IN TREATMENT: Irrfan Khan on Sunil, Working with Gabriel Byrne and What’s Next

Whether you’ve been watching this season of IN TREATMENT or not, Irrfan Khan is a face that you may already recognize from his work in films like SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and THE DARJEELING LIMITED.

Though the Indian actor has been in just a handful of American movies, he has an extensive body of Bollywood work and Hollywood is taking notice.

Currently appearing on HBO’s IN TREATMENT as Sunil — a recent widower whose son has moved him from Calcutta to Brooklyn, where he lives with his American wife and children — Khan has captured our attention as the secretive past of his character is slowly but surely revealed in the office of Dr. Paul Weston (Gabriel Byrne).

Khan was not familiar with IN TREATMENT before executive producer Dan Futterman, a friend of his, asked if he’d be interested in playing a patient on the third season of the show. Just as his character explains in the first episode, Khan says therapy is a social taboo in India: “We don’t have therapists in our lives. You only go to therapy if a person is really out of control, mentally sick and he is unable to manage. We don’t go to solve our problems or [life] crises… That’s why [Sunil] is so offended in the first episode when he’s taken to a therapist. It’s like he’s being told that he is sick, that’s how he is taking it: ‘Am I a mad person?'”

Still, Khan thinks the Indian audience would enjoy the drama of IN TREATMENT. “It’s just a very special show. The way they shoot it, it’s so simple, they don’t take any liberties with time or space,” he explains.

Indeed, it’s essentially just a couple people in a room, talking to each other. And during Sunil’s second visit, he does begin to share with Dr. Paul Weston. Khan discusses…

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Rules of Engagement | 8:30pm on CBS

Jeff and Audrey finally settle on a surrogate. Meanwhile, Russell’s mother, Bunny (guest star Joan Collins, “Dynasty”) — who hasn’t really been much of a mother to him — comes to town. Sara Rue (“Less than Perfect,” “The Big Bang Theory”) begins a recurring role as Brenda, a member of Jeff’s softball team.

House | 8pm on Fox

It’s election season, and in the midst of a tight race, an incumbent senator’s campaign manager falls ill with liver failure and temporary paralysis. Cuddy pushes House to add a female doctor to his team by hiring a brilliant but very conventional third-year med student (guest star Amber Tamblyn), who has a connection to someone on the team.

Childrens Hospital | Midnight on Adult Swim

First Season Finale: In a special “live” episode, a visiting sultan needs emergency surgery, Blake faces a crucial decision about his clown makeup and Glenn cuts off his finger for Valerie. In a surprise ending, the shocking truth about one of the doctors is revealed, shattering everyone’s perceptions.

Eastbound & Down | 10:30pm on HBO

Second Season Finale: Back over the border with his Mexican adventure behind him, what’s next for Kenny Powers? In the 13th and final chapter of the season, the former pro baseball player faces the reality of his future. Any guesses on where they’ll go in year three?

UNDERCOVERS Canceled

J.J. Abrams’ UNDERCOVERS — the spy series which broke ground by casting two black actors in the lead roles — will not survive the season.

NBC has decided against ordering the back nine episodes of UNDERCOVERS just a couple weeks after picking up the rest of their freshman series — LAW & ORDER: LOS ANGELES, OUTSOURCED and THE EVENT — for a full year.

UNDERCOVERS pulled under 6 million viewers this week.

Have you been watching it?

Will you miss it?

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @korbigirl on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

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Save Life Unexpected and Help Some Kids In Need

News has broke that The CW will not pick up LIFE UNEXPECTED for the back half of its second season and viewers are distraught, expressing their disappointment via online blogs, fan forums and twitter too.

We at Give Me My Remote are on that same page, sad that LUX — one of our favorite new shows this year — is facing an early dismissal from the schedule. So we’ve decided to do something about it.

In honor of LIFE UNEXPECTED’s premise — a foster kid in Portland, Oregon who finally finds a loving home when she reconnects with her biological parents — Give Me My Remote is asking fans to make a “Save LUX” donation to Portland’s Boys & Girls Aid, a reputable organization that has been helping Oregon’s children for 125 years, finding homes for those in need through adoption, shelters and foster care.

Between now and the end of the calendar year, you can give to Boys & Girls Aid as a sign of support for LIFE UNEXPECTED. 100% of your donations will go to Boys & Girls Aid and we’ll announce the grand total of your charitable contributions on December 31st, 2010.

