The following are highlights of The CW’s Holiday episodes and specials:
Thursday, November 20
“THE VAMPIRE DIARIES” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Fade Into You” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FRIENDSGIVING AT WHITMORE COLLEGE / FLASHBACKS TO KAI’S MURDEROUS PAST — As Caroline (Candice Accola) and Elena (Nina Dobrev) prepare to host Friendsgiving at the dorm, they receive some hopeful news from Alaric (Matt Davis) and Stefan (Paul Wesley), who have traveled to Portland to gather some information regarding the Gemini Coven. Joshua Butler directed the episode written by Nina Fiore & John Herrera (#608).
Wednesday, November 26
TWO-HOUR MOVIE
“PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES” (8:00-10:00p.m. ET)
(TV-PG, DL) (HDTV)
STEVE MARTIN AND JOHN CANDY STAR — Neal Page (Martin), a high-strung advertising executive, meets Del Griffith (Candy), an eternally optimistic, overly talkative, well-meaning but clumsy shower curtain-ring salesman, who seems to live in a world governed by a different set of rules. They share a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get Neal home to Chicago from New York City in time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family. The 1987 comedy was written, produced and directed by John Hughes.
Friday, November 28
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER” (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G)
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BASED ON THE HIT HOLIDAY SONG ─ Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY” (9:00-9:30p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF JACK BLACK, ANGELINA JOLIE AND DUSTIN HOFFMAN ─ The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. The special was written by Jonathan Groff and Jon Pollack and directed by Tim Johnson.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MERRY MADAGASCAR” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SCHWIMMER ─ When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas. The special was written by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and David Soren and directed by David Soren.
Monday, December 1
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER” (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G)
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BASED ON THE HIT HOLIDAY SONG ─ Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GREATEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN” (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ─ Comedians Heather McDonald (“Chelsea Lately”) and Matt Weinhold (“The Dish”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous. The special was directed by Mark Ritchie.
Monday, December 8
“THE ORIGINALS” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Map of Moments” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FAMILY TRADITIONS — After reuniting with her brothers, Rebekah (Claire Holt) convinces Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Klaus (Joseph Morgan) to participate in a family tradition from their childhood. Leslie Libman directed the episode written by Marguerite MacIntyre & Julie Plec (#209).
Tuesday, December 9
“THE FLASH” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Man in the Yellow Suit” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
BARRY CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH THE WESTS — Barry (Grant Gustin) enjoys the annual tradition of tree trimming and gift exchange with Joe (Jesse L. Martin) and Iris (Candice Patton). He gives Iris a touching gift, but the moment is interrupted by Eddie’s (Rick Cosnett) arrival. Ralph Hemecker directed the episode written by Todd Helbing & Aaron Helbing (#109).
Wednesday, December 10
“ARROW” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Climb” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
DINAH LANCE RETURNS HOME — Laurel (Katie Cassidy) is stunned when her father (Paul Blackthorne) delivers a very special Christmas gift – her mother, Dinah (guest star Alex Kingston). Thor Freudenthal directed the episode written by Jake Coburn & Keto Shimizu (#309).
Thursday, December 11
“THE VAMPIRE DIARIES” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Christmas Through Your Eyes” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FLASHBACKS TO CHRISTMAS IN MYSTIC FALLS — With the holidays approaching, Bonnie (Kat Graham) attempts to replicate her favorite holiday traditions, while reminiscing about happier times. Michael Allowitz directed the episode written by Caroline Dries (#610).
Wednesday, December 17
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GREATEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN” (8:00-9:00p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD — Comedians Heather McDonald (“Chelsea Lately”) and Matt Weinhold (“The Dish”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous. The special was directed by Mark Ritchie. Original airdate 12/1/2014.
Thursday, December 18
90-MINUTE SPECIAL
“THE iHEARTRADIO JINGLE BALL 2014” — (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
TAYLOR SWIFT, IGGY AZALEA, MAROON 5 AND MANY MORE IN AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY CONCERT EVENT — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas.
