The TV Chick

White Collar is USA Network’s newest hit show that centers around an interesting partnership between an FBI Agent (Peter Burke) and a con-man (Neal Caffrey). The parternship was suggested by Caffrey, who when caught by Burke, came up with an alternative plan to going back to jail. The show is full of intrigue, mysteries, and atypical cases. The acting is phenomenal, and I find myself constantly looking forward to the next new episode. I think what sets White Collar apart from other law dramas on TV is the premise. There really is nothing like it on TV. I recently had the chance to chat with Tim DeKay, who plays Peter Burke, about his character, shooting in New York City, and his idea of a perfect crime. He was gracious enough to take time out of his busy filming schedule, and we also had the chance to talk about Ithaca (his hometown and my college town).

What originally drew you to the role of Peter?
Really two things. One, I’ve always loved a good mystery story. But secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the character was so interesting. It wasn’t your typical FBI Agent. And certainly, the relationship that he has with Neil, was not your typical FBI Agent slash bad guy con-artist relationship. It seemed like the heart of it, underlying all of what you see between these two guys, they like each other.

Are you anything like Peter? Or are you anything like Neal?
(laughs) Am I anything like Peter? I guess so. I think I am to a degree in that I love the chase. I love figuring out the crime, solving it. And I enjoy the chase in anything in life. Once the goal is achieved, it’s wonderful but I’d rather the game continue. And I think to a degree, that’s what Peter wants as well.

The partnership between Peter and Neal is obviously a very unique one. Why do you think their relationship works so well?
Two reasons. I think it’s because Jeff Eastin [the creator] writes very clear characters that are not two dimensional. And the other part that I think works well is that I’m fortunate enough to work across from Matt Bomer. And the two of us really feed off each other well. And the chemistry that is between us, that energy that is between us, is just as important as each of our individual energies. We just seem to  — from the first time we auditioned — we got along really well, and it’s fun to act with him.

Did you happen to talk to any FBI agents as research to prepare for your role?
I did. You know what was interesting — I talked to an FBI Agent who is since retired, but now does White Collar security for a large [cosmetic firm]. He gave me this great bit of information. He said that yes, you have one case that you’re working on, and that you seem to be focused on this, but even when that one is finished, there are always four or five others that are still out there. And he said he always felt like he was chasing ghosts. Which is kind of cool.

Interesting.
Yeah, isn’t it? Just when you lay your head down on the pillow and think okay, I’m done with that case. It’s like oh yeah there are those two other guys that I still haven’t caught.

And were you a fan of, or did you watch any buddy cop shows? It’s different than that, but White Collar centers around a crime-solving team.
Yeah. There was a movie that I loved that there’s certainly part of the essence that these two people had — called “Midnight Run” with Charles Grodin and Robert DeNiro. It’s a movie where the two of them from the beginning — you would think that they would not be a likely pair. But throughout the movie you realize Oh, they kind of like each other. And when that happens, when you see that those two kinds of people like each other, then you’re okay as an audience member, you’re okay if one of them does something to annoy the other.

I think White Collar is incredibly unique. But what do you think makes it stand out from other crime-solving television shows?
Well, one of the reasons is the way our Director of Photography Russell Fine is shooting it, it’s just so beautiful. And most of the crime dramas that you see are certainly intentionally filmed in such a way where it’s grittier. And usually a death has occurred on a stoop or a back alley. But here, crimes are being committed in glamorous, beautiful places. I’ve gotten to arrest people at Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, at Columbus Circle, you know all these really glamorous, kind of high end places. And Russell, and the show, doesn’t shy away from that. And I’ve said this before, New York City is another character on the show. It’s an homage to that. And also I think that this show — we go home with Peter Burke, we see what his home life is like. We see what Neal’s home life is like, which is not as typical [compared to] other crimes dramas. Also, not every episode do we draw a gun. And not every episode do you ever — there might be one or two — but most of our episodes, you don’t even see a murder happen. You might see the murder victim after the fact, but you never see a murder happen which is — as cliche or corny as it may sound — parents can sit kids and watch this show.

