Five Reasons You'll Need 'Game Of Thrones' On Blu-ray

If this involves "Bet on Thrones" on Blu-ray, you lose or else you buy: there's no middle ground. Fans of Ice and Fire can get hold of the Cinemax fantasy series' first season today (March 6), having a an entire world of additional features and episode improvements coming along for that fight. From audio commentaries with stars and authors to in-depth compares the show's production, the "Bet on Thrones" Blu-ray is definitely an absolute can't miss for that Westeros faithful. Keep reading through for five good reasons to claim "Thrones" on Blu-ray today. First of all, let us obtain the best feature taken care of: The Entire Help guide to Westeros. You will find several assets in print an internet-based (for example Westeros.org and Tower from the Hands) which are a lot more than outfitted to provide you with loads and lots of background detail on everything "Thrones." Another amazing assets has showed up within the Complete Help guide to Westeros, a visible encyclopedia that invites you to definitely hear the tales from the Seven Kingdoms as well as their finest houses. Find out about the background and lore from the First Males and also the Andals, the destruction of ancient Valyria, and also the whole of Robert's Rebellion all occasions that occur just before "Thrones," but all occasions essential to the storyline presently being told. It's fascinating stuff, less a brief history lesson and a lot more like fantastic stories, similar to the traditional tales Old Nan frequently reads to Bran. Talking about, the entire Guide involves you against the outlook during your preferred "Thrones" figures. Bran Stark reads for you concerning the Kids of the Forest, Viserys Targaryen recalls Aegon's landing, as good examples. But what's excellent is the fact that, out of the box the situation within the books, a few of these histories and lores are told from multiple perspectives. Robert Baratheon, Tywin Lannister and Viserys all give their very own personal assumes the sack of King's Landing. There's truth to any or all their tales, however their telling from the occasions is really colored in prejudice it's hard to be aware what to consider literally and things to take having a touch of suspicion. Consequently, the entire Guide is not just an entertaining information dump this is an exercise in character study, with every actor's voice-over revealing increasingly more concerning the personas of the particular figures. Very, very awesome stuff. The "Thrones" Blu-ray collection provides an amazing quantity of in-depth examines what went into converting George R.R. Martin's revered books for that small screen, and also the various processes are simply breathtaking. The quantity of detail within the Dothraki language is stunning. The job that went into building sets, both physical and graphically enhanced, is really a question to behold. Truly, the manufacturers of "Thrones" are, as the saying goes, walking in George's dream, also it shows. For the episodes themselves, if you are purchasing the Blu-ray, odds are good that you have seen them already. Well, to begin with, they are worth multiple viewings this show is fantastic, full-stop. But you may also rewatch "Thrones" with a few excellent improvements, including audio commentaries (the most popular is George commentating around the episode he authored, "The Sharp Finish," talking about changes from both his script and the books changes that will possess a "butterfly effect" on future seasons, he promises) and also the In-Episode Guide, which basically enables you to definitely access servings of the entire Help guide to clarify which figures are which, who they are fighting for and against, the value of their current location, and much more. Very helpful feature for individuals overcome through the show's of course complicated narrative. Possibly on top of that, the gathering is not only a valuable resource for fans from the show, it is also a great tool for fans from the books. Additionally to supplying background on Westeros history pre-"Thrones," the different tales relayed through the entire Guidethe pact between Males and also the Children, their alliance from the Whitened Ramblers throughout the Lengthy Nightadd context to most of the occasions which happen in later books, assisting you understand a few of the more difficult threads help with by advocates at Westeros.org, TOTH and beyond. The in-depth documentaries, too, show precisely how wealthy and detailed George's books are not only fantasy books, this guy has truly produced their own world. When the "Thrones" Blu-ray's epic episodes and fantastic features inspire even one viewer to return and browse with the "Ice and Fire" novelsand I believe "one viewer" is definitely an extremely conservative estimatethen this collection will be a monumental success for your reason alone. Watch this "Bet on Thrones" Blu-ray exclusive! Are you currently purchasing "Bet on Thrones" on Blu-ray? Tell us within the comments or on Twitter! You are able to follow MTV Movies Blog editor Josh Wigler @roundhoward too!

