<![CDATA[Television news from metro.us/philadelphia]]> en-us <![CDATA[TV picks: Wednesday, May 23]]> "American Idol"
REALITY. Can teen sensation Jessica Sanchez become the first gal to win the title of "American Idol" since Jordin Sparks in 2007? Or will Dave Matthew doppelganger Phillip Phillips strum his way to victory (and a lifetime on the summer festival circuit, though that already seems to be a given). The votes are tallied and the Season 11 champ is revealed tonight.
Season finale, 8 p.m., Fox

"The Middle"
COMEDY. The Hecks are caught off guard when they receive an invitation to Mike's brother's (returning guest star Norm Macdonald) wedding. They're even more surprised when they realize the ceremony is taking place at their house.
Season finale, 8 p.m., ABC

"Man-Eating Super Croc"
REALITY. What sounds like a Syfy Original Movie is actually a chronicle of one team's hunt for a creature that has been terrorizing a Philippine village.  
8 p.m., Animal Planet

"Law & Order: SVU"
DRAMA. An underage escort is murdered. Please, please, please let this be a crossover episode with "The Killing" so we can finally know who killed Rosie Larsen. (Sorry, folks — it's not.)
Season finale, 10 p.m., NBC ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143887--tv-picks-wednesday-may-23 Wed, 23 May 2012 17:56:42 -0400 AMBER M RAY, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143887--tv-picks-wednesday-may-23 <![CDATA[Who won 'Dancing with the Stars' last night? Donald Driver?]]>
An ecstatic Driver leapt for joy, then rolled around on the dance floor seemingly unable to contain himself.

Dancing with professional partner Peta Murgatroyd, Driver was cited by the judges for his intensity and determination in the competition, as well as his willingness to listen and learn from them during the course of the TV ballroom dance competition.

Driver, 37, triumphed over finalists Telenovela star William Levy who placed third and runner-up, classical music singer Katherine Jenkins, a season-long standout.

"Amazing, this is awesome!" Driver exclaimed before accepting the coveted mirror ball trophy, which he raised aloft, whooping and screaming.

Driver's cliffhanger win followed a season that host Tom Bergeron on Monday called the hit series' most competitive ever, with a razor-thin single point margin out of a possible 60 separating the couples after Monday's dances brought several perfect-30 scores.

On Tuesday all three couples got perfect 30s for their one last dance. The two nights' numbers were weighted equally with fan votes to determine the winner.

For Levi the final dance was a Salsa, leading judges to laud his star quality, while Jenkins did the Jive.

Driver, wearing an oversized, sleeveless deep-pink shirt — which he doffed seconds into his final dance — and matching pants, turned out his spectacular Cha-cha-cha.



Ironically that was the same dance that gave the wide receiver his lowest score of the competition, a 21, earlier in the season. But he came on strong for the finals, with 30s for that as well as his Freestyle on Monday.

The competition had seemed like it was Jenkins' to lose, after she dominated many weeks throughout the 14th season, winning strong fan support and going into Tuesday's final dance with a perfect 60 from the judges.

Goodman called her "one of the most technically advanced dancers" the show had ever seen, and "the complete package."

"It's been an absolute dream," she said afterward, offering her congratulations to Driver and saying "Well done Donald, we love you."

All 12 competitors from the season, all the way back to tennis star Martina Navratilova, who was the first eliminated, returned to dance on the live two-hour finale.

Other dancers included soap star Jack Wagner, singer Gladys Knight, talk show host Sherri Shepherd, actress Melissa Gilbert and musician Gavin DeGraw, as well as Disney Channel star Roshon Fegen, actor Jaleel White and TV host and actress Maria Menounos.

Highlights of the finale included musical performances by "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson, and Gladys Knight.

"Dancing With the Stars" has been among the top-rated U.S. TV shows of this season and is ABC's most-watched program, drawing 18 million viewers on average this season.

