THANKSGIVING TV 2016 You’ll need a biggerbloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/northwest... ·...

FOLIO

Courtesy of Gracenote November 20 - 26, 2016

THE 90TH ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY

PARADE

Thanksgiving

Special

Edition!

THANKSGIVING TV 2016

You’ll need a bigger plate for everything

on TV’s Thanksgiving menu

MARTIN SHEENhelps give ‘Anne of

Green Gables’ new life

THE GILMORE GIRLS and Scott Patterson’s Luke,

return

SEARCH PARTY

How the self-absorbed find growth

JIHAEJOSHUA JACKSON DEAN CAINDAVID EIGENBERGEZEKIEL ELLIOTT

PLUS

YOUR TV LINK Courtesy of Gracenote November 20 - 26, 2016

C

contentsYOURTVLINK

What’s HOT this

Week!

20-21 Theatrical Review, and Our top DVD releases

22-23 Our top suggested programs to watch this week!

FOOD

7 Managing Thanksgiving dinner

19 This rookie can run, as Zeke Elliott carries the Cowboys

16 HBO’s ‘Marathon’: Triumph of the human spirit

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STAFF PICK

Television again has its own Thanksgiving celebration Thursday, with everything from the traditional Macy’s Parade on NBC and NFL Football on several networks, to Freeform’s “Toy Story” festival and plenty of Bond … James Bond on Epix. Jay Bobbin surveys the holiday fare on TV’s menu.

12-13 A classic story gets a retelling as PBS gives its new version of “Anne of Green Gables” a Thanksgiving-night premiere Thursday. Veteran actor Martin Sheen tells Jay Bobbin about being virtually the only non-Canadian in the project, and about a new skill he learned from it.

14-15 The wait is just about over for fans of a much-beloved series, since the Netflix revival “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” begins streaming Friday. Scott Patterson, alias the show’s Luke, talks with Jay Bobbin about reuniting with much of the original cast and helping to make the new project happen.

17 Four self-absorbed 20-somethings go in search of a college acquaintance when she goes missing in the TBS comedic mystery “Search Party.” Series stars Alia Shawkat and Meredith Hagner discuss the project and their roles.

Here’s where you can find us

REALITY

SPORTS

MOVIES

IN EVERY ISSUE

CONTRIBUTING STAFFManaging Editor: Michelle Wilson

Writers: Jay Bobbin, George Dickie, John Crook, Dan LaddMagazine Design: Nicolle Burton

Quality: Chris Browne

4 Jihae relied on instincts in acting debut

5 The drama of ‘The Affair’ is ongoing for Joshua Jackson

8 Christmas time equals happiness for Dean Cain

9 ‘Chicago Fire’ showcases co-star David Eigenberg

CELEBRITY

TOP STORIES

3

Thanksgiving Special

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6 Mario Batali shares his very own recipe

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November 20 - 26, 2016 YOUR TV LINK Courtesy of Gracenote

Editor's choice STORY

BY JAY BOBBINAs much as turkey and the trimmings are traditions of Thanksgiving, so is the television programming that also marks the official start of the holiday season.

Many networks won’t disappoint this year on Thursday, Nov. 24, with certain main courses of that day as well as other dishes. Here’s some you’ll want to add to your viewing plate.

“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (NBC): The 90th procession -- again overseen by “Today” personalities -- winds its way through Manhattan from Central Park West to Herald Square, with the usual array of floats, character balloons, guest performers and numbers from current Broadway musicals. And, of course, a jolly fellow with the last name Claus puts the capper on the festivities.

“Anne of Green Gables” (PBS, check local listings): The beloved Lucy Maud Montgomery story gets a new, filmed-in-Canada retelling, with Ella Ballentine in the title role of the spirited orphan who has a deep impact on the brother and sister (Martin Sheen, Sara Botsford) who take her in.

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” (ABC): Siblings, and “Dancing With the Stars” staples, Julianne and Derek Hough keep the family feel of the holiday by hosting this special originating mainly from Florida’s Walt Disney World. Kelly Clarkson and spouses Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are slated to perform.

“The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS”: The network again observes its holiday-morning ritual, spotlighting festivities in various cities ... including New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kevin Frazier (“Entertainment Tonight”) and Keltie Knight (“The Insider”) anchor, and musical guests include Sting and Miranda Lambert.

NFL Football (CBS, NBC, Fox): For those who can’t get through the holiday without watching big games, several match-ups are on tap: the Minnesota Vikings at the Detroit Lions (CBS) and the Washington Redskins at the Dallas Cowboys (Fox) in the daytime, and the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Indianapolis Colts (NBC) at night.

“The National Dog Show” (NBC): The Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s event – in which 2,000 canines vie for the coveted title Best in Show -- returns to the airwaves for the 15th

consecutive year with John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld”) as host, David Frei as analyst and Mary Carillo, Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir as reporters.

“Father of the Bride” (Turner Classic Movies): Comfortable, family-themed fare will be the order of the holiday on the channel, including the original 1950 version of the comedy with Spencer Tracy as the father and Elizabeth Taylor as the bride.

Thanksgiving Episode Marathon (Food Network): You’ll likely have the day’s meal planned out by the time this begins, but if you

need any last-minute tips, “Pioneer Woman,” “Valerie’s Home Cooking,” “Beat Bobby Flay” and other shows will

offer them.

