Watching Heroes

*The Heroes spinoff will apparently not be called Heroes: Origins. The Chicago Tribute is reporting that a representative for the network said that a title for the new series has not yet been chosen. In the same article there is a nice interview with Kristen Bell.

*Speaking of Kristen, it seems to be her week. She has interviews in the Tribune as mentioned above and in People Magazine. She was also named “TV Babe of the Day” by IGN today.

*And if that’s not enough Kristen Bell for you, she talked to OK Magazine and told them that Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia are NOT dating. She says they are just “great friends.”

*Ali Larter made Entertainment Weekly’s list of the top Butt-Kicking Babes. She comes in at #22 for her role as Niki/Jessica Sanders on Heroes. The site her skills as “a reservoir of strength and ruthlessness.” That and her lap dancing skills…

*Set your TiVo’s because the Heroes are making the talk show rounds. Here’s a schedule for the next few weeks (check your local listings for times):

10/19 - Greg Grunberg on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
10/22 - Adrian Pasdar on Live with Regis and Kelly
10/25 - Ali Larter on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (this is a repeat of her 9/19 appearance)
10/26 - Greg Grunberg on Ellen
10/29 - Zachary Quinto on The View
11/2 - Zachary Quinto on Jimmy Kimmel Live

*And finally - here is a five-minute preview for the next episode, “Fight or Flight.” More Parkman! Yay! (thanks to Heroes-Revealed.com)

*Heroes is nominated for 3 TV Guide 2007 Online Video Awards. The Online Video Awards honor the best professional online content. Heroes is recognized in 3 categories: Web Extras (for Heroes Character Profiles), TV Drama Webisodes (for the Yamagto Fellowship’s “Takezo Kensei: Sword Saint”), and TV Show Site (for Heroes Evolutions). Winners will be chosen by fans. You can vote at TV Guide’s Online Video Awards site. Awards will be handed out on December 1.

*TV Guide has an interview with Zachary Quinto (Sylar) in the issue that is on newstands now. He talks Sylar, Spock and about how his life has changed in the last year. You can also catch the interview at TVGuide.com.

*George Comics pays homage (sort of) to Heroes in today’s comic strip. Check it out!

*Greg Beeman’s weekly blog is posted. He discusses “The Kindness of Strangers” and how they managed to pull off the Hollywood sign scene. He has great pictures up as usual, too.

*Chapter 55 of the graphic novel is up at NBC.com. It features Takezo Kensei and a little cat (or I think that’s what it is) named Hiro in an adventure called “The Trial of the Black Bear.”

*Speaking of graphic novels…do you want to know what happened to Claire’s Nissan Rogue? Check out this link for an exclusive downloadable edition of the graphic novel to find out. (Thanks to Heroes-TV.com for the heads up on this one.)

*Buddy TV has interviewed Kristen Bell (Elle) and Heroes creator Tim Kring. Some of the topics they discussed include Kristen’s character, the structure of season 2 and the possibility of seeing more of the Group of 12, and Bell’s offer to be on LOST.

*Heroes ratings improved a little over last week, bringing in a 6.8/10. Dancing with the Stars continues its domination of Monday night and the CBS comedies are still going strong. Heroes is still capturing the coveted 18-49 demo though.

NBC has released the official episode description for the fifth episode of season 2, “Fight or Flight.” It will air on Monday, October 22. Former Veronica Mars star, Kristen Bell, will make her much hyped Heroes debut as Elle. Let’s hope she lives up to all of the expectations. We’ll also see more of newcomers Dana Davis and Nichelle Nichols in this one. (BE AWARE - COULD CONTAIN SPOILERS!)

SEARCHING FOR A LOST HERO, ELLE (GUEST STAR KRISTEN BELL) MAKES A SHOCKING DEBUT IN IRELAND — In Ireland, a lost Hero attempts to move beyond the past, but discovers that a mysterious woman — Elle (guest star Kristen Bell) — is willing to kill to find him. Matt (Greg Grunberg) and an unexpected ally fly to Philadelphia to hunt down the “boogyman,” following his terrible attack on Molly (guest star Adair Tishler), but the pair finds themselves outmatched. Monica (Dana Davis) tries to come to terms with her new abilities and her role as a local hero. Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy) meets his new partner and gets a disturbing assignment. H.R.G. (Jack Coleman) takes a step to further protect his family. Meanwhile, as Hiro (Masi Oka) continues to fix the past in feudal Japan, Ando (James Kyson Lee) attempts to piece together historically what’s happened to his best friend. David Anders, Noah Gray-Cabey, Hayden Panettiere, Adrian Pasdar, Zachary Quinto, Dania Ramirez, Milo Ventimiglia also star. Alan Blumenfeld, Katie Carr, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Carlon Jeffery, Nichelle Nichols, Dominic Keating, Holt McCallany, Eriko Tamura, and Stephen Tobolowsky guest star.

