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David McCallum’s journey to landing the iconic role of Dr. Ducky Mallard on NCIS is one of those stories that stands out in Hollywood. Unlike many actors who simply follow the traditional audition process, he took a creative approach that not only captured the attention of casting directors but also set him apart from others.

David McCallum in a still from NCIS | Credits: CBS

Let’s take a deeper dive into the behind-the-scenes story of McCallum’s breakthrough and the moment that helped him land his career-defining role as Dr. Ducky Mallard.

How did David McCallum land the iconic role of Dr. Ducky on NCIS?

David McCallum’s audition for the role of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS is one for the history books. The actor, who would go on to become an iconic part of the show’s cast, used an unconventional tactic that ultimately won him the role.

Casting for a television series is considerably different than casting for a film or a stage play in that it's about more than just finding the right ensemble for right now; creators need to consider each actor's capacity for maturing and/or evolving in their role, as well as their ability to work and play well with others. You might be able to get away with casting a bit of a malcontent on a movie (though most directors I've spoken to sternly discourage this line of thinking), but if someone's even just a tad contentious during the casting process, they could make everyone's life miserable over the long haul, and that's just not worth it.

Obviously, creators and casting directors try like hell to get it right the first time through, but compromise is always necessary. Sometimes your first choice suddenly becomes unavailable, sometimes they want too much money and...

David McCallum didn’t just play a legend on NCIS; he lived like one. The late actor, known for his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, had a work ethic so unshakable it left a lasting mark on his co-stars. His commitment to work pushed others to step up their game.

David McCallum in NCIS | Credits: CBS Studios

One NCIS star, in particular, walked away permanently changed, driven to “do more” after witnessing McCallum’s ironclad approach. Because when Ducky set the bar, everyone else had to reach higher.

David McCallum’s legacy: The work ethic that truly inspired Wilmer Valderrama David McCallum in NCIS | Credits: CBS Studios

David McCallum set the bar high on NCIS, and his ironclad work ethic left a lasting mark, especially on Wilmer Valderrama. The NCIS star reflected on how McCallum’s dedication never wavered, even in his final scenes. Valderrama recalled (via The Wrap...

A new NCIS episode debuts on Monday night and revolves around a group of friends for one of the team.

An investigation begins at the home of Kasie Hines when her friend Victor is poisoned, taking the team into her personal life.

The February 10 installment is NCIS Season 22, Episode 12, continuing a string of new episodes on CBS.

It is followed by a new episode of NCIS: Origins at 10/9c, as the first season of the prequel show continues.

The previous NCIS episode began with a fun twist as Agents Nick Torres and Jessica Knight prepared to get married.

NCIS fans tuning in without context were caught off guard by the shenanigans.

Synopsis for NCIS Season 22, Episode 12

“NCIS investigates the fatal poisoning of one of Kasie’s forensic scientists. Meanwhile, McGee is questioned by the Pentagon regarding the contents of his book,” reads the full synopsis for the February 10 episode of NCIS.

NCIS has remained one of the most loved and watched procedural dramas for over two decades. The audiences love how the characters solve cases and the camaraderie between them. Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard played by David McCallum was one of the most adored individuals on the show.

David McCallum in NCIS | CBS Studios

He brilliantly played the role of an eccentric yet brilliant Chief Medical Examiner, and he was a staple in the show. But many fans might not know the story behind casting one of the most treasured characters on the show.

David McCallum was almost not cast as Ducky on NCIS David McCallum in NCIS | CBS Studios

Becoming Ducky on NCIS wasn’t a cakewalk for David McCallum, even though he seemed to be such a natural fit for the role. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio was hesitant to have him on the show, and James Whitmore Jr....

NCIS almost hit a dead end before it truly took off. And the reason was David McCallum’s Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Back in the early days, creator Donald Bellisario drew a hard line. McCallum’s casting as the quirky, bowtie-loving medical examiner was so essential that Bellisario threatened to pull the plug entirely if it didn’t happen.

David McCallum in NCIS | Credits: CBS Studios

For a show that became a procedural juggernaut, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Ducky, after all, was the heartbeat Bellisario refused to compromise on.

