March 15, 2006 |
Your Veronica Mars Questions Answered!
As UPN's Veronica Mars returns with fresh episodes (Wednesdays at 9 pm/ET), fans are still trying to wrap their heads around the mysteries of this season as well as looking ahead to next season. Did Wallace really want to return home? Will Veronica go to the prom? Is Logan going to attend college with her? In an exclusive Q&A, Mars creator Rob Thomas provides tantalizing answers in response to these and other burning questions from TVGuide.com readers.
Question: Would Wallace really never have come back to Neptune if it weren't for the hit-and-run accident in Chicago, or is that just the reason he came back at that exact time and not, say, a month or two later? — KaraRob Thomas: Wallace is/was interested in getting to know his father. He was frustrated in Neptune with Veronica and a little lovesick over Jackie. Those things would've (and did) wear off, but his desire to really get to know the man who sired him was genuine. So, in response, I didn't intend to devalue his relationship with Veronica, but I do think the pull to connect with Nathan remains a powerful one.
Question: I'm a bit perplexed by the recent trend of having Veronica trick the audience. It seems that in the past, we've always been privy to her perspective, but since Duncan's disappearance, we can't ever be sure. Is this going to continue? — AmyThomas: Trend? Did we do it more than once? Veronica wasn't attempting to trick the audience. She was attempting to trick her dad, the sheriff, the FBI, her classmates.
Question: Are we going to see Veronica go to the prom or graduation? — ShainaThomas: Prom — sort of. Graduation — yes.
Question: Did Lilly know that Aaron abused Logan? And if you could be so kind, maybe you could also settle a debate: When Mrs. Fuller referred to "that boyfriend of [Meg's]," she was talking about Duncan, right? — ElizabethThomas: "That boyfriend of Meg's" was Duncan, yes. Lilly did not know that Logan was abused by Aaron.
Question: Hi Rob, I am a longtime fan! I was wondering if the fortune cookie Duncan gave Veronica in the season premiere was a shout-out to your first screenplay, Fortune Cookie. — KLThomas: Wow, good background knowledge. I have a tricky response: It was definitely not a shout-out. I didn't intend for it to be any kind of inside joke, but I think it might've been inspired a bit by my screenplay largely dedicated to fortune cookies.
Question: Why was it illegal for Duncan to run off with the baby? Considering that the mother is dead and he is the father, doesn't that give him automatic custody? — BethThomas: We did quite a bit of research on this. It's likely that Duncan would have eventually gained custody of his daughter, but it's a process that could've taken many years, and Duncan wasn't prepared to allow the Mannings to raise his child for that long. With Duncan's mental-health problems and documented instances of violence, the Mannings could've stalled the process for a long, long time. We should've spent a little more time laying that explanation out for the audience.
Question: Could the document Veronica signed in the "Leave It to Beaver" episode, concerning legal claims against the Kanes, interfere with collecting the Kane Scholarship should she win it? — TabathaThomas: Nope. If she finishes first, she'll get that. But, man, that's an interesting question.
Question: I heard that Troy is coming back as a love interest for Veronica. It surprises me that Veronica would even think about re-reuniting with a character who feigned romantic interest in her as part of a drug-stealing scheme. Will we see Troy making amends for his past behavior? Could Troy be worthy of Veronica's affection? — ZaraThomas: Don't believe everything you read on the spoiler sites. I never said anything about Troy returning as a love interest.
Question: Will Logan and Veronica be going to the same college next year? — Emma-KayThomas: I'm not telling.
Question: Solving Lilly Kane's murder was the theme of the first season. The bus crash/Felix's murder/baseball scandal/and other mysteries are the theme of the second season. Do you have a major story line planned for the third season? If yes, any hints? — JessieThomas: We do have a Season 3 mystery planned. I believe the careful observer will be able to figure it out before the end of Season 2. It falls under the heading of "You'll know it when you see it." |
Did Beauty Find Love with Her Geek?
