Dear Ms. Bell,

It’s a cold, cruel world out there, as evidenced by the chilly reception critics gave your latest big-screen offering, When In Rome. But you know where it’s nice and toasty? In the warm embrace of your small-screen fans, who adore everything you do, whether it was your starring role on VERONICA MARS or those cheeky GOSSIP GIRL voiceovers. Heck, many of us even stayed with HEROES way longer than we would have — or should have — when you came on board.

We get the appeal of movies, we do. Hey, we’ve all gone slummin’ for a buck. But if the best you can do is pad your resume with one regrettable pic (Couples Retreat)) after another (When in Rome), is that really your best option? Isn’t that rather like leaving a job at Goldman-Sachs to wait tables at Denny’s? Especially given the amazing roles being created for actresses on everything from comedies to dramas. When so many movie stars are flocking to the small screen — heck, a recent DAMAGES scene featured Glenn Close, Martin Short and Lily Tomlin! — why buck the trend?

TV is now the place to be. Trust us. Take a glance at The Hollywood Reporter’s Pilot Log and you’ll find a slew of amazing roles that are more challenging and rewarding than those you’ve been making for the silver screen.

And hey, we’re not asking you to give up movies. That’s why God created the hiatus.

So while we’d loved to have seen you sign on as the lead in the CW’s LA FEMME NIKITA reboot, we completely understand if you’ve outgrown the teen-friendly network. But if it’s romantic comedy you crave, does it not make sense to have the creators of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER or THE OC pen it instead of the guy who wrote Old Dogs?

You know we love you,
XOXO
The TV Addict

It’s the most important question facing young actors in Hollywood today. How does one avoid becoming a child star cliché?

Well, if you’re actress Tina Majorino, who spent the majority of her youth growing up on screen in a string of high profile films including Corinna, Corrinna, Waterworld and Alice in Wonderland. You avoid a starring role in the E! Network “Child Stars Gone Bad!” Special by taking a break from the business at the tender age of 13. A decision that Majorino credits as the best one of her life.

“Having worked since I was a baby, I was tired and just wanted to be kid,” explained the talented young actress who between 1999 and 2004 retired from acting to return to school, dance and spend time with friends and family. “I wanted that time to get to know myself and make sure that acting was what I really wanted to do. I didn’t want to half ass it and wanted to make sure I was completely committed to my art.”

A risky career move that now seems to be paying big dividends. Now all grown up (25!) Majorino, who this TV Addict had the chance to chat with at the recent Television Critics Press Tour in Pasadena couldn’t be more well-adjusted and credits her ‘wonderful family and friends’ for ensuring she remained what we like to think of as ‘the anti-Lohan.’

“There are a lot of people in Hollywood who are going to try and tell you what it is you need to be doing and what they think is a good move for you and it’s not necessarily true,” said Majorino on the pitfalls of growing up on camera. “It’s important to get to know yourself, because as an actor, there are so many traps that you can fall into if you don’t have the wherewithal to protect yourself and know what’s right for you.”

Luckily for fans of quality television, what’s been right for Majorino have been memorable roles on cult favorites such as VERONICA MARS and BIG LOVE.

“I loved doing the show [VERONICA MARS] and it’s really fun for me because people either don’t know the show or they’re die hard fans. So when you’re meeting someone who has watched the show, it’s a blast to talk to them because they really enjoyed the characters and they’re so into it. Really, it’s an honor,” reflected Majorino, being sure to add her love for BIG LOVE, “I love that show so much, it’s so quirky and everybody — from the actors, directors and producers — are just amazing.”

Which naturally begs the question: What led to Majorino’s latest decision that has her jumping from HBO’s successful polygamist drama into THE DEEP END, a new ABC series that has her playing a brilliant and eager-to-please first year associate named Addie Fisher.

“The great part about this role is that [unlike previous characters such as BIG LOVE's Heather Tuttle] Addie grows out of her naiveté. She starts out being completely green and not knowing up from down but she evolves, learns, and gets tougher,” promised the actress when asked about her affinity for playing brilliant albeit somewhat socially awkward characters . “Fingers crossed we’ll get the opportunity to do some more as you never know what’s in store for these characters.

“It’s such a privilege to be able to wake up and do something that you enjoy so much. I am fully aware of how blessed I am.”

No, seriously. According to Bell, if you want to see VERONICA MARS on the big screen (and really, who doesn’t?), the proverbial ball — as the saying goes — is in your court. Explained Bell via twitter yesterday, “VM movie fans- rob [Thomas] and i took it to WB- and they said ‘there is no enthusiasm’ to make it So fans have to convince WB! rob and i r in!” Adding, “ive told em i want to so bad- i think they dont think it will make any money so they want to be sure people will see it. big business. ugh.”

