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May 22, 2013

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Mehcad Brooks Teases TK’s Pain & Gain on Necessary Roughness

January 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Mehcad Brooks Golden Globe Awards

It’s been a whole minute since we left our favorite resident troublemaker wide receiver Terrence “TK” King joining a rehab facility on USA Network’s hit show ‘Necessary Roughness’, and the wait has been long and gruesome, but he is finally back! And I have the scoop on what’s ahead for him from the man himself. I mean, from Mehcad Brooks, whose great talent and handsomeness bring TK to life on screen.

TK will grace our screens again on Jan. 23 in the winter premiere of ‘Necessary Roughness’, at 10 p.m. EST/ 9 C on USA Network. Write it down and don’t say I didn’t tell you on time. Now, as usual, what follows is a whole round of TK and Mehcad awesomeness from the man himself, that also includes a heavy dosage of SPOILERS.

So, beware: if you do not want to know whether TK pulls off a full “I will behave and sit down and talk like in a James Ivory movie” moment, or what lies ahead for the “loveable asshole” (copyright Mehcad Brooks), stop right here and now. And miss out on all the goodies. You have been warned. TK will hit you like he does the touchdown area if you go on reading and complain about spoilers. ‘nuff said.

Just to quickly recap the situation, we left: Dr. D (the great Callie Thorne) in one hell of a personal and business mess after kissing Nico (the uber charming Scott Cohen) in what Ms. Thorne herself called “a terrible situation” (no kidding), TK re-joining rehab after escaping and seeing a friend die in his own apartment, Matty D. (the handsomely talented Marc Blucas) having a hot chick to handle as he tries to (uselessly) move on from his love for Dr. D., and Ray J. (Patrick Johnson) being busted with about a whole field of marijuana plants in his car. I’d say none of them wastes time when trouble comes a-knockin’? So, time to fix it, and TK is smack at the center of the whole mess too, as usual. But that’s why we love him, isn’t it?

“Ho, ho, ho, bitches!” . That’s TK’s locker room comeback line for you. You know I’m telling the truth, because you can immediately picture him with a little Santa hat as he enters and high fives team mates, ready to get back to practice. But is it that simple? Of course not. And let’s hear what’s ahead for TK in both the terrific winter premiere and the rest of the ‘Necessary Roughness’ season from Mr. Brooks himself. (Who was so incredibly nice as to talk to us all despite a bad cold/flu, that we hope goes away ASAP. TK doesn’t do colds now, does he?!).

Alessandra: “In the winter premiere episode, TK has many great scenes with Matty D. — as he calls him — one of which prompts him to actually be the one dispensing advice for once, rather than receiving it. While it happens in a humorous way, it could be a sign of an attitude change in sight for TK. Are we going to see more of that in the final upcoming episodes, and if so, how would you as an actor like to see that factor in next season?”

Mehcad Brooks: “When we first met TK, he had a lot of growth to do and he had to face a lot of trouble. He begins to grow up a little bit and I think that becomes very apparent after going to rehab, there’s a lot of growth that is coming up with him and as an actor that is interesting to play, because even in life we have relapses when it comes to responsibilities and new challenges, and it’s all about going through that and then make a change, so it’s interesting to have a chance to play that part.
It has to be “where does it go from here”, he has to begin putting his life together on top of his career, so yes, I think we’re going to see that next season, too.”

As far as what specifically awaits TK in the winter premiere, the bumpy road is always ahead, and new rivals are lining up.

Mehcad Brooks: “Let’s imagine the NY Hawks have hired a star wide receiver just in case TK can’t pull the car up the hill, and TK is kinda burning inside and wanting to get back on the field… but he’s lost a little bit of his touch, he’s been in rehab, and he really hasn’t been training the way he normally does, so it’s a really big transition, and I’d like to say he prevails, but you’ll have to wait and see.”

What a tease. Except, yours truly has seen the premiere and can share the following: I may or may not have decided that this new wide receiver is atop my list of “characters I would like to kick. Right there.” Make of it what you will. What, I can’t spoil the details, I need you all to tune in to watch the episode. This is one of my favorite shows, and I have zero intention of going through another nerve-wrecking “will it be renewed or will it bite the dust” month or two next season. You better get those remotes working to switch the channel to USA Network on Jan. 23 at 10 p.m., ok? You don’t want a raging Italian after you now, do you? TK’s wrath has nothing on me, I swear! Now y’all will picture me as the green-eyed monster. Oh, well.

Alessandra: “TK is never going to read nearly as much Shakespeare as you do in real life, BUT he may turn all “I’m a gentleman and I will behave and sit straight and talk right out of a James Ivory movie” in an upcoming episode. How’s that going to work out for him? Or how is that not going to work out for him? Is he really going to try and be someone else?”

Mehcad Brooks: “TK is always trying, but at the same time there’s the difference between trying and believing and doing. He learns a lesson between trying to do something and actually saying “You know what, here are my actual limitations, and this is reality and this is what I can do and how I’m going to do it.”. He’s always going to try and to do, it’s what he’s done with his career. He started, and he tried and he got where he is.

Same way you guys tried and you did it with journalism, we all understand the difference between trying and doing, and so far TK has tried but he has failed. But he hasn’t stopped and he keeps trying. It’s the difference between being child-LIKE and being child-ISH. Being childlike is not taking no for an answer and doing and doing and doing, while being child-ish is “well I’m gonna try!” and that’s it.

But, to satisfy your question, he does have a very, very selfless moment coming up in the finale.”

I will add that TK shows definite signs of change in the winter premiere, too, courtesy of a much-needed pep talk from the one and only Matty D., who gives TK love and understanding, but also tough love and ass-kicking, a language TK seems to comprehend better. And very à propos of that language… guess who’s coming back to take (or not take) the reins of daddy’s football kingdom? You guessed it, Juliette (the lovely Danielle Panabaker).

Mehcad Brooks: “They [TK and Juliette] kind of bond over the fact she kinda had an addiction too, and some other things. They just start hanging out a little bit, and one thing leads to another and then there’s an opportunity, you know, for TK to cross the line and I’m not gonna say what he does! It’s definitely a good career move for him if he does, but I think we will also be able to see how much he’s changed thanks to this storyline. And I had a great time working with Danielle, she was great!”

Well, knowing Juliette, she’d be able to make TK catch up on one month of missed debauchery in a half day, so TK better be the super improved version of himself around her, or disaster will knock on the door faster than ours truly can catch a pass. Ahem.

Alessandra: “How are TK’s relationships within the team going to change as the season progresses? We see in the winter premiere that TK finally opens up more with Matt and has more scenes with him, is that going to happen with Nico, with coach, and is there a change in TK’s relationship with his team mates?”

Mehcad Brooks: “We will see a change in that, yes. He is shown an example of bravery by one of his team mates when he comes out of the closet and TK shows him who he is as well, so he does open up a little bit, and starts to become more open about who he is.”

As far as the ever-adorable relationship between TK and Dr. D. , fear not. It is as messy and loving as usual.

Mehcad Brooks: “TK and Dani… it’s almost that buddy cop relationship between them. I think it’s a familiar relationship that people understand and want to see. You’re gonna see TK struggling with his sobriety, Dani helping him with that, Dani sort of figuring out her love life and her professional life, and TK making that MORE difficult, like only TK can do, you know.” (He laughs).

I will add, to complete the upcoming episodes picture, that there are some really great guest stars coming up. Peter Mac Nichols is going to play Dr. D.’s therapist, and he is nothing short of brilliantly sassy. If you remember him from his “Ally McBeal” days, you will see some of that weird humor come up again here. Not that he dances to Barry White or anything, but the character is incredibly insightful and entertaining. And he (figuratively) kicks Dr. D.’s ass! Which is not something we’re used to, as she’s the one who has “kicking my patients’ butts” in her resume.

Also, my Broadway crush Will Chase (whom you may have seen last season on NBC’s hit show “Smash”) is guest starring, and guess what? ROCKING, as Mr. Chase himself confirmed to me via his Twitter, complete with photo tease! https://twitter.com/WillChaseMe/status/288350024407060482

In short, a great group of episodes to wrap the season is ahead, and it’s truly worthy of your TV time. So tune in and watch, especially because after the show has been renewed for a season 3, I’d really like to see a season 4 as well, without all this “will they or won’t they renew it” drama, that even gave the cast, including Mr. Brooks, quite a fright.

Mehcad Brooks: “The biggest life lesson I’ve learnt is probably also the biggest career lesson I’ve learnt, in that no matter what it is you’re doing, and no matter how it is you may feel day to day, never take something that you love for granted. I love the show, but when you’re in the middle of things and putting in 14-hour days you kind of start taking it for granted. We had a little scare because we didn’t know whether the show would be coming back or not, and that was hard on me, and I think I just really learnt, just don’t take it for granted.”