Every cent counts, so please give, even if you can only afford to send a few dollars.

In addition to your donation to Portland’s Boys & Girls Aid, feel free to send light bulbs — as LUX means “light” — to The CW offices here in L.A.

You’ll find all the information you need below, so read up, write a check, mail a lightbulb and comment below, telling us why you want LIFE UNEXPECTED to stay on the air. Consider the comments section your very own unofficial petition.

Checks for Portland’s Boys & Girls Aid — made out to “Boys & Girls Aid” — can be sent to
Save LIFE UNEXPECTED
c/o GIVE ME MY REMOTE
P.O. Box 691813
Los Angeles, CA 90069

Lightbulbs in support of LUX can be sent to
Ms. Dawn Ostroff
President of Entertainment
The CW Television Network
3300 W. Olive Ave.
Burbank, CA 91505

Let’s keep LIFE UNEXPECTED on the air — or at least lobby for a few more episodes so the series gets tied up right! — and help a few kids in need while we’re at it…

UPDATE 11/8: Give Me My Remote is proud to announce that we’ve teamed with Los Angeles non-profit, IBG Inc, for their upcoming Conversation Series event featuring LIFE UNEXPECTED’s Liz Tigelaar, Shiri Appleby and Kristoffer Polaha. Tickets are on sale now and all proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Aid as well. Seats are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @korbigirl on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

And to be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/givememyremotetv

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Post-election night hangover, anyone?

No? Just me?

Okay, well, that’s alright. You’ll be in better shape than I to take in tonight’s TV lineup…

Peep the episodes on tap…

The Middle | 8pm on ABC
“A Birthday Story”
Frankie and Mike are speechless when, on his ninth birthday, Brick demands to hear the true story about the day he was born, which has remained a mysterious Heck family secret. Meanwhile, Axl’s new manager at the movie theater turns out to be a conundrum – hot and dumb – which leaves a confused Axl wondering if her hotness trumps her incompetence.

Survivor: Nicaragua | 8pm on CBS
“Company Will Be Arriving Soon”
After the tribes merge and food disappears, two castaways share a secret about the food that threatens to land them in the hot seat at Tribal Council.

Undercovers | 8pm on NBC
“Assassin”
Steven, Samantha and Leo get orders from Shaw to take on a mission in Lima, Peru where an assassination plot has been orchestrated against president-elect Alberto Loya (guest star Alex Fernandez, “Commander in Chief”). When Samantha gets too emotionally invested, she puts the whole mission at stake and her own life in danger. Elsewhere, Lizzy caters a party for Samantha’s college friend (guest star Puja Mohindra, “Three Rivers”) and also discovers a connection with an unlikely source.

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LIFE UNEXPECTED Series Finale Will Likely Air in January

LIFE UNEXPECTED will not be picked up for the second half of season 2.

The CW made the decision on Tuesday and though they’re not officially canceling the low-rated series — that announcement will likely come in May — the writers are preparing to tie storylines up as best as they can in episode 13.

I reached out to show creator Liz Tigelaar who talked about the plan. “I think we’re going to try to end the show appropriately, by honoring where the characters are.” she said.

While that’s good news for fans, it’s really little consolation.

As a fan of LIFE UNEXPECTED myself, gotta say, I’m bummed. I like my quality Kerr Smith/Kris Polaha time each week.

Who else thinks this sucks?

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @korbigirl on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans onGIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

And to be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/givememyremotetv

GLEE’s Matthew Morrison Halloween Parties With Christina Aguilera and His Co-stars

GLEE star Matthew Morrison turned 32 this weekend and, with the help of Onitsuka Tiger and Vitamin Water, celebrated his birthday with a Halloween theme at Hollywood nightspot, Voyeur.

As you can see from the photo above, Morrison (aka Richard Simmons) was joined by GLEE co-stars Chord “The Cowboy” Overstreet and Harry “Edward Scissor Hands” Shum Jr.

Also in attendance were Christina “The Cop” Aguilera, Lauren “Bird” Conrad and her MY BOYS man Kyle “Clark Kent” Howard, Chad “Billy Idol” Michael Murray and his longtime ladyfriend Kenzie “Madonna” Dalton, JC “Where’s Waldo” Chasez, HILLS star Stephanie “French Maid” Pratt, SOCIAL NETWORK’s Joe “Lester Diamond” Mazzello, REAPER’s Bret “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” Harrison, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin “The Geek” Lance Black, GOSSIP GIRL/CHUCK/THE O.C. creator Josh “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” Schwartz, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY’s Katie “Hermione” Featherston, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’s Lucas “Hunchback” Grabeel and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES’ Shawn “Travis Bickle” Pyfrom.