But ratings for the seven-year-old program have slipped in recent seasons, and an All-Star edition featuring past contestant favorites has been ordered for fall.
]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143840--who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-last-night-donald-driver Wed, 23 May 2012 09:50:39 -0400 REUTERS http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143840--who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-last-night-donald-driver <![CDATA[Who won 'Dancing with the Stars' last night? Donald Driver!]]>
An ecstatic Driver leapt for joy, then rolled around on the dance floor seemingly unable to contain himself.

Dancing with professional partner Peta Murgatroyd, Driver was cited by the judges for his intensity and determination in the competition, as well as his willingness to listen and learn from them during the course of the TV ballroom dance competition.

Driver, 37, triumphed over finalists Telenovela star William Levy who placed third and runner-up, classical music singer Katherine Jenkins, a season-long standout.

"Amazing, this is awesome!" Driver exclaimed before accepting the coveted mirror ball trophy, which he raised aloft, whooping and screaming.

Driver's cliffhanger win followed a season that host Tom Bergeron on Monday called the hit series' most competitive ever, with a razor-thin single point margin out of a possible 60 separating the couples after Monday's dances brought several perfect-30 scores.

On Tuesday all three couples got perfect 30s for their one last dance. The two nights' numbers were weighted equally with fan votes to determine the winner.

For Levi the final dance was a Salsa, leading judges to laud his star quality, while Jenkins did the Jive.

Driver, wearing an oversized, sleeveless deep-pink shirt - which he doffed seconds into his final dance - and matching pants, turned out his spectacular Cha-cha-cha.

Ironically that was the same dance that gave the wide receiver his lowest score of the competition, a 21, earlier in the season. But he came on strong for the finals, with 30s for that as well as his Freestyle on Monday.

The competition had seemed like it was Jenkins' to lose, after she dominated many weeks throughout the 14th season, winning strong fan support and going into Tuesday's final dance with a perfect 60 from the judges.

Goodman called her "one of the most technically advanced dancers" the show had ever seen, and "the complete package."

"It's been an absolute dream," she said afterward, offering her congratulations to Driver and saying "Well done Donald, we love you."

All 12 competitors from the season, all the way back to tennis star Martina Navratilova, who was the first eliminated, returned to dance on the live two-hour finale.

Other dancers included soap star Jack Wagner, singer Gladys Knight, talk show host Sherri Shepherd, actress Melissa Gilbert and musician Gavin DeGraw, as well as Disney Channel star Roshon Fegen, actor Jaleel White and TV host and actress Maria Menounos.

Highlights of the finale included musical performances by "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson, and Gladys Knight.

"Dancing With the Stars" has been among the top-rated U.S. TV shows of this season and is ABC's most-watched program, drawing 18 million viewers on average this season.

But ratings for the seven-year-old program have slipped in recent seasons, and an All-Star edition featuring past contestant favorites has been ordered for fall.
]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143839--who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-last-night-donald-driver Wed, 23 May 2012 09:40:32 -0400 REUTERS http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143839--who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-last-night-donald-driver <![CDATA['American Idol' recap: Phil Phillips will probably win, but who cares?]]>
The final showdown was billed as the battle of opposites: He’s a "21-year-old pawn shop worker and she's a 16-year-old powerhouse." Huh? Who writes this drivel?

After the judges made their grand entrance, the contestants began a grueling (for the audience) three round sing-off with little commentary from the panel (which was really a nice change).

In round one, they sang something chosen by the show's executive producer Simon Fuller. He must stand in line at the bank all day depositing his money. How else would you come up with Whitney Houston's 1993 single "I Have Nothing" for Jessica Sanchez? And why would you put her in a dress that she was so afraid to trip over she clutched it like a life rope tossed to a drowning man? Foreshadowing? Stay tuned.

Fuller chose the 1961 Ben E. King classic "Stand By Me" for Phillip Phillips. Must be another one of the muzak rotations in the bank. It's a 50 year-old song that’s been sung by everyone from John Lennon to Jimi Hendrix. He did a fine job, but it was hard not to wonder who would pay money to hear him sing this. Everyone who's ever strummed a guitar already has their own rendition.

Judges agreed round one went to Celine (er, Jessica) Sanchez. The rest of us were too busy yawning to care.

