Moonlight TV Show: November 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

Fan Video dedicated to delicious Alex O'Loughlin as Mick St John

Since we are being denied our Moonlight Mick St John fix today, I thought we deserved a pick me up. This is a spectacular fan video dedicated to Alex O'Loughlin as our favorite sexy Vampire! Darkfrogof selected some of the best scenes and uses a very appropriate song ~ I just want to make love to you by Etta James. I enjoy all the variations of Alex's smiles. Be warned... do not watch this video if you have a weak heart. ha!

TV Guide's Matt Roush Defends Moonlight!

In a previous post, I noted that Matt Roush had changed his opinion of our show. Now, read his uplifting defense of Moonlight from today's "Ask Matt" column! I can not stop smiling after reading it. Love his shout out to Moonlight fans. :) The white highlighted passages are my emphasis.

Question:
Has CBS had any second thoughts about canceling timeslot-winning Close to Home for their "edgy" (and time slot-losing!) TV show Moonlight?— Carol

Matt Roush:
Not to my knowledge. In fact, from where I sit, exactly the opposite. For one thing, Moonlight isn't doing all that badly and is probably doing just as well if not better demographically than Close to Home (if I'm wrong, don't shoot me; I'm not a numbers-cruncher), which suffered from hewing too closely to CBS' crime-drama formula without breaking out sufficiently on its own. But the real issue here is a creative one. This season, CBS made a concerted and daring effort to break out of its rut with its new dramas. The results have been mixed. Viva Laughlin was a disaster, Cane is a disappointment, and Moonlight has become the surprise sleeper. I think of it as this season's Jericho. It may be generating more buzz than ratings, but as with Jericho in the wake of its cancellation, CBS is foolish to discount the importance of a show that can get fans energized. And no question about it: Moonlight's fans are a passionate bunch. Plus the show keeps getting better. I doubt CBS regrets this decision at all.

CBS updates their official Moonlight site

CBS has updated the official Moonlight web page! It now has a link to the People's Choice Awards site for voting (only 5 days & 14 hours left for us to vote), and has a button to allow you to get a TIVO season pass for the show. Recently, they finally added promo photos from 12:04 (episode #1x08) and Fleur De Lis (episode #1x09). I try not to get my hopes up just because they made a few changes, but I can't help hoping it means they realize Moonlight deserves their attention. Join me in sending CBS feedback to thank them for the new content.

Alex to appear at Pole Position Raceway's Charity Toy Drive

Normally, around this time, I would be happy because Friday had finally arrived. Two weeks to go! At least, we made it through one long week of waiting. Since there is no Moonlight tonight, how about some positive Moonlight news :)

First up ~ Alex O'Loughlin, along with other CBS stars, will be doing his part for a worthy charity. Pole Position Raceway is sponsoring a great toy drive! All of their locations will be accepting donations. Alex will appear at their Corona, CA track this Sunday, December 2nd at 9:30 AM. That's right ~ you can see him in person AND give to underprivileged children. What a great combination! Alex, Skeet Ulrich (Jericho), Kathryn Morris (Cold Case), Stanton Barrett (NASCAR) & Mike Metzger (X Games) will be accepting donations, signing autographs & doing interviews.

If I lived in California, I would so be there :) Can you imagine how overrun they are gonna be with Moonlight addicts?!? I have faith in my blog readers. I know you will do us proud! If you go, please share your videos, photos and stories ~ I'd like to hear about it. Or, a kind soul could get me an Alex autograh too. *wink*

Luckily, they also have a location here in Oklahoma City. We give to Toys for Tots, the Christmas Connection and so on. This year, we will be adding the Pole Position toy drive to our list in honor of Alex and Moonlight!

Pole Position Raceway Locations
1594 E. Bentley Dr.
Corona, CA 92879
( 951 ) 817-5032

41810 McAlby Court
Murrieta, CA 92565
( 951 ) 461-1600

2905 N.W. 36th
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
( 405 ) 942-2292

I have written CBS praising Alex and their other stars for their fundraising efforts.... and to let them know that we will be donating too :)

Thank you to April @ Monsters & Critics, and lovely blog reader Kristie1175 for making sure I had this information to pass along to you!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

More ratings news from CBS

I found the following sweeps rating info that CBS released on the Futon Critic's site. Margaret, a very loyal blog reader, also sent an email to make sure I had read this. :) Moonlight has the best, most well informed fans! Take a look at this seemly "great for us" news. The red highlighted wording is my emphasis. What do you think?

CBS TO WIN ITS SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE NOVEMBER SWEEP

CBS Projected to Place First in Viewers, Adults 25-54 and Finish a Solid Second in Adults 18-49

CBS Riding a Wave of Momentum: 16 Series Match or Post-Season Highs in Viewers and/or Key Demos

14 CBS Series Show November Gains in Adults 18-49 Versus Sept.-Oct.

CBS Is the Only Network to Post November Increases in all Key Measures Versus the First Five Weeks of the Season

CBS is projected to win the November 2007 sweep in viewers and adults 25-54 and finish a close second in adults 18-49, according to updated Nielsen live plus same day ratings through Monday, Nov. 26 and fast nationals through Tuesday, Nov. 27. The November sweep concludes tonight.