Friday, December 19
90-MINUTE ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD)
MR. MAGOO STARS AS EBENEZZER SCROOGE IN THE CLASSIC DICKENS TALE — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner, and Jack Cassidy, this original version of the 1962 special was the first animated holiday program ever produced for television. The special was directed by Abe Levitow, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF JACK BLACK, ANGELINA JOLIE AND DUSTIN HOFFMAN ─ The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. The special was written by Jonathan Groff and Jon Pollack and directed by Tim Johnson.
Monday, December 22
90-MINUTE SPECIAL
“THE iHEARTRADIO JINGLE BALL 2014” — (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
TAYLOR SWIFT, IGGY AZALEA, MAROON 5 AND MANY MORE IN AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY CONCERT EVENT — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas. Original airdate 12/18/2014.
Wednesday, December 24
90-MINUTE ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD)
MR. MAGOO STARS AS EBENEZZER SCROOGE IN THE CLASSIC DICKENS TALE — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner, and Jack Cassidy, the 1962 special was the first animated holiday program ever produced for television. The special was directed by Abe Levitow, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MERRY MADAGASCAR” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SCHWIMMER ─ When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas. The special was written by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and David Soren and directed by David Soren.
Thursday, December 25
TWO-HOUR MOVIE
“THE 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS TALE — In this touching holiday tale set during the Great Depression, irrepressible Emma (Jordan-Claire Green) uses dogs to teach people the true meaning of Christmas. The film was directed by Keith Merrill.
Wednesday, December 31
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL
“iHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL – NIGHT 1” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(TV-14, DL) (HDTV)
A LAS VEGAS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING TOP MUSICAL ACTS AND CW STARS — This concert extravaganza, filmed over two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, features performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Mötley Crüe, Coldplay, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Zac Brown Band, Usher, Bastille and Steve Aioki. Cast members from The CW’s series will be on hand to help get the party started. Original airdate 9/29/2014.
Thursday, January 1
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL
“iHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL – NIGHT 2” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(TV-14, DL) (HDTV)
A LAS VEGAS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING TOP MUSICAL ACTS AND CW STARS — This concert extravaganza, filmed over two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, features performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Lorde, Paramore, One Direction, Iggy Azalea, Train, Weezer, 50 Cent, Calvin Harris, Eric Church and Ed Sheeran. Cast members from The CW’s series will be on hand to help get the party started. Original airdate 9/30/2014.
A gang of misfit kidnappers find their tiny target far more bloodthirsty than they bargained for!
So, unfortunately, the trailers gave it away and let’s be real that’s why most of us are here, the knowledge that the kidnap victim Abigail (Alisha Weir), codenamed by the would-be kidnappers appropriately as ‘tiny dancer’, is in fact, a vampire. Not a spoiler, point of fact, one of the film’s actual great selling points. And the reactions from the misfit club when faced with a real actual f*cking vampire, range hilariously from the blunt “no such thing as vampires” all the way to, “Are we talking True Blood or Twilight rules or what?” all while covered in buckets and buckets of blood.
Anyway, the gang manages to subdue and abscond with the aforementioned Abigail, in a pre-prepared duffle bag, like you do, and converge to a new location, a house oddly similar to the one she was just taken from. Welcomed and given codenames by a man who introduces himself as Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito), our misfit club is told to simply hold down the fort in this strange old house with the girl chained up in a room and one person to attend her, for twenty-four hours, and they’ll all get paid.
As inevitable as the tides, the dopey druggie Dean (Angus Cloud) is the first to die, and we’re going to give that death-style points for inspiring terror right off the bat. The very controlling Frank (Dan Stevens, holy crap yes that is the guy from FXs Legion) is also of course the most suspicious – of everyone around him, sure, but also he himself is totes sus. We don’t learn terribly much about the musclebound tank who gets dubbed Peter (Kevin Durand), he’s your pretty typical little-brains-heart-of-gold muscle-for-hire any proper gang needs, right down to the bottle problem. Sammy (Kathryn Newton), well, even for being a purported hacker-type, she has, like, reality issues. Rickles (William Catlett), he’s arguably the most dangerous among them, ex-military and yet somehow here and involved in kidnapping for a few mills. Joey (Melissa Barrera) is our Final Girl, and though she has the inevitable problems in her recent past, she seems more capable of doing the hard thing and still somehow empathizing at the end of the day. Must be her burning desire to get back with her son.
