TV News: FOX Holds 'Sleepy Hollow' S3 Renewal

To say fans have been on the edge-of-their-seats awaiting news of a season three for Sleepy Hollow is an understatement!  The series that was FOX's outbreak hit of the 2013-2014 season has had its issues in season two, so much that devoted fans balked, making their voices heard loud and clear in hopes producers would return the show to its season one roots.  So will FOX take another chance on the supernatural thriller, mired in biblical apocalyptic mythology?  The answer...the waiting continues!

This morning FOX announced at the TCA's that a season three is on hold until "creative changes" can be made.  Dana Walden revealed that Sleepy Hollow is being recalibrated to reduce serialization and "try to return the fun to it a little bit".  What does this mean? Serialization is not the problem, lack of focus of the initial overall theme of the show has been.

It's no secret that this season has been crazy, as passionate fans raised their voices in protest regarding numerous issues.  It is my understanding that FOX has reached out to other producers of similar shows, was well as writers including Jane Espenson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Once Upon A Time), hoping to rectify the situation.  I suspect one of the factors affecting a new season is that the show may need to move production from Wilmington, North Carolina, to another state due to rising taxes. A clear budget for the next season must be laid out for the network, as well as a complete concept of storyline for season three before FOX approves.

FOX also cited ratings as another reason the network has opted to wait to renew the series.  Although the season two premiere started at 1.9 share, the ratings continued to dropped during the first half of its sophomore season, to an all-time low of 1.4.  However, things seemed to be on the right track upon the January 5 episode, which introduced the Rebel Angel Orion (Max Brown, Tudors) and ratings rose 2 points in the all-important 18-49 demographic.  Though live+same day viewership has affected networks across the board, the numbers from live+7-day DVR, as well as 30-day VOD viewing is up by 68%, which clearly depicts there is an audience still interested in seeing the apocalyptic thriller.

Over the years many television shows have come and gone, some good, some not-so-good, others such as the XFiles, LOST, Fringe (to name a few), fans couldn't help but get swept up in the mystery.  I feel this way about Sleepy Hollow.  My devotion to the show is simply because not only is it an interesting story packed with action and intrigue, but I love the historical references and characters. The audience even bought the absurdity that a man who died 250 years ago, Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison), is resurrected after his Wiccan wife cast a spell on him to rise should the Horseman of Death return.  Fans couldn't get enough of "Ichabbie" (aka) Ichabod and Abbie (Nicole Beharie), both prophesied to stop the legion of evil sent to thwart their efforts and to begin the End of Days.  The cast is phenomenal with the ability to make us believe anything is possible.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what separates season one from season two, though fans have clearly felt a change.  Last season the show had a certain feel to it, a rhythm that was endearing, as the mystery unfolded and we met Ichabod and Abbie, the two characters that would carry the show. The series was rooted in family- the Mills sisters and their history, Captain Frank Irving's daughter and ex-wife, and Ichabod's wife and son.

With only 13 episodes to tell the tale, the entire cast and crew worked feverishly to ensure the YouTube.  No one could have predicted this plot twist, not even me, someone who had rewatched each episode multiple times! Of course once I went back after the reveal I could see John Noble's genius subtleties, clues that no Sleepyhead caught! speaking with him after the finale, he said that they were meticulous about ensuring that the audience wouldn't catch on to what was really happening until the big moment.  Mission accomplished!  Fans were in a frenzy after the big season finale that rocked television to its core and couldn't wait for season two to begin. All I can say is that it was a very long summer!
audience would feel the slow climb to the top of the hill until the big reveal, when the roller-coaster was finally let loose! The thrilling conclusion of the first season rippled throughout the net as fans uploaded their reactions of the grand finale on

In

Season two started with a bang, but the momentum quickly faded as two new characters were introduced, which sidelined fan favorites Lyndie Greenwood and Orlando Jones.  The debate continues to rage as fans also believe that Abbie was sidelined in favor of "Crane Family Drama." Though I do not believe this to be entirely true, several of us discussed this issue at length during Sleepy Hollow Addicts. I'd say most within the Sleepyhead fandom are fed up with Katrina (Katia Winter), Crane's lying wife who continues to champion her ex-fiance Abraham (Neil Jackson) and plans to restore his humanity.

