BC Picks Up “Betrayal,” “Killer Women,” “Lucky 7,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Mixology,” “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland,” “Resurrection” and “Trophy Wife” from ABC Studios

May 21, 2013 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

CBS Orders New Drama “Intelligence”

ABC Studios had another banner development year with nine new shows ordered to series. New dramas “Betrayal,” “Killer Women,” “Lucky 7,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland,” “Resurrection,” along with new comedies “Trophy Wife” and “Mixology,” were picked up at ABC. New drama “Intelligence” was ordered at CBS. ABC Studios had the most drama orders of any studio.

Returning ABC Studios shows “Castle,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Nashville,” “The Neighbors,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Revenge” and “Scandal” on ABC join “Criminal Minds” on CBS, “Army Wives” on Lifetime, “Perception” on TNT and “Cougar Town” on TBS.

ABC Studios drama “Devious Maids” premieres on Lifetime Sunday, June 23 at 10:00 p.m., and “Mistresses” premieres on ABC on Monday, June 3 at 10:00 p.m. “The Occult,” a one-hour drama for A&E, is currently going into production.

NEW FALL AND MIDSEASON SERIES:

DRAMA

“BETRAYAL” (Sundays from 10:00-11:00 p.m. on ABC)

A chance meeting between photographer Sara Hadley (Hannah Ware) and Attorney Jack McAllister (Stuart Townsend) leads to an instant and undeniable attraction. Sarah’s husband, Drew (Chris Johnson), is a successful prosecutor with political aspirations, while Jack is married to Elaine (Wendy Moniz), the daughter of his boss, Thacher Karsten (James Cromwell). When Karsten’s brother-in-law Lou is murdered, all evidence points to Karsten’s son, T.J. (Henry Thomas). Jack, the company’s lead counsel, will have to defend him, but for Sara’s prosecutor husband, Drew, this is the kind of high-profile murder case that can secure his political future. Just as Sara and Jack’s affair is starting, the lovers find themselves in an impossible situation — on opposite sides of a murder investigation.

“Betrayal” stars Hannah Ware (“Shame,” “Boss”) as Sara, Stuart Townsend (“The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”) as Jack, James Cromwell (“Babe,” “American Horror Story”) as Thacher Karsten, Henry Thomas (“E.T.,” “Gangs of New York”) as T.J. Karsten, Chris Johnson (“The Vampire Diaries”) as Drew, Wendy Moniz (“Guiding Light,” “The Guardian”) as Elaine, Elizabeth McLaughlin (“The Clique”) as Val and Braeden Lamasters (“Men of a Certain Age”) as Vic.

“Betrayal” was written by David Zabel (“ER”) and directed by Patty Jenkins (“The Killing,” “Monster”) and is executive-produced by David Zabel, Rob Golenberg (“Red Widow”) and Alon Aranya. “Betrayal” is produced by ABC Studios.

“DEVIOUS MAIDS” (Premieres June 23 from 10:00-11:00 p.m. on Lifetime)

“Devious Maids” centers on a close-knit group of maids who are bonded together by their jobs, life struggles and the melodramatic “Upstairs-Downstairs” universe that engulfs their employers. Rosie (Dania Ramirez), a widow who left her son back in Mexico when her husband died, works as the maid and nanny for a pair of self-absorbed and successful actors, Peri and Spence Westmore (Mariana Klaveno, Grant Show). Aspiring singer Carmen (Roselyn Sanchez) hopes that her pop star employer, Alejandro (Matt Cedeno), can help jump-start her career, but Odessa (Melinda Paige Hamilton), his very loyal housekeeper and her boss, will stop at nothing to get in her way. Zoila (Judy Reyes) is the senior maid for Genevieve Delatour (Susan Lucci), a co-dependent, emotionally unstable wealthy woman. Zoila works alongside her teen daughter, Valentina (Edy Ganem), who has a crush on Genevieve’s handsome son, Remi (Drew Van Acker).

“Devious Maids” stars Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) as Marisol, Dania Ramirez (“Entourage”) as Rosie, Roselyn Sanchez (“Without a Trace”) as Carmen, Edy Ganem (“Livin’ Loud”) as Valentina, Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) as Zoila, Susan Lucci (“All My Children”) as Genevieve Delatour, Mariana Klaveno (“True Blood”) as Peri, Grant Show (“Swing Town”) as Spence, Matt Cedeno (“Days of Our Lives”) as Alejandro, Melinda Paige Hamilton (“Mad Men”) as Odessa, Drew Van Acker (“Pretty Little Liars”) as Remi, Rebecca Wisocky (“American Horror Story”) as Evelyn, Tom Irwin (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Adrian, Brianna Brown (“Homeland”) as Taylor and Brett Cullen (“Damages”) as Michael Stappord.

Inspired by the hit telenovela “Ellas Son la Alegr’a del Hogar,” “Devious Maids” is produced by ABC Studios. The series was created by Marc Cherry (“Desperate Housewives”) and is executive-produced by Cherry, Sabrina Wind (“Desperate Housewives”), Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”), Paul McGuigan (“Scandal”), Larry Shuman (“Kissing Miranda”), David Lonner, John Mass and Televisa USA’s Paul Presburger and Michael Garcia. Paul McGuigan directed the pilot.

“INTELLIGENCE” (Mondays from 10:00-11:00 p.m., midseason on CBS)

“Intelligence” is a dramatic thriller starring Josh Holloway as Gabriel, a high-tech intelligence operative enhanced with a super-computer microchip in his brain. With this implant, Gabriel is the first human ever to be connected directly into the worldwide information grid and have complete access to Internet, WiFi, telephone and satellite data. He can hack into any data center and access key intel in the fight to protect the United States from its enemies. Leading the elite government cyber-security agency created to support him is Director Lillian Strand (Marg Helgenberger), a straightforward and efficient boss who oversees the unit’s missions. Strand assigns Riley Neal (Meghan Ory), a Secret Service agent, to protect Gabriel from outside threats, as well as from his own appetite for reckless, unpredictable behavior and his disregard for protocol. Other skilled members of the Cybercom team include Chris Jameson (Michael Rady) and Gonzalo “Gonzo” Rodriguez (James Martinez), two resourceful federal investigators. The brains behind the design of the chip is Dr. Shenendoah Cassidy (John Billingsley), whose son, Nelson (PJ Byrne), is jealous of Gabriel’s prominent place in his father’s life. As the first supercomputer with a beating heart, Gabriel is the most valuable piece of technology the country has ever created and is a U.S. secret weapon.

“Intelligence” stars Josh Holloway (“Lost”) as Gabriel, Marg Helgenberger (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) as Lillian Strand, Meghan Ory (“Once Upon a Time”) as Riley Neal, Michael Rady (“The Mentalist”) as Chris Jameson, James Martinez (“Gravity”) as Gonzalo Rodriguez, John Billingsley (“True Blood”) as Dr. Cassidy and P.J. Byrne (“Wolf of Wall Street”) as Nelson Cassidy.

Michael Seitzman, RenŽ Echevarria, Tripp Vinson and David Semel (for pilot) are executive producers for ABC Television Studios in association with CBS Television Studios.

“KILLER WOMEN” (ABC midseason)

Of all the notorious lawmen who have ever patrolled the violent Texas frontier, none are more storied than the Texas Rangers. But being the only female ranger in this elite squad isn’t going to stop ballsy, badass Molly Parker (Tricia Helfer). Molly is committed to finding the truth and seeing justice served. While she’s surrounded by law enforcement colleagues who want to see her fail, including Police Lieutenant Guillermo Salazar (Vic Trevino), the Rangers have her back, led by Company Commander Luis Zea (Alex Fernandez). Molly has also got her brother, Billy (Michael Trucco), and his wife Becca (Marta Milans). On the verge of getting divorced from her smarmy husband, Jake (Jeffrey Nordling), Molly begins an affair with sexy DEA Agent Dan Winston (Marc Blucas).

“Killer Women” stars Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) as Molly Parker, Marc Blucas (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) as Dan, Marta Milans (“Shame”) as Becca, Alex Fernandez (“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”) as Luis and Michael Trucco (“Battlestar Galactica”) as Billy.

“Killer Women” was written by Hannah Shakespeare and is executive-produced by Sof’a Vergara (“Modern Family”), Martin Campbell, Ben Silverman, Luis Balaguer, Electus, Latin World Entertainment. The pilot was directed by Larry Trilling. “Killer Women” is produced by ABC Studios.

“LUCKY 7″ (Tuesdays from 10:00-11:00 p.m. on ABC)

In Astoria, Queens, a group of seven gas station employees have been chipping into a lottery pool for months, never thinking they’d actually win. Money could solve problems for each of them: Matt (Matt Long) could get his girlfriend and two kids out of his mother’s house; Matt’s brother, Nicky (Stephen Louis Grush), an ex-con, could pay off a dangerous debt; Samira (Summer Bishil), a second-generation Pakistani immigrant, could afford to go to Juilliard; Denise (Lorraine Bruce), a plucky cashier, could focus on rebuilding her crumbling marriage; Leanne (Anastasia Phillips), a young mother, could help her daughter realize her dreams; Bob (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), the store’s manager, could finally retire; and Antonio (Luis Antonio Ramos) could give his wife and kids a whole new life.

“Lucky 7″ stars Isiah Whitlock, Jr. (“The Wire”) as Bob Harris, Matt Long (“Private Practice”) as Matt Korzak, Stephen Louis Grush (“Detroit 1-8-7″) as Nicky Korzak, Lorraine Bruce (“Eden Lake”) as Denise, Anastasia Phillips (“Stoked”) as Leanne, Summer Bishil (“Towelhead”) as Samira Rajpur, Luis Antonio Ramos (“The Ruins”) as Antonio Clemente and Christine Evangelista (“The Joneses”) as Mary.

Written by David Zabel (“ER”) and Jason Richman (“Detroit 1-8-7″), “Lucky 7″ is executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, David Zabel and Jason Richman. The pilot was directed by Paul McGuigan. “Lucky 7″ is produced by ABC Studios and Amblin Television.

“MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.” (Tuesdays from 8:00-9:00 p.m. on ABC)

Clark Gregg reprises his role of Agent Phil Coulson from Marvel’s feature films, as he assembles a small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Together they investigate the new, the strange and the unknown around the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary. Coulson’s team consists of Agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton), highly trained in combat and espionage; Agent Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen), expert pilot and martial artist; Agent Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker), brilliant engineer; and Agent Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge), genius bio-chemist. Joining them on their journey into mystery is new recruit and computer hacker Skye (Chloe Bennet).

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Marvel’s first television series, is from executive producers Joss Whedon (“Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen, who co-wrote the pilot (“Dollhouse,” “Dr.Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”). Jeffrey Bell (“Angel,” “Alias”) and Jeph Loeb (“Smallville,” “Lost,” “Heroes”) also serve as executive producers. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is produced by ABC Studios and Marvel Television.

“MISTRESSES” (Premieres Monday, June 3 from 10:00-11:00 p.m. on ABC)

“Mistresses” is a provocative new drama about the scandalous lives of a sexy and sassy group of four girlfriends, each on her own path to self-discovery. Savannah ‘Savi’ (Alyssa Milano) is a successful career woman working toward the next phase in her life — both professionally and personally — bucking for partner at her law firm while trying to start a family with husband, Harry (Brett Tucker). When their fertility issues take center stage, Savi finds herself attracted to her flirtatious colleague, Dominic (Jason George). Savi’s free-spirited baby sister, Josslyn (Jes Macallan), couldn’t be more different, living single, serial dating and partying. A real estate agent, Josslyn has no interest in a committed, long-term relationship.

Their common best friend, April (Rochelle Aytes), is a recent widow and mother of a ten-year-old daughter. After she receives her late husband’s lucrative life insurance check, she begins getting prank phone calls and is convinced her husband is still alive. Another long-time friend, Karen (Yunjin Kim), is a therapist whose complicated relationship with a wealthy, married patient goes too far.

These four friends find support and guidance as they brave their turbulent journeys and life’s storms together, bound by the complex relationships they’ve created.

“Mistresses” stars Alyssa Milano (“New Years Eve,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Melrose Place”) as Savannah, Yunjin Kim (“Lost”) as Karen, Rochelle Aytes (“White Collar,” “Desperate Housewives”) as April, Jes Macallan ( “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Shameless”) as Josslyn, Jason George (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Closer,”) as Dominic, Brett Tucker (“Castle,” “NCIS,”) as Harry, Erik Stocklin (“Grey Sheep,” “Sick Day,”) as Sam.

“Mistresses” is executive produced by Bob Sertner, K.J. Steinberg, Rina Mimoun and Douglas Rae and produced by ABC Studios.

“ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND” (Thursdays from 8:00-9:00 p.m. on ABC)

In Victorian England, the young and beautiful Alice (Sophie Lowe) tells a tale of a strange new land that exists on the other side of a rabbit hole. An invisible cat, a hookah smoking caterpillar and playing-cards that talk are just some of the fantastic things she’s seen during this impossible adventure. Surely this troubled girl must be insane, and her doctors aim to cure her with a treatment that will make her forget everything. Alice seems ready to put it all behind her, especially the painful memory of the genie she fell in love with and lost forever — the handsome and mysterious Cyrus (Peter Gadiot). But deep down Alice knows this world is real, and just in the nick of time the sardonic Knave of Hearts (Michael Socha) and the irrepressible White Rabbit (John Lithgow) arrive to save her from a doomed fate. Together the trio will take a tumble down the rabbit hole to this Wonderland where nothing is impossible.

“Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” stars Sophie Lowe (“Beautiful Kate”) as Alice, Michael Socha (“This Is England”) as Knave of Hearts, Peter Gadiot (“The Forbidden Girl”) as Cyrus, Emma Rigby (“Hollyoaks”) as Queen of Hearts and John Lithgow (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) as the voice of the White Rabbit.

“Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” was written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (“Once Upon a Time”), who serve as executive producers. Steve Pearlman and Zack Estrin also serve as executive producers, and the pilot was directed by Ralph Hemecker. “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” is produced by ABC Studios.

“RESURRECTION” (ABC Midseason)

The people of Arcadia, Missouri are forever changed when their deceased loved ones suddenly start to return. An 8-year-old American boy (Landon Gimenez) wakes up alone in a rice paddy in a rural Chinese province with no idea how he got there. Details start to emerge when the boy, who calls himself Jacob, recalls that his hometown is Arcadia, and an Immigration agent, Martin Bellamy (Omar Epps), takes him there. The home he claims as his own is occupied by an elderly couple, Harold (Kurtwood Smith) and Lucille Garland (Frances Fisher), who lost their son Jacob more than 30 years ago. While they look different, young Jacob recognizes them as his parents. Those closest to the family try to unravel this impossible mystery, including Sheriff Fred Garland (Matt Craven), whose wife Barbara drowned 30 years ago while trying to save Jacob. But this boy who claims to be the deceased Jacob knows secrets about his own death that no one else knows — secrets that Fred’s daughter, Gail (Devin Kelly), will begin to investigate and discover to be true.

“Resurrection” stars Omar Epps (“House”) as Martin Bellamy, Matt Craven (“Crimson Tide,” “A Few Good Men”) as Fred, Devin Kelley (“Chernobyl Diaries,” “The Chicago Code”) as Gail, Frances Fisher (“Titanic”) as Lucille, Kurtwood Smith (“That ’70s Show”) as Harold, Sam Hazeldine (“The Raven”) as Abel, Samaire Armstrong (“Entourage,” “The O.C.”) as Elaine, Nicholas Gonzalez (“Off the Map”) as Connor, Mark Hildreth (“Dragon Ball Z”) as Tom and Landon Gimenez as Jacob.

Written by Aaron Zelman (“Damages,” “The Killing”), “Resurrection” is executive-produced by Aaron Zelman, JoAnn Alfano, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Jon Liebman, Brillstein Entertainment and Plan B. The pilot was directed by Charles McDougall. “Resurrection” is produced by ABC Studios.