MundoFox scores affils in 40% of U.S. Hispanic houses

MundoFox, the brand new The spanish language-lingo network from Fox Intl. Channels and Colombian broadcaster RCN, set to debut within the fall, has guaranteed affiliate marketers in 40% of U.S. Hispanic homes. The aggressive push in to the burgeoning The spanish language-language market Stateside is beginning to achieve traction. "We currently be prepared to exceed our original goal of acquiring distribution in 75% of U.S. Hispanic homes by launch," stated Hernan Lopez, FIC prexy and Boss. "Within the last two decades, no U.S. broadcast network has guaranteed this type of large footprint so rapidly without the help of O&O stations," he added. The first affiliate list includes flagship station KWHY (Funnel 22) in La, possessed through the Meruelo Group and WJAN (Funnel 41) in Miami, possessed by America CV Group. "Have a lengthy tradition of broadcasting in The spanish language," stated Lopez. "We'll broadcast strictly in The spanish language in the onset but we've enough time to consider including subtitles and bilingual programming later on." Lopez needs MundoFox's full programming selection to become revealed within the May upfronts. "Fox already captures a large area of the British-speaking Latino audiences within the U.S.," he stated. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony's talent competish "Q'Viva! The Selected" first showed on Fox on Saturday, nabbing a typical 2.two million audiences, arriving 4th within the 8 p.m. to 10 p.m slot. The bilingual show, that has British subtitles because of its Fox screening, formerly bowed Jan. 28 on Univision, where additionally, it attracted an aud of two.two million, a 37% increase for that timeslot, per Nielsen estimations. Some $ 30 million TV audiences in 21 nations over the Americas are actually watching the show, produced by Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment and co-created by Endemol. The roster of MundoFox's current affiliate marketers includes stations in Dallas, Bay Area, Phoenix, Sacramento, Fresno, Polk, Vegas, Palm Beach Gardens, Bakersfield, Monterey, Fort Myers, Palm Springs, Odessa, Santa Barbara, Lubbock, Boise, Abilene and San Angelo. All affiliate marketers within the top ten marketplaces are full energy stations or are fully distributed in satellite and cable. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Holland put into '1600 Penn'

Andre Holland continues to be put into the cast of NBC's laffer pilot "1600 Penn."Logline focuses on the out-of-control earliest boy of the dysfunctional family who returns home and becomes not just its greatest liability but the glue holding everybody together. The twist is this fact family resides within the Whitened House.Holland will have Whitened House Press Secretary Marshall Malloy. He's also set to co-star within the Peacock's approaching midseason comedy "Buddies With Benefits," which starts April 4. Around the bigscreen, he's made an appearance in Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna" and baseball pic "Sugar."Others formerly cast include Josh Gad, Bill Pullman and Brittany Snow."1600 Penn" comes from twentieth century Fox TV. Gad will professional produce with Jason Winer ("Modern Family") and Jon Lovett, who had been formerly an address author using the Federal government. Winer will direct the pilot. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Gaul's players: The new generation

BERENICE BEJOFrom breakout artist to Oscar nominee, it has been a wild ride recently for the Argentinean-born Bejo. She had a small part in Brian Helgeland's "A Knight's Tale" early in her career but really started making a name for herself with a role in the stylish spy spoof "OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies," directed by her husband, Michel Hazanavicius, and co-starring Jean Dujardin in the title role. The trio reunited for "The Artist," and the rest, as they say, is history.ASTRID BERGES-FRISBEYFresh-faced thesp Berges-Frisbey, of French and Catalan origins, has had a banner year, appearing not only in the titular lead in the Daniel Auteuil-directed period drama "The Well-Digger's Daughter," but also co-starring alongside Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush in Rob Marshall's "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," in which she played the seductive mermaid Syrena. Next up is Spanish-lingo pic "El sexo de los angeles" from helmer Xavier Villaverde.DJINN CARRENARDA self-taught filmmaker who allegedly made his first feature for 150 ($200), Haitian-born, French-based Carrenard wrote, directed, produced, edited, shot and also did the sound for "Donoma," a gritty but hopeful tale of love in the Paris housing projects that won the prestigious Louis Delluc Prize for first feature, decided on by a jury chaired by Cannes topper Gilles Jacob. Carrenard is at work on his second feature, "Faire l'amour."DELPHINE & MURIEL COULINDirectorial duos consisting of two brothers are common, but sister writers-helmers Delphine and Muriel Coulin are a rarity. Delphine is also a novelist, while Muriel has a background in documentaries. For their feature debut, "17 Girls," about a pregnancy pact at a school in a seaside village, they filmed not only in their place of birth but decided to keep things even more familial, hiring their parents as assistants on the film.NICOLAS DUVAUCHELLEA frequent presence on French screens of late, thesp Duvauchelle played the dashing love interest in "The Well-Digger's Daughter"; a Parisian Child Protection Unit cop in Maiwenn's contempo drama "Polisse"; and a mysterious man with a gift for photography in the recent hit dramedy "On Air." He started acting in 1999 and has starred in three films of fest fave Claire Denis, including "Beau Travail" and the recent "White Material," in which he played Isabelle Huppert's son.JEREMIE ELKAIMWith his roles in 2011 Cannes titles "Polisse" and "Declaration of War," the latter directed by his ex-partner, Valerie Donzelli, and inspired by their own experiences with their gravely ill young son, Elkaim has decidedly graduated to more mature roles. He was also heavily involved in the screenplay and music of "War," roles he will again reprise for Donzelli's latest project, the musical "Hand in Hand."ADELE HAENELThe 2012 French Shooting Star at the Berlin Film Festival, Haenel got her first break at age 13 in Christophe Ruggia's "The Devils." Her turn in lesbian drama "Water Lilies" also earned her praise, and she starred in no fewer than three Cannes-selected films last year: "Iris in Bloom" and "Heat Wave," both Directors' Fortnight selections, and Bertrand Bonello's bordello-set costume drama "House of Pleasures," which played in competition. She can next be seen in Sylvie Verheyde's "Confession of a Child of the Century."JOEYSTARRJoeystarr (real name: Didier Morville) became famous in the 1990s as part of