Good New: Daphne Zuniga has signed on to the CW’s MELROSE PLACE re-boot, agreeing to reprise her role as photographer Jo Reynolds for at least two episode this season. Bad News: Joining original tenants Josie Bissett [Jane], Laura Leighton [Sydney] and Thomas Calabro [Michael] and leaving this TV Addict increasingly concerned that the proverbial powers that be didn’t learn a thing from 90210’s unfortunate penchant for stunt casting, you know, in lieu of the actual hard work that comes with having to develop a whole slew of interesting new characters and story-lines. [Source]
Good News: Jennifer Garner has inked a fresh development deal with ABC, the network that put her on the map. Bad News: The key word here being ‘development, one that, as Michael Ausiello so accurately put it, “calls for the four-time Emmy nominee to develop projects via her Vandalia Films production shingle.” Not act! [Source]
Good News: Steven Weber is in negotiations to move into ABC’s midseason series HAPPY TOWN. Bad News: Replacing one of Hollywood’s hardest working and most likable actors, Dean Winters. [Source]
Last week the five major broadcast networks outlined their new fall schedules and previewed clips of new series for advertisers at their annual Upfront presentations. After taking a look at these clips myself, I’ve compiled a list, divided into what’s most promising, what’s roughly in the middle, and what looks horrible. These aren’t reviews per se, they’re just immediate reactions to very brief footage – I’ll reevaluate after I’ve screened the pilots later this summer. First up, least promising of the bunch… Alex O’Loughlin fans, please don’t hurt us.?
100 QUESTIONS (NBC)
Buzz was that NBC was high on this comedy before its Upfront presentation and that it was being touted as “the next FRIENDS.” Highly doubtful, and I’m pretty sure the laugh track was the only thing laughing during the dreadfully unfunny trailer.
BROTHERS (FOX)
Starring former New York Giant Michael Strahan…plays former NFL player Mike Trainor, who returns home to help his brother’s struggling restaurant business. CCH Pounder from The Shield and Carl Weathers also star as their parents. Strahan does fine, but what would really be great is if the whole thing didn’t feel so strained and dated.
THE DEEP END According to the official ABC description: Sterling Law is one of L.A.’s most prestigious law firms. Each year it recruits four new young lawyers from the finest law schools worldwide. It will nurture, guide and shape these recruits into the best damned lawyers they can possibly be — or else.
According to this TV Addict: It’s GREY’S ANATOMY meets L.A. LAW. Which is something we’d usually be far more critical of, except for the fact that these lawyers include JACK & BOBBY’S Matt Long! VERONICA MARS’ Tina Majorino! TITANIC’s Billy Zane! And Broadway’s Norbert Leo Butz! (TV Addict note: Gratuitous use of exclamation marks denotes our off-the-charts level of excitement for this series)