Today's cuppa: Fortnum & Mason Irish breakfast tea
News has circulated that Aaron Ashmore (left), who played Jimmy Olsen in The CW's "Smallville," is joining the cast of Syfy's hit series "Warehouse 13," which returns this summer with 13 new episodes.
After the abrupt departure of Secret Service Agent Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly) in the season-two finale, following her betrayal by H.G. Wells (Jaime Murray), the all-powerful Mrs. Frederic (CCH Pounder) recruits ATF Agent Steve Jinks (Ashmore) to be Secret Service Agent Pete Lattimer's (Eddie McClintock) new partner in chasing down powerful artifacts to be housed in the mysterious Warehouse 13 in South Dakota.
Jinks is also a human lie-detector, which could come in handy, coupled with Pete's ability to receive warning "vibes."
Series executive producer Jack Kenny took a few minutes over the weekend to answer some email questions about these developments and the series at large (questions in bold)...
Q: You left fans hanging at the end of last season, when Myka suddenly resigned. What sort of response have you gotten from fans?
A: Mixed, as always. Some are furious that we would let Myka leave the Warehouse. Others are confident that she'll be back. But the nice thing is, they all love the character so much, that, one way or the other, they're passionate about her. And who wouldn't be??
Q: How have fans responded to the announcement of Aaron Ashmore as Pete's new partner, Jinks?
A: It's so new, but so far I've only seen positive responses. Again, there's passion about the thought of him "replacing" Myka. But Aaron is such a winning guy, I think fans will welcome his addition to the Warehouse team. He brings an entirely different energy from our other characters, a wonderful energy.
Q: What sort of a person is Jinks?
A: Agent Steve Jinks joined the ATF for reasons that will unfold as the season progresses.
Above all, he's a straight shooter and an honest guy. There's something he can see in a person's eyes that tell him whether they're telling the truth or not, and that kinda thing makes him hyper-aware of his own truth.
He's a Buddhist -- which is to say, he is striving towards that goal. He certainly hasn't achieved Nirvana, but it's always more interesting to me why a person chooses a particular path, rather than the path itself.
He's also the closest in age and temperament to Claudia (played by Allison Scagliotti, at right), so they can become sounding boards for one another, and confidants in a way that no other character has been able to do that for her.
Q: What did you like in particular about Ashmore?
A: What's not to like? He's charming, sexy, a terrific actor, willing to try to do anything and excited about what we're all doing together. And there's something that the camera sees in his eyes -- they absolutely pierce through you! Very disarming .. also a great guy!!
Q: Since this has rapidly become a very successful show, has Syfy been supportive of your creative vision or are they keeping a close eye on the show?
A: I would say, both. They have always been supportive of my vision for "Warehouse 13," and the directions, additions, mythology and story arcs that we've planned. I can honestly say that I've never had such a collaborative and easy relationship with any other network. They're insightful and flexible at the same time.
"(Syfy president) Mark Stern has been particularly protective of the show, and that wonderfully translates to exciting involvement and lots of terrific promotion. The whole team has been a
joy to work with from the start. We actually spend half of our pitch/notes sessions laughing.
Q: Did the whole H.G./Helena Wells storyline turn out the way you hoped -- and how was it received?
A: Yes, absolutely, and terrifically. Seems that our amazing fans were willing to jump right in with us on that journey. And it's not over yet.
Q: Have you figured out the key to the show's success?
A: Family. This show has been about family for me in every way. I think that's what attracts most people to stick with a lot of series. Everyone can relate to family, and the relationships, troubles and triumphs that families share. I think any show can be successful if you write and create characters that the fans want to spend time with, get to know on every level. Why else would you watch them every week?
And I believe that's what we've done with "Warehouse 13," created a family of compelling characters that love each other and that would do anything for each other -- and so the viewer will, too!
Also, we try to respect our audience. We don't talk down to them, and we don't pander. We race ahead, asking them to keep up -- and I think they love that. I know I do.
News has circulated that Aaron Ashmore (left), who played Jimmy Olsen in The CW's "Smallville," is joining the cast of Syfy's hit series "Warehouse 13," which returns this summer with 13 new episodes.After the abrupt departure of Secret Service Agent Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly) in the season-two finale, following her betrayal by H.G. Wells (Jaime Murray), the all-powerful Mrs. Frederic (CCH Pounder) recruits ATF Agent Steve Jinks (Ashmore) to be Secret Service Agent Pete Lattimer's (Eddie McClintock) new partner in chasing down powerful artifacts to be housed in the mysterious Warehouse 13 in South Dakota.
Jinks is also a human lie-detector, which could come in handy, coupled with Pete's ability to receive warning "vibes."
Series executive producer Jack Kenny took a few minutes over the weekend to answer some email questions about these developments and the series at large (questions in bold)...