Who would have thought that a show called Beauty and the Geek could be one of the nicest reality shows on television? This season began with seven guys and girls paired up with the goal of pushing everyone out of their comfort zones, all while shooting for a $250,000 payday. The winners of executive producer Ashton Kutcher's "social experiment" this time were Josh Herman, 27, and Cheryl Tenbush, 24 — a surprise in only that this nondating show resulted in a romance for Cher and fellow contestant Wes Wilson. Since Beauty and the Geek wrapped, Josh has sold a comedy screenplay to Fox and Cher has moved out to L.A. (But as our phone call will reveal, it seems she's not out there by her lonesome....)
TVGuide.com: Congratulations to both of you on winning. Is this something you put on a résumé — "Winner, Beauty and the Geek 2"? Where would that fit in, exactly?Josh Herman: I'm not gonna put anything else on my résumé but that. It's just going to have my name, address and then in big bold letters in the middle, "WINNER, BEAUTY AND THE GEEK." And I think we'll include some screen grabs, too. Cher Tenbush: [Laughs] How about the screen grabs from after we found out we won the map challenge? We were rolling around on the floor.
TVGuide.com: Did you enjoy rolling around on the floor, Josh?Josh: People have asked me that. Many friends of mine do say they want to frame that picture where I am on top of Cher. Cher: When Josh became a man.
TVGuide.com: Was it tough to watch yourselves on TV? Cher: That's what was tough for me. All of a sudden I became the "villain" in the house. When we were in the house, everyone got along really well — we still talk — so every week I was dreading [it]. The thing that changed for me [during the series] was how I viewed my life and how I did things in my life.
TVGuide.com: Josh, you got a makeover during the show. When you look back at that early footage, what are you thinking?Josh: I'm thinking I like the long hair. It is in the process of being grown back. Cher: I like it short because then you can see your face. You have a cute little face. Josh: I've always said this about Cher: She helped me become a better version of myself. She never tried to change me. When we had the makeover, she said, "We're gonna get clothes in the kind of style you're already wearing."
TVGuide.com: It's interesting that we didn't see some of that.Cher: Of course not! I was the villain then!
TVGuide.com: Josh, you've been open about what an anxious person you are. Did you feel that auditioning for this show would help you "snap out of it"?Josh: Absolutely. I think you have to do what scares you. I actually got off one of my anxiety meds at the conclusion of the show.Cher: Wow! I didn't know that!Josh: Yeah. So the experience was absolutely helpful. I don't want to get too sentimental here, but a lot of the e-mails I've gotten are from people who have anxiety themselves and they're like, "It's so inspirational to see that if you can do it, then anyone can do it. And I feel that I can do it now. You've given us hope."
TVGuide.com: Did you meet exec producer Ashton Kutcher during the audition process? Cher: He grilled us, actually. Well, he grilled me. Josh, did he grill you?Josh: He grilled me like... a grilled cheese sandwich. That was terrible.
TVGuide.com: C'mon, Josh, you're a writer. You can come up with a better line than that.Josh: I know, but you gotta give me a minute. Cher: He grilled you like a steak at Ruth's Chris. Josh: Use that one.
TVGuide.com: Cher, is it safe to say that you didn't expect to start a relationship on the show?Cher: [Laughs] Uh, it's absolutely safe to say that.
TVGuide.com: Was it weird to watch the episode in which you all went to Vegas, when it appeared that your romance with Wes had started?Cher: Well, it was weird because they made it seem like all of a sudden in Vegas there was so much attraction! But we had been staying up really late talking [prior to that]. I had a huge crush on Wes after the first night. I don't know how he felt about me. I think having the makeover kind of gave him a little more courage to pursue his feelings for me. Josh: They'd stay out late cuddling on the couch and I'd have the whole room to myself. I think it was a really symbiotic relationship.Cher: And I would always talk to Josh about it because when you're first in a relationship and you're excited about someone, you want to talk to someone about it. And Josh would always tell me, "Cheryl, I'm not your girlfriend."
