Two of cable’s most successful brands are once again paving the way to the future with a bold, industry-leading strategy.

According to the vision laid out by executives during the annual Upfront presentation today in New York, TBS and TNT will undertake a major transformation over the next two years, evolving from linear television networks into branded video destinations.

“Our strategy is designed to confront the challenges of an ever-growing media universe by focusing on the strength of our brands, the power of our programming and the ability to deliver branded video content that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere and on any device,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. “To reach our destination, we will focus on leading with the strength of the TBS and TNT brands; cementing each network’s foundation with popular, high-profile acquisitions; expanding our lineup of scripted and unscripted original series to a year-round model; and maximizing multi-screen opportunities.”

“Turner continues to make investments in programming that has broad appeal with viewers, and our commitment to producing originals throughout the year and content for all screens will provide tremendous opportunities for our clients and their brands,” said David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. ”As viewer habits progress and we evolve into a One Media World, advertisers continue to look for opportunities to engage with consumers on multiple screens and platforms. Turner’s leading portfolio of linear and digital brands, with enhanced original content, provides our advertising partners with greater reach for their messages, across multiple screens, genres and demographics.”

In addition to detailing the strategy for success and growth in the future, TNT and TBS unveiled their extensive original series lineups for 2012-13. TNT and TBS also announced a diverse range of new projects in development from such high-profile creative partners as David Baldacci, Michael Bay, Steven Bochco, Tom Clancy, James Duff, Howard Gordon, Norm MacDonald, Matthew McConaughey, Conan O’Brien, Michael Ovitz, Robert Port, Michael M. Robin, Ron Shelton, Greer Shephard, Don Todd and Dick Wolf.

“At TNT, we’re expanding our programming horizons with new forms and new genres – like we did last year with Falling Skies – and we’re reaching out to new audiences,” explained Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “Whatever the form or genre, we’re using what we call the ‘popcorn mindset’ as the guiding principle behind all our development. From a storytelling perspective, that simply means that TNT’s dramas are meant to entertain and excite viewers, take them on a ride and land them safely at the end.”

TNT has nine original series on tap this summer, more than any other time in the network’s history. Among the new series joining the network are the eagerly anticipated Dallas and TNT’s first-ever reality-competition show, The Great Escape. TNT is also building its originals slate with the recently greenlit medical drama Monday Mornings and the unscripted series Boston Blue (working title) and 72 Hours (working title).

TBS’s slate of original programming is being developed with two types of comedy lovers in mind. “The Big Bang Theory gives us an ideal foundation from which to launch original series that target our audience of ‘comedy relatables,’ who like comedy that reminds them of their own lives, while Family Guy is one of our anchors for ‘comedy rebels,’ who enjoy more irreverent, provocative comedy,” Wright said.

For the comedy relatables, TBS is premiering two new sitcoms this summer, each of which will be paired in the lineup with The Big Bang Theory. Next week, TBS will premiere Men at Work, followed in July by the launch of Sullivan & Son. Later this year, TBS will also debut the scripted comedy series Wedding Band, followed in early 2013 by the premiere of Cougar Town, now a TBS original series. For the comedy rebels, TBS’s slate includes shows like the competition series King of the Nerds (working title) and the newly greenlit Deon Cole’s Black Box and Who Gets the Last Laugh? (working title).

The following is a rundown of new and returning series on the slate for TNT and TBS, as well as descriptions of scripted and unscripted series being developed for the networks.

Current and New Series

Rizzoli & Isles – Season 3 premiere: Tuesday, June 5, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Franklin & Bash – Season 2 premiere: Tuesday, June 5, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

Dallas – Two-hour series premiere:  Wednesday, June 13, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Falling Skies – Two-hour season 2 premiere: Sunday, June 17, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

The Great Escape – Series premiere: Sunday, June 24, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

The Closer – Final six episodes premiere: Monday, July 9, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Perception – Series premiere: Monday, July 9, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

Leverage – Season 5 premiere: Sunday, July 15, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT)

Major Crimes – Series premiere: Monday, Aug. 13, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), then moves to 9 p.m.