COMEDY

“MIXOLOGY (ABC Midseason)

One bar. One night. Ten single people. Welcome to Union, a high-end bar in Manhattan’s trendy meat-packing district. Recently dumped by his fiancŽe, Tom (Blake Lee) hasn’t been out on the town in a decade. His best friends, handsome, confident Cal (Craig Frank) and fast-talking Bruce (Andrew Santino), are throwing Tom back into the dating pool whether he likes it or not. Tom’s first encounter is with Maya (Ginger Gonzaga), an attorney who’s as beautiful as she is brutal; before long, Tom is in tears. After that, it only gets worse. Rounding out Union’s chic crowd is Maya’s engaged-for-now friend, Liv (Kate Simses); aggressive single mom Jessica (Alexis Carra); her younger, naive sister, Janey (Sarah Bolger); bubbly cocktail waitress Kacey (Vanessa Lengies); dark, mysterious bartender Dominic (Adan Canto); and failed internet entrepreneur Ron (Adam Campbell), who’s having the worst night of his life.

“Mixology” stars Blake Lee (“Parks and Recreation”) as Tom, Andrew Santino (“Punk’d”) as Bruce, Kate Simses (“What’s Your Number”) as Liv, Adam Campbell (“Epic Movie”) as Ron, Craig Frank (“8.13″) as Cal, Vanessa Lengies (“Glee”) as Kacey, Alexis Carra (“Incredible Girl”) as Jessica, Sarah Bolger (“Once Upon a Time”) as Janey, Ginger Gonzaga (“Legit”) as Maya and Adan Canto (“The Following”) as Dominic.

“Mixology” was written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (“The Hangover,” “21 and Over”), and is executive-produced by Lucas, Moore, Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass and Adam Sher. It’s directed by Larry Charles (“Seinfeld,” “Entourage,” “Borat”), and is produced by ABC Studios.

“TROPHY WIFE” (Tuesdays from 9:30-10:00 p.m. on ABC)

They say the third time’s the charm, and reformed party girl Kate (Malin Akerman) is hoping that’s true when she becomes Pete’s (Bradley Whitford) third wife. She fell into his arms (literally) at a karaoke bar, and a year later Kate’s got an insta-family, complete with three stepchildren and two ex-wives. Diane (Marcia Gay Harden) is ex-wife number one, an intense, over-achieving doctor and the mother of twin teenagers Hillary (Gianna LePera) and Warren (Ryan Scott Lee). Diane is quick to convey her withering disapproval of Kate’s barely tapped maternal instinct. Ex-wife number two, Jackie (Michaela Watkins), is mother to adopted son Bert (Albert Tsai), and can pull Pete’s strings with her special blend of neurotic, new-ageyness. Juggling all this baggage is uncharted territory for Kate, who finds support with her best friend Meg (Natalie Morales), a party-hearty singleton and the only woman Kate knows who has less experience with kids than she has.

“Trophy Wife” stars Malin Akerman (“Suburgatory”) as Kate, Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”) as Pete, Marcia Gay Harden (“Into the Wild,” “Damages”) as Diane, Michaela Watkins (“Saturday Night Live”) as Jackie, Natalie Morales (“90210″) as Meg, Ryan Scott Lee (“Super 8″) as Warren, Albert Tsai (“How I Met Your Mother”) as Bert and Gianna LePera (“Modern Family”) as Hillary.

“Trophy Wife” is written and executive-produced by Emily Halpern & Sarah Haskins, executive produced by Lee Eisenberg & Gene Stupnitsky (“The Office”), produced by Malin Ackerman. The pilot was directed by Jason Moore (“Pitch Perfect,” “Avenue Q”). “Trophy Wife” is from ABC Studios.

RETURNING SERIES:

“ARMY WIVES” (Season 7 on Lifetime )

“Army Wives” follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women-and one man-living with their spouses and families on an active Army post. The new season of “Army Wives” presents challenges to the tribe, including a heartfelt and final goodbye to one of their own.

“Army Wives” stars Catherine Bell as Denise Sherwood, Brian McNamara as General Michael Holden, Kelli Williams as Jackie Clarke, Ashanti as Latasha Montclair, Torrey DeVitto as Maggie Hall, Elle McLemore as Holly Truman, Jesse McCartney as Tim Truman, Brooke Shields as Major Katherine “Kat” Young, Wendy Davis as Colonel Joan Burton, Terry Serpico as Colonel Frank Sherwood, Alyssa Diaz as Gloria Cruz, J.J. Soria as PFC Hector Cruz, Sally Pressman as Roxy LeBlanc and Sterling K. Brown as Roland Burton.

Produced by ABC Studios, with Mark Gordon and Jeff Melvoin serving as executive producers, the series is based on the book, Army Wives: The Unwritten Code of Military Marriage, by Tanya Biank, who serves as a consultant.

“CASTLE” (Season 6 on ABC)

When viewers first met Richard Castle, a famous mystery novelist, he was creatively blocked. But when the NYPD questioned him about a series of murders staged to imitate crime scenes from his books, Castle found inspiration in NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, a bright and aggressive homicide detective. Though they instantly clashed, sparks of another sort began to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance. They continued to investigate strange homicides in New York — combining Castle’s writer intuition and Beckett’s creative detective work. Then, after four seasons of “will they” or “won’t they,” Castle and Beckett finally gave into their feelings towards each other as a couple this past season. For Season 6, the fun and conflict for this crime-solving dynamic duo will continue to escalate as they navigate new chapters in their lives.

“Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan, Penny Johnson Jerald as NYPD Captain Victoria Gates, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle with Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers.

“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show’s creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann and Armyan Bernstein.

“COUGAR TOWN” (Season 5 on TBS)

Courteney Cox stars as Jules Cobb in her Golden Globe(r)-nominated role as a divorced mom in her forties facing the often humorous challenges, pitfalls and rewards of life’s next chapter. Along for the journey is her college-aged son, her ex-husband, her boyfriend/neighbor and her friends who together make up her dysfunctional, but supportive and caring extended family… even if they have a funny way of showing it sometimes. This season Jules and “the cul de sac crew” find themselves involved in everything from weddings to babies and everything in between. Grayson builds up the courage to finally ask Jules to marry him and, while all seems good with their relationship, the pitter patter of little feet throws everything – and everyone — for a loop. Meanwhile, Bobby seems to have found love with his girlfriend, Angie (Sarah Chalke), Laurie is focused on a new business venture decorating crazy cakes, Travis has to deal with some unexpected challenges while away at college (his doctor makes him wear a helmet!), and Andy leads the entire gang on an all-out war against the neighborhood punks.

“Cougar Town” stars Courteney Cox as Jules, Christa Miller as Ellie, Busy Philipps as Laurie, Dan Byrd as Travis, Josh Hopkins as Grayson, Ian Gomez as Andy and Brian Van Holt as Bobby.

Bill Lawrence (“Scrubs,” “Spin City”) serves as executive producer/writer/director. Blake McCormick, Courteney Cox and David Arquette are executive producers. “Cougar Town” was co-created by Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel and is produced by ABC Studios.

“CRIMINAL MINDS” (Season 9 on CBS )

“Criminal Minds” revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country’s most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit’s most experienced agent is David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), a founding member of the BAU, who is essential in helping the team solve new cases. The BAU team is led by Special Agent Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), a strong profiler who is able to gain people’s trust and unlock their secrets. Other members include Special Agent Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), an expert on obsessional crimes; Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), a classically misunderstood genius whose social IQ is as low as his intellectual IQ is high; Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), the team’s former unit liaison-turned-profiler who recently married her longtime love; Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), the team’s indispensible computer wizard who helps research the cases with her unique charm; and the team’s newest member, Alex Blake (Jeanne Tripplehorn), who rejoins the FBI after a stint as a university teacher and brings her linguistics expertise to the BAU. Each member brings his or her own area of expertise to the table as they pinpoint predators’ motivations and identify their emotional triggers in an attempt to stop them.

“Criminal Minds” stars Joe Mantegna as David Rossi, Thomas Gibson as Aaron Hotchner, Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan, A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid, Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia and Jeanne Tripplehorn as Alex Blake.

The series is produced by ABC Studios in association with CBS Television Studios. Mark Gordon, Erica Messer and Janine Sherman Barrois are the executive producers.

“GREY’S ANATOMY” (Season 10 on ABC)

Recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Television Series and nominated for multiple Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, “Grey’s Anatomy” is considered one of the great television shows of our time. The medical drama, moving into its tenth season, follows the personal and professional lives of a group of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle as they deal with the lives of their patients and their relationships with each other.

“Grey’s Anatomy” stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins, Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery and Sarah Drew as April Kepner.

“Grey’s Anatomy” was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes (“Scandal,” “Private Practice,” “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge”). Betsy Beers (“Scandal,” “Private Practice,” “Casanova”), Mark Gordon (“Saving Private Ryan”), Rob Corn (“Chicago Hope”), Tony Phelan, Joan Rater (“Law & Order: Trial by Jury”) are executive producers. “Grey’s Anatomy” is an ABC Studios production.

“NASHVILLE” (Season 2 on ABC)

Set against the backdrop of the Nashville music scene, “Nashville” follows Rayna Jaymes, a star at her peak, and Juliette Barnes, who is on the rise. When their record label sends them out on tour together after a hit single, both women face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them and often complicating their lives are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business.

“Nashville” stars Connie Britton as Rayna, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette, Powers Boothe as Lamar, Charles Esten as Deacon, Eric Close as Teddy, Clare Bowen as Scarlett, Jonathan Jackson as Avery, Sam Palladio as Gunnar and Robert Ray Wisdom as Coleman.

Dee Johnson (“Boss,” “The Good Wife”), R.J. Cutler (“The September Issue,” “The War Room,” “A Perfect Candidate”), Callie Khouri (“Thelma & Louise”) and Steve Buchanan are executive producers of “Nashville.” The series is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment.

“THE NEIGHBORS” (Season 2 on ABC)

Marty Weaver just wanted the best for his wife, Debbie, and their three kids, and moving from an apartment in Bayonne to Hidden Hills, New Jersey, a gated community complete with its own golf course, was a step in the right direction. Of course, the fact that the entire community is comprised of aliens from the planet Zabvron, and that the Weavers are the first humans who have lived amongst them, presents some challenges. But as the Weavers and the aliens face the struggles of everyday life together, they discover that some things – the ups and downs of marriage, the desire to be a good parent and connect with your children – are universal… intergalactic even. Despite the fact that they’re not even the same species, both humans and Zabvronians had a lot to learn from each other. The Weavers realize they’ve found an ally in the family next door… even if they do cry out of their ears.

“The Neighbors” stars Jami Gertz as Debbie Weaver, Lenny Venito as Marty Weaver, Simon Templeman as Larry Bird, Toks Olagundoye as Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Clara Mamet as Amber Weaver, Tim Jo as Reggie Jackson, Ian Patrick as Dick Butkus, Max Charles as Max Weaver and Isabella Cramp as Abby Weaver.

“The Neighbors” was created by Dan Fogelman (“Cars,” “Tangled,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love”), who is also an executive producer with Aaron Kaplan (“GCB,” “Terra Nova”) and Chris Koch (“Workaholics,” “Modern Family”). “The Neighbors” is from ABC Studios.

“ONCE UPON A TIME” (Season 3 on ABC)

Master storytellers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (“Lost,” “Tron: Legacy”) invite everyone to Storybrooke, Maine, a small town that probably won’t show up on one’s GPS. To ensure that no one in fairytale land – especially Snow White – had anymore “happily ever afters,” Evil Queen Regina cast a curse which trapped the fairytale characters, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Although still alive, they had no knowledge of their former selves and were sleepwalking through life – ageless — for 28 years, until their savior arrived in the form of Emma Swan. Unbeknownst to Emma, she was the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming who whisked her out of fairytale land and into our world as an infant to save her from the curse. Abandoned as a baby, Emma’s life was anything but magical. When her 10-year-old son, Henry, whom she gave up for adoption years ago, appeared on her doorstep with a book of fairytales and told her a crazy story about how she’s the prodigy of fairytale characters who are all trapped in a town called Storybrooke, she thought he was nuts. But curiosity got the better of Emma, and she brought Henry back to the town and soon found out that Storybrooke was more than it seemed. Regina, ever the control freak, had placed herself as Mayor of the town and was Henry’s adoptive mother. Over time Emma began to see through the cracks of the curse, believed that the stories were true and was finally able to break it. Reality and myth merged as the fairytale characters began awakening once the curse was lifted and remembered who they were. But to their dismay, they weren’t transported back to fairytale land. To make matters worse, Rumplestiltskin – aka Mr. Gold – decided to gain the upper hand in his power struggle with Regina and introduced magic into the town. But this is our world, and magic has a tendency to have unfathomable implications.

“Once Upon a Time” stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White/Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan, Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David, Emilie de Ravin as Belle, Colin O’Donoghue as Hook, Jared S. Gilmore as Henry Mills and Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold.

Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz are creators and executive producers. Steve Pearlman is also executive producer. The show is from ABC Studios.

“PERCEPTION” (Season 2 premieres Tuesday, June 25 on TNT )

Its mind over murder as an eccentric neuroscientist with a unique view of the world teams up with the FBI to crack difficult cases in the drama series “Perception.” Eric McCormack (Dr. Daniel Pierce) is a neuroscientist and professor recruited by the FBI to help solve complex cases. His intimate knowledge of human behavior and masterful understanding of the mind gives him an extraordinary ability to read people. But his eccentric view of the world and less-than-stellar social skills often interfere with his work. Rachael Leigh Cook (FBI agent Kate Moretti) is Pierce’s former student and the person responsible for recruiting him to work for the government. Arjay Smith(Max Lewicki) is the teaching assistant whose primary job is to keep Pierce in line and on task. Kelly Rowan (Natalie Vincent) is Pierce’s long-time best friend, and she also plays Caroline Newsome, Pierce’s psychiatrist with whom he’ll have a deepening relationship in the new season. LeVar Burton (Paul Haley) is a dean at the university, and Scott Wolf (Donnie) is Kate’s soon-to-be ex-husband.

“Perception” stars Eric McCormack as Dr. Daniel Pierce, Rachael Leigh Cook as Kate Moretti, Arjay Smith as Max, Kelly Rowan as Natalie, LeVar Burton as Paul and Scott Wolf as Donnie.

“Perception,” produced by ABC Studios, was created by executive producer Ken Biller (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Smallville”) and co-executive producer Mike Sussman (“Star Trek: Enterprise”).

“REVENGE” (Season 3 on ABC)

Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is the newest arrival in the Hamptons. By all appearances, she’s a friendly and sophisticated “girl next door,” but the exclusive world she’s immersed herself in is tied to a dark family history, and Emily is anything but what she seems. After her father was framed for a horrific crime by neighbors he trusted and was sentenced to a life in prison, Emily never saw her father again and spent her childhood consumed by rage, loss and betrayal. Years later she returned to the Hamptons under an assumed identity with one endgame-REVENGE, every social overture a carefully planned chip at the foundation of her sworn enemies until their lives come crashing down around them. Now she must face the consequences of her actions and the havoc she has wreaked on those around her as she continues her fight to avenge her father’s death.

“Revenge” stars Madeleine Stowe as Victoria Grayson, Emily VanCamp as Emily Thorne, Gabriel Mann as Nolan Ross, Henry Czerny as Conrad Grayson, Nick Wechsler as Jack Porter, Josh Bowman as Daniel Grayson, Christa B. Allen as Charlotte Grayson, and Barry Sloane as Aiden Mathis.

“Revenge” is executive produced by Sunil Nayar, Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey (“Twilight”). The series, created by Mike Kelley, is produced by ABC Studios.