the bad-boy French rap group NTM. His work in Maiwenn's 2009 film "All About Actresses" first got him noticed as a serious thesp, while his role as a tough cop with a heart of gold in "Polisse," also by Maiwenn, earned him further positive notices. His lighter side was on display this year in romantic dramedy "Love Lasts Three Years," in which he was effectively cast against type.ERIC TOLEDANO & OLIVIER NAKACHE Unlike the duo of their smash comedy hit "The Intouchables," Nakache and Toledano, who've been making movies together since the '90s, are so like-minded that they finish each other's jokes. Like "The Intouchables," their previous three films -- "Je prefere qu'on reste amis," "Those Happy Days" and "So Happy Together" -- are well-paced, polished dramedies with social undertones and satirical humor. "We're interested in comedies that have a meaning and reflect our times, like the Italian movies of the '60s and '70s directed by Dino Risi or Ettore Scola," says Nakache. Adds Toledano: "We feel we've succeeded if we've made people laugh about super-serious subjects." OMAR SYThe 2011 local success story of French cinema was without a doubt "The Intouchables," and as the lesser-known headliner next to established star Francois Cluzet ("Tell No One"), thesp Sy stands to benefit most from the runaway hit. With a background in standup comedy, Sy has slowly been making a name for himself as a comedic actor. His casting in "The Intouchables" was not exactly a surprise, since he has worked with helmers Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache on their two previous laffers.Related Links: Gaul pics have fun, will travel Contact Boyd van Hoeij at news@variety.com

Pilot Season: Scott Foley to Star Opposite Becki Newton in Fox's The Goodwin Games

Dianna Agron, Glee Our top moments of the week: 13. Lamest Return: Chad Michael Murray makes his much-anticipated return to One Tree Hill when Lucas comes to town to pick up his niece and nephew for a vacation to distract them from their dad Nathan's abduction and... well, that's it. Not only do all of Murray's scenes take place in the airport, but would Lucas Scott really come to Tree Hill after two years away and not see his other friends? We're glad Murray came back for the show's final season, but our imagination of how Lucas, Peyton and Sawyer are was much more exciting than reality. 12. Most Outrageous Reveal: After surviving their river plunge on Castle, Beckett and Castle re-team with his former muse, CIA agent Sophia (guest star Jennifer Beals), to figure out that a mole in the CIA has planned to kill the daughter of a Chinese kingmaker - a death that would trigger World War III (yeah, just go with it). As they arrive at the building to stop the assassination, Sophia and her cohort push the two into an empty room, where she reveals herself to be the mole and a sleeper KGB agent. "This was never my country," Sophia says in laughable Russian just before her No. 2 - whom she framed as the mole - predictably shoots her dead. The whole plot is completely ridiculous, but the one good thing to come out of it? Just before she's killed, Sophia hints that Castle's mysterious dad may have been in the CIA. 11. Parents Just Don't Understand Award: On The Bachelor, Ben visits the ladies' hometowns. When he arrives in Tennessee to meet Kacie's conservative parents, she immediately warns Ben, a winemaker, that her dad doesn't drink, but that doesn't stop him from bringing a bottle of wine as a gift anyway. (Way to listen!) The clashing of cultures continues when Kacie's dad makes it clear to Ben that he won't approve of a proposal and that Kacie's mom would be disappointed if the two lived together before marriage. "Don't rush into anything. I don't want to see anybody get hurt," he tells Ben. "If Kacie is not the one, I would hope that that would be communicated to her very soon to prevent her from getting hurt anymore." Turns out Kacie is not the one, so Ben sends her home - but not before she yells some profanities from the limo. Wonder if her parents would approve of that? 10. Most Obvious Bias: As part of Top Chef's Fire & Ice challenge, Sarah makes a frozen mousse that is supposed to melt into a sauce, but it winds up too icy and almost inedible. She's a total goner, right? Nope! Tom Colicchio, who's championed Sarah all season, excuses the mishap as "not her fault" and she books a place in the final two. Um, if it isn't her fault that it became ice-hard, then whose is it? And how do you overlook a component that failed to serve its purpose? Hell has frozen over. 9. Funniest Case of Nerves: Just before he meets with the judges to learn his fate on American Idol - he made it into the Top 24, by the way - a visibly shaken Heejan Han takes one of Ryan Seacrest's questions the wrong way. When the host asks, "What are you sweating?" - as in "What are you worried about?" - Heejan doesn't miss a beat and answers, "Mostly water," before Seacrest tells him what he really meant. What else, besides water, is Heejan sweating exactly? Do we even want to know? 8. Creepiest Ex Factor: Orson returns to help Bree put her life back together on Desperate Housewives, but it is slowly revealed that her ex-husband is not the white knight he appears to be. When Bree inquires about Orson's newfound confidence, he says it came from learning how to drive again after his paralyzing accident. Orson is then shown in flashbacks stalking Bree from behind the wheel - including when she and the girls buried Alejandro's body. The worst part? We learn that Orson is the one who sent Bree those disturbing I Know What You Did Last Summer notes. We think we liked Orson better as a kleptomaniac, and we didn't like him as a kleptomaniac. 7. Best Lady Macbeth Impression: On The Walking Dead, Lori decides that perhaps the best way to deal with Shane (who's become erratic and dangerous, all the while professing his love to Lori) is to take him out for good. Cue an intimate scene between Lori and hubby Rick, where she tells him how scared she is of loose-cannon Shane. The icing on the cake: Lori says Shane believes Rick isn't fit to lead the group anymore. To borrow from another Shakespeare play: Doth the lady protest too much? From the seething look on Rick's face, he doesn't seem to think so. 6. Knowing When to Move On Award: Ted gets the green light from Barney to pursue Robin (again) on How I Met Your Mother, so he treats her to a date/trip down memory lane (blue French horn!). But just when it looks like déjà vu, Robin is not feeling it and tries to assuage the pain by reminding Ted of their "if we're single at 40" back-up plan. "I can't do that anymore," he says. "As long as the door is a little bit open, I have this feeling that I'll just be waiting around to see if I win the lottery. I think you know how you feel about me now." Crestfallen, Ted tells Marshall that he knows that he and Robin are better off as friends, sending Marshall to tell Robin something he knows his best friend can't: "You gotta move out." So... can we meet the mother now? (Bonus moment: Did you catch Conan O'Brien lumbering around MacLaren's?) 5. Most Heartbreaking Delivery: She took her into her home. She gave her food. She helped her study. But months of Julia's hoping, wishing, praying and hard work convincing Zoe to let her and Joel adopt Zoe's unborn child on Parenthood fall apart when Julia goes to the hospital to pick up her new son - only to find Zoe in the nursery cradling the baby in her arms. No words are exchanged between the two, but when Zoe sees Julia, she starts crying and holds the baby closer, and it is immediately clear with whom the baby is going home. Maybe Zoe is just saying goodbye? Sigh. Just pass the tissues already. 