You heard it from the man himself: you better tune in! And yours truly will be forever grateful for your help in keeping up with her need for a weekly fix of ridiculous handsomeness, courtesy of Mr. Brooks, Mr. Blucas and Mr. Cohen. And don’t even pretend you don’t see it. I know you do. I knew when nobody filed any complaint after that “like mama made him” TK appearance in the season premiere!

Well lovelies, it’s been swell. This is all for now, but fear not, I’ll be back soon with more hotness. I mean scoop! Meantime, you know what to do. Watch the Necessary Roughness winter premiere on USA Network on Jan. 23 at 10 p.m. EST!

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Callie Thorne Talks Shrinks, Romantic Prospects on “Necessary Roughness”

August 23, 2012 by 7 Comments

No one can say I’m not a woman of my word. I told you I’d get back to you with a more humorous post soon, after the other day’s serious critique of “Necessary Roughness” (and “The Newsroom”) et voila! I’m all ready to dish after having interviewed the bubbly, fun and beautiful Callie Thorne, none other than Dr. Dani herself on the USA Network brilliant drama.

As usual, there is a lot of scoop that awaits you in the coming paragraphs, which means: SPOILERS AHEAD, read at your own risk! If you don’t want to hear about upcoming shrinks (!) who will deal with Dr. D. herself, the whole romantic angle for Dr. D., how the ridiculously handsome and talented Mehcad Brooks (who plays star wide receiver Terrence “TK” King) cracks her up more quickly than anyone else can when they’re filming, and much more, then quit reading at once. Of course you’ll miss out on… well, all of what I just said.

We left Dr. D. and more than her, TK, in an extremely messed-up situation at the end of last night’s episode. Dani has to deal with a possible leak of tapes that contain recordings of all her therapy sessions with her clients (eeek! Just imagine what would happen if a Hollywood shrink’s office was wire-tapped and tapes with all celebrity clients were around? Utter mayhem, and about a zillion P.R. meltdowns!), while TK was last left a few yards short of running over a little girl crossing the street on her bike. Now, we all hope he’ll hit those brakes in time at the beginning of the summer finale next week, right? And, while I can’t give that away for now, I will definitely give away all the scoop that we discussed with the wonderful Ms. Thorne herself! Plus you know, she talks Marc Blucas (who plays the perfect man Matt, or Matty D. as TK calls him), Mehcad Brooks, Scott Cohen (who plays the mysterious Nico)… not a bad pool of men genes to think about there. Ahem.

I want to say first and foremost that I am always pleased to speak with people who have a bubbly personality, but Callie Thorne, she is something else. It was a real pleasure to speak with her, and she had such great insight into her character and the show itself, I think I only prefer Mr. Blucas and Mr. Brooks to her. (Never had the pleasure to speak with Mr. Cohen so can’t express myself there). Sue me: I love gorgeous, smart men. So here comes the scoop, brace yourselves!

Alessandra: “Dr. D (as TK calls her) helps everyone else figure out their lives, including their romantic ones sometimes , but it seems that while she knows what she wants — it’s pretty clear at this point that Matt is what she wants and needs in her life — she won’t admit it to herself and she has a hard time figuring out HOW to get there.

I know there are many complications in upcoming episodes, including Dr. D. going to see a therapist herself to deal with her anger and confusion ( note: we will see that in the first of the upcoming winter episodes). But I also know that at the end of the season there will be one case in particular that will be a wake-up call for her in terms of “stop waiting and putting happiness on hold, life doesn’t last forever and you need to grab it while you can”. Could you tell us a bit more about the path to personal growth that awaits Dani in the upcoming episodes until the end of the season? ”

Callie Thorne: “I think that in regards to her needing help, it’s such a good question… the idea of the fixer needing help to fix herself. In regards to Matt, we’ve seen that relationship come to such a big wall because Matt wants to have kids and Dani doesn’t want to have kids anymore, so she doesn’t want to stop Matt from his own dreams. So this has put everything, and Dani herself, in a sort of limbo. It kind of leaves her feeling vulnerable, in regards to her relationship with Nico as well, and as we’re coming to the summer finale, because we see her in her private life in the most vulnerable position, with her kids as well, everything is turning into a question for her. So it gets to the point when she decides to reach out for help.”

“The actress who plays the therapist is genius, so the scenes have been truly great, and the therapy sessions, they’re really eye-opening for her. This limbo leaves her to wonder whether or not she’s making the wrong decision with Matt and possibly finding herself losing the love of her life” Now hold on a minute here, pep talk needed. Listen, Dr. D., Matt can easily be the love of the life of many of us. Please take one for the team and show us that, at least on TV, we CAN get the perfect man! OK? Good. End of pep talk.

Callie Thorne: “And then because of the worst circumstances (no kidding, and no, I can’t tell y’all what these worst circumstances are), there’s suddenly this possibility with Nico that throws her into MASS confusion. So that makes her go to the place where she knows there are answers. (The new Mrs. Therapist we will see in upcoming winter episodes). At the end of the day, though, Dani is always struggling… thankfully, because it’s very interesting for the audience to watch someone that’s so relatable, going through things that any one of them could.”

“Losing the love of my life is something I don’t know anything about in my real life, so [in order to do my job well as an actress] I have to do my homework, I have to think about situations and think “what would I do in that situation” and be honest about it. It’s putting yourself through that thought process that will hopefully elevate me in my real life as well, and I think no other job would give me this chance, so I feel very grateful.”

Alessandra: “This season has provided great insight into Dani’s relationship with her kids, Ray J in particular. Now, he’s getting into a LOT of trouble in upcoming episodes and it seems like there’s major drama between him and Dani at the end of the season. I know he also serves as a catalyst for the Matt/Dani relationship.. without giving too much away, could you tell us how this will impact the relationship between Dani and Matt in future episodes?”

Callie Thorne: “Yes [it does serve as a catalyst for the Matt/Dani relationship], yes, that comes up in a little bit. It happens because Ray J is becoming a man and he finds himself in a situation where he wants and needs to make these choices that, as a mother, Dani can’t come to grips with. And then again that’s a place where any mother can find herself at some point.. the way the writers created that hurdle, it is a parallel with her own life and with her patients’ life. I think no matter whether she makes mistakes in her own life and her own romantic life, I don’t think this can ever be right or wrong. It’s just about the forks in your life, there’s no right or wrong it’s just the way that you handle yourself and [it’s about] following the truth that you believe in, in life.”

All I can tell you to further explain the above, is Matt is involved in the situation as well and it’s once again a great way the writers picked to develop the relationship between Matt and Dani. Anything else… you’ll see when episodes air after the break. (In the winter). Hey, good things come to those who wait and watch “Necessary Roughness”. What, sayings need adaptations at times.

Now, there’s also a whole lot coming up for the man we all have a soft spot for, our one and only TK. Dani and TK seem to be going ups and downs together this season, and while TK gets in a lot more trouble than Dani does, it seems when TK is happier, Dani is happier too. Ms. Thorne herself brilliantly addressed this point, and most importantly, made this very same analysis, which made me feel so well, as I thought it may have been a bit of a stretch, but no… Not to mention she got talking about how her and the ever adorable Mr. Brooks hit it off really well, starting from the pilot. And how he’s the center of the show. Yes, another thing I said in my story the other day… I mean it, people who are in those award committees better be listening. Mr. Brooks is long overdue for some award love, and so is Necessary Roughness! (Ms. Thorne has had her share last season, so hopefully that’ll keep on going!).

Callie Thorne: “TK is the connection between all of the Necessary Roughness characters. When he struggles, everyone else is left to struggle. From the pilot, TK is the character that really connects everybody. Sometimes they say it’s my character, but more often I still think it’s TK. And because he’s got such an amazing spot in her heart, especially when we get to shoot those scenes, you can really see it.”

“Mehcad and I, we also have a different and special friendship. He and I really got on, and we have the same drive to tell a good story within the show. We laugh and laugh and laugh, we have the same sense of humor. And he can break me in a scene faster than any other people can. Mehcad will come up with the CRAZIEST improvs, and because it’s that chemistry that we have as friends, I think it comes across on camera. And whether it’s a parental connection that Dani has with TK, because he’s never met a woman like Dani, and she’s never met a man like him, I think there is this real sense of trust and, previous to where we are now, there was a place where especially TK let his defenses down. But where we [Dani and TK] find ourselves now it’s that moment in time where things may be going backwards.”

