Stacy Jenel Smith

Bob Newhart Is a Hit on ‘Big Bang Theory’

Posted on 04/27/2013 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

EntertainmentBob Newhart’s fans have been waiting for this one — his first appearance on The Big Bang Theory Thursday night (May 2).  Duly promoted as befits a sweeps-sized casting coup, Newhart has come aboard TV’s highest-rated sitcom for at least three episodes, playing a “Mr. Wizard”- style kiddie science show host who’s a childhood idol of Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki).  When Sheldon learns that “Professor Proton” is available for appearances, he giddily books him for an engagement at …

Laura Linney’s ‘Big C’ Prepares to Say Goodbye

Posted on 04/21/2013 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

EntertainmentFor the past three seasons of Showtime’s The Big C, Laura Linney’s cancer-stricken character, Cathy Jamison, has gone through three stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining.  In the season that launches April 29, subtitled “Hereafter,” Cathy will reach the stage of acceptance.  This is a different kind of a season – with four two-hour episodes they’re calling a “limited series event.” Fans of the under-appreciated series will not be surprised that despite these ominous signs, there is a lot …

‘Nurse Jackie’ Gets an Assist From a ‘Dexter’ Mastermind

Posted on 04/14/2013 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

EntertainmentWhen Nurse Jackie debuted in 2009, ingesting mass quantities of Oxycontin and Adderall, trading sex for pills, careening from raw emotion to mordant humor, she didn’t look like a strong candidate for longevity.  But here we are, about to embark upon Season 5, premiering on Showtime tonight.  Emmy winner Edie Falco’s emergency room anti-heroine has made it through rehab and is about to face her toughest challenge yet – sobriety. Taking her on that journey is the series’ new showrunner, …

Don Draper Is Back But Is He Losing His Touch?

Posted on 04/7/2013 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

EntertainmentAt the Mad Men Season 6 premiere last month at the Director’s Guild Theater in Hollywood, Jon Hamm told reporters that the drama’s time frame for this season has parallels to today – an intriguing idea, in that Mad Men is now in 1968, arguably the most dramatic year of calamity and change in those tumultuous times.  (Yes, yes – we know hyper-secretive series creator Matt Weiner wanted the year kept under wraps, but it has already been reported elsewhere.) There is certainly …

‘Game of Thrones’, a Love-Hate Affair

Posted on 03/23/2013 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

EntertainmentGame of Thrones, Season 3, is seven days away, and already you can hear it coming.  The HBO fantasy drama series is at the center of a pop culture tornado roaring our way, swirling with action figures and bobblehead dolls, crowds of fans and photographers at its Grauman’s Chinese Theatre premiere, a couple of TV Critics awards, a Peabody and more.  Distinctively, G of  T can claim both a collection of prestigious honors and a worldwide cult following in 70+ countries.  …

History’s ‘Vikings’ — Even Plunderers Love Their Kids

Posted on 03/3/2013 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

EntertainmentVikings sets out on its voyage as History’s first original series tonight (3/3), and it’s quite the spectacle to behold. From filmmaker Michael Hirst of Showtime’s The Tudors and the big-screen Elizabeth fame, the drama gives us power struggles, romance, intrigue, encounters with Odin and sailing adventure — along with the requisite gouging and impaling you knew would be part of any story of these brutal raiders of the north. (Especially those hoping to attract a young male audience, as this one …