Southland – Season 5 coming in February 2013

Monday Mornings – New series coming in early 2013

Boston Blue (working title) – New series coming in 2013

72 Hours (working title) – New series coming in 2013

 TNT Scripted Series in Development

King and Maxwell – Bestselling author David Baldacci‘s popular characters Sean King and Michelle Maxwell aren’t your typical pair of private investigators. Both are former secret service agents, and their unique skill set (not to mention their razor-sharp chemistry) often gives them a leg up on both suspects and conventional law enforcement. Baldacci serves as a consultant on the project. Executive Producer: Shane Brennan. Producer: Karen Spiegel and Grant Anderson. Studio: CBS Television Studios.

The Last Ship – In this exciting action/adventure project based on the popular novel by William Brinkley, the crew of a naval destroyer is forced to confront the reality of a new existence when a pandemic decimates most of the earth’s population. Michael Bay (Transformers) intends to direct the pilot if it is green lit. Executive Producers: Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, Andrew Form, Hank Steinberg (showrunner and writer) and Steve Kane (writer). Production Company: Platinum Dunes.

Legends – This suspenseful, action-packed drama is being developed by Howard Gordon, Jeffrey Nachmanoff and Mark Bomback from the novel Legends by Robert Littell. The story follows a deep-cover operative named Martin Odum, who has an uncanny ability to transform himself into a different person for each job. But his own identity comes into question when a mysterious stranger suggests that Martin isn’t who he thinks he is. Executive Producers: Howard Gordon, Jeffrey Nachmanoff, Alexander Cary and Jonathan Levin. Studio: Fox Television Studios.

Lew Archer – Based on the title character from Ross McDonald’s popular novels, this project from The Closer creator James Duff and Close to Home creator Jim Leonard follows the sleuth many consider to be “the original P.I.” Executive Producers: James Duff, Jim Leonard (writer) and Steve N. White. Studio: Warner Horizon Television.

Tom Clancy’s Homeland Security – This event-based procedural written by Javier Grillo-Marxuach and set in Tom Clancy‘s world of espionage pits a select team of domestic intelligence operatives against enemies within and without, from narco-traffickers and nuclear terrorists to cyber-criminals and human smugglers. Executive Producers: Tom Clancy, Michael Ovitz, Javier Grillo-Marxuach and Chris George.

Untitled Steven Bochco Murder Mystery project – This suspenseful and intriguing crime drama will intimately dissect a single murder case over an entire season, from the commitment of the crime through the investigation, arrest and trial. Executive Producer: Steven Bochco (writer). Co-Executive Producer: Eric Lodal (writer).

Untitled Ron Shelton family drama – A disgraced football coach loses his high-profile job in Los Angeles and winds up moving his three kids and 70-year-old father to Louisiana. But this might just be the fresh start they need in this insightful drama from the writer/director of Bull Durham. Executive Producers: Ron Shelton (writer), Michele Weisler and Andrea Buchanan.

TNT Unscripted Series in Development

American Troubadours –From one of the executive producers of American Idol and film star Matthew McConaughey, this new reality competition series is on a mission to discover the best unsigned bar band in America, singer/songwriter bands that represent the greatest tradition of rock and roll. Executive Producers: Nigel Lythgoe, Matthew McConaughey and Anastasia Brown.  Production Companies: Nigel Lythgoe Productions and J.K. Livin Foundation.

Cold Justice – This docu-drama, produced by EmmyÒ winners for such series as Law & Order, Project Runway and Top Chef, will follow former prosecutor Kelly Siegler and crime scene investigator Yolanda McClary as they crack cold cases. Executive Producers: Dick Wolf, Tom Thayer, Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz. Production Companies: Wolf Films and Magical Elves.

Rivals – From the producers of Laguna Beach and Jockeys comes this riveting series set in the glamorous world of thoroughbred horse racing. Executive Producers: Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun and Gene Stein for BermanBraun; Gary Ravet for Promark Productions; and Gary Auerbach and Tina Gazzero for Go Go Luckey.

24/7: Los Angeles – OscarÒ-winning documentary filmmaker Robert Port crafted this gripping, all-access look at the men and women who protect the streets of Los Angeles. Executive Producers: Robert Port, Michael Goldstein and Michael Larkin. Production Company: Port Films.

