Star-Crossed's Grey Damon on Grayson's Potential Villainy
Downton Abbey and the Insensitive Portrayal of Rape on TV
I tried to give Downton Abbey the benefit of the doubt. I tried to stave off my judgments until I had given the show time to prove me wrong, to prove that this wasn't just another case of rape as cheap and consumable entertainment. But here we are at the end of the season, and my frustration has only grown. Downton's fourth season notoriously featured the show's most beloved character, Anna (Joanne Froggatt), being violently assaulted by a visiting valet. But contrary to creator Julian Fellowes' defense that he wanted to "[explore] the mental damage and the emotional damage" that follows sexual assault, I still have very little idea how Anna has been intimately affected by this tragic incident. Instead of parsing Anna's psychological state, the show continued its violation of her character by immediately shifting the dramatic tension to questions about how Bates (Brendan Coyle) would respond.
What the Hell Happened to Scandal?
Scandal, I have some questions for you. Namely, what the hell happened? The ABC drama used to be believable. Not plausible, but at least somewhat believable. For any show to pull off the over-the-top melodrama Scandal does without becoming completely unhinged, it needs to be grounded by some semblance of reason. Even cartoons exist within a set of limitations. For example, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote can both run in midair unless Coyote looks down and realizes he's about to fall. Then, by the rules of cartoon physics, he plummets. Recently though, it's felt like Scandal's been running full-speed ahead with no ground beneath it, but when they look down and see they're about to fall, they say, 'F--- it, I'm going higher."
Debra Messing to Star in NBC Pilot Mysteries of Laura
Debra Messing is slated to star in the NBC drama pilot Mysteries of Laura, TVGuide.com has learned. The Will & Grace and Smash star will play a female homicide detective who struggles to balance her career and devilish set of twin boys.
The Wire's Wendell Pierce Joins Ray Donovan
Wendell Pierce has joined Ray Donovan as a recurring guest star, Showtime announced Wednesday. The actor, who's best known for playing Bunk on The Wire, will play Mr. Keith, a down-on-his-luck parole officer who gets a payoff from professional fixer Ray (Liev Schreiber).
Bette Midler to Perform at the Oscars
Two-time Oscar nominee Bette Midler will perform at the Oscars next month, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced Wednesday.
Haley Joel Osment Joins Entourage Movie
Haley Joel Osment has joined the Entourage movie, Deadline reports. The Spoils of Babylon star joins Jeremy Piven, Billy Bob Thornton, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon andJerry Ferrara.
CeeLo Green Not Returning to The Voice
CeeLo Green has turned his chair for the last time: The Voice coach won't be returning to the hit series, he announced on Wednesday's episode of Ellen. "I'm going to continue my relationship with NBC. I have a television show development deal with them as well and hopefully some other talk show opportunities for later in the year," the singer toldEllen DeGeneres. "But yeah, I'm going to miss The Voice, too. I'm not coming back, guys."
Lamar Odom to Make Basketball Comeback in Spain
Seven months after being released from the Los Angeles Clippers, Lamar Odom has signed a two-month contract with Spain's club team Laboral Kutxa, E! News reports. Odom signed on for the rest of the 2013-14 season, with the option to play for one more year.
Watch the First Guardians of the Galaxy Trailer
Guardians of the Galaxy is Marvel's first departure from its traditional comic book roster. Based on a popular franchise, the film's leads are a far cry from the clean-cut Golden Age Avengers. Most of them aren't even human.
Why Star-Crossed Isn't Your Typical CW Romance
The CW has found yet another story to repurpose with hot shirtless men. Star-Crossed, which premieres Monday at 8/7c, tells the familiar story of forbidden love with an added twist — aliens! — yet somehow the sci-fi romance works.
Olympics: USA Beats Russia in Overtime Hockey Shootout
USA defeated rival team Russia Saturday in a dramatic overtime shootout. With the teams tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, American T.J. Oshie scored four times on six tries, giving the U.S. victory. The 411 on the 12 new Winter Olympic events Russian fans are not happy with the loss, contending that the referees wrongfully discounted a goal scored by Russia because the net moved. But even with the loss, Russia is still a contender for the gold.
Jim Henson's Son John Dies at 48
John Henson, son of Muppets creator Jim Henson, passed away Friday. He was 48. The Jim Henson Company confirmed Henson's death on their Facebook page: "It is with great sadness that we confirm that John Henson, son of Jim and Jane Henson and brother to Lisa, Cheryl, Brian and Heather, died at age 48 of a sudden massive heart attack on Friday, February 14, while at home with his daughter."
David James Elliott to Co-Star in Fox Pilot Here's Your Damn Family
JAG alum David James Elliott will co-star opposite Jane Kaczmarek in the Fox pilot Here's Your Damn Family, TVGuide.com has learned.
Orange Is the New Black Sets Return Date: Watch a Teaser for Season 2
It's almost here! Orange Is the New Black will return to Netflix on Friday, June 6. The announcement first came in an ad following the House of Cards Season 2 finale, which was released Friday.
Simon Cowell Welcomes Baby Boy
Simon Cowell's girlfriend Lauren Silverman gave birth to a son on Friday. The couple named him Eric, after Cowell's father. Olympics: The most memorable moments "Lauren in great shape. Thanks for all of your kind messages," Cowell, 54, shared on Twitter.
Gavin Stenhouse to Star in NBC Pilot Coercion
Gavin Stenhouse has landed the lead in the NBC drama pilot Coercion,Deadline reports.
Christina Aguilera and Matt Rutler Engaged
Christina Aguilera and Matt Rutler got engaged on Valentine's Day, the singer announced on Twitter.
ABC Family Cancels Ravenswood
ABC has canceled the Pretty Little Liars spin-off Ravenswood, E! News reports. The supernatural drama aired its final episode on Feb. 4 and ended with a major cliff-hanger.
VIDEO: Ellen Page Comes Out as Gay: "I'm Tired of Lying by Omission"
Ellen Page announced that she is gay during an inspiring speech Friday at a conference organized by the Human Rights Campaign. "I'm here today because I am gay," the Juno star said, receiving a standing ovation at the Time to THRIVE conference in Las Vegas. "And because maybe I can make a difference. To help others have an easier and more hopeful time. Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility."
Olympics: Falls Derail Men's Figure Skating and Bode Miller
After a disastrous short program competition Thursday's Winter Olympics, which saw Evgeni Plushenko withdraw and retire shortly before he was scheduled to take the ice, the bad luck continued into Friday's free program. Frontrunner Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan fell twice during his program, seemingly leaving it open for Canada's Patrick Chan to take gold. But when Chan took the ice next, the skater suffered several stumbles and never quite recovered.
Jason Isaacs to Star in USA's Thriller Dig
Jason Isaacs has been cast as the lead role in USA's thriller Dig, TVGuide.com has learned. The Awake star will play Peter, an FBI agent stationed in Jerusalem whose murder investigation of a young archeologist leads him to uncover a conspiracy 2000 years old.