No Ducky, no NCIS: How David McCallum’s casting almost sank the show A still from NCIS | Credits: CBS Studios

Back in the early NCIS days, David McCallum’s Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard nearly didn’t make the cut. And creator Donald Bellisario was ready to cancel the entire show if McCallum didn’t get the role.

One of the curious things about "The Twilight Zone's" enduring popularity is that Rod Serling's classic anthology series has been rebooted three separate times, and even spun off into movies, and yet the original series is still considered the gold standard. You'll hear "Star Trek" fans sing the praises of "The Original Series," sure, but you'll also find lots of them who think the franchise peaked with "The Next Generation," "Deep Space Nine," or "Enterprise." But the reboots of the "Twilight Zone" aren't nearly as well remembered or celebrated as the original series, no matter how many great filmmakers or actors appeared in them.

Take the first TV reboot, for example. That version of "The Twilight Zone" aired for three seasons between 1985 and 1989 — peak, influential pop culture years — and featured episodes directed by cinematic luminaries like Wes Craven, Joe Dante, John Milius, Curtis Harrington, Bill Duke, Martha Coolidge,...

David McCallum, who played Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS for more than two decades, died Monday morning in New York. He was 90.

McCallum — who most recently appeared, remotely, in the final two episodes of NCIS‘ 20th season last spring — passed away at New York Presbyterian Hospital of natural causes.

More from TVLineNCIS Vet Pauley Perrette Remembers 'Legend' David McCallumNCIS Honors Late Actor David McCallum During CBS Marathon - See the TributeMark Harmon Remembers NCIS Co-Star David McCallum: 'I Was in Awe When I First Met Him'

“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise,...

Sixteen years ago, co-creator Donald P. Bellisario left NCIS due to conflicts with the star Mark Harmon. Harmon and Bellisario had a strained relationship, but without them, there would be no NCIS. Harmon is praised as a solid and committed professional who demands everyone to show up ready to go.

Sixteen years after co-creator Donald P. Bellisario left NCIS, the show's co-creators, producers, and director spoke about the conflict that led him to leave the show. Having begun in 2003, NCIS is a police procedural revolving around the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It was originally a spin-off of Jag before becoming successful enough to secure spin-offs of its own in NCIS: Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawai'i, and the upcoming Sydney. Harmon starred in the first 19 seasons as agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

As the wait for NCIS season 21 continues, several long-time creatives spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the show's long run.

I’ve written elsewhere about my admiration for the filmmaking on NCIS: New Orleans, a procedural that channels the spirit of Rio Bravo-era Howard Hawks to combine laid-back charm and camaraderie with kinetic, expertly choreographed action sequences. Under the guidance of producing director James Hayman, whose “Aftershocks” episode from season three is a clinic in Hitchcockian suspense, NCIS: New Orleans has assembled one of the best rotating companies of directors in episodic television: James Whitmore, Jr., Stacey K. Black, Rob Greenlea, and Bethany Rooney are just some of the superb helmers who have done fine work on the series over the […]...

Recently, ABC released the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Quantico" episode 8 of season 1. The episode is entitled, "Over," and it turns out that we're going to see some very dramatic and interesting stuff take place as a second bomb gets introduced. The recruits get tasked with separate assignments, and more! In the new, 8th episode press release: FBI Computers Are Hacked Giving Alex Evidence To Clear Her Name While Time Ticks Away As A Second Bomb Is In Play, On ABC's "Quantico." Press release number 2: In the future, the FBI computer system is hacked and confidential files go public leading Alex to the conclusion that a second bomb is in play somewhere in NYC. Back at Quantico, the recruits will be given individual assignments only to realize they are all connected as part of a lesson to look at the bigger picture. The episode was written by...

Recently, CBS served up the new, official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 3 of season 13. The episode is entitled, "Incognito," and it turns out that we're going to see some very interesting stuff go down as a marine murder prompts an undercover operation involving Bishop and Tim as a married couple, and more. In the new, 3rd episode press release: Bishop And McGee Go Undercover As A Married Couple To Investigate The Murder Of A Marine Who Was Killed Hours Before Meeting Gibbs About A Possible Case, On "NCIS," Tuesday, Oct. 6. Press release number 2: After a Marine is found murdered in Quantico hours after calling Gibbs to discuss a possible case, Bishop and McGee will go undercover as a married couple to run surveillance on a Marine Lieutenant and his wife. Guest stars feature: Bart Johnson (Marine Lieutenant Dean Hudson), Stephanie Koenig (Lauren Hudson), George Wyner (Randall Worthington...