I will agree that the constant damsel-in-distress storyline has been a major thorn in every Sleepyhead's side.  For me, I feel that the character has been written as weak, whereas she's supposed to be a very powerful witch!  While we have seen some of her magic, in a show that depicts two very

strong female leads, Abbie and Jenny (Lyndie Greenwood), Katrina has simply faded away as a needy, self-serving character.  She hasn't done much for the series except interrupt the dynamic of Ichabbie, as Ichabod's focus has been split between his personal family drama and duties as a Witness.  This has affected the show greatly.

Sleepy Hollow was presented in season one as a series about Ichabod and Abbie, their quest to stop the apocalypse. Ultimately it's about their journey.  While I believe Ichabod needs to deal with Katrina, the way it's been done has alienated a lot of fans.

I'm going to once again bring up the XFiles.  When it began, Scully (Gillian Anderson) was sent to work with Mulder (David Duchovny) and she slowly went from skeptic to believer as the series unfolded.  While early on, they had personal issues they dealt with, it never interfered with them as partners.  Each lost a lot and eventually found their way to each other romantically.  Their team- Skinner (Mitch Pileggi), the Lone Gunmen, Doggett (Robert Patrick) and Reyes (Annebeth Gish) while assisted them, did not become a hindrance to the core of the show, Mulder and Scully. This is how Sleepy Hollow should be operating.  XFiles had an underlying mythology, but was also able to do stand-alone episodes here and there.

In season one we learned that Abbie's mentor, Sheriff Corbin (Clancy Brown), had been following supernatural cases up and down the coast, anticipating and uncovering what was to come.  He knew Abbie was a Witness and she found all his files. What happened to those cases? I assumed that Ichabbie would pick up where he left off and investigate some of those cases, leading them to discover many factions planning to bring out the apocalypse; however they have yet to do so.

This season we were introduced to Joe Corbin (Zach Appleman), the Sheriff's son, who was left all of his father's documents regarding the cases he followed.  He should be part of Team Witness because he's from Sleepy Hollow, was Corbin's son, has ties to Abbie and Jenny.  It's a huge miss not utilizing this core character. What about the dark Coven Corbin found?  They all filtered into the woodwork of society after the Salem Witch Trials, but he had begun to uncover where some of them went. Could they be causing or bringing creatures in to begin the End of Days? We have only seen a couple of

references to this evil Coven, why not explore this more? Bring more supernatural magic to Sleepy Hollow?
There are a myriad of stories they can carry over from season one that will bring back the core and feel of the show that we all fell in love with.

The second half of the season began January 5, "Paradise Lost", as the show sort of hit the reset button and introduced angels into the mix. Most fans that I've spoken to feel the episode was a start in the right direction as it focused on biblical lore bringing in Rebel Angel Orion and looks like Team Witness will continue to fight against demons who escaped from Purgatory like Orion.  Irving (Orlando Jones) is back, which was a great sigh of relief to fans, but is he considered a demon? Does he have his soul or does Henry (John Noble) still have it?  It all remains to be seen.

All in all I'd say Sleepy Hollow can recover with these new changes. Producers and writers have reached out to the Sleepyhead fandom promising to fix issues.  I believe they already have started to do this as it seems Hawley's (Matt Barr) moony-eyes over Abbie has been dropped (thank God) and he wants to get back together with Jenny.

While the Crane's continue to be at odds with each other, attempting to figure out their mess of marriage, this "Crane Family Drama" will be coming to end.  Trust me.  So what about Henry?  Where is he and the Sword of Methuselah?  My guess is he'll be the new baddie in charge, after killing Moloch and not his mommy.  Though Katrina believes he did it for her (delusional much?), let's face it, he was mad at "daddy" so in a temper tantrum decided end Moloch.  His decision had nothing to do with saving his parents whom he despises.  Question is, can he be redeemed, should he be redeemed and was his soul immediately absorbed by the sword upon using it?  I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Irving has returned and is going to have a tough time readjusting to life on planet earth. Although he's returned to the living, why and exactly how is he back?  Is he a good guy or a bad guy?  Surprisingly looks like he goes to Katrina for answers, so could she have cast a spell on him while trying to "save him" on the battlefield?  I think so but we'll have to tune in to see where all this

leads. 