I don’t know about you, but I love it when actors speak so highly of their colleagues, and when you feel there’s a real sense of friendship within a cast. Maybe because tabloids tend to only underline the fights between cast members of the various shows? It’s so refreshing to hear each and every actor (Mr. Blucas also mentioned this to me in previous interviews) and guest star (the super talented and bright Gaius Charles, to name one, and the great Terrell Owens to name another) on “Necessary Roughness” underline how friendly the set is and how well the actors get on with each other. In fact, Ms. Thorne also spends time with her co-stars outside the set.

Callie Thorne: “My free time in Atlanta I spend with the boys, or with the crew, because despite spending 12-13 hours a day together, they are the people you want to be laughing with after work. The people in Atlanta always give us such a warm reception. Wherever I go in Atlanta, someone is yelling out “HEY DOC!”, which just cracks me up…it’s something that really warms my heart. Whether or not people are relating to the character or not, they feel comfortable enough to do that, and it’s really heartwarming!”

I think it’s virtually impossible NOT to be nice to such a group of talented (and handsome!) actors, especially when someone as cool as Ms. Thorne is leading them. But fans can often overdo it a bit, so props to the Atlanta people for being so cool themselves!

And because I’m not about to leave you without one more tidbit of scoop, here goes: the romantic entanglements never end up the way they seem to look in one precise moment on this show. So bear that in mind. And that’s all I can say for now. But, Ms. Thorne had a hilarious take herself on how she took the development of the “triangle” matters, so hear it from her.

Callie Thorne: “Matt is the solid good man, do right, and he’s like a hug. He’s like a delicious, romantic hug. Nico is the bad boy that you can’t figure out and all you want to do is figure him out. I was very excited that the writers leaned a little bit more towards the triangle, because as Callie I wanna know what Dani’s gonna do and how she’s going to do it. Sometimes you wanna know the end result as an actress. I’m split between the two, I’m in a scene with Marc Blucas and I think “Ok that’s it! Come on, she HAS to be with Matt!” and then I’m in a scene with Nico and think “Oh wait she has to figure out the bad boy as well”.

Did that help? No? Well of course she does know how things develop, but she can’t spoil a whole season now, can she? You will all have to watch and see it unfold on screen, after all that’s where the fun lies! That’s all I can give you, for now . Well, unless you pay me in undying love declarations from Mr. Blucas, or Mr. Brooks, or my TV husband Michael Vartan. That may convince me to dish some more scoop.

Meantime, don’t forget to check out the summer finale of “Necessary Roughness”, next Wednesday at 10 p.m. on USA Network! And be sure to tune in when the show returns in the winter! Thanks for your patience, lovelies, until next time!

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“Necessary Roughness”, “The Newsroom” Near Finales: Awards Better Be Coming!

August 21, 2012 by 3 Comments

I’ve had it in mind to write this article for quite a while, and I never could quite find the right timing. Now, as the mid-season finale of USA Network’s hit series “Necessary Roughness” approaches, and the season finale for HBO’s “The Newsroom” is round the corner, I think the perfect moment has come. Yes, I am going to compare two shows that are, at first glance, entirely different, but that do have two fundamental things in common: a way-above-average group of writers and actors, and being true-to-life. This latter characteristic being one that is generally sorely lacking in TV shows that manage to be entertaining without exceeding in drama.

While I’m sure you aren’t even remotely interested in the details of my journalistic life, thus I will avoid boring you with too many of those, (though hey, I DO have some juicy stories… that are top secret! What, the best stories always are!) they are the first reason why I saw similarities between the brilliantly-written USA Network sophomore drama and the new Aaron Sorkin masterpiece. For many years, I worked in a newsroom that had quite a few things in common with the one portrayed in the HBO drama. Big media group, need to always be the first to deliver the news (even more so than in the Sorkin drama, as mine was not only a television, but also a “news agency” newsroom, so timing was essential), group of very motivated, energetic people who hung out together at work and after… your classic big international media group newsroom.

And I was (I am still, though not in the same place) the sports reporter. Which of course provided me with the opportunity to work in the world that “Necessary Roughness” is set in. The Terrence Kings (the “Necessary Roughness” football wide receiver character masterfully portrayed by the talented — and painfully handsome — Mehcad Brooks) of this world are not a novelty to me, or an item I only ever saw on tabloids. They have been a part of my working life for many years now, just like the newsroom has been.

All of the above is the reason why I think I can safely say, with good reason and with a well-informed opinion, that both “Necessary Roughness” and “The Newsroom” do a magnificent job at depicting the world they are set in. And they manage to make it entertaining, moving, and interesting. They don’t exceed in useless drama, they don’t trivialize the light moments, they don’t let characters become caricatures or just your standard cardboard-cut TV personas. Both shows successfully manage to create a scripted product that, while of course only picking the most interesting moments (who wants to watch people just deal with standard boring days on TV? Obviously no one), portrays life in a newsroom and in a locker room/sports franchise as it actually is. If you think that’s an easy feat to accomplish, think again.

I am always skeptical toward shows that depict journalists and journalism because, one way or another, they always end up being a concentrate of common places and/or unrealistic dramatic devices. I was amazed when I watched the (ridiculously good) pilot for “The Newsroom”, shocked even. It was literally like seeing a random day of my 6 and a half years in a newsroom play on my screen. The same happened when I watched the pilot for “Necessary Roughness” last season. On top of having good fictional drama and a great balance between said drama and humor, it was showing me people, problems, and moments that I had been seeing for years while doing my job.

Is every anchorman like Will McAvoy? (by the way, I can’t praise Jeff Daniels enough for how good he is at portraying the character. A perfect mix of histrionic, temperamental and competent, while human). And is every athlete like TK? Of course not. But they accurately represent a type that I (and of course many others who do my same job) have often come across during my career. And they’re not stereotypes: they’re a multi-faceted representation of real people.

Which brings me to my next point: why I think neither of the two shows gets nearly as much credit as it should. It takes two rare ingredients to succeed in putting on screen such entertaining, and yet realistic, accounts, of the media and sports life: impeccable writing and great acting. While “The Newsroom” has the big advantage of having Aaron Sorkin as its creator/showrunner, which by itself guarantees a certain amount of praise (though like I said, not nearly enough in this case) for the screenwriting, “Necessary Roughness” has well-known names at the helm, but won’t be guaranteed even that certain amount of praise. Its creators and executive producers, Liz Kruger and her husband Craig Shapiro, have written several television series, including ABC’s Pan Am, and have produced the now-defunct “Miami Medical” for CBS (still bitter over the cancellation of that one. Another show that had heart, brains and a great cast). But they’ve never been given as much critical attention as Mr. Sorkin.

On the other hand, much as Mr. Sorkin gets a guaranteed minimum amount of praise, the expectations on his work are always so high, that inevitably critics are far too harsh than they should be. While some critics can be understood, I found some of the negative points that were raised about “The Newsroom” absolutely unjustified, and coming more from a non-knowledge of the big media newsroom environment rather than from reality. One of the critics that amused me the most: women in the show make too many stupid mistakes. Right, and the male protagonist being in therapy and being portrayed alternatively as someone who needs suggestions from a woman to formulate the right answer (the woman who cheated on him, no less) during a public debate, or someone who sacrificed professional integrity in the name of Nielsen numbers and didn’t get his integrity back until said woman made him realize just how low he had sunk isn’t too screwed up, though? MacKenzie McHale (the female lead of the show, played by the wonderful Emily Mortimer) is a beautiful character because she’s flawed. She’s too competent and too smart not to have flaws. She needs to make stupid mistakes as well, or she’d be insufferably perfect and simply not “real”.

The mistakes that women have made in “The Newsroom” are mistakes I as a woman have made myself, and that I have witnessed women making more often than men. The email one, in particular. Why? Because in newsrooms you use email even to chat with your desk neighbor. And women, in average, tend to communicate more than men do. So the chance of a mistake like MacKenzie’s is way higher for a woman than it is for a man (and yeah, I have made the same mistake, sending an email to various people instead of just one person. And it wasn’t pleasant!). So please, leave the feminist claims aside. This has got nothing to do with them.

I don’t feel the need to make feminist claims because women make stupid mistakes on a TV show. We make them in real life, as well. I don’t want special treatment for women characters because well, they’re women. And I’m a woman who is a sports reporter, so I have experienced my whole life what it is to be the only woman in a testosterone-filled environment. It never bothered me, and it actually turned out to be an advantage in most cases. I was right sometimes, and wrong some other times. Just like everyone else. Another reason why “The Newsroom” is actually realistic for writing its female characters the way it does. They’re as flawed as the men.