New Series

Men at Work – Series premiere: Thursday, May 24, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

Sullivan & Son – Series premiere: Thursday, July 19, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)

Wedding Band – New series coming in December

Cougar Town – Joins TBS original series lineup in early 2013

King of the Nerds (working title) – New series coming soon

Deon Cole’s Black Box – New series coming in 2013

Who Gets the Last Laugh? (working title) – New series coming in 2013

TBS Scripted Series in Development

The Kid – To try and get his game back, a young and socially naïve golf prodigy named Quinn teams up with Joey, an unconventional new caddy. But much to the dismay of his father, Quinn learns more than just golf, as this new duo makes its way into the high-rolling, fast-moving big-time world of professional golf. The Kid is written by Donald Todd from a story by Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Bamberger and writer Jay Hass, along with David Morse (Tremé) and professional golfer Phil Mickelson’s longtime caddy, Jim “Bones” Mackay. Executive Producers: Donald Todd, Greer Shephard and Michael M. Robin. Production Company: The Shephard/Robin Company. Studio: Warner Horizon Television.

Most Likely – It has been ten years since high school, and the former “most likely to succeed” star student returns to his hometown after losing his job. He winds up working for the former (and still) “most popular” jock in this mismatched buddy comedy penned by Josh Heald (Hot Tub Time Machine). Executive Producers: Conan O’Brien, Jeff Ross and David Kissinger. Co-Executive Producer/Writer: Josh Heald. Production Company: Conaco LLC. Studio: Warner Horizon Television.

Zone Lord – Conan O’Brien serves as executive producer on this sitcom with an intergalactic twist. Three roommates awake one morning to discover an evil but very hip alien has moved into their building, along with his diminutive navigator. Executive Producers: Conan O’Brien, Jeff Ross and David Kissinger. Co-Executive Producer/Writer: Ross Venokur. Production Company: Conaco LLC. Studio: Warner Horizon Television.

TBS Unscripted Series in Development

Norm MacDonald is Trending – TBS has ordered a pilot presentation of this talk show from some of the executive producers behind Sports Show with Norm MacDonald and Real Time with Bill Maher. SNL alumnus and former “Weekend Update” anchor Norm MacDonald hosts as he and his team of correspondents sort through the churning mass of pop culture and social media to pull out the funniest, most bizarre and entertaining events so you don’t have to. Executive Producers: Norm MacDonald, Marc Gurvitz and Lori Jo Hoekstra.

Untitled Competition Game Show – This big, unique and physically challenging competition series is being developed by Jared Hoffman and produced by Alloy Digital’s Generate Studios, which was co-founded by Jordan Levin and Pete Aronson. Executive Producer: Jared Hoffman. Production Company: Generate Studios.

About TBS

TBS is basic cable’s #1 network among young adults in primetime. Available in 100 million households, TBS features the EmmyÒ-nominated late-night series CONAN, starring Conan O’Brien, and original primetime comedy series like Men at Work, Sullivan & Son, Cougar Town, Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse, Wedding Band, King of the Nerds (w.t.), Deon Cole’s Black Box and Who Gets the Last Laugh? (w.t.). TBS also features an outstanding slate of contemporary comedies, such as The Big Bang Theory and Family Guy, as well as blockbuster movies and championship sports. In addition, TBS produces special live comedy events, like the star-studded comedy festival held each year inChicago.

About TNT

TNT, one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 99 million households, TNT is home to such original drama series as The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Falling Skies, Franklin & Bash, Leverage, Southland and the upcoming Major Crimes, Dallas, Perception and Monday Mornings. The network also features dramatic unscripted originals like this summer’s The Great Escape and the upcoming Boston Blue (w.t.) and 72 Hours (w.t.). In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like The Mentalist, Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order and Castle, which starts this year; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild AwardsÒ; blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Legendary recording artist and world-renowned guitar maestro Phil Keaggy has released The Cover of Love through Strobie Records today.

The new CD features a collection of love songs by Keaggy’s favorite artists, including The Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley and the Moody Blues, as well as a number of new songs co-written by Keaggy.

“This album is a collection of songs that I’ve enjoyed listening to across the years, as well as songs I’ve written or co-written,” Keaggy says of The Cover of Love. “I really wanted to make these available to my friends.”

