Breaking Bad Creator On Jesse Pinkman’s Fate: “I Hoped For The Best”

Originally published on PopWrapped.  30 November 2013.

Audiences may still be reeling from the Breaking Bad series finale but creator Vince Gilligan has some news that should give fans some peace of mind about Jesse Pinkman…kind of.

“My personal feeling is that he got away,” Gilligan said, referring to Pinkman (Aaron Paul) being rescued from his Neo-Nazi captors in the finale by Walter White (Bryan Cranston). Unfortunately, as always withBreaking Bad, things aren’t that clear-cut.

“But the most likely thing, as negative as this sounds, is that they’re going to find this kid’s fingerprints all over this lab and they’re going to find him within a day or a week or a month. And he’s still going to be on the hook for the murder of two federal agents.”

Gilligan certainly has good reason to keep Pinkman’s fate in mind. The Breaking Bad spin-off, Better Call Saul, is in production and Gilligan has teased that both Paul and Cranston may appear in cameo rolls. “Personally, I’d have a hard time resisting putting all these guys in for a cameo or two every now and then,” he said on Digital Spy.

The creator told GQ that he thinks it’s up to fans to decide what happened to the perennially distraught and luckless Pinkman but, even in the face of logic, he’s still hopefully. “The way I see it is that he got away and got to Alaska, changed his name, and had a new life. You want that for the kid. He deserves it.”

Channing Tatum Talks Burlesque Docuseries Bourbon Street

Originally published on PopWrapped.  30 November 2013.

Channing Tatum is taking his business ventures and his knowledge of stripping and using them to explore the small screen.

The Magic Mike star is in the midst of preparation for an A&E docuseries pilot about the performers at his own Saints and Sinners club. The venue, which is located on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, features live burlesque entertainment.

“Bourbon Street is insane,” Tatum said on Digital Spy. “[It] is one of the most crazy places I’ve ever been in my life, and all the characters you meet there should be on a reality show.”

Though the actor was unsure whether he would be appearing in the series, he is definitely involved in the production, which began in October. Tatum will executive produce the series alongside friend and business partner Keith Kurtz. The pair opened Saints and Sinners last year.

Walking Dead Promises An “Explosive” Showdown Between Rick And The Governor

Originally published on PopWrapped.  30 November 2013.

For fans of The Walking Dead who think Rick and The Governor have been dancing around each other for far too long, the end may be coming this Sunday. Showrunner Scott M. Gimple has promised plenty of blood, guts and one helluva showdown in “Too Far Gone.”

“We’ve seen The Governor (David Morrisey) kill people to ensure the safety of his new family and we see him determined,” Gimple said to The Hollywood Reporter. “We see Rick (Andrew Lincoln) is very much back as someone with a gun on his hip, ready to participate in the brutality of the world to keep his people safe.”

As always with the AMC show, there’s the potential to lose some key characters at any moment especially in dramatic face offs. The Governor showing up with his new troop and a tank to boot in an attempt to take the prison for his own seems to be just that. “It’s a very explosive situation,” Gimple teased, “and it’s entirely possible that everybody doesn’t make it back.”

On top of his on going battle with The Governor, Rick is (again) dealing with turmoil within the prison. The news that Carol (Melissa McBride) has been banished will not sit well with Daryl (Norman Reedus), who is still grappling with his brother’s death in season three. Also, Michonne (Danai Gurira) is itching to get revenge on The Governor for Andrea’s death.

For fans of the comic books, the question of who will die is especially intriguing. In the comics, the assault on the prison claims with lives of Lori and Judith. While Lori is already gone, baby Judith still lives but will the mid-season finale go so far as to take her too?

Tune in Sunday at 9 p.m. on AMC to find out who survives.

What Needs “Repairs” On This Weeks Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D

Originally published on PopWrapped.  27 November 2013.

Greetings Agents! So last week we saw the human side of Ward, the slightly damaged but still awesome side of May and the always adorable and tightlipped side of Coulson. But most importantly we saw that Coulson’s magical place aka Tahiti may be just a dream or a vision implanted in his mind after his “death” at the hand of Loki. Sadly, we get no further development on this storyline but do get more details about May and a great twist on the people with powers set-up of the show.

