While the rumor machine remains high on “Better Call Saul,” and actual details low, this much we do know: some of the “Breaking Bad” writers are back for this spinoff, Bob Odenkirk is reprising his role in the lead (obviously), and now his regular fixer is back. Variety reports that Jonathan Banks will reprise his part as Mike Ehrmantraut, the taciturn jack of all trades, and that’s about it. However, Bryan Cranston hasn’t ruled out appearing as Walter White, telling Rolling Stone: “I have no idea. Possibly? I’d be open to it for sure! It’d be fun to go back into the New Mexico desert and play with all my old friends.” We shall see. “Better Call Saul” is slated to premiere in November.
In other small screen news: Fox has given a pilot order to Lee Daniels‘ brewing hip-hop drama “Empire.” Penned by Danny Strong (“Game Change,” “Lee Daniels’ The Butler“), Deadline describes the show as ” a unique family drama set in the world of a hip-hop empire.” And last fall, Daniels told us it was like, “a black ‘Dynasty‘ meets ‘The Sopranos‘ with the backdrop of music.” Sounds kinda rad.
Over at TNT, Sharon Stone will star in “Agent X,” which “centers on America’s first female Vice President, Maccabee (Stone), a woman with brains, beauty, and a cool composure that belies a restless mind. After the death of her husband, a Senate candidate, Natalie opted to run in his place, and after a rapid political rise, she now finds herself the newly elected Vice President of the United States. Initially apprehensive that her job will be ceremonial in nature, she soon learns that it comes with a top secret duty: protecting the Constitution in times of great crisis with the aid of her Chief Steward and a secret operative designated Agent X.” Any surprise that Deadline reveals this is penned by “The Bourne Identity” scribe William Blake Herron“?
Next, Rashida Jones will continue her post-“Parks and Recreation” career, starring in the TBS comedy “Tribeca,” produced by her old “The Office” co-star Steve Carell, who also co-wrote the show with his wife, and will also direct. Deadline reports that it’s a cop show that follows, “Angie Tribeca (Jones), an outspoken 10-year veteran of the LAPD’s elite RHCU (Really Heinous Crimes Unit). The project explores an eccentric but brilliant group of people who investigate crime, reveal way too much personal information, and refuse to rest until justice has been served…sort of. A lone wolf, Angie is not thrilled when told she has to work with a partner.” We already have “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” but hopefully this brings a different perspective to the table.
Last, Jaimie Alexander is joining Ryan Murphy‘s HBO pilot “Open.” Also featuring Michelle Monaghan, Scott Speedman, Wes Bentley, Anna Torv and Jennifer Jason Leigh, Deadline describes the show as “a modern, provocative exploration of human sexuality and relationships.” So, lots of boobs, we’re guessing.
