I mentioned the other day that Harold Perrineau had joined the CBS pilot Demons. They've now cast the main character, Gus, and the winner is Ron Eldard. If you were paying attention, you might have seen him in the short-lived Men Behaving Badly or Blind Justice. Otherwise, think of him as the paramedic with issues that was dating Carol early in the ER run. It's not the best piece of casting I've ever seen. Eldard has never proven that he can be the dramatic lead for a show, but stranger things have happened. Meanwhile, over at CBS, Hugh Jackman (Wolverine!) is producing something called Viva Laughlin. Lloyd Owen (Miss Potter) will star as a family man trying to open a casino in Laughlin, NV. Word is that Jackman will appear in the pilot and may have a recurring role on the series. Given just that bit of knowledge, I'm intrigued by the possibilities.
Josh Cooke (Big Day) is set to join Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Janeane Garofolo in an untitled Barry Schindel (Numbers) law drama, which Anna mentioned back in November. Cooke will play a public defender, although he is still attached to Big Day and will stay with that show should it come back. Somehow, I don't think that's going to be an obstacle. I'm still trying to wrap my head around Janeane Garofolo in a serious law drama. Odd, that.
We already knew about Eric Balfour getting the lead gig in Protect and Serve. He'll be joined by Monica Potter (Boston Legal). She'll play his estranged wife. No word on whether they are estranged because of his somewhat unique talent to get a series killed quickly.
And the sure to be controversial Swingtown has added Lana Parrilla as the wife of Grant Show's pilot character. They will be a swinging couple going about their wife-swapping lifestyle in the 70's. I'm still shocked that CBS is even going to attempt this. I'll give them points for trying though, and give the show a look. That's more than I could say for CSI: Swingtown.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-10-2007 @ 3:42PM
innamorata said...
Ron Eldard? Blech. I was already not interested by the show just because of the title (what can I say, I don't care about supernatural stuff) but his casting certainly doesn't make me reconsider my stand thus far.
Can't say I'm interested in Swingtown either but I liked Parilla in Boomtown so I'll keep an eye open for other informations about the show. I just hope she let her hair grow long again. She looked bad in ...Windfall? (however that one was called - with the 90210 guy...errr...whatever his name).
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2-10-2007 @ 4:30PM
kathy said...
I have to disagree with your opinion that Ron Eldard has not proven that he can be a dramatic lead. Although the premise of Blind Justice may have been risky, Mr. Eldard's protrayal of the lead character was sensitive and flawless. I am also fortunate enough to have seen him perform live during his recent Broadway run in the play Doubt. Again, a magnificent performance by a wonderful actor.
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2-10-2007 @ 5:28PM
Barbara said...
Not only have I gotten to know this gifted artist personally, but I have followed Ron Eldard's career for fifteen years and he is nothing short of extraordinary. His love and passion for his art shows clearly through each and every performance, no matter the role. I can assure you that this show, and his upcoming movie, will be a triumph.
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2-10-2007 @ 6:13PM
dafnap said...
Oooooh. I'm guessing "Viva Laughlin" is a take on BBC's Blackpool, and if Jackman is going to be in it, even for a little, I imagine they're planning on keeping the musical elements as well. Neeeeat.
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2-10-2007 @ 7:18PM
BC said...
Lloyd Owen was also in the last few seasons of "Monarch of the Glen"; he is also a good baritone singer, so yes, it does sound like the musical elements of "Blackpool" are being preserved. If Jackman and Owen are onscreen at the same time I don't know if I'll be able to stand the hotness quotient. Sadly, while the music may remain, the nudity will not, given that it's US network TV.
Janeane Garofolo was quite good as an FBI agent in "Clay Pigeons", although I guess that movie qualifies as black comedy as opposed to straight drama. Still, her humor tends to be dry and sarcastic, so I don't have any problem imagining her in a drama. Although Gosselaar's show-killing prowess is even more potent than Balfour's, despite his smaller penis.
And yeah, Eldard was good in "Blind Justice", which was cancelled too soon, IMO.
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2-10-2007 @ 7:53PM
Mary said...
Ron Eldard is a marvelous actor who did an incredible job in Blind Justice. The show's premise was what doomed that show, not Ron. Every role that he takes on, he does an amazing job. He is very talented, and I think this pilot has an excellent chance of being picked up and if so, you will see an incredible performance by Ron Eldard.
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2-10-2007 @ 9:10PM
LLDH said...
I have to beg difference with your assessment of Ron Eldard and his ability to be a successful lead. He is, and always has been, one of the most unique actors in the industry; he is able to take on any character, any role, live it, breathe it and make you believe it. His portrayal of Jim Dunbar in Blind Justice was nothing short of brilliant - as have all of his roles, no matter the measure - I have absolutely no doubt that "Gus" will be given the same due by this wonderfully talented man.
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2-11-2007 @ 1:21PM
Anita said...
I have to agree wholeheartedly with the last few comments. His performance in Blind Justice was brilliant. I am not blind but do have a disability and the feelings,frustrations, and emotions portrayed by him were right on. He may not be well-known and he certainly doesn't get all the credit he deserves, but I can't wait to see his performance in Demons. I'm looking forward to it because I know it will be portrayed with the same care and dedication he brings to all his roles.
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2-11-2007 @ 9:54PM
Lindy said...
I went all the way to New York last year to see Ron Eldard on Broadway to see him in his performance in Doubt. He was excellent in that role and I have no doubt that he will be just as excellent in the role of Gus. He captured my attention in Blind Justice and I can't wait to see him in this role.
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2-11-2007 @ 11:25PM
Brendon Carr said...
It's nice to see that Ron Eldard's Mom and the rest of his family reads TV Squad so closely!
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2-12-2007 @ 10:32AM
Barbara said...
Your comments, Brendon, are tasteless and intolerable, to say the least. I pity your ignorance.
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