James Bond Marathon (Epix): Someone simply has to showcase the world’s

most famous secret agent every Thanksgiving, and this time, the titles

range from some of the earliest (Sean Connery’s “From Russia With Love” and “Goldfinger”) to the latest (Daniel Craig’s “Spectre”) – and the festival c007ntinues the next day. (Sorry. We had to.)

“Flip or Flop” Marathon (HGTV): There’s actually one of these every Thursday, but since home is especially where the heart is on Thanksgiving, it might be even

more appropriate to watch Tarek and Christina El Moussa perform

their house-renovating magic.

John Wayne Festival (AMC): The holidays also mean a day with “The Duke”

at some point, and such classics as “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” “The Sons of

Katie Elder” and “The Shootist” – Wayne’s last film – are on tap this time.

Comedy-Block Marathon (TBS): Since Thanksgiving is known for big helpings, extended doses of such sitcoms as “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “The King of Queens” will maintain that spirit.

“Back to the Future” Marathon (TNT): Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) will be doing a lot of holiday time-tripping, with the complete comedy-fantasy trilogy being shown.

“Chrisley Knows Best” Marathon (USA Network): And … if you end up stressed out by your own family on Thanksgiving? This one might make you feel better.

dishes out a platter of variety on television as well as on tablesThanksgiving

FOLIO

How did you approach playing two characters, twins Hana and Joon Seung, in your acting debut in the National Geographic miniseries “Mars”?

Well, I’m a singer/songwriter by trade and when I write songs I perform them at various times. When I’m performing generally, sometimes I’m singing songs that I wrote three months ago, two years ago, five years ago. So you’re evoking a sense of emotion that didn’t happen at that point in time. So instead of trying to learn a bunch of acting techniques last minute, which I tried to, I basically just decided to trust my instincts.And as far as twins go, I did a lot of research on twins and learned that the depth of the identical twin connection is like none other in this world. It is deeper than a mother and child connection. And I interviewed this one person who went on a trip with his identical twin to Europe and fell in love and decided to stay in Europe and his brother went back to America. And he said the void that he felt was so deep and it was so intense and so painful and he described it as if they kind of shared a heart and soul and there was so much missing in his life because it was the first time that they weren’t together anymore. And that really made me understand the identical twin connection and the relationships.

GEORGE DICKIE’S Q&A


CELEBRITY

You also had to undertake

some astronaut training, too,

correct?

We had Dr. Mae Jemison, who came and worked with us for a

week, and that was really fascinating. It was really fun (and) she was phenomenal.

She has nine Ph.Ds, and the sense of strength and authority she has in her presence alone was like, wow! We learned so much from her.

J

I

H

A

E

of ‘Mars’ Monday on National Geographic

Click or tap on icon for more!

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/ultimate-survival-alaska/?gclid=CLuYneG-xsMCFYcDaQodW4cAUg

JOSHUAJACKSONJAY BOBBIN’S Q&A


of ‘The Affair’ Sunday on Showtime

CELEBRITY

As Season 3 of “The Affair” begins, how intense does the atmosphere become on the set?I mean, there are definitely days of exhaustion. It is work, but I will say that this has been probably the most congenial cast all the way through that I’ve ever worked with. Maybe it’s because it’s so emotionally intense on the page that the set is actually quite light. It’s a pretty joyful place to go to work every day.I mean, you definitely pour a lot into what’s going on camera, and that can definitely take its toll, but the surrounding environment is really positive. And frankly, we kind of pick each other up. I feel a lot of times that you always have the energy to do it when you feel like everybody’s pulling in the same direction, and that’s definitely been the experience for me on set.

What do you think makes a relationship endure, through the prism of what happens in the series?I don’t know, truthfully. I think each one of the situations is individual. The relationship between Helen and Noah presented its own issues. The relationship between Cole and Alison presented its own issues. I’m not sure that there is an answer.

Has your work on “The Affair” affirmed the notion that each person sees a shared relationship uniquely in his or her own way?Any human who’s had an interaction with another human can recognize that as true – that you have your personal story, and they don’t have to share that. And, quite often, it’ll be divergent. If you care about that person a lot, there’s an essential loneliness to that, that you can’t actually live in the same experience at the same time.Sometimes you’ll be in the middle of that happy, charming anecdote about that great time that happened in your life, and your partner will look at you and be like, ‘What the f... are you talking about? That’s not how that happened at all.’ And I think that that, essentially, is the basis (of the series). Click or tap on icon for more!

http://www.sho.com/sho/home


MARIO BATALI’S

FOOD

Courtesy of Mario Batali

Serves: 8 to 10Skill level: ModeratePrep time: 20 minutesCook time: 3 1/2 to 4 hoursInactive cook time: 12 hours

Ingredients:- 1 gallon water- 1 cup salt- 2 cups honey- 1 gallon ice water- One 12-15 pound turkey- 1/2 cup black olive tapenade- 1/4 cup olive oil- Zest of 2 oranges- 1 onion, chopped- 1 bunch scallions- 1 grapefruit, peeled and chopped

Instructions:1). In a large stock pot over high heat, combine the water, salt, and honey. Bring to a boil, and stir frequently to be sure salt is dissolved. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature. When the mixture is cool, pour it into a clean five-gallon bucket. Stir in the ice water.

2). Place the turkey, “head first,” into the brine. Make sure that the cavity gets filled. Place the bucket in the refrigerator overnight but no longer than 12 hours.

Remove the turkey and carefully drain off the excess brine and pat dry. Discard excess brine. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Set the turkey in a roasting pan fitted with a rack.

