Glenn Close on 11th hour 'Damages' pickup: 'I was really surprised'

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/08/29/glenn-close-on-11th-hour-damages-pickup-i-was-really-surprised/

Contrary to what you may have heard, I most certainly did not tell Glenn Close to take a flying leap when we spoke Friday at the 2010 Entertainment Weekly and Women in Film pre-Emmy shindig. However, amid talk of Damages‘ series-saving move to DirecTV—and the new freedoms said move has given the show’s writers—she did contemplate taking the plunge. WTH am I going on about? Press play to find out.

'Damages' execs on moving to DirecTV and the Patty/Ellen twist that kicks off season 4

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/07/26/damages-directv-spoilers-season-4/

Now that the initial burst of excitement surrounding DirecTV’s two-season pickup of Damages is fading, it’s time to take a closer look at the deal’s fine print: Will the ex-FX drama have to alter its unique formula in an effort to pull in more viewers? Will the show’s producers be forced to make due with a smaller budget? And what’s next for Patty (Glenn Close) and Ellen(Rose Byrne) ? Damages EPs Todd A. Kessler, Glenn Kessler, and Daniel Zelman tackled those three questions and about four or five others.

Will the FX version of Damages differ from DirecTV’s version?
Daniel Zelman: Basically, the answer is no. DirecTV wants us to do the show that we’ve been doing. If anything, they want us to push what we’ve been doing even further. They’re encouraging us to be as bold as possible, which is something we strive for anyway. There have been no discussions about altering the show in any fundamental way.
Todd A. Kessler: What’s exciting for us as creators is that on the 101 Network there are no commercials, so it’ll be an uninterrupted hour. And that lends itself to the type of storytelling we do.

Will the show’s budget be cut?
Daniel: The budget has basically been kept the same, which we’re very grateful for in this climate. Our show has a very affluent audience and is one of the most Tivo’d shows on cable, and that sits very well with DirecTV’s consumer base.

The season 3 finale easily could have worked as a series finale. Did you write it that way because the specter of cancellation was hanging over your heads?
Daniel: We want to bring every season to a satisfying conclusion. As you know, we have a different case every season and we have different guest actors every season. So we always want to bring every season to an endpoint so that there’s a sense that you sat through a complete experience. Had we known the series was definitely coming back, or if we thought the series was not coming back, the third season would not have ended much differently—if differently at all. The scene with [Patty and Ellen] on the dock was something we would have wanted to do regardless.

What can you tell me about season 4?
Daniel: Patty and Ellen will be in a new phase of their relationship, one that we haven’t seen before.

Who’s returning aside from Glenn and Rose?
Daniel: Right now it really is just Glenn and Rose. But if you know our show, we’re very creative about who we bring back. Zeljko Ivanek died the first season and yet he’s been back every season since. Tate Donovan’s character died at the end of last season, but we certainly wouldn’t rule out him coming back in some form. Anyone in our show can make an appearance. We would love to have Frobisher back in some form.

As a fan of the show, I never understood how Ellen could get past the fact that Patty tried to kill her.
Daniel: That remains out there as an issue between the two of them. One of the questions of the whole series is, Will Ellen ever really get past that? And will that resurface to cause Ellen to take extreme action against Patty at some point? A huge part of Ellen’s arc in the second season and continuing into the third was her own personal need to forgive and let go. And in a weird way, when you forgive someone for doing something that extreme, you end up having power over them. That being said, there’s always an element to our show that’s heightened and hyper-realistic. We don’t look at that relationship and Ellen’s choice to forgive Patty as something that would happen in real life. We see something mythic in their relationship. But the real answer to that question is we’ll see if Ellen really ends up being okay with that.

When do you start production?
Glenn: Right now it’s scheduled for January.

Are you looking at season 5 as the last?
Daniel: We have an idea in our head of the evolution of Ellen and Patty that takes us through five seasons. And really that’s all we’re focused on right now. There’s time to work that out and consider where it might go in a [possible] sixth.
 

