The USA Network web site says that next Thursday’s (December 6) Criminal Intent will be an extended episode. It’s a Bobby Goren episode, with an extra 5 minutes at the end. The previews appear that Vincent D'Onofrio will have another chance to overact - which means I won't miss it.
In other news, Chris Noth, and co-owner Steve Walter are looking for some investors to help move their “The Cutting Room” restaurant/lounge from the Flatiron District to Hell's Kitchen. Any takers? Check out the web site - and the food - before you invest.
http://www.thecuttingroomnyc.com/
Friday, November 30, 2007
Fox News has nice things to say about Law & Order's return
Fox News is confirming that Law & Order is returning to its old Wednesday time slot.
In fact, their news story on the subject is titled “TV’s 'Law & Order' Gets Last Laugh.” Here’s what they say on the subject. A link to the same information is also at the bottom of this story.
“Remember all the times we thought NBC was going to cancel "Law & Order"? Well, the original Dick Wolf series is getting the last laugh on the Peacock network.
It turns out there will be 13 new episodes shot and ready to go beginning Jan. 3 with Sam Waterston, Jesse L. Martin and S. Epatha Merkerson returning, as well as new stars Linus Roache and Jeremy Sisto set to revitalize the series.
The joke, of course, is that thanks to the Writers Guild strike, most shows will not have new episodes after the new year. But I’m told "Law & Order" has gotten the jump on its competition and will debut back in its old Wednesday slot at 10 p.m.
Waterston, as we first reported a long time ago, sees his Jack McCoy character finally move up to district attorney after nearly two decades spent implausibly as an assistant district attorney.
Sources say he’s terrific in the new position and has just as much air time as before. Roache, the gifted actor from "Priest" and "The Wings of a Dove," takes McCoy’s place as new executive ADA Michael Cutter.
And don’t think "Law & Order" will be without female representation. Alana de la Garza is joining the cast as new ADA Connie Rubirosa from "CSI: Miami," where she played David Caruso’s wife. Set insiders tell me de la Garza has had a total makeover and "is so hot it’s not funny." "
It all sounds great. I can’t wait for the new season of Law & Order to begin!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,313686,00.html
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
In fact, their news story on the subject is titled “TV’s 'Law & Order' Gets Last Laugh.” Here’s what they say on the subject. A link to the same information is also at the bottom of this story.
“Remember all the times we thought NBC was going to cancel "Law & Order"? Well, the original Dick Wolf series is getting the last laugh on the Peacock network.
It turns out there will be 13 new episodes shot and ready to go beginning Jan. 3 with Sam Waterston, Jesse L. Martin and S. Epatha Merkerson returning, as well as new stars Linus Roache and Jeremy Sisto set to revitalize the series.
The joke, of course, is that thanks to the Writers Guild strike, most shows will not have new episodes after the new year. But I’m told "Law & Order" has gotten the jump on its competition and will debut back in its old Wednesday slot at 10 p.m.
Waterston, as we first reported a long time ago, sees his Jack McCoy character finally move up to district attorney after nearly two decades spent implausibly as an assistant district attorney.
Sources say he’s terrific in the new position and has just as much air time as before. Roache, the gifted actor from "Priest" and "The Wings of a Dove," takes McCoy’s place as new executive ADA Michael Cutter.
And don’t think "Law & Order" will be without female representation. Alana de la Garza is joining the cast as new ADA Connie Rubirosa from "CSI: Miami," where she played David Caruso’s wife. Set insiders tell me de la Garza has had a total makeover and "is so hot it’s not funny." "
It all sounds great. I can’t wait for the new season of Law & Order to begin!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,313686,00.html
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
"Dancing" Pummels SVU in the Ratings (11/27)
How the mighty have fallen. Several sources reports that Law & Order SVU was second in its time slot on Tuesday, November 27, beaten by "Dancing with the Stars." The web site Zap2It reports, "At 10 p.m., the "Dancing" finale soared to 16.8/26, doubling up on "Law & Order: SVU," which finished second for NBC at 8.2/13."
Considering the SVU promo people have been touting the dramatic car accident with Olivia (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot's wife Kathy Stabler (Isabel Gillies), this has got to be a blow to NBC.
And where is Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer)? Did I miss something that explains his absence?
Maybe the ratings drop will cause NBC to look at whatever formula they're using this year for SVU and rethink it. But I won't hold my breath for it.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Considering the SVU promo people have been touting the dramatic car accident with Olivia (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot's wife Kathy Stabler (Isabel Gillies), this has got to be a blow to NBC.
