Samaire Armstrong, Anna on "The O.C.," guest stars on the new HBO comedy "Entourage," which premieres on Sunday, 18. I worried about Anna once she left the safe confines of Orange County for parts unknown. (Okay, she just left for Pittsburgh but then she showed up in that Hanson video and let's be honest that had us all concerned.) And Nick Lachey will guest star on six episodes of "Charmed" next season, so I can stop fretting about his career.
But the No. 1 reason I'm in a good mood is that there are actually new series to look forward to this month. "Rescue Me," the new dramedy from Dennis Leary, which premieres on FX next Wednesday, July 21 at 10 p.m. is excellent. I'm talking "Arrested Development" excellent, "Sports Night" excellent, and not surprisingly, "The Job" excellent. I can't wait to tell you more about it next week.
But for now, let me talk about USA's "The 4400" (premiering Sunday at 9 p.m.), a limited run series that concludes on Aug. 8. This is my favorite kind of science-fiction series -- a real world where fantastical and unexplainable things happen. The number in the title refers to the people who have disappeared over the last 50 years and who are now back sans explanation.
In their mind, the returnees have lost no time. They have not aged and have no memory of what happened to them while they were gone. Tom (Joel Gretsch) and Diana (Jacqueline McKenzie) are two agents from the Department of Homeland Security assigned to the case. Diana wants to quarantine the returnees like they're a virus. Tom wants to protect his nephew, a returnee, and his son, who slipped into a coma three years ago on the day his nephew disappeared.
Sure they're just like a more-boring, less beautiful version of Mulder and Scully, but who cares? Everything else here is enthralling. My review copy didn't even have all the special effects and I was completely captivated. Michael Moriarty is simultaneously heart-breaking and scary as returnee Orson Bailey (seriously don't make him angry). But my favorite story line is the one between returnees Richard Tyler (Mahershalalhashbaz Ali) and Lily Moore (Laura Allan). Separated by generations, they have a connection that spans the decades.
"The 4400" has the right mix of compelling story lines, innovative premise, and solid acting (mostly by relative unknowns). Even better news is that future episodes will feature guest stars Billy Campbell (Rick on "Once and Again") and David Eigenberg (Steve on "Sex and the City").
After you watch "The 4400" talk about it on the TV Gal Message Board.
Discussion Topic of the WeekDoes anyone else think that Brandon, recently fired from "Blow Out," was separated at birth from Puck of "Real World San Francisco." Please discuss amongst yourselves.
Where Have I Seen Him Before?Simon Rex, Jeff on "What I Like About You" and who will always be remembered for deflowering Felicity on "Felicity," was Jay's surfer buddy on "Summerland."
Highlights of the Week Ahead
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for July 6 to 11Timothy Busfield (Danny on "West Wing," Elliot on "thirtysomething") directs this very special episode of "Summerland" (Tuesday, WB, 9 p.m.).
Yes, I know that "Big Brother" (Tuesday, CBS, 8 p.m.) is back for another season. And, yes, once again, I won't be watching.
"The Amazing Race," television's best reality series, returns this Tuesday at 9:30 for a fifth season. This is the show that can be entered into evidence as irrefutable proof that not all reality TV is bad. No brutal back-stabbing. No personal humiliation. People look like idiots only if they act like idiots. Contestants are eliminated via competition not votes based on popularity or ruthless conniving. Sure host Phil Keoghan is a little smug, but he's not nearly as cranky as "Survivor" host Jeff Probst. All that plus the contestants get to shower on a regular basis, sleep in a real bed, and have a front row view of some of the most scenic places in the world. It's like "The Amazing Race" totally forgot to follow the reality show playbook. Look for Alison Irwin, of "Big Brother 4," and her boyfriend, as one of the pairs.
This is how fantastic Aisha Tyler, Charlie on "Friends," was on this week's "Nip/Tuck" (Tuesday, FX, 10 p.m.). I watched the entire episode and didn't even realize it was Aisha Tyler. This is me who recognizes even the most obscure star (remember the time Merle the Pearl from "Eight Is Enough" was on "CSI: Miami" for five seconds?) and it never even occurred to me that the "Talk Soup" funny lady was so brilliantly playing a maimed Somalian woman. Once again the in-your-face show goes a nip too far (can we change the name of the show to "Nip/Tuck/and a whole lot of booty"?), but Tyler's touching performance is the stuff Emmys are made of.
You and I are truly at full disclosure - really we have no secrets. That's why I feel the need to confess to you that I'm kind of, sort of, well, addicted to "The Ashlee Simpson Show" (Wednesday, MTV, 10:30 p.m.). I feel so much better that I'm not keeping that from you anymore.
Okay, okay, I was keeping something else from you. I love "DeGrassi: the Next Generation" (Friday, the N, 8 p.m.). There I've said it.
Three and counting. That's how many series Gloria Reuben has left ("ER," "The Agency," and now "Missing"). It's certainly her prerogative to quit her job, but let's hope that by now she gets the message that perhaps working on a weekly TV series isn't for her. Vivica A. Fox joins the cast of "Missing" (Saturday, Lifetime, 10 p.m.) as FBI Agent Nicole Scott. With nary a hair out of place, the glam Nicole convincingly chases bad guys in her high heels. I wouldn't want to be on her bad side, but she gives this series the kick it so desperately needed. Her first order of business? Booting the ridiculous "1-800" prefix the heck off the title. Also look for Mark Consuelos (Kelly Ripa's real life hubby) as special agent Antonio Cortez, who also happens to be Nicole's ex-boyfriend. You can't blame him for being a little scared of her.
Memo to "Six Feet Under" (Sunday, HBO, 9 p.m.): I never, ever, ever want to hear about Ruth and Arthur's nuzzling ever again. Thank you for your cooperation.
The wonderfully likable Joely Fisher returns for a second season of "Wild Card" (Sunday, Lifetime, 10 p.m.). Gone is her boyfriend Marcos (Bronson Picket) and her boss Rae Dawn Chong. Look for Chris Potter, Zoe's partner, to become more than just a partner. Also Loretta Devine (Marla on "Boston Public") joins the cast as Zoe's new boss. Wendy Malick, last seen marrying Martin on "Frasier," guest stars as Zoe's old friend.
To the TV Gal Reader Belongs the SpoilsIt's been awhile, so remember don't read if you don't want to knowRosanna Arquette will guest star on "Summerland" as Erika's mother. Also Bradin will consider running away to Mexico with Sarah.
Melissa Joan Hart and Dennis Rodman will make cameo appearances on "North Shore."
That's all for today. I'll be back next week to talk about my picks for the Emmy nominations and the new series "Rescue Me," "Entourage" and "The Grid." Have question, seen a familiar face, have an inside scoop or want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com by clicking on my byline at the top of my column.