Which naturally begs the question, will you join in Bell’s crusade? And if so, will you use the hashtag #veronicamars in your tweets to help get the topic trending on twitter? Because in case you were wondering, this TV Addict is so totally in.

[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

LOS ANGELES, California — Warner Bros. Pictures is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached between Joel Silver Productions and Warner Bros. Pictures to commence shooting the highly anticipated VERONICA MARS movie with Kristen Bell (FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL, WHEN IN ROME, HEROES) set to star.

A Warner Bros. Picture Production, VERONICA MARS is produced by Joel Silver, and based on the popular television series of the same name that ran on UPN and later the CW from 2004-2007.

“Kristen Bell is one of the most gifted actresses working today and we’re thrilled that she, alongside MARS mastermind Rob Thomas have agreed to continue the story they started.” Silver said.

“After ending the series in the unfortunate manner in which we did, I’m thrilled to be able to return to Neptune and give fans the resolution they so richly deserve.” Elaborated Thomas.

“I loved Veronica right off the bat and am thrilled to be given another chance to tell her story. Veronica was so strong and I think it is so important because there are so few shows, and now movies, that portray women, especially young women as being strong and being able to stand up for themselves.” Said Bell.

The screenplay by Rob Thomas will find Veronica back in college for her senior year as she balances books, boys and a mystery unlike she has ever faced before.

Also onboard are original cast members Percy Daggs III, Jason Dohring, Francis Capra, Ryan Hansen, Tina Majorino and Enrico Colantoni

VERONICA MARS: The Movie will be filmed on location in San Diego beginning in early May and will be released in Spring 2010 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Oh, and on the off chance you’ve gotten this far and still think this press release is real, we’re sorry to inform you that someone forgot what day it is!

Good News: Satellite provider DirecTV continues to win over the hearts of TV Addicts everywhere by providing a second home for short-lived favorites such as SMITH, EYES and THE NINE. Bad News: We still don’t get DirecTV in Canada. [Source]

Good News: VERONICA MARS mastermind Rob Thomas doesn’t believe that his beloved series’ much-buzzed-about jump to the big screen is completely dead. Bad News: “Right now it’s just looking depressing,” revealed Thomas in a recent interview. “I think honestly if we would have had the pitch ready a year earlier, it would be a go project. The hope that we would get a quick greenlight didn’t materialize. This is the least optimistic I’ve felt in a while.” [Source]

Okay, so Enrico Colantoni wasn’t too specific and let’s face it, didn’t exactly provide what some might consider ‘actual details’ on the highly anticipated (read: dreamed about) VERONICA MARS movie. But everybody’s favorite local sheriff turned private investigator was kind enough time to stop by the tiny slice of real estate that this TV Addict carved out on the red carpet during Friday’s 2008 Gemini Awards (Canada’s Emmy equivalent) to give us an update on the movie.

Simply click play on the above video for Mr. Colantoni’s surprisingly candid answer and be sure to check back tomorrow to find out what Natasha Henstridge had to say about ELI STONE’s sudden cancellation.

The TV Addict: Nick, I can sum up ‘my take’ in three simple words: Not Gonna’ Happen. Which is the reason I didn’t bother linking to Michael Ausiello’s over-hyped story on a possible MARS movie. I mean seriously, what studio head in their right mind is going to invest a minimum of thirty to fifty million dollars on a television series that ranked 148 out of 156 in the ratings?

That’s not to say I wouldn’t love to see Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring and the entire Neptune gang in a full length feature film. I just think that Rob Thomas would be wise to consider the Joss Whedon DR. HORRIBLE approach as NYMag so cleverly suggested, “Set aside a week and $100,000, and shot a couple of mini-Mars stories for download?”

In anticipation of the Fall TV season I counted how many hours of shows I currently watch (16.5) and how many hours of new shows I will start (5.5). OMG! There’s only 21 hours of prime-time in one week to watch these! I don’t know how I’m going to do it? — Linda B.

The TV Addict: Admittedly 22 hours of television per week sounds daunting. But I think if last week’s record-breaking performance by Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps taught us anything, it’s that anything can be accomplished with hard work, determination and one really big DVR. So to those of you who are asking, “Holy Crap, How am I going to fit all this TV viewing in!” This TV Addict has this to say: Stop whining and start watching! Put aside that social life, family and overrated ‘great’ outdoors for a few weeks and enjoy the madness that is September Season Premieres

In your recent preview of PRISON BREAK’s fourth season premiere you alluded to the fact that “Michael Scofield will lose someone [or something] else this season that viewers will find incredibly unexpected while at the same time long overdue.” Can you please be more specific? — Went4Ever

The TV Addict: Well since you asked so nicely, how’s this for specificity. The ‘thing’ Michael loses isn’t a person!