And where is Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer)? Did I miss something that explains his absence?
Maybe the ratings drop will cause NBC to look at whatever formula they're using this year for SVU and rethink it. But I won't hold my breath for it.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
HOT NEWS! Sneak Peek of Law & Order Premier is on NBC's Web site
Check out NBCs Law & Order web site for a sneak peek at the season's first episode. The cast looks great, Sam Waterston looks like a tough DA, Alana De La Garza looks less like an alien and more like a human. The new cast members are also shown.
It appears from the promo piece that Law & Order will be back on Wednesday nights. HOORAY!
http://www.nbc.com/Law_&_Order/
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
It appears from the promo piece that Law & Order will be back on Wednesday nights. HOORAY!
http://www.nbc.com/Law_&_Order/
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Fred Thompson for...President?
The first time I heard about Fred Thompson throwing his hat in the ring, I had a bit of a chuckle. I was aware of his long political career, but for some reason, I am unable to get one image of Fred out of my mind.
It’s a scene from the movie “The Hunt for Red October,” the excellent submarine flick based on a book by Tom Clancy. In it, Fred plays Rear Admiral Joshua Painter. One line in the show always seemed to resonate with me. It occurred while he was having a discussion with Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), and went like this:
Adm. Painter: What's his plan?
Jack Ryan: His plan?
Adm. Painter: Russians don't take a dump, son, without a plan.
The last line made me chuckle at the time, but when Fred came to Law & Order to play District Attorney Arthur Branch, the line popped back into my head. I’ve almost been waiting for Fred to utter it during a scene with Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston).
But now that he’s running for president, that line could come back to haunt him. I can see it being replayed over and over, and not to make Fred look good, especially with "the Russians."
Personally, while I don’t think Fred has a chance of making very far in the presidential category, he made his chances even worse by waiting so long to throw his hat in the ring. He’s also been less than energetic in his appearances, and some of his early responses to questions shows someone who may have been out of politics, and the real world, too long. Maybe he is hoping for a VP slot or something else.
Either way, the one positive thing about Fred leaving L&O to get back into politics is that Jack McCoy is now in the driver’s seat in the DA’s office. And we know Jack McCoy doesn’t do ANYTHING without a plan.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
It’s a scene from the movie “The Hunt for Red October,” the excellent submarine flick based on a book by Tom Clancy. In it, Fred plays Rear Admiral Joshua Painter. One line in the show always seemed to resonate with me. It occurred while he was having a discussion with Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), and went like this:
Adm. Painter: What's his plan?
Jack Ryan: His plan?
Adm. Painter: Russians don't take a dump, son, without a plan.
The last line made me chuckle at the time, but when Fred came to Law & Order to play District Attorney Arthur Branch, the line popped back into my head. I’ve almost been waiting for Fred to utter it during a scene with Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston).
But now that he’s running for president, that line could come back to haunt him. I can see it being replayed over and over, and not to make Fred look good, especially with "the Russians."
Personally, while I don’t think Fred has a chance of making very far in the presidential category, he made his chances even worse by waiting so long to throw his hat in the ring. He’s also been less than energetic in his appearances, and some of his early responses to questions shows someone who may have been out of politics, and the real world, too long. Maybe he is hoping for a VP slot or something else.
Either way, the one positive thing about Fred leaving L&O to get back into politics is that Jack McCoy is now in the driver’s seat in the DA’s office. And we know Jack McCoy doesn’t do ANYTHING without a plan.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Law & Order actors in other roles: Featuring Angie Harmon
Angie Harmon, who played the tough as nails ADA Abbie Carmichael on Law & Order, now plays tough as nails detective (Lindsay Boxer) on ABC’s Women’s Murder Club (9:00 PM Fridays). The series is based on a book by novelist James Patterson.
I started watching the show because I really enjoyed Angie in Law & Order. I was curious to see if we’d just see Abbie again, or Angie really being able to act in another role. As far as I’m concerned, the jury is still out on that issue. There are many times that I swear it’s just Abbie Carmichael, wearing pants and casual detective clothes. But, the scenarios given to the character of Lindsay are, for the most part, different than on L&O. Angie seems a little stiff in the role, though, and I think of everyone on the show, her acting may need the most work. A big distraction for me is Angie’s obvious rail-thin body. She always looked thin on L&O, but she looks downright gaunt on this show. It reminds me of an episode of L&O (called "DWB") when Jack brings Abbie some lunch:
Jack: I bought lunch. I didn't know what you like, so I got salad, lo-cal dressing...