We’re less than 2 hours away from the Season 2 premiere. I have a few snippets of things to tell you about, but I’ll make it quick. I don’t want you to be reading this and miss the show. 

*Did anyone catch Masi Oka on the intro for NBC’s Sunday Night Football last night? He did some kind of skit with Terrell Owens (T.O.) of the Dallas Cowboys but I didn’t find out he was going to be on until after the game had started so I missed it. I haven’t been able to find a video of it, so if you know where I can watch, let me know.

*If you haven’t read the description for tonight’s episode, click here to do so.

*My new TV Guide magazine arrived today (the one with Kristen Bell, Hayden Panettiere and Ali Larter on the cover). It has a big article on Heroes, but across the top it had a warning telling me to stop reading if I hadn’t watched the season 2 premiere, so I did. I’ll be reading it after the show tonight so I’ll fill you in on anything you need to know tomorrow.

*Don’t forget that Jack Coleman (H.R.G. aka Noah Bennett, aka Claire’s dad) and creator Tim Kring will be liveblogging at NBC.com right after the show.

*Director Greg Beeman has a new blog up, but it contains some spoilers so you might want to wait until after the show to read it.

I’ll be back in the morning (or maybe later tonight) with a recap and my thoughts on the show. Come back to check it out and discuss the show. Now go get ready for the premiere!

Watching Heroes, NBC Heroes, Masi Oka, Terrell Owens, Sunday Night Football, Dallas Cowboys, Jack Coleman, Tim Kring, Greg Beeman, Kristen Bell, Hayden Panettiere, Ali Larter, TV Guide Magazine

I told you earlier - the Heroes are everywhere. I have even more evidence to support my previous statement.

Masi Oka, everyone’s favorite Hiro, made an appearance on the Ellen show last Thursday. He talked about his Emmy date, Kristen Bell. Ellen asked if they were dating and if he had a crush on Kristen, but Masi wouldn’t dish. He said everyone has a crush on Kristen and they are great friends. He also talked about his 2000 Honda and why he’s still driving it and Ellen featured him in a “Men of Heroes” segment. Masi was charming and funny, as usual. Click to watch the video:

Ali Larter is featured in the October issue of Cosmopolitan. She looks fabulous on the cover. Inside the magazine, Ali talks about being a “Jersey Girl”, her boyfriend, Hayes MacArthur, her approach to diet and exercise and much more. Ali is also starring in the #1 movie in the country, Resident Evil: Extinction.

Prime Time Pulse chatted with 7 cast members and has posted the interviews in a “Heroes Week” series. They started last Tuesday with Nick D’Agosto who will play Claire’s love interest, West, this season. They also talked with David Anders (Takezo Kensei), James Kyson Lee (Ando), Dania Ramirez (Maya), Noah Gray-Cabey (Micah), and co-executive producer Jeph Loeb. The interview series wraps up tomorrow, and I believe they’ll be talking with Zachary Quinto (Sylar).

Finally, Hayden Panettiere will make an appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly on Monday. The show is syndicated, so check your local listings for time.

Watching Heroes, NBC Heroes, Masi Oka, Kristen Bell, Ellen, Ali Larter, Cosmopolitan, PrimeTime Pulse, Nick D’Agosto, David Anders, James Kyson Lee, Dania Ramirez, Noah Gray-Cabey, Jeph Loeb, Zachary Quinto, Hayden Panettiere, Interviews

The Season 2 premiere is just one day away, and our Heroes are showing up everywhere. Videos, magazine covers, interviews, photo shoots…you can’t go anywhere in the entertainment world without finding some Heroes.

Entertainment Weekly has revealed the cover for their September 28th issue, which features Masi Oka as Hiro, all decked out in his Samurai gear. Inside the issue you’ll find a sneak peak of Season 2 and photos of new and returning cast members. There’s also a great video on the site that goes behind the scenes of the photo shoot and interviews many of the cast member. There are some great candid moments, especially between friends Zachary Quinto (Sylar) and Kristen Bell (Elle).

Speaking of magazines, the ladies of Heroes have also shown up on the cover of the October 1 issue of TV Guide. Newbie Kristen Bell joins Hayden Panettiere (Claire) and Ali Larter (Niki/Jessica), all three looking beautiful (and blonde). The issue will also include an article billed as “The Ultimate Guide” to Season 2. It hits newstands next Thursday, September 27.

Heroes creator Tim Kring showed up on G4TV’s “Attack of the Show” last Thursday. He talked about how Season 2 will be different from Season 1, explaining that some valuable lessons were learned from Season 1. He explained that Season 2 will be broken down into 2 or more volumes, the first being 11 episodes. The first volume will wrap up before Christmas. He also announced some of the writers and directors for the new Heroes: Origins series. It was announced at Comic Con that Kevin Smith of Clerks fame would direct an episode. Tim revealed that Eli Roth (Hostel) will also be writing and directing an episode and John August (Big Fish) and Michael Dougherty (Superman Returns) will be be writing episodes.