In Utah a young woman buys some essentials at a gas station and gets harassed by the clerk for being the cause some guy named Jack’s death. When the clerk pushes the woman a little too far she inadvertently uses her psychic powers to throw cans and then a whole shelving unit at him. As he runs out, gasoline and fire create one heck of an explosion, even as the woman prays “not again.”

In May’s room, the Cavalry is getting dressed after a night of fun with, you guessed it, Agent Ward. Lover boy himself saunters out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel McSteamy-style and reminds us all that he has some wonderful, um, assets. No time for ogling though because there’s a mission at hand. As Coulson explains to Skye, they’ll be heading out to check in with the telekinetic. He wants Skye to pay attention to how this is done properly. He’s referring of course to her laughable awful attempt with Mike back in the Pilot episode.

This asset retrieval process can be touchy because their telekinetic, Hannah, is probably in denial, like most of the assets Coulson has encountered. FitzSimmons spout off their trademark science/techy lingo, this time in regards to how they’ll confirm Hannah’s powers. I may have a simple BA but I’m pretty sure if things start flying at you when she’s around, it’s a solid indicator of telekinesis.

Pharrell Williams Shares A 24 Hour Long “Happy” Fest In New Music Video

Originally published on PopWrapped.  22 November 2013.

Singer Pharrell Williams is having quite the year. On top of partnering with Robin Thicke for the massively popular “Blurred Lines,” Williams has premiered the first ever 24-hour music video. 

“Happy,” which will play on Pharrell’s site 24hoursofhappy.com, was shot in Los Angeles and has clock superimposed over it. In addition to singers and dancers popping up to lip sync to the Despicable Me 2song, Williams is also shown singing to a church. A variety of celebrities show up too.

Steve Carrell, Jimmy Kimmel, Magic Johnson, and more all have a few minutes in the video. Viewers can click through to different times to try to find their favorite celebs and can also share a particular segment of the video. 

Williams has been having a strong 2013. He’s collaborated with Robin Thicke and Daft Punk. Currently, he is now working with Hans Zimmer on the Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack.

Check out the shorter version of “Happy” before heading over to see the 24-hour cut.

David Tennant and Matt Smith To Appear On Graham Norton Ahead Of The Day Of The Doctor

Originally published on PopWrapped.  22 November 2013.

Tonight David Tennant and Matt Smith will appear together on Graham Norton to promote (as if they need to) the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Episode, “The Day of the Doctor.” The two Time Lords spoke about their camaraderie during the episode’s filming as well as comparing the size of their screwdrivers. 

“His is bigger than mine,” Tennant said as reported by Digital Spy. “It has a bit that comes out of the end and lights up.” The much loved Tenth Doctor also touched on the strange expectation many people seemed to have that he and Smith would fight on the set. “It could have been weird,” he said, “but it ended up being good fun.”

For his part, Smith joked that he showed his predecessor a certain amount of deference when on the set. “There was a bit of that, particularly in my TARDIS. I asked David if he would like to fly it. You want to be gracious,” Smith said.

Graham Norton airs tonight on BBC One at 10:35 p.m.

Lana Del Rey’s Short Film, Tropico, Gets Release Date And Trailer

Originally published on PopWrapped.  22 November 2013.

Singer Lana Del Rey’s passion project, Tropico, finally has a full trailer, a general synopsis, and a release date. The 30-minute short film casts Del Rey a modernized version of the Bible’s Eve in a story about sin and redemption.
Information on Tropico, which is directed by previous Del Rey collaborator Anthony Mandler, has been light ever since the pop star started teasing the film earlier this month. Based on what’s in the trailer though, it’s safe to say there is heavy violence, nudity and some serious sin going on.

Model Shaun Ross plays Del Rey’s love interest (Adam?). Interestingly, there is no hint of Del Rey singing inTropico, although we know that three of her songs from the repackaged album Born to Die – The Paradise Edition will appear in the film.

So Russell Crowe is Noah and now Lana Del Rey is Eve? What Biblical character gets the celebrity treatment next?

Tropico will premiere exclusively on VEVO on December 5th. Click here to watch the trailer.

This Week’s Once Upon A Time In Wonderland Wonders “Who’s Alice”

Originally published on PopWrapped.  22 November 2013.

