Q: I really liked the Jesse Stone movies on CBS, but what about Robert B. Parker's other big character, Spenser? Is no one going to film those stories?
They already have, but perhaps it was before your time. "Spenser: For Hire" aired for three seasons on ABC from 1985 to 1988, with the once-dreamy Robert Urich in the title role.
Urich was an inspired choice, really -- like Spenser himself, at the time of casting, Urich was a handsome tough guy just at the cusp of what would be called "aging." But young enough to be swoon-worthy.
Hell and back: 'Lucifer' continues a strong sophomore campaign
The cast of “Lucifer”
The devil, a cop and a lawyer walk into a bar ... As much as that may sound like the start of a groan-inducing joke, it could very well happen in Fox's cop dramedy "Lucifer," which follows the lord of hell himself as he works with an LAPD officer and, in season 2, a demon-controlled lawyer. A new episode of "Lucifer" airs Monday, Nov. 7, on Fox.
Q: Can you tell me the name of the actor playing Shinwell Johnson in the new season of "Elementary"? He looks so familiar.
Nelsan Ellis will look familiar to fans of HBO's delightfully trashy vampire show "True Blood," and to fans of prestige dramas about the black experience -- two groups that wouldn't seem to have a lot of overlap.
Ellis played the cross-dressing, big-hearted Lafayette in "True Blood" throughout the show's six-year, 80-episode run. He picked up a few award nominations for his work, most notably a couple of NAACP Image Awards.
Q: The last episode of "Castle" was terrible -- many people I know didn't even notice that the end was supposed to be seven years later. The network needs to bring the show back where they left off, with them lying on the floor, and hopefully a neigh
There's a lot to unpack in your question, but let me start with the basics: "Castle" is absolutely finished; no last-minute, heroic renewals are forthcoming. The actors have moved on to other things, and the head writers have written a note to fans and the crew, saying, "We will miss you profoundly."
In fact, putting a definitive end on the show is what that much-maligned last scene was all about.
'Salem' shocker: Marilyn Manson joins WGN America's supernatural drama
Janet Montgomery stars in "Salem"
'Salem' shocker: Marilyn Manson is moving to Salem. The singer/songwriter was a controversial figure during the height of his popularity in the 1990s, with his dark lyrics and bizarre stage performances causing concern among parents and educators about his influence on youth. In other words, he's a perfect fit for WGN America's "Salem."
New Releases for the week of October 30 - November 5
Star Trek Beyond
When a small escape pod and its sole occupant are recovered by the starship Enterprise after drifting out of an uncharted section of space, Capt. James T. Kirk (Pine) and his crew embark on a rescue mission to save the survivors of its ship of origin. When they arrive in orbit around the hidden planet the ship is purportedly on, the Enterprise is suddenly attacked by a massive ship armed with incredibly destructive weapons, and Kirk is forced to issue an order to abandon ship. With the ship's officers scattered across the planet's surface and most of the surviving crew enslaved by their villainous attacker, Krall (Elba), Kirk must rely on his wits and quick thinking to save his friends and stop a terrible plot that could result in the deaths of millions.
Director: Justin Lin. Stars: Chris Pine, Idris Elba, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin. 2016. 122 min. Action.
Nine Lives
With his company's newest skyscraper nearly complete, New York tycoon Tom Brand (Spacey) has been very busy -- so busy that he's forgotten to get his daughter a birthday present. Despite having always hated cats, he stops by a strange pet store and ends up leaving with both a feline and an enigmatic message from the store's owner (Walken). On the way to the birthday party, a sudden accident leaves him in a coma, and he wakes up with his consciousness somehow in the body of the cat. When the pet store owner warns him that he has only a week to change his ways and connect with his family, he tries to alert his loved ones to his plight before he ends up trapped as a cat for the rest of his life.
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld. Stars: Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner, Christopher Walken, Robbie Amell. 2016. 87 min. Comedy.
Bad Moms
After she catches her husband cheating, "perfect" mom Amy (Kunis) throws him out, quits the PTA and makes new friends. Her falling out with the PTA draws the ire of its president (Applegate), and Amy decides to run against her by showing all the other moms how to loosen up and have a good time.
Directors: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore. Stars: Mila Kunis, Christina Applegate, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Jada Pinkett Smith. 2016. 100 min. Comedy.