TVGuide.com: What's your status with Wes now?Cher: We just moved out to L.A. together last week. Wes is sitting right next to me, actually.
TVGuide.com: Can you put him on for a moment?Cher: Yeah. Here's Wes.Wes Wilson: Hello!
TVGuide.com: Tell us, Wes, are you now a god among your geek friends since your girlfriend is a "beauty"?Wes: Yeah, when I got back from the show and Cher actually came to visit me in Atlanta, everybody was like, "Wow. Wes, you lucky, lucky... " — fill in your own expletive there. Josh: Wes was one of the most outgoing of the geeks so it was great having him on the show. He kind of led the way for everyone. He was inspirational. Especially after he hooked up with Cher. Everyone was like, "How can we be more like Wes?"
[Cher gets back on the phone.]
TVGuide.com: What's the biggest thing you'll each take from this experience?Josh: Well, it's nice seeing how much I've grown. I was able to get over some of my anxiety. [By the time I left] I was able to throw away one of my anxiety medications. That just shows me that I was able to get what I wanted to get out of the experience. The money's nice, especially that I don't have to spend it on therapy and on drugs. They were costing me so much money!Cher: I was able to realize that I am really scared of failure. It's like I am paralyzed by fear sometimes, so instead of pursuing what I want to do, I'll stop and do whatever's comfortable instead of risking anything. What was the quote that you told me, Josh? Josh: "Don't worry about failing. Worry about the chances you miss by not trying."Cher: That's something that Josh tried to grill into me and I always get the quote wrong but I know the meaning. I know the meaning in my heart. |
Who Stands Poised to Win Top Model?
Another round of strutting, pouting, posing — and spatting — is upon us now that UPN's America's Next Top Model (Wednesdays at 8 pm/ET) has returned for a sixth cycle. "What I love about this new group is that no one looks like anyone else," says host Tyra Banks. "They're all so different, and they all photograph strikingly." While Southern-fried Kathy has already been sent home, here's why each of the remaining hopefuls thinks she has what it takes to be a runway success.
BROOKE (22, Corpus Christi, Texas)Occupation: Student Secret weapon: "It doesn't normally show, but I'm a fierce individual. That's going to come out on film and on the runway." Motivation: "I've been very sheltered, staying home reading, not having girlfriends. I want to live life to the fullest."Housemate pet peeve: "Two-faced people."
DANIELLE (20, Little Rock, Ark.)Occupation: Baby-sitter Secret weapon: "It may sound vain, but I was blessed with a good walk. It comes naturally." Motivation: "I'm not a girl who loves to be the center of attention, but when I'm on the runway, I get to show my artistic, creative side." Housemate pet peeve: "Don't borrow my clothes!"
FURONDA (24, Stuttgart, Ark.)Occupation: Student Secret weapon: "I can talk to anyone about anything and smile the whole time. I'll be great as a spokesperson."Motivation: "I just think of where I've come from, and nothing is worse. I've come so far." Housemate pet peeve: "People who want to talk about their problems all the time."
GINA (21, Tampa, Fla.)Occupation: TranslatorSecret weapon: "My walk. Complete strangers tell me it's confident and natural." Motivation: "My parents were born and raised in Korea and had many struggles in America. It's my responsibility to let them know that it all paid off." Housemate pet peeve: "Playing mind games and just being rude."
JADE (26, Philadelphia, Penn.)Occupation: Restaurant hostess Secret weapon: "'Very seductive' is me all the way, baby. I have a strong look and can create characters for the camera."Motivation: "I've been modeling in New York for more than three years, and it's been a struggle. This is my chance to shine." Housemate pet peeve: "People who don't clean up after themselves."