*****SPOILERS****

So what's in store for Monday night's episode "Pittura Infamante"? Michelle Trachtenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) guest stars as Abigail Adams, wife to President John Adams, a friend of the Crane's. Ichabod and Katrina go on a "date" and find a mystery instead when the art restorer at the Historical Society Soiree is found murdered!  Meanwhile, Irving shows up at the precinct and is rearrested!
FOX just released photos for the highly anticipated Karaoke episode, "Kali Yuma" (02x14) and fans were excited to see there will be an Ichabbie duet! Looks like the gang is taking a little breather from all the demon fighting at the bar on Karaoke night.  Ichabod and Abbie each sing a solo song, then a duet.  It's going to be an epic moment in Sleepy Hollow history for sure!  I remember during  interview with Nikki that she previewed we will see a little bit of ad libbing and the personal ritual Tom and Nikki do before taping, something they added in.

The episode is Hawley-centric and centers around a woman, Camilia Pines (Jamie Murray), that shows up wanting to collect a debt he owes her. Hawley does what he does best and breaks into the Archives to obtain an old book.  Ichabod, Abbie and Jenny quickly realize the woman is actually "Vetala", a minion of Kali, the Hindu goddess of death and regeneration!  So why does she need the book Hawley stole? To gain her humanity back. Hawley agrees to help her break into the original Fort Knox to obtain an artifact capable of restoring her.  While Team Witness are grappling with Hawley's mess, Irving learns all murder charges have been mysteriously dropped!  He's sent home, though has a tough time readjusting to life and wonders what happened to his soul?  He seeks out Katrina for answers.

I have confidence that the rest of Sleepy Hollow's season two will continue to move in the right direction, FOX will figure out how to fix the show and greenlight a season three that will once again have fans cheering on Team Witness.  Hang in there Sleepyheads-- Sleepyheads Represent!

*Watch an all new episode of Sleepy Hollow Monday, January 19 at 9pm on FOX! Need to catch up? Watch on FOX, via FOX Now app, or on HuluPlus.

*Be sure to tune in to the "Official" Sleepy Cast podcast on Nerdiest Network, hosted by Clarke Wolfe as she interviews cast and crew!

*Don't miss Sleepy Hollow Addicts radio show with my special guest Kevin Bachelder, as we chat about "Pittura Infamante" and all things Sleepy Hollow!

*Be sure to follow @SleepyAddicts on twitter.  All the latest pictures, promos and information are posted on Sleepy Hollow Addicts website.

Daytime TV News: GHFCW Dates Announced

Every year die hard fans of General Hospital make the pilgrimage to Studio City, California to attend the annual Fan Club Weekend event.  I've attended the last four years, met many wonderful fans, friends and of course actors from my favorite soap.  For me, the main reason I go is to socialize with all my friends and hang out at the Sportsman Lodge, the venue the event has remained for numerous years.

Debbie Morris announced today that this year, GHFCW 2015 will commence on Thursday, August 6 through Monday, August 10, beginning with the Cocktail Party.  The Main Cast Event is set for Saturday, August 8 and tickets will go on sale for fan club members January 20, then to the general public January 25.  Individual events will be posted on the GHFCW website January 25.

For the past several years, the event venue has been the Sportsman Lodge, in Studio City. Unfortunately due to the recent remodeling and upgrades at the historic lodge, prices have skyrocketed which has forced Debbie to look at other venues elsewhere.  At this point, she is close to confirming the new location, but regretfully indicates the new venue will not be in Studio City. As soon as I have information on the new venue and booking dates, I will post it here.

For those who have yet to attend the fun event, while there will always be some drama in one way or another, it really is a great way to meet and chat with your favorite actors on the show.  I know that most fans are short on cash.  My recommendation is that if you do not attend any other event, the Main Cast Event is a must!  Most of the cast shows up and it's a great way to get autographs and photos of your favorites.  Last year I'd say the majority of the cast were there for the Main Cast, Q&A panel, then stayed well-past their designated time, including the incomparable Michelle Stafford, Michael Easton, Maura West and Kris Alderson to name a few.  They were really great with fans and I enjoyed meeting them.  Maurice Benard usually shows up for the Main Cast Event; however last year, due to his film The Ghost & the Whale, he was unable to do so.  I'm not sure if this will be the case this year as well.  His film was just selected for the Hollywood Independent Film Festival.  As soon as I have more information on this and a screening date, I'll post it.

