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Joss Whedon Talks To ‘TV Guide’ About The End Of ‘Dollhouse’

It's Trent, Bitch! — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:35:41 +0000

Yesterday we learned the heartbreaking and infuriating news that Fox has decided to cancel Dollhouse in the wake of sagging ratings and today we learn from TV Guide magazine that Dollhouse creator Joss Whedon saw the axing coming. In a new interview with Whedon that was conducted after Fox put Dollhouse on hiatus for the month of November but before the network decided to kill the series, Joss talks about the “end” of Dollhouse … which came much too soon for so many Dollhouse fans:

On Monday, I said TV Guide Magazine would run Joss Whedon’s recent reveals on the remaining Dollhouse episodes next week, but since the not entirely unexpected news broke of the show’s cancellation yesterday, I wanted to publish the interview from November 4 as soon as possible. Fox will complete Dollhouse’s 13 episode season with three weeks of back to back episodes on December 4, 11 and 18, then single episodes on January 8 and 15 before the series finale airs January 22. Here, Whedon shares scoop about this season’s upcoming episodes before he received the news about the show’s cancellation.

Are you writing episode 13 to be a finale, just in case? Hedging your bets?
You know what, we hedged the last time and we got renewed, so we’re definitely hedging them again. People forget but I did this every year with Buffy. That’s just insurance. I didn’t do it with Firefly and look what happened. I went mad as a March hare and made a movie. So we’re doing that this time. Hopefully we’ll have nine more to do it after. We always wrap everything up and then unravel it again, if we’re told to.

Do you really have hope that you could come back with nine more?
Do I have hope? I do think the December double airings are kind of interesting. I’m not planning a trip to Vegas, but I live in hope. I know how the show would go on. That’s the most important thing. I will pitch that to Fox, if they find that the economics are working out for them, they may say keep it going. If they don’t, which is likely, they’ll say the other thing. But the point is to be ready for both, though there is a sense of resolve at the end of 13.

You have some choice guest stars upcoming. What can you tell us about Summer Glau’s character, Bennett, who shows up on December 4?
She works for the Washington D.C. Dollhouse, along with Ray Wise’s Howard. She’s someone from Caroline’s (Echo’s pre-House name) past. She’s got information about Caroline that will really surprise people, especially Echo (Eliza Dushku). And she has a dead arm, so what’s not to like. One of her arms doesn’t work and it’s in a sling.

Why?
It just felt right for the character, just like it felt right that she should probably dress like a schoolgirl and be very nice and a little odd. I would call her the Topher of the D.C. House.

But she’s actually ethical, unlike the amoral Topher?
Yes, she has morals.

Is Wise basically D.C’s Adelle, the head of the House?
Yes, he would be Adelle’s counterpart. He’s not so big with the morals. It’s a departure for Ray Wise (laughs). Another person in power, Harding, played by Keith Carradine, will be back. What a wonderful actor.

Why do Echo, Adelle (Olivia Williams) and Topher (Fran Kranz) visit the D.C. House?
That involves the D.C. House starting to take action against the Senator, played by Alexis Denisof, who’s targeting them. The corporation [Rossum] sees that there’s a problem there. Why LA gets involved, I can’t tell you.

Mothereffing-Effer!!! Gah … this interview just KILLS me! Hearing from Joss himself how awesome the show will get only to know that it won’t live beyond this half season is … INFURIATING!!! Joss’s chat with TV Guide goes on from here … and it contains a few spoilers about the upcoming new eps that we have yet to see. For those of you who wish to remain spoiled, I put the rest of the spoilery info behind the cut — but you might want to read on to find out what Joss has planned for Alan Tudyk’s Alpha character and Amy Acker’s Dr. Saunders/Whiskey character …

You promised that Alan Tudyk (V) will return as psycho killer Alpha. Does he?
He’s back in a two-parter (Dec. 11) and he comes in with a bang. You don’t bring Alpha back unless you’ve got something really fun for him to do. He has very interesting questions to ask of someone and really appalling ways of asking them.

Thankfully, he sounds as vicious as when we last saw him.
He’s not a Franciscan monk. One of his personalities is a Franciscan friar. But he happens to be a very violent one. I will say he will be dealing not just with Echo but other members of the House as well.

