CW adds two intriguing stars to Privileged cast
November 4th, 2008 | Posted in Privileged
Megan (Joanna Garcia) was reunited with her estranged father in a superb episode of Privileged last week. Somehow, we doubt she’ll be quite as happy to see the mother who abandoned her family nearly two decades ago. Sharon Lawrence has won the choice role, and will have lots of explaining to do, if Megan and messed-up sister Lily give her the chance. Lawrence has an enormous screen presence, so the show’s drama level is about to be measurably cranked up. Wonder if she’ll have an inside wink for Michael Cassidy (Charlie), who played her son in last summer’s CW mystery series, Hidden Palms? The veteran actress also gets a comical sendoff this weekend from Desperate Housewives, where she’s been entertaining Wisteria husbands as “Maisy Gibbons.” We noted recently that soap star Ignacio Serricchio will soon join the Privileged cast as a love interest for Sage. Looks like sweet Rose (Lucy Hale) finds romance, as well—with film star James Franco’s younger bro, Dave (Gonzo on Greek). He’s a real charmer and quietly funny, as you’ll see in this “acting school” video featuring the two Francos:
Fans of the original Star Trek series get a special treat this weekend when WBNX airs the first half of an unusual episode, The Menagerie. This Season One two-parter includes extensive footage from the unaired 1966 pilot—back when enigmatic Jeffrey Hunter was Captain of the Enterprise. The story begins with Mr. Spock inexplicably hijacking the starship, which leads to his eventual court-martial. His only trial defense is the video stream of former Capt. Pike’s alien imprisonment that occurred “13 years earlier.” The flashbacks are lifted from the pilot initially rejected by NBC, and Hunter, a matinee-idol at the time, declined involvement in the sci-fi remake. William Shatner assumed the now-legendary lead role as Capt. Kirk. The Menagerie is so revered among Trekkies, it was shown in sold-out theatres across the country last summer as part of regional fan-gatherings. Combined with the breathtaking series premiere of Legend of the Seeker, this Saturday is a milestone night for the sci-fi /fantasy community. 
Judge David Young has witnessed enough ignorance about animals—and the TV magistrate is doing something about it. Beginning this week, he’ll unleash a “Thank Dog It’s Friday” lineup of pet-related cases as part of each Friday show through Nov. 21. A passionate dog-lover himself (he rescued pooch Maggie 11 years ago), Judge Young says he’s shocked at how many families are completely clueless when it comes to an owner’s rights and responsibilities. The upcoming special programs feature a pit bull’s master getting sued for not fencing the canine; suing a neighbor for letting her pet out without permission—with dreadful results; an argument over the rights to a beloved pet’s remains; and a lawsuit for pain and suffering, after a neighbor’s pet caused the death of her animal. Working closely with the national Humane Society, Judge Young sees this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of proper animal care at a time when many pets are being abandoned. Click 
A batcave full of Dark Knight costumes were purchased this week for Halloween, but it’s Bruce Wayne’s eventual partner-in-crimefighting who is stirring buzz at The CW and across the internet. The network recently announced plans to develop The Graysons, a prequel drama about the life of teenage Dick Grayson—before donning his colorful tights as Robin, the Boy Wonder. This follows Hollywood’s trend of reviving older series (90210, Hawaii 5-0, Partridge Family, This is Your Life) or capitalizing on familiar characters. Known brands generate valuable advance publicity, Thom Sherman, VP of drama development, tells MediaWeek. “Put that (idea) out there, and there’s immediate recognition of the title. In this environment, the question remains: how do you make noise and break through the clutter?” The Dark Knight biff-bammed over a half-billion dollars at the box office this summer, so interest in the Batman franchise is at an all-time high. “Those fans play a key role in determining what people are writing about, talking about, what the online (and comic book world) buzz is, which is so huge.” Fans are already pushing their choices for the role, including young actors Logan Lerman (pictured, Jack & Bobby), Drew Tyler Bell (The Bold and the Beautiful), Josh Hutcherson (Journey to the Center of the Earth), and Daniel Kennedy (All My Children). Suggestions?
Get ready for what may quickly become your favorite new reality show. The brainchild of Tyra Banks and the gang behind Project Runway, The CW’s Stylista premieres tonight—and, after rolling thru some advance clips, these glowing review excerpts from BuddyTV are right on target. Casting is paramount, and the 11 aspiring fashionistas are the “perfect mix of crazy, delusional, naïve and over-confident characters that immediately make you want to watch every episode.” The young backstabbers vie to work for Elle’s fashion news director, Anne Slowey, “a scowlingly mannish woman in five-inch heels” who “seems like a terrifying boss. She has that icy glare that can make a lowly intern quiver.” But she’s not the only villain on the show. Not by a long shot. Contestant Megan, for instance, is “the kind of predatory animal who can sense fear and weakness…and then pounce, crushing the spirit right out of her prey.” You’ll be amazed at the diverse, quirky frenemies assembled, including Northeast Ohio’s own Devin (from Burton). The magazine and fashion assignments are more in line with challenging tasks found on The Apprentice, but the judging and tone are decidedly more Devil Wears Prada. Check it out, and post your thoughts.
Judging by the preview scoop the network has provided, we’ve got four weeks of extreme primetime fun coming up on The CW. Here’s just a sample of the highlights:
It was interesting to hear two CW execs drawing legitimate comparisons between current dramas and two series which rank among all-time fan favorites. President of entertainment Dawn Ostroff tells Variety that “the chemistry on Gossip Girl is similar to Friends. The first year of Friends, the cast really took off and was photographed everywhere. That’s what happened on Gossip Girl. It’s a one-in-a-million thing, like catching lightning in a bottle, and I think 90210 can do that, as well.” The Friends castmates were relatively unknown when their comedy began its decade-long run, and few had heard of the young Gossip Girl stars, either. Pretty faces, soapy storylines and hundreds of magazine stories later, both shows are now a permanent part of TV pop-culture. Privileged creator Rina Mimoun also kindled memories of a famed love-triangle when teasing the romantic foibles awaiting her star, Joanna Garcia (Megan), to Zap2it. “We feel that Will (Brian Hallisay) and Charlie (Michael Cassidy) are very much our Noel and Ben,” the two characters who long battled for Felicity’s affection. “Clearly Charlie is Noel, and Will is Ben. They’re both similarly aloof…sort of that handsome playboy thing where you’re not sure if they’re going to come around.” Your thoughts?
With so much competition on the airwaves, viewers are making one thing clear: they’re not going to miss their CW shows. For the second straight week, CW dramas dominated the new ratings system which charts what folks record and watch within seven days. All seven of the network’s first-run programs from Monday thru Thursday rank within the top 17 broadcast series, with 
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