You were saying that New York City is an integral part of the show. What has it been like filming there? Have you had any interesting experiences filming all over the city?
There hasn’t been one location where we’ve shot where I haven’t walked in and gone “Oh my goodness, this is gorgeous. I didn’t even know this building existed.” It’s fascinating. And New Yorkers are so honest. So if you’re shooting, they’re excited to watch you shoot. But if you’re in their way, like a cabbie’s got to get through an intersection, forget it. He doesn’t care what you’re shooting, he’s got to get through that intersection.

In a recent episode, you filmed on a private rooftop garden at Rockefeller center. Was that just amazing?
Oh it was. What was cool was that the day before we shot, we were up in this gorgeous penthouse apartment that overlooked the gardens. So Betty Gordon, our director, went up to the window — and we were up on the 49th floor — and she said “look down there, you see that green garden at Rockefeller Center, that’s where we’ll be shooting there tomorrow.”

Wow. That’s great.
It’s just incredible. So many of the places that I’m shooting, I realize “Oh I couldn’t afford to get into this place.” Thankfully I’m shooting here, because I couldn’t get in here on my own.

Right. And what is it like joining a USA Network show? The network has put out some really big hits lately. Do you see any common threads between your show and other USA shows that are out there?
Yes. I think it ties in with their logo: Character’s Welcome. I mean Bonnie Hammer and everybody at USA has done just an incredible job. They truly respect and know that a character is interesting. Yes, certainly a story is interesting, but this is a show — this is a network where you’re going to get to know these people, in ways that you would not get to know them on other television shows. And as an actor, I love that and appreciate it.

What is your idea of the perfect crime?
Oh, someone asked me that and I gave some corny cheese ball answer that had to do with food. For me, there is something about stealing food that would be a perfect crime. You know, I could get very philosophical on one hand look like I’m this great guy by saying “Oh the perfect crime would be to steal the I don’t know — the anecdote to cancer or something,” which would be wonderful, yes. That would be the perfect crime, but that’s impossible. The perfect crime is where nobody would get hurt — either physically or emotionally or financially — and I could benefit from it. And somehow, I go to food, when I think of that. Like stealing a pie from a window sill, or something like that.

That sounds pretty good to me.
Oh good, I’m glad you agree.

I do definitely. Can you give us a little preview of what’s coming up this season?
What I can say, is that the Kate anthology–that has to do with Neal looking for Kate, is very interesting. Who is involved with Kate, and and how that plays out. That’s very fun and very exciting. But you know, just look for more glamorous locations where I’ll be arresting people.

Be sure to tune in tonight for an all new episode of White Collar on USA at 10 pm.

I have been eagerly anticipating the return of Glee since it was announced they were on hiatus for the World Series. I am never disappointed by this show, but I was absolutely floored by this week’s episode. It centered around Artie (which was a great move on the character development front), who couldn’t ride on the bus with the Glee club to Sectionals because the school couldn’t afford a special van for his wheelchair. Mr. Schuester tried to bring some understanding and compassion to the Glee Club for Artie’s life in a wheelchair, by making everyone ride in a wheelchair. There’s always concern when tackling an issue like disability that it won’t be done in a respectful way. But Kevin McHale clearly did his research, carried himself with dignity, and was absolutely wonderful. His solo “Dancing With Myself,” was great, and I loved that they gave him a love interest in Tina, because they had something in common (her stutter is technically a disability). We learn that Tina was faking the stutter and the relationship doesn’t seem to work out, but this was still fantastic.

Meanwhile, the Sue vs. Schue storyline continued as Schue advocated for wheelchair ramps, and the van for Artie. Principal Figgins was so inspired by Schuester’s decision to have all the Glee kids ride around in wheelchairs, that he insisted the Cheerios bring on a new girl to fill the void left by Quinn Fabray. The last girl to try out (Becky) was mentally disabled. Schuester expected Sue to be absolutely brutal (as she tends to be), but instead, Sue told Becky she made the team. It might have been a shocking moment but I sensed there was something more personal going on. Shortly after, we see Sue visiting her mentally disabled older sister. She brings her a pom-pom, reads Little Red Riding Hood to her and shows compassion that no one knew Sue was capable of. It is here that Ryan Murphy shines the brightest. Just when you think there is no empathy in that twisted brain of Sue Sylvester, he really brings it home. Sue might put up a front, but deep down, she is just as sympathetic and understanding as Mr. Schuester.