Previously on Wonderland, Alice was fooled, if only a little bit, by the Red Queen who proved she still has a heart and it still beats, however faintly, for our beloved Knave of Hearts. Also Cyrus escaped and Jafar coerced the Rabbit into digging to London. But most importantly, Will was revived from his stony sleep. Hooray! 

Tonight opens on an Englishman painting in the countryside. He’s suddenly showered with dirt when Jafar and the White Rabbit burst from a hole in the ground. Quite the entrance, I must say. The Englishman, to his credit, is unfazed but curious as to whom the sorcerer and the animated rabbit are. He gives them directions to the Asylum and in return, Jafar takes his suit.

In the Asylum we get the return of Bald Doctor! He’s taking some laudanum when a dapper Jafar, posing as a doctor himself, pops in to have a chat about a certain blond hair, blue-eyed patient. Bald Doctor tries to play dumb but Jafar knows all about him seeing the Rabbit. A quick glimpse of the bunny makes the doc ready to spill all he knows about Alice.

Queenie pays a visit to Cyrus’ empty cage. She’s curious about the genie having fled and Jafar being missing as well. Luckily, or not, the Old Man is still present in his cage to explain that Jafar is gone and Cyrus is on the run. Queenie will never catch him though because the genie has the most powerful magic of all: True Love. Only 5 minutes in and already this show is covered in sap.

Could Justin Timberlake Be Heading To Nashville?

Originally published on PopWrapped.  19 November 2013.

Justin Timberlake is being honored in three categories at the American Music Awards this weekend however there’s one category he still has in his sights 

“I still got my eyes on a ‘Best Country Album’,” he said in an interview with SiriusXM’s The Highway. “There’s time for that.”

As one of the new kings of music, Timberlake has already started showing his country skills with “Drink You Away” on his new album The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2. “It’s a country song to me,” Timberlake said. 

Having successfully transitioned from boy band member to pop star, in the past decade Timberlake has evolved into Hollywood’s Renaissance man. He has a stellar movie career, displaying both dramatic and comedic acting chops, and is one of the most well-loved hosts of Saturday Night Live. In addition to his nominations across three genres at the AMA’s, he is also up for Artist of the Year.

Considering JT has clearly conquered pop, R&B, soul, barbershop quartet, and plenty more, it’s a good guess that mastering country is only a matter of time. How many years before he’s adding Country Music Award to his trophy shelf?

Check out Justin’s foray into the much maligned musical genre of barbershop quartets.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 308: ‘Think Lovely Thoughts’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  18 November 2013.

In an incredibly surprising turn of events, there is once again forward momentum on Once Upon a Time! Henry’s family even finds the kid and we get a nice bit of background for my beloved Rumplestiltskin. Sadly, “Think Lovely Thoughts” is also so packed with contrivances it dulls the otherwise tasty plot developments.

Everything from Pan’s origin story (especially the source of his name) to Henry’s inexplicable stupidity made me cringe, dear Oncers. But still we carry on, so let’s begin with a flashback, shall we?

A card hustler gets beaten up and robbed after swindling one too many customers. His son tries to intervene with the help of his adorable eyes and precious Scottish accent but it’s no use. Dad is a deadbeat for poor baby Rumple.

In Neverland, Pan reminds Henry that saving magic will save Wendy and everyone else. Henry, clearly being driven by hormones and a childish fantasy to be the hero like in his fairytale book, says he’s ready to do his duty.

Thankfully two members of his family still have some sense. Regina and Rumple make their way toward Pan’s camp. The Queen pays her master a compliment, saying, “You know despite our differences I can always count on you to get things done. Which is more than I can say for them.” She means the Charmings of course and dang is she right. Ten minutes with Rumple and they had an artifact to take down Pan.

Seven weeks (for us) with the Charmings and all they got was a very convoluted plan. But back to their conversation. Regina brings up Neal, which Rumple doesn’t want to talk about. Good choice really because once she finds out you rescued her son and then let him get recaptured, your little alliance will be fireballed to hell.

We flashback again to see Rumple’s dad dropping him off with two spinner ladies. The boy doesn’t want to leave his Papa so to cheer him up, Dad gives him the going-to-be-important later-on wicker doll. Then Papa runs out of the cottage before he son’s even given the doll a name.