The CD features Keaggy’s interpretations of “Between Wyomings” by Ken Mansfield, “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys, Paul McCartney’s “Somedays” and “Motor of Love,” Elvis Presley’s “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” and “Voices In the Sky” by the Moody Blues. Keaggy has also contributed a number of new songs, including “My Auburn Lady,” and “What Matters Most,” “Grow With Me,” co-written with Michael Lewis, and “Where The Morning Dawns,” which he co-wrote with Mike Rodovsky. Keaggy and his daughter, Olivia Keaggy, co-wrote “Where Are You Love,” which also features Olivia on vocals.

The Cover of Love is available at philkeaggy.com.

About Phil Keaggy:
One of the world’s most beloved musicians, Keaggy’s solo career has spanned 40+ years and has included more than 50 solo albums, both vocal and instrumental, as well as eight releases with his band, Glass Harp.

Widely recognized for his phenomenal guitar playing as well as his vocal and songwriting prowess, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his music, including seven Dove Awards and a Grammy nomination.

An accomplished record producer and one of the most sought-after studio guitarists on the planet, Keaggy also continues to sell out concerts all over the United States with his ever-changing style, ranging from rock & roll to fully-orchestrated instrumental compositions.

The Cover of Love is available from Strobie Records. For more information on Keaggy and The Cover of Love, visit philkeaggy.com. Follow Phil Keaggy on Facebook (facebook.com/philkeaggy) or Twitter (@philkeaggy).

There is something special about biblical novels. These books bring the historic time period to life, letting readers experience the culture, customs and everyday lives of the people. They pull back the curtain of history and give readers, ‘ah ha’ moments that provide insight into reasons and motives for some of the stories found in the Bible. Tessa Afshar’s second novel, Harvest of Rubies, is a fascinating look at the time period of the prophet Nehemiah.

Harvest of Rubies
Tessa Afshar
River North

The story centers on Sarah, the cousin of the prophet Nehemiah, who serves in the court of the King of Persia. The daughter of one of the king’s scribes, Sarah can speak numerous languages, keep complex accounts, write on rolls of parchment and tablets of clay, and solve great mysteries.

When she was young, despite all her prayers, Sarah’s mother died. When she needed him most, her father distanced himself from her; it was only when he discovered she could read that he finally showed interest in her. This convinced her of two things: God did not care for her and her value to other people lay in her accomplishments.

A serendipitous event catapulted her into the position of scribe to the Persian Queen, where she is drawn into court intrigue. When the Queen gives Sarah an unusual task, instead of bringing a blessing, her fortuitous success causes Sarah to lose her only validation.

Facing a new life, Sarah learns that her worth goes beyond skills to what is of true value; her heart.

Iranian-born, Tessa Afshar weaves a lovely tapestry in this novel. It is rich in detail about the customs, clothing and culture of this time period. Her characters are fully-fleshed with both strengths and flaws. The storyline is quick-paced and believable and leaves readers thankful that she will pick up Sarah’s story in her next book.

If you are a fan of biblical novels like Frank Slaughter’s “The Robe” or “The Big Fisherman,” or Marjorie Holmes “Two from Galilee” then you’ll love Harvest of Rubies.

Technology Creates Ghostly Effects, but Goes a Little Too Extra on the Sensory

Ghost
Lunt-Fontaine Theatre

A hit movie that starred Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and won an Oscar for Whoopi Goldberg is the latest story to transfer from the big screen to the little stage — only Ghost does it big. Suspend your belief, the slogan urges us to do (like the characters in the story) and we can believe that a 20-year-old blockbuster movie can have an afterlife on Broadway. And it does. After a hit run in London’s West End.

With unmemorable music and sometimes weak lyrics by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard (Grammy-winning Pop music backgrounds) this version relies on amazing special effects rather than star power as its medium to the story of lovers separated by his untimely murder (designer, Rob Howell, illusions by Paul Kieve, amazing lighting by Hugh Vanstone, video and projection design by Jon Driscoll.) From the appearance of specters to their walking through doors and walls it’s all stunning, very well done and executed on a scale larger than anything we’ve seen on Broadway. Director Mathew Warchus fails to rein in the creative team, however, and those projection effects run wild creating an assault on the senses.