Recently, CBS delivered the new, official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "NCIS: New Orleans" premiere episode 1 of season 2. The episode is entitled, "Sic Semper Tyranis," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting and high drama stuff take place as a very dangerous mission has Pride going undercover to prevent a major attack, and more! In the new, 2nd episode press release: The Team Plans A Dangerous Mission That Sends Pride Deep Undercover In Order To Retrieve A Stolen Missile And Prevent An Attack On A U.S. Naval Ship, On The Second Season Premiere Of "NCIS: New Orleans." Press release number 2: After a military convoy is bombed on a New Orleans bridge, Pride and the team will plan a dangerous undercover operation to retrieve a stolen missile and prevent an attack on a U.S. Naval ship, on the second season premiere of NCIS: New Orleans.

Ron Moody as Fagin in 'Oliver!' based on Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist.' Ron Moody as Fagin in Dickens musical 'Oliver!': Box office and critical hit (See previous post: "Ron Moody: 'Oliver!' Actor, Academy Award Nominee Dead at 91.") Although British made, Oliver! turned out to be an elephantine release along the lines of – exclamation point or no – Gypsy, Star!, Hello Dolly!, and other Hollywood mega-musicals from the mid'-50s to the early '70s.[1] But however bloated and conventional the final result, and a cast whose best-known name was that of director Carol Reed's nephew, Oliver Reed, Oliver! found countless fans.[2] The mostly British production became a huge financial and critical success in the U.S. at a time when star-studded mega-musicals had become perilous – at times downright disastrous – ventures.[3] Upon the American release of Oliver! in Dec. 1968, frequently acerbic The...

Recently, CBS released the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 23 of season 12. The episode is entitled, "The Lost Boys," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff take place as the NCIS team attempts to track down an international terrorist group that's been purchasing S-bombs, and more. In the new, 23rd episode press release: The NCIS Cyber Case Continues After The Team Uncovers A Group That's Recruiting Children To Carry Out Acts Of Terrorism On A Global Scale. Press release number 2: The NCIS cyber case is going to turn into a united global effort after evidence confirms "The Calling," an international terrorist group that recruits children through the internet, has been purchasing S-bombs off the black market. Matt Jones will return as NCIS Special Agent ,Ned Dorneget. The episode was written by Gina Lucita Monreal, and it was directed by James Whitmore,...

The Good Wife, Season 6, Episode 17: “Undisclosed Recipients”

Written by Leonard Dick

Directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Airs Sundays at 9pm Et on CBS

Remember Eli Gold? Oh, sure, Alan Cumming has been one of the few series-long mainstays not named Alicia on The Good Wife, but Eli has been so one-note for so long that he’s become very easy to take for granted. One of the things that makes “Undisclosed Recipients” one of the most enjoyable episodes of this season’s spotty back half is that it reminds us what made him such an entertaining character in the first place: his sheer, hateful disdain for people who behave incorrectly. After Alicia (drunk with power!) opens the episode by pissing off some of her biggest contributors and key associates (Lemond Bishop, Ed Asner’s Guy Redmayne, and outgoing S.A. Castro), Eli tells her what’s what. The trick,...

Casting on Roland Emmerich’s long-awaited blockbuster sequel continues today as The Wrap reports that Travis Tope is now circling a part in Independence Day 2. Should he lock down the gig, Tope will be the latest in a long line of franchise newbies destined to duke it out with the extraterrestrials in another global battle.

Those fresh faces include Charlotte Gainsbourg (Nymphomaniac, Melancholia), Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games series), who is expected to play the son-in-law of Bill Pullman’s President Whitmore from the 1996 original, and Jessie Usher (When The Game Stands Tall), who will bust out the quips as the stepson of Will Smith’s fast-talking pilot Steven Hiller.

With specifics on Tope’s role under wraps, there’s a good chance he may also play a character tenuously linked to the original as well. Forging a stronger connection to that first outing are a small ensemble of...