“SCANDAL” (Season 3 on ABC)

From the creator and executive producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” comes a drama revolving around the life and work of a professional fixer and her staff. A former media relations consultant to the President of the United States, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) dedicates her life to protecting and defending the public images of our nation’s elite. After leaving the White House, the power consultant opened her own firm, hoping to start a new chapter — both professionally and personally — but she can’t seem to completely cut ties with her past, specifically her secret relationship with the President. But Olivia isn’t the only one with a secret; her staff, who specialize in fixing the lives of other people, can’t quite fix the ones closest at hand — their own.

“Scandal” stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, Columbus Short as Harrison Wright, Guillermo Diaz as Huck, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Tony Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant, Jeff Perry as Cyrus, Bellamy Young as First Lady Mellie Grant and Joshua Malina as David Rosen.

The series was created by Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”). Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”) and Mark Wilding (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”) are executive producers. “Scandal” is produced by ABC Studios.

Filed Under: American Entertainment News

Perception: The Complete First Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

May 17, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The strength of “Perception” is in the writing. From the way Dr. Pierce is able to solve various crimes and the complexity of how he approaches these situations but I also enjoy watching both Eric McCormack and Rachael Leigh Cook together, it makes up for a fascinating and enjoyable series that makes me interested in watching season two! For fans of television crime drama with a little twist, “Perception: The Complete Series” is recommended!

DVD TITLE: Perception: The Complete First Season

YEAR AIRED: 2012

DURATION: 11 Episodes (425 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles,

COMPANY: abc studios

RATED: TV 14 DLV

RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013

Directed by Greg Beeman, Kenneth Biller, Christopher Misiano, Deran Sarafian

Written by Kenneth Biller, Michael Sussman, Amanda Green, Jason Ning, Stephen Tolkin

Production by Eric McCormack, Mark H. Ovitz

Co-Executive Producer: Michael Sussman, Amanda Green, Stephen Tolkin

Co-Producer: Jason Ning

Associate Producer: Nicole Carrasco

Music by Tree Adams

Cinematography by Jeff Jur

Edited by Anthony Miller, Andi Armaganian, Gib Jaffe

Casting by Mary Jo Slater

Production Design by Stephen Storer

Art Direction by Dennis Davenport

Set Decoration by Wanda “Beau” Peterson

Costume Design by Julia Schklair

Starring:

Eric McCormack as Daniel Pierce

Rachael Leigh Cook as Kate Moretti

Arjay Smith as Max Lewicki

Kelly Rowan as Natalie Vincent

Jonathan Scarfe as Roger Probert

LeVar Burton as Paul Haley

Jamie Bamber as Michael Hathaway

Freddy Rodriguez as Wesley Sumter

Jayne Atkinson as Helen Paulson

Lisa banes as Irene Reardon

Jimmy Bennett as Alex Willingham

Bridget Regan as Victoria Ryland

Matthew Glave as Senator Scott Ryland

Enter the brilliant mind of Dr. Daniel Pierce and relive every thrilling case of Perception: The Complete First Season. Experience an original twist on the classic crime drama as Emmy Award® winner Eric McCormack (Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, 2001, Will & Grace), stars as an eccentric neuroscience professor whose revealing visions help him uncover what lies beneath conscious emotion.

Though recruited by the FBI for his masterful understanding of the human mind, Daniel’s odd and offbeat view makes it difficult for him to get close to anyone. His former student, Agent Kate Moretti (Rachael Leigh Cook), is one of the few people willing to accept Daniel’s peculiarities in exchange for his imaginative solutions. Two very different personalities join forces as they try to tackle the Bureau’s most complex cases.

Perception is “Crime Scene Differently.” Own every thrilling moment of Season One in this sensational DVD Collection!

From Kenneth Biller (“Smallville”, “Star Trek: Voyager”, “Legend of the Seeker”) and Mike Sussman (“Star Trek: Voyager”, “Star Trek: Enterprise”, “Threshold”) comes a new crime drama TV series titled “Perception”.

The series would star Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”), Rachael Leigh Cook (“She’s All That”, “Josie and the Pussycats”, “Antitrust”, “Get Carter”), Arjay Smith (“Be Kind Rewind”, “The Day After Tomorrow”, “To Save a Life”), Kelly Rowan (“The O.C.”, “Assassns”, “One Eight Seven”), Jonathan Scarfe (“Above and Beyond”, “White Lies”) and LeVar Burton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “Roots”, “Reading Rainbow”).

With the first season consisting of eleven episodes airing in July 2012 on TNT, a second season is set to premiere in June 2013. And what better than to release the complete first season on DVD in May 2013!

“Perception” revolves around a neuropsychiatrist named Dr. Daniel Pierce who teaches at Chicago Lake Michigan University. While a well-known professor who is lauded for his work on forensic psychology and neuroscience, he’s also a man who is dealing with increased hallucinations due to his schizophrenia.

While he has a live-in teaching assistant named Mex Lewicki who knows of his hallucinations and tries to help Dr. Pierce know what is real or not real, the fact is that he is losing grasp of telling the difference between factual people and hallucinations. Even his best friend, adviser Natalie Vincent, who he tells all his problems to, is actually an imaginary person that is derived from a person he used to like a long time ago.

But life changes for Dr. Daniel Pierce as his former student, Special Agent Kate Moretti from the FBI comes to him for help on a murder case. And for Dr. Pierce, assisting Kate may be what he needs to deal with hallucinations as they are also trying to help him solve the case.

Join Dr. Daniel Pierce and Special Agent Kate Moretti as the try to solve the most complex homicide cases in “Perception: The Complete First Season”!

“Perception: The Complete First Season” focuses on the following main characters:

Dr. Daniel Pierce (Eric McCormack) - A neuropsychiatrist and professor at Chicago Lake Michigan University (CLMU). As a respected writer on forensic psychology and neuroscience, Dr. Pierce has a history of paranoid schizophrenia and often has hallucinations of people trying to help him solve crimes. He is enlisted by the FBI by an expert consultant to solve complex cases.

Special Agent Kate Moretti (Rachael Leigh Cook) - A former student of Dr. Pierce and an FBI agent, she recruits Dr. Pierce to help solve complex crimes. She was recently demoted for her tendency of going beyond the scope of the assignments.

Max Lewicki (Arjay Smith) – A live-in teaching assistant who helps Dr. Pierce differentiate between real people and hallucinations. Max was an orderly who helped Dr. Pierce when he was confined at a psychiatric hospital for his mental illness. Dr. Pierce is helping Max finish graduate school.

Natalie Vincent (Kelly Rowan) - An imaginary adviser and Dr. Pierce’s best friend. She helps him piece together his hallucinations.

Paul Haley (LeVar Burton) - A professor of philosophical theology and Dr. Pierce’s dean at CLMU. Both are good friends and were roommates back in college.

FBI Agent Robert Probert (Jonathan Scarfe) – Kate Moretti’s partner, but doesn’t believe in Dr. Pierce’s judgements.

Dr. Michael Hathaway (Jamie Bamber) – A professor recruited at a university that Dr. Pierce has little respect for. He likes Kate Moretti.

“Perception: The Complete First Season” features 11 episodes on three DVD discs. Here are spoilerless summaries for each episode:

DISC: 1

EPISODE 1 - FBI Agent Kate Moretti recruits Dr. Pierce to help her solve a case involving the death of a pharmaceutical executive.
EPISODE 2 - The FBI is investigating a case of a death of a mail order bride who has a medical condition. Meanwhile, the new professor, Dr. Michael Hathaway has eyes for Kte.
EPISODE 3 – Kate and Dr. Pierce try to help a woman named Lacey who escaped from a serial killer back in 1986. Max doesn’t like how Kate constantly goes to Dr. Pierce for help.
EPISODE 4 – Daniel comes across a cipher left in a letter to the editor which alludes to future crimes.
EPISODE 5 - Kate and Dr. Pierce investigate the death of a junkie.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 6 - Dr. Pierce helps Kate investigate the death of a therapist who tries to cure his patients of homosexuality.
EPISODE 7 – Kate and Dr. Pierce investigate the death of a judge who may have been murdered by a schizophrenic.
EPISODE 8 - Kate and Daniel investigate the death of a young girl who was killed in her dorm room.
EPISODE 9 - Daniel witnesses the murder of a young man, but was it real or a hallucination?
EPISODE 10 - Dr. Pierce commits himself to a psychiatric ward but what happens when he comes across a familiar face?

VIDEO:

“Perception: The Complete First Season” is presented in Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 televisions. A lot of the shots are shot indoor and thosescenes are well-lit and during the low-light scenes, you do see a bit of noise but compared to other drama series on television, the series is above average in terms of picture quality on DVD.

AUDIO:

As for audio, “Perception: The Complete First Season” is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Dialogue and music is crystal clear, while surround channels are not too active and is a dialogue/music driven soundtrack coming from the center and front channels. The show is presented with English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Perception: The Complete First Season” comes with no following special features.

EXTRAS:

“Perception: The Complete First Season” comes with a slip cover.

On television, there have been quite a few crime dramas in which police or federal organization teams up with a civilians.

You have “Castle” in which a police investigator teams up with a famous crime novelist, a young crime consultant and his reluctant police officer partner in “Psych” and in 2012, TBS introduced their series “Perception” pairing a schizophrenic neuropsychiatrist assisting an FBI agent.

So, the crime dramas of civilian and law enforcement is still popular on television but it all comes down to how these series separate itself from being banal but also coming up with some new and fresh for the audience.

With “Perception”, the show is entertaining, a good twist on the crime drama about individuals solving homicides but at the same time, reminiscent of shows such as “Castle” (civilian and officer) and even the law drama “Eli Stone” (how lawyer is able to represent his client but has hallucinations due to the protagonist with a brain aneurism.

In the case of lead protagonist Dr. Daniel Pierce, he is a man who has a brilliant mind but has been dealing with schizophrenia which has gotten so bad that he is not sure who is real or not real and with the help of his roommate and friend Max and an imaginary adviser, along with hallucinations that show up whenever there is a case that needs to be solved, it does make up for interesting drama.

Actor Eric McCormack has moved on since his “Will & Grace” days to play a more serious character with a lot of depth and paired with Rachael Leigh Cook, who has grown up a lot since her teen films of the ’90s such as “She’s all That” and “Josie and the Pussycats”. As Special Agent Kate Moretti, both she and Dr. Pierce are an interesting duo…teacher and former student (who tends to get into a bit of trouble, but maybe there is a little attraction from her towards her former teacher).

While both work together to solve problems, she’s not aware of how extent his schizophrenia is but she often goes to Dr. Pierce to help the FBI solve various murders.

So, while the series does make itself stand out compared to other series with a similar style, there are a few things that often drive me nuts and that is the interference of a civilian during a police interrogation or in this case, a federal interrogation. I just don’t see how Dr. Pierce can go inside and interrupt the special agent during her interrogation whenever he wants, but I would assume that Moretti is used to Dr. Pierce’s eccentric and complex personality.

But still, I enjoyed this crime drama as it does have potential to be something bigger and also tap into episodes with a more serious tone.

While the first season does a great job in establishing the primary characters and the main goal is for both Moretti and Dr. Pierece to solve the most complex cases, it will be interesting to see if both of these individuals fall for each other. But not sure if I would like that as it would be too banal for my taste!

But the strength of “Perception” is in the writing. From the way Dr. Pierce is able to solve various crimes and the complexity of how he approaches these situations but I also enjoy watching both Eric McCormack and Rachael Leigh Cook together, it makes up for a fascinating and enjoyable series that makes me interested in watching season two!

For fans of television crime drama with a little twist, “Perception: The Complete Series” is recommended!

Filed Under: DVD Reviews

Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

October 8, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The producers and writers for “Body of Proof” went all out this second season with more action, heavy hitting episodes but also shocking storylines and deaths of major characters that I never saw coming! “Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” is highly recommended!

DVD TITLE: Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season

SERIES DATE: 2012

DURATION: 20 Episodes (854 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions, Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish

COMPANY: abc studios

RATED: TV 14 DSLV

RELEASE DATE: September 18, 2012

Directed by Nelson McCormick, Christine Moore, Matthew Gross, John Terlesky

Written by Christopher Murphey, Matthew V. Lewis, Diane Ademu-John, Andrew Dettmann, Corey D. Miller, Sunil Nayar, Sam Humphrey, Matthew Gross, Lawrence Kaplow, Allen MacDonald

Produced by Jim Klever-Weis, Bryan Oh

Co-Producer: Paul Gadd

Supervising Producer: Diane Ademu-John, Sam Humphrey

Executive Producer: Matthew Gross, Christopher Murphey, Sunil Nayar

Co-Executive Producer: Corey D. Miller, Richard Heus, Andrew Dettmann

Music by Daniel Licht

Cinematography by Patrick Cady

Edited by Jennifer Pulver, Lynn Willingham, Randy Jon Morgan, Tirsa Hackshaw, Eric Litman

Casting by Rosalie Joseph, Gayle Pillsbury

Production Design by Steven Wolff, Kenneth Hardy

Art Direction by Jeremy Woodward, E. David Cosier, Gina B. Cranham

Costume Design by Roberta Haze, Roberta Haze

Starring:

Dana Delany as Megan Hunt

Jeri Ryan as Kate Murphy

John Carroll Lynch as Bud Morris

Nicholas Bishop as Petr Dunlop

Sonja John as Samantha Baker

Geoffrey Arend as Ethan Gross

Windell Middlebrooks as Curtis Brumfield

Mary Mouser as Lacey Fleming

Nathalie Kelley as Dani Alvarez

Jeffrey Nordling as Todd Fleming

Joanna Cassidy as Joan Hunt

Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) may have a prickly personality, but she’s a brilliant medical examiner with unique techniques for solving even the most complex crime. Relive every unique medical mystery as Megan seeks justice for each victim, while also putting her life back together and repairing her personal relationships with the living. Dissect each distinctive case with ABC’s “Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” on DVD, plus exciting bonus features!

From writer and producer Christopher Murphey comes a new ABC medical drama titled “Body of Proof” which made its debut on March 2011 replacing a canceled drama series. With a short nine episode first season, the drama series was renewed for a second season and garnered positive reviews around the world where it has aired.

“Body of Proof” is a series that centers on Dr. Megan Hunt, a brilliant neurosurgeon who was a workaholic but was also away from her family which led to a divorce and losing custody of her daughter Mary.

One day, while trying to talk on her cell phone, she got into a car accident and now she doesn’t have full control of her hands to do surgery and thus ended her career as a neurosurgeon.

So, now Dr. Hunt works as a medical examiner and is trying to establish a relationship with her daughter but also assists Detectives Bud Morris and Samantha Becker on their criminal cases along with her partner Nicholas Bishop, a former police officer now medico-legal investigator.

The characters of “Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” include:

Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany, “Desperate Housewives”, “Castle”, “Kidnapped”) - A former neurosurgeon now medical examiner who was a dedicated, brilliant neurosurgeon but broke her marriage and prevented a true relationship with her daughter which was followed by a life-changing car accident which ended her career. Now, a medical examiner, she uses her knowledge and investigative instincts to help police solve cases. She’s not very sociable, doesn’t have any friends due to being a workaholic.

Peter Dunlop (Nicholas Bishop, “Home and Away, “Walking on Water”) - A former police officer and now a medico-legal investigator. A partner to Dr. Megan Hunt assisting her on medical cases.

Dr. Kate Murphy (Jerry Ryan, “Star Trek: Voyager”, “Down with Love”, “Shark”, “Boston Public”) - The chief medical examiner and forensic anthropologist. Always concerned with the work budget, as Megan’s superior and the first female chief medical examiner in Philadelphia, she is sometimes at odds with Dr. Megan Hunt. She is also dating Megan’s ex-husband.

Detective Bud Morris (John Carroll Lynch, “Zodiac”, “Gran Torino”, “Shutter Island”) - A hardheaded homicide detective. Despite having personal problems due to a failing marriage, he does his best to solve his cases but often he and Dr. Megan Hunt are at odds when she oversteps her boundaries.

