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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Question: Is there a chance that Carnivàle will come back for a third season?
Answer: No, but there's a really good chance the second-season DVD may finally see the light of day. According to my spies over at Home Box Office, the box set is slated for release this July. Hey, speaking of Carnivàle, did anyone go to CarnyCon? If so, how was it?
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Question: What do you think about the new HBO series Big Love? I've seen one episode and am hooked! Answer: The first four episodes didn't grab me. Like Matt Roush, I didn't really care about any of the characters and the whole premise felt a wee-bit contrived. But just as I was about to write off the show forever, HBO mailed out a DVD with the next five episodes and, faced with no life some free time last weekend, I decided to give the whole plural-marriage thing one more chance. Glad I did, because somewhere between Episodes 6 and 9 I found myself getting attached to these sinners, and now I'm officially hooked. Don't get me wrong, it's still no D
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Question: Do you still think the Season 2 DVD of Carnivàle will be out sometime in March? I haven't heard anything and I'm getting anxious.
Answer: It was supposed to come out in March, but now HBO is telling me "there's no date yet for the Carnivàle Season 2 DVD." Short-story-shorter: Something fishy is going on, and I'm gonna get to the bottom of it.
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Question: What were your Top 10 favorite shows of 2005, and why?
Answer: I thought you'd never ask, Jackie!
1. Battlestar Galactica: I haven't been this excited about a TV show since... ever. And if that makes me a sci-fi geek, so be it. (But please, no wedgies.)
2. Deadwood: Can't understand what they're sayin' half the time, but I sure like how they're sayin' it.
3. Lost: Season 2 not only exceeded my expectations, it upended them.
4. Grey's Anatomy: Makes me want to be a doctor, if only to hang out with these people. And have lots of sex.
5. Veronica Mars: If this is what happens when UPN meddles with a show, I say keep those notes c
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Question: Do you know when Carnivàle Season 2 will be on DVD?
Answer: I believe it will street in March. An announcement from HBO is imminent. There better be some really cool extras to make up for that whole cancellation debacle.
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