3). In a small bowl, mix together the tapenade, olive oil, and orange zest. Take your hand and loosen the skin from the breast. Using a silicone spatula, spread the tapenade mixture under the skin of the turkey. Stuff the onion, scallions, and grapefruit into the cavity of the turkey. Drizzle olive oil all over the turkey and place in the oven.

4). Cook for about 30 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue cooking until a thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Let the turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

What are you most thankful for this year?“I’m thankful that my kids are healthy and happy and both enrolled in the University of Michigan and they seem to be making a good run at it.”

Who cooks your Thanksgiving meal?“I do. … I like it.”

turkey with grapefruit and tapenade


GEORGE DICKIE’S WHAT'S FOR DINNER

When was your last vacation, where and why?

“The last vacation we took as a family was we were in Portofino (Italy) and then in the south of France on a little boat.”

What book are you currently reading?

“Right now, I’m actually reading ‘The Red Rooster Cookbook’ by Marcus Samuelsson, who is a fascinating dude. And I was in Seattle, we were on a book tour at the same time last week and he’s a fascinating guy and has a lot of interesting things to say. In the fiction world, I’m just finishing up ‘Heroes of the Frontier’ by Dave Eggers.”

What is your next project?

“I’m promoting my cookbook (‘Big American Cookbook: 250 Recipes From Across the USA’) but we’re opening an Eataly in Boston in the third week of November.”

What did you have for dinner last night?

“Last night, I had a pastrami sandwich from Second Avenue Deli.”

Mario Batali of ABC’s weekday cooking series “The Chew” has advice for anyone attempting Thanksgiving dinner.

“Well I tell them to take a good, deep breath, assemble their information, write a menu that they think they can execute well and then build a prep list that starts on Monday and culminates on Thursday,” he says. “It’s more than a one-day thing.”

So if you’re reading this with your Sunday TV book, that means you should have everything you need in house by end of day, including your recipes. That way you can hit the ground running tomorrow.

Then it’s on to assembling the raw ingredients. You can slice all your vegetables on Monday, peel and cube your potatoes on Tuesday and leave them in water. If you’re brining your turkey, you’d begin this on Tuesday as well and continue on Wednesday. You can also make your stuffing on Wednesday.

Of course, everything doesn’t necessarily have to fall into this exact order but the idea is to spread out the work so you’re not struggling to get everything done at the last minute. And, cautions Batali, you should never shop for ingredients on Wednesday.

“The Wednesday shopper is prey to everything they want you to be prey to in a grocery store,” he says.

By Thursday, the lion’s share of the work should be done so that the cooking can begin in earnest.

“All I really have to do is go through the rudimentary steps of cooking and bringing to heat all the things on the very last day,” he says. “... Then I have a timing schedule on Thursday, half hour by half hour, to make sure I get everything done.”

The idea, says Batali, is to take the stress off the cook so that they can actually enjoy themselves and be thankful for this day.

“You should really do a lot of prep so that by the time the day comes, you can spend a lot of time with your guests,” he says.

‘THE CHEW’S’ Mario Batal i is the man with the Thanksgiv ing plan


FOOD

http://abc.go.com/

JAY BOBBIN’S CELEBRITY SCOOP


DEAN CAIN


Since you play an aspiring morning-show host in “Broadcasting Christmas,” what do you think of that profession?I’ve known a lot of broadcasters in my day. My first foray into it was that I was dating a girl who was a broadcaster, and she was going to bed at 7 at night and getting up at 2 in the morning. We talk about getting up at 4 or 4:15 in this movie; well, that’s easy! It’s great for us to wake up and get our news, but that’s a tough lifestyle.It’s a cutthroat business and a small world, and it’s got all kinds of politics that you don’t realize. Every business has that, but when you’re sitting at home watching, you don’t consider everything that’s at play within that show or network or whatever it happens to be.

Like you, your “Broadcasting Christmas” co-star Melissa Joan Hart has made her fair share of holiday stories. How was it to work with her?It was amazing! The two of us have done so many television hours, hundreds or probably thousands if you get into it, it’s incredible to work with somebody who’s so professional. It’s a shorthand.We flew through our days, and it was great. We could just whip through our dialogue, neither of us could throw the other one off, and it was just a lot of fun to work with such a total pro. That was a great, great part of the process.

Since you’re no stranger to holiday TV movies, what’s your take on the efforts to make new ones fresh by adding themes such as broadcasting?It’s a time with such emotion that goes on, when you have a story that takes place at Christmas time, it just amps that up ... that vulnerability that people feel during the holidays. And I love that. Setting anything during Christmas is, for me, happiness.

CELEBRITY

of ‘Broadcasting Christmas’ Wednesday on Hallmark Channel

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/


JAY BOBBIN’S Q&A

David Eigenberg always lends strong support on “Chicago Fire,” but he’s about to take the lead.

The Tuesday, Nov. 22, episode of the filmed-on-location NBC drama that’s now in Season 5, puts the “Sex and the City” alum’s character – the streetwise, often sardonic Christopher Herrmann, who also co-owns the bar Molly’s – in command of a shift by his fellow first responders. Lt. Matthew Casey (played by Jesse Spencer) believes the experience of learning firsthand what Firehouse 51’s bosses face will help Herrmann in landing a promotion.

