Q: Who is the actress who plays Howard Wolowitz mother on "Big Bang Theory"? It almost sounds like his wife, Bernadette.
It's not the same actress, however that's a surprisingly astute observation anyway.
Howard's mother is played by longtime character actress Carol Ann Susi. However Melissa Rauch, who plays Howard's wife Bernadette, says there's a bit of Mrs. Wolowitz in her.
"I come from a house of screamers, very similar to the Wolowitz family," she said in a "New York Post" interview last year. "Mrs. Wolowitz sounds very similar to my father."
'State' of play: Former TV star makes high profile return to prime time
Katherine Heigl stars in “State of Affairs”
It's a question many film and television critics are pondering this month in lieu of the premiere of NBC's new political drama "State of Affairs": will Katherine Heigl's return to the small screen help boost her image and her career?
Last Man Standing, on ABC
Now that his grandson has moved out, Mike (Tim Allen) struggles with being the only man in the house in the fourth season. In addition to finding solace at the outdoors store where he works, Mike shares his opinions on his video blog.
Elementary, on CBS
NFL legend Phil Simms guest stars as himself, an associate of Sherlock’s (Jonny Lee Miller), who happens to have an unexpected talent. The drama series offers viewers an updated version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famed detective.
Q: Could you tell me if "The Mentalist" will be returning?
It will, we just don't know when. And when it does, it'll likely be for the last time.
The show came uncomfortably close to cancelation this spring, but was renewed at the last minute for a seventh season, due to premiere some time this winter. However, multiple (unofficial) sources say this season will be the last.
Deadline.com cites anonymous sources saying this will be the final round, and showrunner Bruno Heller hinted the same thing in an interview with "The Hollywood Reporter."
Arrow, on CW
Ted Grant (J.R. Ramirez) is the prime suspect after a body is found tied up in the Wildcat gym in this new episode, and Laurel (Katie Cassidy) and Oliver (Stephen Amell) dispute Ted's innocence. David Ramsey and Emily Bett Rickards also star.
Chicago Fire, on NBC
Three of the network’s highest-rated dramas share a story arc about a child pornography ring that stretches from New York to Chicago beginning with this new episode. The plot will continue on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Chicago P.D.” the following evening.
Q: Why was John Francis Daley (a.k.a. Lance Sweets) killed off on "Bones"?
Fans may be stuck on him as the FBI psychologist Dr. Lance Sweets on Fox's long-running hit "Bones," but John Francis Daley has for years been leading a secret double life.
Unbeknownst to "Bones" fans, Daley is also a very successful screwball-comedy script writer (he penned 2011's "Horrible Bosses," as well as 2013's "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" and "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2"). He's leaving "Bones" because he finally has the opportunity to direct one of his screenplays.
Gotham, on Fox
In this new episode, Detectives Bullock (Donal Logue) and Gordon (Ben McKenzie) look into a case involving a deadly fight club, where a twisted Gothamite forces candidates seeking work at his firm to square off for the job.
New Releases for the week of November 9 - 15
Jersey Boys
Based on the Tony Award-winning musical, "Jersey Boys" chronicles how Frankie Valli (Young), Bob Gaudio (Bergen), Tommy DeVito (Piazza) and Nick Massi (Lomenda) came together to form the 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. Coming from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey, the budding musicians experience their share of obstacles on their way to stardom, from their blue-collar beginnings to gambling debts to trouble with the mob to family disasters.
Director: Clint Eastwood. Stars: John Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen, Vincent Piazza, Michael Lomenda, Christopher Walken, Mike Doyle, Lou Volpe, Steve Schirripa. 2014. 134 min. Drama.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Five years after uniting Vikings and dragons on the island of Berk, Hiccup (Baruchel) is pressured by his father (Butler) to become chief. Unprepared to take on the responsibility, Hiccup frequently escapes with his dragon, Toothless, to explore uncharted lands. Upon the discovery of a secret ice cave, they find hundreds of dragons, as well as the mysterious Dragon Rider named Valka (Blanchett). When two dragon hunters threaten to shatter the peace, Hiccup, Toothless and their friends must prepare to battle.
Director: Dean DeBlois. Stars: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett, America Ferrera, T.J. Miller, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jonah Hill, Craig Ferguson, Kristen Wiig, Kit Harington, Djimon Hounsou. 2014. 102 min. Adventure.
Happy Christmas
Jeff (Swanberg) and his wife Kelly (Lynskey) are living a comfortable life in Chicago with their new baby. When Jeff’s irresponsible younger sister Jenny (Kendrick) moves into their basement following a breakup, their home undergoes a drastic shakeup. The couple’s frustration continues to grow as Jenny’s lack of ambition and drinking spiral out of control.
Director: Joe Swanberg. Stars: Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Joe Swanberg, Mark Webber, Lena Dunham. 2014. 88 min. Comedy.
Tammy
After getting fired from her job at a fast food joint, Tammy (McCarthy) returns home to find her husband getting a little too friendly with their neighbor. Fed up with the state of affairs, Tammy decides it’s time to get out of town, but without cash or a car, her only means of escape is her alcoholic, diabetic grandmother Pearl (Sarandon).
Director: Ben Falcone. Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Allison Janney, Gary Cole, Mark Duplass, Dan Aykroyd, Kathy Bates, Sandra Oh, Toni Collette. 2014. 97 min. Comedy.