4. The Blind Side Award: We've seen a footrace, an ill-timed pee break and a lost passport during Amazing Race Pit Stops, but none will top the absurdity on the Season 20 premiere. With the final spot in the Top 10 on the line, sisters Misa and Maiya rally from last place and appear on their way to safety at the Pit Stop behind the building. But they inexplicably miss seeing Phil Keoghan - not to mention the Pit Stop greeter and the whole camera crew and production team - who are visibly standing 80 yards to their right. As they hysterically search the grounds, friends Joey "Fitness" and Danny check in. The girls chalk up their blunder to tunnel vision and, later, to not knowing what to look for. Uh, how about people? 3. Best Sexy Time Shenanigans: In an effort to spice up her sex life with hubby Lamar Odom, Khloe Kardashian decides to get a sex swing on the Season 2 premiere of Khloe & Lamar. Instead of calling in the pros, she installs the contraption herself, but sadly it is not built to last. Right as they're about to get it on, the swing breaks, dropping them on to the bed. "I guess I didn't install it right," Khloe laughs. "I couldn't even rock!" Lamar laments. Our biggest question: Why were they letting cameras film them having sex? Oh, wait. Never mind. 2. Best Twist: After years of watching Will Gardner cut corners on The Good Wife, most fans assumed he had narrowly escaped conviction once again when he was not indicted for judicial bribery. Wrong! Instead, Will's 15-year-old, $45,000 loan from a client resurfaces and, rather than face possibly losing his law license forever, he chooses a six-month suspension from being a lawyer or going near his firm. Judging from the baseball bat in his hand as he walks out the door, apparently he's going to use some of that time to work on his swing? 1. Worst Twist: Rachel and Finn decide to get married on Glee, but Rachel insists on holding up their civil ceremony to wait for her very belated bridesmaid Quinn. Five minutes before City Hall's closing time, Rachel urgently texts Quinn to get there now. While driving, Quinn texts that she's on her way just as a huge truck is about to plow into her car - and the scene fades to black. (Don't text and drive, kids!) And here we thought the pink hair would be her low point this season. What were your top moments?

Ask Matt: Smash, Revenge, Awake, Southland, Betty Mania and More

Katharine McPhee Send questions and comments to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter!Question: I watched the first episode of Smash this week and I enjoyed it. I like the cast, the music and the dancing, and the overall "Broadway" feel of the show. I just can't find myself going along with what is apparently the central idea of the show, which is that Katharine McPhee would make a better Marilyn than Megan Hilty. Really? Don't get me wrong, I love Katharine McPhee's voice, but nothing else about her is right for the Marilyn role! Whereas Hilty is, as she is apparently told in a future episode, "born" to play Marilyn in every way. Maybe part of my problem is that NBC (as usual) went overboard in promoting the show, with most of the ads prominently featuring McPhee, with the rest of the stellar cast in the background. Matt, you've seen more than the just the first episode, what do you think? - CatherineMatt Roush: Stay tuned, because the Marilyn issue is resolved, at least initially, fairly quickly - although the development of the musical, and both ingénues' place within the show within the show, continues to evolve. (If you've been keeping up with coverage, you probably know that Uma Thurman has an arc later in the season as a star being wooed to step into the show; we haven't screened that far ahead, though.) I heard a fair amount of grumbling during the very long promotional build-up to the premiere that Megan Hilty was being slighted in favor of McPhee-ver, but that's understandable given the stakes involved here, that you'd lead with the stars people already know - Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston got plenty of attention as well - in hopes of making new stars out of players like Broadway baby Hilty and the sensational Jack Davenport (the director), who's still waiting for his big U.S. breakthrough.Want more TV news and reviews? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!Question: I've been reading you for years, far long enough to know that you might want to hit me for lamenting the future end of a series that hasn't even completed its first season. BUT. I am a person who likes my television series tied up with a big red ribbon when they take their final bow. Every question doesn't have to be answered (I loved the Lost finale), but I don't want the lead character - no matter how tragic a figure - to die or be killed (see: Prison Break). So this is my question to you: Do you see any way that Revenge could wrap up as a series (hopefully several years in the future) without a tragic, possibly fatal ending for Emily Thorne? I've been fairly captivated by the show, and I sort of root for Emily to avenge her father's wrongful conviction and death. However, if she achieves all of her goals and destroys everyone who had anything to do with it, 1) I don't know how she'll be able to live with herself, and 2) I don't know how Jack would be able to live with her, either. This conundrum seems to put the possibility of my very important big red ribbon in serious question. Do you care to weigh in on whether Emily might be able to somehow redeem herself eventually, or whether she's destined for doom? And does it matter to you in the long run, or are you, as you often put it, simply enjoying being along for the ride? - KatherineMatt Roush: This would be a more legitimate concern if (as another question I received this week wondered) Revenge were a one-season show - or, as they used to call such things, miniseries - and this story arc of Emily-vs-the Graysons was the ultimate end game. But it became clear pretty early on that there wouldn't be much of a show if it was only about Emily knocking off her