The network “Necessary Roughness” and “The Newsroom” respectively air on may also have an impact on the different critical approach. For some reason, while HBO gets the praise and the awards it deserves for its shows, USA Network is way too often overlooked when it comes to recognizing the amount of talent (on and off screen) it displays. (Though last season both Callie Thorne from “Necessary Roughness” and Patrick J. Adams from “Suits” earned a Golden Globe nomination for best actress and a SAG nomination for best actor respectively. The year before, Piper Perabo got a Golden Globe nod for her leading role in “Covert Affairs”.).

Approaching series avoiding an over-dramatic tone, like USA Network does, isn’t something that makes the content of shows less poignant or less meaningful. It just makes shows more enjoyable and less dark. A tone that’s well balanced between drama and humor when telling stories isn’t the equivalent of “mindless entertainment”. It’s far more difficult to keep the balance between drama and humor than it is to go flat-out dramatic or flat-out comedic. “Necessary Roughness” is a prime example of that. It mixes drama and humor, while facing themes that are far from light (from psychological disorders to drug addiction). While Callie Thorne has, thankfully, been nominated for a Golden Globe (she does a magnificent job as Doctor Danielle Santino, the leading lady of the show), there are other actors – as well as writers – on the show that deserve just as much recognition. The whole cast is impeccable (from Marc Blucas to Scott Cohen to Patrick Johnson and Hannah Marks), but after season 2 in particular, some critical praise and recognition is owed to Mehcad Brooks, who literally carried most of the show’s drama and humor on his shoulders, and did a superb job at that. The emotional rollercoaster TK goes through, from over-the-top, flamboyant bad boy to emotional, caring, fragile man — while passing through tough, talented athlete on field – could easily turn his character into a caricature, but thanks to the humanity that Mr. Brooks has managed to inject in his portrayal of the star wide receiver of the New York Hawks, that never happened to Terrence King.

In the words of his co-star Marc Blucas: “Mehcad finds the perfect balance between being real and between being that childish, arrogant, over the top athlete when he plays TK. Mehcad is so talented and found a way to play that perfectly, so that we know there’s that person in there that we love and we want that person to come out, but at the same time we deal with that other character.” I hope Mr. Brooks’s unquestionable talent is recognized by those award-giving committees, as well. It’s time.

There are many good actors on TV whose talent is overlooked, and it seems like the USA Network ones are victims of a “prejudice” that has no reason to exist, because of the “drama meets humor” rather than overly dramatic tone, that the network sets for its shows. The same applies to writers and producers on USA. Is it easier to write something that’s flat-out dramatic and flat-out comedic or to juggle both drama and comedy in the same show, without overdoing it with either? And yet somehow, the flat-out dramatic or flat-out comedic writers get a lot more recognition. Some deserve it, and some don’t. But, it is a fact that many of those who really would deserve at least being nominated for the major awards, and who write for USA Network shows, are often overlooked in favor of others. It’s an unpleasant circumstance, and one I hope to quickly see rectified, especially considering that USA has consistently delivered quality shows over the past few years, and often came up with some of the most innovative and talked-about shows (White Collar, Suits, Covert Affairs, Necessary Roughness just to name the most recent few).

It’s time for “Necessary Roughness” and “The Newsroom” to be given the appreciation they deserve. I’m quite sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. And if I am, oh well, I’m known for trying to fix the world by myself, after all. Note: No, that doesn’t include getting you guys to marry Henry Cavill or my TV husband Michael Vartan. Or Jeff Daniels. Or Mehcad Brooks. I keep the handsome men for myself. I’m that greedy. Well, something humorous had to be added here. I know I was far too serious compared to my usual standards, but sometimes, that’s needed. I’ll get back to entertaining you more lightly next time, I promise!

Meantime…Don’t miss a new episode of “Necessary Roughness” Wednesday at 10 p.m. on USA Network, and the season finale of “The Newsroom” on Sunday at 10 p.m. on HBO!

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Gaius Charles Talks the Smash in Necessary Roughness, TK/Damon Future

June 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Allow me a preface: there is only a handful of shows that I consider all-time favorites. ‘Friday Night Lights’ is one of them. I think ‘Necessary Roughness’ will be, once it has run its course. Because I believe writing compelling drama and humor without getting overly dramatic or downright comic is incredibly difficult. And ‘Necessary Roughness’ accomplishes that. With the plus of an incredibly well-picked cast (similarly to FNL here, but that and football are about the only two things the shows have in common). So it deserves a place amongst my all-time favorites.

All that to explain … I’m ridiculously excited right now. Because I just interviewed one of my Panthers! No, I haven’t gone Dr. Dolittle in the zoo. I mean the Dillon Panthers. Oh my, I just spoke with Smash — I mean, Gaius Charles! He has joined the cast of Necessary Roughness as Damon Razor, a new wide receiver for the Hawks that will compete for a place in the team — against none other than our favorite hyper flamboyant Hawks star: TK (played by the incredibly talented Mehcad Brooks). So we had a little chit-chat about how things are on, you know, the “I got money and fame” side of the TV football business.

Two of my favorite shows combined. Doesn’t get much better than that. What’s that I’m hearing? I didn’t mention the hotness? Don’t worry, we’ll get there. (You’re new here, huh?). Plus, when I say Gaius Charles and Mehcad Brooks it’s not like the hunchback of Notre Dame comes to mind now, is it?

In short, forgive me in advance, but I can barely contain my inner fangirl. Granted, I am a Tim Riggins woman first and foremost (yeah, yeah. Who isn’t. And hi there, Taylor Kitsch). But Smash and Street followed closely, so y’all will understand how I was this close to going all “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!” during the interview. Non-FNL fans, never mind.

And we are at our usual impasse: if you’re a spoiler nazi like Shonda Rhimes, beware, do not trespass this paragraph! (But you’ll miss out, BIG time!). There are SPOILERS AHEAD! And there’s a lot of great stuff about TK and Damon’s relationship and about what’s in store for Damon as the season progresses. You have been warned.

As I know you’re all more than impatient at this point, here are the answers to your (and most of all my) burning questions.

Alessandra: “As a big fan of ‘Friday Night Lights’, I can’t help but make comparisons between the sports-wise similar, but in other ways completely different situations you have as a character and as an actor on the two shows. While on FNL you played an unprivileged player of a High School team, here you’re projected into what was basically Smash’s dream… to be an NFL player. Doesn’t it feel a bit ironic that Damon is the opposite of Smash character-wise and thinks he’s not good enough for the situation? How did you as an actor feel about this, how did you face this challenge of putting on the shoes of a new character that — while being in the same environment — is so different from Smash?”

Gaius Charles: “That’s a good question. ‘Friday Night Lights’ was High School football. The world of Smash and ‘Friday Night Lights’ is a completely different and separate world from the world of Necessary Roughness and the world of Razor and the Hawks. Totally different show, totally different style, totally different genre, totally different shooting style. In a sense, I’ve had a fair amount of experience playing TV football, but I really saw it as a completely new character and a completely new story.

As an actor you’re always looking for ways to show a new side of them (characters), or a different kind of range of what they can do, and because I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to play Smash, this is like seeing another side of the coin. It helps me show how I can play the really big and confident character (note: that was Smash on FNL) but with the Hawks it’s a complicated character who’s trying to find himself. I think that it’s great […] because sports is a great platform to show how people respond to challenges, and so I was just really happy to play Damon and show another side to what I can do as an actor.”

We found out on Wednesday’s ‘Necessary Roughness’ episode that Damon Razor has a teeny weeny problem called “Imposter syndrome”. The ever kickass Dr. Dani is of course there exactly to solve the issue, and Damon has not only a syndrome to face, but mainly a competitor for his wide receiver spot to handle: the King of all that is over the top, TK. The dualism of the two characters is, of course, an aspect that will be explored in future episodes. And that will take TK and Damon’s relationship on an unexpected path.

Gaius Charles: “Mehcad Brooks (who plays TK) is wonderful. I mean, everybody is wonderful, but I actually thought it was really smart writing… in that: “Ok we have this larger-than-life wide receiver in Terrence King. Now let’s put him up against this very shy, humble, complicated character like Damon Razor and see what happens.” We’ve shot four episodes so far and you’re gonna catch a scene in which you see how Damon is affected by TK and his behavior, but also how TK is affected by Damon, the challenge of having to hold your own when there’s the new kid on the block. Mehcad made sure that I felt comfortable on set and felt at home like all the other cast members, and it’s been a pleasure to work with them.”

Alessandra: “You mentioned scenes between TK and Damon. I’m thinking about a specific one that takes place during a party at TK’s… (note for readers: hint hint, girls and food will be involved). Could you tell us a little bit more about how Damon will or won’t be “corrupted”, so to speak, by the “rich and famous” world he’s just entered and how he will cope with that?”

