“Grimm”: Q&A with star David Giuntoli
David Giuntoli stars in "Grimm" - NBC Photo
“Grimm” star David Giuntoli participated in a media conference call this week during which he discussed the show and his role as Portland Police Detective Nick Burkhardt.
He also talked about the next episode of “Grimm,” entitled “Three Coins in a Fuchsbau,” which airs at 8 p.m., Friday, March 2, on NBC and features guest star Titus Welliver (“Lost”).
Here are some of the questions and answers that were covered during the session:
Q: Given where Nick is at this point in the season, have you gained a better understanding of who he is as a Grimm through his own journey?
A: This coming episode I’m going to be learning a lot about my past, or Nick’s going to be learning a lot about his past. And it helps, I think, put some things to bed for him, some worries he’s always had, some things he’s always wanted to know.
But, yeah, he understands his role a little bit more now. He’s not as terrified by this new identity, and he’s kind of using it as a tool, his Grimmstincts, as I like to call them, and his powers.
Q: What else can you share about this week’s episode and how was working with Titus Welliver?
A: First of all, Titus is a brilliant actor. And it was wonderful having him with us. And his character brings Nick some news about his family and his past. I don’t want to get too far into it, I don’t know how deep into it I can go. But suffice it to say, I learn some big chunky pieces of info from Titus.
And Sasha (Roiz)’s role, Captain Renard, goes through some pretty wild times.
Q: The relationship between Nick and Monroe is an interesting one. In this last episode, Nick really put himself in danger to save him. So can you talk about stepping in the ring with Monroe and filming that fight scene?
A: Oh my goodness. That was one of the coldest nights we’ve had, and we were up in the hills somewhere outside of Portland. And those are kind of – those are the scenes that kind of do themselves because we had these wonderful actors who were really into the show and, I think excited to be there, and kind of screaming, and almost like frothy at the mouth. It was insane
Generally, when you put me into an octagon-shaped cage, I’m going to perform well (said with a laugh.)
It was really fun to do that. Monroe is a guy who, you know, Nick needed first for utility and just to learn the ropes of the kind of the new world that Nick entered into. But, obviously, we’ve developed a relationship and a friendship and a bond. And I think that he used to kind of save my ass all of the time, and I dragged him into this kind of world a bit. And, yeah, I would put my life on the line for him at this point.
Q: Can you talk a little bit about Nick’s relationship with Juliette (Bitsie Tulloch), how that sort of developed, and, just in your eyes, where the writers are taking that relationship as well?
A: Well, I don’t know exactly where the writers are taking the relationship. My impulse and, you know, I believe this to be true, is that they’re taking it down the road that, I want her to marry me, I want her to be in the dark, I want her to be safe. I want everything at once. I don’t want her to know about my current situation.
You know, I want to keep her. And my aunt predicated this whole thing by saying I had to leave her, she’s in harm’s way. So I’m kind of always dancing that fine line of telling her or not.
I think that they want me to ask her to marry her, and I think Nick wants to end up with her. And I don’t know what’s going to happen with us as this series goes on.
Q: Why do you think the show’s taken off in the way that it has?
A: I think, network after network, there are a lot of great TV shows. There are a lot of cop shows. There’s a lot of great stuff on TV.
And when you hear the concept of the show you’re like oh, that’s kind of weird and silly. And it sticks with you right away. And, so, I think initially that was very good for us, because it wasn’t like anything else. Even though there was “Once Upon a Time,” it’s clearly a very different show. This has a very different tone.
And after that initial kind of hook, I think the writers have done a superb job to kind of slowly develop these characters, bring in some really gruesome story lines while keeping some comedy in there and keeping people interested.