enemies one by one. I'm curious to see where Revenge goes once we catch up to the shooting on the beach this week (taking us back to the pilot episode), because the real challenge will be to break new stories and introduce new complications and characters to broaden the theme of revenge into a full-blown prime-time soap. Your questions deal with important story points that need to be played out -especially what will happen if/when Jack discovers her true identity - but through it all, there's always the subtext of the toll this vendetta is taking on Emily/Amanda's soul. The fun for now is watching her be both hero and monster, but ultimately, if she can achieve justice for her father that will put her more in the redemption column. Just don't expect a happy ending anytime soon, because what fun would that be?Question: As a frequent reader of and writer to your column, I wanted to thank you for your always insightful responses to my questions and other peoples' questions. You're the voice of reason in a sea of fan irrationality, and I each week learn something new and interesting when reading your column. So again, thank you for what you do, and please keep doing it and making my Mondays a little bit brighter with Ask Matt! I'm thrilled to finally see Awake on NBC's schedule, but I also can't help but be immediately worried. It's airing on NBC, it's a high-concept show, and possibly most troubling, it's airing on Thursdays at 10/9c, where Prime Suspect and The Firm have already failed this season. I know that networks are never purposely "setting up a show to fail," and I'm sure NBC is really hoping it will do well, but it seems to have quite a few things working against it. I know that the critics gave it generally favorable reviews, so I was wondering what you thought about it, and its potential chances of success. - AlexMatt Roush: Thanks for those nice words. As I've often said, doing this column is always a highlight of any given week. I learn quite a bit myself about what truly matters to the dedicated TV enthusiast. Your question is a good one, because of all the risky shows this midseason (including Smash and The River), Awake could be the hardest sell. It's certainly facing an uphill climb in that Thursday time period - and just think how NBC used to own it with shows from Hill Street Blues through ER. I've seen the most recent cut of the Awake pilot - my review will be in this week's issue, and will be posted online closer to the March 1 premiere - and I think it's a knockout. But first, you have to accept a premise that on paper seems like a downer: a man caught between two realities after a car accident, one in which his wife died and the other in which he lost his son. And yet somehow Awake finds uplift in this poignant existential dilemma, though as one of his shrinks wonders, how this situation can be sustained over the long haul is anyone's guess. Which is why it's so smart for the show to include an intriguing procedural element - thus, making it possibly more commercial than you'd think - because the hero (Jason Isaacs, who's incredibly compelling) is a detective, and the cases in each reality begin to bleed into each other (how very Fringe!) and help him solve the cases. It's a truly original series, which always gives me cause to worry, but it is exactly the sort of show NBC should be trying, even if it doesn't work. I doubt anyone is predicting an easy ride for Awake, but my hope is that the viewer isn't asleep at the wheel for this one.Question: I am in awe of Southland this season! As you know, it's so rare to be genuinely surprised by a TV show, let alone so consistently as Southland does. I'm just worried that even though creatively it is the best it has ever been, it might not be going well enough to be picked up for a fifth season. Any thoughts? - LizMatt Roush: Southland is a good example of a show that only got better when it moved from a network (NBC, which in an earlier regime was afraid of its grit) to cable (TNT). It's an even better example of a show that has only sharpened its game in the wake of economic cutbacks. The cast has been trimmed severely, but the focus is tighter and I like nearly everything they've done this season: pairing Ben Sherman and Sammy Bryant, bringing on a very impressive Lucy Liu as the new partner of John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz, still the aching backbone of this series). It's never going to be a breakout hit, so I fear it will live perpetually "on the bubble." But with only 10 episodes per season, I'm hoping this is one of those cases where corporate synergy (within the Warner Bros. empire) rules and allows the show to just keep doing its thing for as long as they can. This certainly doesn't feel like a show that's creatively out of gas.Question: I was just curious what you thought of House of Lies and Californication. I've watched House but don't understand what's supposed to be entertaining about it. Are we supposed to be shocked that this is how business is conducted? I like the actors, but just find the show irrelevant and NOT funny. It certainly crosses the "line" and is raunchy. I think I'll just turn it off. Are you enjoying it? Californication is really uneven this season. One week it's just gross, the next less gross but endearing, the next gross, the next sweet. Why? Am I missing something? What are we supposed to be learning about Hank this year? That he loves his girls? We know that already. That he wants to be a part of the family again? We know that. But Charlie continues to drag Hank down (hate the character), so we're just treading water. Am I missing something? - EllenMatt Roush: I do enjoy House of Lies as a very broad and outrageous satire of the debauched state of American business and am especially loving Don Cheadle's electrifying performance, but it's clearly not for all tastes (or maybe for anyone with taste). But I came to your conclusion about Californication and bailed more than a season ago, feeling it was spinning its wheels, and its overall unpleasantness (especially anything involving Charlie) outweighed any possible entertainment value. Still, I'm sure there are those who enjoy it as much as I do House of Lies, and that's fine. Especially when it comes to pay cable, nobody's forcing anyone to watch.Question: What information can you share about why CBS continues to shuffle Rules of Engagement on and off the air. It is now being usurped by the new series Rob. I liked it as a companion show to The Big Bang Theory and am sorry that it isn't continuing there. - CarynMatt Roush: To explain the peculiar predicament of Rules of Engagement, which is one of the most abused "utility players" in recent TV memory, I can't improve on this story by our Michael Schneider. I'm not the biggest fan of Rules, though I do get a kick out of the core relationship of Patrick Warburton and Megyn Price, but I certainly