Last night, CBS released the new promo/spoiler clip (below) for their upcoming "The Good Wife" episode 17 of season 6, and it gives us new looks at some very dramatic and interesting stuff as Alicia is spotted getting some unpleasant fall out after becoming the State's Attorney, and more! The episode is labeled, "Undisclosed Recipients." In the new, 17th episode official synopsis: The Partners At Florrick/Agos/Lockhart Argue Over The Future Of The Firm. Synopsis number 2: The partners of Florrick/Agos/Lockhart will find themselves at odds when they voice different opinions regarding the company's future. Also, the firm is going to fall victim to a cyber-hack after it takes on the case of a movie producer whose work is pirated on a peer-to-peer sharing site. Ed Asner Returns as Guy Redmayne The episode was written by Executive Producer ,Leonard Dick, and it was directed by James Whitmore. Episode...

Recently, CBS delivered the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "The Good Wife" episode 17 of season 6. The episode is entitled, "Undisclosed Recipients," and it turns out that we're going to see some very dramatic and intense stuff take place as a cyber-hack attacks Alicia's firm while they complain about the future of the company, and more! In the new, 17th episode press release: The Partners At Florrick/Agos/Lockhart Argue Over The Future Of The Firm. Press release number 2: The partners of Florrick/Agos/Lockhart are going to find themselves at odds when they voice different opinions regarding the company's future. Also, the firm will fall victim to a cyber-hack after it takes on the case of a movie producer whose work is pirated on a peer-to-peer sharing site. Ed Asner returns as Guy Redmayne Guest stars feature: Ed Asner (Guy Redmayne), John Glover (Jared Andrews), Michael Stahl-David...

Last night, CBS served up the new promo/spoiler clip (below) for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 12 of season 12, and it gives us new looks at Tony getting his major flirting action on just before things get crazy with some terrorist problems, and more! The episode is titled, "The Enemy Within." In the new, 12th episode official synopsis: The NCIS team will end up, searching for a home-grown terrorist after a rescue mission in Syria reveals an American was involved in the capture of a social worker. Elsewhere, McGee and Bishop are going to question Dinozzo’s unusual behavior. Joe Spano guest stars as Senior FBI Agent T.C. Fornell and Marisol Nichols guest stars as Atf Special Agent Zoë Keates. The episode was written by George Schenck and Frank Cardea, and it was directed by James Whitmore, J. Episode 12 is scheduled to air on Tuesday night, January 13th at 7pm central time on CBS.

Recently, CBS delivered these new, official spoiler photos for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 12 of season 12, and they offer up new looks at cutie pie Bishop in new scenes with Tony and Tim. Also, Gibbs appears to be pretty tense in his scene, and more. The episode is titled, "The Enemy Within." The official storyline for episode 12, reads like this: "The NCIS team will search for a home-grown terrorist after a rescue mission in Syria reveals an American was involved in the capture of a social worker. In the meantime, McGee and Bishop will end up, questioning Dinozzo’s unusual behavior. Joe Spano guest stars as Senior FBI Agent T.C. Fornell and Marisol Nichols guest stars as Atf Special Agent Zoë Keates." The episode was written by George Schenck and Frank Cardea, and it was directed by James Whitmore, J. Episode 12 is due to air on Tuesday night, January 13th...

Recently, CBS delivered the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 12 of season 12. The episode is entitled, "The Enemy Within," and it turns out that we'll see the NCIS crew try to hunt down an American terrorist. Tony's new,weird behavior gets called into question, and more. In the new, 12th episode press release: The NCIS team is going to search for a home-grown terrorist after evidence reveals his role in the capture of a social worker in Syria. Press release number 2: The NCIS team will search for a home-grown terrorist after a rescue mission in Syria reveals an American was involved in the capture of a social worker. In the meantime, McGee and Bishop are going to question Dinozzo’s unusual behavior. Joe Spano guest stars as Senior FBI Agent T.C. Fornell and Marisol Nichols guest stars as Atf Special Agent Zoë Keates. Other Guest...

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, NCIS: New Orleans reunites old friends this week as former Quantum Leap co-stars Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell once again share the screen.

Stockwell guest-stars on Tuesday's episode (9/8c, CBS) as Tom Hamilton, the father of Councilman Douglas Hamilton (Steven Weber). In addition, the episode is directed by James Whitmore, Jr., who helmed more than a dozen episodes of Quantum Leap.

Read More >...