Easy holiday hosting: Giada De Laurentiis returns with more helpful holiday hints
Giada De Laurentiis in "Giada's Holiday Handbook"
Fab 50: CMA Awards celebrates golden anniversary
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood host the 50th Annual CMA Awards
America's love affair with country music is about to hit a new milestone, and some of the music industry's top talents are on hand to celebrate.
Late Laughs for the week of October 30 - November 5, 2016
The Late Late Show With James Corden
Over the weekend, Donald Trump's private tax documents were leaked to the New York Times, showing that in 1995 he posted a loss of $916 million. The only people with a more embarrassing loss in 1995 were the prosecution team in the O.J. Simpson trial.
Trump lost $1 billion. Right now, Gary Busey is like: "Hold up, wait -- didn't you fire me on 'Celebrity Apprentice' for losing the Snapple challenge?"
Recaps for the week of October 24 - 28
Jordi Vilasuso as seen in "Days of Our Lives"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Bill enlists the help of his trusted staff to plan the best possible wedding for Brooke. Ridge makes serious accusations against Quinn regarding her treatment of Eric. Ridge is forced to rethink his plan when Rick questions its accuracy. RJ makes one final attempt to convince Brooke not to marry Bill. Soon, Ridge brings RJ in on his idea that will benefit their family in the long term. Donna listens to Brooke as she discusses her reservations about marrying Bill. After many years and numerous obstacles, Bill is ready to finally make Brooke his wife. Zende and Nicole have differing opinions regarding their Halloween costumes and family obligations. Ridge crosses his nemesis, Bill Spencer, which puts his plan and Forrester Creations at risk. Nicole comes to a decision about the favor Maya had requested of her.
Days of Our Lives
After blackmailing Hope into going out with him, Aiden's date with Hope takes an unexpected turn. Kayla prepares a romantic surprise for Steve. Rafe and Roman devise a plan to help Hope. A pact is formed between Eduardo and John. Rafe gets ready to make a big sacrifice. Deimos confronts Nicole about her betrayal. Kayla reveals that she's brought in Dr. Valerie Grant to perform Abe's surgery, and the two work together to save Abe's life. Ciara helps Theo sneak into his dad's room. Rafe surprises Hope with a camping trip. Victor stuns everyone at a family meeting with his announcement. As Steve and Kayla look to their future, they receive unsettling news. Chad and Andre reach an understanding. Eduardo discusses his new business with Kate, and he offers her a job. Gabi is relieved when JJ's condition improves. Salem residents gather for the DiMera-sponsored Halloween charity fundraiser, which ends with a shocking announcement. Hope argues with Ciara about Victor's proposed trust fund for Ciara. John, Marlena, Steve and Kayla enjoy the magician's show at the hospital, but it takes a dark turn.
General Hospital
Laura and Kevin make plans to go out on another date. A heated confrontation erupts between Finn and Hayden. Sonny confronts Scott. Jason and Sam share the news with Danny that he's going to be a big brother. Jordan receives vital information about the hospital from Franco and Liz. After focusing on their wedding plans, Maxie and Nathan receive some disturbing video footage. Alexis reaches out to Carly. After arguing with Sonny, Jason issues a warning to Curtis. Michael goes through an emotional rollercoaster. Griffin reveals his inner thoughts to Anna.
The Young and the Restless
Devon confronts Hilary for airing a negative story with leaked documents from Newman Enterprises, insisting she should have gotten Victor's clearance. Hilary assures Devon that the story will improve GC Buzz's ratings. Victor arrives to give Hilary an interview, in which he claims the leaked documents are full of lies, and threatens to sue Devon and Hilary and shut down GC Buzz. Phyllis worries that Jack is enjoying his scheming against Victor a little too much. Ashley arrives and accuses Jack of leaking the documents. Dylan tells Sharon during a video chat that Patty might be behind the calls. Mariah tells Sharon that Nick has gotten attached to Sully, as he's been staying with them. Sharon wants to get Nick away from Sully before things get more complicated. The chemistry between Kevin and Chloe returns during their date. Lauren is upset with Jill for giving Brash & Sassy products to another dealer, but Cane confesses to making the decision. Natalie returns to town working as Victor's assistant.