeling Nico and Kirby might end up getting down and dirty again, because…Nico’s hubby is gone for good! Rosie Perez’s character was photographed recently wearing black mourning at Charles’ funeral.
The philosophy of Buffy’s hair
Do not adjust your web browser. You are now entering the Retro Squad, where we are reviewing past episodes of classic TV shows.
Allow me to get in touch with my feminine side just for the sake of this article. Having my girlfriend as a sounding board also helped.
When Buffy the Vampire Slayer hit the airwaves in 1997 as a television adaptation of an unremarkable movie, no one ever expected the show to be a success let alone establish itself as a part of modern philosophy.
Books that philosophize the adventures of the Slayer have become the source for understanding the hidden meanings and subtle details in the BTVS universe. While these books appeal to the couch potato philosopher, they miss one crucial bit of analysis: Buffy’s hair.
Probably one of the reasons Buffy’s hair has never become the topic of graduate thesis is that it’s really not what the show’s about. But if various minutia of the show can be the focus of a philosophical essays, then Buffy’s hair is fair game. With that being said, here is a season-by-season analysis of the slayer’s locks:
Season One
In season one, Buffy predominantly has an LA look. Her blonde hair with dark roots is sprayed carefully to attain that elusive, rebellious LA rock look. This style of hair clearly reflects the state of mind she is in. She is rebellious, a bit edgy and tough. Her hair is statement on its own it says. “I’m a teenage girl who wants to have a good time but can’t.” Buffy is shackled with all these new responsibilities and the only thing that she has control over is her style.
Season Two
Throughout most of the season, Buffy has a short, straight look. Gone is the hairspray and rank teen rebellion and in its place is a more innocent looking Buffy. This season reflected, among other things, the innocence of first love and the harsh realities of abusive relationships. Buffy’s hair outwardly reflects her feelings and really brings out the innocence that she has as a young woman in love.
Season Three
Throughout most of the third season, Buffy had her front bangs lighter than the rest of her hair. This was a popular look for women in the late ’90s. Buffy carries this look well but is it a reflection on her character or a just a fashion statement? Season three is the first season that Faith the Slayer makes an appearance. Faith has dark hair and … a darker personality. Buffy, on the other hand, is fair-haired and this particular season, almost bleach blonde. It’s possible the contrasts in their hairstyles are supposed to represent their characters’ personalities and opposing values.
Season Four
Buffy goes to college and so does her hair. Co-ed Buffy’s hair is longer and straighter style. It’s still a lighter blonde similar to the shade of blonde in a previous season but the color is more even through out her hair. Buffy’s longer hair is a commitment to getting loose and letting go a little. She’s at college to learn and to have fun. While her slayer duties are still important, she has a life to lead and she is committed to being a normal college student.
Season Five
Buffy now has even longer, wavier hair. It’s a solid shade of golden blonde. Hair does not predict the future but ,since this is the Buffy-verse, anything is possible. Her hair can only be a sign of hard times to come. The “waves” are going to crash down hard on Buffy. Season five was a season of changes. It’s important to note that Dawn was first introduced in this season and that this is the season where Buffy’s mother passes away.
Season Six
Buffy has two main hairstyles in this season. The first being the longer wavier style the second being the off the shoulder cut.
In the episode “Gone”, Buffy’s hair is used as a plot device to get the story moving. While it’s not the focus of the episode, it is still important because it establishes the conflicted feelings Buffy has toward Spike. In this episode, Buffy’s hair is a metaphor for her relationship with Spike. Buffy wishes she could cut the relationship like she could cut her hair. In this instance Buffy feels the only thing she has control over is her hair.
Season Seven
Buffy’s got “mom” hair. Well, not really, but she worries that she does. She has come a long way from being a rebellious teen to a semi-responsible adult and, even though her character is still developing, she has made considerable progress as an young adult and human being. Her hair in the seventh season reflects that. It’s shorter and often tied back. It’s a bit more manageable than previous seasons. Buffy doesn’t have time to fuss with it.
In short, when the creators of this show were thinking about the philosophies behind this landmark series throughout its evolution, they thought of everything. Right down to the hair.
Poison’s Thorny Suit
Look what the cat dragged into court.
Poison has filed a lawsuit against Capitol Records, accusing the label of cheating the glam-metal band out of royalties dating back to the mid-’80s.
Filed yesterday in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of Sweet Cyanide Musicthe company representing members Bret Michaels, Rikki Rockett, Bobby Dall and C.C. Devillethe suit alleges that Capitol willfully shortchanged the quartet by “incorrectly calculating certain producer royalties” owed to them. (View the complaint.)
The band also claims the music giant “failed to account and pay royalties” for various releases over the years, resulting in a breach of contract. That includes underpaying for a 2005 greatest-hits collection that included the new track “We’re an American Band,” written specifically for that album.
The “Nothin’ But a Good Time” rockers are demanding a full and independent audit of Capitol’s books and are seeking “unspecified and incidental damages.”
“Poison is trying to amicably resolve this with Capitol,” band attorney Mark Passin tells News. “The only reason they filed the lawsuit at this time was to prevent the statute of limitations from continuing to run.
“We really are trying to work this out with Capitol.”
Reps for Capitol were unavailable for comment.
In support of its new DVD/CD compilation in stores this month, Poison: Live, Raw & Uncut, the band is set to break out the mascara and hairspray for a 40-city nationwide summer tour launching July 3 in Salt Lake City.
Amanda Bynes Honored With Rising Star Award
Amanda Bynes Honored With Rising Star Award
Basking it up in the Caribbean, Amanda Bynes was spotted over the weekend attending the Third Annual Turks & Caicos International Film Festival.
This year’s edition, which “celebrated the fusion of cinema and music,” came to a close yesterday after featuring six films, 11 documentaries and 11 shorts, which included 14 premieres.
Bynes, who enjoyed time with Hairspray co-star Nikki Blonsky, was on the island to be honored with the Rising Star Award.
The ceremony occurred at the Festival’s annual Sal Del Mar Awards Presentation, which was hosted by Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson. Besides Amanda, Mos Def was given the Tour de Force Award, Marc Shaiman the Composer’s Excellence Award and Mani Ratnam the Director’s Excellence Award.