Detective Samantha Baker (Sonja John, “The Wire”, “Bringing out the Dead”, “Shaft”) - A partner of Detective Bud Morris and a person who respects Dr. Megan Hunt for being straightforward.

Dr. Ethan Gross (Geoffrey Arend, “(500) Days of Summer”, “Garden State”) – The young and enthusiastic fellow medical examiner.

Dr. Curtis Brumfield (Windell Middlebrooks, “Miss March”, “Enlightened”) – A former chief resident at Seattle Grace Hospital and an orthopedic surgeon. Was married with Dr. George O’Malley. Later, she has a sexual relationship with Dr. Mark Sloan (in order to prove to herself that she is heterosexual) but is now starting to understand her feelings that she is a lesbian and exploring her relationship with Dr. Arizona Robbins.

Todd Fleming (Jeffrey Nordling, “Flight 93″, “Tron: Legacy”, “Once and Again”) - The estranged husband of Dr. Megan Hunt, who is dating Megan’s boss, Dr. Kate Murphy.

Lacey Fleming (Mary Matilyn Mouser, “Bride Wars”, “Son of the Mask”) – The estranged daughter of Dr. Megan Hunt.

Dani Alvarez (Nathalie Kelley, “Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift”, “Loaded”) – Delivers the deceased to the medical examiner’s office and becomes the love interest for Peter in Season Two.

“Body of Proof: The Complete First Season” features 20 episodes on four discs. Here is a basic summary of each episode (Spoilerless summaries):

EPISODE 10 – Love Thy Neighbor – A car goes over an embankment and a man is found dead. Who is responsible?
EPISODE 11 – Hunting Party – A young new wife is shot at the family deer-hunt outing, who is responsible for killing her?
EPISODE 12 – Missing – A young nanny is run over and the 5-year-old charge has been kidnapped and he desperately needs his medication.
EPISODE 13 – Lazarus Man – A man who is on the examination table who is presumed dead, walks out off the table.
EPISODE 14 – Point of Origin – Peter saves a young woman in a house fire but is upset that he didn’t know a person died in the fire.
EPISODE 15 – Second Chances – A horse-riding champion is found dead in the woods, who is responsible for the murder?
EPISODE 16 – Hard Knocks – A teenager dies at a party and someone made the 911 call. Who may be responsible for the teen’s death?
EPISODE 17 – Love Bites – A pharmaceutical rep is found murdered and the team must find out who is responsible.
EPISODE 18 – Gross Anatomy – How did a murdered woman’s body end up as a medical school cadaver?
EPISODE 19 – Your Number’s Up – A lottery winner is found stabbed to death. Who is responsible for the murder?
EPISODE 20 – Falling For You – Who killed the bride on her wedding day?
EPISODE 21 – Shades of Blue – A cop is executed at a truck stop, but another cop is a suspect. Is he responsible?
EPISODE 22 – Sympathy for the Devil – A woman found innocent for murder is killed. Who was responsible for the murder?
EPISODE 23 – Cold Blooded – An Italian restaurant owner is found dead in a freezer. Who is responsible?
EPISODE 24 – Occupational Hazards – Two cards with bodies found inside the trunk, now the team must solve two cases.
EPISODE 25 – Home Invasion – Parents of a perfect family are killed. Did the surviving son do it?
EPISODE 26 – Identity – Two young girls are involved in a tragic car accident but the wrong girl is pronounced dead and the car accident may not be responsible for the death of the girl.
EPISODE 27 – Going Viral, Part 1 – The team must solve a city-wide virus outbreak.
EPISODE 28 - Going Viral, Part 2 – Death tolls continue to rise in the city, the team must find a way to treat the virus!
EPISODE 29 – Mind Games – A serial killer is back and wants his revenge on Megan.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” is presented in Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 televisions. This is one of the few drama series on television where a lot of the scenes are shot outdoors, to there is good natural lighting and the series does look good on DVD. I didn’t see any major noise or compression artifacts. For the most part, the seventh season does look very good on DVD.

As for audio, the series is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and the series is primarily dialogue and music driven. Dialogue is clear and understandable, while the music has always played a major part for the series and definitely enhances certain scenes. Did notice the surround used in scenes with cutting of flesh (during surgery) which was quite clear. There are a few mild action sequences but for the most part, this is a dialogue-driven drama series.

The show is presented in English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” includes the following special features:

Design of Body of Proof: Living Spaces – (2:27) A short featurette on the production design of the series.
Bodies of Body of Proof - (2:35) A short featurette about the dead bodies featured in the series. Technical Advisor Gary Kellerman talks about the research that goes into the auditions and using pig parts and having Dana Delany practicing the incisions on them and make-up design for the deceased.
The Stunt Work of Body of Proof: Taking the Plunge – (4:58) A featurette on the stunt work featured in the series and how executive producers wanted to see much more action in the seconds season.
The Stunt Work of Body of Proof: Prepping the Stunt (Part 1) – (2:57) The creation of the high speed stunt.
The Effects of Body of Proof: Playing with Fire – (3:29) Featuring the burning down a house for an episode and what was involved in the creation of that scene.
The Fashion of Body of Proof – (2:36) A featurette on the fashion for “Body of the Proof” from Susanna Puisto (Costume Designer).
The Stunt Work of Body of Proof: Collision Course (Part 2) – (3:46) Anya Adams (1st Assistant Director) talks about scheduling the stunts for the series. Lisa Wesels (Stunt Coordinator) talks about the coordination of the stunts for the series and more!
Body of Goofs – (3:37) Outtakes from the second season of “Body of Proof”.
Outbreak: Webisodes – Featuring five webisodes (about two minutes long) showcasing a newscaster about a terrorist virus outbreak.

EXTRAS:

“Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” comes with a slip cover case.

With “Body of Proof” receiving a 20-episode order (compared to last season’s nine-episodes), this gave writers to explore more cases for the second season.

That also meant more action but also taking more risks in hopes that people will continue to watch the series for the third season.

“Body of Proof” is an interesting series because it deals with both the medical side but also the police detective side.

It’s a mix of a medical and police drama series…not to say it’s “Grey’s Anatomy” meets “Castle” kind of hybrid series but you have the medical side and then a medical examiner who tends to overstep the boundaries during a police investigation once in awhile.

But the series does make things different in the fact that the main character, Dr. Megan Hunt, while a talented medical examiner and former neurosurgeon, she’s flawed when it comes to things outside of her career. She realizes what she lost when she lost and that is a failed marriage and a teenage daughter and a husband who are estranged. And to make things worse for Megan, her boss, is dating her ex-husband and also there for her teenage daughter, which causes resentment and also jealousy within Megan.

You can tell that she buries herself in work to avoid social interaction or to avoid the pain of losing her family but whether or not she likes it, her co-workers are her support, trying to get her out of this funk and make her more sociable but also giving her that extra push for her to have that relationship with her daughter.

Dana Delaney does a spectacular job of playing the character who has confidence when it comes to her job but also her personality flaws when it comes to the more emotional and social aspects of her life. And speaking of Delaney, I definitely love this character role since she played Nurse Colleen McMurphy on “China Beach” back in 1988-1991. A strong character role, intelligent but yet not perfect…just a human being who works hard at her job but also has her own personal issues that she has to deal with.

What I like about this is that many professionals I know are like that. They put in a lot of hours in the office and deep inside, they know they should be with family but because of their dedication for the greater good of saving lives… it’s a difficult choice and lifestyle which is rarely focused in a drama series.

I have to admit that at first, I thought this was going to be a reversed-”Castle” type series where Dr. Hunt would be overstepping the boundaries of her job during the police questioning of a potential suspect but I’m glad that it’s not that type of drama series and that the writers are trying to do something difference. Also, I like the fact that the other supporting cast were being utilized much more earlier in the series.

While the series has gained critical praise, one thing that I do find the series a bit problematic is its criminal cases are predictable. If anything, we are a bit spoiled in this day and age with many police or investigative series that really make you wonder “who did it?”, “Body of Proof” is not exactly challenging the viewer as much.

Also, with more episodes, the series goes further into the character development of Peter, Kate, Ethan, Curtis but also exploring the lives of Detectives Bud Morris and Samantha Baker.

The second season also featured a lot of sexual tension. You never knew if Megan or Peter will get together but eventually, both managed to explore other people (as well as other characters exploring romance).

But what made the second season so awesome was that the writers took amazing risks.

The biggest risk was by creating the virus outbreak episodes for “Going Viral” and killing off a pretty important character of the series, followed by the season finale which killed off a major character of the series. And to make things worse, although a third season was green-lit, the budget for the series has been slashed and even more characters are going to be gone for season three.

While I appreciate the fact that ABC is bringing the series back, what made “Body of Proof” so compelling was the balance between medical/police drama. By eliminating so many characters of one side of the series, I really don’t know what direction the series is headed for season three.

As for the DVD release, you get 20-episodes, quite a few special features and overall picture and audio quality is very good on DVD.

With a series like “Body of Proof”, there was no doubt that the writers did so much to make this season exciting. More action, more stunt work and calculated stories which include a major outbreak and a serial killer which leaves two characters dead and also a season finale which would feature the last appearances of important characters.

The writers did a lot to improve the second season and did all they can to give “Body of Proof” its own identity and to distinguish itself from other ABC drama shows like “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Private Practice”, “Castle”, etc.

But with how things have ended with season two and what has transpired since the third season received an order of more episodes and a drastic cut to its budget, needless to say, the third season will be a new chapter in the life of Dr. Megan Hunt and may possibly be a different kind of series that we have been accustomed to, in these past two seasons. It’s a shame because this season really went all out into developing storylines for viewers to learn more about these characters and now, quite a few of them are now gone. It’s like taking “Grey’s Anatomy” and eliminating everyone but a handful of characters.

So, I don’t really know what is in store for season three. But for season two alone, if you enjoyed the first season, you definitely want to watch the second. The writers really went all out with this second season and by the final episodes of the season, you can’t believe where the writers are taking you. I was impressed they saved the best episodes of season two for last!

If you are looking for a fun, well-written, clever and entertaining medical/investigative drama series, “Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” is highly recommended!

Filed Under: DVD Reviews

Castle – The Complete Fourth Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

September 4, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Sexual tension and crime drama aside, the humor, well-written episodes and great performances from the cast of “Castle” have made this fourth season exciting and entertaining! It’s one of my favorite series on television and if you enjoyed the previous three seasons and purchased the previous DVD sets, then it’s a no-brainer that this fourth season on DVD is a must-buy.

DVD TITLE: CASTLE – The Complete Fourth Season

TELEVISION AIR DATE: 2011-2012

DURATION: 23 episodes (985 minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, French and Spanish Subtitles, Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions

COMPANY: abc studios

RATED: TV 14 DLSV

RELEASE DATE: September 11, 2012

Created by Andrew J. Marlowe

Directed by Rob Bowman, Bryan Spicer, John Terlesky, Bill Roe, Thomas J. Wright, Jeff Bleckner, David Barrett

Written by Andrew J. Marlow, Shalisha Francis, David Grae, Alexi Hawley, Elizabeth Davis, Moira Kirland, Terence Paul Winter, Will Beall, Terri Miller, Rene Echevarria, Jose Molina, David Amann, Matt Pyken, Scott Williams

Executive Producer: Armyan Bernstein, Rob Bowman, Andrew W. Marlowe, Laurie Zaks

Co-Executive Producer: Jose Molina, Matt Pyken, Scott Williams,

Producer: D. Howard Grigsby, David Grae

Co-Producer: Marc A. Kahn, Terri Miller, Alexi Hawley, Joan Van Horn

Music by Robert Duncan

Cinematography by Bill Roe

Edited by Warren Bowman, Sue Blainey, Marta Evry

Casting by Kendra Castleberry, Donna Rosenstein

Production Design by Alfred Sole

Art Direction by Jim Wallis, Gershon Ginsburg

Set Decoration by Claire Kaufman

Costume Design by Luke Reichie

Starring:

Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle

Stana Katic as Detective Kate Beckett

Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers

Molly C. Quinn as Alexis Castle

Jon Huertas as Detective Javier Esposito

Seamus Dever as Detective Kevin Ryan

Tamala Jones as Dr. Lanie Parish

Penny Johnson as Captain Victoria Gates

Michael Dorn as Dr. Cater Burke

Television’s most unlikely crime-fighting team is back and their relationship is stronger than ever! Prepare for a season full of suspense where lines are drawn, sides are chosen and careers are put on the line as Castle tries to protect Beckett following her near death encounter. Castle’s relationship with Beckett radically changes during the season, leading to a final confrontation with a mysterious man who holds all the answers that Beckett has been searching for since the night her mother was murdered. Features all 23 episodes plus exclusive bonus material including “Nathan & Friends: Castle Goes Radio;” “Anatomy of A Stunt;” audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and bloopers.

Sexual tension and crime drama aside, the humor, well-written episodes and great performances from the cast of “Castle” have made this fourth season exciting and entertaining!

When we last left “Castle” in season three, there were new developments in Detective Kate Beckett’s pursuit of finding out who murdered her mother. It was revealed that Captain Montgomery (Ruben Santiago-Huds0n), who was a good father figure for Kate was involved in her father’s death but that the conspiracy is much larger than she thinks. For what reason, not much is known but in the end, to protect Kate, Captain Montgomery paid with his life.

And with Montgomery’s last words to “Castle” was to protect her, at the funeral for Montgomery, the season final ended with a sniper shooting Kate during the funeral and Castle, holding her in his arms, telling her that he loves her.

And here ware now, with the fourth season of the hit drama series “Castle”. If you thought the third season was explosive and fun, wait until you watch the 23 episodes featured in “Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” which will be released in Sept. 2012, before the airing of the fifth season season premiere.

What is “Castle”?

“CASTLE” debuted on ABC as a mid-season replacement and began airing on March 2009. Created by Andrew M. Marlowe (“Air Force One”, “End of Days” and “Hollyw Man”) and executive produced by Rob Bowman (“The A-Team”, “The X-Files”, “Day Break”) comes a new drama series on crime solving.

The first season which featured 10 episodes stars actor Nathan Fillion (“Firefly”, “Drive” and “Desperate Housewives”) as Richard Castle. The famous mystery novelist who is adored by many but behind-the-scenes, he is a playboy who has an on-and-off fling with his ex-wife (who is an actress), another ex-wife who is his publisher and lives with his bright teenage daughter Alexis (Molly Quinn, “My One and Only”) and his meddlesome mother and former Broadway actress, Martha Rodgers (Susan Sullivan, “The Nine”, “Dharma & Greg”).

There is a lot of pressure on Nathan to create another book and with him stuck, his luck starts to change when he meets by-the-book Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic, “Heroes”, “The Spirit”, “Quantum of Solace”) who is investigating several murders which have taken place and the way that they were done were like the murders featured in several of his novels. Because of his knowledge of how things end up with his books, he gets the opportunity to assist the detectives in their case.

Eventually, Richard Castle discovers that he can do several things in his life. Write his new book based on Detective Beckett, see if he can woo Detective Beckett and most of all to investigate other murders which he can incorporate ideas for his new book. At first, it seems implausible but with Castle being so well-known and friends with the mayor, Captain Montgomery (Ruben Santiago-Huds0n) will do what he can to make the mayor and his boss happy, so he allows Richard to tag along with Detective Beckett.

Needless to say, she’s not happy about it but with his skills of mystery writing and her skills as a detective, the two find out that together, they can be an effective duo in crime solving. Also, joining Beckett are Detective Javier Esposito (Jon Huertas), Detective Kevin Ryan (Seamus Dever) and forensics doctor Dr. Lanie Parish (Tamala Jones).

In the first season, Detective Beckett and Richard Castle have worked together in handling various cases. But one case that Richard would like to investigate is the death of Detective Beckett’s mother but Beckett doesn’t want him getting into her personal business.