Ask Ausiello 7/21/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/07/22/ask-ausiello-spoilers-greys-smallville-castle/

Question: I need Chuck scoop and I need it now. —Olivia
Ausiello: In case you missed it, I just posted a major spoiler about one of the show’s most memorable villains returning for season 4. But wait — there’s more. Sources confirm to me exclusively that Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Hugo Panzer is also making a comeback in the same October episode!

Question: Do you need a date for Comic-Con? I’m totally available! I’m a pop culture wunderkind, so I’d be great for much varied and relevant conversation! —Brundy
Ausiello: I know how this goes. You say you want stimulating conversation and then the moment we’re together you start undressing me with your eyes. Sigh. I long for the day when people start respecting me for my brains and not my brawn. I guess what I’m trying to say is… yeah, you can be my date.

Question: I’m about to go Mel Gibson on your butt if I don’t get some Smallville spoilers regarding Lois and Clark. So how ’bout it bud? —Christine
Ausiello: You wouldn’t dare hit a man while he’s holding a mint condition Vanity Smurf plush circa 1982, would you? [Beat] Don’t answer that. Okay, here’s your scoop: There’s a development in the premiere that is so ginormous you’d think Smallville was heading into its final season or something.

Question: Any intel on Smallville‘s big bad this year? —Mitch.
Ausiello: No, but I think I have something better: Clark’s getting a new partner at the Daily Planet this season, and she’s got some major DC Comics cred. The character’s name is Cat Grant, and my good buddy Walter Wikipedia has all the deets on the currently-being-cast character. (And no worries Clois fans; Cat will serve solely as a comedic foil to Clark. I think.)

Question: Your wedding blind item is keeping me up at night wondering which pairing it could be. Please help me get a good nights sleep; give us another clue. —Khalia
Ausiello: The show in question is not—I repeat not—Bones. Nighty-night!

Question: Do you know the name of Katie Cassidy’s character on Gossip Girl? —Julie
Ausiello: As a matter of fact I do. Her name is Juliet Sharp.

Question: I need a juicy NCIS scoop, please. —CC
Ausiello: Would you settle for a mildly interesting one instead? Knots Landing vet William Devane is slated to guest star this fall as the grandfather of a little girl that is kidnapped. Admit it, that kind of knocked your socks off.

Question: Vampire Diaries scoop pretty please with a Smurf on top? —Randi
Ausiello: New blood alert! The show is casting the potentially recurring role of Vanessa, a very attractive, smart, young grad student who assists Damon and Alaric with their werewolf research at Alaric’s alma mater, Duke University.

Question: It’s common knowledge that you’re going to Comic-Con. But what is not common knowledge is what exactly you’ll be doing there. Spill it! —Jason
Ausiello: I don’t think I like what you’re insinuating. Similar to last year, I will be holed up at Entertainment Weekly’s base camp at the [spoiler alert] Hotel conducting non-stop interviews with the casts of The Big Bang Theory, Fringe, Glee, Bones, Spartacus, Castle, etc. Prior to each interview I’ll be soliciting questions via my Twitter account — @michaelausiello — so Start. Following. Me. Now. And in my down time, I’ll be discreetly making my way around the convention floor hoping to get recognized taking in the sights.

Question: Got anything on Grey’s Anatomy—particularly Meredith and Derek? —Wala
Ausiello: There’s a new man in Mer’s life, and it’s this guy! (More deets in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly, on sale today. And just because he’s in her life doesn’t mean he’s, you know, in her. Did I go too far with that one?)

Question: Rumor has it Glee is introducing a new athlete early in the season. Is this the same guy who will strike up a romance with Curt? —Ashley
Ausiello: Nope, different guy. This particular singing stud will play a key role in a football-related plot.

Question: Will Lucy Lawless be returning for season 2 of Spartacus: Blood and Sand? I know she was knocking at death’s door in the finale, but I’m praying she pulls through! —Jennifer
Ausiello: I’m keeping vigil right next to you, Jen! Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a straight answer out of the show’s EP, Steven S. DeKnight regarding Lawless’ fate. “That’s a good question that I can’t quite answer yet,” he hedged. “But she will be in the prequel. I can guarantee you that.” I guess I’ll just have to find out for myself later this week when I reunite with Lawless at Comic-Con. Speaking of which, rumor has it LL is bringing a friend with her to the EW video suite. (Hint: The friend in question was a major topic of conversation during our inaugural chat at last year’s Con.)