Abbie: Lo-cal? I burn it, I don't store it... what did you get?
Jack: Ribs. [Abbie takes the ribs]
Abbie: Great! Sounds good. I'll eat, you graze.
My suggestion to Angie: please get some ribs. And eat them!
The show has some decent plots, although I’m not quite sure if everyone fits in the supporting cast as far as the “Club” is concerned. Claire, the medical examiner (played by Paula Newsome), reminds me a lot of Penny Johnson Jerald (“Mrs. Palmer” from “24”), but acts like Oprah. So I’m not quite sure if she's too clinical, too nice, or what. Cindy (Aubrey Dollar), the reporter, seems just a little too young to be such a knowledgeable and connected reporter. Jill, from the DA’s office (Laura Harris, an alum from “24”) is the only one who seems to fit just right in her role, and in The Club.
The rest of the supporting cast, Tyrees Allen (who plays Lindsay’s partner Warren Jacobi) and Rob Estes (Lindsay’s current boss and ex-husband, Tom) seem to compliment The Club very well.
The Woman’s Murder Club seems to have the right mix of a crime show, plus a little personal “drama” in the background. While the story lines are a little thin, and the plots a little trite, the show is entertaining and I actually like it a bit. It’s one of those shows that fills an hour well, especially when there’s not much else on TV on a Friday night.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
I started watching the show because I really enjoyed Angie in Law & Order. I was curious to see if we’d just see Abbie again, or Angie really being able to act in another role. As far as I’m concerned, the jury is still out on that issue. There are many times that I swear it’s just Abbie Carmichael, wearing pants and casual detective clothes. But, the scenarios given to the character of Lindsay are, for the most part, different than on L&O. Angie seems a little stiff in the role, though, and I think of everyone on the show, her acting may need the most work. A big distraction for me is Angie’s obvious rail-thin body. She always looked thin on L&O, but she looks downright gaunt on this show. It reminds me of an episode of L&O (called "DWB") when Jack brings Abbie some lunch:
Jack: I bought lunch. I didn't know what you like, so I got salad, lo-cal dressing...
Abbie: Lo-cal? I burn it, I don't store it... what did you get?
Jack: Ribs. [Abbie takes the ribs]
Abbie: Great! Sounds good. I'll eat, you graze.
My suggestion to Angie: please get some ribs. And eat them!
The show has some decent plots, although I’m not quite sure if everyone fits in the supporting cast as far as the “Club” is concerned. Claire, the medical examiner (played by Paula Newsome), reminds me a lot of Penny Johnson Jerald (“Mrs. Palmer” from “24”), but acts like Oprah. So I’m not quite sure if she's too clinical, too nice, or what. Cindy (Aubrey Dollar), the reporter, seems just a little too young to be such a knowledgeable and connected reporter. Jill, from the DA’s office (Laura Harris, an alum from “24”) is the only one who seems to fit just right in her role, and in The Club.
The rest of the supporting cast, Tyrees Allen (who plays Lindsay’s partner Warren Jacobi) and Rob Estes (Lindsay’s current boss and ex-husband, Tom) seem to compliment The Club very well.
The Woman’s Murder Club seems to have the right mix of a crime show, plus a little personal “drama” in the background. While the story lines are a little thin, and the plots a little trite, the show is entertaining and I actually like it a bit. It’s one of those shows that fills an hour well, especially when there’s not much else on TV on a Friday night.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Friday, November 23, 2007
My Favorite Law & Order Shrink
As far as “shrinks” in the Law & Order franchise, three names come immediately to mind: Dr. Elizabeth Olivet (Carolyn McCormick), Dr. Emil Skoda (J.K. Simmons), and Dr. George Huang (B.D. Wong).
My favorite is Dr. Skoda, who is portrayed by acting journeyman J.K. Simmons. Dr. Skoda always seems to be on an even keel, and he rarely, if ever, becomes overly emotionally involved in cases. The emotional component is what annoys me about Dr. Olivet. She always to take things so personally, sometimes standing on principles that seemed to be at odds with working with a prosecutor’s office.
Skoda seems to be the Lennie Briscoe of the psychiatric world, with frequent blunt, humorous lines. A prerequisite of his services to the prosecutor’s office appears to be frequent eating on the DA’s office meal tab. It’s a rare occurrence that when Skoda is called in to give his opinion that he’s not being given a cup of coffee, a hot dog, or sitting down to a meal in a nice restaurant. A psychiatrist may say that he has an oral fixation. It could be, though, that he’s just a very hungry guy.