The fit hits the shan pretty quickly, and Abigail morphs from tiny dancer to tiny monster, though honestly, the way Abigail spoke the entire time in the film, if the ‘nappers had been paying close enough attention, would have been a solid clue. The performance from Alisha Weir as Abigail is incredible, as she literally dances a fine line between comedy, tragedy, and outright monstrosity. With a face full of makeup and the force of a tiny tornado to back it up, Weir brings to mind the great performances of the vampires in 30 Days of Night who saw the practicality in the need to trap their food, but also, play with it a bit first before feasting! Anything else would give away the absolute fun time that is Abigail, so you should go see it, out in theaters now!
Fans of the beloved medical comedy series Scrubs were recently treated to a thrilling surprise when John C. McGinley, who portrayed the iconic Dr. Perry Cox, dropped a photo on Twitter hinting at a potential reunion project. The image, showing McGinley alongside his former co-stars, sparked a wave of excitement and speculation among fans who have been longing for more adventures with the beloved Sacred Heart Hospital staff.
While details about the reunion project are still scarce, the mere possibility of seeing the gang back together again has sent waves of nostalgia through fans who fondly remember the show’s original run from 2001 to 2010. Scrubs was not just a sitcom; it was a heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and the chaotic world of medicine, all wrapped up in a quirky and often hilarious package.
At the heart of the show was the bromance between JD (played by Zach Braff) and Turk (played by Donald Faison), whose antics and deep bond served as the emotional anchor for the series. Their dynamic, along with the sage wisdom (and relentless sarcasm) of Dr. Cox, provided viewers with memorable moments that have stood the test of time.
As we eagerly await more news about the Scrubs reunion project, one thing is for sure: it’s time to dust off those old DVDs, rewatch our favorite episodes, and get ready to welcome back our favorite gang of doctors, nurses, and janitors for what promises to be a memorable reunion.
But Scrubs was more than just its main characters. The supporting cast, including the eccentric Janitor (played by Neil Flynn), the neurotic Elliot (played by Sarah Chalke), and the wise-cracking nurse Carla (played by Judy Reyes), each brought their own unique flavor to the show, creating a rich tapestry of characters that fans grew to love.
While the photo shared by McGinley has fueled speculation about what the reunion project might entail, whether it’s a one-off special, a new season, or something else entirely, one thing is certain: fans are eagerly awaiting any opportunity to dive back into the world of Sacred Heart Hospital.
In an age where reboots and revivals are commonplace, Scrubs stands out as a series that has the potential to recapture the magic that made it a fan favorite in the first place. With its blend of humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, a reunion project has the opportunity to not only satisfy longtime fans but also introduce a new generation to the joys of life at Sacred Heart.
The story of the rise of Coriolanus Snow, from teenage Capital City pawn to rising Dictator of the Hunger Games!
Apparently no one out here in post-apocalyptic Panem has heard of irony and so they name their children things like Coriolanus (Tom Blyth), Tigress, and further off in Hunger Games lore, after swamp plants like Katniss. Corio’s father was a legendary general and that is pretty much the only reason young Snow and his meager family of grandmother called Grandma’am (Fionnula Flanagan) and sister Tigress (Hunter Schafer) are tolerated here in the Capital City at all.
