Channel Surfing: 3.2.06
Burnett to Play "Desperate" Step-Mother
USA Today is reporting that Marc Cherry has cast comic legend Carol Burnett for duty on Wisteria Lane. Burnett will play Eleanor Mason, the icy stepmother of Bree Van De Kamp (Marcia Cross) in an episode expected to air April 9th. Eleanor and Bree's father will turn up on Wisteria Lane after Bree's son Andrew announces his desire to emancipate himself... and reveal a number of family secrets in the process.
Says Cherry of Burnett's character, "Eleanor took over after Bree's mother was killed when Bree was a child. She's a very tightly wound, proper lady for whom appearances mean everything. A lot of what Bree has become came from this woman."
Cherry also gave some hints about what's to come on the show, including a huge, explosive season finale that will put the focus back on the four main housewives, one of whom will be dating a man with "dark secrets." Secrets which will comprise next season's big mystery.
Regardless of Cherry's "big" plans for "Desperate Housewives," as loyal readers know, I won't be tuning in.
"Wing" and a Prayer
Various sources are reporting a veritable influx of departed West Wing staffers will return to the series during the show's final five episodes. Returning castmembers are expected to include Rob Lowe, Weeds' Mary-Louise Parker, Emily Proctor, Marlee Matlin, Gary Cole, Tim Matheson, Timothy Busfield, Anna Deavere Smith, and Annabeth Gish, who will each reprise their roles for at least one episode.
No word on whether NBC has invited Aaron Sorkin back as well...
HBO to Cook Up Comedy
According to the Hollywood Reporter, comic Dane Cook has signed a multi-project deal with HBO that will include scripted series and specials, as well as other projects. Included in the agreement is a feature-length concert film, the development of a scripted series, and a comedy documentary series titled "Tourgasm." This long-term deal is said to be the first of its kind in premium cable.
Cook will next be seen in the film "Employee of the Month," opposite Jessica Simpson, and "Dan in Real Life," with Steve Carell.
Meanwhile, my calls to HBO over the death of Carnivale went unanswered...
What’s On Tonight
8 pm: Survivor: Panama—Exile Island (CBS); Deal or No Deal (NBC); Smallville (WB); Sweet Home Alabama (ABC); American Idol (FOX); Everybody Hates Chris/Love, Inc. (UPN)
9 pm: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS); My Name Is Earl/The Office (NBC); Beauty and the Geek (WB); Skating with Celebrities (FOX); Eve/Cuts (UPN)
10 pm: Without a Trace (CBS); ER (NBC); Primetime (ABC)
What I’ll Be Watching
8 pm: Everybody Hates Chris.
Everybody knows how much I love Chris. The perfect start for a smashing night of comedy. Now if only there were something worth watching at 8:30. I refuse to watch Deal or No Deal. (Having only caught a few minutes of this show in which someone kept opening various suitcases, perhaps someone can explain to me how it even works? Not that I'll start watching.)
9 pm: My Name Is Earl.
Ah, entrantress, thy name is Joy.
9:30 pm: The Office.
Now that a certain network that shall go unnamed decided to take Arrested Development off the airwaves, this half-hour is the comedy highlight of my week. Tonight, Dwight needs help with public speaking and turns to Michael for advice. You know you're bad off if you're turning to Michael Scott for suggestions. About anything.
USA Today is reporting that Marc Cherry has cast comic legend Carol Burnett for duty on Wisteria Lane. Burnett will play Eleanor Mason, the icy stepmother of Bree Van De Kamp (Marcia Cross) in an episode expected to air April 9th. Eleanor and Bree's father will turn up on Wisteria Lane after Bree's son Andrew announces his desire to emancipate himself... and reveal a number of family secrets in the process.Says Cherry of Burnett's character, "Eleanor took over after Bree's mother was killed when Bree was a child. She's a very tightly wound, proper lady for whom appearances mean everything. A lot of what Bree has become came from this woman."
Cherry also gave some hints about what's to come on the show, including a huge, explosive season finale that will put the focus back on the four main housewives, one of whom will be dating a man with "dark secrets." Secrets which will comprise next season's big mystery.
Regardless of Cherry's "big" plans for "Desperate Housewives," as loyal readers know, I won't be tuning in.
"Wing" and a Prayer
Various sources are reporting a veritable influx of departed West Wing staffers will return to the series during the show's final five episodes. Returning castmembers are expected to include Rob Lowe, Weeds' Mary-Louise Parker, Emily Proctor, Marlee Matlin, Gary Cole, Tim Matheson, Timothy Busfield, Anna Deavere Smith, and Annabeth Gish, who will each reprise their roles for at least one episode.
No word on whether NBC has invited Aaron Sorkin back as well...
HBO to Cook Up Comedy
According to the Hollywood Reporter, comic Dane Cook has signed a multi-project deal with HBO that will include scripted series and specials, as well as other projects. Included in the agreement is a feature-length concert film, the development of a scripted series, and a comedy documentary series titled "Tourgasm." This long-term deal is said to be the first of its kind in premium cable.
Cook will next be seen in the film "Employee of the Month," opposite Jessica Simpson, and "Dan in Real Life," with Steve Carell.
Meanwhile, my calls to HBO over the death of Carnivale went unanswered...
What’s On Tonight
8 pm: Survivor: Panama—Exile Island (CBS); Deal or No Deal (NBC); Smallville (WB); Sweet Home Alabama (ABC); American Idol (FOX); Everybody Hates Chris/Love, Inc. (UPN)
9 pm: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS); My Name Is Earl/The Office (NBC); Beauty and the Geek (WB); Skating with Celebrities (FOX); Eve/Cuts (UPN)
10 pm: Without a Trace (CBS); ER (NBC); Primetime (ABC)
What I’ll Be Watching
8 pm: Everybody Hates Chris.
Everybody knows how much I love Chris. The perfect start for a smashing night of comedy. Now if only there were something worth watching at 8:30. I refuse to watch Deal or No Deal. (Having only caught a few minutes of this show in which someone kept opening various suitcases, perhaps someone can explain to me how it even works? Not that I'll start watching.)
9 pm: My Name Is Earl.
Ah, entrantress, thy name is Joy.
9:30 pm: The Office.
Now that a certain network that shall go unnamed decided to take Arrested Development off the airwaves, this half-hour is the comedy highlight of my week. Tonight, Dwight needs help with public speaking and turns to Michael for advice. You know you're bad off if you're turning to Michael Scott for suggestions. About anything.