GH Fan Club Weekend is a tradition that Debbie Morris and her team take great pride in putting together each year.  There are a lot of moving parts to an event like this and each year has been well worth the trip.  I highly recommend it.

*Be sure to listen to RHeart Radio on Wednesday at 10p ET on Blogtalk Radio for more news on GH and FCW.

*Follow this blog for up-to-the-date news on General Hospital, as well as GHFCW, follow on twitter @RHeartRadio and via Instagram 'RHeart Network'.

'General Hospital' Loses Emmy Winner Kris Alderson

ABC's General Hospital is one of the longest running soap operas still on American television after almost 52 years of making history, including giving us the first 'Supercouple' to ever grace our screens, Luke and Laura, as well as redefining the traditional soap opera format, which trickled down to every network soap.  

When One Life To Live and All My Children were cancelled in 2012, it was a shock to soap fans everywhere who had to let go of their extended families.  When I heard Kris Alderson, Roger Howarth and Michael Easton were coming to General Hospital I was thrilled. Having been a fan of all three, it was like a gift to fans who lost One Life To Live.  

Though initially making the transition as the characters they played on the cancelled drama, Todd and Starr Manning and Detective McBain, thanks to Prospect Park, the actors found themselves in the middle of a huge legal battle hell bent on the network releasing the names of the characters for various reasons. Thankfully Executive Producer, Frank Valentini and Head Writer, Ron Carlivati quickly adjusted, creating new characters for the three crossovers- Franco, Kiki Jerome and Silas Clay. 

Kris Alderson strutted back on our screens and into our living rooms as Kiki Jerome, daughter of Ava and member of the Jerome mob family.  She quickly integrated first as Morgan's (Brian Craig) 'gambling queen' girlfriend, then as Michael's (Chad Duell) true love.  I think it's safe to say that she captured our hearts yet again, making the role her own.  

Yesterday it was announced that Alderson will be leaving General Hospital, a decision Duell tweeted, she made on her own.  I'm very sad to hear this.  While I have no information as to the reason why and none has yet to be revealed, I suspect it could be due to the direction her character was headed. I have to say that for me, I was not happy with a possible rehashing of Morgan and Kiki relationship, but rather expected to see Kiki's break up with Michael as a way for both characters to examine their lives on a deeper level, which would lead them back to each other.  It's no secret that I've said numerous times it would be great for Duell to get a really meaty storyline, that would give his character more layers.  I feel that both actors, Duell and Alderson, have been misused, their talents stifled. While Duell recently had some great scenes with the reveal that Sonny (Maurice Benard) killed AJ (Sean Kanan), I'm hoping for more complexity and wish we'd see the same for Alderson. 

I had the pleasure of meeting both for the first time at GH Fan Club Weekend last year. Alderson couldn't have been more sweet and really seemed to enjoy meeting her fans.  She's an incredible Emmy-winning actress who has a huge following.  With ratings at an all-time low in the 18-49 demographic, the show will take another big hit with Alderson's exit. 

While I'm sad to see her go, I know that her fans will continue to follow her career as she moves on to bigger and better things.  She will be greatly missed and I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.  

Alderson's final scenes will be filmed soon and I'll keep you posted on her final air date.  

*For up-to-the-date information on GH, be sure to follow this blog, as well as @RHeartRadio on twitter. 

Marvel Comics: Debuts 62 Star Wars Collections

To say that Star Wars train is swiftly climbing to the top in anticipation of the new films is an understatement! My love for the story of a boy wanting to find his destiny, the princess in jeapordy and bad boy with a golden heart catapulted me into the life-changing 'World of Star Wars'.