The November win marks CBS's seventh consecutive November victory in viewers and fifth straight in adults 25-54.

CBS's new and returning programs gained ratings momentum throughout the month as 16 series either matched or hit season high ratings in viewers and/or key demographics.

CBS programs matching or delivering season high ratings in November were HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, BIG BANG THEORY, TWO AND A HALF MEN, CSI: MIAMI, NCIS, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: NY, WITHOUT A TRACE, GHOST WHISPERER, MOONLIGHT, NUMB3RS, 48 HOURS MYSTERY, 60 MINUTES, THE AMAZING RACE, COLD CASE and SHARK.

Additionally, CBS is the only network to post increases in all key measures in November compared to the season's first five weeks: up +3% in both viewers and adults 18-49 and +2% in adults 25-54.

Among entertainment series, CBS has 14 shows posting November gains in adults 18-49 compared to the season's first five weeks, more than NBC (3) and ABC (4) combined.

Of the 26 new series that premiered in September, only MOONLIGHT (+9%), BIG BANG THEORY (+6%) and "Gossip Girl" (+8%) have posted November gains in adults 18-49 versus their Sept.-Oct. averages.

CBS continued its season long dominance among adults 18-49 on Fridays (winning all four weeks) and finished the month with three successive Thursday wins in adults 18-49.

CBS Dramatic Friday ("Ghost Whisperer," "Moonlight" and "Numb3rs") Gives CBS Its Eighth Victory in Nine Weeks in Viewers and All Key Demographics.

Write to CBS and Support Moonlight!!!

We have almost made it through the first week of no Moonlight, only two more to go! Think happy thoughts... think happy thoughts....

Let's put this long break to positive use. Write &/or call CBS in support of our show! Sending email is a good thing, but actual letters and cards piling up makes even more of a statement. Postcards are often effective because the message can be seen immediately instead of needing to be opened first. Also, this is Christmas card time. It is easy to add one (or ten) for the network to your list. :)

As I mentioned previously, Ms Tassler said "Oh, I love my vampire!" and admitted to being "smitten" with Alex. "Alex is so warm and genuine and such a wonderfully talented actor. We had seen his episodes of 'The Shield,' and he's got such great charisma and is so unassuming in his crazy good looks that he just endears himself to you." We do not want her to forget why she was impressed with Moonlight to begin with or to change her mind.

Nina Tassler
President CBS Entertainment
7800 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039-2112
( 323 ) 575-2747

Mr. Les Moonves
President & CEO of CBS
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019-6188

Main Phone Number ( 212 ) 975-4321

A few thoughts.... please, keep your message clear and to the point. Eight page fan speak loaded letters can be off-putting. No threatening, name calling and so on. Who wants to read negative, rude mail?! I know you wouldn't do anything like that. :) We want CBS to have positive thoughts of Moonlight and its fans. Let them know how much we love our show, and appreciate them airing it for us. If you have shopped with the companies that advertise during Moonlight, be sure to mention that. We can write directly to the advertisers and thank them for choosing to run their commercials during Moonlight.

Visit the official Moonlight page, at the CBS site, often. They track the number of hits each show's web site receives.

http://alpha.cbs.com/primetime/moonlight/

I have also contacted the CBS store requesting Moonlight merchandise. Let the network know we are willing to spend money in support of our show! ( 800 ) 227-6938

Moonlight to Debut on Australian TV December 12th

Good news for our Aussie friends.... Moonlight will debut on Channel Nine at 9:30PM, Wednesday December 12th! I bet Alex is excited to be seen by his home Australian audience. Hopefully, it will garner great ratings.

I had to use this photo of Mick. It is from the scene where he meets Morgan/Coraline at the restaurant & apologizes to her. Love him looking over the top of his sunglasses!

iF Magazine Interviews Shannyn Sossamon ~ Part 1

To keep us going through this long Moonlight break, iF magazine is doing new interviews with the cast of our show. *cheer* Sean let me know about his recent chat with Shannyn Sossamon. This is part 1.

I like Shannyn asking Sean what he thinks about her character. That shows she wants to know what the fan's reaction is to her portrayal. His answer is spot on, "The bottom line with her is that she is an ancient vampire, even if she turned herself human in the present, she doesn’t have the same concepts of right and wrong that our society has today. She has different boundaries and she’s not really evil; she does what she thinks is right and almost everything she does is out of love for Mick, even if it is not a healthy kind of relationship."

It is great to hear what she thinks about Coraline and some of the behind the scenes decisions.

Shannyn Sossamon :

Of course, all of the things with Coraline, to be perfectly honest I didn’t know which direction it was going to go. When we first started filming the show it was unclear; the only thing that was clear was Mick St John’s character and his relationship with Beth was pretty clear. Coraline and her role was sort of unclear, but they knew they needed a character that would trouble with that relationship. Also, to make him a vampire in that way made it interesting and sexy.