Another extremely touching and compelling storyline involved Kurt and his father. When Schuester announces that the Glee Club will be singing “Defying Gravity” from Wicked for their new number, Kurt wants to try out for the solo. (Brief aside: when I heard this was going to be a musical number, there were practically tears. It is such an amazing song and perfectly fit for Lea Michele’s powerhouse of a voice. Also, doesn’t she remind you of a certain Wicked star that really needs to guest star?) Mr. Schuester shoots Kurt down repeatedly, even after his insistence that he can indeed hit the high F. (Any former choir member/gleek such as myself would tell you that is a very hard note to hit). Kurt is clearly distraught by the news, and seeing this, his father goes to Mr. Schuester and Principal Figgins and stands up for his son. If you recall Episode 3 of the season where Kurt so memorably dances to Single Ladies, joins the football team, and comes out to his father, you know that their relationship might not have always been the greatest, but it is full of understanding and acceptance.  I love Glee for this.

While this episode may have showcased some character’s differences, it truly shows that they are in this together. (Almost like a brighter version of the Breakfast Club, except in Glee they will keep being friends). In any case, Kurt and Rachel have a “diva off” to compete for the solo in Defying Gravity. Both the solo versions and the duet are on the CD, but this number was as amazing as I could have imagined. And kudos to Kurt (Chris Colfer) who really nailed the performance. We find out he threw the high F at the end because he didn’t want his father to have to constantly get harassed. He had gotten an anonymous phone call that morning about Kurt’s sexuality which had shaken him. And just when I thought this episode couldn’t get any more wonderful and sweet, it does. And I haven’t been able to stop listening to both versions since the episode aired.

This episode also explored the relationship/love triangle between Quinn, Puck and Finn. Quinn has medical bills piling up, and asks Finn for help. Finn seems like he’s trapped in his own thoughts and can’t get it together to find a job. Puck very clearly cares for Quinn, and the feelings appear mutual but Quinn says that even if the baby comes out with a mohawk, she will swear to her grave that it is Finn’s. Finn and Puck also have at it when Puck tells him to step up to the plate and that he doesn’t know how lucky he really is. In the end, both Finn and Puck step it up. Puck puts pot in the cupcakes so they can sell them to raise money for Artie’s van. Rachel helps Finn get a job by using a wheelchair, and he gives his first paycheck to Quinn. It might be sort of a twisted way to solve the problem, but I look forward to seeing more out of this love triangle.

And I have gotten through this whole review, and only talked briefly about the musical numbers which rounded out the episode perfectly. Mr. Schuester announced that the Glee Club will be doing a number in wheelchairs. Proud Mary (Rollin’ on a River) was a great choice, and it gave Artie and Mercedes a chance to be in the spotlight. We also find out that the money raised was more than enough to fund the van, but Artie decides to donate it to the school to get wheelchair ramps. However, Sue had already donated the money for ramps, so Artie gets to ride with the Glee Club after all. But I digress. The musical number ends the show and I couldn’t think of a better ending to an episode that was, to quote my good friend and TV lover alike, “an emotional rollercoaster.” The episode was directed by Paris Barclay, who is an Executive Producer on one of my other favorite shows, “In Treatment.” I think it was a great choice to bring him in for such an emotional episode, when he has so much experience in handling those types of shows.

There had been complaints in the TV Critic/Blogger universe that Glee wasn’t grounded enough, and that this episode was full of convenient revelations. I completely and respectfully disagree. This episode develops many of the characters with a sense of compassion, while still staying true to themselves. Sue Sylvester will still remain a real pistol, but now we know more about her personal life. Kurt is proud of who he is, but we now know he will do anything to spare his dad’s feelings. Artie might not enjoy being stuck in a wheelchair, but we now know how he got there and how it has made him stronger. We got to see all of these characters in a light we’ve never seen them before.

