the TV addict » CSI

Putting the Fun into Dysfunctional, Melinda Clarke Reflects on 5 of Her Most Memorable Characters

theTVaddict — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:45:36 +0000

Having made a career out of creating characters fans love to hate, actress Melinda Clarke knows a thing or to about playing the villain. Just don’t tell her that. In fact, Clarke, whose memorable roles includes stints on THE OC, CSI, and more recently NIKITA, prefers to see her small screen alter egos as “misunderstood” in reaction to different challenges in life that may-or-may-not motivate them to be mean or a drama queen! Still not buying it? Take a look at what Clarke has to say about some of her most infamous roles for yourself, after the jump.

Lady Heather (CSI)
Melinda Clarke: On CSI it was very interesting because people always ask if I did any research to play Lady Heather and I say no because it was written by Jerry Stahl. Jerry Stahl was a TV writer who then wrote a book about himself. He was a writer on the show ALF, was a heroine addict, got sober, did Oprah and was eventually the subject of a movie, Permanent Midnight with Ben Stiller. Anyways, he was the one that wrote that very first CSI episode and anything I needed was right on the page and that’s very rare in television. It was so layered and it absolutely fit like a glove. When I got that role you get the material at 7PM at night and then you’re auditioning by 10AM the next morning and it was all there, the writing was just amazing.

Julie Cooper (THE OC)
Melinda Clarke: I think THE OC was an incredible lesson because it was a small role with a couple of lines in the pilot. With a role like Julie Cooper, I always like to do the opposite of what’s written on the page. So if she has a bitchy line, it’s done with a smile. What I realized on that show is that for the first time what I was bringing to work everyday was inspiring for the writers. In television the writers are everything and if they don’t write for you, you’re off the show. I don’t even know if my character was supposed to be around but all of a sudden they started writing for Julie Cooper and it got more and more humorous. [Creator] Josh Schwartz was just good at getting to know the actors and what would work for them.

Kelly Donovan (THE VAMPIRE DIARIES)
Melinda Clarke: I was brought on as a dysfunctional mother but she had her reasons for being dysfunctional. What they didn’t end up exploring [with the character] was that she was as succubus. They decided a few episodes in — as I was killing men left and right, the ultimate black widow — [Executive Producers] Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec called me in halfway through and said they weren’t going to continue the story. Not so much that it wasn’t working out, but they just felt like to explore the storyline they would want more episodes and since it was just the first season and my character was only going to be around for a few episodes, they didn’t see how they could resolve it. Television really is about the writers and how they’re inspired to write and if they see a storyline but don’t see how they can resolve it they end it or yank it very quickly.

“Melinda Clarke” (ENTOURAGE)
Melinda Clarke: I play a fictitious version of Melinda Clarke. In that show she drives a Ferrari and I drive a Prius and I think it’s confusing to people who think I’m married to Malcolm McDowell and going through hundreds of millions of dollars after a divorce, it’s not real! But I have such a good time doing it because it felt like the complete antithesis of say NIKITA which is like a comic book with heroes and villains. On ENTOURAGE you get to be funny, raunchy, relaxed and I’m sad to see it go. I told [creator] Doug Ellin that if he ever does another show like this he has to let me do it because it’s dramedy, which is one of my favorite things to do and I credit THE OC with teaching me that.

Amanda (NIKITA)
Melinda Clarke: At the beginning of the show [Executive Producer] Craig Silverstein said I want Amanda to be mysterious an enigmatic because once I go there I have to go there so they’ve purposely kept me in the dark. It’s clear that Percy is after money and power, where as it’s not so clear with Amanda. She might be a little bit more idealistic than any of us think. Ultimately she’s one of the smartest people in the room and a master manipulator but at the same time she’s still a human being. Last season everyone kept talking about how mean she was to Alex and villainous, but I saw her more as the ultimate tiger mom. It’s so funny, they tell us nothing and Maggie loves to tease me by telling me I’ve got some cool stuff coming up, and I’m like as long as it’s not outside in the middle of a cold winters night in Toronto! It’s very much an ongoing learning experience with the character.