Question: Any new spoilers for the third season of Castle now that they’ve started filming? —Laura
Ausiello: We’ll learn a lot more about Beckett’s early years on the force in this season’s third episode when her training officer becomes the focal point of a cast. Said training officer is being played by Jason Beghe (Cane, American Dreams), and rumor has it the two may have been romantically involved back in the day.

Question: No Ordinary Family. You thoughts? Worth watching this fall? —Maddie
Ausiello: Without question. I’ll admit I was worried the ABC drama would have a “been there, seen that” feel to it coming on the heels of Heroes. But Family offered a surprisingly fresh take on the Average Joe and Jane Superhero conceit. I’m definitely on board. In fact, it’s one of my top six favorite pilots. Here are the other five (in case you’re curious): Fox’s Lonestar, NBC’s The Event, The CW’s Nikita, CBS’ Hawaii Five-0, and ABC’s Better With You.

Question: Some Desperate Housewives scoop, please! —Arno
Ausiello: I hear Bree has a nasty confrontation with some tired old wallpaper in the season premiere. Of course, as my friend’s therapist would say, it’s not wallpaper she’s really mad at.

Question: Will Andrea Bowen be back as Julie Mayer for the new season of Desperate Housewives? —Annie
Ausiello: As a matter of fact she won’t.

Question: One Tree Hill scoop demanded. Let’s be real. Will Lucas and Peyton ever return to Tree Hill? —Taylor
Ausiello: If this turns out to be the soap’s final season, I’d say there’s an 80 percent chance both will be back in the series finale.

Question: Why is it that there is still no juicy spoilerific scoop on One Tree Hill‘s new season? —Johnny
Ausiello: Um…. did you not see my spoiler last week about three longtime series regulars being killed off in the season premiere? You’re looking for something bigger than that? Okay, here it goes: Look for Victoria and Millicent to jeopardize the future of Brooks company. (BTW, that first part about the three series regulars getting whacked was a joke. It’s okay to laugh.)

Question: How about a season 3 Mentalist spoiler? —TDM
Ausiello: Have you heard the one about the show introducing PJ’s con-man of a bother-in-law who ends up falsely accused of murder? A charismatic charmer whose devil-may-care bravado masks a hidden anxiety and desperation? Someone who looks like a mix of Giovanni Ribisi and Paul Giamatti? Yes? Well then this has all been a huge waste of time.

Question: How many days a week do they shoot Chuck? How many film crews do they have, and do they ever film at the same time? How many days of shooting equals one episode on average? How and when did Sarah learn to express her love for Chuck without saying a word? Was she in another sitcom before Chuck? —Andy
Ausiello: I like you Andy. Don’t get me wrong—you clearly have issues. But I like you. Would you be my date to Comic-Con?

Question: Any word on whether Melina Kanakaredes will be returning to CSI: NY to give a proper goodbye to Stella? —Kirsty
Ausiello: Yep, there’s word: And here it is: No.

Question: I’m curious how Damages‘ move to DirecTV will affect the show. Will the budget be affected? I hope they can still afford actors as accomplished as those who have populated its first three seasons. —Jake
Ausiello: The show’s budget will remain unchanged. The only difference is the next two seasons will be 10 episodes apiece (instead of 13), and the absence of commercials means producers have an extra 15 or so minutes to play around with each week.

Question: I’ve heard rumblings of different Comic-Con after parties—one in particular. Do you know anything about the rumored secret party that Chuck‘s Zach Levi is throwing? —Shar
Ausiello: You mean the one that takes place on [spoiler alert] at [spoiler alert] and features such VIP guests as [spoiler alert] and [spoiler alert]? This is the first I’m hearing of it.