I am so excited Glee is back, and I think this episode has a permanent space on my DVR for many repeat viewings.

My favorite quotes of the episode:

“Recipes are confusing.” -Brittany

“Your irritating most of the time. But don’t take that personally” -Artie about Rachel

“Try auditioning for Baywatch and being told they’re going in another direction. That’s hard.” -Sue Sylvester

And because I know you loved the musical numbers as much as I did, here are the songs:

Defying Gravity: Kurt and Rachel:

Proud Mary (Rolling on a River):

Sometimes you just want to kill some time at work or maybe you’re just looking to play some enjoyable games. I recently had the chance to check out USA’s Character Arcade (by clicking on the banner to the bottom right of your screen), and it was a lot of fun. Before I knew it, I was playing each game and trying to improve and beat my scores.

I started off with Felix RX (last week’s Game of the Week), which is basically a version of Tetris. Felix went off his meds and you have to help him by stacking up his pills. I continued on to this week’s game of the week Spider Solitaire, which is self explanatory but really fun. I then moved on to Smash ‘Em where you smash rocks to uncover diamonds. This was also very much like Tetris but really awesome. Something about smashing rocks that just allows you to get rid of your bad day! My next game was Character Smash ‘Em where you get to literally smash characters’ heads with a stapler. Pretty fantastic! If smashing things isn’t your thing, I also played Letter Matrix next where library books with letters on the spine pile up on the game board. You then have to spell out words before they pile up too high. If you are lucky, you get *s which are essentially blank letters. They also just released a new brain teaser game called Geo Trail-Penguin Permafrost. You have to navigate a penguin across a small square of ice, and it’s pretty challenging! There are also games that coincide with USA Network’s great shows. If you so choose, you can also challenge other people online!

But it’s not just all fun and games (get it?), you can also win some AMAZING prizes! When you play the Game of the Week, you can enter to win an iPod Touch, PSP Go, or Wii Party Bundle! So check it out! I think you’ll enjoy it.

I realize I have missed a few episode reviews of How I Met Your Mother, but I promise, I am back on board. This week’s episode “Rough Patch,” centered around Robin and Barney getting a little too comfortable in their relationship and going through, well you guessed it, a rough patch. This was one of those classic HIMYM episodes where I may not have laughed out loud every single second, but there were some incredibly sweet and brilliant moments.

First and foremost, when Barney gave up his porn collection. The porn titles were amazing, especially “Archi-Sex-Ture,” which of course Ted selected. Barney’s message to Ted was hilarious (“I knew you’d pick this one”), and I love how Lily and Marshall secretly wanted the porn. And then, there was Alan Thicke. His guest appearance was wonderful, if not mostly for the end of it which I will talk about later. Lily tries to orchestrate Robin and Barney’s breakup (because well, she’s good at that), and Alan Thicke plays into her master plan. I really enjoyed when they are all in a station wagon stake out and Alan Thicke pulls the “I’m Alan Thicke” card. But the most brilliant moment of them all came at the very end. The gang mentions how Robin and Alan Thicke worked together on Sandcastles in the Sand, and Alan mentions that they also worked together on a failed Variety show. The look on Barney’s face was classic. Now this might have been a little throw away line at the end, but it leaves the door open for — in the words of Barney Stinson — awesomeness. Lest we forget how amazing “Let’s Go To The Mall” and “Sandcastles in the Sand” really were. Songs (and moments) like those is where HIMYM sets itself apart from every other show on TV. The songs are creative and hilarious, and really catchy. And I think we know what’s coming next…another song, perhaps? Or even just another throwback to Robin’s years as a famous Canadian teen sensation.

And not only that, but I hear the Thanksgiving show is called “Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap,” so I know that there is some great stuff that is forthcoming. I love HIMYM, and even with episodes like this that just center around Barney wearing a fat suit, I still really enjoy it. I look forward to Barney Stinson being back on the prowl, and I can’t wait to see this variety show.

The fantastic giveaways just keep on coming!

WWII in HD premieres Sunday November 15th at 9/8c on HISTORY!

