Cancelled Shows: Clearing the Slate

The entertainment news got worse the more I read my feed yesterday. In an apparent effort to clean house, ABC and Fox cancelled a number of shows ahead of next week's upfronts (the time the networks reveal upcoming schedules, pilots, renewals, and other good stuff-hopefully). 

I linked to Deadline Hollywood's brief about yesterday's slew of cancellations, so you can read what's cut and a few reactions. 

The biggest, not biggest, surprise seems to be ABC's Castle. But since the original writers left, and maybe even a little before then, it's been circling the drain. While we will miss the fun-loving, and occasionally suspenseful detective show, it's probably time to move on. Besides, our time here would be better spent working. Yes, I said working. I may as well get back to night writing, since I've got a new book coming this year. Plus, it's just not a good time for me and TV right now, I've already canceled several shows from the DVR. Shows that let us down, or went in such strange directions we scratched our heads for a week or two, then dropped them altogether. If it works, maybe I can complete the next Harper and Mackenzie manuscript before the kids are out of school, and Suits comes back on USA this summer. All we ask is the writers don't mess with Mike, Harvey, and the gang too much, mmkay?

OMG Shake-Up for ABC's Castle

I've been dreading this would happen since last year, or maybe even before. As the ratings for ABC's Castle have been rocky, it looks as though Beckett and Lanie are out for next season. (Stan Katic and Tamala Jones will not be returning for season 9. Boo!) Plus, the next season of Castle may not actually be the same kind of Castle we've followed these past 8 seasons, which is tough to think about.  

Fans have been in suspense as the show has been on the bubble a few times, and rumors went rampant last year near contract time that Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic might leave. The long pause in Castle and Beckett's relationship after the departure of long-time  writers didn't help either. If there wasn't going to be a Castle and Beckett, I wasn't sure it would be worth watching. Now, if they decide to get back to basics with Castle bringing Alexis up through the ranks, it might work. Especially, if the writers tear our hearts out with a big-time exit for Beckett and show us the impact on Castle, and how he eventually copes by way of laser tag and crime solving. Who knows? Maybe they'll send Beckett under deep cover and we can see them reunited sometime in the future. Either way, fans better buckle up and prepare for a bumpy ride. It's been nice knowing you Beckett, you were an amazing Captain. 

Here's a brief clip from a Yahoo! TV report: 

How might Beckett be written out? In a new interview with TVLine, co-showrunner Alexi Hawley said that with both Katic’s and Nathan Fillion’s contracts up, “We are trying to leave [the May 16 season finale] in a very dynamic way which leaves open the possibility that maybe the show won’t come back in the same form next season.”

'Quantico' Are you in or out?

I've watched Quantico from the beginning. I'm kind of an FBI and conspiracy junkie, so it's in my wheelhouse. Every week, I cheer for Alex to prove her innocence and head off into the sunset with Ryan. But the show has taken some interesting turns. I'm on the fence about where they're going, and whether it's worth taking the time to find out. Anyone else as annoyed by the repeated Shelby-Caleb relationship crises as me? I'm also perplexed by the Raina-Nimah double-cross, although it's more interesting than the playing up of Senator Haas and Hannah (Ryan's ex-). However, I did enjoy Alex and Hannah's exchange at the end of the 3/27 episode.

So, I was even more conflicted when I came across this recap from Kimberly Potts of Yahoo! TV. Titled, 'Quantico' Recap: Get a Clue, it gives a thorough recap, with spoilers, of last night's show, which we DVR'd. 

Perhaps, I'm impatient, or severely lacking sleep, but does anyone want to chime in with their opinion of the show? Worth it or not? If not, any other show suggestions?

Must Hear/See Music

I'm a big Nashville fan, it's true. I often tweet about the show, and I've blogged about it at least a half dozen times. So, whenever I hear of a Lennon & Maisy cover, like this one, I try to check it out. Thanks to PopSugar, I was turned onto their "Boom Clap" Cover here: http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Lennon-Maisy-Boom-Clap-Cover-Video-36785217

and here: https://youtu.be/X6f1yACIoNY

If you want to hear something amazing, listen to the Stella sisters sing. Want some incredible music with a side of Music City drama? Check out Nashville on ABC. Really, go do it now, and enjoy!

Eight Random Distractions for Tuesday

Because we could all use some fun, silly, thoughtful, humorous stuff sometimes. 

The Night Shift (NBC)—Crazy and good.

Dave Chapelle on Letterman (CBS) tonight—He jokes about quitting his show, claiming to be 7 years late to work.

J Lo and Jimmy Fallon Tight Pants Dance-Off—'Nuff said.

If you have a team in the NBA Finals (ABC), congrats! Otherwise, you can read the signs slamming LeBron's cramps. What is up with that, anyway?

Mustache Baby—This just looks silly. 

People.com: Celebrity News—What they wear, where they shop, etc.