Gaius Charles: “That’s a great question. (Yes, he said it. No, I’m not bragging. I’m just quietly beaming with pride.) I think, while it’s easy to see the rivalry between these two wide receivers, what ends up happening is you get more of a friendship developing and almost a brotherhood. In a sense, that’s grounded in reality, because I’m entering this new fraternity that is the New York Hawks and TK is my guide, Damon’s guide. Damon has to learn how to deal with his past, but he’s also learning how to deal with his present from TK, and you see kind of a mentor/mentee relationship developing. And Damon has to decide whether the life that’s being presented by TK is the life he wants to live.

I think it [the scene at TK’s] was probably one of my favorite kind of moments in their interaction, because you do start to see the respect and the need that these two have for each other. I think also, somebody asked the PTSD question (note: relating to the fact TK is dealing with PTSD and how Damon behaves with him consequently) and I don’t know that, I’m just saying that sort of in my own experience, sometimes when you help somebody else — like TK is helping or mentoring or leading Damon — you benefit from that. So our relationship might also be kind of healing for TK… let me help you, and I’ll help myself in the process.”

And this makes me even more excited for future episodes, because people? The Smash and TK playing football for the same team on my screen. I am in TV heaven. Yeah, yeah, it’s Damon and TK. But even Mr. Charles himself has had trouble keeping Smash out of it!

Gaius Charles: “Having played Smash, and now looking at TK, there was a thing in my mind that made me say: “Ok, remember, you’re playing DAMON! Because Smash kinda wanted to come out!” (he laughs).

Oh I’m begging you. Puh-leeeze! Unleash the Smash! For me? The level of priceless a scene with TK and Smash would have is just too much for this TV world. Even better, include Mama Smash: “I’ll whip yo ass so hard, you won’t even have one left if you don’t start behavin’, Terrence King!” Oh, TK would SO need a high dose of Mama Smash! And I would, too. She is one of the most awesome mamas I ever saw on TV. She would own Dr. D. as well. She’s possibly the only one who could. (Other than the deliciously sexy and perfect Matty D., that is. Never forget how damn lucky you are, Dr. D.).

And that’s all, folks. I think I’ve reached the limit. Or passed it, even. That’s what a combination of TK and Smash will do to me. And not just in terms of character, if you catch my drift. Well I’m sorry, but I’m not blind. And I won’t pretend I don’t see the ridiculous amount of hotness here. With the current temperatures, possibly fatal. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you watch the next episode of ‘Necessary Roughness’ and find yourself in front of scantily-clad TK and Razor. Which, judging by the amount of gratuitous TK shirtlessness in Wednesday’s episode, is sure to happen.

I hear many of you are now making good use of those DVRs and re-watching, or catching up with ‘Necessary Roughness’? See, sometimes it’s all in giving the right lead. Get on it, people! I will make sure to keep you all updated on what matters. Till next time, lovelies! And don’t forget to check out an all-new ‘Necessary Roughness’ episode next Wednesday at 10 p.m. on USA Network!

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Necessary Roughness S2 Premiere Recap: in Which There Are Hot Tubs, Guns and Forbidden Hotness

June 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

We’ll quickly get past the fact you’re not excused for having missed last night’s Necessary Roughness Season 2 premiere on USA Network, because there’s too much juice to share to waste time with it. But hey, your loss. Since I’m the god fairy of all TV hotness that’s related to Necessary Roughness (and Suits and my TV husband Michael Vartan), I’m here to describe to you what you missed out on. Which guarantees you’ll work that DVR within a sec you have finished reading this, because people, Necessary Roughness last night was THAT good.

So. There was a hot tub. With TK (the incredibly talented, and let’s face it, ridiculously handsome, Mehcad Brooks). And three girls. In TK’s apartment. Oh wait actually it’s KT, King Terrence, because apparently he’s reborn, and, to illustrate the concept, he walked out of that tub like the Botticelli Venus. In case you’re not familiar with Italian early Renaissance painter Botticelli, the beautiful Venus seems to spring out of water in the painting that represents her birth… and since she is the Goddess of Beauty, she isn’t exactly wearing clothes. So TK imitated her while walking out of the tub and being all reborn KT. Dr. Dani (Golden Globe-nominated Callie Thorne, wonderful as usual) looked away, while Matty D. (the other ridiculously handsome man on the show, Marc Blucas) was all “T! HEY! T! That’s MY ass you’re hugging there! I am confident and all, but I’d rather not see you up close and personal with my girlfriend while you’re wearing nothing!”.

A quick survey I did on Twitter curiously revealed that people weren’t willing to do the same as Dr. D. and look away. How odd. Not.

But let’s start from the beginning. I’m sorry, that tub scene traumatized me. In a really, really good way. Ahem.

So, last season ended with a bang. Literally. The final scene had Nico (the charming Scott Cohen) knock on Dr D’s door, interrupting a MUCH AWAITED steamy scene (yes I still have NOT forgiven you for it, Nico) between Dr. D. and Matty D. , to inform them that TK had been shot while out at a club with girlfriend Vivica (who, TK told us, has been put in the “Blue bin. To recycle.” this season). This season picked up from that moment, with Dr. D., Matty D. and Nico rushing to the hospital where Coach Purnell (Gregory Alan Williams) was already pacing, walking up and down, not knowing whether TK would make it or not. In perfect TK fashion, our hero was dead for a couple of seconds there in the O.R., only to come back from the dead and utter the immortal words “Ain’t dead yet… bitches!” in front of a very relieved Dr. D and a laughing Matty D. as well as Coach Purnell and Nico. Of course TK managed to say that while he was barely conscious, being wheeled away by doctors. Ah, how I missed you, TK!

Six weeks later we find… Marc Blucas’s bicep in all its glory, as Matt is rolling Dr. D. closer to him in bed. Excuse me while I swoon again. That man has this quiet, yet raw and lively sexy going for him, that just makes me hate the Necessary Roughness writers… because such men never knock on my door! Anyway. Matty D. needs to get himself a little sumptin’ sumptin’ (hey, he said it! go watch!) before going to work, and Dr D. is more than glad to oblige… except of freaking course the two kids with the worst freaking timing in the world once again burst into the house, when they’re upposed to go directly to school from their dad’s instead. Cue panic attack for Dr. D. to be caught “in flagrante delicto” with her boyfriend, that the kids aren’t “aware” of yet. But Matty D. is sly as a fox and he always parks a block away, just in case… so Dr D. calls him a genius and runs to the kitchen to shoo away Ray J (Patrick Johnson, oh he’s so cute!) and Lindsay (Hannah Marks, also so cute) before her secret boyfriend is not so secret anymore. Plus side? “On the other hand, sneaking around… is hot!” says Matt as he grabs her, and she is just about ready to take off that shirt he just put on, as she kisses him sexily. But Coach Purnell makes that phone ring, and Matt has got to go to the meeting and ONCE AGAIN we don’t get the fully hot scene. Producers, listen to me. This hot scene in full, with Matty D. and Dr. D., better happen sooner rather than later, or there will be hell to pay. CLEAR? Italian woman. Angry. You don’t want to deal with that. Right? Good.

It’s clarified that this hot business between Dr. D. and Matty D. has been going on for the past six weeks of the off-season, but Dr. D. doesn’t want to introduce the perfect man to the kids unless he is a “permanent fixture”. (Which I confide should happen quite soon, as no sane woman would let such a man go away. EVER.). When she meets with her divorce lawyer, Dr. D. is informed that she may owe $87,000 in back taxes, courtesy of her ex husband who is, and I quote Dr. D., a “never ending stream of dark flowing poop”. Meantime, at the Hawks training facility, things are going from bad to worse as the owners of the team, the Pittmans, have indeed decided to divorce, which means assets are to be divided amongst them and control of the team is up for grabs. Dr. D. quickly inquires with Nico about the fuss, and also asks whether, you know, he confessed to Marshall Pittman that he was dancing the horizontal mambo with his wife Gabrielle? Nico replies there are bigger fish to fry given what’s going on.