Neverland. Charmings and Co head towards Pan’s camp and Snow confesses to Emma that she’ll stay on the island with her hubby. Emma is skeptical about how easily Mom gave up on finding a solution to this problem. She fails to mention or even think that her newfound magic powers could be helpful but Emma says she’s giving up. But that’s what we have Regina and Rumple for and luckily the duo stumble upon everyone else.

Neal ruins this happy reunion by spilling the beans about the prophecy. Everyone takes a dramatic step back from Rumple and draws their weapons. The Dark One looks exasperated while different members of his complicated family accuse him of trying to kill the kid. Everyone including Hook is ready to defend Henry. Rumple (and I) rolls his eyes at their stupidity. Commercial.

This Weeks Once Upon A Time In Wonderland Has A “Heart Of Stone”

Originally published on PopWrapped.  15 November 2013.

Previously on Wonderland the best character on the show was turned to stone and Alice made absolutely no progress toward finding her true love. Also the Red Queen did a terrible job hiding her secret past with Will but a good job being divided between evil ex and regretful ex. So this week we see which one Queenie decides to be, Cyrus takes escaping Jafar into his own hands and we get more delicious details about Will and Anastasia.

Flashback to right when Will and Anastasia are getting ready to leap into Wonderland. Her mom bursts in to ruin everything with her disappointed face and verbal abuse. In addition to calling Will a loser, she also labels her own daughter as a failure. She’d had high hopes for Anastasia to be a princess but would have settled for the girl marrying a nobleman. Guess a prince of thieves isn’t good enough. Will promises that he’ll build a life for them in Wonderland and that he’ll always love her. It’s enough for Anastasia and the pair jump.

Present day Wonderland. Alice covers Stone Will with a shawl in case of rain or snow or bird poop. She is feeling guilty for tricking Jafar with her wish thus causing Will’s current state. Still, she clings to the hope that if she can find Cyrus he can help. Queenie can help her there! She’s willing to make a deal with Alice: she’ll trade info about Cyrus’ whereabouts for some hard to find magic dust. Alice stubbornly refuses this offer until she realizes the Queen is right; she has no other options.

In Cyrus’ Pit of Despair, his companion prisoner has been brought back from his day of slave labor. Cyrus promises to free them both today.

Public Tribute To Lou Reed Took Place Today

Originally published on PopWrapped.  14 November 2013.

A public tribute took place in New York today for musician Lou Reed, who passed away last month at age 71. The Velvet Underground singer was honored with a gathering at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Reed’s official Facebook page posted about the tribute earlier this week saying it would be all about Reed’s music. “No speeches. No live performances, just Lou’s voice, guitar music & songs – playing the recordings selected by his family and friends.” This was a gathering that was meant solely for fans.

Known primarily as the frontman for the band Velvet Underground in the 1960s, Reed also had a strong solo career starting in 1972. He passed away in October due to complications from a liver transplant he received in May.

Peter Pan Is Set To Take Flight With Directer Joe Wright

Originally published on PopWrapped.  12 November 2013.

Peter Pan may be getting a period piece re-imagining. Joe Wright, director of Pride and Prejudice, is currently in talks to helm Warner Bros.’ new Pan project.

Also known for Atonement and Anna Karenina, Wright would join producer Greg Berlanti to bring Jason Fuchs’ script to life in the new adaptation of the boy who wouldn’t grow up.

Deadline reports that Fuchs’ script focuses on Peter Pan’s origin story as an orphan who is taken to Neverland. There he leads a rebellion against the pirates, including supposedly Captain Hook, and becomes the savior of the Neverland natives.

Everything is coming up Pan these days, it seems. Warner Bros.’ take on the classic character would certainly have some strong competition in Sony’s Channing Tatum Pan picture. Disney is also working on its own Peter Pan project – a prequel entitled Peter and the Starcatchers, which is adapted from the YA novel of the same name.

Interestingly, Disney’s ABC show Once Upon a Time is currently exploring a new twist on Peter Pan as a villain rather than a hero.

My only question is: What role will Wright’s frequent collaborator Keira Knightly be playing in his Peter Pan project? Is she Wendy Darling worthy?

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 307: ‘Dark Hollow’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  11 November 2013.