JOANIE (24, Beaver Falls, Penn.)Occupation: Sales associate Secret weapon: "My uniqueness. My family couldn't afford to give me braces, so I know how to turn so-called flaws into assets."Motivation: "Breaking barriers and pushing the envelope of what it means to be a model."Housemate pet peeve: "Bad table manners."
KARI (18, Brookings, S.D.)Occupation: Student Secret weapon: "I can do more than look pretty. I think I'd be a good spokesperson, so I'd be good in commercials. And all the other girls here are so skinny and I'm very curvy, so I'll stand out." Motivation: "Having the experience of a lifetime!"Housemate pet peeve: "Girls who cause drama."
LESLIE (18, Higley, Ariz.)Occupation: Student Secret weapon: "I'm kind of a drama queen, so I can express many different emotions in a photo shoot." Motivation: "I've never modeled, but it's my dream. I'm here to soak up as much as I can about the industry."Housemate pet peeve: "People who think cockiness can substitute for confidence."
MOLLIE SUE (25, Tampa, Fla.)Occupation: WaitressSecret weapon: "My walk. I've been doing this longer than the rest of the girls and have taken runway classes." Motivation: "I started modeling 10 years ago. It's time for everything to fall into place. It's going to happen." Housemate pet peeve: "Don't act like my mom. Don't clean up after me!"
NNENNA (24, Houston, Texas)Occupation: Chemist Secret weapon: "I'm moldable, responsive and attentive. I can fit in anywhere. I grew up in a Nigerian village, went to Texas A&M and work in a lab where I'm the only female." Motivation: "My three younger sisters back in Nigeria. They help me stay positive." Housemate pet peeve: "People who are untidy."
SARA (22, Davis, Calif.)Occupation: Student Secret weapon: "I played volleyball at Georgetown University. You learn grace and agility from athletics, so my walk will be strong. Plus, I won't overthink or criticize myself during shoots." Motivation: "My mom is my role model. She knows how to find balance in life." Housemate pet peeve: "Disrespect."
WENDY (22, New Orleans, La.)Occupation: Retail assistant manager Secret weapon: "I'm ready for whatever they want to do with me:Paint my face purple and dye my hair green. I'm ready!" Motivation: "Remembering how badly I wanted to get here."Housemate pet peeve: "A girl who needs three hours to get ready in the morning." |
Sons & Daughters: Movies and Meat
We had our big red-carpet premiere last week at Universal Studios in Hollywood. The producers invited the entire cast and crew, and we ate popcorn and watched the first two episodes in a movie theater. It was so great to be together once again with everyone involved in this show. Several cast members of The Office showed up to support us. After the screening we moved to a nearby restaurant for food, drinks and sparkling conversation.
Let me fill you in on what's fappenin' on Sons and Daughters this week. ABC is broadcasting two episodes back-to-back again on Tuesday at 9 pm/ET. The first episode is called "Film Festival." Cameron tries to connect with his son Henry by getting the whole family to attend the screening of one of Henry's short films. Henry is extremely anxious about the family attending the screening. You should know that in this episode there are cross-dressing equestrians, hurt feelings, racial tension and sleazy talent managers trying to control luscious Jenna and her performing career. Don continues to rehearse his play, and if you're a fan of Martin Scorsese or Steven Spielberg, you mustn't miss this episode. It was written by Fred Goss and Nick Holly and our crack team of writer-producers. As in my previous blog entry, Fred Goss, who plays Cameron on the show, was still writing, directing, producing, acting and working as an electrician for "Film Festival." At the end of the week, he was hospitalized for exhaustion. Because I forgot to send him flowers, I was replaced by lovable Brad Garrett from Everybody Loves Raymond for about half a day until my agent intervened (which means he begged and pleaded and accepted a huge pay cut so that I could return to the show). In a twist of fate, that same agent sent me a half-dozen roses later with a sad little banner that said, "Congratulations! You're back, baby!" I was almost moved by this thoughtful gesture of goodwill. The second episode airing tonight, "Barbeque Therapy," was directed by comedy legend David Steinberg, who appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson more often than anyone except Bob Hope. The story is by Nick and Fred, and the script was written by a man with an impeccable pedigree, someone who recently won best in show at the Westminster Writers Club. His name is Wil Calhoun, and he used to work on Friends, Caroline in the City, F Troop and I Love Lucy. Wil has been around a long time, and the man knows comedy. He is also a talented playwright. Writing plays in Hollywood, though, won't provide you with the money to feed a marriage-shattering blackjack habit in Las Vegas, so Wil sought work in television. I hope Wil didn't want to keep that private. If you like barbeques, meat, vegetables and tofu — or if you love to laugh — this second episode is for you. It's filled with young, beautiful people running their hands over each other's hard, tan, supple bodies. I hope you don't tune in just for that, though. It is also about exploring the human condition and people trying to connect with each other on an emotional and spiritual level. However, as I said, it also features young, gorgeous people exploring the seamy side of passion. And some really sexy improvising. I would describe this episode as Girls Gone Wild meets The Waltons. I hope you enjoy it.
