The CW Source

We've seen a whole lot of CW-related news stories crossing our desk, and it's time to share. Dig in!

The Beverly Hills 90210 spin-off is building up its cast nicely. Despite early rumors that Hilary Duff would be taking the lead role, Zap2It.com now reports that "Degrassi: The Next Generation" actress Shenae Grimes will be playing the show's updated Brenda Walsh, Annie Mills.

But we're even more excited about this next bit of casting news, that comes to us courtesy of TVGuide's Michael Ausiello: Jessica Walters, who starred as the boozy matriarch in Arrested Development, will be talking the role of Tabitha Mills, the boozy, famous-in-the-70s actress grandmother! We love Jessica, and we can't wait to see how she tears into this role. It'll be great!

BuddyTV reports that Supernatural will be losing a recurring character: mercenary "acquisitions expert" Bela won't be coming back in season 4. We can't say we're surprised: She always seemed a bit spackled on to us, and she provoked a lot of ire among the fans.

Continue reading "News Roundup: 90210 Spinoff, Supernatural, Aliens in America, BATG" »

Posted by Sarah at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Aliens in America has been on a roll! This may have been the best episode yet: funny, sharp, willing to poke fun at everyone, and then completely surprising us by revealing the Secret hearts of characters we thought we know. And yes, we’ll admit it: We teared up at the end. Well done.

Where do we even start? Well, let’s take the dialogue, which was particularly sharp this week. Take this exchange, after Raja and the Tolchucks have been ejected from a regional airport because Raja had to pray, and everyone freaked out:

Gary: You’re in America now. Here, we go to church on Christmas and Easter, say grace at Thanksgiving, that’s it.
Raja: Are you saying your God is better?
Gary: No… maybe less of a diva.

Hee!

Speaking of Gary… Look, he’s always been a bit of a one-dimensional character, and we’ve been ok with that because he’s funny. But it hardly seemed fair, because Raja, Justin, Franny, even Claire have all gotten to show off what’s beneath the surface. Finally, we got an idea of what makes Gary tick. He decides to take the opportunity to teach Justin to drive (during a snowstorm…) and it ends badly. He’s about to blow up at Justin, and he restrains himself, but Justin snaps – go ahead, say it, I suck at everything! That’s only because you don’t pay attention to the stuff I AM good at, like choir!

Continue reading "Aliens in America: Best Episode Yet!" »

Posted by Sarah at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

We got another fine example of Franny as a force of nature on Aliens in America, and we learned the Tolchuck mantra: "You know she's going to grind you down eventually, just submit to it!" Yes, please do -- it makes the Tolchucks' lives easier, and it makes our show that much funnier.

What's more, the entire cast had the opportunity to show their stuff. In addition to Franny's trademark funny/tender scenes, Justin got to stretch as a bit of a ladies' man, Raja got to show off his American accent, Claire got to show her depth of feeling, and Gary -- well, Gary got to crack us up. This may be the episode where we once and for all stopped thinking of him as Luke Danes.

Continue reading "Aliens in America: Family Bonding Gone Awry" »

Posted by Sarah at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jason C. has a reason to be stressed -- he's trying to talk to the hottest girl in school! Will his nerves come off as charming, or will they send her running? Find out in this skit with Jason C. and Lindsey Shaw!

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Now that’s more like it! Aliens in America shot the moon this week (sorry, couldn’t resist) with its take on career aptitude tests, men’s and women’s work, bow hunting and mother-daughter drama. It was a great episode all around.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a show about career aptitude tests – there’s so much to mock! First, we find out the only two options on the test in Pakistan seem to be doctor or engineer – Raja is so thrilled to take the test here, where he can be anything! Of course, his test comes up doctor. Raja resolves to start working on it, and spends much of the first half of the episode taking a scalpel to dinner and suturing bananas. Hee!

Justin, on the other hand, shows no aptitude or inclination toward anything, which freaks his parents out to no end. If only he would pick something! Be careful what you wish for – after a visit to Dooley’s house, Justin decides his goal in life is to be a househusband. Gary immediately freaks out, and Raja is deeply disturbed as well. The scene where they try to talk Justin out of that ambition at the dinner table – in front of Franny - is painfully funny.

Continue reading "Aliens in America: Justin and Raja Plan for the Future" »

Posted by Sarah at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to increase your chances of playing a scene-stealing mom on The CW someday? Try to be born on March 6. It worked for Moira Kelly, and it worked for Amy Pietz, who plays the always entertaining Franny Tolchuck on Aliens in America. Happy birthday, Amy!