An incredible thing happened in “Dark Hollow” on this week’s Once Upon a Time. There was actual progress toward the goal of finding Henry. Things literally happened instead of just more stagnant set up. The plan to get off the island after rescuing Henry is set, Emma makes a choice between her suitors, Ariel proves surprisingly useful and much more fun than in her titular episode, and we learn who Pan is keeping locked up in a wooden cage. Also, Belle and Storybrooke remain awesome and far more interesting than the Neverland lot. So let’s swoop in to “Dark Hollow…”

Just five days ago in the Once universe, Belle said goodbye to her true love. This scene it’s just as touching as the first time. I miss this pairing so much. While she tearfully watches the Jolly Roger disappear, the rest of the town runs up to celebrate having been saved. Belle shuts them up by saying Greg and Tamara took Henry and producing the cloaking spell for the Blue Fairy to examine.

On the road to Storybrooke, a red convertible carrying some Hipsters approaches. (Seriously, that’s not the beginning of a joke.)

The Storybrooke crew reminds us all why we love them by being both sweetly naïve (Archie) and git er’ done (Grumpy). To wit, as they head into the mines to get some fairy dust for the spell, Grumpy says to his brothers, “No time for whistling boys. Let’s get swinging.” With some dust freed up, Belle pours the vial Rumple gave her and a magical dome begins covering the town. The convertible speeds up to beat the closing barrier and they do, leaving their bumper behind.

In Neverland, Rumple draws a map to Storybrooke and enchants a sand dollar for Ariel to give to Belle. This way he doesn’t have to say their plan out loud and risk Pan hearing them. Finally, we’re using our clever brain, Mr. Gold! The mermaid just wants Eric but Regina is teaching her the value of patience and bargaining so she’ll have to wait.

Pan’s camp. The little stinker can feel that someone is leaving the island. Felix is all concerned about it but Pan just tells him to contact their men in Storybrooke. Also acting super laidback for no reason is Neal. In the Camp of the Twisted Family Tree, he says his big mysterious way to leave the island is hitching a ride with Pan’s shadow and Neal knows just where to catch the evil spirit.

At the Storybrooke beach, the dwarves speak for all of us when they agree that though the love Snow and Charming, “it’s kind of nice not having them around.” They’re of course referring to the lack of killings, wars or beasties since the couple has been gone. I’m referring to the aggravating lovey-dovey idiocy of the duo. Anyway, Grumpy doesn’t like the dissenting talk amongst his comrades, saying everything will be “normal” when the Prince and Snow come back. Grumpy’s brand of normal suddenly appears out in the water as Ariel puts on her magical bracelet and walks onto the beach. She’s looking for Belle but someone else is looking for her. Yes, the Evil (British) Hipsters are spying on her and they’ve received word from the home office to make sure she never leaves Storybrooke. Commercial.

Meet “The Serpent” On This Week’s Once Upon A Time In Wonderland

Originally published on PopWrapped.  8 November 2013.

After a weeklong break we’re finally back to the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland. Alice still searches for her beloved Cyrus but her Knavish friend is looking for a long-lost love as well: The Red Queen aka Anastasia. When their paths finally cross, you better believe heads will roll. Except not really because even though the villains effectively capture their prey, they do almost nothing to them and even freely let them go. We do lose a beloved character though and get some juicy scenes between my new Wonderland OTP: Will and the Red Queen. Also, we learn via icky hookups and daddy issues that Wonderland’s writers have been watching way too much Game of Thrones. So without much further ado, “The Serpent.”

We begin many years ago in Agrabah. A blacksmith beats and yells at his slave boy for taking too long with some coal. The boy cowers and as much as I want this to be little Aladdin, it’s pretty clear right away that this is young Jafar. He’s also pretty ballsy because when everyone else in the market turns away from a beautiful sorceress who wanders through, Jafar stares straight at her. He follows her later to her door where he begs her to teach him dark magic. He wants people to fear him like they do her and he wants revenge on the Sultan. Jafar is supposedly the Sultan’s son but was cast out for being a bastard and now he wants some payback. Whoa this got Game of Thrones-y real quick. Credits.

In the Red Queen’s palace, Jafar materializes with some new perfectly coiffed hair. He’s perturbed that she didn’t tell him about the Knave but she brushes it off. The Knave coming with Alice wasn’t intentional but he was helpful in getting the girl to Wonderland. Now that he’s served his purpose though, Jafar is ready to eliminate him. Judging by the look on her face, the Red Queen might have some issues with that.