Q: You left fans hanging at the end of last season, when Myka suddenly resigned. What sort of response have you gotten from fans?
A: Mixed, as always. Some are furious that we would let Myka leave the Warehouse. Others are confident that she'll be back. But the nice thing is, they all love the character so much, that, one way or the other, they're passionate about her. And who wouldn't be??
Q: How have fans responded to the announcement of Aaron Ashmore as Pete's new partner, Jinks?
A: It's so new, but so far I've only seen positive responses. Again, there's passion about the thought of him "replacing" Myka. But Aaron is such a winning guy, I think fans will welcome his addition to the Warehouse team. He brings an entirely different energy from our other characters, a wonderful energy.
Q: What sort of a person is Jinks?
A: Agent Steve Jinks joined the ATF for reasons that will unfold as the season progresses.
Above all, he's a straight shooter and an honest guy. There's something he can see in a person's eyes that tell him whether they're telling the truth or not, and that kinda thing makes him hyper-aware of his own truth.He's a Buddhist -- which is to say, he is striving towards that goal. He certainly hasn't achieved Nirvana, but it's always more interesting to me why a person chooses a particular path, rather than the path itself.
He's also the closest in age and temperament to Claudia (played by Allison Scagliotti, at right), so they can become sounding boards for one another, and confidants in a way that no other character has been able to do that for her.
Q: What did you like in particular about Ashmore?
A: What's not to like? He's charming, sexy, a terrific actor, willing to try to do anything and excited about what we're all doing together. And there's something that the camera sees in his eyes -- they absolutely pierce through you! Very disarming .. also a great guy!!
Q: Since this has rapidly become a very successful show, has Syfy been supportive of your creative vision or are they keeping a close eye on the show?
A: I would say, both. They have always been supportive of my vision for "Warehouse 13," and the directions, additions, mythology and story arcs that we've planned. I can honestly say that I've never had such a collaborative and easy relationship with any other network. They're insightful and flexible at the same time.
"(Syfy president) Mark Stern has been particularly protective of the show, and that wonderfully translates to exciting involvement and lots of terrific promotion. The whole team has been a
joy to work with from the start. We actually spend half of our pitch/notes sessions laughing.Q: Did the whole H.G./Helena Wells storyline turn out the way you hoped -- and how was it received?
A: Yes, absolutely, and terrifically. Seems that our amazing fans were willing to jump right in with us on that journey. And it's not over yet.
Q: Have you figured out the key to the show's success?
A: Family. This show has been about family for me in every way. I think that's what attracts most people to stick with a lot of series. Everyone can relate to family, and the relationships, troubles and triumphs that families share. I think any show can be successful if you write and create characters that the fans want to spend time with, get to know on every level. Why else would you watch them every week?
And I believe that's what we've done with "Warehouse 13," created a family of compelling characters that love each other and that would do anything for each other -- and so the viewer will, too!
Also, we try to respect our audience. We don't talk down to them, and we don't pander. We race ahead, asking them to keep up -- and I think they love that. I know I do.
I would be one of the fans who KNOWS that Joanne/Myka will be back. She's become too popular for them to get rid of. Also, the chemistry between Joanne & Eddie is GOLDEN and they'd bet rather stupid to break them up for too long.
Hopefully we'll get to see Myka trying to cope with leaving her "happiest place on Earth" and the little family she loves. Then something will happen that will pull/call her back there and she'll go, things will be tense for a bit then they'll be back to their usual selves, only the little family will be stronger for all they've gone through with Myka's leaving and then coming back.
The H.G./Helena story isn't over? Yay!
I know this is probably just wishful thinking considering we rarely get to see gay couples on TV (let alone successful science fiction shows), but it'd be awesome if something happened between Pete and Steve (or even if the Steve character happened to be gay).
wow. i'm gonna miss myka, but aaron ashmore? Hell ya. can't wait for the new season!
You made my day when you said the HG Wells story is "not over yet" -- I really want to see her back!
Myka was the reason I watched that show. No Myka? Phhhftth!!
I really love W13 and I was really happy when they said that it was coming back for a 3rd season. I can't to find out what Claudia does next! I'm really sad that myka left I really hope they bring her back soon!
I would be very upset if Myka doesn't return. The bond between her and Pete make the show. I don't think I'll continue watching if they don't bring Myca back!
ami I'd like to meet Allison Scagliotti from Guatemala looking at it, is the best and seen on American television
Allison Scagliotti the best california, monterey
I'm with SunKrux, I think that Myka will be back- I can't wait for the return of WH 13 and more episodes!
when people say that a show has become such a great success, do they relay think it's because of one character or another? the answer to that is that its not. one person doesn't make a show look good. what does make it so is the hole package. what, in my opinion, made the show so fun to watch was not just the great story of warehouse 13 but the liveliness of the characters their loves and hurts, there interaction. the chemistry that exists between Myka and Pete cannot be recreated with another, different character. it can certainly be replaced with another, new kind of interaction but never recreated. and i think that when people said that the show had become great they meant it because of what they'd seen between Myka and Pete. to mess with that is to tempt fate, and no matter how good an actor you bring you never know what that might do to the shows success. in any case, i for one am willing to give it a shot, however you (the producers) will have to do a hell of a job to convince me to stay for more than a couple episodes if what i loved about the show, if what i enjoyed most watching in it is gone.