Have feedback or a question you'd like to send Jerry Lambert's way? Click here.
For even more on Sons & Daughters' "relative" insanity, check out Jerry's blog from March 6. |
Charisma Carpenter: From Mars to Paradise Island?
With the long-awaited next new episode of UPN's Veronica Mars now just a day away (airing Wednesday at 9 pm/ET), TVGuide.com grabbed a (figurative) hold of Charisma Carpenter, who this season has been appearing as Dick and Beaver's head-turner of a stepmother, Kendall Casablancas. Here is what the Buffy/Angel alumna had to share about her present in Neptune, her possible future on Paradise Island and the thing she cannot believe she revealed to Playboy.
TVGuide.com: You next appear on Veronica Mars in "The Quick and the Wed," airing March 22. I hear that Kendall makes some sort of offer to Aaron Echolls?Charisma Carpenter: Yes, I do have a nice offer for Aaron — a piece. [Laughs]
TVGuide.com: A what?Carpenter: A piece.
TVGuide.com: Meaning a gun? Or of a--? Or of the action?Carpenter: That's the big question. Maybe a piece of the pie, maybe a piece of me....
TVGuide.com: On the topic of whether Duncan actually ever succumbed to Kendall's charms, Mars creator Rob Thomas said here at TVGuide.com, "Duncan's not built that way." Is that ego-deflating for you to hear or — and this is my theory — is Duncan simply built the wrong way?Carpenter: The latter! [Laughs] I guess Kendall is just not very discerning about to whom she gives her body. But, given some new insights I've been given from Rob, apparently everything has a purpose and a meaning. My character's IQ is about to jump up about 50 points, did he tell you that? Things are about to become very clear.
TVGuide.com: What, has Kendall been putting on some sort of act?Carpenter: [Coyly] I guess.... Rob likened her to Annette Bening in The Grifters, which as you know is an amazing role. I was like, "Really? That's goooood!" I just love those people [at Veronica Mars]. They're awesome.
TVGuide.com: So you're happy with your role? It's different enough from Angel's Cordelia? I know that has been an issue for you, always playing a bitch.Carpenter: You know what? That used to be an issue, but to be honest, I'm not trying to play the heroine chick anymore. I grew out of that. Now it's just about having fun.
TVGuide.com: After all, let's be frank — God didn't really design you to play the nice girl.Carpenter: Not on television, anyway.
TVGuide.com: Has Kendall had her fun and is she now all done with Logan?Carpenter: I don't know.... She's not very nice and Logan is the bad boy. Duncan was the sweet-as-pie boy.
TVGuide.com: Who would Charisma pick? What type do you gravitate toward?Carpenter: [Sighs] Well, in high school it was the a--hole, and then as I got older I knew how to pick them better.