The ten-part series narrated by Gary Sinise draws upon more than 3,000 hours of WWII footage culled from archives and private collections around the world. Restored and enhanced through HD technology, the series brings to light riveting footage from sources that range from the National Archives and the Army Heritage and and Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to Homer Helter’s Military Mall in Naples, Florida. The series follows a handful of people as their personal journeys intersect with one another throughout the war. Their stories, culled from diaries, journals, and new interviews, will be delivered with emotional impact by some of Hollywood’s top talents, helping to recreate the war’s events not as detached historical facts, but rather as profound experiences on the level of a great Hollywood epic. The veterans themselves also appear, recounting their experiences first hand.  Join us online: Official Site, History’s Facebook Fan Page, and Twitter.

Enter to win a HISTORY prize pack!

-          Umbrella
-          Coffee Mug
-          Pen
-          Golf balls
-          Tote Bag

*Prizes courtesy of HISTORY*

To enter, leave me a comment with your favorite moment in history, or just leave me a nice comment.

I posted the video last week, but it’s totally worth posting (and checking out) again! And now I have the opportunity to offer an amazing giveaway!

The Office is full of brilliant moments, and sometimes, they will come out with gems like this. Kelly Kapoor and Erin Hannon (the talented lady duo Mindy Kaling and Ellie Kemper) formed a girl band “Subtle Sexuality,” and dropped this single called Male Prima Donna. They also included the musical talent of Ed Helms and BJ Novak (Nard Dog and Mr. Understood respectively).

First, check out their single:
[vodpod id=Groupvideo.3839688&w=425&h=350&fv=allowFullScreen%3Dtrue%26]

Then, enter to win a Subtle Sexuality tee shirt as well as their CD!

All you have to do to win is leave me a comment with your favorite moment, episode or quote from The Office (there are so many of them!) If you don’t watch the show, just leave me a nice comment and you will be entered to win.

Now sing it with me “You’re a male prima donna, but I can’t help but want ya…”

And also check out this behind-the-scenes video:

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.3858428&w=425&h=350&fv=allowFullScreen%3Dtrue%26]

I would not call myself a lover of all things fantasy (vampire, yes…fantasy, not so much). However, I thought the premise of Legend of the Seeker (based on the book series written by Terry Goodkind) was interesting. The acting was wonderful, the scenery was breathtaking, and I really found myself very interested in the story. So, maybe I am slowly revising my take on fantasy/sci-fi…and getting aboard the Legend of the Seeker train. I do adore Lost, but that’s more sci-fi lite than anything else. In any case, Legend of the Seeker returns tonight with its 2nd season premiere. I have seen it, and I can tell you it is fantastic. I recently had the chance to chat with the lovely and gracious Bridget Regan, who plays Kahlan (or The Mother Confessor), about filming, the fantasy genre, her character and what’s coming up this season.

What originally attracted you to the show?
Well, it was the role. The character of Kahlan was not like any part I had ever auditioned for or played. So, I was immediately drawn to it. I thought that she was really tough and kind of timeless, epic and theatrical which I really was drawn to. I went to a drama school and I grew up doing theater, so I quite liked that the show was kind of heightened and it wasn’t the sort of low energy, common chit-chat show, it was big and epic and exciting and high stakes and all that which I loved.

Are you a fan of fantasy?
I wasn’t at all, actually. (laughs) It was pretty embarrassing when I moved to New Zealand, because the fact that I hadn’t seen Lord Of The Rings, I thought that they were going to turn me around and not let me into the country. But, once I got into [it], I really enjoyed it. The fans are really passionate, and have really strong opinions about things, which I like. You know, we had a fan base before we even started filming the show, which was so cool and bizarre. People had thoughts and feelings about what color my hair should be and my eyes and that was totally new to me.