There are dancing shadows, which follow along with actors doing Ashley Wallen’s choreography, moving street shots and even walls of dancing crabs. The sequence on the subway cars also is overdone. It’s all way too much and has you wishing you had brought a supply of Dramamine to the theater. (It reminded me of presentations in Power Point where the designer uses every single graphic transition, just because they can).

A lack of equilibrium makes it difficult to concentrate, but if you know the story from the movie, you’ll be able to follow along. For the book, Bruce Joel Rubin (who also wrote lyrics) adapts his Academy-Award-winning screenplay and follows pretty closely — most of your favorite scenes are in there and a little of “Unchained Melody” too.

For those of you who somehow missed the movie, banker Sam Wheat (Richard Fleishman) is murdered, but refuses to leave his love, Molly Jensen (Cassie Levy) to cross over into the light. She doesn’t know that the one responsible for the murder is close by — Sam’s best friend Carl Bruner (Bryce Pinkham), who needs to find Sam’s password to retrieve stolen money from an account. Sam enlists the help of phony spiritualist Oda Mae Brown (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) who finds she really can hear Sam’s spirit, to communicate with Molly. (Fleishman and Levy reprise their west end roles).

Randolph is outrageously funny as the reluctant medium. Vocals are good (and I’ll pretend it didn’t annoy me that Levy has longer blond, curly hair instead of that cute little cut Demi Moore made famous).

Ghost suspends belief at the Lunt-Fontaine Theatre, 205 West 46th St., NYC. Tickets: 800-745-3000      .

This Show Contains:
– Language
– God’s name taken in vain
– Theological issues: obviously we’re talking ghosts here, ability to communicate with the dead, possession of a body by a spirit; implied that good people go to heaven and bad people go to hell.

Lauren Yarger is Executive Director of Masterwork Productions, Inc. © 2011, all rights reserved. She writes, directs and produces for theater. Her tour of a one-woman musical about the life of Mary Magdalene ended Off-Broadway and her Christian musical adaptation of a Christmas Carol, won a 2000 VT Bessie Award. She is a member of The Outer Critics Circle, The Drama Desk, the American Theater Critics Association, The National Book Critics Circle, the Society of Professional Journalists and Christians in Theatre Arts. Her NY theater reviews appear at http://reflectionsinthelight.blogspot.com . Yarger writes a blog of news, book reviews and inspiration for Christian artists at http://christianperformers.blogspot.com

I became a fan of Charles Martin with his first book, “The Dead Don’t Dance.” It had the intrigue of John Grisham, the story lines of Michael Crichton and the heart of Nicholas Sparks. This has held true for each of Martin’s successive books and shines in his latest novel, Thunder and Rain.

Thunder and Rain
By Charles Martin
Center Street

Tyler Steele was a third generation Texas Ranger, and he wasn’t a baseball player. He wore a silver star in his chest, a white Stetson on his head and – like John Wayne – rode tall in the saddle. He wore starched jeans, polished his boots, and took his hat off when a lady – meaning any female – walked in the room. He was a real Texas gentleman. Which meant that – no matter how he was feeling – when he saw a lady lugging around a heavy load, he would take it from her and carry it himself.

The latest lady with a burden was Samantha – Sam – and her young daughter, Hope. He met them under the worst of circumstances; circumstances that would have made many people label Sam as ‘getting what she deserved’ and not worth being rescued. But years of training are not easily shrugged off; although Tyler was retired, he stepped in to help the stranger and her innocent daughter.

Despite his strong moral compass, Ty has trouble seeing his greatest weakness. His hard outer shell, the one essential to his work, made him incapable of forging the emotional connection his estranged wife Andie so desperately needed.

Now retired, raising their son Brodie on his own, and at risk of losing his ranch, Ty does not know how to rebuild from the rubble of his life. As his relationship with Sam and Hope unfolds, Ty realizes he must confront his true weaknesses if he wants to become the man he needs to be.

Like his other books, Thunder and Rain is a masterpiece. Charles Martin handles words with the skill of Michelangelo, creating a setting that is breath-taking, characters that are fully-fleshed and three dimensional and a storyline that is riveting. I frequently interrupted my husband to read sections of this book aloud. Writers of all levels would do well to study Martin’s works.