But before we go on, it's time for Jason Derulo’s triumphant return with his new song "Undefeated." The guy broke his neck rehearsing for a world tour. First night back he's covered in fog, standing on a folding chair and doing all sorts of things to prove he's in tip-top shape. The song, "Undefeated," is dreadful, but Coca-Cola is offering 10,000 free downloads. Based on this performance, it might hit 10,001 if girlfriend and "Idol" winner Jordin Sparks supports his work.

On to round two where the young pop-star wannabe chooses her favorite number from the season, "The Prayer." Again with the middle-aged woman music and the long dress. If she keeps this up, she'll be doing senior cruises before she finishes high school. Yes, she does have a great voice, but it takes more than that to make it. Ask Melinda Doolittle, if you can find her.

Of course, Phil Phil's choice for round two is the performance anyone of a certain age thinks he should be arrested for. You don't mess with Billy Joel's "Movin' Out." And if you must, it's "heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack. You ought to know by now." Judge Tyler mumbled "hatch or go bad." Nobody really knows what he was talking about. Round two was a split decision.

Following an ad for some new show called "The Choice," a hybrid of everything that's great about "The Dating Game" and "The Voice," it was time for the dueling duo to perform the song that will be their first single.

Typically, this has always been a horrific song that you'd have to be paid a million dollars to sing. Jessica's nightmare is called "Change Nothing." J. Lo called it a pop-ballad. Her eardrums must've popped. It actually sounds like dinner music on a cruise ship. Maybe Jessica should hang on to it after all.

Phil Phil fared much better with a song called "Home." It has a bit of a Simon & Garfunkel feel to it and we all know how contemporary that is. They pulled out all the stops for this one, however. Half way through the song 12 drummers drumming walked on stage in marching band formation and provided enough rhythm to wake the sleeping viewers just in time to vote.

Last year's winner, (see if you can name him), closed the show with a video montage. When it was all over, this viewer's phone was in the other room. Wasn't worth getting up just to vote. Looks easier to call than Reagan vs. Mondale. Game, set, match pawn shop boy. He's cute and he's got a guitar.

When it's all said and done, if the best thing you can say is that Seacrest is getting good at this job, perhaps it's time for “American Idol” to say farewell.

  ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143829--american-idol-recap-phil-phillips-will-probably-win-but-who-cares Tue, 22 May 2012 23:31:56 -0400 NICK DUSSAULT http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143829--american-idol-recap-phil-phillips-will-probably-win-but-who-cares <![CDATA[Is David Clarke alive on ABC's ‘Revenge’? An interview with James Tupper]]>
What can you tell us about the finale?

[Creator Mike Kelley] is amazing because he's really an artist. What he's managed to figure out is this incredible, intricate, detailed story where every week it seems that every single person is in peril. [Laughs.] It's fun for us because we crack open a new script and at the end of a reading, everybody's like, "Oh, my God, I'm going to jail?" "This person's dead?" He's great at surprising people constantly.

How much do you know about what's going to happen in future episodes?

I'm following it like everybody else. We get it probably six weeks before you guys and we just read it then make it. But I have a general idea where it's going. At the front of every script there's a big confidentiality agreement that we all sign. So I'm not gonna tell you, but I will tell you that it's alarming. He's not locked into having all the same characters.

Is your character really dead?

My God, I have to tell you: I was pushing a stroller with my 3-year-old in it, and a woman yelled at me from across the street, like, "You're not dead, are you?" It's the question I get asked the most often and I get asked everywhere. It's fine, I love it. I love how invested people are in it -- it's awesome. You know, as far as I know, I think I'm dead so far.

The rumor is that star Emily VanCamp is dating her co-star, Josh Bowman, who plays Daniel.

I heard that rumor. I can't confirm or deny it. I really don't know, actually. I mean, they get along great on set. They're discreet.

How do you feel about the show being people's guilty pleasure?
   
When I first started getting interviewed about the show, they were like, "I'm calling it my guilty pleasure." I realized that it's so fun to be that dramatic, and allow yourself to go there that people feel guilty. [Laughs.] I think "Revenge" is a lot of fun wrapped up in this sinister, pretty serious world where lots of things are at stake.