prefer it to Rob, which somehow manages to hold on to enough of Big Bang's gigantic audience that Rules is destined to once again remain in limbo until CBS decides it will come in handy again. It boils down to CBS being so top-heavy with hits on a schedule that doesn't have enough shelf space for all of its comedies. If the network decides (as some have speculated) to expand the Thursday comedy block to two hours next season, that could very well open the door for Rules to return on a full-time basis. But for now, don't hold your breath.Question: I really love Pan Am. It's my favorite new show this year, and I am wondering if it is going to get a second season? I would hate to think that it would not get the opportunity to grow its audience and really dig into these great characters. - Matthew R.Matt Roush: With the finale airing this Sunday after only 14 episodes, you'd have to conclude Pan Am's chances of returning are about as remote as the rebirth of Pan Am itself. I loved the pilot episode but felt the stories afterward never really lived up to its breezy escapist potential, and while it's still a pleasurable show to watch (as in look at: it's gorgeous, and so's the cast), overall there's no way to see it as anything but a disappointment. Still, ABC won't officially make the call until May upfronts.Question: I love Betty White. For as long as I can remember, she has been a staple in my entertainment even as a child. Though I have to say I am growing tired of award shows, etc. honoring her with awards I frankly don't feel are justified. I mean I can't believe they gave her the SAG award recently over Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie or the other contenders. It is to the point where it seems the voters are giving her awards just for being Betty White. I am just thinking it's taking away from others who deserve a win. For example, I adore Alec Baldwin, but don't necessarily think he deserves EVERY TV award he has received in the past few years. We get it, you're great, now let someone else have a chance at it. I think in cases like Betty White they should just name an award after her and be done with it. There are plenty of actors and actresses overlooked at the SAGs such as Claire Danes for Homeland in the drama category. It is too bad these award shows don't have limits on how many times actors can win. It's almost like Betty White is Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in the annual flower show on Downton Abbey who wins out of voters' guilt even though the voters agree the other actresses are the Mr. Molesley whose flowers are more deserving. I am glad we have actresses like Betty White who are still working in such an unforgiving industry, and I am sure I will be hated on for saying something against Betty White, but I am getting over it. Am I the only one? - MayaMatt Roush: Don't blame Betty White for the lameness of this year's SAG Awards (in the TV categories, anyway). But I did enjoy your Downton analogy and agree that her win in that category was something of a tired joke. But awards come and go, and Betty White is forever. She is beyond question a beloved living legend, and the celebration of her 90th birthday this year just reinforced that. Even so, when she appeared in a bathrobe at the end of that sensational action-parody Super Bowl promo for The Voice, I'm sure there were as many groans as cheers for going back to that same punch line again. I'm tempted to say she should learn when to say no, but then again, why should she?Question: Just curious: What do you think is the likelihood of an eventual Chuck reunion film sometime in the mid-to-distant future? - RondaMatt Roush: Distant, I'd think. They wrapped things up pretty nicely in the series finale, and I think everyone should be satisfied with that, be glad they got to make the show for as long as they did (against the odds) and move on.Question: I am completely hooked on Downton Abbey but was wondering why the seasons are so short. Seems like it just began and they are already talking about the season ender. I think they only run 7 or 8 episodes. Is that a PBS norm? I have to say I am really enjoying The Finder on Fox. Funny with great cast chemistry but would expect nothing less from the creators of Bones. I am also really looking forward to Touch. The sneak peek episode was fast-paced and really kept my interest, and I loved how all the dots connected at the end. I read that Glee is going on a little two-month vacation, and that usually spells trouble for a show. I have been impressed with its improvement over the last few weeks. Sue is still mean, although rarely seen, but not over-the-top insane, and they are back to centering on the music and have had some fantastic performances. Do you see it too or do you think they are doomed? - SharonMatt Roush: Taking this subject by subject: The run of Downton (which concludes this Sunday with the two-hour "Christmas" finale), at roughly 10 hours over eight weeks, is actually fairly long by British-TV standards. Think of each year's installment as a miniseries - the Emmys do - and be glad not only that it leaves you wanting more, but that in a year we'll get more. I found The Finder to be a perfectly pleasant show, but it lacks the oomph to be a self-starter like Bones, and I'd be surprised if it has any more luck scoring a renewal than The Chicago Code did a year ago. That will especially be the case if Touch does as well on its return as it did in its sneak peek. Glee's break isn't that unusual - instead of airing repeats in March, it's sitting out to make way for some midseason comedy tryouts and will be back to finish the season in April. This is not a sign the show is in any trouble. I agree it has improved lately, especially when it focuses on the students about to graduate - although it's still wildly uneven, and last week's Ricky Martin episode was so random it might have been dropped in from last season. But doomed? Hardly.Question: I guess in life almost everything is reductive; but currently it is seen so evidently in television. Once Upon a Time begets a fairy tale-esque pilot from the CW, CBS, NBC. Essentially, success breeds the wish of more success. What always seems to fail TV executives is that genre shows only work because they are new, different, or just damned compelling. Mad Men is epic because it was groundbreaking and compelling; Pan Am didn't become one because a) it was compared to Mad Men, and b) it wasn't new or interesting enough. In truth, a show like The Good Wife would almost always work because of its cast dynamic. They could be doctors, cops, or Muppets and still with good writing I'd argue it would be a hit. Yet millions will be spent for a new fairy-tale genre to compete with Once, instead of finding the next type of show. So Matt, what is the next new hit genre? The future? The 1920s, akin to Boardwalk Empire? Ancient times akin