Melinda Clarke can currently be found on NIKITA every Friday at 8PM on the CW (CTV Two in Canada) Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

Big Shakeups! Ted Danson’s Arrival! Marg Helgenberger’s Exit! 5 Things We Learned From CSI’s TCA Panel

theTVaddict — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:50:08 +0000

Ted Danson isn’t doing CSI for the money!
Unlike many actors, whose poor financial wheelings and dealings have forced them to return to Network Primetime (Or worse, a cable reality TV series), Danson’s return to CSI has absolutely nothing to do with the dinero. In fact, not only did he jokingly point out that he can trace his interest in the environment over his guilt from his CHEERS money, he just really just loves this job. “I love going to work I’m so happy to hang with this cast of people and I love going to work,” said Danson when asked to elaborate on his motivation for returning to a Network television drama. “The crew is brilliant, the writing is wonderful and to be able to step into this world is a joy and I’m so blessed.”

Danson’s character is a breath of fresh air
“12 seasons is a lot of seasons for any show and we really started with asking how do we excited our writers and cast,” explain Carol Mendelsohn on why Ted Danson. “From CSI’s very beginnings it was, here comes the nerd squad, but what about someone who has come in who has actually figured it out. A wife that calls, kids that are an important part of his life, what would that be like?” Elaborated co-executive producer Don McGill, “CSI is this team of superstars, passionate about what we do, about justice and getting to the truth but passion can sometimes lead you astray and what is interesting, is that Ted’s character is this guy who grew up with counter-culture parents on a commune, travelled around in a van, he wasn’t just home schooled he was van schooled. Which gives him perspective on life that maybe is a little bit different.”

Expect Big Shake Ups
One person who might not be nearly excited on Danson’s arrival, is Marg Helgenberger’s Catherine Willows. “The Langston departure has had a long reach and there is certainly fall out in both the premiere and in the following episode,” revealed Mendelsohn. “It has shaken things up in CSI, moved things around, moved Marg around and Nick’s fetal pig around a little.”

Marg Helgenberger has Trouble Letting Go!
Unlike last season, which was supposed to be Helgenberger’s last, this season really will serve as Catherine’s swan song. So why the day? Well, according to Helgenberger, or as we’re going to refer to her as from here on in — the ultimate team player — it all came down to a conversation with executive producer Carol Mendhelson who convinced her it would be better for both the fans and the writers if they could wrap up her character’s story during the first half of the season. Plus, according to Helgenberger, she’s had a hard time letting go of the character that has been such a big part of her life.

Ted Danson has a background in crime scene investigations. Well, sort of!
With apologies in advance for raining on the parade of the many talk shows and interviews Ted Danson will inevitably be sharing this story with in the coming weeks, the former CHEERS bartender actually has his own history with crime scenes. Turns out, his father was an archaeologist in the Southwest and when he was 11, he was out playing in the woods with some friends when they came across a skull.. which he promptly stuck on a stick and traipsed around the woods with. Needless to say, Danson’s father was none to pleased when the young man recounted the story, insisting on searching the area for the skull to no results. Cut to five years later, when a friend of his found the skull, which after getting published in the newspaper, helped to identify the bones.

CSI returns to TV with new episodes at 9PM on Wednesday September 21st at 10PM on CBS (CTV in Canada) Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free at clicktowatch.tv

TCA 2011: CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler talks TWO AND A HALF MEN, CSI and THE GOOD WIFE

theTVaddict — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:08:08 +0000

9:06AM: After touting her Network’s number one status in viewers, upfront ad sales and Emmy nods for a Broadcast Network, Nina Tassler, CBS Entertainment President opens the floodgates to an inevitable barrage of Charlie Sheen related questions. Ready… set… go!

9:07AM: According to Tassler, THE GOOD WIFE’s demotion to Sunday (Our words, not hers) is a “new higher profile time period” that will bring with it a very interesting character transformation for Alicia.

9:09AM: Shocker of the session thus far, 6 minutes in and still no Charlie Sheen related question!

9:10AM: Tassler, or as we really should be referring to her from here on in as “the spin doctor,” calls RULES OF ENGAGEMENT’s move to Saturday an “opportunity.” In related news, contrary to popular belief, she is aware of RULES OF ENGAGEMENT’s existence.