Coach Purnell is fuming as journalists are surrounding him asking nosy and stupid questions, and he informs them he missed them… “like I missed my annual prostate exam!”. I swear Purnell has the best one-liners on the show. And the most politically incorrect ones. When Dr. D. says “good morning” his answer is “name ONE good thing about it.” Dr. D. is all “Oh, I can name quite a few that were about to happen right in my bed… until YOU ruined it with your urgent work meeting!”. Except not. She just looks at him resigned and follows him into his office. But the first line would have been preferable! At that point, Coach Purnell orders her and Matt to go check on TK, and find out whether he’s gonna play again or not, because after his rehab in Miami advised by his agent Rob Maroney (helloooo Rob Estes! It’s always a pleasure to have you on my TV), he’s refused to answer calls or show up at the Hawks headquarters, let alone train. Meantime, Nico is called away after receiving a 911 text from Marshall Pittman’s daughter, Juliette. (Nico thought it was his daughter, but she isn’t, yet he’s compelled to save her every time she calls.) Pittman’s lawyer informs Nico he shouldn’t try to help Juliette as Marshall doesn’t want him to, but Nico can’t help it. He also informs Nico that “big changes are coming”, and when Nico asks what kind of changes his cryptic answer is “hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” Oh good, sounds like mayhem is ahead.

We now find ourselves with Dr. D. and Matty D. banging on TK’s door, only to be met by a weird dude who introduces them to TK and three girls, IN THE HOT TUB. Cue what I described at the beginning. Do we need to go over that again? Didn’t think so, I know you haven’t read a word of the rest, because it’s impossible to get that imagery out of one’s head once you’ve been made privy to the details.

So, next, fully clothed TK (yes, no nakedness) is in Dr. D.’s office, discussing the hows and whys of his shooting. Or rather, not facing the situation at all and claiming he’s fine and this shooting was a blessing because he is now reborn. He knows what the earth is thinking, he knows what the squirrels are thinking. But he isn’t crazy. “This temple is clean, baby!” TK says. And he’s ready to receive his public in style. Dun dun dun… PTSD is waiting right around the corner! Dr.D. is now officially worried. Back at the Hawks facility, Maroney is informing Coach Purnell, Matt and Dr. D. that he and TK have a few ideas on how he should make his entrance at the fan convention on Friday. Dr. D. thinks this is a really, really bad idea as PTSD is about to present itself and TK is in no shape to be at public events, given the trauma he underwent. Matt immediately backs her, saying she’s the expert and he’ll defer to her opinion. And, shocker, Coach Purnell immediately backs her, too. So no grand entrance for TK. Except really hot, but also major asshat agent informs them he’s gonna go to the GM’s office, to fight their decision and have TK be the star of the fan convention.

Back at Dr. D.’s home of luuurve, Ray J is busy putting the moves on his tutor, a cute girl named Olivia, who is trying to help him with his SATs. To cut a long story short, first she rebuffs his advances, then Ray J calls her a smartass (nope Ray J, wrong technique, ask TK how to land the ladies), then she leaves, then she comes back to get her check. At that point, as they agree on older professor tutor spitting when she talks, they decide to swap some spit of their own… and take it to Ray J’s bedroom. Meanwhile, Dr. D. is busy in a meeting as she’s being audited by the IRS, in the person of a chubby, nice fella who eats biscotti and candy incessantly while reviewing her files. Turns out a couple of years are missing, and Dr. D. ends up putting all of the documents together at night, and then baking biscotti to soften nice chubby dude up at 2 a.m., all the while talking to Lindsay’s new fish, Mr. Fishy. I’m not kidding you, it’s what happened.

At the Hawks facility, TK is putting together a choreography with the TKettes (yes, his own cheerleaders), having some spelling problems with the name King. Uhm, yeah,  you watch, it’s true. He says “Diddy would never put up with this!” as his agent Maroney arrives and informs him that Dr. D., Matty D. and Coach Purnell are all against him appearing at the fan convention. I love Rob Estes, but BOY is this character difficult to like! Anyway, this prompts TK to go over to Dr. D.’s, yell at her, and tell her he’s basically had it with her, because he trusted her and now she’s trying to prevent him from being with his fans. And he’s fine, and he’s had a Near Death Experience and came back roaring. “Bitches can’t kill me with a couple of slugs, why is that so hard for you to get!”, he yells. “I’m from the ‘hood, people get shot, I’m not crying!”. Gangsta TK is back y’all. “I’m going to that convention, ain’t no two ways about that.” Yep, been there, done that, but it’s never enough up and downs with TK! By the way, just like in many other occasions, Mehcad Brooks is magnificent in this scene. He can switch from gangsta TK to emotional TK in a second, and TK’s roller-coaster wouldn’t be nearly as good or as entertaining if it wasn’t for Mr. Brooks and his talent, and the humanity he pours into the character. Following TK’s outburst at Dr. D., we see him doing a radio interview while training at his house. Oh yeah, I said training. The man is shirtless in all his glorious hotness. Just so they make sure the female audience doesn’t lose track of the story by averting eyes from the TV screen. OR DOES actually, because who thinks or follows dialogue while looking at that?!

Anyway, TK freaks out and thinks about his shooter when a weight falls down on the floor, producing a sudden “boom” noise, which obviously indicates the PTSD is now in full swing. And he’s about to go to the fan convention. Uh-oh. Also, other major uh-oh, one third of the staff of the Hawks is being fired, effective immediately. Apparently Pittman is in a mountain of debt, and rich of assets but short of cash, which means BIG cuts for the Hawks, Matt explains to Dr. D. while doing all sorts of sexy things to your three-button navy blue long-sleeved T-shirt. Coach Purnell explains “overnight, we’ve gone from playoff team to paupers!”. Which means they must do what the GM office says, and that TK WILL show up at the fan convention and have his big nice number. Whoops.

Nico is meantime busy tracking down Juliette, and finds and grounds a kid who tells him he’s been contacted to sell sleeping pills to her. Not sure why I’m specifying this but it’s just to make you understand what Nico was busy with, and it ties with what happens at the end of the episode.

At this point, Dr. D. goes to meet with chubby nice fella of the IRS, armed with her biscotti, and as they chew them up in bliss, she hopes the review of the documents will be more in her favor. And all is going well until… the hazelnuts he is allergic to ruin the party. Nice chubby fella almost dies, has to inject himself immediately in order to counteract the allergy, and Dr. D sees her third naked man of the day. Overload, much? Especially since, well, this one wasn’t really needed? But, one MORE naked man awaits her, because when she gets home, and looks for Ray J? She doesn’t knock on his door before opening it and… surpriiiiiseee! There he is, having sex with Olivia the cute tutor in his bed! There has to be more love for knocking on doors in this world. Major fight ensues, with Ray J claiming he’s entitled to his privacy. Whoa, you got some guts dude, I’d NEVER even have the ability to talk if my anyone in my family, let alone my mother, caught me in the act. I’d be too busy dying of embarrassment. Anyhow, Ray J storms off and Dr. D. is left there, frustrated.

Time for the fan convention y’all! TK is sweating while in the make-up chair, which is never a good sign especially if the make-up artist is the one who notices it. His hot and asshat agent walks in and they do the usual “we’re cool, we’re dudes” numbers, as TK prepares to go on stage. Outside on the floor where fans are going wild, Matt senses something is up with Dr. D. and she explains she is being audited by the IRS because of what her ex husband did. Matt asks her why she didn’t tell him and she replies she didn’t want to burden him, and she’s not gonna drag him down with her. Matty D. in all his absolute sexy awesomeness replies “Not likely. Certified lifeguard”. Lord Almighty, could this man be more perfect? Don’t think so. Excuse me while I swoon.

While I’m still busy swooning, we get a hilarious TK scene on stage as he’s doing some dance moooooves looking all “I’m the star.” Complete with smoke and hot girls, of course. And he’s doing his thing and making the fans cheer, and all that. Except, he hallucinates and sees shooter dude in the crowd and raises his shirt on the back to reveal… A GUN?!?!? Yeah, ours truly went on stage armed and fabulous. Thankfully, Nico prevents him from moving with the gun any further and shooting bullets at his hallucination. Nico then brings TK backstage. Rob the agent apologizes because he did not see him coming, Matt shuts him up by saying “no, but someone else did. And she was pretty damn vocal about it.” Oh my God, he did it. He just became more perfect. Damn! So, Dr.D. explains to TK that she once almost drowned and couldn’t reach the hand right in front of her that was helping her… and tells him that whenever he’s ready to reach for that hand, she’ll be right there.

Nico finds out that Juliette is right there in the hotel of the fan convention and rushes to her room. Except she’s turned bald and older… and it’s Marshall himself! Nico is ready to strangle him (literally), he grabs him and shakes him some and tells him that making him believe his daughter was almost dead was twisted, even for him. Marshall replies that the feeling he has right now? That’s how he felt when he found out Nico was screwing his wife. So “now we’re even. Almost.” WHOA THERE, comeback line! And thus endeth the episode. And I don’t know about you, but boy, am I ready for more!

Haven’t seen it yet? I trust the above will make you run straight to your DVR. Right? It’s been a pleasure as always, darlings, and stay assured we’ll be back next week for a new recap!