to Spartacus? I get how broadcast-to-cable shows are now hampered by pay cable shows in their ability to have no boundaries, but they also have longer show runs, at least broadcast networks do. It's like HBO/Showtime/Starz followed the British format, if not their budget. Still, what, in your opinion, is the next genre that hits big?And is it just me, or is A-Mahz-ing (Where is Merriam-Websters on this?) Penny's hookup with V-Neck Dave inevitable on Happy Endings? - TrentonMatt Roush: Thankfully, it isn't my job to predict the next big trend or genre. Although it looks like everyone is trying to find a new twist on the classic Western for next season, so we'll see how many of those projects come to light and if any of them stick. As you rightly note, every bandwagon comes with the inherent danger of falling off the rails because of lack of originality. As always, it comes down to vision and execution. So just as The Good Wife is so much more than just-another-legal-drama, I wouldn't even dismiss the next '60s period piece or fairy-tale-derived project or vintage-TV remake out of hand, because you just never know. As for Penny and Dave possibly hooking up on Happy Endings, they've certainly teased the possibility enough to be a Watercooler topic a while back. Stranger things have happened.That's all for now. Keep sending your comments and questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com, and in the meantime, follow me on Twitter!Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Academy Award Forecasts With This Year's Acting Races

Academy Award Forecasts With This Year's Acting Races By Jenelle Riley Feb 9, 2012 Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Each year brings exactly the same two complaints equalized from the Oscars broadcast: The show is simply too lengthy and too foreseeable. The forces that be don't appear worried about the very first problem, but when last week's SAG Honours were any suggestion, the 2011 ceremony may still provide a couple of surprises. Commentators assumed George Clooney would be a lock for lead actor together with his operate in "The Descendants," until French actor Jean Dujardin snagged the statue for his operate in "The Artist." All of a sudden, the race looked a much more competitive. So here's another perspective on which to expect once the the envelopes are opened up on February. 26.First of all may be the sure factor: Christopher Plummer will win best supporting actor for his sublime portrayal in "Beginners" of the seniors guy who arrives as gay to his boy, simply to be identified with cancer shortly after that. His levels of competition are fierce. Kenneth Branagh designed a wonderful Laurence Olivier in "My Week With Marilyn" it is a perfect performance that stars love. Jonah Hill would be a thought in "Moneyball," a quick, fun turn that I am thrilled has been recognized. Some negative people out there have complained Hill is not deserving, which just reeks of the anti-comedy sentiment in my experience. Everybody concurs Kaira Pitt was brilliant within the film, so does not a few of the credit lie together with his scene partner? Is not what Hill does the phrase a "supporting actor"? It appears individuals are more aggravated by the concept that a comedy star like Hill has become an Oscar nominee. There have been some funny tweets like "When '21 Jump Street' advertisements play, they are able to now say 'Oscar nominee Jonah Hill.' "But come onno actor includes a perfect record. Need I help remind anybody of the truly amazing "Norbit" debacle of 2007 by which Eddie Murphy was the best supporting actor front-runner for "Dreamgirls" in the same time advertisements of him outfitted like a dangerously obese lady counseled me over town? (And personally, I believe "21 Jump Street" looks awesome.) The course is rounded out by two veterans, Nick Nolte in "Warrior" and Max von Sydow in "Very Noisy & Incredibly Close." Initially when i first saw "Warrior," I figured Nolte will be the someone to beat. But that film's poor box office and also the easy Plummer make that unlikely.Next may be the almost-sure factor: Octavia Spencer is probably winning actress inside a supporting role on her wonderful act as open maid Minny in "The Assistance.Inch But this can be a category that frequently pulls surpriseseveryone still takes note of the Marisa Tomei Incident of 1993, once the actor required home the statue for "My Cousin Vinny." So I would not discount Melissa McCarthy, who's beloved by many people. Or Brnice Bejo could absorb it a sweep for "The Artist." Jesse McTeer was great in "Albert Nobbs," however the film wasn't seen by enough people. For Spencer's co-star, the brilliant Jessica Chastain, I've little question she'll win an Oscar within the next couple of years. So with Golden Globe and SAG honours, Spencer may be the likely choice.For the best actress, it is a race between Viola Davis in "The AssistanceInch and Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady." Rooney Mara ("The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo") and Glenn Close ("Albert Nobbs") score victories simply with their nominations. And Michelle Williams, who so superbly embodied Lana Turner in "My Week With Marilyn," poses a threat. Stars love the film and love her, and that i wouldn't discount an unexpected win here. But so far, it has been Davis and Streep running neck in neck. The SAG win puts Davis outrageous, so anticipate seeing her in the podium on Oscar evening. It appears everybody wants her to wineven, to some degree, Streep. When Streep won the SAG Award in '09 for "Doubt," she gave because of her co-star, saying: "The gigantically gifted Viola Davismy God, somebody offer her a film!Inch Someone has, and Davis will probably best Streep in the Academy awards. Which raises the truly amazing unknown: best actor, a category featuring five excellent stars giving five terrific performances. I never fully thought that Clooney was the leading-runner just as much when i love "The Descendants," I have heard an excessive amount of grumbling from individuals who were left cold through the film. I had been thrilled Demin Bichir obtained a jerk for his act as an immigrant in "A Much Better Existence," but in lots of ways the nomination itself has become a victory. And absolutely nothing helped me more happy than Gary Oldman receiving his first Oscar nomination for his controlled, beautiful submit "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy." For any very long time, I have thought Pitt would accomplish a win for his stunning operate in "Moneyball." He's certainly one of individuals stars who causes it to be look easy but is really proficient at what he is doing. And he's never won, despite two previous acting nominations. He's also doing the publicity models for that film, the industry nice push during these final days. However, Dujardin won the SAG Award for "The Artist," a performance that provides something not the same as the relaxation. So I am beginning to consider it's anyone's game. We may obtain a better idea on February. 