The Good Wife, Season 6, Episode 6: “Old Spice”

Written by Leonard Dick

Directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Airs Sundays at 9pm on CBS

For all of the huge life changes Alicia Florrick has had to endure over the course of The Good Wife’s five-and-change seasons, one character trait has always remained: her atheism. Alicia has never had the inclination towards belief in a higher power – at least, not one beyond the earthly plane. If anything, the years have made her ever more ruthlessly pragmatic as a matter of necessity. Her work and interpersonal relationships have been so toxic for so long that the notion of a loving, interventionist man upstairs has never been an option for her. Though many fans have long complained of the subplots given to Grace, Alicia’s pious daughter, their relationship proves to be the most fascinating aspect of “Old Spice,” an odd and somewhat...

Last night, CBS released the new promo/spoiler clip (below) for their upcoming "The Good Wife" episode 6 of season 6, and it appears to be quite interesting as Alicia gets assigned her own female bodyguard who just likes talk and talk, and talk. Alicia is starting up her new campaign, and more. The episode is currently untitled. In the new,6th episode synopsis: Alicia and Elsbeth will end up, putting their legal battle on pause when the government delivers an economic espionage charge against both of their clients. Elsewhere, Diane will direct all her energy on moving Florrick/Agos/Lockhart into the Lockhart/Gardner/Canning office space, leading to a battle with her former partners David Lee and Louis Canning. Michael J. Fox guest stars as Louis Canning. Carrie Preston and Kyle MacLachlan return as Elsbeth Tascioni and Ausa Josh Perotti. Ana Gasteyer reprises her role of Judge Patrice Lessner. The...

Last night, CBS dropped the new promo/spoiler clip (below) for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 23 of season 11, and it appears to be pretty interesting as Dinozzo runs into quite a few issues while trying to retrieve a wild party girl in Paris, and more. The episode is titled, "The Admiral’s Daughter.” In the new episode 23, Director Vance will offer up Dinozzo an important assignment to bring home an Admiral’s daughter from Paris. However, Dinozzo will have to call up the rest of his NCIS peeps for help when he enters a controversial crime scene. The episode was written by Christopher Silber and Steven D. Binder, and it was directed by James Whitmore, Jr. Episode 23 is scheduled to air on Tuesday night, May 6th at 7pm central time on CBS.

Recently, CBS served up the new,official,synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 23 of season 11. The episode is entitled "The Admiral’s Daughter,” and it sounds like things could get very intense and intriguing as Dinozzo accepts a covert mission in Paris request, and more. In the new, 23rd episode press release: Dinozzo will get sent to Paris on a covert mission to bring home an admiral's daughter, but after entering a controversial crime scene, he is going to have to rely on the NCIS team's help from afar. Press release number 2: Director Vance is going to give Dinozzo a special assignment to bring home an Admiral’s daughter from Paris. However, he will have to turn to his NCIS team for help after he enters a controversial crime scene. The episode was written by Christopher Silber and Steven D. Binder, and it was directed by James Whitmore,...

The Not-We may conjure up images of a plastic green forest, a wizened wise woman and a mwah-hah-hah-ing baddie with stupid hair, but in actual fact, it's everywhere you look. Take the Not-We's when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy. Your average Not-We will snort with derision and write off fans of Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Wars etc as loser nerds who call their pet cats Spock and go to conventions dressed in long scarves and bow ties. Mind you, sport Not-We's will wonder why people go to games decked out in silly face paint and novelty 'look-at-me' costumes. If you're not part of the unit, there's clearly no hope left.

Xander's clearly having a case of Not-We-itis today. Another apocalypse is brewing and while the Scoobies are busy gearing up for research and heavy duty slayage, Xander's sent to the local bakery to pick up a choice of doughnuts.

New NCIS season 11,episode 18 intense spoiler promo clip hit the net. Last night,CBS served up the new promo/spoiler clip (below) for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 18 of season 11, and it appears to be pretty interesting as Gibbs helps out the New Orleans crew, engages in new violence, and more. The episode is titled, "Crescent City.” In the new episode 18, When the body of Congressman ,Dan McLane, a former NCIS agent, washes ashore in New Orleans, Gibbs will end up, reuniting with his former colleague, NCIS Special Agent ,Dwayne Cassius Pride, in a joint case between the two field offices and the FBI. The teams are going to be forced to work together to determine if the murder was politically based or linked to McLane’s most well-known case, the arrest of the Privileged Killer, a serial murderer who targeted military and public servants. Scott Bakula will guest star as...