I remember sitting in the theatre at the age of 7, with my father seeing Star Wars for the first time. He quietly read the opening story to me as I sat mesmerized, seeing that first space ship loom onto the screen.  Although I was only 7, I remember having crush on Luke Skywalker by the end of the movie and wanting to BE Princess Lea! (My sister and I just HAD to be Lea for Halloween that year.)  It left such an impression that I became an avid Star Wars fan!  Though not quite as fanatical as some, I have collected some of the figures and other memorabilia, but I never forgot the initial excitement as each Star Wars movie was released.

When the original films were re-released as Special Editions in 1997, I was one of the fans standing in line, in the freezing cold for hours at the Cinerama in downtown Seattle, to ensure getting a good seat.  The atmosphere was electric, as fans donned their favorite Star Wars costumes, blasted Star Wars music on their radios and reminisced about when each laid eyes on the masterpieces.  The fanfare outside the theatre was nothing like actually sitting inside, as hundreds of us squealed with joy, cheering and clapping the moment the familiar theme boomed, shaking the theatre.  It was like meeting an old friend.  I had so much fun, especially because my brothers are also huge Star Wars fans so it was great to be able to share that moment with them.

I remember when Episode I was released, I literally had just had surgery on my back the week before, armed with my pillow and cane, it didn't stop me from being in the theatre for the first showing!  Of course Episodes I & II, even with all the new CGI technology, amazingly didn't live up to the Star Wars legacy; however I loved Episode III!  It was epic, exactly what fans had been waiting for and the prequel ended in such a way we could then go home and watch A New Hope that picks up 20 years later.

I must admit I was a little leery when I heard that George Lucas sold the franchise to Disney, then upon the announcement that a new set of films were to be produced.  I was worried. Fast-forward to December 2014.  My fears were quelled upon seeing the new Star Wars trailer!  It's been 30 years since we last saw our heroes- brother/sister team Luke & Lea, bad boy Han Solo and his sidekick Chewbacca. Apparently there has been peace since the death of Darth Vader and defeat of the Emperor...but darkness has awakened.  What exactly does this mean?  The only thing that we can glean from the trailer is that a storm-trooper seems to have been stranded somewhere, a woman on the speeder races off to an unknown destination and could the cloaked man with the fire-laden lightsaber be Luke Skywalker or another threat to peace in the galaxy? It all remains to be seen!

As the big Star Wars blockbuster event nears, the movie franchise has never been more popular with several animated shows, comic books and more hitting the market.  Today Marvel Comic announced they have released 62 Star Wars Collections, over 8,000 pages of material on ComiXolgy.  In addition, they will be debuting a NEW Star Wars #1 ongoing series on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. Fans can check out the entire collection on their website.

Be sure to follow this blog for all the latest news on Star Wars, as well as RHeart Radio on blogtalk for upcoming special edition episodes dedicated to Star Wars including Comic Con, as we cover events leading up to the big movie premiere!

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'The 46th NAACP Image Awards' Announces Host

The NAACP Image Awards was TV One's highest rated network event in 2014 and the 46th Annual awards ceremony is on track to do the same this year, as Anthony Anderson takes the stage once again as host.

The ceremony is set to broadcast live on TV One, February 6, 2015 at 9pm/8c in a two-hour premiere event, with a red carpet arrival special beginning at 8p/7c.

A NAACP Image nominee himself, Anthony Anderson is one of the leading creative talents of today, currently producing, as well as starring on ABC's hit "Black-ish"  with Academy Award nominee Lawrence Fishburne and Tracee Ellis Ross.  Anderson is thrilled to be back as host of the coveted award ceremony, "It is an honor and privilege to be asked back to host NAACP Image Awards- the nominees this year are stellar and a testament to the talented individuals in our community.  As a 9 time Image Award nominee I could not be more proud and I look forward to holding the record for the most nominations without a win!"  That record may be broken this year!

Last year the event was Executive Produced by Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin, who also return. Both are excited about this years event, "Building on the momentum and success from last year, we are planning an extraordinary show and securing today's leading talent to be part of the celebration.  It's an honor for us to work with the NAACP and TV One to create a show that recognizes such a diverse group of talented people and we look forward to producing one of the premiere awards show telecast in America."   Among the production crew are Tony McCuin, who has been tapped as Director, Producer Byron Phillips, Robin Reinhart as Talent Producer and multi-talented actor/musician Lance Reddick will announce.