12, once the BAFTA Award those who win are revealed the Academy shares many voters with BAFTA. If they would like to recognize their fellow countryman Oldman, victory would put him within this race as a genuine contender. If Dujardin can win the BAFTA, it's likely overhe'll win the Oscar. However I still wouldn't discount Clooney or Pitt. No matter what, Dujardin's SAG win has reinvigorated the race and introduced some drama which was sorely missing this past year. But you will find still things we are able to rely on only at that year's Oscar telecast: tears, laughter, and complaints concerning the run time. Academy Award Forecasts With This Year's Acting Races By Jenelle Riley Feb 9, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Each year brings exactly the same two complaints equalized from the Oscars broadcast: The show is simply too lengthy and too foreseeable. The forces that be don't appear worried about the very first problem, but when last week's SAG Honours were any suggestion, the 2011 ceremony may still provide a couple of surprises. Commentators assumed George Clooney would be a lock for lead actor together with his operate in "The Descendants," until French actor Jean Dujardin snagged the statue for his operate in "The Artist." All of a sudden, the race looked much more competitive. So here's another perspective on what to anticipate once the the envelopes are opened up on February. 26.First of all may be the sure factor: Christopher Plummer will win best supporting actor for his sublime portrayal in "Beginners" of the seniors guy who arrives as gay to his boy, simply to be identified with cancer shortly after that. His levels of competition are fierce. Kenneth Branagh designed a wonderful Laurence Olivier in "My Week With Marilyn" it is a perfect performance that stars love. Jonah Hill would be a thought in "Moneyball," a quick, fun turn that I am thrilled continues to be recognized. Some negative people out there have complained Hill is not deserving, which just reeks of the anti-comedy sentiment in my experience. Everybody concurs Kaira Pitt was brilliant within the film, so does not a few of the credit lie together with his scene partner? Is not what Hill does the phrase a "supporting actor"? It appears individuals are more aggravated by the concept that a comedy star like Hill has become an Oscar nominee. There have been some funny tweets like "When '21 Jump Street' advertisements play, they are able to now say 'Oscar nominee Jonah Hill.' "But come onno actor includes a perfect record. Need I help remind anybody from the great "Norbit" debacle of 2007 by which Eddie Murphy was the very best supporting actor front-runner for "Dreamgirls" simultaneously advertisements of him outfitted like a dangerously obese lady counseled me over town? (And personally, I believe "21 Jump Street" looks awesome.) The course is rounded out by two veterans, Nick Nolte in "Warrior" and Max von Sydow in "Very Noisy & Incredibly Close." Initially when i first saw "Warrior," I figured Nolte will be the someone to beat. But that film's poor box office and also the easy Plummer make that unlikely.Next may be the almost-sure factor: Octavia Spencer is probably winning actress inside a supporting role on her wonderful act as open maid Minny in "The Assistance.Inch But this can be a category that frequently pulls surpriseseveryone still takes note of the Marisa Tomei Incident of 1993, once the actor required home the statue for "My Cousin Vinny." And So I wouldn't discount Melissa McCarthy, who's beloved by many people. Or Brnice Bejo could absorb it a sweep for "The Artist." Jesse McTeer was great in "Albert Nobbs," however the film wasn't seen by enough people. For Spencer's co-star, the brilliant Jessica Chastain, I've little question she'll win an Oscar within the next couple of years. So with Golden Globe and SAG honours, Spencer may be the likely choice.For the best actress, it is a race between Viola Davis in "The AssistanceInch and Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady." Rooney Mara ("The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo") and Glenn Close ("Albert Nobbs") score victories simply with their nominations. And Michelle Williams, who so superbly embodied Lana Turner in "My Week With Marilyn," poses a threat. Stars love the film and love her, and that i wouldn't discount an unexpected win here. But so far, it has been Davis and Streep running neck in neck. The SAG win puts Davis outrageous, so anticipate seeing her in the podium on Oscar evening. It appears everybody wants her to wineven, to some degree, Streep. When Streep won the SAG Award in '09 for "Doubt," she gave because of her co-star, saying: "The gigantically gifted Viola Davismy God, somebody offer her a film!Inch Someone has, and Davis will probably best Streep in the Academy awards. Which raises the truly amazing unknown: , a category featuring five excellent stars giving five terrific performances. I never fully thought that Clooney was the leading-runner around I really like "The Descendants," I have heard an excessive amount of grumbling from individuals who were left cold through the film. I had been thrilled Demin Bichir obtained a jerk for his act as an immigrant in "A Much Better Existence," but in lots of ways the nomination itself has become a victory. And absolutely nothing helped me more happy than Gary Oldman receiving his first Oscar nomination for his controlled, beautiful submit "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy." For any very long time, I have thought Pitt would accomplish victory for his stunning operate in "Moneyball." He's certainly one of individuals stars who causes it to be look easy but is really proficient at what he is doing. And he's never won, despite two previous acting nominations. He's also doing the publicity models for that film, the industry nice push during these final days. However, Dujardin won the SAG Award for "The Artist," a performance that provides something not the same as the relaxation. So I am beginning to consider it's anyone's game. We may obtain a better idea on February. 12, once the BAFTA Award those who win are revealed the Academy shares many voters with BAFTA. If they would like to recognize their fellow countryman Oldman, victory would put him within this race like a real contender. If Dujardin can win the BAFTA, it's likely overhe'll win the Oscar. However I still wouldn't discount Clooney or Pitt. No matter what, Dujardin's SAG win has reinvigorated the race and introduced some drama which was sorely missing this past year. But you will find still things we are able to rely on only at that year's Oscar telecast: tears, laughter, and complaints concerning the run time.