New NCIS season 11,episode 18 official spoilers,plotline revealed by CBS. Recently, CBS released the new,official,synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "NCIS' episode 18 of season 11. The episode is entitled, "Crescent City,” and it sounds like things will get quite intriguing as Gibbs catches up with old colleagues for a New Orleans murder case, and more. In the new,18th episode press release: Gibbs is going to reunite with a former colleague when the murder of a congressman in New Orleans prompts a joint case between the field offices and the FBI on part one of a two-part episode. Press release number 2: When the body of Congressman Dan McLane, a former NCIS agent, washes ashore in New Orleans, Gibbs will reunite with his former colleague, NCIS Special Agent Dwayne Cassius Pride, in a joint case between the two field offices and the FBI. The teams are going to have...

“All men are beasts”. Yikes. What happened on the day that Marti Noxon wrote Beauty And The Beasts? Did the milkman deliver a bottle of curdled milk? Did the postman deliver a parcel 30 days late? Did the paper boy turn out to be a shaggy werewolf all along?

It's a bold, and some might say, glib generalisation to open a story with. Personally speaking, as a man, I'd like to categorically state that I'm not a beast. Not literally or metaphorically or any other word ending in ally. Faith's claim comes seconds after talking about down low tickles, which kind of muddies the moral waters a tad. If Phases looked at the behaviour of men in a balanced fashion, then Beauty And The Beasts certainly gets off to a bumpy start.

The murder mystery provides the backdrop to some serious issues. Some sort of animal is running amok in Sunnydale and reducing innocents to purée.

New NCIS season 11,episode 12 additional official spoilers revealed by CBS. Recently, CBS served up new,official spoilers for their upcoming "NCIS" episode 12 of season 11. The episode is entitled, "Kill Chain," and it sounds pretty interesting as the NCIS crew has to partner up with the Dod to track down a very dangerous device, and more. In the new, 12th episode press release: When a stolen U.S. Navy surveillance drone is used to kill a sailor, NCIS will partner with the Department Of Defense to track down the device. Press release number 2: When a stolen drone is linked to the elusive terrorist Parsa, the NCIS team is going to partner with the Department of Defense, including Gibb's former girlfriend Hollis Mann, to track down the device before it is used for a large scale attack. In the meantime, McGee will hesitate to ask for time off to attend a black-tie gala honoring his girlfriend.

Moone Boy, “Godfellas”

Written by Chris O’Dowd & Nick Vincent Murphy

Directed by Declan Lowney

Aired July 10th, 2013 on Hulu

In a year full of fantastic imports, Moone Boy seems to have slipped through the cracks. This Irish series, which was picked up in July by Hulu, was created by Chris O’Dowd and stars youngster David Rawle as 12 year old Martin Moone and O’Dowd as his imaginary friend, Seán Murphy. The series follows Martin’s exploits growing up in a small Irish town in the late eighties and early nineties and is based on O’Dowd’s childhood experiences. “Godfellas”, the fifth of the first season’s six episodes, centers on Martin’s newfound desire to become an altar boy. He’s immediately taken with the idea upon seeing a group of them process in at his confirmation, “You Can’t Touch This” playing in his head as...

The Good Wife, Season 5, Episode 5, “Hitting The Fan”

Written by Robert King and Michelle King

Directed by James Whitmore Jr.

Airs Sundays at 9pm Est on CBS

When this season of The Good Wife began with Alicia still working at Lockhart Gardner, it seemed the show had missed an opportunity to leap forward, to start its fifth season with a bold new status quo in place. Yet this is not the type of show we are watching. The Good Wife is a show about how institutions get built, and how they can become slowly corrupted over time. It is a show that excels at building out its world, and at understanding the shifting roles its characters occupy within that world. It was, therefore, not only inevitable but right that the show allow us to watch as Lockhart Gardner, described in the opening moments of “Hitting the Fan” as “one big...