Shannyn also confirms what we already know, Moonlight means so much to Alex and he is involved in everything!

iF Magazine :

....when you were cast, you knew about the flashbacks with Coraline. Then from that point things changed and did you know how they were going to bring her into the present?

Shannyn Sossamon :

The possibility that she was going to come into the present was always there. Did I know that they were going to the story with Morgan? No. I never knew how evil they might write her. I never knew how much she was going to try to mess up Mick’s life; it truly was as up in the air as any character could be. The only thing that was certain was that my character had made Mick a vampire on our wedding night, and then in the 1980’s she was left in a burning hotel room to die because she had kidnapped a little girl to turn her into a vampire for the ‘family’. Then of course that girl was a young Beth. So they needed all of that to secure the story for Mick and Beth for that central relationship. That was all that anyone knew about Coraline, so everything since then has been per discussions with all of us. Alex [O’Loughlin] has been really involved in the vampire elements so that it’s not just a procedural show. They all want it to have the depth of the vampire world and where they come from and all of the history. That stuff makes it yummy to watch, because procedural gets boring after awhile and there are so many of them on TV.

Interesting...... Alex has said in many interviews that he is not attracted to doing a procedural drama. Shannyn says the same thing here.

iF Magazine :

I know from talking to Alex, that in future episodes we’ll get to see more of Coraline and Josef’s past and see the even older vamps. How much of that are you actors told before hand and how much do you just discover when you get the scripts?

Shannyn Sossamon :

It’s about fifty-fifty, because there have been times where I’ve had discussions with the show runners and then I get a script and it’s in there. I’m always surprised that they stuck with what was discussed. I know Alex is really involved, incredibly involved, in where it’s going and he wants answers and wants to know where it’s going. So, no one is really just waiting for the scripts. I get in there a lot, because I was never fond of the uncertainty at the beginning of what exactly I was getting into. I was constantly asking questions about what was happening now and if I was playing in a certain episode I asked questions about how everything connect so that it all made sense. I wanted to create a performance that if it were a feature film it would make sense; otherwise it’s just confusing. The Morgan storyline threw me for a loop a little bit, but it was fun.

Read the entire interview here ~

http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2491

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Only a week left for People's Choice Awards voting!

When I hopped onto the People's Choice Awards site to perform my voting ritual, I noticed that there is only 7 days 10 hours and 39 minutes left before the show voting ends. Keep those votes coming! Remember, you can vote every day. Ask family, colleagues, neighbors, friends, strangers to do the same. I have added the PCA site & info to my email signature.

We had dinner with a friend last night at Hideaway Pizza (Super yummy!). They have a computer set up in the waiting area to amuse their customers. I ended up with a whole crowd gathered around it to check out Moonlight and to vote for it on the PCA web page. Several said they would vote from home too. It also got some people who have not seen the show interested in giving it a try. YEA!

Vote for Moonlight as Favorite New TV Drama! Show CBS what Moonlight fans can do when working together. :)

Fan Video of Josef and Mick!

Here is a fun fan video (Thanks to Anna Maureen) of my boys ~ Josef and Mick! I can not wait for them to get more screen time together in future episodes. Rumor has it that we will be learning more about Josef soon. *wink*

The video starts with one of my favorite Josef quotes..... "Sooner or later your inner vampire is going to demand to be fed." Jason Dohring always gives his lines just the right touch of sarcasm. You will probably recognize the music used from past Moonlight promos. It is Taking Chances by Celine Dion.

Photos ~ Mick & Coraline's Stake Out Kiss ~ Fleur De Lis (#1x09)

Talk about a controversial scene! Everyone has been debating whether Mick kissed Morgan back or if she did all the smooching. Was he pretending in order to get information and find out if she is really Coraline or did he want to kiss her? Study these photos from their stake out (Fleur De Lis episode #1x09) and see what you think. This is the first time they have kissed in 22 years!

Our bday boy ~ Mick St John

As they are driving along in Mick's super cool car, Beth asks how old he really is ~ since he will always look like he is 30 years old. He replies that he will be 85 in November. So.... Happy Birthday, Mick! :)

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Photos and music from stake out scene in Fleur De Lis

A few photos from Beth and Mick's stake out of Coraline's apartment in Fleur De Lis (episode #1x09). What an intense scene! Beth was so upset. While she questions Mick about what drew him to Coraline over and over again, I swear her eye even twitches at one point.

Of course, the song selected to underscore the scene is pitch perfect. Dead End Street by Varano featuring Unni Wilhelmsen.

Writer's Strike News Update

Hi all..... As you know, the WGA and AMPTP resumed their talks to try resolving the writer's strike. They agreed not to speak to the media about the negotiations. However, rumors usually leak out. Nikki Finke's blog, Deadline Hollywood Daily, provided the following great info ~

...a very reliable source tells me that there appears to be a deal seemingly in place between both sides.