Being a native-born Texan, I’m quite proud of the Lone State; her wild beauty, her history, her larger-than-life nature. Martin’s description of Texas and her people was so realistic that it made me homesick.

The storyline is believable, without the ‘oh come on now’ moments in so many shoot ‘em ups in print and on the big screen. Knowing from Martin’s past books that he is quite capable of killing off your favorite character, I held my breath when…well, I’m not going to give it away. This story has what some might consider adult situations – remember, the main character is a lawman – yet Martin proves that a writer can handle them without resorting to coarse language or vulgar descriptions.

Be warned; clear out your calendar before opening Thunder and Rain; it is a fast-paced, riveting book. While this is a marvelous story for women who still appreciate men who are really “men,” it is also a great book for guys. With Father’s Day around the corner, this book would be a perfect gift for your husband, your father or any man in your life.

Veteran television and film actor Silas Weir Mitchell stars in NBC’s new fantastical mystery/crime show GRIMM, in the role of fan-favorite ‘Monroe’.  Monroe is a Blutbad, kind of a big bad wolf-like critter, who offers clandestine aid to police detective Nick Burkhardt. Burkhardt is, of course, a Grimm, a group of protectors who fight to keep humanity safe from the demonic creatures of the world.

Mike Parker – I understand your were born and raised in Philadelphia. Is it coincidence, or is there more to it, that you share your name with the famous Civil War physician, neurologist and author, Dr. Silas Weir Mitchell, who was also born in Philadelphia?

Silas Weir Mitchell – He was something like my great, great, great uncle. I’m directly related to him. He is an interesting figure. There is a lot of history about him in Philadelphia.

Parker – I find it interesting that you hold degrees in both theatre arts and religious studies. What compelled you to choose your career field in acting?

Mitchell – I went to Brown university, where there was no core curriculum. You declare your major between your sophomore and junior year. I had attended a high school that required a religious class, and I read exegetical material since I was a youngster, so I took a couple of courses in religious studies because they were interesting to me. When I got to be a junior, and it was time to declare a major, I didn’t want to be a philosophy major because I just didn’t want to deal with Kant and Kierkegaard. I really didn’t want to take any math course so I shied away from psychology. Religious studies was more to my liking, because it sort of married those two things together and spoke to issues about what it means to be human. And that really what acting is all about, too. While I majored in religious studies, I didn’t hang out with those people. My academic life was more about theater. I was interested in being an actor, and had done a lot of acting. I just hadn’t taken any theatre classes. When I got to my senior year I realized all I had to do was take seven theatre courses, and I could graduate with the people that I spent most of my time with.

Parker – The first time I specifically remember seeing you on screen was when you were playing the arms dealer, Seymour, on Burn Notice. I loved that character.

Mitchell – (laughs) That was fun, man!

Parker – Your first acting gig came when you were in the 3rd grade, playing the character of Hansel in a school production of Hansel and Gretel. Now you’ve kind of come full circle, playing another fairy tale character in the hit TV series, Grimm. Tell me about Monroe.

Mitchell – The thing that makes Monroe so intriguing is the inner conflict between the creature and the human. We all share these things as humans, where we have tendencies and behaviors that don’t fit in this world. Humans are animals after all. Monroe struggles with the tension between those tendencies and actual behaviors and how that manifests. It’s almost like the humanity is greater when you are confronted by someone who is very open, but is also very closed and a loner. There is a conflict in him that I find compelling. There is also the fact that Monroe is a kind person, but doesn’t do well in the world. He’s a good guy, but he doesn’t do well with people.

Parker – I’m intrigued by the special effects in the show. It looks like you actually go through a pretty intense make-up session. How long are you in the chair to achieve your Blutbad persona?

Mitchell – I’ve only done that once. The rest of the takes are CGI based on the original make up. It takes too long to apply. I couldn’t do it every day.

Grimm airs Fridays on the NBC television network.

The Seven Questions

1. What’s your favorite sound?
Mitchell – A halyard clanging against the mast of my boat.

2. What makes you happy?
Mitchell – My dog.

3. What makes you angry?
Mitchell – People who wear too much perfume or cologne; along with many other things.

4. What is the secret of success?
Mitchell – Persistence; and finding joy in failure.

5. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, living or dead, who would it be?
Mitchell – There are so many. My first thought is (Swiss psychiatrist) Carl Jung.