The NAACP Image Awards was founded in 1967 to honor people of color in film, television, music, art and literature, who stand above the rest in 35 different categories.  Though the awards ceremony first commenced in 1967, it wasn't nationally televised until 1994 and finally broadcast live in 2007.

This year the ceremony is sponsored by AT&T, Bank of America, FedEx, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Gilead Sciences, Hyundai Motor America, PepsiCo, Southwest Airlines and Wells Fargo.

A few of the nominees include, Nicole Beharie (Sleepy Hollow, FOX), Gabrielle Union (Being Mary Jane, BET), Kerry Washington (Scandal, ABC), Octavia Spencer (Red Band Society, FOX) and Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder, ABC).  Click here for a full list: NAACP Image Award Nominees

Fans can watch the ceremony for the first time online as it will be live-streamed on the NAACP Image Awards website, February 6, 2015 at 9p/8c in a two-hour special. In addition, there will be a pre-show of red carpet arrivals, live-streamed in a one-hour special beginning at 8p/7c.  The show will also be broadcast live on TV One Network.

TV News: PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA 'PALEY FEST' 2015

Every year Paley Center for Media honors and celebrates the most popular scripted television shows in a week-long event, opening their coveted center doors to fans.  This year marks the 32nd annual Paley Fest, set to commence March 6-13, once again at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood Highland.

In a press release, Paley announced the casts and producers of the hit television shows ABC's Scandal, CBS's The Good Wife, The CW's The Flash and Arrow among the first honorees.  In addition, Yahoo is named as the 'Official Sponsor', who will exclusively live stream each panel.

With special screenings, Q&A panel discussions and a possibility of asking a question to the casts, Paley Fest is one of the major events in television that fans from all over the country flock to each year.  Fans have the opportunity to see their favorite television stars up close and personal, as well as meet other die-hards, anxious to get a more in-depth look at their favorite shows.  As someone who attended the Sleepy Hollow panel last year for the first time, the experience was thrilling, the audience electric, bursting with fandom love.   

There's no doubt that television and social media go hand and hand. To that end, Paley has been incorporating it for the past several years.  This year, panels will be live streamed via the digital platform, Yahoo Screen and then immediately be made available on Video On Demand (VOD) which fans can access via the Paley app, as well as the Yahoo Screen app.  Yahoo's sponsorship of the fan event is only one of the Company's larger multi-event sponsors that will continue throughout the year. 

President and CEO of Paley Center for Media, Maureen J. Reidy, is thrilled to bring Paley Fest back to the Dolby Theatre for a second year, after a successful move to the venue last year.  She had this to say about the interactive event, "PALEYFEST has grown exponentially over the last thirty-two years, and we are looking forward to working with Yahoo to create a compelling and engaging content experience for TV fans around the country to enjoy the Festival together."

In addition to sponsorship from Yahoo, Citi returns as the Official Card.  Members of the Center, as well as Citi cardholders are eligible to purchase Paleyfest Showrunner and Studio Passes during the presale, beginning Tuesday, January 20 and extending to the 21st.  In addition, members can purchase individual event tickets on Saturday, January 24 to 25th.  Tickets for the general public for Paleyfest Showrunner and Studio Passes go on sale Friday, January 23 and on January 26 for Paley Center General Members.  Individual event tickets will go on sale to the general public Tuesday, January 27.  Passes and tickets can be purchased through paleyfest.org beginning 9:00 am PT on January 20.

Paley Center for Media was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, who established the forum and way to preserve and archive television, radio and internet programs.  As the 21st century continues to expand entertainment platforms, Paley Center prides itself as the nation's foremost producer of programs.  Not only for those within the industry and leaders in the creative community, but also as a way to give an inside glimpse of it to the general public. Find out the full history of Paley Center for Media on their website.

The annual Festival benefits the continuation of preserving and archiving digitization, with over 160,000 programs that spans the history of media, including U.S. Olympic Archive (presented by Gordon Crawford), a sports collection provided by ESPN and an LGBT collection which chronicles its history in the medium.  All media collections are available to the public, thanks to the Center.

To get up-to-the-minute information on Paley Fest, the Center encourages fans to download the Paley app, visit the website and follow them on twitter @paleycenter, use hashtag #PaleyFest to join the conversation.