"It's already done, basically," the insider describes. That's because of the weeks worth of groundwork by the Hollywood agents working the writers guild leadership on one side, and the studio and network moguls on the other. I was told not to expect an agreement this week. But my source thought it was possible that the strike could be settled before Christmas.

Look, I don't want to raise false hope here. But this source has been very accurate in the past. The negotiations starting today will have a news blackout, so don't expect any significant leaks. But consider the real possibility there's been a breakthrough. Still, I must caution that this is Hollywood -- where defeat is snatched from the jaws of victory nearly every time.

Moonlight fans have been hoping for a quick end to the strike because that can help the chances of our show being picked up for a full season (& beyond) by CBS. *fingers crossed*

TV Guide ~ Mick's Vampire Makeup by Deborah Larsen

TV Guide Magazine has a fantastic feature of Alex getting vamped out. YUM! Deborah Larsen is the head of Moonlight's makeup department. She worked with Alex (stunts, promotion, makeup ~ is there anything he does not do for his show?!) to come up with the signature Vampire look for Mick. I love the simple approach used on Moonlight vamps. Since the show is about Vampyres that live among us, it makes sense that they would not turn all hideous when it is fang time. Speaking of fangs, I'm so happy they included a photo of Alex with those awesome teeth!

Click on the images above for larger photos. You will be able to read the article. This Mick article is in the December 3rd to 9th issue.

I have already sent TV Guide a thank you message. We need to be sure to let any media outlet that covers Moonlight know how much we appreciate the exposure & support. Let them know that they gained viewers and sold more magazines because of the show. Encourage them to do it again. If you want to send them feedback too.....

http://www.tvguide.com/services/CustomerForm.aspx

Monday, November 26, 2007

Daemon's TV Interviews Alex O'Loughlin

Daemon's TV web site has another lovely interview with Alex O'Loughlin. Some of the questions we have seen before, but still a great read. Alex is candid and funny, as usual. :)

He honestly admits that he has been unable to get an answer from either Nina Tassler nor Les Moonves about if the show will be picked up. BOO! They discuss which actors are inspirations, what drew him to the character of Mick, his opinion on MickBeth, Josef and more. LOVE that Alex says of Moonlight "...we own the demographic..." That's right!

Kim, the CBS publicist that was involved in the interview, suggested that Moonlight fans should send garlic to the network. Interesting! I like that she wants to help, but worry that she knows something about what CBS has planned for our show. Am I just being paranoid?!

I also worried when Alex said the following ~ "With the current climate in Hollywood, you know I’m unsure about which direction I’ll be going after Christmas. It’s all up in the air, which is very sort of disheartening if you let it in, but you know we’re all just sort of keeping our fingers crossed, though I am reading some film scripts and there’s some good stuff out there, but I’m not attached to anything yet."

Here are a few excerpts that I really enjoyed ~

Daemon's TV:
Speaking of the currently climate of things in Hollywood, I am just curious, are we going to have some kind of ending?

Alex O’Loughlin:
Oh yeah, we’re just killing everyone (laughs) …maybe I shouldn’t give that away (laughs). I’m sorry, I’m joking, of course!

Daemon's TV:
But did you get the chance to have some kind of a wrap up for the first pod and then when things start up again we’ll be fine?

Alex O’Loughlin:
To a certain extent. Let me be the one to tell you right now, I am not going to conduct myself and this character through this series at this stage as though we’re not coming back, because as far as I’m concerned, we are coming back, even though Nina Tassler [CBS President] hasn’t promised me anything, and Les Moonves [President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS], I can’t get him off the golf course to answer his phone. But there are certain things… I’m just thinking about how to answer this…

Daemon's TV:
Let’s put it this way, the reason I’m asking is because shows like “Heroes” reshot their ending to give their 13 episodes an ending point so that until it picks up again people are at least satisfied with the first arc.

Alex O’Loughlin:
Oh, I mean no, people are gonna be totally satisfied. People are going to be salivating, for Moonlight to come back, and that’s what we’re going to deliver because we don’t plan on not coming back. We’ve got a few really epic things that are coming that wrap the end of the series. It’s an ending with no finale. I mean it’s an ending with a bunch of open ended stuff that you’re just going die to know what happens next. There are a couple of points that happen that change the course of the picture, but the world won’t let Moonlight fade away after this. The fans will be rabid. They will demand a re-release, they’ll demand a pickup.

Daemon's TV:
Exactly, you can have the fans ship nuts.

Kim:
Or garlic!!

Daemon's TV:
I’m always interested to hear your take on why someone should pay attention to the show and watch it.

Alex O’Loughlin:
I think it’s a really satisfying show. We own the demographic, and we own the demographic for a reason and that is that people of all ages are enjoying the show. Teenagers to people in their middle ages of life are sitting down watching Moonlight because it’s got so many elements that we turn to. It’s a love story. It’s a story about unrequited love. It’s got incredible action and great fight sequences. It’s got a tormented conflicted protagonist who always goes towards good, well for now, and whose rules are ambiguous and his motives, at times, are ambiguous, and it’s based in a genre that’s really exciting, that’s mysterious, that’s really sexy. CBS hasn’t pulled punches on the show, they’ve allowed us to take it to levels of truth, they’ve allowed us to take it to levels of humanity where network TV can sometimes skimp on because they want it to look better or not be as real or be less sort of confrontational. I just think it’s an all around good show. I think it’s also a show that questions the norm, that questions the beliefs, you know, society’s belief on certain topics. I hope that’s a sort of roundabout answer to your question.