6. What is the epitaph that is written on your tombstone?
Mitchell – I have no answer.

7. When you get to heaven, what is the first thing you want to hear God say to you?
Mitchell – “Welcome.”

Photos courtesy NBC Universal

In the Olympics we had the dream team when it came to basketball. In Hollywood there are a couple of “dream teams” as well. One of those is made up of Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, and Helena Bonham Carter. They are back this time in a rendition of the long running 60’s TV series, DARK SHADOWS. Mainly it is just an excuse for Depp to dress funny and walk around in a strange stupor. But we love when he does that, so it is ok.

Dark Shadows
Warner Bros. Pictures

Barnabas Collins (Depp) is from a well-to-do family in Maine. When he is cursed to be a Vampire by a scorned lover he goes to sleep in the 1700s only to be released again in the 1970’s; still a vampire. He finds his family estate and dysfunctional relatives to be in need of not only financial help but a little family counseling as well. The current matriarch (Michelle Pfeiffer) is trying to cope with her angst filled daughter (Chloë Grace Moretz), money hungry hubby (Jonny Lee Miller), and a live in therapist (Helena Bonham Carter) who is there for her troubled nephew (Gulliver McGrath). In order to save the family business Barnabas must wage war against the very witch (Eva Green) who put the spell on him and drove his family to ruins.

This has director Tim Burton’s fingerprints all over it. His set design and signature graphics make this a must see for fans. The look and styling is very similar to Sleepy Hollow, though the story is not nearly as strong. This tale rides bareback on a few silly characters and Depp’s ability to perform. It needed more though. The solid moments are when Barnabas is trying to acclimate himself to the 1900’s and especially the 70’s. There is much in that decade to poke fun at and the movie shines when doing that. The rest of the time it is a monster mash of Barnabas and the witch that can’t have him.

The main issue is that though the film is superb to look at it doesn’t have enough humor or creative dialogue. All the characters are one dimensional and fairly cliché. After a few scenes you sort of want more. Plus the writing is far from unique. The predictable moments are eye rolling and a majority of the thunder is stolen in the trailer.

DARK SHADOWS is rated PG-13 for comic horror violence, sexual content, some drug use, language and smoking. Parents should be concerned when it comes to any member under the age of 16. Though never gratuitous it is certainly a bit much for those new to the teenage years. Plus there is the element of sorcery, blood sucking vampires, witches and spells. So do with that what you will. I wanted to love this film since I am a huge fan of Depp and Burton. Sadly it left me bored. I would certainly recommend it as a renter and it should be seen. I am just not sure it is worth the box office ticket price. I give it 2.5 out of 5 jive talking disco balls. It just didn’t quite shake my groove thang.

Review copyright 2012 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.

Gary Moore - May 7, 2012 - 12th Annual Golden Heart Awards held at Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Credit: Andreas Branch/PatrickMcMullan.com/Sipa USA (Sipa via AP Images)

Gary Moore, recently seen at the Golden Heart Awards last Monday night at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, has been added to the cast of David Fincher’s Netflix drama series House Of Cards. The political thriller stars Kevin Spacey as Rep. Frank Underwood, the Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives. Moore, repped by Hutson Talent, will play an important role in the upcoming series.

Moore, who is also recurring on Award winning Courage, New Hampshire, will next be seen in the feature Jimmy, with Ted Levine, and in the upcoming US release of Return to the Hiding Place,  starring John Rhys-Davies.

Finales close the spring television season, leaving many viewers wondering what to fill their summer with. Fans of espionage and crime need not worry; George Smiley and Hercule Poirot offer many hours with satisfying twists and turns.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy from Acorn Media Group stars Alec Guiness (Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars¸ Lawrence of Arabia) in his BAFTA-winning role as George Smiley, a retired master spy. There is a mole in the British intelligence service and it can only be one of four men operating at the very highest level. Smiley is recruited to find him, leading him into the Cold War-era world of double agents.