It’s great Friday night television, and I think it’s a great escapism show. And I think it’s great for families, too, and that’s who’s been watching it largely.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
Titus Welliver in "Grimm" - NBC Photo
Bitsie Tulloch and David Giuntoli in "Grimm" - NBC Photo
Jason Isaacs makes new NBC series “Awake” come alive
Jason Isaacs, Wilmer Valderrama and Steve Harris of "Awake" - NBC Photo
In the new NBC drama “Awake,” Los Angeles police detective Michael Britten (Jason Isaacs, “Harry Potter”) and his family are involved in a tragic car accident and afterwards Britten finds himself waking up into two separate lives.
In one, his teen son Rex (Dylan Minnette, “Saving Grace”), has died in the wreck and his wife, Hannah (Laura Allen, “Terriers”), has survived; in the other, Hannah has passed away and Rex has survived.
In order to keep both family members alive, Britten begins living in these two dueling realities, but has two separate bureau-assigned therapists, Dr. Evans (Cherry Jones, “24″) and Dr. Lee (BD Wong, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), in each of these lives attempting to assist him in determining which one is real.
Britten, however, has no desire to find out either one of them is untrue.
Britten also has different police partners in each world, Det. Isaiah “Bird” Freeman (Steve Harris, “The Practice”) and Det. Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama, “That ’70s Show”).
While working separate cases with them, he realizes he can solve crimes by using his two realities to obtain unique perspectives and put together clues that cross over from each realm.
Although this series sounds hard to follow, it’s actually not, and the main reason is due to the performance of Isaacs.
While you would think Britten’s situation would be unsettling, Isaacs remains a steady force as he portrays this character, and also conveys a great deal of sympathy as he tries to sustain a life with both his wife and his son.
Additionally, the way in which he is able to solve cases by using information he can acquire from both worlds makes the show particularly intriguing.
Another plus for “Awake” is that Kyle Killen is creator and an executive producer.
Killen’s critically acclaimed and, unfortunately, short-lived previous series “Lone Star” was my favorite new fall show in 2010.
Howard Gordon is also an executive producer of the series, and his credits include “Homeland,” “24,” “The X-Files,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Hopefully, “Awake” will be around longer than “Lone Star.”
“Awake” premieres at 9 p.m., Thursday, March 1, on NBC.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
“The Walking Dead”: “18 Miles Out” episode to air Sunday
From left, Jon Bernthal and Andrew Lincoln in a scene from "The Walking Dead" - AMC Photo
As “Walking Dead” fans know, there is much more to this series than zombie attacks.
Sunday’s episode entitled “18 Miles Out” explores in depth the recurring themes of how to survive in an apocalyptic world and how to do so and retain some sense of humanity at the same time.
Whether there is any hope to be had for a life worth living in this walker-filled world is also a question that is dwelled upon.
These subjects come into play as Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Shane (Jon Bernthal) try to decide how to deal with the outsider rescued from town last week and Hershel’s (Scott Wilson) youngest daughter faces an emotional crisis.
Lincoln and Bernthal, two of the best actors on television right now, deliver stellar performances in this episode, which also includes some pretty intense zombie encounters.
If for some reason “The Walking Dead” isn’t on your must-see viewing list yet, you’re missing a phenomenal show – add it to your list pronto!
“The Walking Dead” airs at 8 p.m. Sundays on AMC.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
From left, Jon Bernthal and Andrew Lincoln in "The Walking Dead" - AMC PHOTO
“Fringe”: “The End of All Things” episode airs tomorrow night
From left, Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv and John Noble of "Fringe" - Fox Photo
A well-known “Fringe” adversary returns in the “The End of All Things” episode of the sci-fi drama, which airs tomorrow at 8 p.m., Feb. 24, on Fox.
While facing this foe, Olivia (Anna Torv) is also forced to question the allegiance of someone close to her.
With Walter’s (John Noble) assistance, Peter, (Joshua Jackson) is given access to knowledge about the Observer September (Michael Cerveris) as he tries to assist Olivia.
This is yet another episode of “Fringe” that succeeds in combining the best elements of sci-fi with the best human quality, love, as Peter continues his journey to get back home.