Daemon's TV:
Let’s talk Mick and Beth for a little bit here. You guys have sort of, and I hate to use this pun, but it’s the Moonlighting relationship, it’s the will they won’t they flirtation back and forth, and sometimes it gets closer than others. How long do you think it’s going to be until at least something happens?

Alex O’Loughlin:
Something’s coming up in 11 [episode], that puts a big spinner in the works and affects the way Beth feels about Mick, and also affects the way Mick views Beth. A part of me feels like if anything ever happened between those guys, the show’s over. But then again, I’m not the creator. The unrequited love aspect of the show, the Romeo and Juliet mirror that we constantly provide in Moonlight, I think is an essential part of the drama, of the tension. I mean, in Mick’s mind, there is no way he could ever cross that line, despite how weak the flesh is, despite the feelings that he has for this woman, in his mind, that would be the ultimate sin. He looks at her and it’s so awkward, he looks at her through paternal eyes you know, and if he wants to sleep with her, I mean that’s pretty weird (laughs).

Daemon's TV:
Well he’s her guardian angel, so…

Alex O’Loughlin:
Well yeah, so he really shouldn’t be… (laughs) But you know, you never know, I get surprised from script to script.

Daemon's TV:
There’s a lot of action in the show, and I was wondering if you do your own stunts or if you have a stunt double.

Alex O’Loughlin:
[With a deep “sexy” voice] I do my own stunts baby….(Laughs) No, I do have a stunt double because there are certain things that they won’t let me do. Like they won’t set fire to me. They won’t like let me jump off a 20 story building. There are certain big stunts that it’s just impossible to get insurance to let me do, but for the most part I’d say I do probably 75% of my stuff. I have my own harnesses and my own pads and back protectors. I’m trained in stunt work, I really love it too. The other thing is, you don’t have to shoot around the stunt double’s face, you can just shoot me doing my thing. It makes the show better, until I slip my sciatic nerve and have to work in a back brace, that’s the downside.

You can read the entire interview by using this link ~

http://www.daemonstv.com/2007/11/24/interview-alex-oloughlin-moonlight-cbs/

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Images and a little history of the Fleur De Lis

I have mentioned my love of New Orleans a few times. Since the Fleur De Lis is the symbol of NOLA, it means a great deal to me. I have been collecting them online and in real life for years. Several people have asked for information about it. In honor of Moonlight's most recent episode (#1x09), I thought I would share some of my images and info with you. :)

The Fleur De Lis ~ also spelled Fleur De Lys ~ has traditionally been designated for French royalty. It translates to "Flower of the Lily." For centuries, it has been part of royal emblems and crests. The show took a bit of poetic license (which is what fictional tv shows & movies do) by depicting it as a brand given to courtesans. Historically, there is no evidence of that. However, it was used to mark criminals at times. Some say it was specifically for murderers.

Since Hurricane Katrina, there has been a surge in Fleur De Lis tattoos by people showing their love for their city. I will share a photo of that type of body art with you. Also, a flag flown proudly in the French Quarter. The final image is a beautiful piece of artwork by our talented friend, Steve Bogdanoff. His gallery was located right on Royal Street before Katrina. Now, he is located in another one of our favorite art destinations, Santa Fe. I'll give you a link to his lovely website.

http://bogdanoff.com/FrescoPages/fleur_de_lis_23.htm

Video of the final act from Fleur De Lis ~ episode #1x09

Everyone has been debating exactly what Mick had on his mind during that steamy shower scene with Coraline. My, my, my.... The look he gives her up and down could melt that shower door. When he realizes that it really is Coraline, he is relieved ~ we all know the guilt he carried over "killing" his wife ~ and keeps asking her if this means there is a "cure" for Vampirism. He thinks she can help him to no longer be the monster he perceives himself to be. Many have been wondering if Morgaline ever says that she does have a cure. Beth's facial expression and whether she knew that Morgan/Coraline was human or not is also being discussed at length.

Now, we can watch this video of the final act from Moonlight's Fleur De Lis episode (#1x09) over and over to analyze what did or did not happen! After watching the last scene again, did you notice something you did not see the first time? Did it change your mind about anything you thought had happened?

Hard to believe that this much pivotal development happens in a bit over 3 minutes! Ooooo... and again.... the music used is I'll Look After You by the Fray.

Jason Dohring as Josef Konstantin Wallpaper ~ from Sleeping Beauty (episode #1x10)

You know how I feel about Josef! This image of him is from the upcoming, three weeks away Sleeping Beauty episode (#1x10). Jason Dohring looks soooo good in the photo. It is one of the few I have from that episode that are not spoiler pics. Just couldn't resist making it into wallpaper.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Ratings for Moonlight's November 23rd Episode

Live plus same day (fast affiliate) ratings for the Fleur De Lis episode on November 23rd......