It's no secret that we think Amy is one of the best things on the show, and we hope she has a great day!

MORE: Check out this funny interview Amy did with Jason C. on the set of Aliens in America.

Posted by Sarah at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome back to Medora, Wisconsin! Yup, Aliens in America finally came back with a new episode, and we're thrilled. We missed Raja, the Tolchucks and all the rest.

What did you think of the episode? We loved some parts -- Franny behaving badly will always float our collective boat -- but other parts were just eh. There wasn't half enough Raja, and what was the deal with Claire hardly even being present?

Let's start with Franny. She's just so awesomely oblivious. How else can you explain her yodeling out about Sound of Music Singalong tickets where a passel of high-school students can hear her? It just doesn't even occur to her that Justin might be embarrassed -- or tortured -- by that little outburst.

Continue reading "Aliens in America: Coma Chameleon" »

Posted by Sarah at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Round One was brutal -- we've already seen entire show casts eliminated from competition. Where, oh where, were the fans of Girlfriends and The Game? Only Tasha Mack and Kelly Pitts came even close to putting up a fight - and to be honest, we thought Tasha would have Claire Tolchuck for lunch. It was not to be, and now Melanie, Tasha, Kelly, Joan, Lynn and Maya are heading home. We're sorry to see them go.

Other matches were much more tense. We got a split decision on the Gossip Girl/Smallville fight. Serena van der Woodsen defeated Lois Lane after a hard slog, but that was nothing compared to the epic battle between Lana Lang and Blair Waldorf. After a long, hard-fought game, Lana emerged victorious -- but the margin of victory was only 1.01% (a mere 60 votes)!

What will happen in Round Two? Will Serena prevail against Peyton? Can Jenny Humphrey withstand Haley James Scott's advance? Will Lana stomp little Claire Tolchuck's hopes and dreams? And what will happen when the devoted fans of Chloe Sullivan go up against the mighty Brooke Davis' rabid supporters?

You get to decide: Vote now, and check back later this week for the men's matchups! You have until Friday, Feb. 15 at 7 PM ET to vote.

Peyton Sawyer (One Tree Hill) vs. Serena van der Woodsen (Gossip Girl)

Three more after the jump, so click through!

Continue reading "Hottie Bracket, Round Two: The Women Advance!" »

Posted by Sarah at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (57) | TrackBacks (0)

We're back with the next two rounds of ladies in our Who's The Hottest of Them All contest, where we pit some of The CW's most gorgeous stars against each other. If you haven't already, cast your vote for Groups One and Two! We'll narrow down the ladies' pool by half after this week, and you'll have your chance to vote for the men next week. Is it just us, or is it getting hot in here?

Lana Lang (Smallville) vs. Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl)

Three more after the jump, so click through!

Continue reading "Part Two: Who's The Hottest of Them All? Vote for More Women of The CW!" »

Posted by Sarah at 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (22) | TrackBacks (0)

Lindsey Shaw talks with Jason C. about being friends with her manager, dabbling in writing and other side projects, and why she never litters.

Posted by Jackie at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On the set of Aliens in America in Vancouver, Amy Pietz chatted with Jason C. about what inspires her character, hiking in Vancouver, and producing with Brad Pitt. Be sure to watch until the end -- Amy and Jason get silly!

Posted by Jackie at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

We couldn't help but utter a bitter, resentful little laugh when we stumbled across this news item: The CW has been nominated for two ICG Publicists Awards, which honor excellence in publicity and promotion for motion pictures and television programs. The campaigns for Gossip Girl and Aliens in America are up for the TV publicity award.

We can't argue with the nominations: stories, billboards and posters for Gossip Girl and Aliens in America were everywhere, and the shows got plenty of (well deserved) buzz. But why not spread a little of that publicity love to some of the other shows? Supernatural and The Game come to mind immediately. Heck, Supernatural 's fans do so much more to promote the show than the network ever did, and it's getting kind of old. Step up, CW!

Speaking of Supernatural 's fans… We came across this petition calling for the network to air repeats of Supernatural instead of yanking it from the schedule once the new episodes are through. How many shows have fans beseeching a network -- any network -- to air reruns? That's dedication!

We'd love to hear about other Supernatural petitions and campaigns. Let us know about them in the comments!

Posted by Sarah at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (51) | TrackBacks (0)

Adhir Kalyan talks about his unusually clique-free high school experience in South Africa. But he doesn't stay serious for long -- just wait for his Aussie impression!

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The boys of Aliens in America continue to crack us up in part three of Jason C.'s interview. In this clip, Adhir tells us how he really feels about his brief nude scene, Dan shares his New Year's resolutions, and the guys fill us in where they'll spend the holidays. Check it out!