9:11AM: So just how does Tassler deflect the first Charlie Sheen related question… by extolling the virtues of TWO AND A HALF MEN’s newest addition. Evidently Ashton Kutcher is not just extraordinarily funny, he’s professional, talented, did we mention funny… and get this… comes with a tremendous amount of commitment and enthusiasm. Continuing to evade mentioning he-who-must-not-be-named, Tassler reveals that Kutcher’s new character is named Walden Schmidt and is an internet billionaire with a broken heart. According to Tassler, TWO AND A HALF MEN’s season premiere will be a two parter over two consecutive weeks. According to us, Kutcher’s new character is totally going to be the long-lost son that Charlie never knew he had!

9:13AM: “Well you know we looked at a number of different choices, the arc of the stories this season and what [executive producers] Carol Mendelsohn and Don McGill wanted to do,” said Tassler when asked about the decision making process surrounding bringing Ted Danson to CSI. “He just seemed like the right choice, he’s a huge TV star, has a tremendous amount of charisma and when his name came up we just jumped at it.”

9:14AM: Tassler evades another Charlie Sheen related question by claiming, “Our whole focus is moving forward.” In related news, Tassler won’t confirm or deny that Sheen’s character is being killed off.

9:17AM: Despite our personal hope that the failure of CRIMINAL MINDS: SUSPECT BEHAVIOR might be indicative of an audience tiring of gruesome criminal procedurals, Tassler believes the show simply didn’t click, “A spinoff has to work on its own and it didn’t.”

9:19AM: When asked as to whether or not she’s concerned about the changing face of CBS on both TWO AND A HALF MEN and CSI, Tassler sights anecdotal evidence that she’s talked to “people,” who are “very excited” for new characters on all these show. Sold!

9:20AM: According to Tassler, the trajectory of Ted Danson’s new character on CSI named D.B. Russell will be one of reconnection. Unlike Laurence Fishburne, whose character fragmented the team post-Peterson and had really big shoes to fill (Editor’s Note: That’s code for a complete and utter failure!), Danson will bring them back together.

9:22AM: For those who insist on continuing to make only-old-people-watch CBS jokes (Yes, we’re talking to you @bastardmachine), Tassler reiterates that the network has more viewers in the coveted 18-49 demo than both NBC and ABC.

9:23AM: Good News: Robert De Niro’s police drama THE 2-2 is still on track for a midseason premiere. Bad News: So to is Rob Schneider’s comedy, which is currently undergoing reshoots.

9:26AM: Much to both our chagrin and Bill Carter’s pocketbook, and Tassler declines to ignite another late night war, saying, “Between Dave and Craig, I think they’re the two best guys in late-night,” Claiming that Ferguson is perhaps one of the most imaginative and innovative voices in late night.

Your TV Tech Fix: 7 TV Related Games Worth Playing – Part 1

Matt Whitlock — Sat, 28 May 2011 13:59:50 +0000

When it comes to adapting popular TV and movies into video games, developers have a poor track record of producing quality results. Nonetheless, it’s far safer (meaning easier) for developers to get budget based on a license than try to introduce an original IP, so the gaming industry continues to march forward turning great movie and TV franchises into must-avoid, lifeless interactive experiences.

That doesn’t mean all TV based games are bad. Occasionally a game developer defies the odds and produces something that doesn’t reek of uninspired, phone-it-in game design. In part 1, we’ll look at 3 games based on popular TV shows (at one point or another) worth playing.

Bart vs. The Space Mutants – 1991

Although not the debut game with THE SIMPSONS characters, an honor that belongs to the classically awesome four person arcade brawler, Bart vs. The Space Mutants was the first Simpson’s game playable on home consoles. Although available on a smorgasbord of early gaming devices (ZX Spectrum, anyone?), the version I fondly remember playing was Acclaim’s release on the original Nintendo.

While later entries in the Bart vs. games played a little better (Bart vs. the World was particularly good), it was Bart’s showdown with the Space Mutants that was the most fun to play. Sure, it was insanely difficult, but did a much better job of creatively tying in with the source material.