Hey speaking of issues, Will and Alice are arguing again, now about the Red Queen and the White Rabbit. Will wants to fool the Rabbit into telling them everything but Alice would rather hold the bunny over a cliff. Some debt collectors sent by the Caterpillar interrupt their exhaustingly boring bickering. When Alice stupidly asks what they should do, Will quips, “Well basically we could die or we could run.” Running quickly turns to Will volunteering as a distraction to lead the Collectors away from Alice, which works quite well.

While his love plays hide and seek in the forest, Cyrus grovels in his cage for a scrap of food. Even a bone would suffice, he pleads. A guard takes pity, for…reasons. But Cyrus didn’t want the food after all, just the wishbone.

Back to the forest, Will is feeling pretty proud of himself for evading the Collectors until he sees that they have all been knocked out. The Red Queen appears to greet her old lover.

In Agrabah, grown up Jafar is being happily entertained by the stories of his goat herder. After giving the man some wine in thanks for his hard work, Jafar goes indoors to complain to Mistress Dark Sorceress about wanting to learn the spells in her book (if you know what I mean). This includes a spell that requires a human liver… which she’s just procured for them from Jafar’s goat herder friend, who is slowly being poisoned by the wine. Mistress Dark Sorceress gives Jafar a creepy analogy about them being like snakes who need to shed their skin and asks him if he’s ready to be reborn. Just as Jafar sets down the poison’s antidote, the man dies. Dark Sorceress #1 congratulates Jafar on being reborn and they celebrate by making out. So many levels of ewewewewew!

Clive Owen And Steven Soderbergh Team Up For New Period Drama

Originally published on PopWrapped.  7 November 2013.

You know how it is living in New York City. One minute it’s all 21st century hustle and bustle, and then you step outside your door to discover you’ve been transported back to the 1900s. Some residents of Downtown Manhattan are certainly feeling that way thanks to Steven Soderbergh’s Cinemax series, The Knick.

The ten-episode show about New York’s Knickerbocker Hospital in 1900, starring Clive Owen, required a transformation of a portion of Manhattan to do some filming. The pilot episode is written by Jack Amiel and Michael Begler and will introduce viewers to the doctors and nurses of The Knick who, “Push the bounds of medicine in a time of astonishingly high mortality rates and zero antibiotics.”

Soderbergh, who is coming off of the critically acclaimed and award-winning TV movie, Behind the Candelabra, will direct all ten episodes. The Knick has no premiere date as of yet.

The subject matter is certainly interesting. What do you think, will you be tuning in?

well now this is in front of my building pic.twitter.com/YTcwmHtkGq
— kalkutta (@djkalkutta) November 6, 2013

They'r shooting a segment of the TV Show #TheKnick in the #LES. #shooting #CliveOwen Go check out ! Broome/Orchard pic.twitter.com/P3GQBJjTA3
— Man-lai liang (@manlailiang) November 6, 2013

Filming 'The Knick' outside my office... pic.twitter.com/oc8CWBaRoO
— Derick Carss (@DerickCarss) November 6, 2013

Filming 'The Knick' outside my office... pic.twitter.com/DEBAZnCvMn
— Derick Carss (@DerickCarss) November 6, 2013

Which Avenger Almost Got Their Own Marvel TV Series?

Originally published on PopWrapped.  6 November 2013.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is one of the biggest shows of the Fall, but we almost got an entirely different Marvel TV series. That’s right, Agents; instead of our beloved Coulson leading a team of spies, we were nearly given a Hulk TV show.

Jeph Loeb, Marvel’s head of television, revealed in an interview with Ain’t It Cool News that initially they were looking to adapt the green rage monster into a new show. “Guillermo Del Toro came in and talked to us about doing a Hulk show and when Guillermo Del Toro comes and wants to do a show about your pinkie, you are going to want to do it. But it was just a case that once we saw what Joss Whedon and Mark Ruffalo were creating in The Avengers, that was a better solution.”

Loeb went on to say that Marvel’s relationship with Whedon, built on the strength of The Avengers, enabled them to look in a different direction of a Marvel television series: S.H.I.E.L.D.. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. became a perfect fit in terms of what Marvel wanted to do creatively and what might work on both ABC television and television in general.” Loeb said.