Based upon the critically-acclaimed book by John Le Carre, this series keeps you guessing until the very end. Guiness’ portrayal of Smiley – tired of the world of espionage, yet with the skill set needed to uncover this traitor – proves why he is an award-winning actor. Also starring in the series is Ian Richardson, Michael Aldridge, Joss Ackland, Ian Bannen, Bernard Hepton, Terence Rigby, Michael Jayston, Hywel Bennett, Anthony Bate and a cameo by Patrick Stewart.

Fans of the larger-than-life-blow-up-everything-in-sight mega thrillers today might find the 1979 film a little wan to look at. However, those who love a realistic-looking film will enjoy the feel of London during the Cold War.

Bonus features include:

Exclusive interview with director John Irvin (29 min.)
Deleted scenes (11 min.)
John le Carré interview (27 min.)
Production notes
Glossary of main characters and terms
Le Carré biography and booklist
SDH subtitles

Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Series 4 features 3 classic mysteries from the hit PBS series, as seen on PBS’s Masterpiece Mystery.

Christie’s iconic sleuth, Hercule Poirot has been portrayed by a number of skilled actors. Yet, only David Suchet has truly captured the appearance and personality of the dapper Belgian detective.  Aiding Poirot in his crime solving is his friend, Captain Hastings, played larger than life by Hugh Fraser and Chief Inspector Japp, delightfully portrayed by Philip Jackson.

The newly remastered episodes bring Agatha Christie’s 1930s Europe to vibrant life. Guest stars include Donald Sumpter (Game of Thrones) and Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who).

“The ABC Murders” has Poirot investigating a series of murders by a killer who taunts the detective with a letter that presents clues about his next victim. Assisted by Captain Hastings and some of the friends and family of the victims, Poirot engages the ‘little gray cells’ to find the pattern in what appears to be random murders.

“Death in the Clouds” has Poirot flying to Paris when a murder occurs. Everyone on board, including Poirot himself, is a suspect. That does not prevent Inspector Japp from asking Poirot to investigate the crime, with the help of several passengers and a stewardess.

“One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” someone has murdered Poirot’s dentist, followed by a murderous chain of events. Only Poirot use take a broken shoe buckle and uncover the mystery surrounding a deadly web of deception.

Each episode is a marvelous adaption of Agatha Christie’s stellar novels, complete with superb costumes and sets.

Subtitles in English, Spanish and French are available on the three episodes.

Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, Dolphin Digital Studios, Inc., and Wonderland Sound and Vision today announced a second season of the hit online series “Aim High” has been green lit and shooting will commence in the Los Angeles area later this month.  Jackson Rathbone, best known for his role as “Jasper Hale” from the “Twilight” film series will return as government operative “Nick Green.”  Additional casting information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Directing the second season of “Aim High” is Ari Sandel who won the Academy Award® for his live-action short film “West Bank Story.”  Writer Daniel Mackey, having previously collaborated with Wonderland on other projects, penned the script.

“The first season of ‘Aim High’ was well received by online audiences and fans will be blown away by what we have planned for season two,” said McG, Producer of “Aim High.”  “I am thrilled to be working with a filmmaker as talented as Ari Sandel.  His proficiency in storytelling and ability to connect with a discriminate audience are second to none.”

“I’m very excited to be working with McG and Warner Bros. on ‘Aim High’,” said Ari Sandel. “When I saw the production quality of the first season I was truly impressed.  Warner Bros. is really taking digital storytelling to new levels and I think fans will love what we have planned for season two.”

“Aim High” is the story of a young man leading a double life – juggling his studies by day and serving as a government operative by night.  Season one of the series chronicled the life of Nick Green and his junior year of High School while working as one of the country’s 64 highly trained teenage operatives.  Fans can view the entire first season on Aim High’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/aimhighseries.

Ari Sandel and McG are represented by WME.  Jackson Rathbone is represented by Paradigm and Cutler Management, and Daniel Mackey by Brooklyn Weaver at Energy Entertainment.

About the Director

Ari Sandel is the director of the short film, “West Bank Story” which won the Academy Award in 2007 for Best Short Film (Live Action).

Sandel earned his Directing M.F.A. from the University of Southern California’s school of Cinema-Television. Sandel also directed the documentary, “Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights – Hollywood to the Heartland,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was later released nationwide in 2008.  He is currently attached to several film projects in development.