New Good Wife season 5,episode 5 very dramatic spoilers & clips hit the net. Last night, CBS dropped the new spoilers and sneak peek/spoiler clip (below) for their upcoming "The Good Wife" episode 5 of season 5. The episode is entitled, "Hitting The Fan," and it looks extremely intense and way dramatic as Will viciously lashes out at Alicia, has her removed from the building, and more! In the new "Hitting The Fan" episode, Alicia and Cary's plans to leave the firm is going to get exposed,leading to a frantic battle for clients. Alicia and Cary’s plans to depart Lockhart/Gardner are going to suddenly get exposed ,and a desperate battle to retain clients, will take place. Guest stars are going to include: Tonya Glanz as Candace and Dan Ziskie as Steve. The episode was written by Robert King & Michelle King, and directed by James Whitmore. Episode 5 is set to air on Sunday night,...

New Good Wife season 5,episode 5 official spoilers,plotline revealed by CBS. Recently, CBS dished out the new, official, synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "The Good Wife" episode 5 of season 5. The episode is entitled, "Hitting The Fan," and it sounds like it'll be very dramatic and interesting as Alicia and Cary spark up a huge war when their plans to leave the firm gets leaked, and more. In the new,5th episode press release: Alicia and Cary's plans to leave the firm are going to get exposed,leading to a frantic battle for clients. Press release number 2: Alicia and Cary’s plans to depart Lockhart/Gardner, are going to suddenly get exposed ,and a desperate battle to retain clients, will ensue. Guest stars are going to include: Tonya Glanz as Candace and Dan Ziskie as Steve. The episode was written by Robert King & Michelle King, and directed by James Whitmore.

Quantum Leap, Season 5, Episode 21, “Mirror Image”

Written by Donald Bellisario

Directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Aired May 5th, 1993 on NBC

For a few years in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Quantum Leap was the rarest of genre series- a sci-fi procedural with good ratings that was well received by critics, and actually got nominated for (and won) Golden Globe and Emmy awards. Crazy. It’s overlooked by many younger genre fans today, but Quantum Leap was a fun, interesting, and influential show – and it also has one of the most controversial final moments of genre television. What often gets lost when discussing those memorable words, “Dr. Sam Becket never returned home.” is just how great of a finale “Mirror Image” really is.

“Mirror Image” opens where so many Quantum Leap episodes do, with Sam leaping into a new body. The opening scene sets the mood quickly and effectively, with...

NCIS, Season 10, Episode 17: “Prime Suspect”

Written by George Schenck and Frank Cardea

Directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Airs Tuesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS

The entirety of this episode is a balancing act: maintaining the heart of the matter in the midst of a complex series of constructed events. You have Gibbs juggling two cases, each with its own set of unusual circumstances, Director Vance’s return as head of the agency, the introduction of an “old friend” of Abby’s, but most importantly, the return of Probationary Agent Ned Dorneget.

Because the team is already hard at work on a case when the show opens at Gibbs’ local barbershop, the first case concerning money missing from a military base doesn’t have a chance to present itself in the usual fashion that engages viewers from the start. It simply sets up the scenario that requires Tony and Dorneget...

NCIS, Season 10, Episode 8: “Gone”

Written by Reed Steiner and Scott Williams

Directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Airs Tuesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS

When season ten was still shrouded in mystery, a fresh new year waiting to arrive, there was plenty of hopeful speculation concerning possible stories that might unfold throughout the upcoming episodes. One popular hypothetical was the pairing of Abby and Ziva in an undercover mission. While they aren’t technically undercover, Abby and Ziva come the closest to a professional partnership that they will likely ever get for the remainder of the season.

Ziva takes it upon herself to act as a surrogate to Lydia Wade (Kirsten Prout), a teenage girl whose father was murdered during the kidnapping of her best friend, Rosie. Abby and Ziva both work with Lydia to help her identify the men responsible. Where Cote de Pablo’s performance lacked an emotional...

A Force Of One

Stars: Chuck Norris, Clu Gulager, Jennifer O’Neill, Ron O’Neal, Bill Wallace, James Whitmore Jr., Eric Laneuville | Written by Pat E. Johnson, Ernest Tidyman | Directed by Paul Aaron

This week is sees a double-bill of Chuck Norris releases with The Octagon and now A Force of One. Chuck Norris again plays a Martial Arts expert, this time focusing more on karate so none of the mysterious and unknown art of the ninja (sarcasm of course). The question is will the spooky whispering be back or will this one be taken more seriously, and will he sound less like a serial killer.