22 Jump Street—Probably more raunchy humor, sure to make you laugh.

Butler business booming because of Downton Abbey—Oh, where to begin.

Need a quickie meal? Me too!

It’s a week packed with all sorts of work projects and celebrations – our little guy turns 3! So, I’m planning a quick meal from “Weeknights with Giada” by Giada De Laurentiis, followed by a little downtime with the kids, party preparations, book editing and indulging in some Nashville drama (which I sometimes live tweet :) with my honey.

I’ve cooked most of my life and love sharing food and stories with family and friends. I aspire to be a New York Times Bestselling author, and you can imagine I stay pretty busy as a wife, mom, freelance writer and budding novelist.

Even on busy weeknights, I like to prepare meals at home. It gives me a chance to feed my family quick, healthy and delicious meals like this one for Wagon Wheel Pasta with Pancetta and Peas, and indulge my inner Food Network Star.

I have an entire bookshelf in my kitchen dedicated to cookbooks and recipes, so there are many choices. Giada’s cookbook was a gift, and I’ve found several recipes in it that worked for us. If you’re busy and need a good family-friendly meal, try this one. In order to use what we already have and keep the troops happy, I reduced the peas just a bit and added in some carrots. Even our kids love this!

Here’s a link to Giada’s website where you can learn more. If you want the full recipe, I think you need to sign up or buy the book. Check it out, she has other recipes available online.

Nash-Bash (the good kind)

It’s no secret, I love Nashville on ABC. I’ve talked about it before, like here and here. But, I just watched and listened to Nashville On the Record and I had to share it. 

The clips show interviews and jam sessions with the singers and songwriters. I completely got lost for almost an hour the songs are so good. The talent, music, and vision on this show amazes me. The songs help move the story forward, and most of them are on repeat at our house. Sure, there’s a lot of drama (hello, crazy Peggy) but I love the fact Callie Khouri and the entire team of writers, songwriters, actors and staff give it so much depth. 

The Nash is back tonight. Watch, listen, and get swept away. 

Nashville Season 2 is Coming!

If you get a chance to see it from the beginning, do! You'll hear plenty of entertaining music, and see interesting characters with all sorts of evolving relationships. Gunnar + Scarlett. Rayna + Deacon. Juliette and the world (will she find the right guy?). Yeah, glad it's coming back. Here's a link to the season 2 premiere announcement, with video. 

http://abc.go.com/shows/nashville/blogs/the-latest-on-nashville/premiere-announcement-season-2

Music you should hear

I admit it. I'm a fan of Nashville on ABC. If I started out unsure before the first episode, I was convinced when I heard the music. By the end of the pilot, a smoldering number sung by Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen, "If I Didn't Know Better" hooked me. It got even better when they sang "Fade Into You" this week. The young characters have an attraction that jumps off the screen every time they sing. I've downloaded the songs and can't wait to hear what comes next. Not sure how the numbers will play out, so tune in if you can, check out episodes on ABC here and listen to the tunes. There's real depth to some of the songs — sample a bit of old country angst with lyrics like "Til there's no way to know where you end and where I begin." 

The series was created by Callie Khouri, who won an Academy Award for Thelma & Louise. The music comes from some amazing singers and songwriters. On October 2, 2012, it was announced that Big Machine Records will release all covers and original songs from the series. Some of the original songs will be written by John Paul White of The Civil Wars, Hillary Lindsey, and Elvis Costello. (Wiki and The Hollywood Reporter) The HW story has more details here. 

Is your show canceled?

Eager to see how some of our favorite TV shows fared, I found this list of canceled shows on Yahoo! TV. There are nearly twenty on this list alone. 


Not even the big celebs could keep some of these shows on air. Shows starring Kathy Bates, Christian Slater and Ashley Judd are all reported gone. Find out if your faves got the axe. 


Interesting note, while scanning the comments, I noticed a lot of folks wanting more cuts in Reality TV. Until the masses want it bad enough they tune into docus, dramas and comedies, it's not going to happen.   


Other entertainment news this week: 

Castle is reportedly renewed. Yay!

30 Rock is planning a shortened final season soon.

Fan of Cougar Town? I hear it's moving to TBS.

Canceled TV Shows: Networks Clean House

To make room for new fall shows, here are all the TV shows that got the axe this week.

Fall Nights Look Hot

The fall competition is heating up. At our house, we are going to need plenty of DVR space so we don't miss a moment of Alex O'Loughlin, er, Hawaii Five-O or Castle.

If you haven't seen the trailer for Five-O, check it out. And you can watch full episodes, get all the cast info and latest news on Castle too, indeed.

p.s. Thank you networks. Keep going in this direction and I might start watching your commercials again. :)

ABC's Fall Season Schedule

Here is a look at ABC's fall shows. There is even a button you can use to download a schedule if you want.