Question: Can you give us a little spoiler regarding House? —Krista
Ausiello: The show has quietly been casting the role of an ex-model and psychiatric resident that ends up joining House team. But there’s a catch. And it’s a fairly big one (as in too spoilery to reveal. (And no, this is not the role Amber Tamblyn is playing.)

Question: I need a 90210 season 3 scoop—an amazing one! —Antonakis
Ausiello: There’s a death in the season premiere. Amazing enough for you?

Question: I really need some Bones scoop! Will we be seeing Zack (a.k.a. Eric Milligan) in season 6? —Elizabeth
Ausiello: Let’s ask EP Stephen Nathan: “We love Eric and would like him to return, but we have no immediate plans yet. Of course, it’s always about juggling schedules now that Eric is back in NYC and busy entertaining the masses in the Big Apple. But the season is young and it remains a possibility.”

Question: Got any Glee scoop that doesn’t involve stunt casting or musical tributes? I’m kind of sick of both. —Geoffrey
Ausiello: Ryan Murphy apparently feels your pain. The show’s creator tells me, “The second season will be more intimate and quieter with less musical numbers. People expect that we’re going to keep trying to top ourselves and out Madonna ourselves. But we’re actually doing the opposite of that. I love the characters we’ve created. I love that I’m doing a whole episode around Heather Morris (Brittany). We’ve finished a couple of the scripts and I love them even more than I did the first season. I just think they’re more emotional and funnier.”

DirecTV deal saves 'Damages' from cancellation!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/07/19/directv-deal-saves-damages/

This just in: Patty Hewes will live to fight another day—and we have DirecTV to thank!

After months of negotiations, DirecTV has reached a deal with Sony Pictures Television to acquire Damages from FX. Under the terms of the pact, DirecTV’s 101 network will air two additional seasons of the drama—each consisting of 10 episodes—beginning in 2011.

Unlike DirecTV’s arrangement with NBC for Friday Night Lights, Damages will only air on DirecTV.

“We’re excited to partner with Sony Pictures Television as we breathe new life into this outstanding drama,” said Patty Ishimoto, general manager of The 101 Network and vice president of entertainment for DirecTV. “It’s a win for our customers because only they will be able to see these new episodes and another great step forward for DirecTV as we continue to build our growing portfolio of exclusive, award winning programming.“

Added FX president John Landgraf: “FX was very proud to have developed one of the best scripted series on television, but, in order to have a future, the show needed DIRECTV and we are thrilled they stepped in. Sony Pictures Television is a great production partner and we at FX Productions are excited for these next two seasons.”

DirecTV saves the day again!

YESYESYESYESYESYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ask Ausiello 7/7/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/07/07/ask-ausiello-spoilers-fringe-glee-castle/

Question: Is John Casey’s daughter, Alex (Mekenna Melvin), going to be a series regular next season on Chuck? —Charles
Ausiello: She’ll be the next best thing to a series regular: a recurring guest star. (That noise you hear is Morgan fantasizing about their awkward first date.)

Question: Will Jessalyn Gilsig be a regular on Glee next season? I absolutely love Terri, but I fear I’m the only one! —Rion
Ausiello: You’re not the only one. I like Terri. But more importantly, series creator Ryan Murphy likes Terri — and he proved it by picking up her series-regular option for season 2 (albeit at a slightly reduced guarantee). Well, technically speaking, Twentieth Television picked up her option, but I’m sure Murphy had a hand in it.

Question: Castle scoop, pretty please? —Becca
Ausiello: When the show returns this fall, promotion for Castle’s new book, Naked Heat, will be in full swing. Of particular interest to Beckett will be the provocative image depicted in the posters, which will be splashed throughout the city.

Question: Is it true that Damages has been canceled? —Nancy
Ausiello: Sources at FX and Sony insist they’re still talking to DirecTV about acquiring the show. My guess? This is how the conversation is going…

Sony/FX: Please pick up Damages. It’s a good show.
DirecTV: No.
Sony/FX: But you took Friday Night Lights. Pretty please?
DirecTV: Still no.
Sony/FX: Pretty please with sugar on top?
DirecTV: I’ll cut a bitch!