For more information on the show, visit www.fox.com/fringe/.
Follow me on Twitter: @Melissa Hayer
James Wolk likes “Happy Endings”
James Wolk in "Happy Endings" - ABC Photo
(This is a longer version of story published in the Life section of The Oklahoman, Feb. 15, 2012)
Hopefully, viewers are having as much fun watching actor James Wolk in the ABC comedy “Happy Endings” as he had working on it.
The Michigan native, best known for his lead roles in the 2008 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “Front of the Class” and the 2010 Fox drama “Lone Star,” is making his second of three appearances tonight on the sitcom centered on a group of friends.
Wolk, 26, plays Grant, the boyfriend Max (Adam Pally) broke up with a year ago on Valentine’s Day and runs into again a year later.
“Happy Endings” cast members include Eliza Coupe, Elisha Cuthbert, Zachary Knighton, Damon Wayans Jr. and Casey Wilson and airs at 8:31 p.m. Wednesdays.
Wolk discussed the enjoyable time he had working on the series during a recent phone interview from Santa Monica, Calif.
Q: What inspired you to choose this role?
A: I knew the show, knew it well. It’s a very funny show. I had just finished doing a play, and we kind of all started talking, and I was really excited about the idea of working on the show, and they were excited about me.
And I love comedy and haven’t had a chance to really showcase that, and what better place to do it than on such a fantastic show of great writers and great actors.
Q: What can you share about how Grant’s relationship with Max goes? Will you be back for more episodes after these three?
A: I’d love to, of course, be back, and it doesn’t end in any sort of a bad way, so I guess that’s always a possibility.
But, basically, what we see here is Max and Grant are two very different people. Max is very laid-back, go-with-the-flow, unkempt at times, whereas Grant is always dressed to perfection and always trying to say the right thing.
So, these two are kind of attracted to the opposite in the other, and it provides for a lot of comedy, and Grant comes in, and he gets to meet all of Max’s friends and that amazing group of people, and I think it’ll be a lot of fun to watch.
Q: All of the friends like you, except Dave, right?
A: Yeah, ’cause Dave’s the cool guy, and then Grant comes in, and Dave says, “Wait a minute. Who is this guy?” And it’s very funny. Everyone’s reactions are unique. The girls, I think, take a real liking to Grant, and Grant, of course is fond of them, but not in that way, so that is very funny as well.
Q: What was your overall experience acting on the show?
A: Working on the show was a dream. This is truly a show of exceptional writers, exceptional actors and all of them really uniting together in the name of fun and creation, and it’s just a great environment on that show. It’s such a pleasure to work on.
Q: Do you have a fun fact about the show that its fans may not know about?
A: The fans may know this, but it is nearly impossible not to start cracking up after they yell cut on that show. I mean, after every take, Adam and all the other actors are so wonderful that you’re just rolling. And, so for me, the biggest challenge was not to laugh, and I didn’t succeed at that challenge.
Q: Do you have a fun fact you’d like to share about yourself, by any chance?
A: A fun fact would be that I am also, this is true, I’m also a fan of the show and was even before working on it.
Q: Do you have any favorite television shows, besides “Happy Endings,” of course?
A: “Homeland” is really good. I really enjoy that show, and my goal for this year is to watch more TV. So that’s my goal, I need to watch more TV. Yeah, I do, I need to watch more.
Q: Are there any other projects that you’ve got going on, or anything else you’d like to talk about?
A: I have a film that I just did, a comedy … called “For a Good Time Call.”
And, we just were at Sundance and just got picked up by Focus Features, and, so hopefully, you’ll be able to see that in theaters sometime relatively soon.
And, it’s a lot of fun. It’s a hilarious comedy, female-driven comedy, that’s just great, and the writers, actors, – another great group of people.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
“Grimm”: “Tarantella” episode airs tonight
Amy Acker as Lena in "Grimm" - NBC Photo
In tonight’s episode of “Grimm,” Amy Acker guest stars as Lena, a Spinnetod, which is billed as the “black widow” of the creature world.