For his part, Del Toro was disappointed but understanding about the decision to shelve the Hulk series, acknowledging in an interview with The Global Dispatch that “Avengers is a game-changer for Marvel.”

As for the future of Marvel on the small screen, Loeb said, “For us in television, it always comes down to finding the right show runner. The answer is always going to be that when the right person is matched with the right property that is when we will make the next exciting announcement from Marvel Television.”

Comikaze 2013: Stan Lee Introduces ‘Superhero Ball Wars’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  5 November 2013.

At Comikaze 2013 Stan “The Man” Lee was on hand to announce on of his newest ventures: Stan Lee’s Superhero Ball Wars. The series of apps, set to release starting in 2014, will be available first for iPhone and iPad and later for Android devices.

The game centers on the characters from the planet Ballo whose citizens are, as Lee says, “well-rounded.” But the Inflators are the superheroes of planet and they are the ones who must fight off an invasion by the evil Deflators. Earthlings are called to help in the battle by collecting heroes and deflecting villains.

The augmented reality aspect of Superhero Ball Wars allows you to hold up your device while the app is running and actually locate Ballo in the sky. You can also lock the game to play without moving your phone or tablet around above you. Once you have Ballo in your sights, characters and objects start flying towards you. Each of the 15 missions requires you to collect a specific character, including Professor Ballkenstan (Lee in Ballo form), while deflecting or avoid other objects and characters.

Superhero Ball Wars is a relatively simple game and is certainly marketed more as a kid’s game. Producer Jeff Edell said on the HotTopic mainstage at Comikaze, “Your kids will love this and maybe adults too.” A virtual vault keeps track of every character you collect, allowing you to learn more about them and trade with your friends. Physical Ballo character cards let players continue their missions even when they’re not plugged into the app.

Look for the first of Stan Lee’s Superhero Ball Wars apps to be available in the App Store next year. For now, check out the trailer for the game below.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 306: ‘Ariel’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  5 November 2013.

I have to tell you Oncers, I’m starting to worry about our magical show. We spend yet another episode in Neverland and seem to get very little accomplished once again toward the goal of rescuing Henry (who doesn’t even appear in “Ariel” though that might be an improvement really). We do however get confirmation yet again that Regina is the best character (and actress) on Once and that Rumple hasn’t completely lost his ability to put together a deal or a plan. Oh and of course, there’s Ariel, whose flashback story is really somewhat pointless until the plot at then end calls for her.

So we start in the old Enchanted Forest where Snow White is running away from Regina’s guards.  She skids to a halt at a cliff overlooking the ocean but then takes a daring leap into the waters where she is recued by a red-headed mermaid, Ariel.

In Neverland, Regina is pushing Emma to concentrate to use her magic. Ms. Savior doesn’t want to use her anger as a trigger, which makes sense since she was about to use love every other time but she apparently doesn’t remember that. See, Rumple, this is why they need you. The Queen is disgusted with Emma’s reluctance, saying, “You’re such a pathetic waste of ability.” This fires up Emma’s temper and the campfire she was trying to magic.

Regina is pleased while Emma’s parents are trying not to be too mortified. They get a nice bit of distraction from Hook who, in a show of surprising honesty, tells them about Neal. While the men agree that not telling Emma until they’re sure about Neal’s alive or dead state, Snow feels uncomfortable lying to her daughter. Personally, I think she should embrace this opportunity to make up for missed chances to lie to her kid about things like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

Back in the Enchanted Forest, Ariel and Snow gab about boys. Seems the mermaid fell in love at first sight with land-Prince Eric when she saved him from a shipwreck a year ago. She also reveals that she’s got plans for a night on two legs by lifts her fins onto the land where they transform. Apparently, the sea witch Ursula grants mermaids the ability to have legs for 12 hours every high tide and this one coincides with Ursula’s Ball, which Eric will attend.

Neverland. The Charmings and Hook are trying to make a getaway from the camp but their poor planning makes Emma suspicious. So Snow just blurts it out: Neal’s alive.

After commercial, we get some quality time with Rumple, who is struggling to see into future. Then Pan pops up to offer him some breakfast and inform the dealmaker that he can’t see the future in a place where time stands still. Duh. He tells Rumple to just leave the island because even if he saved Neal and Henry no one will forgive him for all the evil he’s done. Go back to Belle and make a new start, Pan advises.