As mentioned earlier, Dr. Olivet has sometimes thrown a wrench into a case when she gets on her soapbox and refuses to step off it. It’s nice to have convictions, but sometimes she lets her personal feeling cloud her judgment. The perfect example was in the episode “Helpless” where she personally investigates a doctor (played by repeat offender Paul Hecht) and her motives come under fire, almost tanking the case. Another case was in “Killerz”, where she comes to the defense of a young girl that seems to be a serial killer in the making. Olivet’s involvement for the defense helped the girl to avoid jail time. At the end of the episode, it’s made clear that this girl will probably kill again. So Olivet just plain annoys me.
As far as Dr. Huang, he’s OK. In a way, though, he is too tempered. Probably the most outwardly clinical of the three doctors, I think he tends to have a very textbook, rigid approach. He gets the job done, but not in such a colorful way as the others.
So Dr. Skoda is my doctor of choice. If I had to have my head examined, he’d be the one I’d chose to do it. And I’d even provide him a nice meal.
J.K. Simmons can now be seen starring in “The Closer” on TNT.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Also, see my companion Law & Order site,
These Are Their Stories.
My favorite is Dr. Skoda, who is portrayed by acting journeyman J.K. Simmons. Dr. Skoda always seems to be on an even keel, and he rarely, if ever, becomes overly emotionally involved in cases. The emotional component is what annoys me about Dr. Olivet. She always to take things so personally, sometimes standing on principles that seemed to be at odds with working with a prosecutor’s office.
Skoda seems to be the Lennie Briscoe of the psychiatric world, with frequent blunt, humorous lines. A prerequisite of his services to the prosecutor’s office appears to be frequent eating on the DA’s office meal tab. It’s a rare occurrence that when Skoda is called in to give his opinion that he’s not being given a cup of coffee, a hot dog, or sitting down to a meal in a nice restaurant. A psychiatrist may say that he has an oral fixation. It could be, though, that he’s just a very hungry guy.
As mentioned earlier, Dr. Olivet has sometimes thrown a wrench into a case when she gets on her soapbox and refuses to step off it. It’s nice to have convictions, but sometimes she lets her personal feeling cloud her judgment. The perfect example was in the episode “Helpless” where she personally investigates a doctor (played by repeat offender Paul Hecht) and her motives come under fire, almost tanking the case. Another case was in “Killerz”, where she comes to the defense of a young girl that seems to be a serial killer in the making. Olivet’s involvement for the defense helped the girl to avoid jail time. At the end of the episode, it’s made clear that this girl will probably kill again. So Olivet just plain annoys me.
As far as Dr. Huang, he’s OK. In a way, though, he is too tempered. Probably the most outwardly clinical of the three doctors, I think he tends to have a very textbook, rigid approach. He gets the job done, but not in such a colorful way as the others.
So Dr. Skoda is my doctor of choice. If I had to have my head examined, he’d be the one I’d chose to do it. And I’d even provide him a nice meal.
J.K. Simmons can now be seen starring in “The Closer” on TNT.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Also, see my companion Law & Order site,
These Are Their Stories.
Criminal Intent: What’s in the Major Coffee?
Maybe you recall Mike Logan (Chris Noth’s) first appearance on Law & Order Criminal Intent, in the episode “Stress Position” (aired February 13, 2005). When Mike appears at the Major Case Squad, this conversation takes place:
Captain James Deakins: As you said, we're Major Case. Let me discuss it with my detectives.
Detective Mike Logan: No problem. Maybe I'll have some of your Major coffee.
I’m starting to wonder exactly what is in that Major coffee. You see, this past October, Vincent D’Onofrio announced that he and his wife Carin were expecting a baby. Not to be outdone, Chris Noth announced in mid-November that he and his girlfriend Tara Wilson are also expecting. Add the earlier pregnancies of Kathryn Erbe and Julianne Nicholson, and one has to wonder. That really must be MAJOR coffee.
I think I’ll pass on it.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
Captain James Deakins: As you said, we're Major Case. Let me discuss it with my detectives.
Detective Mike Logan: No problem. Maybe I'll have some of your Major coffee.
I’m starting to wonder exactly what is in that Major coffee. You see, this past October, Vincent D’Onofrio announced that he and his wife Carin were expecting a baby. Not to be outdone, Chris Noth announced in mid-November that he and his girlfriend Tara Wilson are also expecting. Add the earlier pregnancies of Kathryn Erbe and Julianne Nicholson, and one has to wonder. That really must be MAJOR coffee.
I think I’ll pass on it.
Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!
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