Does Amy Acker return for more episodes? Is she still Saunders?
Amy Acker will return. We have two more episodes that we’re allowed to use her because of [her new ABC series] Happy Town. She comes back in an interesting fashion that I will in no way describe to you, a little bit later on. She’ll be the Doc, Claire Saunders. Where she’s been may be a surprise to people.

Is it true we’re finally seeing the feared Attic where they send the rebellious on December 18?
We’re going to finally reveal what it’s like. I can say without hesitation that it is a joyride, it’s like going to Disneyland on really bad acid.

Who will we see in the Attic?
Echo’s not the first person who will have been sent there. That’s all I’ll say about that.

What’s happening with Ballard (Tahmoh Penikett), the FBI agent turned Echo’s handler?
His relationship with Echo will change. His whole life will change more than once. They made an agreement to try and accomplish something and we’ll see that evolve. I know I’m being annoyingly coy.

Will they kiss?
Will Echo and Ballard kiss? It would be beyond reprehensible for him ever to kiss her. So, yeah!

You also wanted to bring back Felicia Day from “Epitaph One”…
She’ll be in a later episode. I would like to go back to the future, as in “Epitaph One.” I would love to see what happens to our peeps ten year on.

Where is the Dollhouse storyline heading?
This whole season has been about, and is getting more and more about, the larger conflict, not between Echo and the Dollhouse but between Echo and Rossum. When Echo first decided she wanted to deal with the Dollhouse, she didn’t realize how global it was going to be. What we’re heading for is bigger. We’re going to start getting to the top where the real power is and it’s going to get very, very twisted. That’s not strange coming from me, but even we’re thrown by it.

FML. I love Dollhouse … I am just so pissed it’s ending in this way. It sounds like there may be some resolution at the end of his half season but only because Joss Whedon was wise enough to plan for the worst. This interview, as cool as it is, only makes the sting of losing the show feel worse. I cannot wait to see the final eps when they air next month … but, again, it just sucks that end had to come so soon :(

[Source]

Celebs Come Out To Celebrate The 2009 ‘TV Guide’ Hot List

It's Trent, Bitch! — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:28:12 +0000

Last night TV Guide threw a little party at the SLS Hotel here in LA, CA in celebration of their 2009 Hot List … and they managed to get a nice group of hot celebs to party with them … behold:

TV Guide usually does a pretty great job of picking out the hot folks on TV … I’d deffo put V’s Morena Baccarin at the top of that list. Glee’s Mark Salling, Dexter’s Julie Benz and ex-Melrose Place Colin Egglesfield are great selections as well. Courteney Cox-Arquette just rulz the universe. It sounds like last night’s shindig was a fun affair … congrats to all the hotties.

[Photo credit: Wireimage]

Eliza Dushku Promises A ‘Racier’ Season 2 Of ‘Dollhouse’

It's Trent, Bitch! — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:34:43 +0000

Eliza Dushku is interviewed in the new issue of TV Guide magazine wherein she talks about the upcoming second season of Dollhouse which she describes as “racier” and “deeper”. The magazine also gives us our first look at Eliza (in character as Echo) with season premiere guest star Jamie Bamber (ex-Battlestar Galactica, who we learned last month would be guesting on the show). Here is that promo pic and Eliza’s interview:

