Photos
Video
RSSWho do you want to see on TV?
We'll also be able to see one of my other favorite actors, Josh Charles in the new CBS drama "The Good Wife" this fall. I've probably been a fan of Charles dating back to the "Dead Poet's Society" but it was "Sports Night" that made me a lifelong fan. I've been waiting and waiting for him to return to a TV series (his stint on the first season of "In Treatment" placated me for a bit) so I'm so excited he'll be on "The Good Wife" (which I think has a lot of potential). But this got me thinking. What other actors do I miss? Who would I like to see back on series TV? Charisma Carpenter: The "Buffy"/ "Angel" alum has a permanent spot on this list. I always want her on TV. ALWAYS. Sure she's popped up on "Greek" and "CSI," but that's not enough for me. Lauren Graham: ABC didn't pick up her comedy "Let It Go." But I'm not ready to let it go. We need Graham's fast talking wit back on TV. Scott Porter and Gaius Charles: Together they gave "Friday Night Lights" some of their best episodes this season. Somebody should be building a TV show around them as we speak. Eric Todd Dellums: Ever since he played Luther Mahoney on "Homicide," one of the best TV villains EVER, I've been waiting for him to be back on TV on a weekly basis. What about you? Who would you like to see back on series TV? Talk about it below. Performances of the Summer You wouldn't know it's summer where I live. It's been cold and dreary with only a few days of sunshine. Thankfully TV let's me know what season we're in even when the weather isn't cooperating. Let's take a moment to talk about some of my favorite performances this summer: Merritt Wever as Zoey on "Nurse Jackie:" You know I love Edie Falco's title character but I'm also adoring Wever's skittish novice nurse. She brings a believable humor to every scene she's in. And anyone who has ever been new on a job can totally relate. G.W. Bailey as Lieutenant Provenza on "The Closer:" With his cranky but benevolent disposition, Lt. Provenza has always been one of my favorite characters on "The Closer." And his rapport with Detective Flynn always brings a smile to my face. But as I said a few weeks ago, I'm loving an in love Provenza. With his dapper suits and a newfound spring in his step, a great character just got even better. Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette on "True Blood:" When people are panicking about whether you've died or will be turned into a vampire, you know you've created a great character. Lafayette is so fascinating to watch that I even managed to handle the dungeon scenes, which let's be honest, were a little gross. The supporting cast on "Rescue Me:" I always think this show is at it's strongest when it focuses more on the camaraderie among the men in the firehouse than the many loves of Tommy Gavin. This season we've seen Sean sing, Lou get pulled back into a (I think anyway) dangerous relationship, Franco meet his match of a woman and Mike open a bar. I've loved every minute of it.
TV Gal reader Chuck was the first to alert me to the fact that Gregory Smith, Ephram on "Everwood," is returning to series television. Smith is currently filming "Copper," a show about five rookie cops, which also stars Missy Pergrym ("Reaper"). Right now it looks like the show will air sometime in 2010.(Remember Smith will also be in the series finale of "Eli Stone" this Saturday). I really hope "Copper" makes it to air. It will be great to have Smith back on TV.
What are some of your favorite performances this summer? Talk about it below.
Question of the Week
So "Big Brother" returns for an 11th (!) season tomorrow night at 8 p.m. on CBS. It will air Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday with the first live eviction happening next Thursday, July 16. This year you can follow the show on Twitter www.Twitter.com/BigBrotherScoop and each week follow the Head of Household at www.Twitter.com/BigBrotherHoH
There's also a fantasy league and a chance to win $1,000 . As you've probably heard, this season there will be a mystery 13th houseguest that joins the show. Who do you think it is? The obvious choice is Evil Dick. Do you think that's too obvious? Talk about it below.
Where Have I Seen Them Before?
David recognized Gina Torres as the attorney on "Eli Stone." She was Anna Espinoza on "Alias," Julia Milliken on "24," Zoe on "Firefly" and Jasmine on "Angel." You'll see her again next Saturday when she reprises her role as Simon Elder's ex-wife on "Dirty Sexy Money." David also recognized Daniel Benzali as the judge on "Eli Stone." Benzali was Thomas Valente on "Jericho," Robert Quinn on "The Agency" and Ted Hoffman on "Murder One."
Michael Boatman, Carter on "Spin City" and Stanley on "Arliss," was the Professor on "Warehouse 13." Sherry Miller was Lorna, the woman with the Italian artifact. She was Justin's mom on "Queer as Folk" and Dorothy on "The Best Years."
Tonya Pintkins is the woman helping Roxy bring the bar back to life on "Army Wives." She played Alama Matobo last season on "24."
David Denman was Ed the man who thought he had a son on "In Plain Sight." He was, of course, Roy on "The Office."
Where Will You See Him Soon?
Just wanted to let you guys know that Nico Tortorella, who plays the cute pizza boy on "Make It or Break It," will be on in the new CW series "The Beautiful Life" in the fall.
That's all for today. I'm back on Friday with a review of the new Lifetime series "Drop Dead Diva" and quotes of the week. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week or a topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Friday.
Follow me on Twitter.
Post a comment
Zap2it Twitter Talk 
driving me crazy--anyone know who played Provenza's girlfriend on the Closer???
I don't really know what I want to see on TV but I do know that when I come to this site, I want to find a link to your column on the front page! Unfortunately somebody has decided that I no longer deserve that privilege. Ridiculous!
Or to put it in a way that you'll appreciate - Me, the guy in the $3000 suit having to search for your column? COME ON!
Sam Witwer! He was Davis Bloome on Smallville and did a fantastic job. Someone give him a lead role in a good show this time please?
Melissa,
Apparently it was Amy Hathaway
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0007115/
More Leslie Jordan would be GREAT. He played the hilarious Beverly Leslie on "Will & Grace."
Hi Melissa,
Amy Hathaway plays Provenza's girlfriend. I think she looks a lot like Brooke Smith (Dr. Hahn on Grey's Anatomy).
Hope this helps!
Amy
I'll add Amber Benson (Tara on Buffy) to the list.
Amy Hathaway was Shelby on My Two Dads! That's where I know her from!!!
Wait - I probably shouldn't have admitted that. Oh well.
Damian Lewis. I love me some Damian Lewis.
Also, Jeremy Renner. He was so good in The Unusuals and I understand he does a *great* job in the war movie he has coming out this weekend.