"News has circulated that Aaron Ashmore (left), who played Jimmy Olsen in The CW's "Smallville," is joining the cast"
And I'm out.
Can't wait for the next series to start here in the UK. Was shocked that Myka left the warehouse, she is wow! one foxy lady and hope she returns soon, she is part of the chemistry of the warehouse success.
Claudia is a babe x
I’m excited for season 3 of Warehouse 13, although I’m still trying to finish up season 2. I’m constantly on-the-go and don’t have much time to actually watch my favorite shows. This is where DISH Network’s TV everywhere service is proving itself invaluable. I can take all of my programming anywhere I go and watch it on a variety of mobile devices (I mostly use my iPad). It’s wonderful that I can catch up on Warehouse 13 during my lunch breaks and train rides. I love that I can take my entertainment everywhere, whether I use it or not, it’s there if I want. And being a DISH employee, I’m also happy to say that it was really simple to set-up and doesn’t have any monthly fees. I never want to go without it now.
If they Myka/HG story line isn't over, then I will be back for season 3!!! I got into Warehouse13 because I adore Jaime Murray and figured I'd give this show a shot. Now I enjoy it on its own, but I was so upset at the way they treated H.G. at the end of the season. I sincerely hope there is a larger purpose at work and the producers didn't just decide to throw away a fabulous character that adds a lot to the show.
H.G Wells coming back? ...YAY
If Myka's gone so am I.
I think it sucks that they wrote Joanne Kelly off the show. I agree that she and Eddie McLintock have good chemistry. I hate when they mess up shows by replacing the stars too early...for a minute I thought I was a watching BBC :-(
Ashmore blows! He can't act. He is terrible in movies and was terrible in Smallville. He is just annoying so hopefully he gets killed off and Myka comes back.
I just hope the show backs away from being the "Claudia" show. I love her character, but don't think the series should focus so heavily on her.
I will add my voice to those who want Myka back!
And the person who said a gay character would be good - yeah! I would SO love that myself!
Every successful movie or show starts with a great/interesting storyline and then builds the cast around it. In my opinion, it's the chemistry between the characters that keep viewers coming back for more. I agree with the director. Once you connect with them, you are hooked and their lives, albiet fictional, become part of yours. Casting the right actors is key to its success.
This show made it because of the dynamic's between Pete and Myka. The sexual inuendo between them keeps everyone coming back for more, the same way it does for the long running show Bones.
Here's hoping they bring Myka back. I agree with the other comments. The chemistry/timing etc is PERFECT between these 2 actors.
Yep - SPINOFF!
If Charlie is not on the show might as well just trash the rest of your episodes CBS.
I'm glad Myka has been replaced. Her character was engaging and well drawn in the beginning of the show, but then evolved into feeling forced, as if she were trying too hard to keep up with the energy of Pete and Claudia. It became sad to watch.
I can't say that I will continue watching if Myka is gone.
Am I the only person who thought the Myka character was grossly over acted? I for one will be glad to see her gone.
BIG MISTAKE!!! I just found out Myka is now coming back. Well neither will my wife and I. What kind of producers and directors are on this show, idiots. When she comes back, so will we.
I agree with Cassie! My two girls and I were so glad to hear Myka is gone, and we hope for good. She is a terrible actress, always looks mad regardless of the emotion she is supposed to play, and as far as chemistry between her and anyone else on the show... not seeing it.
They get three episodes. If Myka's not back by the end of them, I'm gone.
As so many people have said, if Myca's character is gone, so am I. I don't watch very much television and SyFy for some reason does this a lot. They get you hooked on characters and the concept then blow it out of the water by changing characters or premise of the show. When will they get it that if the fan base is there, keep running with what they have and make it bigger and better, not smaller and strange. Typical of so many of their programming ideas that I'm about to delete them from my face channels. Too bad.
Myka just has to come back! If she doesn't I don't know if I'll watch the show. Myka and Pete are gold! The storyline of the show is interesting though, I do learn a little bit of history while watching it. But Myka still should come back. I love her character! This show needs her.
I agree totally with this. Myka and Pete are definitely part of the dynamics that make Warehouse 13 work. Don't keep her away very long, or I doubt if I'll continue watching this, much as I have loved it so far.
That would be completely horrible.