In the second season, Richard continues to work with Detective Beckett and together they try to solve a variety of murder cases including one that deals with a serial killer going after Detective Beckett. This season also shows us how Castle and Beckett seem to start showing some affection towards each other but in the process, Beckett becomes closer with Detective Demming.

In this third season of “Castle”, with Castle having ended his research with Detective Beckett, Beckett and her team are reunited with Beckett who has not communicated with them for several months. But now Beckett wants to be involved with the research and team up with Beckett once again.

Meanwhile, Castle is trying to get used to being a father when his daughter is dating and Castle’s publisher and second ex-wife Gina is back into Castle’s life and with Beckett dating another man, Castle finds himself reuniting with his ex-wife, despite starting to have more feelings towards Beckett.

As for Detective Beckett, when she finds out that a police officer investigating her mother’s murder has new information for her, something tragic happens. But also, when an assassin who may know information of what happened to her mother, manages to escape while on trial. As Beckett has been trying to find out who killed her mother, what new information do these individuals have? And what happens when Beckett’s mother’s case becomes so big that may lead to her own death. Castle and everyone knows the danger that Beckett is getting involved with but how much more explosive can things get.

And by the third season, we learn that the murder of Detective Beckett’s mother is much bigger than she can ever realize. As as the sexual tension began to heat up between Castle and Kate, Kate found herself a new boyfriend and as for Castle, well…perhaps it was a one-sided love afterall? But with Captain Montgomery being revealed as a person who knows who killed Kate’s mother and may have been involved himself, the first major character in the series was killed. And the season ended with those trying to put a stop to Kate in continuing her investigation, leading to a sniper shooting her at Montgomery’s funeral and with life slipping away, Castle revealing his true feelings for her.

The fourth season of “Castle” picks up after Kate Beckett is shot. It’s a given that there is no way Castle or Kate Beckett is going to die as they are the primary characters of the series, so what happens next is that Kate must deal with the trauma of being shot and killed and getting back on duty.

While she has told everyone that she does not remember anything after being shot, the truth is that she does remember everything, including what Castle told her. But to protect him and to focus on who killed her mother, not falling in love is her priority, even though she knows she has feelings for Castle as well.

The series also takes a big step forward in giving more storylines involving the supporting characters. Introduced to the series is Captain Victoria Gates (portrayed by Penny Johnson), who is nothing like Montgomery and would rather Beckett focus on her cases without Castle involved, because she sees him as a distraction.

Javier Esposito is dating Lanie Parish, Kevin has now inherited Castle’s style of reasoning is getting married and as for Alexis Castle, she has to deal with having a boyfriend and trying to get into college.

But as Kate tries to find out more of who shot her and why and also finding out more details of her mother’s death, Castle is meeting a mystery man behind Kate’s back, a man who knows a great amount of information that deals with her mother’s death. But the mysterious man warns Castle that Kate should probably step back as she may get herself too far in her investigation and end up dead.

“Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” is another humorous, exciting and explosive season with a good balance of plot twists, sexual tension and drama.

“Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” features 23 episodes on five discs. Included are (spoiler-less summaries):

DISC: 1

EPISODE 59 – Rise - After being shot, Beckett recuperates for three months before going back to work. Meanwhile, a new Captain is in place, and she does not like Castle’s presence with her detectives.
EPISODE 60 – Heroes & Villains – Castle and Beckett investigate a superhero vigilante.
EPISODE 61 – Head Case – Becket and Castle investigate a crime scene with a lot of blood but no victims. Meanwhile, Alexis finds out if she will be attending Stanford.
EPISODE 62 – Kick the Ballistics - Becket and Castle investigate a murder of a young woman, who died by someone using Detective Ryan’s old service weapon.
EPISODE 63 – Eye of the Beholder - Castle and Beckett investigate a murder committed during the theft of a valuable sculpture.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 64 – Demons – Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a ghost hunter.
EPISODE 65 – Cops & Robbers – Martha and Castle are among the hostages of a bank robbery. Can Beckett save him?
EPISODE 66 – Heartbreak Hotel – Beckett and Captain Gates investigate a murder of an Atlantic City casino owner.
EPISODE 67 – Kill Shot – A sniper is killing people in NYC and Bekett’s post-traumatic stress worsens because of it.
EPISODE 68 – Cuffed – Castle and Beckett awaken in a dark, sealed room handcuffed together.

DISC 3:

EPISODE 69 – ‘Til Death Do Us Part – Beckett and Castle investigate the death of a player, who may have had some sexual relations with Detective Ryan’s fiancee.
EPISODE 70 – Dial M for Mayor- A woman is found dead in a car on loan from city hall by the Mayor. When the Mayor is suspected for the woman’s death, because Castle defends his good friend, it causes complications for Beckett who feels that Castle has become biased.
EPISODE 71 – An Embarrassment of Bitches – Beckett and Castle investigate the death of a famous dog trainer and reality TV star Kay Cappuccio (special guest star: Hilarie Burton) may be responsible. Or is she?
EPISODE 72 – The Blue Butterfly – Detective Beckett and Castle investigate a crime using a diary that was written back in the 1940′s
EPISODE 73 – Pandora – (Part One) Castle and Beckett investigate a killer who is part of an international conspiracy, meanwhile Alexis starts a new internship assisting Lanie at the Medical Examiner’s Office.

DISC 4:

EPISODE 74 – Linchpin – (Part Two) Detective Beckett and Castle are betrayed by someone they thought they could trust. Meanwhile, Castle begins to learn more about his father.
EPISODE 75 – Once Upon a Crime – Beckett and Castle investigate two murdered women who were dressed as fairytale characters by the killer, now they must quickly find him before he kills again.
EPISODE 76 – A Dance with Death – Beckett and Castle investigate the death of a troubled celebrity.
EPISODE 77 – 47 Seconds – Someone has bombed the “Takeover Wall Street” protest and Castle and Beckett try to find the perpetrator.
EPISODE 78 – The Limey- Castle and Beckett are approached by Scotland Yard detective inspector Colin Hunt in help with solving the murder of a family friend.

DISC 5:

EPISODE 79 – Headhunters – Castle and Beckett’s working relationship continues to worsen and it leads to Castle working with Detective Ethan Slaughter (special guest: Adam Baldwin) who has violent methods in dealing with crime.
EPISODE 80 – Undead Again -Will this be a new beginning between Castle and Beckett’s relationship?
EPISODE 81 – Always – Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a reformed gang member, they find evidence that links him to Beckett’s shooting and also stolen documents that came from Captain Montgomery’s home. Meanwhile, Cole Maddox, the assassin vows to kill Kate if he can recover Montgomery’s files on his employer.

VIDEO:

“Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” is presented in Widescreen (1:78:1) and is enhanced for 16×9 televisions. The drama series is quite slick as it gives you the feel of New York and like many abc studios related DVD releases, Disney has always done a good job with their TV show transfers. A show that balances outdoor and indoor shots with good lighting, the picture quality for “CASTLE” is pretty solid. I didn’t see any major artifacting issues or low level noise that was distracting.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, “Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The series is front and center channel driven with a few episodes (that involve gun fights) utilizing the surround channels. The series does utilize quite a bit of music and for the most, the series is clear and understandable.

Subtitles are in English SDH, French and Spanish.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” includes the following special features:

DISC 1:

Audio Commentary – Featuring audio commentary for “Rise” by director/executive producer Rob Bowman and actors Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever and Tamala Jones.

DISC 2:

Audio Commentary – Featuring audio commentary by creator/executive producer/writer Andrew W. Marlow, Writer Terri Miller and Actors Terri Miller and Actors Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic.

DISC 3:

Deleted Scene – (:59) “Dial M for Mayor “deleted scene.
Audio Commentary – “The Blue Butterfly” with audio commentary by writer Terence Paul Winter, Costume Designer Luke Reichle and actors Susan Sullivan, Tamala Jones and Molly Quinn.

Disc 4:

Deleted Scenes- (2:24) Featuring two deleted scenes: “Our Linchpin” and “New Identity”.

DISC 5:

Filion and Friends: Castle Goes Radio - Making the Show (11:14) Molly C. Quinn hosts the making of the podcast, Sparks Nevada: Marshall on Mars (21:15) – A live stage performance, “Cactoid Jim: King of the Martian Frontier”(21:40) A live stage performance.
Submerged: An In-Depth Look at Stunts – (17:31) The stunts of “Castle” and a look behind-the scenes of how these stunts are made for this season’s two-parter.
Bowman, Bowman & Castle – (10:24) How the cast and crew of “Castle” are like a big family and interview with a few of the crew members.
Deleted Scenes – (3:08) Featuring five deleted scenes: “Way Over the Line”, “Are You There”, “Unprofessional”, “Outside Montgomery’s House”, “Sound Like an Alcoholic”.
Bloopers – (4:22) Outtakes from “Castle” season four.

EXTRAS:

“Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” comes with a slip cover case.

One of the difficulties drama series have often is to follow-up an explosive season finale. Because the expectations are high and people are hoping to see more of that excitement to kick off the next season.

For season four, it was probably good for the writers to take a step back and focus on character dynamics but also this sexual tension that has gone on between Castle and Beckett.

But we know by the first episode, it’s not going to be that easy. Having been shot and nearly killed, Detective Beckett knows that she wants to pursue those who killed her mother and moreso, for those who tried to kill her in order to stop investigating her mother’s death. For actress Stana Katic, this series asks for her to bring another side to Beckett, one that is fragile and experiencing post-traumatic stress, but also be a woman who can be a kick ass investigator but also one that is trying to temper her growing love for Castle, for his protection but also because she is known to put up a defensive wall around her.

So, I enjoyed how the writers focused on that in season four. Getting past all the flirtation, we now are about to see hopefully progress between both Kate and Castle.

The episodes are well-written. Good amount of drama and humor, I found myself laughing quite a bit. But also enjoyed seeing episodes such as “The Blue Butterfly” and taking the series to a 1940′s storyline. I love the fact that the writers are able to create some freedom and doing something different once in awhile and to see everyone in ’40s costume design, I thought that was very cool!

What I also enjoyed about season four is that the writers are integrating the supporting characters such as Javier Esposito, Kevin Ryan, Lanie Parish and Alexis Castle. For the characters of Javier and Kevin, we see more teamwork and them being utilized on cases instead of being research hounds for Detective Beckett. They get involved in the action and I love the growth of their characters. Also, Lanie Parish is utilized more in the story and I enjoy that.

It’ll be interesting to see how Captain Victoria Gates fits into this series. I enjoyed watching Penny Johnson in “24″ and she could prove to be an intriguing character as the series continues in its fifth season.

So, for the most part, I really did enjoy the fourth season of “Castle”. While the season finale was not as shocking as last season, it does give fans what they have wanted for so long. Also, more developments in regards to Beckett’s shooting and her investigation into her mother’s death. So, no doubt that season 5 will be quite interesting and see if people enjoy the new chapter in the lives of Castle and Detective Beckett.

As for the DVD, “Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” is once again, another solid release. I enjoyed the inclusion of more audio commentary into this DVD set but also the addition of the live stage performances, deleted scenes, outtakes and also two features on the crew and cast being one big family and the stunts of the two-parter episodes.

Overall, sexual tension and crime drama aside, the humor, well-written episodes and great performances from the cast of “Castle” have made this fourth season exciting and entertaining! It’s one of my favorite series on television and if you enjoyed the previous three seasons and purchased the previous DVD sets, then it’s a no-brainer that this fourth season on DVD is a must-buy.

If you love “Castle”, then “Castle – The Complete Fourth Season” is definitely recommended!

Filed Under: DVD Reviews

ABC Studios’ THE RIVER, MISSING, SCANDAL & GCB on DVD!!!

April 6, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

ON DVD JUST WEEKS AFTER FINALES

ABC STUDIOS DEBUTS
FOUR EXCITING ‘SEASON ONE’ TV SERIES

The Complete First Seasons of Acclaimed Drama Series
“The River,” “Missing” & “Scandal” and the
Hilarious Hit “GCB”

Available On DVD This Spring – Loaded with Never-Before-Seen Bonus Materials

BURBANK, Calif. – March 23, 2012 – ABC Studios is proud to announce the May/June DVD debut of four new TV series on DVD, just weeks after their season one finales on ABC-TV. Exciting spring releases begin May 22 with the DVDdebut of the paranormal thriller “The River.” The network’s hilarious “GCB” struts its stuff to DVD on June 12, and both the explosive thriller “Scandal” and the mystery-suspense sensation “Missing” head home to DVD, also on June 12. These outstanding ‘Season One’ DVD collections will dig deeper into these new series with never-before-seen material such as exclusive bonus features, deleted scenes, blooper reels and featurettes from favoritecharacters. Each allows fans the chance to relive all their favorite moments uninterrupted, catch up on missed episodes and share theirlove for some of the best new series on TV with friends and family.

MAY 22, 2012

THE RIVER: The Complete First Season
From Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, and the director of “Paranormal Activity” Oren Peli, a truly harrowing and hair-raising series comes to DVD. “The River: The Complete First Season” tells the tale of famed wildlife explorer and TV personality Dr. Emmet Cole who went looking for magic deep in the uncharted Amazon and never returned.

Now, six months after he vanished, a brave crew of family, old friends and new acquaintances embark on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him in the deepest and darkest depths of South America. The DVD is filled with exclusive bonus features, including deleted scenes that draw audiences further into this heart-pounding adventure.

Release Date: May 22, 2012                              Distributor Prebook: April 10, 2012
Rating: TV14 LV                                                        Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 US; $35.99 Canada
Direct Prebook: March 27, 2012                       Running Time: 344 minutes (8 episodes)

JUNE 12, 2012

GCB: The Complete First Season
From Darren Star, creator of ‘Sex And The City,’ and Robert Harling, writer of ‘Steel Magnolias,’ comes a deliciously fun, wicked new drama that shows you can go home again…but only if you’re ready to face the sins of your past.

Back in high school, original mean girl Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb) mercilessly tormented her less attractive classmates. Twenty years later, after her hubby is busted for a Ponzi scheme – and meets his
maker in a particularly scandalous way – a disgraced Amanda is back in Dallas to start life anew under her mother’s (Annie Potts) palatial roof.

But will the good women of her hometown welcome her with open arms or dole out some kick-ass karmic payback? Let’s just say, hell hath no fury like the cosmetically enhanced!
“GCB” stars Leslie Bibb, Kristin Chenoweth, Annie Potts, Jennifer Aspen, Miriam Shor, Marisol Nichols, David James Elliott, Mark Deklin and Brad Beyer. Released in a three-disc DVD set.

Release Date: June 12, 2012                              Distributor Prebook: May 1, 2012
Rating: TVPG D L S                                                    Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 US; $44.99 Canada
Direct Prebook: April 17, 2012                           Running Time: 430 minutes (10 episodes)

JUNE 12, 2012

SCANDAL: The Complete First Season
From the creator and executive producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” comes a drama revolving around the life and work of a professional crisis manager and her dysfunctional staff. A formermedia relations consultant to the President, Olivia Pope dedicates her life to protecting and defending the public images of America’s elite.

After leaving the White House, the power consultant opened her own firm, hoping to start a new chapter — both professionally and personally — but she can’t seem to completely cut ties with her past.

Slowly it becomes apparent that her staff, who specialize in fixing the lives of other people, can’t quite fix the ones closest at hand — their own.

Kerry Washington and Henry Ian Cusick lead a stellar ensemble cast in this two-disc DVD set, complete with bonus features and deleted scenes.

Release Date: June 12, 2012                              Distributor Prebook: May 1, 2012
Rating: TV14 DLSV                                                   Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 US; $35.99 Canada
Direct Prebook: April 17, 2012                          Running Time: 301 minutes (7 episodes)

JUNE 12, 2012

MISSING: The Complete First Season
How far would you go to save the one you love most? Emmy® Award Nominee Ashley Judd stars in Missing, ABC’s thrilling new series, bursting with international intrigue and a full season of brilliant twists and turns.