Viewers 7.33 million (#2); A18-49, 2.2/ 6 (#2)

We knew that the ratings would be down a bit due to Thanksgiving ~ all that eating, traveling and visiting ~ and Black Friday shopping. Women's Murder Club was 1st in total viewers with 7.76 million. Again, we are right behind them! Moonlight beat WMC in the demo but, the NBC movie "Family Man" won the demo this week.

A lot of Moonlight fans TIVO the show every week. Can you imagine how many more did so due to the holiday?!? So, keep in mind that the show's numbers will change when the live plus 7 days (DVR) ratings come in.

Video Recap of Moonlight's Fleur De Lis Episode (#1x09)

This is a video recap of last night's amazing episode ~ Fleur De Lis (# 1x09). Even though I know what is going to happen, that did not stop my heart from pounding while watching these scenes. Is it ok if I pout in every post about having to wait three weeks for a new episode?!?

Recap of Fleur De Lis ~ Episode # 1x09

We have been discussing what will or won't happen between Mick and Coraline for a long time. Fleur De Lis (episode # 1x09) lived up to the hype for me! This is my recap and thoughts now that we've watched it. If you haven't seen the episode yet, do not read any farther......

SPOILER ALERT

I was on the edge of my seat as soon as I heard Beth doing the voice over. That signaled right away that this episode was different. Beth sounded different. We have watched her changes and growth every week. Mick is changing her life.... and vice versa.

We learned that Coraline became a Vampire in the 1700's, when she was a courtesan to the French court. Her Fleur De Lis brand was given to mark her as a courtesan. A "hooker" as jealous Beth snapped.

That jealousy was on full display tonight. It fueled Beth's researching Morgan, along with hate, fear and desire for revenge. Who can blame her for wanting vengeance on the person who snatched her from the safety of home & "terrorized" her. However...... would she have ever met Mick otherwise?? Hmmmmmmmmm.....

It was Beth's idea for Mick to turn on his charm, that no girl can resist according to her (she would know *wink*), to keep Morgan busy while she snooped.

We knew that Mick was going to apologize to Morgan for the cemetary scene last week. The scene at the restaurant was great! She made him squirm. "You're buying, right?"

Shannyn is fantastic as Coraline. I know many of you do not like her ~ words like hate and evil were used often. I like her! Shannyn and Alex have great chemistry together. I would not respect Mick if he did not have feelings for the woman he married and had been on/off with for 33 years. Conflicted though they may be. Remember when the teenage vamp (Arrested Development episode #1x05) asked Mick if he had ever loved someone so much he would do anything for her. Mick closed his eyes and thought of Coraline. Then, opened them and said yes.

I have a severe shoe addiction myself so I loved Beth's shoe envy when digging around at Morgan/Coraline's loft. :)

We could have been shown generic medicine bottles to establish Morgan's humaness. Instead, they made sure we could read the label for her Naproxen perscription. Will that come up in the future? Is it part of the "cure?" A bit about Naproxen.... It is an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine, often used to relieve pain ~ headaches, arthritis, backaches, menstral cramps, etc. Also, as a BLOOD thinner. Hmmm......

I knew Mick would smell Beth when he and Morgan returned to her home.

When Mick asked Morgaline what she thought his type was and she said "that would be me," I gasped out loud. She is so bold. Love the bad girls!

Josef sighting! I was happy to see that Beth went to him for answers. How great was it when everyone scattered at the snap of his fingers?!?

We learned that Josef met Coraline in New York ~ when Lincoln was president. When he said in The Ringer (episode # 1x07) that he knew her long before Mick, he really meant it.

Loved it when Mick jumped instead of using the elevator. Then, ran and leapt sky high to save Morgan. I get a thrill any time he uses his vamp powers. Yea!

Another hot shower scene! Who does not want a man to look at them the way Mick looked at Morgan/Coraline?!??!! Oooooooo my.....

Is there a permanent cure for Vampirism? Only temporary? Mick seemed like his human self ~ so hopeful ~ when he realizes that Coraline found a "cure" for what he considers a curse.

Beth's face when she saw Coraline on Mick's stairs, WEARING his shirt, wet from the shower was so hurt. After reliving the nightmare of her kidnapping which she had kept buried for years, she goes to her protector's home and thinks he has taken up with her enemy. I felt so bad for her.

My heart went out to Mick. He knows that if Coraline dies he will never find the cure. Would he actually take it? What would Moonlight be like with a human Mick?!?

How are they gonna explain Coraline's stake... er... I mean... stab wound to the hospital staff?!!!?? Accidental? Self inflicted? Ha!

Getting stabbed like that is a pretty serious wound for a human. If Coraline is dying, will Mick turn her to save her & to get the "cure" information? That would be great role reversal for him to make her a Vampire. However, unlike our Mick, Coraline enjoyed being a vamp.