CSI: Dark Motives – 2004

CBS‘ mega-hit series CSI: needs no introduction, capturing huge ratings and a serious fan following over the shows history… and several variations of the show based in different cities with different crews. In video game form, all published by Ubisoft thus far (with few exceptions for handheld ports), it hasn’t had anywhere near the same level of success as the TV shows.

The CSI: games put you in the role of crime scene investigator as you work with various members of the Vegas crew to track down the truth. Each game typically features five individual cases that usually tie together at the end.

I’ll be honest that I haven’t played every entry in the series (there are 9 games so far), but of the four or five I’ve played through, CSI: Dark Motives (the 2nd in the franchise) has been the only one I’d really recommend playing. The cases were relatively interesting, the actual voices of all the series’ talent on board, and with far less hand-holding than the first one. You’ll need to be a CSI: fan to really enjoy it, but if you are, you’ll have fun.

DUCK TALES – 1989

Even if you were never a fan of Scrooge and his nephews, you’d be hard pressed not to enjoy DUCK TALES as a video game. Developed and published by Capcom in 1989, the first DUCK TALES video game is actually widely regarded as one of the top video games released for the NES. It’s offers incredibly tight control, innovative game mechanics (thanks to Scrooge’s cane), and a soundtrack from a now legendary video game music composer.

DUCK TALES is hardly relevant as a franchise these days, but even today the game still plays well. It’s incredibly easy (don’t expect it to take more than a few hours to get through it), but like many of the early Disney games for the NES, it’s crammed full of creative platforming and fun gameplay.

To be continued in Part 2. Stay tuned!

Satisfy your inner geek while fueling your TV addiction… TV Tech Fix is a column by Matt Whitlock, editor of the TechLore.com Consumer Electronics Community (plus several other gadget-focused community websites), and lover of both technology and TV. In this column, he’ll cover a wide variety of tech topics aimed squarely at the TV addicts of the world – from tips and tricks to help you better your TV experience, to gear recommendations, to the impact technology is having on the TV shows we love.

Want more TV Tech Fix? Click here to see past entries.

JEOPARDY! CSI! THE GOOD WIFE! THE OFFICE! Our TV Addict Week in Rewind

theTVaddict — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:38:17 +0000

Biggest Tactical Error: If THE GOOD WIFE writers were really serious about ensuring viewers grasped the intricacies of a mystery that has played out for the better part of half a season, having Kalinda and Blake explain it while immersed in a seriously sexy game of strip-and-tell was not the way to go about it.

Our Person Of The Week: PROJECT RUNWAY fashion guru Tim Gunn, who told Stylelist.com that his show would not be featuring appearances by Snooki or TEEN MOM’s Amber. “I do nothing that mitigates bad behavior, I want to end it,” he said.

Most Disappointing Exit: After weeks of acting like an unbalanced stalker, Michelle left THE BACHELOR not in a blaze of glory but curled up in the back of a limo as if ready for a nap.

Show We Expect To Get The Biggest Word Of Mouth-Generated Ratings Bump Next Week: Although SURVIVOR’s premiere was the lowest rated in its history, the buzzworthy tribal council could have a lot of folks regretting having missed out. (Our advice: Go to CBS.com or GlobalTV in Canada and watch the episode… trust us, you’ll be hooked!)

The Saving Grace Award Goes To…: Gabi’s storyline on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, which is proving to be the only one worth paying attention to as we pass the mid-season mark.

Saddest News: With Len Lester’s passing, we’ll no doubt sob the next time we hear the words “Hello, Jerry” uttered by SEINFELD’s Uncle Leo while watching reruns.

Obvious Sponsorship Somebody Needs To Jump On: If Lady Gaga isn’t snatched up by the egg council following her much-discussed GRAMMY entrance, someone at that organization needs to be fired.

Proof That The American Dream Is Alive And Well: The talent-free, famous-for-no-good-reason Kardashians raked in $65 million dollars last year.

Best Exit Line: Riffing on a classic line from THE SIMPSONS, JEOPARDY champ Ken Jennings summed up his defeat to I.B.M. computer Watson with, “I, for one, welcome our new computer overlords.”

