Question: First, thanks for your insight on all things TV. I have you to thank for many of my favorites (FNL, VM, BSG), and I was curious about the new HBO series True Blood. When I heard that Alan Ball was picking up the reins of this show, I bought the first book in the Charlaine Harris Southern Vampire series and was immediately smitten. She creates a very fun alternate world full of fascinating characters that could make for really great TV. I was further interested when it was announced that Anna Paquin was cast in the lead, though less so about Stephen Moyer (who was far from intriguing in The Starter Wife). Do you have any thoughts on True Blood?
Answer: I'm curious about this show, too, but I won't have any real thoughts to share until I actually see it. I haven't done my homework yet, but I'd like to read at least one of these books (reading, what a thought) before sinking my teeth — sorry — into the adaptation. I love the idea that HBO is getting back into the genre of the
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Question: Do you know what Linderman's special power is on Heroes?Answer: You know what show I miss, Dan? Carnivale. That Ben Hawkins was one fascinating dude. Oh, the things he could do with his mind....
That's a wrap, folks. Head on over to the Ask Ausiello Discussion Thread to debate the merits of this week's AA, check out the latest installment of my Ausiello Report vodcast for exclusive scoop on Gilmore Girls and the enhanced two-hour Grey's Anatomy episode with a potential for afterlife (last time, C.J., I swear!), send questions/tips/Smurf sightings to ask_ausiello@tvguide.com, and keep close tabs on the
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Question: One more note on the demise of Deadwood: The difference between HBO canceling these shows before their conclusion versus regular television networks canceling shows is roughly analogous to the difference between a movie theater shutting off the projector two-thirds of the way through the film because the bosses want to save money on their electric bill versus a theatre company canceling a free performance of Shakespeare in the park because not enough people show up. With the free Shakespeare performance, it might make me sad that I wouldn't get to see the full show, but, hey, I wasn't paying for it anyway. But with the movie theatre, I'd be completely outraged — wouldn't you? — because I'd paid for a specific service. I can't imagine going back to a theater that would treat its customers like that — and if they did it twice in a row? Forget about it! Sorry about going on and on about this HBO deal, Matt, but having been burned twice, with Carnivale and now Deadwood, a lot of ...
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Question: What's going on with Deadwood? I heard it might be canceled after this season? Has HBO completely lost its mind? It's bad enough they axed Carnivale, but now Deadwood? Answer: I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole mess. As I understand it, HBO hasn't exactly canceled it. They "merely" released all the actors from their contracts, freeing them up to accept other, non-Deadwood gigs. In other words, if the show does get a fourth season, it may have to introduce an entirely new cast of characters. As far as boneheaded decisions go, this one ranks right up there with CW renewing 7th Heaven and One Tree Hill over
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Question: I know that you're a Carnivale fan, so I just wanted to give you a heads-up about the Season 2 DVD release. It will be available on July 18 and here's a link to all the details.
Answer: Thanks for the info! And thanks to all you Carnivale freaks who wrote in with scarily comprehensive CarnyCon testimonials. I felt like I was there myself.
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