Catch an all new Necessary Roughness episode next Wednesday at 10 p.m. on USA Network!

 

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Ready for S2 of Necessary Roughness? Marc Blucas Gives You a Preview!

May 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Well, ladies and gentlemen, that time of the year has come. The time of the year when USA Network makes my life impossible by giving me WAY too many shows I love to watch every night, and not nearly enough time for me to keep up with them all. But I can keep up with at least three, and one of them is the utterly fabulous “Necessary Roughness”. What? You are yet to discover the awesomeness that is Necessary Roughness? Don’t worry, yours truly is here to make up for it. And hit you with a stick in the process, because seriously? You’ve missed out not only on some great storytelling and acting talent, but also on some major hotness here. And you know I’m very serious when I mention that word.

Now, I just interviewed the absolutely charming, smart and funny Marc Blucas (yes those adjectives are all well-deserved, so shut up, I’m not fangirling or anything here), and I’m in full “OMG I LOVE MATTY D” mode. (Note: Matty D is Matthew Donnally, the trainer for the Hawks team that Marc Blucas plays on “Necessary Roughness”) . And don’t even think about it… DIBS, people. I said it first, Matty D is miiiine! Yes, it’s a fictional character, so I’m sure Marc Blucas’s wife won’t mind.

More importantly, I am here to deliver you the goodies, and rest assured that Mr. Blucas always delivers when it comes to that… despite starting out the interview telling me “oh don’t be so sure it will be a pleasure, Alessandra. Wait till I answer!”. As if… I’m an Italian woman with a plan, I have my ways to obtain what I want. And no, I’m not the Godfather, or the Godmother, I just have ways of making people talk. Much like Dr. Dani on “Necessary Roughness”. Isn’t that what journalism is all about? But I digress, let’s get back to business.

SPOILER ALERT: if you haven’t watched the first season and/or don’t want to be spoiled about the second one… stop reading at once, because there are major SPOILERS AHEAD. Are we clear? Good, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

First off, make sure to watch Necessary Roughness without significant others around, so you’re free to drool over Marc Blucas and Mehcad Brooks (as Terrence “TK” King, the star of the Hawks football team) and Callie Thorne (the Golden Globe-nominated lead of the show, as Doctor Danielle Santino) and Scott Cohen (as the mysterious Nico, who solves any problems the Hawks team has). Plus the various majorly hot guest stars. Yeah this show is a pool of hotness, didn’t you know? It’s sports and drama, football players, professional athletes and a hot therapist, HOW can it not be a pool of hotness? Too bad if you missed it, time to play catch up. Both DVD and online episodes are available, so get on it!

Second, if you’ve loved the first season of the show as much as I did, you better clear your schedule for Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. starting June 6th. Because that’s when the second season of Necessary Roughness takes off, and I’m telling you, it’s going to be FABULOUS. I know things you don’t know and I can’t share, so take my word for it.

But let’s get back to the ever charming and incredibly witty Mr. Blucas, who had quite a few delicious tidbits to share about what’s to come for Matt and for my favorite couple, Matt and Dani, this season. There will be comedy and there will be drama, as usual in the perfect mix that only USA Network is capable to deliver with all its shows. Most of all, there will be a lot more of Matt, and that alone thrills yours truly. What, so I enjoy charming, witty, good-looking men, is that a crime? (that obviously also includes Mehcad Brooks who plays Terrence “TK” King on the show, lest someone thinks I don’t notice the rest of the cast).

So, without further delay, here are questions and answers to your own burning questions, too, I’m sure.

 

Alessandra: “Last time we spoke, it was right before the season 1 finale, and you had a very interesting perspective on how this new season could progress for Matt. I think it’s safe to say things are going exactly in that direction this season, which means Matt is dealing with major personal and professional changes, that will also imply him finally competing for the job he always wanted. I know that you finally had scenes with at least one of Dani’s kids, too? Can you tell us a bit more about what we are to expect from all this, how Matt will deal with literally entering a new family and facing a lot more responsibility at work, and how you as an actor feel about it? …Maybe bad because there are too many lines to learn?”

Marc Blucas: “Oh it’s never bad in that sense, the more the merrier for an actor! And yes, I get to meet the kids!
On a selfish note, this season is great for me because I have so much more to do. Last season I was kind of just “the boyfriend” you know? Because as a trainer there wasn’t all that much I could do, especially because that left me out of a lot of stories. We’re up to filming episode 8 now and looking at the macro, I think this season is spectacular. The scripts and the people that they’re bringing in as guest stars are incredible, and the storyline is great. Again, on a selfish note , for me this season has brought a lot more opportunities, like for example with Nico and Matt getting to have a lot more scenes together. It allowed us to further their storyline and learn more about Nico and about Matt, and see more about their relationship; and it’s great, because it’s given both Scott and I a lot more scenes where we could explore different aspects, and it’s always nice when there’s movement, there’s activity happening, as an actor those are things that you can sink your teeth into.”

Expanding on what’s going to happen between Nico and Matt during the season, Mr. Blucas said that some tension will come up at some point, but not because of jealousy, but because of work interfering with personal life. And who wouldn’t expect that from the “all work no play (except with the owner’s wife, ouch!)” mysterious Nico?

Marc Blucas: “Nico and Matt have had some real moments, they both want the same things, but go about it different ways. We have a few moments throughout the episodes where Nico does his thing and I don’t like the things that he does but he’s effective, so I’m fine with it. But the minute it starts to become detrimental to my personal life then I care about that, and that happens a couple of times this season, so that’s given Scott and I as actors a lot to do, but also a lot to question, like “how contentious is this? How heated is this?” In a movie you know what level to go to, based on where that relationship travels at the end of the story, and we’re not there, we don’t know what that is, so we gotta ask ourselves “How far are we going? How intense does it need to be?”.

Back to the promotion issue, the charming Mr. Blucas told me there are going to be many implications for it, including a whole new set of dynamics for Matt at work.

Marc Blucas: “The promotion (for Matt) was something we had talked about when we had shot the pilot, believe it or not. And this season we got to explore that. And this by the way tells you how cool our creators are, that they’re sitting with actors asking them how they see their character evolving and where they think the story should go.

Matt’s promotion causes a shift of power, so the whole balance changes now. They’re all above me on the food chain of pro sports thus far, so they can do and say what they want and I have to nod my head and do what they say. When suddenly, having an opportunity to go to the front office is a complete shift of power, and it changes all those relationships because I get to have a say and decide who’s gonna be drafted and who’s gonna play, and what we’re going to do and all that. So everything changes.”

What’s surprising is that Matt’s opportunity stems from utter disaster, as the Pittmans do divorce (oh yeah, it happens) and are of course fighting over ownership of the team, which causes a real earthquake for the Hawks financially. Not to mention, it causes the ever elusive Marshall Pittman to show up for the first three episodes of the new season (Pittman will be played by the uber talented Evan Handler, remember Charlotte’s husband from “Sex and the City”?)

Marc Blucas: “They really pulled from what really happens in sports (with the Dodgers owner divorcing his wife and filing for bankruptcy) to throw a monkey wrench into the rest of our lives on the show. Ironically what’s usually a bad thing for people, for Matt — and I made it clear from the start with the creators “Look I really want him to be ambitious, especially for an athlete in that world, I don’t think Matt just wanted to just be a trainer” — becomes a good thing. Suddenly when the front office is into shambles there’s an opportunity to jump into that, maybe it’s the Titanic, or maybe not, but for Matt, as volatile as it is, there is an opportunity .”

Now you don’t think I let go of the personal side of it, what with my major love for Matty D. and Dr. D.? I’d never give up on getting the scoop about them. And Mr. Blucas didn’t disappoint, of course.

Marc Blucas: “On the personal side, Matt’s relationship with Dani starts out pretty secretive because we want to see if it goes where we want it to go before involving the kids, and then there’s a lot that happens that comes with a relationship evolving. Entering a family, adjusting to it, which of course provides both drama and comedy, just like in real life.

What Callie and I have said all along regarding Matt and Dani is, we want a relationship that is based on respect and trust and friendship, two people who genuinely enjoy each other, an adult relationship. So knowing this is the frameset that Callie and I always wanted to bring to the relationship, in the story there comes a point where, especially for Matt, it’s “the secret thing is fun, but hey, if this relationship is gonna kick to the next level, who cares about the rest of the stuff?”

So, Matt will need to accept that “well ok there are kids who need to accept me and I them” and Dani will have to accept the fact that “well so we work together, who cares, it happens all the time that people who work together fall for each other.”