I love that Moonlight gives us sooooooo much to think and speculate about with every episode!

Watch Fleur De Lis online right now!

Hey! CBS has already posted the full Fleur De Lis episode (#1x09) on their site. We can rewatch it online now! They are getting better and faster about putting each show on the web.

http://www.cbs.com/innertube/player.php?cat=161782&vid=170680&format=&auto=1

Friday, November 23, 2007

Music from Fleur De Lis (Episode # 1x09)

Music from tonight's episode ~ Fleur De Lis (#1x09)....

Dead End Street by Varano featuring Unni Wilhelmsen (playing during Beth and Mick's stake out of Coraline's apartment)

Mr Self Destruct by NIN - Nine Inch Nails (Coraline's branding scene)

I'll Look After You by the Fray (played during Mick & Coraline's shower scene)

Thoughts while watching Fleur De Lis ~ episode # 1x09

Oooooo my.... Fleur De Lis just started and already has me holding my breath. A voice over from Beth??!!?!? LOVE IT!

Beth is putting that jealousy to good use by researching Morgan/Coraline. I am glad we are getting some details.

Shannyn is doing a great job as Coraline. You know that I like the bad girls! *grin*

Beth going to Josef for help! *cheer* JOSEF!

How can I wait three weeks for more Moonlight?!!?!?

It is finally Fleur De Lis Friday!

We finally made it to Friday! The week just seems soooooo long when I'm waiting for Moonlight. Especially waiting for this episode in particular. Fleur De Lis (episode #1x09) has probably been the most anticipated and debated episode yet. After all the guessing, worrying and sighing, we will get to see what really happens between Mick and Coraline/Morgan. Moonlight's writers know what they are doing to us, and ~ to quote Beth ~ they like it!

Let me remind you again that this will be the last new episode for a while. :( CBS is not airing Sleeping Beauty (episode #1x10) until December 14th. Three weeks of waiting!

NEW Sneak Preview Video of Scene from Fleur De Lis ~ SPOILER!

I must warn you ~ do not watch this video unless you want to see a major spoiler!

WOW.... the promo shown after last week's episode caused a flood of comments, emails and arguing "MickBeth" vs "MickCoraline" shipping. I can only imagine the reaction after everyone sees this new one! I better get ready! This is a sneak preview video of a scene from tonight's episode, Fleur De Lis (#1x09). Some of you are gonna be shocked. Don't hold back with your opinions! I know you won't :)

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Please, support the Hungersite! :)

We are enjoying our Thanksgiving with family and friends. A great bunch of people! I can not explain how grateful I feel. We always tease my sister (who is the best cook) that she makes enough food for an army. ha! As we devour our delicious food & eat leftovers for days, I can not help but think of those who do not have what we do. You may be aware of the following website. However, it seems fitting to include it in this Thanksgiving message.

www.hungersite.com

It is FREE! It only takes a few seconds and a click to help untold numbers of people. You will also find the Breast Cancer Site, Literacy Site, etc attached to the page. We click on each one while we are there. :)

Amazing that my obsession with Moonlight would allow me to meet so many wonderful people. I enjoy talking with you and sharing our addiction. ha! THANK YOU :) Blessings to you all on this day and always!

Vote for Moonlight on E! Online's "Save It or Sink It" Poll

A little fun for you while digesting that delicious Thanksgiving meal. :) Several readers have sent me email about this poll. Kristin, from E! channel's Watch with Kristin, has posted a do over for her tv show "Save It or Sink It" campaign. In the first poll, we ended up with 57% of people voting to save it. As I write this, Moonlight is at 36.7% save it in this second chance poll. I know that just means that not many fans know about it yet. Spread the word!

Recently, Kristin had the following exchange with a viewer ~

Stephanie in Whittier, California:
This writer's strike has me all in knots...Can you tell me if my new favorite show, Moonlight on CBS, will survive the strike? From what I know the ratings have been fairly solid, but I fear that doesn't guarantee anything in the wake of this strike.

Kristin:
If it helps, I seem to get more reader mail about Moonlight than about any other new show, including Pushing Daisies, Chuck and Gossip Girl. I hear you, and I promise to catch up ASAP!

Can you imagine how much mail she must get, but Moonlight questions & comments make up a majority of it?!!?!? Great job! We want to continue to give the show a high profile. Keep sending messages and lets VOTE on Kristin's poll. Show them what the avid fans of Moonlight can do!

http://www.eonline.com/gossip/kristin/detail/index.jsp?uuid=32b40f37-22b1-408e-8a24-b12d660e35a9

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Alex O'Loughlin in the Movie "August Rush"

Our Alex is in the new movie, August Rush, which opened today. I'm an action girl, so this is not really my kinda film. However, since Mr O'Loughlin is part of the cast, I will be making an exception. :) I hope the makers of the movie know how lucky they are to have him. The box office is gonna go up just from Moonlight fans!

Alex portrays Marshall Connelly ~ the brother of Jonathan Rhys Meyers' character, Louis. Speaking of Jonathan, our thoughts & prayers are with him and his family at the loss of his mother.