After Becca Winstone’s son disappears while overseas for a summer internship, she takes it upon herself to travel to Europe to track him down. It soon becomes clear that Becca is no ordinary woman, but a former CIA agent deactivated after the devastatingdeath of her husband. If she wants to find her son alive, Becca will have to rely on old friends…and old enemies…thus reopening old wounds. Her resourcefulness, skill and determination will be put to the test – but a mother’s love knows no limits.

ABC’s inspiring, action-packed drama grabs you from the very first minute and never lets go. This DVD set includes exclusive bonus features, plus interviews with star Ashley Judd and the show’s creators, in a three-disc DVD set.

Release Date: June 12, 2012                              Distributor Prebook: May 1, 2012
Rating: TV14 LV                                                        Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 US; $44.99 Canada
Direct Prebook: April 17, 2012                          Running Time: 430 minutes (10 episodes)

About Walt Disney Studios:
For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

Filed Under: Blu-ray & DVD News

ABC ANNOUNCES 16TH EDITION OF “THE BACHELOR” (PREMIERES JAN. 2, 2012)

November 2, 2011 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

FAN FAVORITE BEN FLAJNIK GETS A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE
STARRING ON ABC’S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES, “THE BACHELOR,”
WHEN IT PREMIERES ON JANUARY 2, 2012

Millions of viewers shared the heartbreak of Ben Flajnik (pronounced Flannick) when his soulful and heartfelt proposal was rejected by Ashley Hebert in the emotional finale of last season’s “The Bachelorette.” Now Ben is ready to put all the disappointment and hurt behind him in order to move on with his life, his phenomenal success as a businessman and winemaker, and his search for the right woman to be his wife and to start a family with. He will begin his own bid for true love, choosing from among 25 bachelorettes, when the 16th edition of ABC’s hit romance reality series, “The Bachelor,” premieres MONDAY, JANUARY 2 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

The 29-year-old bachelor has fallen in love three times (Ashley being the third), but has only proposed the one time; that one failed proposal won’t stop him from trying again. He is confident that, having found love on “The Bachelorette,” he will find his soul mate and a lasting, love-filled relationship this time on “The Bachelor.”

Ben, whose easy going charm and sense of humor made him so popular and relatable to viewers, is part of a very close knit family, including his mother and sister. Unfortunately his father, Joseph, with whom he was best friends, died five years ago. Always supportive, his father personified the kind of husband and father Ben wanted to be. Growing up in Sonoma, California, Ben left for Tucson before he started high school because of his dad’s work. His mother is a teacher of third grade “gifted students.” Ben stayed in Arizona to attend the University of Arizona, majoring in music production with a minor in business. He quickly found success in the business world, working in Internet advertising after he graduated college. His passion for wine making has turned into a full-time business. He and two other partners entered the wine business three years ago and currently have multiple wine brands. After his father died, Ben moved back to California, and he plans to stay in northern California for the foreseeable future.

A rare, modern Renaissance man, Ben dabbles in a lot of hobbies and crafts such as crab fishing, sailing, golf, skate boarding, surfing, playing piano and singing in a tribute band. He is also quite handy with a hammer and saw, and loves fixing and building things. The woman who will share his life will also have to share one of his other great loves: his Jack Russell Terrier, Scotch.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, “The Bachelor” is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are the executive producers.

Filed Under: American Entertainment News

Castle – The Complete Third Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

September 8, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“Castle – The Complete Third Season” features another fun humorous, exciting and explosive season and the writers really stepped up their game with a good balance of plot twists, sexual tension and drama. The best season of the series thus far! Definitely recommended!

DVD TITLE: CASTLE – The Complete Third Season

TELEVISION AIR DATE: 2010-2011

DURATION: 24 episodes (1025 minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, French and Spanish Subtitles, Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions

COMPANY: abc studios

RATED: TV 14 DLSV

RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2011

Created by Andrew J. Marlowe

Directed by Rob Bowman, Bryan Spicer, John Terlesky, Bill Roe, Thomas J. Wright, Jeff Bleckner, David Barrett

Executive Producer: Armyan Bernstein, Rob Bowman, Andrew W. Marlowe, Laurie Zaks

Co-Executive Producer: Jose Molina, Matt Pyken, Scott Williams,

Producer: D. Howard Grigsby, David Grae

Co-Producer: Marc A. Kahn, Terri Miller, Alexi Hawley, Joan Van Horn

Music by Robert Duncan

Cinematography by Bill Roe

Edited by Warren Bowman, Sue Blainey, Marta Evry

Casting by Kendra Castleberry, Donna Rosenstein

Production Design by Alfred Sole

Art Direction by Jim Wallis, Gershon Ginsburg

Set Decoration by Claire Kaufman

Costume Design by Luke Reichie

Starring:

Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle

Stana Katic as Detective Kate Beckett

Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers

Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Captain Roy Montgomery

Molly C. Quinn as Alexis Castle

Jon Huertas as Detective Javier Esposito

Seamus Dever as Detective Kevin Ryan

Tamala Jones as Dr. Lanie Parish

Bailey Chase as Will Sorenson

Monet Mazur as Gina Cowell

Arye Gross as M.E. Sidney Perlmutter

Scott Paulin as Jim Beckett

Ken Baumann as Ashley

Victor Webster as Josh Davidson

Max Martini as Hal Lockwood

Adrian Pasdar as Agent Mark Fallon

Laura Prepon as Natalie Rhodes

Famous mystery novelist Richard Castle and NYPD detective Kate Beckett return for the suspenseful Third Season of ABC’s brilliantly funny series, Castle. Enjoy every inspired idea and flirtatious moment at this fiery duo solve the strangest homicides New York has to offer.

It’s the most entertaining season yet as Castle’s wildly funny storytelling skills work their way into every case. Between his mixed-up partnership with Beckett and his relationships with his diva mother and his clever daughter, Alexis, Castle is always on his toes.

Witty, suspenseful and fresh! The first season of “CASTLE” is the modern “Moonlighting” featuring a cool cast and each episode with an entertaining storyline.

“Castle – The Complete Third Season” is another humorous, exciting and explosive season with a good balance of plot twists, sexual tension and drama.

“Castle – The Complete Third Season” features 24 episodes on five discs. Included are (spoiler-less summaries):

DISC: 1

EPISODE 35 – A Deadly Affair - Detective Beckett and her team investigate a murder and meet up with Castle (who they have not seen in months).
EPISODE 36 – He’s Dead, She’s Dead – Detective Beckett and Castle investigate the murder of a famous psychic.
EPISODE 37 – Under the Gun – Becket and Castle meet up with Beckett’s first training officer Mike Royce, meanwhile investigating a murder of a bail bondsman.
EPISODE 38 – Punked - Becket and Castle investigate a murder of a young executive.
EPISODE 39 – Anatomy of a Murder - Detective Beckett and Castle investigate case in which a doctor’s body is found inside another person’s casket.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 40 – 3XK – The Triple Killer has returned and Beckett and Castle must investigate.
EPISODE 41 – Almost Famous – Castle and Beckett investigate a murder of a male stripper wearing a police officer uniform.
EPISODE 42 – Murder Most Fowl – Castle and Beckett investigate a kidnapping of a boy.
EPISODE 43 – Close Encounters of the Murderous Kind – Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of an astrophysicist.
EPISODE 44 – Last Call – Castle and Beckett investigate a death of a bar owner.

DISC 3:

EPISODE 45 – Nikki Heat – Natalie Rhodes who plays the role Nikki Heat in the film adaptation of “Heat Wave” joins Beckett and Castle on an investigation. Guest Star: Laura Prepon
EPISODE 46 – Poof! You’re Dead – Detective Beckett and Castle investigate the death of a Magician.
EPISODE 47 – Knockdown – A detective who is investigate Beckett’s mother’s murder is shot in front of Beckett before he can show her new evidence he had found.
EPISODE 48 – Lucky Stiff – Detective Beckett and Castle investigate the murder of a lottery winner.
EPISODE 49 – The Final Nail – Detective Beckett and Castle investigate the death of a wealthy woman.

DISC 4:

EPISODE 50 – Setup – Detective Beckett and Castle investigate the murder of an NYC taxi driver. Part 1 of a two part episode.
EPISODE 51 – Countdown – In part 2 of a two-part episode, the NYPD and Department of Homeland Security search for a dirty bomb, meanwhile Beckett and Castle are trapped ina frozen storage container.
EPISODE 52 – One Life to Lose – Beckett and Castle investigate the death of a head writer of a long-running soap opera.
EPISODE 53 – Law & Murder – During a trial of a socialite, one of the jurors dies from cyanide poisoning. Beckett and Castle must investigate the death of the juror.
EPISODE 54 – Slice of Death – Detective Beckett and Castle investigate a reporter who is found dead inside a pizza oven.

DISC 5:

EPISODE 55 – The Dead Pool – Castle and Beckett investigate the death of a future Olympic swimmer.
EPISODE 56 – To Love and Die in L.A. -Beckett goes against orders and travels to LA to investigate the murder of her training officer Michael Royce.
EPISODE 57 – Pretty Dead - Castle and Beckett investigate the death of a beauty pageant contestant.
EPISODE 58 – Knockout - Season finale… Beckett and Castle try to track down an assassin who escapes custody during his trial and the person may have knowledge of how Beckett’s mother was murdered. Meanwhile, Captain Montgomery’s secret is revealed and someone is shot.

VIDEO:

“Castle – The Complete Third Season” is presented in Widescreen (1:78:1) and is enhanced for 16×9 televisions. The drama series is quite slick as it gives you the feel of New York and like many abc studios related DVD releases, Disney has always done a good job with their TV show transfers. A show that balances outdoor and indoor shots with good lighting, the picture quality for “CASTLE” is pretty solid. I didn’t see any major artifacting issues or low level noise that was distracting.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, “Castle – The Complete Third Season” is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The series is front and center channel driven with a few episodes (that involve gun fights) utilizing the surround channels. The series does utilize quite a bit of music and for the most, the series is clear and understandable.

Subtitles are in English SDH, French and Spanish.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Castle – The Complete Third Season” includes the following special features:

DISC 1:

Audio Commentary – Episode 301 ―A Deadly Affair‖ With Creator/Executive Producer/Writer Andrew W. Marlowe, Director/Executive Producer Rob Bowman And Actor Nathan Fillion

DISC 2:

Audio Commentary – Episode 307 ―3XK‖ with Director Bill Roe, Executive Producer/Writer David Amann And Actors Seamus Dever & Jon Huertas

DISC 5:

Murder The Wrote – (22:05) An exciting all-new roundtable featuring series star Nathan Fillion, New York Times best-selling author Michael Connelly, Andrew Marlowe (creator/executive producer), Rob Bowman (executive producer) and Brian Michael Bendis (graphic novelist) discuss the genre, tricks of the trade and more
Castle Goes Hollywood – (8:00) An all new behind-the-scenes look at the season‘s episode that takes the series characters to Hollywood.
Bloopers – (4:14) The outtakes from the third season of “Castle”.
Deleted Scenes – Featuring three deleted scenes: Message from Royce, Honorary Badge and Out of Line.
Murder Boards – (3:23) Rob Schow talks about the dry erase boards shown on the series and how much planning goes into the boards and how they are utilized in the series.
Get on the Floor – Music Video - (2:15) The music video feat. “Get on the Floor” (Note: The song does have some mature lyrics that you may not want to play around children).

EXTRAS:

“Castle – The Complete Third Season” comes with a slip cover case.

Finally, after watching three seasons of wondering if Castle and Beckett will ever get together, perhaps longtime viewers have a glimmer of hope for the fourth season.

For so long, after seeing Beckett and Castle together and having this chemistry but none of them willing to cross the line beyond their professional working relationship, season three of “Castle” really takes things up a notch by showing the viewers that perhaps these two would be good together.

Granted, like the previous two seasons, the writers are not going to easily make that happen. And I don’t blame them.

Back in the 1980′s, when ABC had the hit investigative series “Moonlighting” with Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd. The writers kept these two apart for so long despite the chemistry and sexual tension of the characters and once they got together, it was the final nail in the coffin for the series and from that moment on, the two as a pair brought the downfall of the series.

So, sometimes its not a good thing to push relationships but the writers have done a great job of holding things off and building that chemistry. Do viewers want to see Beckett and Castle together? Or to continue this built-up sexual tension for between these characters for another season.

But the season finale makes you wonder how things will be in season four between these two.

Now, possibly the best thing going for season three is the fact that we learn that the murder of Detective Beckett’s mother is much bigger than she can ever realize. In fact, as a viewer, I was even surprised to see how deep this storyline has gotten and I do like how things have gotten progressively bigger each season with this storyline and in this case, possibly quite tragic. OK, probably not as there is no way Castle is going to die but…Beckett? Would the writers go that far? All I can say is that the season finale left me speechless. Wow!

And last, if there is one thing that “Castle” writers have been great, that is giving viewers one hell of a season finale. And to find out one of the characters of the series has a major secret, suffice to say, I never saw that one coming. And definitely will have ramifications going into season four.

As for the DVD, “Castle – The Complete Third Season” is once again, another solid release. Like the previous two DVD box sets, this third season also has a good number of special features including an intriguing roundtable discussion, two audio commentary, a featurette about shooting in Hollywood, outtakes, deleted scenes and a music video.

Overall, “Castle – The Complete Third Season” features another fun humorous, exciting and explosive season and the writers really stepped up their game with a good balance of plot twists, sexual tension and drama.

Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: DVD Reviews

Body of Proof: The Complete First Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

September 8, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a fun, clever and entertaining drama medical/investigative series, definitely give “Body of Proof: The Complete First Season” a chance!

DVD TITLE: Body of Proof: The Complete First Season

SERIES DATE: 2011

DURATION: 9 Episodes (387 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Spanish and French Subtitles, Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions

COMPANY: abc studios

RATED: TV 14 DSLV

RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2011

Directed by Nelson McCormick, Christine Moore

Written by Christopher Murphey

Produced by Jim Klever-Weis, Bryan Oh

Co-Producer: Paul Gadd

Supervising Producer: Diane Ademu-John

Executive Producer: Matthew Gross, Christopher Murphey, Sunil Nayar

Co-Executive Producer: Corey D. Miller, Richard Heus, Andrew Dettmann

Music by Daniel Licht

Cinematography by Patrick Cady

Edited by Jennifer Pulver, Lynn Willingham, Randy Jon Morgan

Casting by Rosalie Joseph

Production Design by Steven Wolff

Art Direction by Jeremy Woodward, E. David Cosier, Gina B. Cranham

Costume Design by Roberta Haze

Starring:

Dana Delany as Megan Hunt

Jeri Ryan as Kate Murphy

John Carroll Lynch as Bud Morris

Nicholas Bishop as Petr Dunlop

Sonja John as Samantha Baker

Geoffrey Arend as Ethan Gross

Windell Middlebrooks as Curtis Brumfield

Suzanne Gillies as Medical Investigator

Kent R. Williams as Officer Steave

Billy “V” Vigeant as Officer Watkins

Mary Mouser as Lacey Fleming

Jeffrey Nordling as Todd Fleming

Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) was second to none — a brilliant neurosurgeon in a class all her own — but when her lifesaving gift is destroyed in a career-ending car accident, she reinvents herself as a medical examiner. Armed with keen instincts and vast medical knowledge, Dr. Hunt uses the victim‘s bodies to tell the story of their lives and untimely death. The first season of this hit new series allows fans to relive the twists and turns of each case as Hunt seeks justice for every victim while also embarking on a journey of personal redemption.

One day, while trying to talk on her cell phone, she got into a car accident and now she doesn’t have full control of her hands to do surgery and thus ended her career as a neurosurgeon.