Watching Heroes, NBC Heroes, Entertainment Weekly Interview, TV Guide cover, Masi Oka, Kristen Bell, Hayden Panettiere, Ali Larter, Tim Kring, G4TV, Attack of the Show, Kevin Smith, Eli Roth, John August, Michael Dougherty

Well the Emmy’s are now history, and Heroes came home with nothing. They had too much going against them: Sci-Fi, Fan Favorite, The Sopranos ending. They lost to The Sopranos in both the directing category and the best drama category. Masi Oka, who was up for Best Supporting Actor, was beaten by Terry O’Quinn of LOST. I must admit, though, if Masi couldn’t win, I’m glad Terry O’Quinn took the trophy. He is fantastic on LOST.

Even if they didn’t come home with the statues, the cast still looked great. Here are a few photos from last night:

Zachary Quinto (L) & Sendhil Ramamurthy (R) arrive on the red carpet. (more…)

A Pre-Emmy Cast Party was held last night at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. It was sponsored by Perry Ellis and Vanity Fair. All of our cast favorites were there, including a few we thought were “dead.” Could this mean there’s a chance they aren’t as dead as we thought they were? Eh, probably not. They all look like they’re having a blast though, dead or not.

First, we have the Lovely Ladies of Heroes. On the left, Kristen Bell (Elle) and Hayden Panettiere (Claire) and on the right, Ali Larter (Niki/Jessica).

(more…)

Greg Grunberg & Kristen Bell at the Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday, September 8

As reported earlier, Heroes received 8 Emmy nominations this year. Six of those nominations were in Creative Arts categories and those awards were handed out last night. Heroes was shut out in all six categories:

• Outstanding Art Direction For A Single-Camera Series (won by Rome)
• Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series (won by Dexter)
• Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy or Drama Series (One-Hour) (won by CSI)
• Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series (won by Battlestar Galactica)
• Outstanding Stunt Coordination (won by CSI: Miami)

The major Emmy awards ceremony will be September 16. Heroes still has a chance to pick up awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor (Masi Oka), Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series (David Semel for Genesis) and Outstanding Drama Series.

For a list of all the Creative Arts categories and winners, visit Emmys.tv.

Watching Heroes, NBC Heroes, Emmy Awards, Emmy Nominations, Rome, Dexter, CSI, Battlestar Galactica, CSI:Miami, Masi Oka, Greg Grunberg, Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell talked about her life after Veronica Mars, her upcoming movies - Forgetting Sarah Marshall & Fanboys, and of course, Heroes in an interview for the August 31 issue of Entertainment Weekly.  Here’s what she had to say about Heroes:

All right, you’ve held out long enough: What’s up with Heroes?
I’m on a sugar high, to be totally honest. For me, starting a new project is kind of like switching high schools — that feeling of excitement and nerves. And because everyone is so nice and I know so many people involved, I feel like I’m switching high schools — but one that a lot of my friends have already transferred to.

You’re kind of the go-to girl these days. You’re also narrating The CW’s fall drama Gossip Girl. And we hear that Lost was trying to scoop you up?
I’m flattered that I would even be considered for the other roles. [But] I was really excited when there was the prospect of working in town and on one of the best shows on television. There comes a point where I’d like to fall asleep in my own bed.

What can you tell us about your role?
[Elle] comes in with a bang. She’s a bit of a criminal in the beginning. I’m not even sure if they know whether she’s going to be bad or good. She has a link to H.R.G. and Peter. She becomes integral to the mystery on the show.

Did you have to do a table read or go out and audition for the producers?
No, I didn’t. Doesn’t that feel like I’m on another planet? It’s flattering. Everyone has the right to see actors audition [so] they get what’s right for their projects. But when you have someone coming to you saying, ”I know you’re right,” it just makes you blush. I’m over the moon.

If you care about all those other non-Heroes projects, you can read the article in its entirety here.

Watching Heroes, NBC Heroes, Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Fanboys Movie, Entertainment Weekly

Kristen Bell talked to TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello about her new gig on Heroes. She revealed that she will be on for 13 episodes and her story will be open-ended. She also tells how she chose between LOST and Heroes. Check it out!

Hi, I’m Debbie and I’ve just joined the writing team here at Watching Heroes. I’m a huge fan of the show and very excited to be here to bring you Heroes news and discuss the show (in only 35 more days! Yippee!).

I just read that Kristen Bell, best known as Veronica Mars, is joining the cast of Heroes for several episodes this season. A couple of weeks ago, she was rumored to be joining LOST, but that turned out to be false. This seems like it’s the real deal though. Here’s what Variety has to say: (more…)