What do you think is it about Emily that viewers can't get enough of?

Every guy relates to Daniel not quite having the whole story -- like, "What?  You're who?" Emily has mastered the Mona Lisa smile. That's the great female mystery: "Do you love me, or do you want to kill me? I can't tell." [Laughs.] ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143772--is-david-clarke-alive-on-abc-s-revenge-an-interview-with-james-tupper Tue, 22 May 2012 17:02:25 -0400 MEREDITH ENGEL, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143772--is-david-clarke-alive-on-abc-s-revenge-an-interview-with-james-tupper <![CDATA[TV picks: Tuesday, May 23]]> "Dancing with the Stars"
REALITY. For 10 weeks, telenova star William Levy, classical singer Katherine Jenkins and NFL player Donald Driver have battled it out for dance floor supremacy. Tonight, one walks home with that disco ball trophy — and a renewed sense of pop culture relevancy.
Season finale, 9 p.m., ABC

"Glee"
COMEDY. In terms of maximum tears potential, we're guessing the "Glee" season finale formula looks something like this: Graduating high school > winning Nationals > prom. Of course, bullying, car crashes and teen engagements are storyline variables that could skew the Kleenex quotient.
Season finale, 9 p.m., Fox

"American Idol"
REALITY. Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez perform for viewers' hearts. But mostly they perform for your votes, because one of the tracks sung tonight will be the victory song in tomorrow's finale.
8 p.m., Fox

"Hollywood Treasure"
REALITY. TV and movie memorabilia — including Dorothy's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" — generate big bucks. Like, the kind of money you could use to produce your own film.
Season premiere, 10 p.m., Syfy ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143762--tv-picks-tuesday-may-23 Tue, 22 May 2012 16:16:19 -0400 AMBER M RAY, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143762--tv-picks-tuesday-may-23 <![CDATA['Hip Hop Squares' host Peter Rosenberg on finding 'the real gold']]>
"There are all of these cool people in a situation where they don't have to try to be cool," says Rosenberg, who is best known as a DJ on New York City's Hot 97. "We had the hottest street and radio artist, 2 Chainz, and based on his persona, the idea of seeing him having fun and being casual is just awesome."

"Hip Hop Squares" is based on the classic game show, "Hollywood Squares." As was the case with that show, which reached peak popularity in the 1970s, nine famous personalities sit in the squares of a tic-tac-toe board. In this case though, most are affiliated with the world of hip-hop. While two contestants play tic-tac-toe against each other, they consult the celebs on trivia questions and can decide to take their advice or disregard it.

In one episode, Rosenberg poses the question: "Who is the female recording artist with the most No. 1 hits?" to which Nick Cannon, seated in the center square, excitedly shouts, "That would be my baby mama, Mariah Carey!"

The contestant disagrees.

"Those moments were awesome," laughs Rosenberg. "Every once in a while, we get moments where it's this no-brainer. ... And yet, people would still get it wrong. When those moments happen, that's when I think you get the real gold of the show."

It's hip-hop to be square


One of the slogans for "Hip Hop Squares" is "when the game show becomes a party," and it isn't unusual to see one of the "squares" with a drink in his or her hand.
   
"There was some partying," Rosenberg acknowledges. "There were episodes where it was out of control, but I don't know if I'd blame it on the partying so much as the cast of characters we had. It certainly had a feel that reminded me of the original ['Hollywood Squares']."


Tune in


"Hip Hop Squares" premieres Tuesday at 11 on MTV2.
]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143668--hip-hop-squares-host-peter-rosenberg-on-finding-the-real-gold Mon, 21 May 2012 16:21:24 -0400 PAT HEALY, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143668--hip-hop-squares-host-peter-rosenberg-on-finding-the-real-gold <![CDATA[TV picks: Monday, May 21]]> "American Ninja Warrior"
REALITY. This ultimate obstacle course, imported from Japan, sets up its hurdles on the Las Vegas Strip, where everyday athletes attempt to prove themselves as "Ninja Warriors" — or at least the guys and gals most capable of jumping over odd objects and climbing through rope ladders.
Season premiere, 9 p.m., NBC
 