The characters of “Body of Proof: The Complete First Season” include:

Peter Dunlop (Nicholas Bishop, “Home and Away, “Walking on Water”) - A former police officer and now a medico-legal investigator. A partner to Dr. Megan Hunt assisting her on medical cases.

Dr. Ethan Gross (Geoffrey Arend, “(500) Days of Summer”, “Garden State”) – The young and enthusiastic fellow medical examiner.

Todd Fleming (Jeffrey Nordling, “Flight 93″, “Tron: Legacy”, “Once and Again”) - The estranged husband of Dr. Megan Hunt.

Lacey Fleming (Mary Matilyn Mouser, “Bride Wars”, “Son of the Mask”) – The estranged daughter of Dr. Megan Hunt.

“Body of Proof: The Complete First Season” features 9 episodes on two discs. Here is a basic summary of each episode (Spoilerless summaries):

DISC: 1

EPISODE 1 – Pilot – Detectives work with a passionate medical examiner named Dr. Megan Hunt, but with her wanting to catch the killer of a young woman, they quickly learn that the medical examiner may tend to break her boundaries. Meanwhile, Hunt tries to re-establish a relationship with her estranged daughter.
EPISODE 2 – Letting Go – Dr. Megan Hunt helps detectives with a murder case involving an interracial couple.
EPISODE 3 – Helping Hand – Dr. Megan Hunt tries to find out how and who murdered a woman found in a hotel. Meanwhile, Megan tries to make friends by taking an interest in the lives of her co-workers.
EPISODE 4 – Talking Heads – Dr. Megan Hunt works on a case involving a homeless man who was dismembered. Meanwhile, Dr. Megan Hunt’s daughter chooses her mother as a her video project.
EPISODE 5 – Dead Man Walking – Dr. Megan Hunt investigates a patients death at the hospital she once worked at. Special guest stars: Christina Hendricks and Marc Blucas. Meanwhile, Ethan and Curtis work on a case.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 6 – Society Hill – Dr. Megan Hunt tries to find out who killed a magazine editor, meanwhile she accepts an invitation to one of her mother’s social events.
EPISODE 7 – All in the Family – A stay-at-home dad is found murdered in his home in a quiet neighborhood in the Philadelphia suburbs. Dr. Hunt tries to find out who killed her. Meanwhile Kate works on a pro bono case with Megan’s ex-husband.
EPISODE 8 – Buried Secrets – A homicide detective is found dead and Dr. Megan Hunt tries to help detectives find out who killed her.
EPISODE 9 – Broken Home – When a socialite is found dead, Dr. Megan Hunt feels that she may have been killed but her personal life is starting to interfere with the investigation.

VIDEO:

“Body of Proof: The Complete First Season” is presented in Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 televisions. This is one of the few drama series on television where a lot of the scenes are shot outdoors, to there is good natural lighting and the series does look good on DVD. I didn’t see any major noise or compression artifacts. For the most part, the seventh season does look very good on DVD.

AUDIO:

The show is presented in English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Body of Proof: The Complete First Season” includes the following special features:

Examining the Proof – (10:21) Cast, crew and creators discuss the fascinating elements that go into making death look real with the help of research and a team of medical advisors.
If Looks Could Kill - (5:33) From Dr. Megan Hunt‘s high heels to Curtis and Ethan‘s scrubs and wardrobe, go behind-the-scenes with costume designer Roberta Haze as she dresses the actors and creates looks that kill!
Body of Goofs – (3:40) “Body of Proof” first season outtakes.
New Evidence: A Sneak Peek at Season 2 – (:46) Short sneak peak for season 2.

DISC 2:

Normal & Extended episode of “Episode 144 – Song Beneath the Song” – This extended episode (48:01) and the normal episode (44:01) are featured on disc 5.

EXTRAS:

“Body of Proof: The Complete First Season” comes with a slip cover case.

So far, with the first season of “Body of Proof”, the characters and the overall premise of the series is very good and entertaining.

As for the DVD release, you do get nine episodes and special features and of course, the series is sold at a cheaper price because of the shorter season. But overall, it’s a solid series. I just hope that the writers don’t make Dr. Hunt too sociable (ala similar to Delaney’s role in “Desperate Housewives”) and to not have Dr. Hunt or Nicholas Bishop hook up. There is a lot of exploring and potential for these characters but it’s all about how they are utilized in each episode. Especially with Dr. Ethan Gross and Dr. Curtis Brumfield, who are being used in season one for more comedic sake, would like to see them in more deeper, darker or dramatic scenes than just being used for comedy sake.

Overall, so far, so good for “Body of Proof” and how things have played out this first season. But we’ll see how things go for season two!

If you are looking for a fun, clever and entertaining drama medical/investigative series, definitely give “Body of Proof: The Complete First Season” a chance!

Filed Under: DVD Reviews

Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

September 1, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Continuing from a highly entertaining season three, “Private Practice” Season Four was well-written and featured highly emotional episodes that were pretty shocking. The writers for season four definitely stepped their game and really delivered. If you are a fan of “Private Practice” or are curious about the series, “Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season” is a great season to jump in and enjoy! Recommended!

DVD TITLE: Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season

YEAR AIRED: 2010-2011

DURATION: 22 Episodes (986 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Spanish and French Subtitles, Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions

COMPANY: abc studios

RATED: TV 14 DSLV

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011

Created by Shonda Rhimes

Directed by Mark Tinker, Michael Zinberg, James Frawley and Tom Verica

Written by Shonda Rhimes, Jon Cowan, Robert L. Rovner, Ayanna Floyd, Michael Ostrowski, Lauren Scmidt, Craig Turk, Steve Blackman

Executive Producer: Shonda Rhimes, Mark Tinker, Betsy Beers

Producer: Lauren Schmidt

Co-Producer: Scott Printz

Music by Chad Fischer

Cinematography by Lex DuPont

Editing by Christal Khatib, Noah Pontell

Casting by John Brace, Linda Lowy

Series Production Design by Richard C. Hankins

Starring:

Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Montgomery

Tim Daly as Dr. Pete Wilder

KaDee Strickland as Dr. Charlotte King

Paul Adelstein as Dr. Cooper Freedman

Amy Brennerman as Dr. Violet Turner

Audra McDonald as Dr. Naomi Bennett

Taye Diggs as Dr. Sam Bennett

David Sutcliffe as Officer Kevin Nelson

Brian Benben as Sheldon

Jay Harrington as Dr. Wyatt Lockhart

Josh Hopkins as Dr. Noah Barnes

Caterina Scorsone as Dr. Amelia Shepherd

Experience every complex romance, medical crisis and moral dilemma of ABC’s “Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season”. Don’t miss a moment of TV’s sexiest drama, from the creator of Grey’s Anatomy.

Join the Oceanside Wellness Group family as they try to balance work, friendship and love while they lean on each other for the help and support they need. As Pete and Violet prepare for their wedding day, disagreements at the clinic put a strain on Addison and Sam’s relationship. Meanwhile, Charlotte and Cooper struggle in the aftermath of a traumatic personal event and Derek’s sister, Amelia, returns from Seattle with a destructive secret.

It’s a season of change and new hope for Dr. Addison Montgomery and her colleagues.

In 2007, Shonda Rhimes (creator/executive producer of “Grey’s Anatomy” and writer of “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement”) developed a spin-off of “Grey’s Anatomy” titled “Private Practice” based on the life of Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh). For the most part, “Private Practice” Season One lasted about nine episodes and received a so/so reception from fans.

The premise of the series is that Dr. Addison Montgomery has left Seattle Grace Hospital and moved to California to work for a private practice, Oceanside Wellness Center. In the first season, Dr. Addison Montgomery had to win the respect of her fellow doctors and relationships were examined in the first season.

In the second season, Oceanside Wellness Center is not exactly in the best circumstances as the center faces major financial problems, a new rival practice trying to steal their clients, more relationship problems and drama, cross-over episodes with “Grey’s Anatomy” and to cap things off, a dark and twisted season finale that viewers were probably not expecting.

For the third season, “Private Practice” was all about personal challenges and taking things up a notch. For Addison, we know that her promiscuity comes from her father and she knows she has to deal with it. This season, she finds herself in more complication situations and also having to decide where she stands with Pete and Sam.

Naomi is also put into an interesting situation as her move to another center tests her friendship with Addison but also her business/personal relationships with the men she works with. But most of all, she’s tested as a mother, with a teenager who is growing up.

Violet and Pete must take on many challenges after Violet has suffered a major attack and now, not sure where she is in her life after the attack and having to give up her baby and making Pete a single father. Cooper and Charlotte’s relationship is tested and as volatile as a couple, they are also in love but have a difficult time showing it.

Last season, Dr. Addison Montgomery and Dr. Sam Bennet kept their relationship secret, meanwhile Dr. Peter Wilder and Dr. Violet Turner grew closer in their relationship, as with Dr. Cooper Freedman and Dr. Charlotte King. Also, the season featured Dr. Amelia Shepherd moving in with Dr. Addison Montgomery and the season ended with tragedy as Dell and Myra were in car accident and while Myra and her baby survived, Dell died from his injuries.

For “Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season”, the doctors recover from the death of Dell, meanwhile they must decide what to do with his daughter. Meanwhile, couples get married, a couple breaks up and as their is one joyous occasion, there is also heartbreak as one of the doctors is raped and beaten savagely, one of the doctor’s may lose her license and one suffers a heart attack.

“Private Practice” focuses on the following main characters:

Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “The Drew Carey Show”) - A doctor at Seattle’s Grace Hospital and was married to Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey, “Grey’s Anatomy”) but had an affair with his best friend, Dr. Mark Sloan (Eric Dane, “Grey’s Anatomy”) and thus ruined her marriage. Thus leaving to Los Angeles and joining a private practice. In the first season, her fellow doctors/co-workers are not exactly warm to her but she manages to prove to them that she’s dedicated to her job and is finally accepted. She was attracted to Dr. Peter Wilder (Tim Daly) but in season two, she is now is looking for a man while leading Oceanside Wellness Center.

Dr. Peter Wilder (Tim Daly, “The Nine”, “Eyes”, “The Fugitive”, “Wings”) – A doctor at Oceanside Wellness Center and is a naturopathic doctor and licensed herbalist. He knows that Addison is attracted to him but is unable to be with other women since the death of his wife. In season two, he finds out that he may be a father of Violet’s baby. Due to his failed relationship with Violent, he has left Oceanside to work for Pacific Wellcare.

Dr. Naomi Bennett (Audra McDonald, “The Bedford Diaries”, “Kidnapped”, “Mister Sterling”) - A founding partner of Oceanside Wellness Center and specializes in reproductive endocrinology, obstetrics and gynecology. She works with her ex-husband Sam (Taye Diggs) and has a daughter named Maya. She has left Oceanside Wellness Center to head up the Pacific Wellcare Center which has caused friction between her and Addison

Dr. Sam Bennett (Taye Diggs. “Day Break”, “Kevin Hill”, “Grey’s Anatomy”) - Known to the other doctors as “Doctor Feelgood”, Sam is a founding partner of Oceanside Wellness Center and is an internist. Was married to Naomi and has a daughter named Maya. Wrote a best-selling nonfiction book, “Body Language: The Mind-Body Connection”. In Season 2, he faces a malpractice suit and also becomes concerned about his former wife.

Dr. Violet Turner (Amy Brenneman, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Judging Amy”, “Frasier”) – A psychiatrist at Oceanside Wellness Center. Trying to get over her breakup with her ex-boyfriend Allan. In season two, having been with a few men, she is now pregnant and is not sure who the father is.

Dr. Cooper Freedman (Paul Adelstein, “Prison Break”, “Hack”) - The pediatrician at Oceanside Wellness Center and is the private practice’s pediatrician. A caring doctor and good friends with Violette but not good with dating women and tends to look for them online. This time he balances his personal time with both Violet (as a friend) and Dr. Charlotte King.

Dr. Charlotte King (KaDee Strickland, “The Grudge”, “The Wedding Bells”, “American Gangster”) - The Chief of Staff at St. Ambrose Hospital in Santa Monica. She helps open Pacific Wellcare, a competition to Oceanside Wellness Center. She was recently fired and now trying to get a job at Oceanside. She is also dating Dr. Cooper Freedman and is known for being a cold-person.

Dr. Sheldon Wallace (Brian Benben, “The Brian Benben Show”, Dream On”) – A psychiatrist who had a relationship with Violet. It is not known who the real father of Violet is and thus he and Pete call themselves the fathers, and thus the two do not get along.

Dr. Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone, “1-800-Missing”) – Sister of Dr. Derek Shepherd (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and a surgeon. She has not talked to her brother since their father had died and became a drug addict. She attended medical school and became a doctor who is tough and fragile.

“Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season” features 22 episodes on five discs. Here are spoilerless summaries for each episode:

DISC: 1

EPISODE 55 – Take Two – The aftermath after the death of Dell and how everyone must move on.
EPISODE 56 – Short Cuts - Pete and Cooper deal with a mother who is giving her autistic child her medical marijuana. Addison and Sam decide that Naomi should know about their relationship.
EPISODE 57 – Playing God – The driver who killed Dell shows up at Oceanside and has a heart attack at the center. Sam must treat the man he loathes.
EPISODE 58 – A Better Place to Be – Dell’s daughter, Betsey, is given up by her mother and now the friends must decide if one of the them should take Betsey in.
EPISODE 59 – In or Out - Addison disagrees with a new oncologist in regards to a newborn who has a malignant tumor.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 60 – All in the Family - Addison and Sam clash over a comatose patient.
EPISODE 61 – Did You Hear What Happened to Charlotte King? – Charlotte is beaten and raped but she wants to keep her rape secret. Meanwhile, because no report is made..the rapist could be let out free.
EPISODE 62 – What Happens Next – Charlotte deals with her assault but can Addison keep Charlotte’s rape a secret.
EPISODE 63 Can’t Find My Way Back Home – Charlotte resists listening to the others request for her to pursue criminal charges against her rapist.
EPISODE 64- Just Lose It – The DA has bad news for Charlotte in regards to her sexual assault case.

DISC 3:

EPISODE 65 – If You Don’t Know Me - Addison’s mother asks for her help to save her dying partner and it means working together with Dr. Rodriguez.
EPISODE 66 – Heaven Can Wait – Addison plans Bizzy and Susan’s wedding, meanwhile Dr. Rodriguez continues to flirt with her.
EPISODE 67 Blind Love – Charlotte’s attacker arrives in St. Ambrose in critical condition.
EPISODE 68 – Home Again – After a family tragedy, Addison returns to her Connecticut home.
EPISODE 69 – Two Steps Back – Charlotte and Cooper deal with secrets, Sam and Naomi treat a pregnant teen with Down syndrome.

DISC 4:

EPISODE 70 – Love and Lies – The doctors clash when an expectant motehr and her husband want them to harvest eggs of their unbon, ill-baby.
EPISODE 71 – A Step Too Far – Sheldon falls for Dr. Marla Tompkins, Cooper and Sam try to convince a family to make their son’s health a priority.
EPISODE 72 – The Hardest Part – Pete’s brother, Adam brings their sick mother for a consultation and Peter discovers something about her illness.
EPISODE 73 – What We Have Here… - Katie feels that Violet’s book has breached patient confidentiality and threatens to sue her. Cooper wonders if Charlotte has feelings for her ex-husband.

DISC 5:

EPISODE 74 – Something Old, Something New – With Cooper and Charlotte’s wedding day approaching, after all that has happened, will the two still get married?
EPISODE 75 – God Bless the Child – Betsey returns to the ER for a visit and Amelia tries to stay sober.
EPISODE 76 – …Tho Change the Things I Can – The practice is undergoing an investigation by the medical board. Addison receives an offer and Amelia and Charlotte get into a fight. Something bad happens to one of the doctors.