Not a bad guest list, no?

What did you dress up for Halloween as?

Any TV character costumes out there?

If so, TwitPic a photo to us at @GiveMeMyRemote, okay?

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @korbigirl on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans onGIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

And to be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/givememyremotetv

CHUCK: Linda Hamilton Talks Mama Bartowski and ‘The Emotions Behind Everything’

CHUCK fans, tonight’s hour is not one that you want to miss.

Not just because SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE alum (and all-around awesome lady) Ana Gasteyer is guesting as Dasha — a Russian assassin who tortures Chuck — but because there will be more quality time with Chuck’s mommy (Linda Hamilton) as well.

I was on location with the CHUCK cast when they filmed parts of this evening’s episode in an old bank in downtown L.A. and I got to watch Hamilton in action, her character running and ducking and covering alongside Chuck, Sarah and her handler Gregory Tuttle (Timothy Dalton).

It was good to see what looked like Chuck’s mom, Chuck and Sarah working together, given the events of last week — the ep ending with a masked Sarah trying to take Ma Bartowski down.

Of course, Sarah’s motives were pure — she’s pretty sure mom’s a dangerous liar liar pants on fire and she’s just trying to protect Chuck and his sister. But Chuck may not see it the same way. Word is, Chuck and Sarah are on the outs this week, their relationship on rocky ground.

Given what I saw on set, however, and what Linda Hamilton told me when we spoke, I’m thinking things are going to work out okay with both of the ladies in Chuck’s life.

“[In this episode], Tim Dalton’s character and I are trying to get the proof that I’m not a bad guy,” said Hamilton.

Hopefully, the events that unfold tonight will finally put that question to bed and we will know once and for all whether or not we can trust Mama B.

I know that many CHUCK fans have been disappointed with the lack of emotion that’s been displayed between mother and son so far, but Hamilton said that’s not an accident: “With Chuck, she’s very no nonsense; very ‘now is not the time [to discuss this].'” However, she also shared that the mother/daughter dynamic will bring another side of her out: “With Ellie, it’s a whole different animal. [The scenes with Ellie], I’m really looking forward to, because we’re going to finally see the emotions behind everything that’s going on.”

Ah, did you hear that, CHUCK fans?

Sound good?

So, yeah, tune in tonight for Timothy Dalton, more Mama B. and Ms. Ana Gasteyer who is rocking some seriously nasty scars as Dasha. No joke, when she walked up to me on set, I was very upset for a hot second, wondering what horrible thing had happened to the funny lady’s face.

Hey, I never claimed to be the brightest of bulbs…

CHUCK: “Chuck Versus The First Fight” airs this evening, Monday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Will you watch?

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @korbigirl on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans onGIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

And to be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel atyoutube.com/givememyremotetv

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Friday, October 29, 2010

Happy almost Halloween!

Who else is fat from all the chocolate being passed around this week?

Let’s eat more of it while getting in a spooky mood with SUPERNATURAL and SMALLVILLE tonight. MEDIUM too if you’ve got a DVR.

There are some other options as well.

Check it…

Smallville | 8pm on The CW
“Harvest”
Clark is concerned about Lois’ safety so he diverts her away from covering the Vigilante Registrations Act by suggesting she cover another story. After he comes clean with her, an angry Lois tells him that she can take care of herself, but when a flat tire strands their car in the middle of nowhere, their plans take a turn for the worse and Lois ends up in serious danger. Meanwhile, Tess searches for a cure for Alexander, who is rapidly aging.

School Pride | 8pm on NBC
“Rising From The Flood”
After a destructive flood leaves Kingston Springs Elementary School in Kingston Springs, Tennessee in ruins, the parents, teachers and young students refuse to give up and join forces with the School Pride team to bring the school back to life and find closure. They are also surprised with a moving performance by Lady Antebellum.

Medium | 8pm on CBS
“Where Were You When…?”
When Allison begins having flashes to a specific time in the future, her sense of dread grows as she feels more and more powerless to stop a catastrophic event from occurring.

Supernatural | 9pm on The CW
“You Can’t Handle The Truth”
Sam and Dean investigate a series of suicides and discover the victims were being told brutal truths that drove them crazy. They find out someone is invoking the Goddess of Truth, Veritas, forcing people to be cruelly honest against their will and Dean is the next victim. Dean is forced to tell Sam the truth about how he feels about his return from Hell. [GMMR: Awesome.]