Promo Photos From Episode #1x09 ~ Fleur De Lis

I know that a majority of Moonlight fans were none too thrilled with the final scene in the promo video for this week's episode ~ Fleur De Lis (#1x09). Another shower scene, but not with the same lady. Mick grabbing and passionately kissing Coraline has sparked quite a debate. There are a lot of theories.... he is just pretending in order to get information from her or to see if she does have that pesky tattoo or it is a dream or he still loves her.... I said at the time that I have photos to share from this episode. Coraline on Mick's stairs wearing his shirt! Is there an innocent reason? Her clothes are in the dryer? No robe? Or..........

There is also the photo of Mick wet and almost shirtless while talking to Beth. We know that she is investigating "Morgan" in this episode. Perhaps, she gives Mick the evidence in that folder he is holding. Then, it looks like they are surprised by something. Is it Coraline descending the stairs in Mick's shirt? Poor Beth!

By the way ~ Enjoy Friday's episode! We will have to wait for 3 whole weeks for another new show. Sleeping Beauty (episode #1x10) does not air until December 14th. URGH!

I thought I would at least have reruns to tide me over. TV Guide's listings only had info for one future Friday (11/30/07). CBS is showing some silly special about the Grammy's in place of Ghost Whisperer and Moonlight that night. :( If/when the network does decide to air repeats of past episodes, please be sure to tune in as if it were new! We want them to see that we love Moonlight enough to rewatch over and over.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

New interview with Alex discussing the future of Moonlight and more!

iF Magazine's site has an incredible new interview with Alex! He discusses the rigors of playing Mick from 4:30 in the morning until who knows what time, doing about 75% of his own stunts & so on. Moonlight's rabid, loyal and adoring fans also get a shout out from him! :) Looks like he too is trying to get Nina Tassler and CBS to tell us whether the show is getting picked up or not. I like the fact that he says "... I am not going to conduct this character and myself as if we aren’t coming back. As far as I am concerned we are coming back.... " Good for you, Alex!

Read!

http://ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2481

Original promo of Mick being turned into a Vampire

Are you sitting down? I'm sure you are well aware of the casting and behind the scenes changes that happened before Moonlight aired. The only one of the initial actors to survive is Alex ~ thank goodness. :)

I discovered this video today and had to share it with you! This is an original promo of the crucial moment when Coraline turned our Mick into a Vampire on their wedding night. It is a pivotal plot point of the show. Could the vibe possibly be more different than the transformation scene we know so well?!? Actress/Model Amber Valletta had the role of Coraline at the time. Her portrayal of his wife is not as powerful to me. When she bites Mick's neck and turns him, it does not have that heat of passion feel which Shannyn brings to the part. The bedroom set seems so small and claustrophobic. Keep an eye on their reflections in the mirror also.

Tell me what you think about this possible version of our show.

Mick is included on EW's list of "Best TV Hair"

Just confirming what we already know ~ Alex O'Loughlin has the best hair on TV! I can think of a lotta other "bests" that involve him, but let's stick to his hairdo for now. :> On the PopWatch Blog, Michael Slezak asked Entertainment Weekly's readers to nominate the best and worst TV hair. Of course.... Mick was not only nominated, he was selected as a winner. I am so happy to see Alex and the show being mentioned on EW's website. We want and need all media outlets to write about Moonlight & the stars as often as possible. Networks notice when their products are getting attention and free publicity. Be sure to thank EW.com and Michael for the Mick Fix!

Email ~ letters@ew.com

Interview with Moonlight's costume designer, Salvador Perez

Spork Fashion did a great interview with Salvador Perez, the costume designer for Moonlight. He talks about updating the Vampyre wardrobe and not being stereotypical. Finding clothes that convey the age and wealth of Josef and Coraline, while also outfitting our youngster Mick in “glam goth.” As well as the change when it comes to dressing the only human star of the show.

I like this photo of Salvador with Alex's women ~ the stunning Lola, also known as his real life girlfriend Holly Valance, and beautiful Beth. Of course, I had to include a picture of Mick in "the same thing he always wears" (as Beth pointed out in the B.C. episode). We have had lots of discussions about how amazing he looks in those shirts... or ripping them! Thank you, Salvador for those Henley's! In a quote from the article, he even mentions the shirts by name. “Mick doesn’t look good in crew-neck shirts,” Salvador says, “so he is always in collared shirts and henleys. He’s a vampire - it’s always about the neck.” However, I do not believe that Alex could look bad in anything. :)

If you are interested, check out the full article ~

http://www.sporkfashion.com/2007/10/16/interview-with-moonlight-costume-designer-sal-perez/

Monday, November 19, 2007

Reader created Moonlight wallpaper!

Kristie1175 is a loyal reader of the blog. She created this wonderful, collage style photo wallpaper of Mick, Beth and Coraline. Great images! Kristie asked me to post her desktop background because she wanted to share her handiwork with all Moonlight fans. Moonies are such generous people! :)