Raised in Chicago’s suburbs himself, Eigenberg deems the story “really cool,” noting that Herrmann’s “Achilles heel is his directness and his inability to censor himself ... and his sense of what’s right. In the real firefighting world, there’s a line between the bureaucracy, the rule-writers and what really needs to happen. ”Generally speaking, firefighters are really unsentimental people on the surface,“ adds Eigenberg, ”so underneath it is a quiet love. If you watch them on an incident, they’re not going to look at a tragedy in a sentimental manner. They’re going to be straight and direct and grab the (victim) whether they look like they’re dead or they have a chance, and they’re going to do everything they can to help that person.“

Eigenberg says he always strives to bring that sensibility to Herrmann, “a genuine concern for humanity in general, or the firefighter is broken. And that happens, and that’s tragic in its own realm. I’ve seen 1/1,000 of what these actual men and women see, and I have been affected.”

Like all “Chicago Fire” regulars, Eigenberg has made crossover appearances on sister series “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med” (and likely will on the forthcoming “Chicago Justice,” too). He credits the executive producer of all of the shows, Dick Wolf, for wanting “decent people” on the shows.

“He’s a decent guy. I don’t know him very well, but in the Hollywood scheme, he is a very fair man. That, I do know, and I think that is a phenomenal quality to have in show business because you just don’t see it (much). It’s a brutal business.”

Click or tap here for more!

CELEBRITY

Checking in with

David Eigenberg

http://www.nbc.com/

CELEBRITY

“I’m my favorite version of myself because of all the stuff that’s happened, and I think I’m just grateful that God is so faithful to me. I’m on the other side of it now, and I just have such a wildly different perspective on life. I’ve changed, and that’s all I can say, because it affects everything.” – Missy Peregrym of “Hawaii Five-0” on CBS

“I am so thankful for the health of my family, really. Everybody’s strong and OK, and that’s it. There’s nothing more that I could ask for.” – Dean Cain of “Broadcasting Christmas” Wednesday on Hallmark Channel

“Frankly, every day … every hour of every day, and everybody in it. This past year, I’ve had some health issues, so I’ve become more and more grateful for every breath that I have been given to breathe. I give thanks and praise every day, and I could do it from morning to night and still not give enough thanks for my life, my health and my family. And for all the love that I have been lucky enough to receive and to give.” – Martin Sheen of “Anne of Green Gables” airing Thursday on PBS

Celebs give pause to share with us their thankful thoughts

Pictured: Missy Peregrym

“The health and safety of my family … for all of our hard and dark and difficult and -- at times -- ugly challenges, to live in a

country where I can wake up and feel that I’m able to meet the needs of my family, and that everyone is fed and that I have

access to health care and clean water. I have a huge place in my heart for the refugee community, but learning more about

how dire that situation is, it makes me that much more grateful every day that we get to lead the lives that we lead.” –Jennifer Nettles, seen recently on NBC’s “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of

Many Colors: Circle of Love “Pictured: Jennifer Nettles and Dolly Parton


Continued on next page

“I’ve got two kids, and they’ve become a gift I never thought I would have. I didn’t dream of it, and they’re the best part of living.” – David Eigenberg of “Chicago Fire” on NBC

CELEBRITY


Pictured: David Eigenberg

“I’m thankful for my family. I’m really thankful for my friends. I’m really thankful that – you know, my family’s had a lot of loss in the last two years so I just feel grateful to have the people that I have around me.” – Talia Balsam of “Divorce” on HBO

My family. I’m so lucky to have my mother Erminia in good health and spirits. She turns 96 in January. My children are still thriving with me in our family business, and my grandchildren are becoming adults with one in college, one starting next year and the remaining three soon to follow. They still love to spend time with Grandma in the kitchen, especially around the holidays. – Lidia Bastianich of “Lidia’s Kitchen” on PBS

Pictured: Talia Balsam


STORY


Martin Sheen believes many young people aren’t familiar with his work, but that’s

likely to change this Thanksgiving.

The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning acting veteran who played President Josiah Bartlet on “The West Wing,” and now co-stars in the Netflix comedy “Grace & Frankie,” is adding a television credit sure to be appreciated by all ages. In a new PBS version of the classic Lucy Maud Montgomery story “Anne of Green Gables” Thursday, Nov. 24 (check local listings), Sheen and Canadian talent Sara Botsford portray Prince Edward Island siblings who take in spirited orphan Anne Shirley (Ella Ballentine). She has a major effect on them and vice versa in the tale, which includes Montgomery’s granddaughter Kate Macdonald Butler among its executive producers.

“I didn’t realize how revered this character is until I came here,” the gracious Sheen says of his role as the quietly benevolent Matthew Cuthbert during production in Canada. “I’m really the only person in the cast who’s from the United States, and everyone here is enamored of this great, classic literary work. I’m new to the bargain, but they’ve been very generous in their support and their praise.”

In turn, Sheen has high praise for young actress Ballentine as the new Anne. “Oh, well, I adore Ella,” he confirms. “She’s very much a modern teenager, yet she still has

Martin Sheen brings a new ‘Anne of Green Gables’ to PBS for

ThanksgivingBY JAY BOBBIN


a strong discipline. She’s no child, she’s a professional actress, and she has the bulk of the work here. She’s in practically every scene, and she has tons of dialogue. She’s on the mark every day, though she has very long hours; she has schooling as well, and she’s been an extraordinary colleague. I’m just so deeply moved and impressed by her.”

Sheen also enjoyed working with Botsford, particularly in enacting a brother and sister of that age: “They both are confirmed bachelors, I guess. They gave up on any aspiration they ever had of having their own families, so when Anne comes in, she really churns up a lot of feelings that have laid dormant with these old folks for all their adult lives. This firebrand gives them the blessing of her presence, and gives them an opportunity to grow in ways they could not possibly have known before she got there.”