Have you read the books or met the author?
I have not met Terry Goodkind. You know, my parents have because they went to Comic Con in San Diego. That’s where I grew up. I’ve read some of the books. I haven’t gotten through all of them, but I’ve been skipping around. The series isn’t really following the books perfectly, and so you know, I find them really helpful. But sometimes I find it frustrating, because I’ll read something and I’ll be like ugh I really wish we would do this in the show. Or there’s an episode coming up — the one I’m going back to film right after I leave the states — is totally an escape from the book and nothing like that’s happened in it, and I’m so excited to do it because Kahlan gets split into two different bodies…almost like a yin and a yang sort of thing. One of her is the confessor in her, you know, [is] magical, has the powers and everything. And the other is just a woman. And without having both of them in check, things kind of go crazy and it’s such a cool episode for me, and I’m so excited to do it, but it’s not in the book, so you know I’m kind of thankful that we do stray because we get so many cool other opportunities.

You were saying before how Kahlan is such a tough character. What does it mean to do you to play her? Do you think it sends a powerful message to women?
I actually do. This season even more than last, because this season, we introduce a lot of other characters as well. It’s not just me, there are a lot of really kick-butt chicks. The light, the dark and all the mord-siths and everything. But I have a hard time playing the weak ingenue. I wouldn’t get cast as that when I first moved to the city. And I don’t even know, maybe it was because I’m pretty tall and I’m not a tiny little thing. And I thought maybe that had something to do with it. I love it when Kahlan gets to be really strong. I had a dream actually — it’s funny — I haven’t told this to anybody. I had this dream where we were doing a scene and it was a massive, big, war/fight scene. And we were fighting — Kahlan and Richard were fighting all these mord-siths, and we had these resistance fighters who were these scrappy guys. And I was all upset because they cast all these big massive guys to be the D’Harans and all these kind of small, hungry looking guys who were all weak and disheveled to be the resistance guys. None of this really happened in real life, but I dreamt it. So we’re fighting all the mord-siths, and the choreography was that we were supposed to lose. And I was supposed to get beaten, and we were supposed to get captured. And I changed the choreography, confessing all these mord-siths, making them fight with us so that we would win. (laughs) So I was refusing to lose.

Well, maybe we will see it in a future episode!
I know! I actually told one of our directors, and he laughed at me. Because in the dream I was looking over to him being like “look see, I got her, she’s on our side now!” Because once I confess someone, then they immediately change, and they’ll do anything to defend my life. So I was totally cheating.

Is there anything specific you do to get into character or does it just sort of happen when you put on the costume and makeup?
It’s amazing. I’ve never played a character this long before. But when I put on the dress and the corset, I immediately feel different. It’s not like throwing on a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. Everything about the costumes are really authentic. There’s no zippers, or buttons or hooks or anything. So to get in that dress it takes twenty minutes of just lacing. And it’s kind of like a ritual in the morning. And that helps. I often go back and read Wizard’s First Rule. I have it in my trailer, my old beat up copy. I have little parts marked. And I really love the sections when it’s in — because the book changes narrative — sometimes it’s in Richard’s head, sometimes it’s in Kahlan’s. I love it when it goes into hers, because it’s like a little cheat sheet, you get to get some ideas. So those sort of things. I listen to a lot of music as well. I have a lot of playlists on my iPod that I bring on set to get me in the mood.

What’s your favorite song that you listen to?
Oh my God. I really want to do an iTunes playlist! I talked to some people about that. You know it’s actually kind of dark, sad music. It’s a lot of Radiohead, and some White Stripes, too. I like the kind of aggressive, kick ass…sometimes you need that empowering sort of stuff. You know, Kahlan went through a lot of stuff last season…really, really heavy things. And so it was a lot of sad music.

Well, that makes sense. And what has been your favorite part of filming so far?
I think — I have to say, it’s really simple. But I love acting every day. It’s so simple, but that’s always what I dreamed of doing, was being an actor, since I was a little kid. And the fact that I get to wake up every morning, and do that, when I have so many friends that are really talented and are living here in New York and in LA and they can’t seem to get that break where they get to do it, so I mean that’s a joy. And playing a part that I love as much as I do is pretty cool — pretty awesome.

And you were talking about last season being pretty serious. But have there been any funny moments on set?
Oh my God, there’s lots. I actually was talking about this with Craig just a little while ago. We always want to cut up and play jokes and things like that, but we’re so pressed for time. Because we’re trying to do feature film quality special effects, on a really fast television turnaround schedule. So constantly I want to make him break and do something silly, but we feel like we have to reign it in. But a lot of the girls in wardrobe love to play pranks on Bruce Spence, and I sometimes try to get in on them. But one day, they were all waiting in Bruce’s trailer, wearing pajamas, watching “Dirty Dancing” and eating popcorn. (laughs) And he walked in and thought he was in the wrong room.