"I Cloned My Pet"
REALITY. People unwilling to say goodbye to dear departed Fido bypass the old adopt another pooch from a shelter route and go directly to the DNA wizards willing to replicate their pets.
10 p.m., TLC
 
"Clash of the Commercials: USA vs. The World"
SPECIAL. Heidi Klum and Kevin Frazier host this "battle" of international advertising. Come on, Madison Avenue — don’t let Don Draper down.
10 p.m., CBS
 
"The Bachelorette"
REALITY. The 19 finalists move into a Charlotte mansion, then perform with characters from "Sesame Street" to raise funds for a local hospital. Hopefully the frat boy bachelors learn a few things about manners from the Muppets while they're at it.
9 p.m., ABC
 
  ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143670--tv-picks-monday-may-21 Mon, 21 May 2012 16:15:28 -0400 AMBER M RAY, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143670--tv-picks-monday-may-21 <![CDATA['House' closes its doors]]>
Dr. Cuddy
Mark our words: Lisa Edelstein has spent the past three months at pilates for her final pencil-skirt close-up. She may be through with Dr. House, but she’s not through with bending over a too-low desk to sign off on charts.

Chase
Over the past eight seasons, Chase handed in his letter of resignation more often than House quit Vicodin. You can expect Jesse Spencer and his soap opera-hot Aussie accent to be back in a white coat tonight.

Kutner
Sure, Kal Penn's character committed suicide when the actor went to work for Obama. But being alive isn't a prerequisite for a "House" cameo (see right), and these days Penn only has "Harold & Kumar" commitments.

Amber
Amber's (Anne Dudek) death and follow-up House hauntings didn't really make sense the first time around in Season 5. But now that Wilson is dying, an appearance by his ex-wife's ghost is a little less desperate.

Cameron
She's been lurking around the department ever since she officially quit Dr. House's team, and she's always good for the pesky dose of morality that the series thrives on dissecting. Jennifer Morrison will be in the building tonight -- although probably not too close to real-life ex-fiance and onscreen ex-husband Jesse Spencer.

Don't fear the reaper

Although the episode is titled "Everybody Dies" -- a play on House's usual motto, "everybody lies" -- it's not necessarily the terminally ill Wilson whose time is up tonight.
   
For a show that has never played by the reaper's rules, it seems unlikely that House's best friend --
and the show's only consistently likable character -- will flatline. Now, as for House? That's
a different story. ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143569--house-closes-its-doors Sun, 20 May 2012 17:20:36 -0400 MONICA WEYMOUTH, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143569--house-closes-its-doors <![CDATA[TV picks: Weekend, May 18-20]]> "The Simpsons"
COMEDY. Lady Gaga brings her "Born This Way" message (and a crazy outfit or five) to Springfield.
Season finale, Sunday, 8 p.m., Fox

"Saturday Night Live"
COMEDY. Mick Jagger shows off his moves like … uh … Jagger when he hosts the "SNL" season finale. Arcade Fire and Foo Fighters provide the music, because maybe the other Stones were finally like, "Ah, we're too old for this s---."
Season finale, Saturday, 11:30 p.m., NBC

"Mrs. Eastwood & Company"
REALITY. Clint Eastwood — the very last person on Earth whose family we ever expected to view via reality TV — allows cameras into his home, mostly to focus on his wife, Dina, and her management of the South African boy band Overtone.
Series premiere, Sunday, 10 p.m., E!

"The Celebrity Apprentice"
REALITY. Clay Aiken and Arsenio Hall compete for the prestigious apprenticeship that exists in title alone.
Season finale, Sunday, 9 p.m., NBC

"The 2012 Billboard Music Awards"
SPECIAL. We can just call this The Adele Show, right? Considering these awards are handed out to artists based partially on album sales and airplay, that seems about right.
Sunday, 8 p.m., ABC ]]> http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143409--tv-picks-weekend-may-18-20 Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 -0400 AMBER M RAY, NEW YORK http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/entertainment/article/1143409--tv-picks-weekend-may-18-20