After the popular mid-1980s series that starred Megan Follows (“Reign”) and also was shown by PBS, several new “Anne of Green Gables” movies featuring Sheen have been made for Canadian television, though plans for the

others’ U.S. exhibition have yet to be announced. (Netflix is making its own “Anne” series, in conjunction with Canada’s CBC network, that’s set to debut next spring.)

“In fact, there were eight books that took Anne from 11 years old to adulthood,” Sheen reports, “to marriage and to having her own children. It goes all the way up to the 1930s, I believe, but this one is still at the beginning of the 20th century.”

Despite his abundant film work that has encompassed such career milestones as “Badlands,” “Apocalypse Now” and “Wall Street,” a new skill Sheen learned for “Anne of Green Gables” was how to drive a horse-pulled wagon.

“The horse’s name in the script was Henry, but in real life, it’s Harry,” he notes, “so we changed Henry to Harry, and he seemed to appreciate that. He was very cooperative with me, but he knew he could bully me. As soon as I took the reins, he’d look around as if to say, ‘You again?’ He was on to me, but he was a good sport, and I became very fond of him.”

STORY

Continued from previous page

Pictured: Ella Ballentine and Martin Sheen


http://www.pbs.org/


STORY


BY JAY BOBBINAs glad as the Gilmore Girls may be to be back, so is one of the main men in their lives.

Eagerly awaited by fans, the revival of the widely beloved 2000-07 series that started on the former WB Network and finished on The CW, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” – comprised of four 90-minute stories, all written by creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband Daniel Palladino, and each set during one of the year’s seasons in the idyllic Connecticut town of Stars Hollow – begins streaming Friday, Nov. 25, on Netflix. Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel return as tightly bonded, smart-talking mother and daughter Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, with virtually all the other original cast members back as well.

Very prominent among them is Scott Patterson as Lorelai’s love, no-nonsense diner owner Luke Danes. “I can liken it to a political campaign a little bit, without lobbyists involved,” Patterson muses of making the “Gilmore Girls” reprise. “Listen, I’ve been advocating for this for a long time. I always felt the fans deserved it, wanted it, needed it and had to have it. And here we are, so it’s very satisfying, a destination that everybody collectively wanted to get to.”

The ‘Gilmore Girls’ are rejoined by Scott Patterson in much-anticipated Netflix revival


STORY

For Patterson, the idea of more “Gilmore Girls” became a reality “in my heart of hearts” when pivotal players (from both sides of the camera) reunited for a panel at last year’s ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas.

“I just felt the fan enthusiasm was going to win the day,” he reflects. “There was a palpable momentum, and I kind of knew instinctively that a deal had to be made. If it wasn’t going to happen at ATX, it never was; we were all getting a little long in the tooth, but it seemed like everybody in the cast was willing and available and wanted to make it happen as well. The stars were sort of aligning.”

A big step, per Patterson, was the signing of what he terms the “Core Four” ... “the two girls, then me, then Kelly Bishop (as Lorelai’s expectation-filled mother Emily). They needed to lock us in before it could really happen.” Also among the returnees are Keiko Agena (alias Lane), Liza Weil (Paris), Yanic Truesdale (Michel), “The Good Wife” alum Matt Czuchry (Logan), current “This Is Us” co-star Milo Ventimiglia (Jess), “Supernatural’s” Jared Padalecki (Dean), Sean Gunn (Kirk), David Sutcliffe (Christopher), Rose Abdoo (Gypsy), Vanessa Marano (April) – and Melissa McCarthy, whose career obviously took giant leaps after her “Gilmore Girls” tenure as Sookie.

The late actor Edward Herrmann is remembered strongly in the new stories, since the passing of his family-patriarch character Richard Gilmore is addressed “quite beautifully, and deftly handled,” Patterson says. He adds the update “couldn’t have been done” without the Palladinos, who weren’t involved in the final season of the series due to a contract dispute. “It’s their voices. It’s a real gift that they have, and they hit it out of the park with this.”

While most story details of “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” remain under wraps, Patterson (also a musician who’s been recording an album with his blues-rock band Gordon) confirms those encompass Lorelai-and-Luke scenes bound to satisfy any fan.

“I enjoyed those more than any other scenes I’ve done on the show,” he maintains. “Understand, this is still ‘Gilmore Girls’ in tone and in pace, and fans will recognize it right away – but this is Netflix. Before, people were getting 40 minutes of content with commercials (per episode) and now, they’re getting an hour-and-a-half of uninterrupted content. The scenes are longer and more fleshed out, and they go to places we haven’t gone before as a show.”

Continued from previous page


https://www.netflix.com/

BY GEORGE DICKIE

Patriots Day is historically a day of celebration in Boston.

Observed each year on the third Monday in April, it commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the American Revolution, on April 19, 1775. In Massachusetts, it’s a holiday that closes businesses and schools, sees the Boston Red Sox play an 11 a.m. home game and brings out thousands for the Boston Marathon. Along its 26.2-mile route, it’s one big party.

But on April 15, 2013, two pressure-cooker bombs detonated 12 seconds apart turned a joyous occasion into a scene of horror on Boyleston St., as three people lay dead and more than 260 were injured. The explosions were linked to two brothers from Eastern Europe, one of whom was killed during police pursuit.