In A Force of One Chuck Norris plays Matt Logan a karate champion and teacher of the martial art. When an undercover narcotics force finds itself being eliminated by an assassin while searching the source of a drugs problem they look for help from Logan.

Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Sept. 18, 2012

Price: DVD $24.95

Studio: Hen’s Tooth

Criag Wasson (r.) gets drilled in The Boys in Company C.

The 1978 war drama film The Boys in Company C was one of Hollywood’s first major films to take on the recently-ended Vietnam War.

Set in 1967, The Boys in Company C follows the lives of five Marine inductees from their training in boot camp through a tour of duty in Vietnam that quickly devolves into a hellish nightmare. Disheartened by futile combat, appalled by the corruption of their South Vietnamese allies, and constantly endangered by the incompetence of their own company commander, the young men discover a possible way out of the war: They are told that if they can defeat a rival soccer team they may spend the rest of their tour playing exhibition games safely behind the lines. But, as might be expected, nothing in Vietnam...

Earlier this month Titan Books released Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion, a compilation of pieces by the magazine/website PopMatters, and we have an excerpt from the book to share exclusively with Dread Central readers.

Read the excerpt below, check out our Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion: The TV Series, the Movies, the Comic Books and More: The Essential Guide to the Whedonverse review, and then grab the newly released book from the EvilShop!

“The strength and conviction to lose so relentlessly”: Heroism in Angel

Ian Mathers

“Evil happens without effort, naturally, fatally; Good is always the product of some art.”

—Charles Baudelaire, “The Painter of Modern Life”

“In a fight between you and the world, bet on the world.”

—Franz Kafka, “Aphorism 52”

“Not Fade Away,” the final episode of Angel, ends the show with (most of) the Angel Investigations (A.I.) team facing down a literal army of demons.

Howdy fans of HBO’s recent series “Deadwood” and the Coen brothers’ True Grit! Look out! Galloping down the Blu Ray trail is the 1980 epic “oater” The Long Riders. It tells the story of several of the great outlaw gangs. You may have seen other films concerning the exploits of these desperados. Well this version is worth a look for two reasons. It’s directed by one of the great action film makers to come out of the 1980′s-Walter Hill ( The Warriors, 48 Hours ). The other reason, and the film’s big marketing point, is the casting of the brothers with real life siblings-David, Keith, and Robert Carradine play the Younger brothers, Randy and Dennis Quaid are the Miller brothers, Nicholas and Christoper Guest are the Ford brothers, and James and Stacy Keach are the James brothers. This might seem like gimmick or “stunt” casting, but the family resemblances and dynamics enhance the story.

Created by Frank Lupo and Stephen J. Cannell, the police drama Hunter debuted in 1984. The NBC series ran for seven seasons and features exploits of L.A. homicide detectives Rick Hunter (Fred Dryer) and his partner Dee Dee McCall (Stepfanie Kramer).

Season two represents a change for the Hunter TV show in that more emphasis was placed on the chemistry between Hunter and McCall and Dryer and Kramer ad-lib quite a bit. Series regulars include Dryer, Kramer, Garrett Morris, Charles Hallahan, John Amos, Bruce Davison, Darlanne Fluegel, Lauren Lane, Arthur Rosenburg, John Shearin, James Whitmore Jr., Ruby Ramos, Perry Cook, Richard Beauchamp, and Courtney Barilla.

Stories feature the duo foiling plots involving deadly heists, killer porn stars, gangland murders, international terrorists, punk rockers, and more. The second season also includes one of the most memorable episodes of the series, "Rape and Revenge." This...

So another year has passed and its time for another round of awards for the people who make the television shows we like to watch.

Television is interesting these days. Never before have we seen such great, creative output. Never before have we been subjected to such drivel. It all gets paraded before us tonight, as we watch the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards (handed out, it should be noted, by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) on CBS, CTV in Canada.

8:00

Interesting that the Emmys chose to introduce the 2009 edition of the Primetime awards by harkening back to the early days of television. Especially as the business of television has never been closer to a complete collapse. Oh, announcer who is trying so hard to sound like a TV host from the '50s. You don't sound at all like you're a three pack-a-day smoker.

8:01

Okay, here comes Neil Patrick Harris,...