Question: You said you had a theory as to why Fox trimmed the order for Return of Jezebel James. So spill!
Answer: OK, let me preface this answer by reminding you that I am a huge Parker Posey fan. I find her flavor of quirk 100 percent dee-lish and know very well that her mere presence can make a tedious project tolerable (see Superman Returns). Having said that, all indications are that she and a full-time TV gig have not exactly been the snuggest fit. And I'll just leave it at that.
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K-Ville by Skip Bolen/Fox
On the heels of the announcement that Fox has cut back its order for Amy Sherman-Palladino's midseason comedy The Return of Jezebel James from 13 to just seven total episodes (see the Ausiello Report for more) comes word that the network has picked up two additional scripts for the ratings-challenged K-Ville. Variety is also reporting that Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton's Back to You is due for a full-season pickup by Fox, perhaps coming as early as this week.
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Parker Posey and Lauren Ambrose by Joe Viles/Fox
Well, this isn't the most encouraging sign. The episode order for Fox's The Return of Jezebel James, Amy Sherman-Palladino's eagerly awaited Gilmore Girls follow-up, has been trimmed from 13 to just seven. The half-hour comedy, which is essentially a female Odd Couple, stars Parker Posey and Lauren Ambrose as estranged sisters who forge an unusual partnership.Although no reason was given for the downgrade, a Fox spokesperson acknowledged in a statement that, "For several years, midseason has been a busy time at Fox as we prepare to launch new series and make room for returning favorites like 24 and American Idol. We have always planned to launch The Return of Jezebel James in midseason, and seven episodes are all we need to allow us to program the series through the current broadcast season. We are big fans of Amy Sherman-Palladino, Dan Palladino and the extremely talented cast and are looking forward to airing the show."The news comes on the same day that it was announced that AS-P...
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John Francis Daley by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com
John Francis Daley (Freaks and Geeks, Kitchen Confidential) has joined Bones in the recurring role of a therapist.... Also per the Reporter, David Blue (a guest star during Season 1 of Dirt) is in final talks with Ugly Betty to fill the recurring role of Marc's potential new love interest.... Jack Carpenter will star in the Comedy Central pilot Held Up as well as play Lauren Ambrose's ex-boyfriend in Fox's midseason series The Return of Jezebel James.More TVGuide.com casting news: Smallville Gets "Fierce" with Top Model Champ, One Tree Hill Adds Another Beautiful Person, Julianna Margulies "Marries" Aidan Quinn
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Question: Now that we know that the end is here for AS-P's golden show Gilmore Girls, you have to fill us in on her new Fox comedy the Return of Jezebel James.
Answer: I watched the pilot over the holiday weekend, and I'm relieved to report that it's much better than the limp trailer we were treated to during upfronts week. Parker Posey and Lauren Ambrose are every bit the dream team I had hoped they would be, and AS-P's dialogue is predictably snappy. My only complaint is the awkwardly integrated laugh track. It's no laughing matter.
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Past experience has shown that it's wise to write down the new Fox schedule in pencil. There's always a change or two (or three) by the time the fall rolls around. But stability was the message for the 2007-08 season: Prison Break, 24, House, Bones, American Idol, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and the Sunday animation block will all return in their same time periods next season. Sure, Fox always falters when the season begins, but the network is about to finish No. 1 in viewers aged 18-49 for the third season in a row.As far as new shows, Fox is trying to regain the edge it seemed to abandon in this past season's development (which was dismal). The most promising attempt is on Monday at 9 pm with K-Ville, starring Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser as two cops in post-Katrina New Orleans. We were puzzled when a reporter asked entertainment president Peter Liguori if doing such a show was exploiting a disaster. What should a contemporary show filmed in New Orleans be about? Mardi ...
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Anthony Anderson in K-ville by Rebecca Brenneman/Fox
3:50: Fox upfront. The words still send shivers down my spine. As you recall, the network's presentation last year was widely considered to be the single most grueling upfront in the history of upfrontmanship. The post-traumatic stress still hasn't worn off.3:51: Good news. Fox has clearly learned from their mistakes. In stark contrast to last year, the check-in process was easy-breezy. Even better, the air conditioning is working! Now if we can wrap this thing up in under two hours, almost all will be forgiven.4:01: I'm in complete denial about the VM thing, BTW. Just thought I'd share. Ooooh, the show is starting... with a 24 parody!4:05: Jack Bauer urges Fox president Peter Liguori to keep this year's presentation under an hour! LOL!4:06: They're bringing all their stars out onstage. Fox always has a good talent turnout at these things. 4:08: Well, most years they have a good turnout. The only Prison Breaker in attendance is Sucre (Amaury Nolasco)!4:09: No Kiefer Sutherland, but ...
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