And yes it goes fast (between Matt and Dani), but I do think that later in life you kinda KNOW those things. Personally, I got married later in life, and when I was dating, usually three sentences and I knew whether I was interested in them or not. And when you know, you say “ok let’s try to see where this goes.” And these two people (Matt and Dani) had that, and it gets to a certain point and it’s like “so we like each other, we enjoy being around each other, and we gotta come out of the closet for this to go on.”

“I don’t want to ruin the surprise, so I won’t say too much. The primary sticking point for Matt and Dani… it was just so beautifully written. […] It’s been a really nice arc with this relationship and it’s been a nice way to have tension and solving it and some other tension and solving that too and then there’s some more and we’ll see if that’s solved or not. Of course there will be drama “The Perfect Storm” would be completely boring if there wasn’t a tidal wave, and the same applies to a show. So you’ll have this or the other tension and see them navigate through it.”

Alessandra: “And in that sense, I know about a major development that I won’t spoil (note to the readers: yes it’s MAJOR, and no I won’t spoil it, because I don’t want to have USA Network put a professional killer after me) but this causes you to have scenes with Dani’s friend Jeanette (played by Amanda Detmer). Was it fun to have more scenes with Jeanette and to get to know her better? You didn’t have scenes with her last season, did you? (other than in the pilot episode)”

Marc Blucas: “Matt has a pretty clear sense of who Jeanette is because he met her in the pilot when she introduced him to Dani. Lucky for us, we have an actress who is exactly like her in Amanda Detmer, and who could not be more fun to be around, and she and I and Callie are cracking jokes the whole time on set. It’s a nice dynamic. It’s another thing that’s very real, that when you’re in a relationship you start meeting everyone’s friends and as an adult you’re setting your ways, you have your restaurants and you have places you like to go to and things you like to do, and suddenly you meet another adult and you have a whole new set of things brought into your life, new people, and you need to find common ground, just like in real life. All that stuff has just been so rich, and the writers have done an excellent job with it.”

Alessandra: “Matt and Dani will once again join forces to save TK, of course. How does Matt’s relationship with him evolve this season and what can we expect? I know Matt helps TK in a specific way by advising him to see a person that ends up helping TK finally open up to Dani about his PTSD… What can you tell us about what’s coming up with Matt and TK, will that relationship progress this season as well?”

(note: excuse me while I try to recollect my thoughts here, because talking Matt and TK at the same time? Is it getting really hot in here or has summer finally arrived? Ahem. I promise the following is what Mr. Blucas said though. Thankfully my typing skills overcome any kind of hotness problem.)

Marc Blucas: “Dani, Nico and Matt, they all have a soft spot for TK. Mehcad finds the perfect balance between being real and between being that childish, arrogant, over the top athlete when he plays TK. Mehcad is so talented and found a way to play that perfectly, so that we know there’s that person in there that we love and we want that person to come out, but at the same time we deal with that other character.

Whether it’s the GM job or the trainer job, in the show I need to get the guys ready to play. So that’s what I need to do with TK as well. Dani is there trying to handle it on the other front, but with that kind of character it’s always very difficult to find a way to make him ready to play and to make it work.”

I think it’s great how genuinely nice this (very handsome) man is to his co-stars (the above was a major endorsement of Mehcad Brooks’s wonderful job on the show, right?) and how he genuinely appreciates working with them. It is always refreshing to hear about sets where people get along great and truly enjoy each other, despite being there to work. And Mr. Blucas made it very clear that what makes “Necessary Roughness” special is also the relationship between the actors.

Marc Blucas: “I don’t want to give it away, but we’re having some amazing guest stars on the show this season. Whether it’s cameos or just good actors coming onboard and being on the show for a while, we genuinely like each other and get along… me, Scott, Callie, Mehcad. And I think that… that to me is kind of surreal. It’s like “Hey, these people are friends and friendship translates on screen”. It’s so much fun, it makes that very-long-hour TV schedule and season go that much faster and be more enjoyable.”

If all the above didn’t convince you that Necessary Roughness is the hidden TV gem you still haven’t discovered, here is a wrap-up speech from Mr. Blucas on why you should watch the show… and it’s very convincing. This gentleman sure doesn’t lack eloquence! He really does have a way with words. Maybe that’s why he’s such a good actor?

Marc Blucas: “I think our show really provides something for everyone, my grandma loves it and my best friend who plays basketball in the NBA loves it. It’s dramatic enough, it’s funny enough, it appeals to so many audiences cause even if it’s told from a female point of view you’re in a masculine world. The cases of the week are so different and varied and funny, it’s not cops doctors and lawyers, we’re outside that world and I think that’s interesting in the TV world as well. “

I think those big blue eyes and that ridiculously charming smile are a strong and very interesting selling point, too, but that’s me. What, I had to throw this in there. Now you can go back to wondering why we don’t meet men like Matty D. in real life.

And just so that you know, yours truly isn’t leaving you without some more scoop… courtesy of the master of accidentalsexiness herself! Look out for Marc Blucas and Callie Thorne to appear in exclusive video interviews on our site soon. And remember that scoop I refused to give? Marc Blucas may have given it out himself in his interview with the ever amazing Rosy during Upfronts! Quite sure USA Network won’t put a killer after him, so there! Sometimes it’s all about giving the actor the right lead, and the rest will follow. Wait, this suggests I could just give Monsieur le Vartan the right lead… and him falling in love with me will just follow! Genius!

And you guessed it, thus endeth our chat with Mr. Blucas about what’s great in Necessary Roughness and why he is so great (he didn’t say that, I am saying it. He’s a down-to-earth, humble man. But my inner fangirl cannot be kept on a leash for long.) Still not watching Necessary Roughness? Tant pis, as the French would say. But you can’t say I didn’t warn you. Thanks for your patience and for your love, see y’all when the next hottie shows up! I mean when we have our next fabulous interview. Bye, darlings!

Catch the season 2 premiere of “Necessary Roughness” on Wednesday, June 6, at 10 p.m. on USA Network!

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Necessary Roughness: Post Set Visit Wrap-Up

May 2, 2012 by 4 Comments

When I missed out on the Necessary Roughness set visit last year I was gutted. As a long-time fan of Marc Blucas, Callie Thorne, and Mechad Brooks, there was no consolation prize that could make up for it. So you can be sure, I was the first person in line when the opportunity for a set visit popped up this year!

I’ve just returned from visiting Atlanta where the New York Hawks call home and I was actually sad to leave! It was my first time in Georgia’s capital and with all the great vintage shops and non-chain restaurants, I am definitely planning a trip back soon. Especially since I didn’t have the chance to meet one of my favorite members of the exclusive club, the “Hot Boys of the USA Network.” (Marc Blucas was out of town visiting his family since he had a day off)

The entire experience really made up for it though. It was fabulous to meet Callie Thorne, Mechad Brooks, and Scott Cohen on Monday, May 1st, 2012. The sets were as amazing as you could imagine, especially Dr. Dani’s house and T.K.’s pimpin’ palace! The New York Hawks star players apartment was definitely a fun place to explore.

As you can tell from the photo below, I sat in T.K’s tub and there was definitely room for one more. *wink wink* Poor Mechad couldn’t help from letting out a loud laugh when he saw my antics in his bathroom!

Speaking of Mr. Brooks, who many of you will recognize as Eggs from True Blood or Matthew Applewhite from Desperate Housewives, he has found at least one fan for life. When he arrived for our group interview, he took the time to greet each person with a handshake and a smile. During the chat he was charming, charismatic, and so open about so many facets of his life that during the serious parts– you could hear a pin drop!

Fans can expect to see another side of T.K. as well as Mehcad taking his acting up quite a few notches as he tackles Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in season two. This leads to the evolution of his relationship with both Dr. Dani and Nico, who become parental figures in his life.

Speaking of Nico, we also met the extremely handsome Scott Cohen who gave us amazing insight on all the things coming up for his character this season. Scott was on set on his day off observing all that is going on behind-the-scenes with dreams of sitting in the directors chair one day.

He was also pretty candid about his hopes for a relationship between his character and Dr. Dani, who is currently enjoying a steamy relationship with The New York Hawks’ athletic trainer, Matt Donnally.

Speaking of Dr. D, Callie Thorne was the only talent in the studio who had a full day of shooting. (Mehcad was also sweet enough to pop in on his day off to meet with us!) We only got to chat with her for a few minutes but in that time we were able to learn a bit more about her role in T.K.’s life this season after he suffered a gun shot wound during the season one finale.

Executive Producer Craig Shapiro also gave us some long-term nuggets to think about! Stay tuned for my interview with Callie, Mehcad, Scott and Craig coming next week!

Make sure to set your calendars for the premiere of season two of Necessary Roughness on June 6th at 10 pm, only on USA Network.

For now, enjoy photos I snapped from the set below:

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