Most of the snotty youngsters at the academy won’t let Snow forget how far his family has fallen, but he’s generally not concerned with them. What is concerning is the strong disapproval of the drugged-up Dean Casca Highbottom (Peter Dinklage) and the creepy attention of Dr. Volumnia Gaul (Viola Davis) as she lurks in the classroom sniffing out talent. The Dean feels very strongly the annual Hunger Games should end, while Gaul is violently adamant that not only do the Games continue, but that they get as much more attention as possible. And young Snow is stuck in the middle, when the yearly prize money normally awarded to the academy student with the best grades gets switched out for, you guessed it, the student that can make this years’ Hunger Games as entertaining as possible.
Whilst the students are protesting this sudden change, the annual Reaping is about to commence, and big shock and surprise, Corio’s candidate from District 12 Lucy Grey Baird (Rachel Zegler) is chosen as a Tribute. This is where the film begins to really take off on musical wings, for as it turns out, Lucy Grey can sing. Boy, can that gal sing! She can sing, she can play guitar, she can work a crowd, she can calm things down, she can fire ‘em up too! And Corio, being no dummy himself, instantly plots ways to use his Tributes amazing voice to draw attention to her, and admittedly his own, plight!
Though far too many people sneer at the idea, Corio takes his position as Mentor to his Tribute seriously enough to sneak onto the tram taking the Tributes to their habitat, which turns out to be a completely appropriate moniker, as this year the Tributes are held before the Hunger Games in a large zoo habitat so the weatherman ‘Lucky’ Flickerman (Jason Schwartzman), host of this years games, can MC the hell out of everything up close and personal!
What happens at this years Hunger Games and the subsequent consequences to both Corio and Lucy Grey is actually only half the story, and the movie. Coriolanus has always had to be opportunistic, but learning to be absolutely ruthless when necessary under the tutelage of Dr. Gaul, who basically thinks it’s always best to be merciless, is an eye-opening education indeed. Even after they’ve both been consigned to military service and his friend Sejanus Plinth (Josh Andres Rivera) decides to finally rebel, Corio and Sejanus continue to deceive each other and themselves, to accomplish their separate goals. Not even the love Corio swears he feels for Lucy Grey can save him, or them, from the adamant absolute necessity of the Hunger Games continuing. And after all that’s happened, Coriolanus Snow has gotten a terrific education in the best way to be the absolutely ruthless next Hunger Games advocate, and oh yeah, President of Panem.
The movie does itself no favors by trying to stuff not one but two major storylines and a bunch of side storylines sadly introduced and then ignored, into the film. It would have been entirely possible to turn Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes into two different movies, separated between feathers and scales if you like, and do justice to the major storylines in both. Blyth gives a fine performance as a young Coriolanus Snow, but the fact that President Snow is played by Donald Sutherland in all three of the Hunger Games films means Blyth has incredibly large shoes to fill. Rachel Zegler as Lucy Grey is absolute fire, and yes the actress did sing the songs in the film herself, including the Hunger Games franchise epic song, ‘The Hanging Tree’. Every time Lucy Grey opens her mouth and sheer soul-searing music comes out, it provides a distinct counterpoint to the soul-crushing ambition of Coriolanus Snow and further demonstrates the District and Caste separation Hunger Games is known for. And if, by the end of the film, Coriolanus Snow has come to agree that the Hunger Games must continue but perhaps under his own auspices, he has no one but himself to blame when another younger but still rebellious female blows it all up in his face!
Choose rebellion or conformity for yourself in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes!
‘Abigail’: Bite Me Harder Tiny Dancer
Scrubs Reunion: The Band Gets Back Together
‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’: Rebellion with a cause
Wondercon 2024 presents The Spiderwick Chronicles
WonderCon 2024:Day Three
WonderCon 2024:Day One
Scrubs Reunion: The Band Gets Back Together
‘Abigail’: Bite Me Harder Tiny Dancer
Wondercon 2024 presents The Spiderwick Chronicles
WonderCon 2024:Day Three
Thatsmye Interviews: Les Weiler on Henchin’: the Series
Disney Legend Andreas Deja’s Hand-Drawn animated short MUSHKA premiere
Resetting Mortal Kombat A New Beginning with Mortal Kombat 1
William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill
The Les Files With John C McGinley