It isn’t playtime in The Dollhouse anymore. Stars Eliza Dushku and Tamoh Penikett are promising that, after some growing pains in the freshman season, Dollhouse is darker, racier and rougher than ever for Season 2. “I just finished episode 3 and I’m proud of the show already,” Dushku told TVGuideMagazine.com. “It’s different, it’s racier and it’s deeper. We found that rhythm and now we’re just blowing it out of the water. Everyone is really in their skin and comfortable playing around with the light and the dark,” she explained, noting series creator Joss Whedon nailed the show’s stride in its final first-season episode. “The cast all settled in to their roles, and then in the 13th episode things shot into the future and everyone got an idea where they might go – the dark places – and everyone came back with a confidence.” That confidence meant a willingness to push the boundaries, action-wise: “I learned how to beat up boys using a private jet as a weapon,” she chuckles. “I beat these guys with a jet. I got married in one of the first episodes. I had beaucoup bruises and bumps and fights already.” As far as the racier side, Dushku makes it sounds motherly for a moment before her big reveal. “I was shooting with babies this week, which was interesting and different, and there was an actual what-people-do-with-babies thing going on.” She pulled at her shirt collar to flash a little skin and laughed. “There was a lot going on!” There’s also a possible romance brewing. “Tahmoh’s in The Dollhouse now and there’s a lot of chemistry, a lot of things building with Echo and Agent Ballard, so that’s a little tease,” she said, adding “I’m teased, too. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Joss will come in and start snickering and whistling.” “I just read the fourth episode a few days ago and it’s awesome,” agreed Penikett. “It’s dark. I’m going to tell you: this is really one of the darker things that Joss Whedon has done. At the same time because there’s a brilliant writing staff they manage to have some light moments.” Penikett’s also looking forward to a reunion of sorts with his Battlestar Galactica co-stars on Dollhouse. “We’ve got Jamie Bamber in the first episode and then we have Michael Hogan in the second episode,” he said. “I’d definitely like to take credit for that but it wasn’t like that. Joss Whedon is a huge fan of Battlestar and ultimately it was about him wanting to bring in some very talented actors who were great for the parts. It’s awesome because for both of them it’s very much a departure from the characters that they play on Battlestar.”

A romance betwixt Echo and Agent Ballard, you say? Oh man … I kinda love that. As much as I loved the little thing that went on between Ballard and November (Miracle Laurie), I wouldn’t mind seeing him dabble in Echo’s waters. I can’t even begin to express how excited I am that both Jamie Bamber and Michael Hogan from Battlestar Galactica will be guesting on the show. While I’m most anxious for Buffyverse alums Alexis Denisof and Summer Glau to join the cast, having some of the Battlestar folks on the show will amp up the geek factor and make an already awesome show even awesomer. Bring it on! I cannot wait!!

UPDATE: I was *just* sent a press release from FOX about Dollhouse Season 2 that reveals which characters Alexis Denisof, Summer Glau and other guest stars will portray on the show. Because this may be a bit spoilery, I’ll keep that info behind the cut. Good news, tho, the press release promises the return of Dr. Claire Saunders/Whiskey!!!!! Read on if you want to find out …

Summer Glau (“Firefly,” “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) reunites with Joss Whedon when the actress joins the cast of DOLLHOUSE this fall in a recurring role as BENNETT, a Dollhouse employee who shares a past with ECHO (Eliza Dushku). The second season of DOLLHOUSE premieres Friday, Sept. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Additional guest stars appearing throughout the upcoming second season include Alexis Denisof (“Angel”), Jamie Bamber (“Battlestar Galactica”), Michael Hogan (“Battlestar Galactica”) and Keith Carradine (“Dexter”). DANIEL PERRIN (Denisof) is a U.S. senator leading a witch hunt to track down the underground organization. Mysterious, charismatic businessman MARTIN KLAR (Bamber) is Echo’s new husband. BRADLEY KARRENS (Hogan) comes to the Dollhouse hoping to stop a psychotic family member’s killing spree, while MATTHEW HARDING (Carradine), a nemesis of Dollhouse leader ADELLE DEWITT (Olivia Williams), stirs up trouble. Additionally, DR. CLAIRE SAUNDERS/WHISKEY (Amy Acker) and MADELINE/NOVEMBER (Miracle Laurie) return this season in multiple-episode arcs.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Source]

TV Guide Celebrates TV’s Sexiest Stars

It's Trent, Bitch! — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:24:52 +0000

So I just posted an entry about how David and I got to attend TV Guide magazine’s Sexiest Stars 2009 party at the Sunset Tower here in LA last night and while I wasn’t able to take photos at the event myself, there are photos that were taken by professionals available for sharing. As you may recall, we learned last week that TV Guide chose Eva Longoria as the Sexiest TV Actress and Simon Baker as the Sexiest TV Actor … and they both made it out for the party last night. Here are but a few of the sexiest TV stars who came out for the event last night:

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria Parker has topped a new magazine poll to find the sexiest woman on TV. A day after Aussie Simon Baker was named TV Guide’s sexiest actor, pretty Parker has been crowned the queen of television. And she can’t believe magazine bosses picked her – because her Housewives character Gabrielle Solis has been all frumpy in episodes dating back to last year. She says, “I think the timing for this is pretty funny actually, but also really great. I love that Gaby has been able to withstand time, along with the bad haircuts and all the extra pounds, and is still considered sexy.” And her husband, French sports star Tony Parker agrees with the magazine’s pick: “My husband thinks I’m at my sexiest the first thing in the morning. He says looking over at me as I’m waking up is his favourite thing.”