The stories of some survivors are told in the HBO documentary “Marathon: The Patriots Day Bombing,” premiering Monday, Nov. 21. The two-hour film uses surveillance footage, news clips, home movies and exclusive interviews with survivors and their families, along with police, first responders and reporters, to paint a picture of people facing the enormous challenges of physical and emotional recovery with courage and, in some cases, humor as they try to reclaim their lives.

“The stories were so compelling and they hadn’t been told,” explains Ricki Stern, who directed the documentary with filmmaking partner Annie Sundberg, “and we felt

ultimately ... that in telling these survivors’ stories, that it

reflects a much bigger story of the impact, the concentric

circles of impact that one incident has on not just the

immediate people who are impacted and affected or

injured but the whole community and ultimately we as a

nation.”

The film begins by recounting the events of that sunny

spring day, from the moments before the attacks to the

aftermath, including the blood-soaked sidewalks, the

investigation and the apprehension of the two suspects.

The film then delves into the stories of the injured, three

families with members who lost limbs, were critically hurt

or suffered from PTSD. As the documentary progresses,

we learn some have healed faster than others and a few

are still struggling with their injuries. One story, that of

newlywed Jessica Kensky, is particularly heart-wrenching.

At this writing, the double amputee required more surgery.

And they’re not the only sufferers, as uninjured family

members and friends also struggle to cope with the

bombing’s impact on their loved ones and lives.

The subject matter is obviously very heavy, but there is

an undercurrent of optimism that runs through the film as

the victims try to make the best of their situations.

“The film is, as I think you might say, very uplifting, and in

some ways experiencing it is very cathartic – if you like a

good cry,” says Sundberg with a wry chuckle. “But there is

some humor and I think it’s really about the human spirit.”

Click or tap on icon for more! YOUR TV LINK Courtesy of Gracenote November 20 - 26, 2016

STORY

HBO’s ‘Marathon: The Patriots Day Bombing’ chronicles healing in the wake of tragedy

http://www.hbo.com/

BY GEORGE DICKIE

Millennials, fairly or unfairly, have been branded as a generation of people completely absorbed with themselves, a quality that’s evident in spades in the quartet of 20-somethings at the center of a new comedic mystery series premiering this week on TBS.

“Search Party,” premiering Monday, Nov. 21, and continuing with two episodes each night this week, stars Alia Shawkat (“Arrested Development,” “Cedar Rapids”) as Dory, a young college grad and chronic doormat who’s less than enthralled with her job, her relationship with spoiled, clueless boyfriend Drew (John Reynolds, “Stranger Things”) and her impact in her Brooklyn neighborhood and on the world.

That begins to change when she learns a college acquaintance has gone missing and she becomes obsessed with the case, much to the mystification of her friends: insecure, self-absorbed Portia (Meredith Hagner, “Men at Work”) and narcissistic poser Elliott (John Early, “Your Main Thing”). They feel bad that this girl they barely knew has disappeared and hope she’s OK, but that’s about it. Dory, meanwhile, turns amateur sleuth, in the process gaining a new sense of purpose.

“I think this show has that quality where, in a way, finding Chantal – this girl she knew however well we don’t know – she becomes active,” Shawkat says to a recent gathering of journalists in Beverly Hills, Calif. “She’s literally changing the course of her days and her relationships because she’s like, ‘I don’t know what this is, but it’s my future. It’s something that’s taking me out of myself,’ and, you know, therefore, she’s finding herself through finding this girl.”

At the outset of the first episode, none of the characters seem remotely likeable as they sip mimosas at brunch and snidely comment on how the missing girl “had nothing


Millennial pals seek a

missing girl and find themselves in TBS’

‘Search Party’

to offer” and “was always just around.” But as the series progresses, their redeeming traits begin to surface.

“The show is, sort of, a satirical take on millennial culture,” executive producer Charles Rogers explains, “but it’s also a mystery and a comedy. So the premise sort of (revolves) around this missing friend of theirs named Chantal and Dory’s pursuit to find her. And the friends sort of (join forces) as they go down the rabbit hole and enter much deeper, darker danger than these privileged Brooklynites are ever, like, capable of handling.”


STORY

http://www.tbs.com/


SPORTS

Thursday, Nov. 24NFL FootballMinnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions — 12:30 p.m. on CBS

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys — 4:30 p.m. on Fox

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts — 8:30 p.m. on NBC

GAME ON!Sunday, Nov. 203 p.m. on NBCNASCAR Racing

The longest regular season in pro sports comes to an end not far from where it began when NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship culminates with the running of the Ford EcoBoost 400. The race is held at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. That’s not too far from where things will literally start up again in Daytona in mid-February. Kyle Busch is the reigning 2015 Sprint Cup Series champion and today four drivers will have a shot at the title.

Sports to catch this week!


BY DAN LADDMuch of the talk in Dallas lately has been about who should be the starting quarterback. Regardless of whether it’s veteran Tony Romo or rookie Dak Prescott, the one guy they’ll be handing the ball to will be rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott. As is tradition, the Cowboys will again host an NFL game on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, this time against their divisional rival, the Washington Redskins. The game will air on Fox.

The Cowboys have lost three of the last four games on Thanksgiving Day, but got off to a tremendous start this season on the timely and conservative play of Prescott and the power-running of Elliott, who at press time is the NFL rushing leader. Credit the Cowboys offensive line for some of that success.