VIDEO:

“Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season” is presented in Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 televisions. Whereas “Grey’s Anatomy” tends to be focused indoors, inside the hospital, “Private Practice” has a slick California look. Indoor scenes are well-lit and outdoor scenes are quite vibrant but viewers will notice the grain in the series. Even during the low-light scenes, you do see a bit of noise but compared to other drama series on television, the series is above average in terms of picture quality on DVD.

AUDIO:

As for audio, “Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season” is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Possibly with the exceptions of the final episode with the sirens and episode 41 (Blow Ups), the series is primarily dialogue driven, so it’s pretty much front and center channel driven.

The show is presented in English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season” includes the following special features:

DISC 5:

An Inside Look: The Violation of Charlotte King – (13:13) Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers talk about exploring rape and how actress KaDee Strickland trained for the emotional scene.
Deleted Scenes – Featuring eleven deleted scenes.
Bloopers – (2:15) “Private Practice” season 4 bloopers

EXTRAS:

“Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season” comes with a slipcase cover.

Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers definitely had to face a major hurdle with season three in order to bring back the fans who were skeptical about the show’s longevity. And suffice to say, they accomplished that goal.

Now with season four, how would the writers continue their success in making sure that “Private Practice” remains to be a strong, well-written show but most of all, utilize its characters.

And sure enough, it’s about focusing on the characters and their relationships.

Season four of “Private Practice” focuses on tragedy and heartbreak. The series started up strong with the rape of Dr. Charlotte King and with her character typically being shown as cold-hearted, we had the opportunity to see the writers make her character appealing but also warm-hearted and frail. We know she is strong-willed but the connection she has with Cooper Freedman and the happiness he brings to her life is well-done. This season, this couple has become my favorite of the series because of their fragile love but the fact that they are opposites that truly compliment each other.

The writers found a way to explore their characters and take them out of their comfort zone and explore… from the rape, to them trying to fix their relationship to their planned wedding.

The other story arc focused on Addison but instead of having too much Addison storylines, the writers also did a good job of not focusing on her character too much but spreading the story evenly but not over indulge the viewer with Addison this and Addison that. Addison’s relationship with her mother and family but also her relationship with Sam and also Naomi was nicely done.

Addison is a complex character with a lot of instability but also deep inside, she is a beautiful woman that is caring and vibrant if given the storyline to showcase the positive and emotional side of her. And its good to see that.

And then there is Peter Wilder and Violet Turner. Violet had an emotional season three, this time around she’s appeared to be the more headstrong character but at the same time, her relationship and marriage with Peter will probably be tested from what takes place in season four. Violet had a lot to face near the end of season four, as did Peter…but there is no doubt that this couple will be going through challenges for season five, especially what happened at the end of the season finale. Actress Amy Brennerman was given her moment to shine towards the end of the season with another emotional performance and as for Tim Daly, makes you wonder what the writers are trying to do with his character, especially with how things concluded in the season finale.

With that being said, I do feel the writers felt that Naomi and Sam were a bit difficult to focus on because while they do play an important role in each episode, compared to last year which focused on their daughter, it seems that they were the least focused on this season. So, perhaps because they were focused on so much in season three, the writers took a step back with these two characters. With the announcement that Audra McDonald would not be returning as a regular cast member, it may answer why she wasn’t portrayed as much in the series but also why the changes with the hospital took place.

As for Amelia Shepherd, we are starting to see the writers utilize her character even more but there is no doubt that her problems as a recovering addict, will no doubt creep back and hurt this talented doctor. She showed a lot of enthusiasm but hopefully her character is explored a bit more in season five.

And for Sheldon Wallace, he definitely had a role this season but more of a supporting role for each of the characters as he is the go-to guy when everyone is having emotional problems. But it would be great to see him integrated a bit more in season five.

This season, I definitely have to say that I enjoyed it. Well-written storylines, the chemistry among the actors worked very well. We had solid performances by KaDee Strickland, Kate Walsh, Paul Adelstein and Peter Wilder and everyone else in the cast. But KaDee Strickland definitely had to make her storyline work and seem real and she accomplished that. Great emotional performance!

I did enjoy the introductions of Dr. Rodriguez (played by Cristian de la Fuente) and also bringing in Jake Reilly (played by Benjamin Bratt) as a possible love interest for Addison but losing Audra McDonald, hopefully this means better character development for the character of Amelia Shepherd but I hope the alcoholic or the junkie storyline doesn’t get overplayed for next season as it is quite cliche for medical dramas.

As for the DVD box set, it would be nice if audio commentary was featured. Granted, the last season box sets didn’t really come with that many special features but it would be nice to have the director or writers and cast take part in one, especially for the more shocking episodes or the season finale. But overall, “Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season” was a solid set with a few special features and also with good picture quality and audio quality.

Overall, “Private Practice” was an entertaining season. The writers managed to to keep the season entertaining, especially from a well-done season four. Each episode was quite entertaining, also a good dose of very emotional episodes as well. I do like how the writers made sure everyone in the series had a significant role and that was a major plus. So, with the new changes at the end of season four, I definitely look forward to what the writers have in store for season 5.

“Private Practice – The Complete Fourth Season” is recommended!

Filed Under: DVD Reviews

Off the Map: The Complete Series (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

August 18, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

A different type of medical drama series from the people responsible for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice”, “Off the Map” is a medical drama series which takes place in remote villages in South America. Enjoyable but also predictable, if you are looking for a different kind of medical drama series, one that incorporates action and adventure, then definitely give “Off the Map: The Complete Series” a chance!

TITLE: Off the Map: The Complete Series

TV SHOW AIRDATE: 2010-2011

DURATION: 558 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Widescreen (1:78:1) – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions, Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles

RATED: TV 14 DLS

COMPANY: abc studios

RELEASE DATE: August 23, 2011

Directed by Randall Zisk

Written by Jenna Bans, Gretchen J. Berg, Christine Boylan, Mark Fish, Aaron Harberts, Jeannine Renshaw, Joe Sachs, Luke Schelhaas

Executive Producer: Jenna Bans, Betsy Beers, Gretchen J. Berg, Aaron Harberts, Shonda Rhimes, Randall Zisk

Produced by Sara Fischer, Mark Fish

Co-Executive Producer: Jeannine Renshaw

Consulting Producer: Joe Sachs

Supervising Producer: Luke Schelhaas

Music by Ben Decter

Cinematography by Edward J. Pei, Tim Suhrstedt

Edited by Arge O’Neal, Matthew Ramsey, Gregory T. Evans

Casting by John Brace, Linda Lowy

Production Design by Alex Hajdu

Cast:

Valerie Cruz as Dr. Zita Alvarez

Caroline Dhavernas as Dr. Lily Brenner

Jason George as Dr. Otis Cole

Zach Gilford as Dr. Tommy Fuller

Mamie Gummer as Dr. Mina Minard

Martin Henderson as Dr. Ben Keeton

Rachel Lefevre as Dr. Ryan Clark

Jonathan Castellanos as Charlie

Nicholas Gonzalez as Mateo

Aimee Garcia as Alma

Elizabeth Pena as Inez

Cheech Marin as Papa Ucumari

The final season of the star-studded ABC drama continues the story of the Walkers, a contemporary picture of the American family. At the heart is matriarch Nora, who finds personal satisfaction in knowing her family is happy, however sometimes allows her intentions to be a little overbearing. Her five adult children, friends as much as they are relatives, come together to support each other through the joy and heartache as they try to manage their professional, romantic, and familial lives. Together they face genuine, relatable life issues in this warm and witty drama.

From the creators of “Grey’s Anatomy” comes a new medical series titled “Off the Map”.

The 13-episode series aired on ABC from Jan. through April 2011 and revolves around seven doctors who work in a remote South American village. Dr. Ben Keeton, Dr. Cole and Zee Alvarez welcome new young doctors from America. But each of these doctors have their own personal issues. Dr. Brenner is determined to become a doctor after the death of her fiance, Dr. Fuller is a young doctor who barely graduated from medical school and shunned his family and Dr. Minard, who lost confidence in herself after a misdiagnosis killed a patient.

For each of these seven doctors, life in the remote village is a second chance at life but also a chance to become a doctor and help the less fortunate

“Off the Map” is filmed in the same location of the series “LOST” (in O’ahu, Hawaii) and unfortunately, the series lasted for one season before being canceled by ABC.

The main characters of “Off the Map” are:

Dr. Benjamin Keaton (Martin Henderson, “The Ring”, “Smokin’ Aces) – The head doctor of the clinic. His wife Abby and daughter were killed in an accident but it is learned that his wife is actually kept on life support at a local hospital because her trust fund is what is funding the clinic.
Dr. Otis Cole (Jason Winston George, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Eastwick”) – Second person in charge of the clinic. Strict doctor who once was addicted to morphine and heroin and consumes candy in order to stay clean. Very close with Zee Alvarez.
Zita Alareina “Zee” Toledo Alvarez (Valerie Cruz, “Cellular”, “The Devils Tomb”) – Very close to Cole. She is opinionated towards American doctors and is strict with the doctors.
Dr. Lily Brenner (Caroline Dhavernas, “Breach”, “Passchendaele”) – One of the new doctors at the clinic. It is learned that she became a doctor after her fiance was killed while getting cereal for her. She happens to be a control freak.
Dr. Tommy Fuller (Zach Gilford, “Friday Night Lights”, “Post Grad”) – One of the new doctors at the clinic. Barely made his way through medical school. Sometime he doesn’t get along with Cole and always wants to hook up with women.
Dr. Mina Minard (Mami Gummer, “The Ward”) – One of the new doctors at the clinic who works solo. After a misdiagnosis earlier in her career, she has lost confidence in herself.
Dr. Ryan Clark (Rachel Lefevre, “Twilight”, “New Moon”) – One of the doctor’s at the clinic, her parents were missionaries and she grew up all over the world. She was bitten by an “assassin bug” at the age of eight and now she has Chagas disease giving her irreversible heart damage. Has an off-and-on again relationship with Dr. Keeton.

Here is a spoiler-less summary of the 13 episodes of the series:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 1 – Saved By the Great White Hope - Doctors of a remote clinic in South America welcome three young doctors. Dr. Fuller must help a sick family at a nearby village, Dr. Brenner tries to rescue a man who’s arm is caught on a wire and Dr. Minard misdiagnose an older woman who has asthma.
EPISODE 2 – Smile Don’t Kill Anyone - The three new doctors meet Dr. Ryan Clark for the first time. Meanwhile, wildlife photographers are in trouble when they are caught by a green anaconda. Meanwhile, Dr. Minard who is used to working solo, must work with Ryan. Dr. Fuller tries to help a girl with epilepsy but members of her village think she’s possessed by a demon.
EPISODE 3 – A Doctor Time Out – Ben, Zee and Lily must rescue a woman in the forest who is about to give birth. Dr. Minard and Dr. Cole try to help a patient who was electrocuted.
EPISODE 4 – On the Mean Streets of San Miguel - Lily, Ben and Charlie need to get medication in San Miguel, meanwhile the doctors must treat an older man who they find out is a former Nazi hiding out in the village.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 5- I’m Here - When a man and his daughter are caught in a rockslide, the doctors must go to on a rescue mission in the sea. Meanwhile, Dr. Ryan Clark is experiencing short breath for some reason.
EPISODE 6 – It’s Good – Someone has robbed the clinic of their medication and now without any medication, the doctors are having problems treating their patients.
EPISODE 7 – Es Un Milagro - A rescue helicopter has crashed deep into the jungle, but as they go to rescue any survivors of the crash, Dr. Lily Brenner are nowhere to be found.
EPISODE 8 – It’s a Leaf – When Dr. Brenner and Dr. Cole try to help three brothers trapped in a mine, Dr. Cole is seriously injured. What happens when Tommy and Mina get drunk?
EPISODE 9 – There’s Nothing To Fix – The doctors go to help survivors of a water taxi accident. Tommy and Mina have an awkward relationship after a one-night stand.

DISC 3:

EPISODE 10 – I’m Home – A breakout of Hepatitis at a local prison leads the doctors trying to help the prisoners. Dr. Brenner tries to treat Mateo’s mother.
EPISODE 11 – Everything’s As It Should Be – A friend of Dr. Keeton brings two patients in for a transplant. But Dr. Brenner suspects something about the patients that may hurt the clinic. Dr. Fuller realizes that he likes Dr. Minard.
EPISODE 12 – Hold On Tight – Dr. Ryan Clark’s health is getting worse during at time when the medical team are out helping injured parachutists. She appoints Mina to be her primary care physician which upsets Dr. Keeton. Lily has a problem with Mateo’s family because they are cocaine farmers.
EPISODE 13 – There’s A Lot to Mess About the Jungle – Tommy is back and he has a big surprise for the family and in other good news, Sarah announces her wedding date.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Off the Map: The Complete Series” is featured in Widescreen (1:78:1), enhanced for 16×9 televisions. For a TV series, “Off the Map” has a similarity to a series like “LOST” because they are both filmed in Oahu, Hawaii.

Because so much of the series is shot outdoors, “Off the Map” definitely looks beautiful! The location shots look very good and you know that it would even look better if this series was released on Blu-ray, but on DVD, picture quality is very good.

As for audio, “Off the Map: The Complete Series” is featured in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, the show is mostly dialogue-based but there are quite a bit of action sequences and you can hear the ambiance of the environment through the surround channels. Granted, it’s not very active soundtrack but its still better than most drama television series.

Subtitles are in English SDH.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Off the Map: The Complete Series” comes with the following special features:

DISC 3:

On Set at Off the Map – (8:18) The producers and cast talk about how unique “Off the Map” is from other medical drama series because of its use of action. Also, how the more difficult scenes of various episodes were shot.
Jungle Medicine – (4:53) Jenna Bans talk about the medicine used in the remote jungle and the research that went into the medicine used for the series.
Deleted Scenes – A total of eleven deleted scenes.
Bloopers – (2:14) Outtakes from “Off the Map”.

EXTRAS:

“Off the Map: The Complete Series” comes with a slip over case.

When it comes to medical dramas, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers definitely know what they are doing. Having two shows on ABC, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice”, the duo have joined executive producer Jenna Bans to create another medical drama titled “Off the Map”, but in this case, making the series different by incorporating action/adventure together with medicine.

While the series manages to capture the elements of different medical emergencies and issues with each episode, especially from a remote area near the jungles and ocean in the middle of nowhere, I think that perhaps too many medical dramas on a network can be difficult.

We have seen it in the past when there are far too many police series, too many investigative series and too many law series and they don’t last.

With two medical series, I felt that people weren’t ready to watch a third and that is rather unfortunate because “Off the Map” is a pretty unique medical series because it doesn’t take place in a metropolitan series and I found some of the medical emergencies to be quite intriguing.

Granted, I don’t know how farfetched the storylines are, for example, in one episode, a green anaconda nearly crushes a photographer and the doctors try to rescue him. And of course, you have rockslide, mines trapping people looking for gold and it’s a different type of series that you just don’t see on television. But at the same time, I have heard from actual doctors working in remote villages that the series is extremely romanticized for entertainment and people who were disappointed by how unrealistic the portrayal was.

As for the characters, it’s a different dynamic once again compared to “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice”, where in those episode…it’s always emergency issues and main characters constantly sleeping with each other. While you see a little of that in this series, the sex doesn’t dominate the series and for me, that is a positive!

While the location of the series definitely has many beautiful scenes (once I saw the rock formation and blue ocean, I knew that it was shot in Hawaii where “Lost” was filmed), the show has episodes that were overly predictable but then again, many other top medical dramas have had their share of predictable storylines as well.

Overall, I actually enjoyed “Off the Map” because although a medical drama series, it had that action/adventure element incorporated to it which made it a bit more exciting. It’s sad that the series was canceled but at the same time, you could only have so many medical drama series on television and perhaps it was a bit much for viewers.

But I suppose if one is looking for a different kind of medical series that are only 13-episodes long, “Off the Map: The Complete Series” is a series worth checking out!

Filed Under: DVD Reviews