No offense to Mr. Baker but my choice for Sexiest Actor would have to be Robert Buckley from Lipstick Jungle. It was only today that I found out that he was at the party last night. Let me tell you, had I run into him at the party last night — camera or no camera — I would’ve accosted him for a photo … and mebbe a cheap grab ;) It’s OK, David is well aware of this. The man is just hot. Everyone at the party was just too pretty … it was a fun night. And so … because I wasn’t able to take photos last night, I wanted to share some of the pretty with all y’all … enjoy.

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

The Cast Of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Does ‘TV Guide’ & ‘Entertainment Weekly’

It's Trent, Bitch! — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:05:27 +0000

The entire cast of the hit CBS show How I Met Your Mother is featured on the cover of the new issue of TV Guide magazine …

… but even cooler than that, the cast is featured in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly in a fun new photoshoot where they recreate images that reflect the Best that 2008 had to offer. Here are pics of the cast doing the Olympics, the Jonas Brothers and Indiana Jones:

THE OLYMPICS — The men lost a lot of hair to play the U.S. 4×200m relay team; Harris (far right) even cajoled Segel (far left) into shaving his  armpits. ”The guys sounded like they didn’t think it was going to grow back,” laughs Smulders. ”Dude. Trust me. It grows back.   I wish it didn’t. It does. You’re gonna be fine.”

JONAS BROTHERS — ”I don’t often wear skinny jeans. It’s not my thing.   But I heroically squeezed into some,” says Radnor. Harris worked to internalize his character deeply, as well: ”I got to be the straight-ironed guy. Not the curly. I don’t know their names…Alvin? Theodore?”

INDIANA JONES — Smulders (left) didn’t see Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (she says the key to Cate Blanchett was ”just look like a badass”), while Harris studied Indy hard: ”It’s sort of a quarter-squint. The lips go down,   but there’s a hint of a smile. But he’s not amused, because he’s always got other things in mind.”

OMG! Is this not the most brilliant thing you’ve ever seen? Not only is it an amazing idea but the recreations are freakin’ hilarious!! After the jump, check out the HIMYM cast doing the Sex and the City Movie and the Vice Presidential debate …

SEX AND THE CITY — Hannigan (far left) ditched her heels before the shot: ”I couldn’t do it,” she sighs.  ”They were too high. I had to catch Cobie and not fall on my face.” Radnor (right),  on the other hand, had no trouble stepping into Mr. Big’s shoes: ”I get hit with a   bouquet of flowers at least once a month.”

THE VP DEBATE — ”It probably will just be an imitation of Tina Fey,” admits Hannigan, before slipping on her Sarah Palin suit. For Segel, this role is a culmination of a lifelong dream: ”Ever since I was a kid, I always imagined someday  I’d get to play Joe Biden in a photo shoot.”

LOLOLOLOL! So amazing! One of my new year’s resolutions is to look into TV shows that other folks really enjoy that I have yet to get into. How I Met Your Mother is at the top of my list of TV shows to catch up and, hopefully, fall in love with. I got into Battlestar Gallactica just a few months ago (after Kirsten got me the DVDs for my birthday) and I just love that show! I am pretty sure that HIMYM is going to be one of my new faves. This cast is just so damn fun … I think I love them all :)

[Source, Source]

‘The Hills’ Does ‘TV Guide’

It's Trent, Bitch! — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:24:47 +0000

Team LC — Lauren LC Conrad, Lo Bosworth, Audrina Patridge — suit up! Team Heidi — Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt — get on the field! All ya’ll are featured on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of TV Guide magazine, behold:

Hills, Hills, Hills — they’re everywhere! You gotta admit, tho, this photoshoot is way cute. We’ve been hearing about Team LC and Team Heidi for years … this is the first time they posed for a pic like this, I think it’s brills. Right? Even the haters have to recognize this is a fun magazine spread.

[Source]