Lena is spinning her web of death on unsuspecting men in Portland and Nick (David Giuntoli) and Hank (Russell Hornsby) are assigned the task of tracking her down.
With Monroe’s (Silas Weir Mitchell) assistance, Nick is introduced to a Spinnetod who has gone the straight and narrow route in life like Monroe, and she is able to give Nick important information about the creature.
“Grimm” fans should enjoy this episode immensely.
Acker, who reunites with her former “Angel” executive producers David Greenwalt and Jim Kouf on this show, is mesmerizing as the tortured Spinnetod with secrets, and the story has all of the right elements to intrigue and thrill viewers.
Giuntoli is reliably good as Nick and the rapport he shares with Mitchell remains such a fun element to the series.
“Grimm” airs at 8 p.m. Fridays on NBC.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
From left, Silas Weir Mitchell and David Giuntoli in "Grimm" - NBC Photo
Miranda Lambert makes her acting debut on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” Wednesday
Miranda Lambert - Provided Photo
Tishomingo resident and country music star Miranda Lambert is making her acting debut on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, on NBC.
Lambert’s guest-starring role is a brief but solid performance on the show, which, according to a news release, is one of her favorite series.
In this episode, an aspiring actress is found unconscious in Central Park with drugs in her system and evidence of sexual trauma after she has auditioned for a reality show producer.
When New York Police Detectives Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Nick Amaro (Danny Pino) arrive to speak to the producer (Michael McKean), they catch him on the casting couch with another actress (Lambert) and prevent him from assaulting her.
After the producer is arrested, the story turns into a situation where his son (Cameron Monaghan) resorts to drastic measures to try and get his father out of jail.
Hargitay’s portrayal of Benson using her extensive skills to handle this crisis is commendable, and the chemistry between her and Harry Connick Jr. as ADA David Haden is appealing as the pair finds they work well together during this event.
Also starring in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” are Ice-T, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer and Kelli Giddish.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
Mariska Hargitay of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" - NBC Photo
“The River”: Thriller not so thrilling
Bruce Greenwood stars in "The River" - ABC Photo
After Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood), wildlife expert and host of “The Undiscovered Country” television show, goes missing in the Amazon, his family, friends and crew set out on a mission to find him in the new ABC thriller “The River.”
His wife Tess (Leslie Hope) and estranged son Lincoln (Joe Anderson) lead the group into unexplored territory on the Amazon River while the journey is filmed as a documentary by Dr. Cole’s ex-producer Clark (Paul Blackthorne) in order to fund the trip.
The crew includes family friend Lena (Eloise Mumford), mechanic Emilio (Daniel Zacapa), his daughter Jahel (Paulina Gaitan) and bodyguard Captain Kurt Brynildson (Thomas Kretschmann).
“The River” has an impressive pedigree: It’s from Amblin’s Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Television’s Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, and showrunner/executive producer Michael Green (“Heroes, “Kings”) and is also executive produced by Oren Peli (creator of “Paranormal Activity”, Zack Estrin (“Prison Break”) – who also serves as showrunner – Jason Blum (“Paranormal Activity 1, 2 and 3″) and Steven Schneider.
“The River” was created by Oren Peli and Michael R. Perry, with a teleplay by Michael Green and Michael R. Perry and story by Oren Peli and Michael R.
Perry.
Unfortunately, the pedigree isn’t enough to help this show rise above being the corny, clichéd, unscary program that it is.
Although the actors seem to be giving it their best shot, scenes in the beginning of the series involving Dr. Cole’s spirit inhabiting one of the crew members, the “disappearance” of Tess and a teddy bear that doesn’t want to stay in the position that it’s been left in are much more humorous than frightening.