Lamest “Exclusive” Ever: TVGuide breathlessly reported that SMALLVILLE would be re-airing the 2001 pilot of SMALLVILLE on April 8. Can someone tell them that it’s a rerun?

Show Most Deserving Of A Self-Referencing Bad Review: Bravo’s THE APPROVAL MATRIX is lowbrow despicable.

Worst Casting Decision: Seriously? Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher Ewing on the much-buzzed about DALLAS reboot? That sound TNT hears is previously-excited fans of the original changing their minds.

Best Series Ender that Wasn’t: As the Steve Carell OFFICE farewell tour heads into the final leg of its journey, Michael Scott’s goofy, cameo-filled screening of his Mr. ~~Holland~~ Scott Opus equivalent “Threat Level Midnight” not only had us smiling for a full 22 minutes, but reminded us just how much we’re gonna miss the big boss man when the time comes to actually say goodbye.

Most Disappointing Exit (Runner Up): Having Larry Hagman reprise his role as Lynette’s politically incorrect father-in-law only to quietly kill him off mere minutes into Sunday’s DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES is not how you treat a TV legend. We’re just sayin’

MVG (Most Valuable Guest Star) of the Week: Living up to his character’s namesake of Amazing Andy was LOST alum Michael Emerson, who should probably make some room on his award shelf for his emotionally poignant performance as an adult living with Aspergers on this week’s PARENTHOOD.

Proof That We Might Have Super Powers: Way back on July 23rd 2010 your very own TV Addict totally called how Justin Bieber’s CSI guest stint would come to an end! You know, just in case CBS is looking for a dashingly handsome TV type for THE MENTALIST spinoff you just know they’re itching to pull the trigger on.

First Look: Justin Bieber Rocks CSI*

theTVaddict — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:37:43 +0000

If Sawyer’s boxers netted a ridiculous $850 dollars at this past weekend’s LOST auction, just how much do you think some crazed fan would pay for the cotton swab that touched Justin Bieber’s mouth? That’s just one of the questions we’ve been pondering after perusing these just released photos highlighting the teen sensation’s not-at-all-overhyped guest appearance on the upcoming eleventh season premiere of CSI. More first look photos of which can be seen after the jump.

*Editor’s Note: Before you accuse us of crafting a post that amounts to little more than a shameless pander for more visitors to our website. Please keep in mind that things could be worse. How so you ask? Well, we could be charging you $3.95 for the privilege!

Analyze This: Justin Bieber on the Set of CSI

theTVaddict — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:33:34 +0000

The purpose of this post is to…
a) Stay on top of the TV news by sharing this first official look at Justin Bieber on the set of CSI.
b) Shamelessly improve our search engine ranking by penning a headline with the words “Justin” and “Bieber.”
c) Irresponsibly start a malicious rumor that this photo is actually an attempt by Bieber’s “Camp” to send those pesky Jonas Brothers a message, “You’re [careers are] Next!”
d) All of the above.

[Hat Tip: The Live Feed]

The Scoop on Justin Bieber’s Upcoming CSI Guest Spot!

theTVaddict — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:50:52 +0000

First Look: CSI Star Laurence Fishburne’s Extreme Makeover: Wardrobe Edition!

theTVaddict — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:40:58 +0000

With ratings for CSI down last season, one of the big stories to come out of CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler’s press conference at the recent TCA Press Tour was that the team behind CSI had a plan to turn things around. That plan: Get William Peterson replacement Laurence Fishburne a wardrobe makeover, and stat! And here with your first look at said makeover, plus the return of CSI alum Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) is theTVaddict.com, with a publicity still from CSI’s 10th season premiere titled “Family Affair.”

Tonight’s TV Addictions: May 14, 2009

theTVaddict — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:46:50 +0000

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING:
UGLY BETTY (8PM ABC, CityTV in Canada)
If it’s sweeps, it must be time for wedding fever! Which explains why there are not one but two proposals tonight.