What’s it like filming in New Zealand?
Every scene that we do that’s outside, it’s all on location all over Auckland, and we’ve gone to the South Island a few times to shoot there as well. It’s really remarkable. It can be energizing as well, you know on a Wednesday in the middle of the week when you’re really tired. And I go to work in the dark usually, around four thirty. And then I come out of the makeup bus, with all the makeup on and everything, and there’s the most insane sunrise you’ve ever seen. And it’s pretty beautiful. I notice the air being so different, as soon I got off the plane in Los Angeles. I take one breath in, and I’m like wow, that did not smell nearly as fresh as it does down at that end of the world. But it’s remarkably beautiful.

And how long do you have to be away from home at a time?
Like nine months out of year. I kind of am calling that home. I guess it’s weird. Home in my cell phone is my parent’s house in San Diego, so I probably shouldn’t say that but home — I have a few. California is for sure one, New York will always also be a home, and now, oddly enough, New Zealand.

Do all of the cast hang out during your downtime?
We do. It’s actually such a small town, even if I’m not planning to see Craig [Horner], I run into him all the time. Because we live really, really close to each other. But we do hang out. We get brunches here and there. Bruce and I go to see plays when they come into town. We went and saw this Italian play together with our significant others. We hang out, we do. We have a great time together. It’s like we work really hard, and the crew is really terrific. And honestly all of my friends down at that end of the world are friends from work. The girl that was my dresser, she finally took her maternity leave, and she’s having her baby I think right now. I just got an e-mail that she was in contractions. They’re all my dearest friends down there, all people from work, and they’re gorgeous people who have a real down-to-earth outdoorsy sort of feel to them. They all like to rough it, because we do, we schlep up these mountains to work and they all are really good sports.

You were saying how there has been fan reaction to the show since before it started shooting. What has been the fan reaction to your character and the show? How was your reception at Comic Con?
Oh, I didn’t go to Comic Con. I did Armageddon, in Auckland, which is kind of like their version of Comic Con. But every time I come home, there’s just all this beautiful letters from fans and things like that. The best compliment that I get is when people say to me “You’re how I envisioned Kahlan,” or “How you played her is just how like how I pictured her,” things like that is just like wow. That’s amazing to me, because for one person to read something and another person, and then my interpretation — for me to bring it to life, that’s really bizarre and has kind of a cosmic-y, spooky kind of feel, because in your mind — when you read something, you get your own picture. And for someone to write to me and go “now when I read the books I picture you,” it’s like wow, that’s so cool.

And can you give a little teaser, without spoiling too much of what’s coming up in season two?
Hmm…well honestly I don’t really know too much further than a few episodes ahead of us. Because Ken Biller, he keeps a lot of it under wraps, he won’t let us know all the time. I think he changes it often, because I think he’s just got so many ideas. We do have a lot — we’ve had so many good guests from the states, like we have Charisma Carpenter in the first episode, and then we have Jolene Blaylock coming up from “Star Trek,” Amy Teegarden from “Friday Night Lights,” Gabriel Mann from “Mad Men.” I mean, some really great talent has come down to have a little play with us. But, it’s going crazy. I will tell you that on Tuesday, when I go back to work, I have a love scene, a sex scene, and I’m nervous…another one! This season’s been really racy, I can’t believe it, it’s really sexy and cool. I think it’s also Tabrett — because Tabrett’s new, she has some really hot, steamy scenes.