Question: Any update on the CSI contract negotiations? I’m psyched Marg Helgenberger is sticking around but I’m worried about the others. —Luca
Ausiello: THIS JUST IN: Eric Szmanda (Greg) has inked a new deal as well! That leaves George Eads (Nick), Paul Guilfoyle (Jim), and Jorja Fox as the only season 11 question marks.

Question: Anything you can tell me about the upcoming season of White Collar to satisfy my cravings? —Rachel
Ausiello: Would you believe me if I told you that Matt Bomer’s Neal and Marsha Thomason’s Diana hit the sheets in the second episode back?

Question: Do you have any scoop on Fringe? —Gena
Ausiello: As foreshadowed by the chalkboard anagram in Walternate’s lab in the season finale, Sam Weiss (a.k.a. actor Kevin Corrigan) will make an appearance or two (or more) in season 3.

Question: Rumor has it Starz has expressed interest in picking up Legend of the Seeker. —Jason
Ausiello: Rumor has it that rumor is 100 percent hogwash.

Question: Will you be hosting another Aushole party? If so, how do I get on the guest list? —Wendy
Ausiello: I’ll actually be hosting a party within a party. As far as getting on the guest list, check my blog (and Twitter feed) for RSVP details in the coming days. It’s a first-come, first-served sort of deal just like last year, so you snooze, you lose.

Question: The new season of Rescue Me just started — any scoop? And, more importantly, will your awesomeness ever stop?— Carlos
Ausiello: Something life-threatening is going to happen to a major character whose name rhymes with Boo! I’m guessing that second question was rhetorical?

Question: I know I might be in the minority here, but I absolutely love your blind items, and there haven’t really been any since May sweeps. Will more of them be on the way soon? —Alex
Ausiello: I was about to do one on the ******* **t*** on a show you guys are obsessed with, but for reasons I can’t get into, I was forced to kill it — at least for the time being.

Question: I was wondering if you can share any Friday Night Lights spoilers concerning Tim/Tyra reconnecting. I hope it will work out this time. —Sarah
Ausiello: Does the abbreviation FWB mean anything to you?

Question: You seem like a smart-ass who talks big but could not fight his way out of a wet paper bag. —Cory
Ausiello: I won’t lie. That’s me in a nutshell.

Question: I love My Boys too, so it’s not just, like, three fans. —Dani
Ausiello: You’re right. There are four of you now. EW’s Kate Ward recently came out and admitted she likes Boys too. She even offered me this scoop about this season’s “awesome” second episode: “After a lousy night out, Bobby, PJ, and Kenny end up at home accidentally eating Brandon’s pot brownies and get really high. High jinks ensue. It’s very funny.”

Question: Is Patricia Wettig (Holly) leaving Brothers & Sisters? I sure hope not, because I love me some Holly and Nora scenes. —Nathan
Ausiello: All I know for sure is that Holly survives Carmageddon. That’s a lie. I also know that she plays a pivotal role in daughter Rebecca’s impending departure. “The way that Rebecca is going to be leaving is very exciting,” teases exec producer David Marshall Grant, “and it involves not just Justin but her mother. It’s a great story.”

Question: Any Brothers & Sisters scoop? —Ben
Ausiello: Grant all but confirms that Kevin and Scotty will eschew surrogacy for foster care when they take in a homeless teen this fall. “We’re casting a Hispanic kid who is going to be very prominent in Kevin and Scotty’s story this year,” he tells me. Additionally, Grant is on the lookout for an actor to play a possible suitor for grieving widow Kitty. “She has a ways to go before she’s really going to land on a boyfriend,” concedes Grant. “But men will certainly play a part in her life as she moves past the tragedy. We are actually looking for somebody right now that she’s going to meet around episode 3.”

Question: Any summer guilty pleasures you’d like to recommend? —Nick
Ausiello: I finally got around to watching Starz’ Spartacus: Blood and Sand and it’s officially my new crack. I’m seven episodes in and I’m hooked. If Andy Whitfield is reading this — and let’s face it, he probably is — I’m sorry I failed to include you in my Dream Emmy Ballot. I hope to one day make it up to you.