Posted by Jackie at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Dan Byrd and Adhir Kalyan didn't hold back when they found out the truth about one of Lindsey Shaw's pranks! Don't miss Adhir's hilariously heated reaction. The clip also contains some minor spoilers about upcoming plotlines for Raja and Justin. These guys are a lot of fun!

Posted by Jackie at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Aliens in America gave us a Very Special Christmas Episode, and it didn’t disappoint. We’re constantly amazed at how this show can be so bitingly funny while keeping a core of sweetness. It’s good stuff.

We loved how Raja’s innocent remark that the Tolchucks' weekly trip to the big-box store was like their version of church prompted Franny freak out – it can’t be comfortable for someone who thinks of herself as spiritual to be confronted with that. Franny being Franny, she of course decides the family is going to church, now! If only they could remember where it is.

Of course, they manage to find a church that allows them to combine their love of shopping with the love of that Jesus guy. How convenient to be able to get salvation, coffee and collectible plates all in the same place!

Continue reading "Aliens in America: The Power of Prayer" »

Posted by Sarah at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Adhir Kalyan and Dan Byrd of Aliens in America stopped by The CW Source studio today for some good-natured teasing (they play each other's parts!) and a sneak preview of what's coming up in tonight's holiday episode. Check it out!

Posted by Jackie at 5:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The holiday season approaches, so our thoughts have turned to important matters like gifts, wish lists, and whether we've been naughty or nice – when we're not thinking about peace on earth and goodwill toward humanity, of course. We thought we'd share some of our holiday thoughts with you in hopes of lightening the gloom that comes with the holiday hiatus on some of your favorite shows.

Today, we’ve got our letter to Santa. Shut up! He does exist!

Dear Santa:

We've tried to be ever so good this year – we're giving fans exclusive interviews, we're not provoking riots among supporters of different characters, and we've hardly ever attempted to hotwire the Metallicar and drive off (except that one time, but come on, we're not saints!) So we hope we're on your Nice Kids list, and that you'd consider leaving us some CW-inspired gifts.

All we want for Christmas is:

* A resolution to the writers' strike, so they can get the residuals (and respect!) they deserve and we can get new episodes of our favorite shows!
* Bigger audiences and/or more network attention for our favorite brilliant-but-neglected shows like Supernatural, Aliens in America and The Game.
*, One Tree Hill to start already! Waiting until January is killing us!

Continue reading "Dear Santa: We Want These CW-Inspired Gifts!" »

Posted by Sarah at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Aliens in America poured on the absurd this week, and we were loving it. What’s not to like about pranks gone wrong, Claire bonding with alpacas, and Franny going nuts on Craig’s List?

First up, the prank. Yep, we totally believe that risk assessment skills develop between the ages of 16 and 17. It explains a lot about our teen years! The first attempt at a prank – flood the teacher’s lounge with water, then watch it go woosh when the teachers open the door – would have been counteracted by the idiot popular kids breaking the window to get the hose in. Justin and Raja just thought they were doing the right thing pointing the hose away from the school. Too bad they flooded the football field.

Of course, the original idea was much, much worse. How the description made us laugh: “You know how Muslamic terrorists are always blowing themselves up in plane stations and stuff?” “I know what you’re referring to…” Raja replies. Fortunately, he’s got more sense than anyone else in the junior class.

Continue reading "Aliens in America: Pranks Gone Wrong... and Alpacas" »

Posted by Sarah at 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Anonymity can be a great thing, but it can also lead to weirdness -- just ask Raja. He donned the Muskie mascot costume on Aliens in America, and it took over. He became the fightin’ fish. And when you’ve been headbutted by a giant freshwater fish? Let’s face it, folks, you feel it.

We loved the whole mascot plot -- can you believe the outfits the dancers wore? Ladies, there’s never a right time to wear Lucite heels in high school, even if you do street dance. We’re glad Matthews put his foot down on that. But boy, Matthews seemed to have fun playing to the crowd when he was introducing the Muskie. We knew our favorite administrator had a wild streak.

Gary, on the other hand, just wanted to get domestic. He faked a job at the Home Depot stand in (what, they couldn’t call it the Work Bench? Aliens and Reaper both film in Vancouver -- they could even use the same set!) and then found a family that wanted his fatherly attention. Poor Gary – he just needed to be needed. Still, Helen had better watch out -- Franny will go after her if she even thinks about luring her husband away with her moist meatloaf and basketball-playing grandson.

What did you think? Vote in our poll, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Posted by Sarah at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)