If you want to give this show a try, you’ve been forewarned to at least lower your expectations.
“The River” debuts with a two-hour premiere at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7, on ABC.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
“The Walking Dead” returns with “Nebraska” episode Feb. 12
From left, Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies and Jon Bernthal of "The Walking Dead" - AMC Photo
At the end of the first half of the second season of “The Walking Dead,” Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and his group of survivors had made a discovery at Hershel’s farm that brought about a violent, shocking event – the killing of the walkers who had been secretly kept in the barn, which included Carol’s (Melissa Suzanne McBride) missing daughter Sophia (Madison Lintz).
As the series returns with the “Nebraska” episode Feb. 12, everyone tries to pick up the pieces from this event and decide how to move on, and there is debate about Shane’s (Jon Bernthal) role in the resolution of the situation.
Shane himself remains convinced he’s always doing the right thing to protect his fellow survivors and has a surprising supporter for the way he handled the barn walkers.
Hershel (Scott Wilson) deals with his devastation over the barn walker deaths by disappearing and taking up an old habit, so Rick and Glenn (Steven Yeun) have to go into town to try and find him when his medical expertise is needed at the farm.
Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) later decides to search for the three and an unfortunate incident results .
Lincoln is especially strong in this episode as his character tries to persuade Hershel to come back home, as well as in the way Rick handles a pair of threatening newcomers.
In addition, Bernthal’s portrayal of Shane continues to make his character one of the most compelling to watch on this gripping show.
The second season of “The Walking Dead” resumes at 8 p.m, Sunday,. Feb. 12 on AMC.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
“Smash” lives up to the hype, hopefully ratings will also
From left, Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty of "Smash" - NBC Photo
The first few episodes of NBC’s plentifully promoted new musical drama “Smash” prove that the series is worthy of the hype.
I was immediately drawn into this story of the making of a Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe due to the super-talented cast, impressive musical numbers and just the right amount of soapy personal drama mixed into the plot.
Based on an idea of executive producer and multiple Academy Award and Emmy winner Steven Spielberg and with a pedigree that also includes a pilot written by playwright/screenwriter Theresa Rebeck (“NYPD Blue”) and original songs from Tony and Grammy winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray”), who also serve as executive producers, “Smash” delivers on every level.
The series begins as songwriting duo Julia Houston (Debra Messing) and Tom Levitt (Christian Borle) become enamored with the premise of creating a musical based on Marilyn’s famed life after Tom’s new assistant mentions how he’s fascinated with the iconic actress.
Although Julia is supposed to be taking time off from work so that she and her husband Frank (Brian d’Arcy James) can devote their attention to adopting a baby, she is able to persuade him that she can handle the demands of both matters.
Then producer Eileen Rand (Anjelica Huston) decides to get behind the musical project in full force, despite being in the middle of a bitter divorce from her wealthy, unfaithful husband.
She brings in Derek Wills (Jack Davenport), who is a brilliant Hollywood director, but one who also has a reputation as a narcissistic womanizer – and he has past issues with Tom.
Of course there has to be someone who can carry the show as Marilyn and there are two aspiring stars who establish themselves as the favorites for the role: Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty), a seasoned veteran of the Broadway chorus, and Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee), a waitress trying to get her big break into show business.
McPhee’s performance as the ambitious, naive yet strong Karen is right on target and Hilty’s portrayal of the even more ambitious Ivy, particularly when displaying her diva characteristics as well as her vulnerability, is outstanding.
Davenport plays Wills with the perfect amount of egotism, genius and just a bit of sleaziness, while Huston adds humor in the scenes where she’s bickering with her husband.
I found “Smash” to be highly entertaining and I hope lots of other viewers do, too.
The series, which also includes David Marshall Grant (“Brothers & Sisters), Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“Chicago”) and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey (“United States of Tara”) as executive producers, premieres at 9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6 on NBC.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer
Jack Davenport of "Smash" - NBC Photo