The Good Guys | 9pm on Fox
“The Whistleblower”
Jack and Dan investigate a spurious inspection report at a corrupt oil company only to discover that they might have actually stumbled onto a deadly criminal conspiracy with Liz’s boyfriend Kyle stuck right in the middle.

CSI:NY | 9pm on CBS
“Do Not Pass Go”
When a badly decomposed body found is an abandoned car on a rooftop, Mac and his team must go up against a killer who is using the parents of his victims to manipulate crime scenes. Helen Slater (“Supergirl”) and Thomas Calabro (“Melrose Place”) Guest Star as the Victim’s Parents.

Blue Bloods | 10pm on CBS
“Smack Attack”
When three teenagers die from a drug overdose, Danny works to discover the source of the deadly narcotic before it becomes an epidemic.

The Soup | 10p m on E!
Every week Joel McHale and The Soup crew load up their TiVos to find the strange, obscure and totally unbelievable moments in pop culture, celebrity news and reality TV. Then they deliver the best of it with an irreverent attitude that’s sure to satisfy your comedy cravings.

Did I miss any Friday night favorites? Chime in below.

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and me, @GMMRtv, on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page. And to be the first to see our exclusive videos, subscribe to our YT channel at youtube.com/givememyremotetv.

BIG LOVE To End After Season 5

HBO’s polygamist family drama — starring Bill Paxton, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloe Sevigny and Ginnifer Goodwin — will end after season 5, the cable network has announced.

Season 5 is set to start airing in January of 2011.

In its controversial fourth season, the Emmy-nominated series — which is a personal favorite of mine — seemed to run off track a bit, but will hopefully return with a strong swan song next year.

Word is, the writers were given enough warning about the show’s possible cancelation that they were able to prepare two different endings, one which wraps up BIG LOVE’s story.

So, what do you think?

Will you be sorry to see BIG LOVE go?

Or has it run its course?

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @korbigirl on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

And to be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/givememyremotetv

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, October 28, 2010

Heads up, COMMUNITY fans, notice the special time for tonight’s Halloween episode, a half hour later than usual… Going out of my way to tell you, because I was on set while they filmed this one and just the sight of Ken Jeong’s costume alone is worth tuning in for.

No 30 ROCK on this evening, but a ton of other good stuff.

Which shows are you going to peep live, DVR for later, or skip altogether?

This rundown may help you decide…

The Big Bang Theory | 8pm on CBS
“The Irish Pub Formulation”
A visit from Raj’s sister creates tension amongst the guys as Leonard keeps an affair secret. [GMMR: Is Leonard dating Raj’s sister?!]

The Vampire Diaries | 8pm on The CW
“The Masquerade”
Stefan and Damon decide on a new to deal with Katherine at the Lockwood’s masquerade ball. Katherine calls on an old friend, Lucy, to attend the ball with her. Bonnie, Jeremy and Alaric all do what they can to help Stefan and Damon, but Katherine has a surprise that none of them could foresee. Things take an ugly turn when Matt and Tyler start doing shots with their friends. [GMMR: Anyone intend to dress up as their favorite vampire this weekend?]

Community | 8:30pm on NBC
“Epidemiology 206”
Pierce (Chevy Chase) and a few other Greendale students ingest a biohazard substance at the school Halloween Party, causing them to exhibit flu-like symptoms and begin turning into zombies. It is up to the rest of the gang to save themselves and the school when Dean Pelton (Jim Rash) locks them in with the zombie-infected student body.

$#*! My Dad Says | 8:30pm on CBS
“You Can’t Handle The Truce”
Henry tries to broker a truce between Ed and his neighbor after discovering they are having a long-standing feud.

Read more

BORED TO DEATH, EASTBOUND & DOWN Renewed for Season 3

As Deadline.com first reported, HBO has given their Sunday comedies BORED TO DEATH and EASTBOUND & DOWN the green light on a third season.

Freshman drama BOARDWALK EMPIRE has been picked up for season 2, so HBO is looking solid on that last night of the weekend.

BORED TO DEATH — starring Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis — has been averaging around 1 million viewers an episode, while EASTBOUND & DOWN has been pulling closer to 1.4 million.

Have you been watching?

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @korbigirl on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans onGIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

And to be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel atyoutube.com/givememyremotetv

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