I'd be interested to see Myka and HG together, they seemed to have a good chemistry....
For those who are saying they refuse to come back if Myka is gone...I think that's a very short-sighted view. Things change, it can't be helped. If you enjoy the show, even a bit, give it a few episodes to change your mind. If it doesn't then you've lost nothing but a few hours. If you continue to enjoy it then you've gained a fresh take on the show.
I like the chemistry between Myka and Pete, too, but I'm willing to see how the show goes with other characters.
I know I won't be back if Myka is gone for good. She was the character that drew me in and her chemistry with Pete is what kept me. It makes no sense if she is not coming back to replace her with a dude! Females need that strong female lead to want to be like and men need the eye candy! Bad move if you ask me to have two guys!
...not sure what the hell ya'll were thinking when you opted to have the character Myka leave the show...why mess with a good thing as they say...hope this is just some sort of bad dream...
I'm annoyed that Myka might be gone permanently but does anyone else think the whole "human lie detector" thing has been done to death? It's not like I won't give this new season a shot, but Warehouse 13 was such an original concept and I don't think this was necessary.
I want Myka back and: I have never before wanted any show to keep the "replacer" actor or actress. And often,unless I eventually{ if at all} come to accept such a replacer(which is rare)I stop watching the show altogether. But much to my surprise and pleasure, after only one episode, I want them to keep Jinx and bring Myka back!
I actually love the show, but stopped watching it due to the ever increasing way Pete is written. He is so annoying it borders on obnoxious. I used to wish the writers would save his character, but I think it's too late for that now. If he gets killed off or removed from the show for any other reason I will start watching again. A great show ruined by one AWFUL, ANNOYING, thinks he is funny but is SO NOT CHARACTER!
good bye SyFy. Poor decision to let Myka go from the show. Destroyed all of the chemistry.
this show iis going to lose so many viewers and syfy are going to wonder why and they would of wished they looked at all these comments because im just one of the hundreds maybe even at least a million so good luck syfy.
WE WANT MYKA BERING BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!
At first I was deeply saddened by Myka's departure from Warehouse 13. But then I rejoiced. This will mean that Joanne Kelly will be able to take on a new role. My book will be out in a few months, and it is GOOD! It builds the characters into real people with real adventures, and real problems. It's title is 'Altercations', and it's perfect for a film. What could be better than being able to have Joanne Kelly as the heroine in the film. The heroine is brilliant, rich, one of the 10 most beautiful women in the galaxy, and has an inferiority complex that only the hero can, eventually, help her cure.The heroine is also brilliant, and only concentrates on her projects, which can change the direction of human beings. Oh, there are enough bad guys to keep anyone happy, and since it's also a 'Who Done It,' the real bad guy won't be revealed until the hero, and the heroine make the very scary discovery at the end of the film. Finally, it's also book one in a trilogy, so Joanne will have work for some time. Long live the smart, really cool women.
Just watched the August 29th episode of Warehouse 13, and decided I'm not a fan any longer. Why would producers feel the need to push their left wing agenda and ruin a perfectly good series? I realize that many writers and producers feel they have to protest the Bush administration for their actions in keeping us safe after 9/11, but why introduce those beliefs in a story that has nothing to do with 9/11? I wonder if producer Jack Kenny had loved ones in danger and the only way to save them was water boarding, if he would agree to it? If not, and his loved ones perished, would he still feel the same way? Sorry, but my family is more valuable than some Islamic extremist whose goal is to murder them. So long Warehouse, it was nice knowing ya'.
Personally I am shocked and mind boggled, that's rude. The show will not be the same. When I hear about Myka return i'll watch the episodes leading up to her return, and start watching the show again, but if she doesn't then forget that I won't be watching that show ever again.
MASH tried it and they were just able to pull it off BJ was amazing, but do not think Warehouse 13 can even start to compare.. at all.
Show Ruined.
I love Jinks. I'm so pissed they killed him off. I quit watching the moment he died and I will never watch it again. I am sick of gays being the new "black guy that dies" in shows. It's racist when they do it to the blacks and it's racist when they do it to the gays. BOO Syfy! BOO!
Now that Myka is back what happen to her hair?
I'd stop watching the show
I heard Aaron Ashmore was offered to reprise the role
Of Jimmy Olsen on the new Metropolis tv show (2012)! I am kinda excited for that! If that's the case, I'll work with it!
Oh no, she's coming back?!? She's got to be one of the worst working actress out there right now. She's beautiful, but wow...she is a terrible actress. Could they bring the character back with a different actress, maybe? (I've always hated when they do that, but she really isn't believable.) She doesn't pause at the right times, but pauses at other times, banter that was scripted feels forced. I really feel how much this is a tv show with her, rather than getting drawn into the story. Maybe she could become a model? and the people that love her could watch her in that setting?