While Rumple contemplates his cowardice, the company is arguing about looking for Neal. Regina, once again speaking for the audience, says, “This is a waste of time.” Snow tells Emma that she owes it to Henry and herself to find out if Neal’s alive but the Queen is fed up with making no progress on finding their son. She goes off on her own while everyone else heads off to find Neal. They better hurry too because as Pan and Felix watch them from afar, it’s decided to move the captive Neal to the Echo Cave.

Sopranos Star Swaps The Mob For Bigamy In Rake

Originally published on PopWrapped.  4 November 2013.

Greg Kinnear’s lawyer in the new courtroom dramedy Rake has just gotten a new client in the shape of The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli.

It appears that Imperioli will be playing an unassuming, successful restaurant owner who is charged with bigamy. This looks to be par for the course for lawyer Keegan Deane (Kinnear) who represents a man charged with cannibalism in the pilot episode. Deane is also dealing with gambling debt, the IRS, falling in love with a prostitute and the return of a woman who tried to stab him.

Rake, which is adapted from an Australian series, is perhaps best described as a cross betweenCalifornication (attractive and talented but deeply flawed protagonist) and Boston Legal (unusual and entertaining court cases).

Aside from his Emmy award-winning stint on The Sopranos, Imperioli has done guest spots on The Officeand Californication. His episode of Rake is scheduled for February.

Set to air on Thursdays starting in January, Rake will first debut on Fox following the NFC Championship, January 19. In the mean time, check out the series’ extended trailer below:

Stan Lee Rules Day 2 Of Comikaze Expo 2013

Originally published on PopWrapped.  3 November 2013.

Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo 2013 at the LA Convention Center is a menagerie of geeky interests. Now in its third year, the convention has plenty of room for comics and games alongside toys, animated features, films, and everything else under the nerd sun.

The man of the hour himself, Stan Lee, was on hand for quite a bit of programming on Comikaze’s second day, Saturday November 2. One of the new projects the legend has been involved in is Stan Lee’s Mighty 7, a combination of an animated series and movie trilogy as well as a monthly comic. Those lined up to lend their voices to the project were Armie Hammer, Christian Slater, Mayim Bialik, Teri Hatcher, Darren Criss, Sean Astin, Jim Belushi and Michael Ironside.

Photo by Stephanie Coats

Also announced was Stan Lee’s Superhero Ball Wars, a series of iPhone and iPad game apps. Set on the planet Ballo, the action revolves around capturing or deflecting heroes and villains from Ballo as they fly towards your screen. An augmented reality version of the game has the player hold up their device to the sky to locate Ballo before beginning game play (you can also lock the screen to start without needing to find the planet). The apps will start being released next year.

Photo by Stephanie Coats

Comic and film lovers were able to enjoy panels like “The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened.” The documentary’s maker, John Schepp, gave fans a taste of what to expect when the finished film comes out next summer. In a special Comikaze clip package, snippets of interviews with Superman Lives concept artists and other members of the production team show and speak about plans for the film. These included a version of legendary Superman adversary, Doomsday, as a dinosaur-alien created by Brainiac.

Photo by Stephanie Coats

Schepp also said he is in talks with two of the primary individuals involved with the cancelled 1998 film, such as Nicolas Cage, Kevin Smith or Tim Burton, but would not specifically reveal whom. Schepp hopes to premiere the film either at the Tribecca Film Festival, where he has been offered a spot, or at San Diego Comic-Con 2014.

Earlier in the day, Schepp showed the full Kickstarter-funded pilot of his animated show, Grimm Fairy Tales. An adaptation of the comic series, the 20-minute pilot was definitely R-rated with plenty of rough language, gore, and nudity. The creative team behind the episode is currently working on raising money and interest to continue making the show as a TV series or a standalone movie.

Photo by Stephanie Coats

No convention is complete without star power and cosplay and Comikaze had both. Topping the list of celebrities were Alyssa Milano, Edward James Olmos, Bruce Campbell and LeVar Burton. The stars of the Emmy award-winning web series, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, were also on hand. Ashley Clements (Lizzie), Mary Katie Wiles (Lydia) and Daniel Vincent Gordh (Darcy) were joined by some of the series’ creative team for a packed panel Saturday afternoon.

Comikaze 2013 concludes its run Sunday, November 3.