The always-smiling Elliott came to Dallas as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft; a move that was questioned by many who felt Dallas should address defensive needs. But Elliott is a three-down back who can catch a pass out the backfield and protect his quarterback with solid blocking skills. He showcased these talents at Ohio State, where he won a National Championship with the Buckeyes in his sophomore season.

Zeke also shows flashes of speed in the open field and it should be noted that he won state championships as a sprinter while in high school in Missouri. So far this season only Dallas’ opponents regret the Cowboys’ first round selection on draft day.

EZEKIELELLIOTT

SPORTS


What Tom Cruise does, he does really well.

That even includes his portrayal of ex-military cop turned troubleshooter Jack Reacher from several years ago, which some readers of the Lee Child novels had troubles with. For those who didn’t, the sequel “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” is a very entertaining follow-up, with Cruise again playing it moody as a man of action and relatively few words.

Reacher now has to help the major who took his former job (Cobie Smulders, of “How I Met Your Mother” and Marvel-movie fame, fulfilling her own duties neatly and teaming effectively with Cruise). Someone is killing soldiers in her command, and since she’s being set up to take the fall, she turns to Reacher for help. Ultimately, though, they have to help each other when a hit man targets them.

Upping the stakes for our hero is the new information that he may have a teenage daughter (Danika Yarosh) he didn’t know about, and she gets caught up in the mayhem, too.

The mayhem culminates at a New Orleans carnival that’s pleasantly reminiscent of Sean Connery’s James Bond trying to stay alive amid the colorful craziness of the Bahamas’ Junkanoo Parade in “Thunderball.” This spin

on the idea isn’t as immediately classic, but it does provide more vibrancy than almost anything in the first “Jack Reacher” film and serves its immediate purpose.

Cruise’s typical star wattage is familiar to just about anyone who’s gone to the movies over the past 30 years, but the “Jack Reacher” franchise forces a lid on that. Rather than being off-putting, it’s something of a treat to watch the actor resort to frequent squints and slow burns,

having to leave behind much of his usual bag of tricks.

Though it’s been four years since his first turn in the part, Cruise keeps his interpretation of Reacher consistent. Again, that may come with frustration for those who know author Child’s envisioning of the character was considerably different, but it’s to Cruise’s credit that he still plays it as he sees it (though, admittedly, also as his own physicality limits it).

Under the assured direction of Edward Zwick, who also worked with Cruise on “The Last Samurai,” “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” moves right along at a satisfying clip. Its action is darker than Cruise puts forth in the “Mission: Impossible” series, but his mission here stands quite nicely for what it is.

JAY BOBBIN'S THEATRICAL MOVIE REVIEW

TOM CRUISE goes back to ‘Jack Reacher’ in mystery sequel

MOVIES

Our Take


MOVIES

MoviesMoana An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Genre: Adventure, Comedy Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, Alan Tudyk

Bad Santa 2 Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie Soke teams up with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. Along for the ride is chubby and cheery Thurman Merman, a 250-pound ray of sunshine who brings out Willie’s sliver of humanity. Mommy issues arise when the pair are joined by Willie’s horror story of a mother. Genre: Comedy Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, Tony Cox

Allied During World War II, intelligence officer Max Vatan is stationed in North Africa where he encounters French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Reunited in London, their relationship is threatened by the extreme pressures of the war. Genre: Historical Drama, Romance, Thriller, War Cast: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris

Rules Don’t Apply Small town beauty queen and devout Baptist Marla Mabrey, under contract to the infamous Howard Hughes, arrives in Los Angeles. At the airport, she meets her driver, Frank Forbes. Their instant attraction not only puts their religious convictions to the test but also defies Hughes’ number one rule: no employee is allowed to have an intimate relationship with a contract actress. Genre: Romance, Comedy Drama Cast: Warren Beatty , Lily Collins , Alden Ehrenreich

Lion Five year old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, armed with only a handful of memories, his unwavering determination, and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home. Genre: Biography, Drama Cast: Dev Patel , Rooney Mara , David Wenham , Nicole Kidman

Miss SloaneIn the high-stakes world of political power-brokers, Elizabeth Sloane is the most sought after and formidable lobbyist in D.C. Known equally for her cunning and her track record of success, she has always done whatever is required to win. However, when she takes on the most powerful opponent of her career, she finds that winning might cost her too much.

Genre: Drama, Thriller Cast: Jessica Chastain , Mark Strong , Gugu Mbatha-Raw

MoviesNeed to work off the turkey and escape the crazy relatives? Go to the movies!

Rules Don’t Apply

MOANA

IN THEATERS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 23

IN THEATERS FRIDAY, NOV. 25

NOW PLAYING!

MOVIES

“ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE” (Nov. 29): Jennifer Saunders (also the writer here) and Joanna Lumley reprise their television roles as the high-living Edina and Patsy. (R: AS, P)

“DON’T BREATHE” (Nov. 29): Three young thieves make the mistake of choosing a supposedly helpless man’s house to rob; Stephen Lang and Jane Levy star. (R: AS, P, GV)

“PETE’S DRAGON” (Nov. 29): A live-action version – with “dragon” computer graphics – of the Disney classic retells the tale of an orphan (Oakes Fegley) and his fire-breathing friend. (PG: P)

“THE BFG” (Nov. 29): In Steven Spielberg’s telling of the Roald Dahl story, a youngster (Ruby Barnhill) befriends a friendlier-than-most giant (Mark Rylance). (PG: AS, V)

“JASON BOURNE” (Dec. 6): Matt Damon returns as the former CIA operative, enlisted to help expose questionable agency initiatives. (PG-13: AS, P, V)

“THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS” (Dec. 6): Two dogs (voices of Louis C.K. and Eric Stonestreet) run away and find a society of abandoned pets in New York City in this animated hit. (PG: AS)

UPCOMING DVD RELEASES

JAY BOBBIN'S DVD DIGEST

Top PickDVD

Family Viewing Ratings

AS Adult situations P Profanity V Violence N Nudity GV Graphic Violence

“HELL OR HIGH WATER”Two brothers portrayed by Chris Pine and Ben Foster feel they have no choice but to commit robbery in this violent, well-played melodrama. They’re staging the crimes in what they perceive as a way to make amends for their troubled family history, but naturally, they only buy more problems for themselves ... especially when it comes to the veteran Texas Ranger (Jeff Bridges, in a role ideally suited to him) who’s on their trail, hoping a successful resolution to the chase will delay the retirement that’s nearing for him. Katy Mixon (“American Housewife”), Kevin Rankin and veteran character actor Buck Taylor also appear in the tale written by actor Taylor Sheridan (“Sons of Anarchy”). ››› (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)

Pictured: Ben Foster

Pictured: Joanna Lumley (left) and

Jennifer Saunders


THANKSGIVING SHOWS

Stuff yourself with these dishes of Thanksgiving TV

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 8:30 p.m. on ABCHoliday stress rises considerably for Katie (Katy Mixon) when her self-involved mom (guest star Wendie Malick, “Hot in Cleveland”) pays a visit in the new episode “The Blow-Up.” The situation seems to go from bad to worse when Viv (Leslie Bibb) gives herself an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner -- but, in fact, she proves to be a potential bridge between mother and daughter. Diedrich Bader, Julia Butters and Daniel DiMaggio also star. NEW

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 8 p.m. on Fox“L.A. Law” Emmy winner and “NYPD Blue” veteran Jimmy Smits -- soon to be seen in “24: Legacy” -- guest stars as Amy’s (Melissa Fumero) ex-cop father, who comes to Thanksgiving dinner, in the new episode “Mr. Santiago.” Jake (Andy Samberg) is desperate to make a good impression on him. Pimento’s (guest star Jason Mantzoukas) realization that he’s banned from further NYPD work leads Holt (Andre Braugher) to counsel him. Joe Lo Truglio also stars. NEW

Sunday, Nov. 209 p.m. on Food NetworkIn the preheat for another holiday-themed episode called “Thanksgiving Joy,” the remaining seven bakers are tasked with combining all their favorite Thanksgiving desserts into elegant trifles. Next, the bakers must create “Thanksgiving imposter cupcakes” that will fool the eye and have everyone doing a double take at first bite. Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller and Lorraine Pascale are the judges; Bobby Deen hosts. NEW

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

The Blow-Up

Thanksgiving Joy

Mr. Santiago

THE DAY OF GIVING THANKS

“Please pass the potatoes”: Tune-in for a NEW themed episode of Bob’s Burgers at 8:30 p.m. on Fox

“We need turkey over here!”: Catch these NEW themed episodes tonight: The Middle at 8 p.m. on ABC, New Girl at 8:31 p.m. on Fox, This Is Us at 9 p.m. on NBC


continued on next page

FOLIO


THANKSGIVING SHOWS

Wednesday, Nov. 239 p.m. on NBCSince the holiday season is on the doorstep, so is a new two-hour “SNL Thanksgiving 2016” special, compiling sketches from the distant and very recent pasts of the late-night staple. One fun thing about such offerings is gauging how the humor has changed through different casts and eras of the show -- and given what a principal theme of the episodes has been in the past couple of months, don’t be surprised to see some political comedy sneak in here. NEW

SNL Thanksgiving 2016

Saturday Night Live

Also check out this heapin’ helpin’ of new episodes

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration (Thurs., Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. on ABC) NEW SPECIAL

Christmas in Homestead (Thurs., Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel) NEW TV MOVIE

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (Fri., Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. on ABC)

Frosty the Snowman (Fri., Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. on CBS)

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (Fri., Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. on The CW)

Christmas List (Fri., Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel) NEW TV MOVIE

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Fri., Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. on NBC) 50TH ANNIVERSARY AIRING

Frosty Returns (Fri., Nov. 25 at 8:30 p.m. on CBS)

A Heavenly Christmas (Sat., Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel) NEW TV MOVIE

“Hey, can someone toss me a roll?” Be sure to watch:A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at 8 p.m. on ABCMacy’s 90th Thanksgiving Day Parade Special at 8 p.m. on NBC (NEW)

Thursday, Nov. 24

“Where’s the gravy? I need gravy!”: Don’t miss these traditional favorites:The Thanksgiving Day Parade at 9 a.m. on CBS (NEW)Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at 9 a.m. on NBC (NEW)The National Dog Show at 12 p.m. on NBC (NEW)

Saturday, Nov. 268 p.m. on Discovery and Science ChannelPunkin Chunkin 2016Just in time for “punkin” pie! A post-Halloween tradition in its home state of Delaware, this annual contest -- which is being simulcast on Science Channel -- pits teams of engineers and builders against each other to see which is able to hurl a seasonal gourd the greatest distance. “Mythbusters” alumni Tory Belleci and Kari Byron will be on hand to explain some of the technology favored by the various teams, which sport such names as Cinderella’s Revenge, And Your Little Dog 2, and Chunk Norris. Kyle Hill is the co-host. NEW

Punkin Chunkin 2016

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