TVGuide.com: Your son, Donovan, is about to turn 3. What sort of "tricks" is he doing these days?Carpenter: His tricks are "kicking the ball," "discovering insects" and talking about the "big giant monkey that's upstairs, sleeping" — and being careful not to wake him up....
TVGuide.com: I assume the "monkey" is Dad?Carpenter: [Chuckles] If I said yes, my husband would die because that would give the impression that he is hairy, and he can't have that. [On a tangent] My husband has decided he wants to take up motocross, which is really pissing me off. I'm like, "What, are you going through a midlife crisis?!"
TVGuide.com: Better motocross than some chirpy 20-year-old.Carpenter: What?! That didn't even enter my mind.
TVGuide.com: I know. How could it possibly?Carpenter: How could it?
TVGuide.com: Hey, are you going to star in Wonder Woman? [Buffy creator Joss Whedon is writing and will direct a big-screen take on the superheroine, to be produced by Joel Silver.] What a great fit that would be.Carpenter: I know! From your lips to God's ears... or Joss'... or Joel's....
TVGuide.com: Speaking of Joss, you're sort of known as the Buffy-verse alum who doesn't charge for autographs at conventions....Carpenter: I just think it's wrong to charge — it feels sleazy and desperate. The only reason I would charge now is because there are [disadvantaged] kids who need assistance. I'm doing a convention [Wizard World Los Angeles] on March 18, and in this case I am charging, but everything is going to charity. So my fans will be helping out a very special kid, a 9-year-old quadriplegic who needs a specially equipped van. If I can exploit myself in a way that helps others, I'll do that.
TVGuide.com: So to everyone reading this: Go to the convention, get an autograph from Charisma and help that kid get a van.Carpenter: Yeah!
TVGuide.com: I missed your recent Lifetime movie, Flirting with Danger. What was that about?Carpenter: [In little girl voice] I was naughty... again. I'm such a hussy! I guess Veronica Mars warmed me up to be naughty.
TVGuide.com: What about Voodoo Moon [a feature in which a psychic woman and her brother hunt down a demonic being]? Will we ever get to see that?Carpenter: I wish I knew what was going on with that. Eric Mabius (The O.C.) plays my brother, and I really loved working on it. It was a fun thing to do and it should appeal to the people who watched Buffy and Angel. It's got fighting and zombies....
TVGuide.com: What TV do you like?Carpenter: I just started the Season 1 DVD for 24, because I have never seen any of it, and we just finished Season 1 of Lost. I tend not to watch shows while they're airing. I'll just wait for the DVD and watch 13 hours or so in one shot. That's the best payoff — you can just go to the next episode without waiting a week. I love Nip/Tuck, and I'm a huge fan of The Sopranos....
TVGuide.com: Someone sneaked me the first four episodes of this season's Sopranos. If you're nice to me, I'll share.Carpenter: Are you in L.A.? No, you're in New York. That's not going to work. I would have come over! We could have hung out and shared popcorn.
TVGuide.com: Don't tease an old man. What else do you have going on?Carpenter: I have three more episodes of Veronica Mars to shoot and it's pilot season, so I'm working my ass off to get a regular job. Hopefully by the end of the month I'll find out if I have one or not. If not, I'll have another baby or...
TVGuide.com: Another baby?Carpenter: I'd like to eventually, but I want Wonder Woman right now. I'm not holding my breath but I'm crossing my fingers and toes and praying.
TVGuide.com: Well, I think that just about covers everything.Carpenter: You think?
TVGuide.com: Well, save for a Q&A excerpt I stumbled across during research. You told Playboy that you once had sex at an Oscars party?Carpenter: I said that?! Oh my god, I can't believe I said that on a public level.
TVGuide.com: Does the outside prospect of doing "that" become a factor when choosing a dress for the Oscars?Carpenter: That's a very witty question, but the answer is no — you just make it work!
Coming up in tomorrow's Insider: Mars creator Rob Thomas answers your questions about Veronica's "new love interest," Wallace, Season 3 and, yes, prom! |
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