With the recent reveal by Michael Ausiello that BROTHERS & SISTERS has begun its search to cast William Walker’s long-lost son Ryan, I’d like to know who your pick is. Because my fingers are crossed for THE OC’s Benjamin Mackenzie. — WannaBeWalker

The TV Addict: While the artist formerly known as Ryan Atwood would undoubtedly make an interesting addition to the Walker household. This TV Addict can’t help but think that ex-GILMORE GUY Matt Czuchry would be a far better fit if we’re going by the official character description that includes the following: “Caucasian, early 20s. Good looking, charming John John Kennedy type. The All-American golden boy who commands a room by his mere presence and affability.”

Has there been any news on REAPER season one making it to DVD? Any information would be greatly appreciated! — Charles

The TV Addict: Ask and you shall receive. According to TVShowsonDVD, Lionsgate Entertainment has struck a deal with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment to bring several of Disney’s TV titles to DVD starting this fall. Lucky for you Charles, among the ’several’ is REAPER season one which will arrive in stores on November 4th as a five disc set with eighteen episodes plus exciting bonus materials.

Got a question for the TV Addict, simply email ask@thetvaddict.com

The biggest surprise to come out of yesterday’s CTV UpFront Presentation wasn’t that two new Canadian produced shows [FLASHPOINT and THE LISTENER] actually look like they can compete with the best the US networks have to offer. Rather its that this TV Addict may have just met the first Canadian actor who genuinely prefers Hollywood North [Toronto] to Hollywood.

Enrico Colantoni is back in his hometown of Toronto Canada shooting the new Canadian produced series FLASHPOINT and he couldn’t be happier.

As one of the stars of FLASHPOINT, Colantoni plays Sgt. Gregory Parker, the chief negotiator in Toronto’s Emergency Task Force. An elite team of police that’s tasked with thwarting the most heinous of crimes at the moment they get out of hand.

Yet while most of the press in attendance were content in asking the generic, “How accurately do you portray a cop on the show?” type of questions.” Which by the way, Colantoni was more than happy to answer in his trademark humorous style, “The real thing doesn’t really make for good TV, unless someone gets shot. Guns always make good TV.” This TV Addict had only one thing on his mind. Or to be more specific two words: VERONICA MARS.

But when I had the chance to ask Colantoni if he still keeps in touch with his former MARS cast members, I found myself slightly disappointed when all he could muster was a quick and succinct, “Yes.”

“The biggest difference is how close knit everyone is. In all the years I spent in the States, I don’t recall having dinner with any of the Producers. Yet right from the beginning Marie and Bill [FLASHPOINT Producers Anne Marie La Traverse and Bill Mustos respectively] have opened their house and heart.” elaborated Colantoni on the differences between US and Canadian television, “With FLASHPOINT it seems to be a lot more about the process rather than the success and the failure of the show. You can just do your job and not worry about who’s out to get you.”

Reading between the lines its pretty clear that the sudden and disappointing cancelation of VERONICA MARS took its toll.

“Anybody who decides to be an actor can’t really be in it for the job security.” explains Colantoni, “But on VERONICA MARS we thought we had a good thing going and then the landscape and the network changed. Heck at one point we thought we’d outlive the network. But apparently they thought that other shows could do better. I still can’t figure that one out.”

Neither can we Enrico, neither can we.

Good News: CBS has teamed up with Canada’s CTV to shoot 13 episodes of a cop show titled FLASHPOINT starring Enrico Colantoni. Bad News: The TV Addict may or may not have a mild restraining order placed on him when it comes to VERONICA MARS alumni! Ugly News: When the writer’s finally return to work, will their be any jobs left in Hollywood? [see link]

Good News: Conan O’brien shaves his beard. Bad News: This is what passes for big news these days. Ugly News: What’s next? Craig Ferguson becomes an American citizen? Too late! [see link]

“A long time ago… we used to be friends… but I… haven’t thought of you lately at all… because the CW cancelled you.”

Okay, so that’s not exactly how the Dandy Warhols theme song for VERONICA MARS went. But courtesy of theTVaddict.com, you can now remember your old friend Veronica forever.

HOW TO ENTER
Simply leave a comment proclaiming your favorite Veronica boyfriend and you’ll be automatically entered to win 1 of 2 VERONICA MARS SEASON THREE DVDs.

Then, be sure to check your email box on Tuesday October 23 — coincidentally the same day VERONICA MARS SEASON THREE is released in stores — to find out if you won. Two winners will be chosen at random and notified via email so be sure to leave a comment with a valid email address.

For more info, including where to buy, videos and downloads, click here to be taken to the VERONICA MARS official DVD web site.