SMALLVILLE (8PM CW)
When Tess and Lois clash, expect the unexpected. The eight-season finale also features Oliver stepping in when Clark seems kinda reluctant to kill Doomsday.

PARKS & RECREATION (8:30PM NBC, 9PM CityTV in Canada)
Frankly, I don’t think you should be able to tout something as a “season” finale unless you’ve aired at least 13 episodes, but hey, that’s just me. Anyway, this disappointing series — which managed to pick up a renewal for no reason other than it’s pedigree — wraps up with Andy’s first gig since he broke his legs in the pit. (That probably means something to the four of you still watching.)

GREY’S ANATOMY (9PM ABC, CTV in Canada)
The two-hour, fifth-season finale might just as well be called “Will They Or Won’t They?” as Izzie decides whether to have surgery, Mark decides what to do with Lexie and Bailey finds out whether or not she’ll be accepted into a pediatrics fellowship.

THE OFFICE (9PM NBC, Global in Canada)
The wildly-uneven fifth season wraps on a high note if only because it marks the return of Amy Ryan as Holly, the one woman who managed to make Michael seem like a human being.

30 ROCK (9:30PM NBC, CityTV in Canada)
Why do I love this show so? Because somehow, despite her legendary status as a loser in love, Liz Lemon manages to close out season three as a “relationship expert.”

SUPERNATURAL (9PM CW)
If it’s the fourth-season finale, that must mean the apocalypse is here! Sam and Dean deal with Lucifer… and Ruby helps one of the boys try to destroy Lilith. Talk about your jam-packed agendas!

NEW & NOTABLE:
BONES (8PM FOX, 10PM Global in Canada)
The entire team falls under suspicion after someone is murdered at a nightclub. But the real mystery here is how the heck Motley Crue wound up guest gigging! This could be intriguing. (Click here for video)

MY NAME IS EARL (8PM NBC)
In the fourth-season finale — and in other news, Holy Crap, this show has been on four years? — Earl tries to find Dodge’s daddy. I haven’t seen this show since early in season two. How’s it holding up, faithful readers?

SURVIVOR (8PM CBS, Global in Canada)
Anybody else kinda shocked that Coach is still in this? Tonight, he has to work hard to avoid elimination, and Erinn makes a careless slip of the tongue that could put her in hot water as well.

CSI (9PM CBS, 8PM CTV in Canada)
Rare poker chips are at the heart of an investigation, and Ray faces a crisis after he has to use lethal force for the first time. (Having written that description, I now want to go gamble after killing a co-worker.)

HELL’S KITCHEN (9PM FOX, 10PM Global in Canada)
The two remaining chef’s battle it out and a winner is determined.

SOUTHLAND (9PM NBC)
It’s all fun and games — and jewel thievery — until one of your rich friends is a victim, right Ben? Meanwhile, Bryant takes Janilla under his wing until the trial starts.

BEING ERICA (10PM SOAPnet)
The first-season finale finds Erica revisiting her brother’s death. Hey, while she’s at the cemetary, maybe she could toss a few flowers onto the graves of the soap opera genre that this network seems determined to kill!

FASHION SHOW (10PM Bravo)
The designers work on two styles, one on a budget and one without. Wonder which one guest judge Tinsley Mortimer would wind up wearing? (Am I the only one who has no clue who this Tinsley person is, save for the occasional GOSSIP GIRL reference?)

SYBIL (10PM Lifetime)
If you missed the original broadcast of this remake — starring Jessica Lange and Tammy Blanchard — here’s another chance to instead go out and rent the far-superior original, which starred Sally Field.

CSI: NY (10PM CBS)
A kidnapping turns deadly when one of the CSI team is killed and another is seriously wounded. Oh, yeah, this is definitely a season finale.

SOUTHERN BELLES: LOUISVILLE (11PM SOAPnet)
Oh, look, it’s the supposed soap opera channel taking yet another chance to pre-empt the dramas that are their bread and butter for a cheap knock-off of a reality genre. Heck, here it’s not even an actual episode, but a preview of the show… and that same preview will run again at 11:30 p.m. Trust us: these Belle’s ain’t got nothing on the various HOUSEWIVES that Bravo has turned into a successful franchise.