And I’m sure it’s too early to know, but has there been any word on a possible season three?
Everybody talks about it. It’s so funny, the second you finally hear you’re doing two, it’s like is there going to be three? I don’t know. The show has been sold in something like 130 some countries, so we’re doing pretty well in terms of interest all around the world, which I can imagine is quite a good sign of the studio wanting to continue. I don’t know, I think it’s just a matter of people tuning in. I know that it is hard for us, because I think a lot of our air times are up against a lot of sports and things like that. And I know a lot of people watch our show on Hulu and iTunes, and things like that, which don’t really count for our ratings on TV. I mean, I don’t really understand all this stuff that much but I do know there’s a lot of factors that go into it, other than us just having a good time. But I kind of hope we go to a third. I’m really enjoying my life down there, but you know it’s one of those things where sometimes it seems like it’s going by really slow, and then you go Oh my God, we’re halfway through the season, where’d this year go? Then it goes by really fast.

I know you were saying you weren’t really a fan of fantasy before you started this project. So what would you tell viewers who might not watch a lot of fantasy — why should they tune into this show?
Well what drew me to it was, I guess you could say, the romance: the relationship of Richard and Kahlan. I mean, to me it’s like Romeo and Juliet. It’s the sort of forbidden love thing. And I really think that’s part of the show, more than sort of magic and wizards and things like that. Maybe to some people it could be distracting, but I really find it to be kind of like, just an escapism sort of thing, where you get to go home, and forget about your day, and just kind of go into this other world — literally. It’s not reality.

What other projects do you have coming up?
I did a film in between the two seasons called The Best and The Brightest, and it’s with Neil Patrick Harris, and Amy Sedaris and Christopher McDonald, and Bonnie Somerville. It’s a really fun, great movie. I’m actually going to do ADR for it this afternoon, and I haven’t seen it yet so I’m really excited. That will be coming out sometime in 2010.

Be sure to tune in TODAY for the 2nd season premiere of Legend Of The Seeker. Check here for your local time and station!

Are you ready for an AWESOME new series? Do you like Steven Seagal? The newest series from A&E follows Steven Seagal’s time in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office, and you can enter to win an amazing prize pack!

ENTER TO WIN A STEVEN SEAGAL PRIZE PACK TO CELEBRATE THE SERIES PREMIERE OF STEVEN SEAGAL LAWMAN ON A&E

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Steven Seagal’s movies have grossed more than $2 billion worldwide. He is an expert martial artist with a 7th-degree black belt in aikido. Along with Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, he is considered one of the film industry’s greatest action stars. But it turns out that Steven Seagal isn’t just an action hero in the movies. For almost 20 years, Seagal has been working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. In fact, in addition to going out on patrol, Seagal is an expert marksman who has worked with their SWAT team and has instructed Jefferson Parish officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat.

Until now, Seagal has never sought attention for his work with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. However, over a span of almost two decades, he has regularly gone out on patrol and worked major cases. Each thirty-minute episode will allow fans to ride shotgun with Seagal as he and his hand-selected elite team of deputies respond to crimes-in-progress. Then, when Seagal goes off-duty, the cameras will continue following him as he pursues his many ventures – including musical performances and philanthropic efforts – in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans.

To celebrate the premiere of Steven Seagal Lawman, you can enter to win a Steven Seagal prize pack!

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SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING

See it before anybody else! AETV.com is presenting a special, one-time only video stream of the premiere episode of Steven Seagal Lawman on Wednesday, November 18, two weeks before its TV premiere! Go here for more information.

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All you have to do to enter to win is leave me a comment with your favorite action movie (yes, I know this is a TV site, but I think this is a fun way to win!)

While there’s a bit of a lull in TV news today, here are some great videos from tonight’s NBC comedies to hold you over.

Megan Mullally (adore her) guest stars on an all new Parks & Recreation with her real-life husband Nick Offerman. They talk about the episode here:
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Meet Tammy Swanson (Ron’s Ex):

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And, Brian Williams guest stars on an all new 30 Rock. He is absolutely hilarious (no, seriously), so I’m excited to see his guest appearance. Check out a behind the scenes video here:

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My love for The Vampire Diaries has just continued to grow as the season goes on. I plan to do a Checking In post about it, but I really enjoy it every week. I like how each episode is mysterious and keeps you wanting more.

So to quench your thirst (get it?) until tomorrow, here are a couple of clips from the next episode of The Vampire Diaries. Don’t worry, none are too spoiler-y.

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Be sure to tune in tomorrow night at 8 pm on the CW!