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'Friday Night Lights' Movie Update: Script Is Done!

With clear eyes and full hearts, "Friday Night Lights" is coming to the big screen.

While at a preview for "Battleship," "Friday Night Lights" executive producer Peter Berg told MTV News that showrunner Jason Katims is "about done with the script." Now, they need to get all of the original actors back on board.

"So much of these things become scheduling," said Berg. "Kyle [Chandler] is busy, Adrianne [Palicki] is busy, Taylor is busy, Connie Britton is busy, but if we can get everyone in the same room at the same time, we all want to do it. We're not done with 'Friday Night Lights.'"

As for the script, the "Friday Night Lights" moving would focus on what Coach and Mrs. Coach are up to now.

"[Katims] has come up with a really great storyline that parallels what happened to Mike Leach, one of my heroes, a coach at Texas Tech, who was unjustly fired and unjustly accused of mistreating a player with a concussion, which was proven to not have been the case," Berg told MTV News. "It would be critical that we get Kyle and Connie -- we anchored the show around them -- and then bring in Riggins, Tyra, Lyla and all other characters as we could get them. But the idea is to really revolve it around the coach."

Back in October 2011, Mrs. Coach seemed to be excited for the film. "It's happening for realsies," Connie Britton told Us Weekly. Britton earned an Emmy nomination for her role as Coach Taylor's wife -- Tami Taylor.

In August, the show's executive producer Peter Berg announced his plans to adapt the cult hit series into a movie, and it looks like Kyle Chandler's surprising Emmy win has kept the movie momentum going.

Watch the video below for more info on the anticipated "Friday Night Lights" film.

Anna Reagan: Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills Reunion Part Three

OK. It's the end. And boy did that engine lose steam. Am I right?

I appreciate that this episode got right down to business. No preamble. Here we go.

Taylor, Taylor, Taylor. Oh god. I just don't know what to say. First, she wants us all to think that Russell may have been murdered. I get that. Accepting someone close to you can't be easy. But then the recording devices (sidebar: I like how Taylor makes herself seem all business-womany by saying Russell recorded her in the office because knew she's be in there all day), the lie detector tests and the most bizarre story ever. So here's what I got from it: Russell's hiding in the bushes after pretending to leave because Taylor wants to talk girlie stuff with her girlfriend and her fiancé. Hiding in the bushes, people. He hears Taylor's friends say they'll help her get away from Russell so he jumps out of the bushes, hit her friends' fiancé in the back of the head several times. Throws Taylor's girlfriend and dog in the pool. Almost drowns Taylor. Ambulances arrive. And when Andy asks the million-dollar question, did these friends prosecute Russell? Taylor says "No because I asked them not to." Cue Brandi's look of disbelief that matches my own. Taylor, I don't care how good your friends are. This is just too looney tunes.

Then come in Team Somewhat Sane as I am dubbing them -- Brandi and Camille. And you know things are rough when they are the voices of reason. "Nothing was adding up to me," says Brandi. Same here, Brandi, same here. Camille is more vague saying the whole things just "creeps" her out. And in a way, that may be the most succinct summary of the situation. The moment of course dissolves into some fourth-grade nonsense between Taylor and Brandi over who said what to whom first. And when Taylor rattles off all the doctors and procedures she had to get done, there's something chilling to it.

"Well best of luck," says Andy. What else can be said? Oof.

Dana is brought in. Her makeup is awful. I do like the longer hair. Those shoes... they have a middle finger and a diamond on them, which pleases Dana. Go see a shrink, Dana. Taylor knows a real winner.

I am so happy that Brandi calls Dana out on being the biggest brown noser ever to Kim and Kyle on Game Night. (Is it just me or has "Game Night" earned the same gravitas as "The Battle of Hastings" or "the bubonic plague"?) I had totally forgot about that weird hippy crap she was laying on Kyle. When Kyle just wouldn't be on the same level as Dana made me miss the old Kyle. Ah, memories.

I need to stop for a second to acknowledge the Baby Geniuses reference from Andy.

Camille again is surprisingly able to come off as the classier one when she complains about Dana always bringing up how much she spends. These women are "not lowkey humble chicks. I mean look at them" Dana retorts. Touché, Dana, but you're still pretty disgusting. Then comes the best exchange of the night when Dana points out that Giggy wears "attires" for every event. "Because he's got alopecia," Lisa says as if she's explaining that two and two equal four. It's just too good.

Dana's sob story is also pretty bizarre as she first says that she left home at age fifteen and built her whole life for herself. But actually she just moved in with her really rich dad in New York City after her mom died. I love that Andy is impressed with where she went to school. "I am a guy who is like not really from anything," she says. What that means I just don't know.

Then of course Game Night is brought up again. Brandi and Dana argue over what really went down. "Watch the episode" Brandi challenges her as if it's a perfect documentation.

The ultimate time filler is when the "house husbands" show up. The affection Andy has for Paul is clear when he introduces him as "our buddy Paul." I'll admit it; I love Paul--especially when he gave Taylor that facial consultation at the gate when she ran out of Lisa's tea party. What was he doing there, loitering? I think he just wanted to be invited. The Mauricio montage was appreciated but I fear the wrath of Kyle. You should too. Don't send him nude pictures, please, for your sake! Ken's "wild days" are too ridiculous to take seriously and so is his declaration, "I'm fairly attractive to women." Andy asks Ken why he thinks Cedric showed up at SUR? Um, because he was invited by the producers? Lisa then says that there's been so much abuse from Cedric "in the press" is great because you know she considers US Weekly to be the new New Yorker.

Then it's time. Kim time! We see her first as she peeks behind the doorjamb. She's still so weird. Andy thinks she looks healthy. I think she always looks like a hot mess. Less of one, yes, but she still has that little bit of cray cray that makes her Kim.

She immediately cops to being an alcoholic. I think it comes so easy for her because that was the least of her problems. "At least I'm trying" she says after she reveals she's been to rehab three times. I give her credit there. We get a peek into her grim family life as she says she was asked to go to rehab at a family intervention the day after Thanksgiving at the behest of her daughter.

She thinks that in the beginning of the season you cans see "how strong and powerful" she was. Hmm. Not quite how I remember it. When Brandi is brought up Kim says sullenly "the difference is I owe her [an apology] for hiding her crutches and she owes me one for hurting basically all of the people I love." She really is a pre-teen isn't she?

When Andy shows her clips of the SUR episode and we see her watching them as we re-watch them, things get a bit meta. As she watches the epic shot from in the hallway where you can hear Ken saying "just put it in the towel," I want to know what she is thinking. But really I want to know what was in that damn towel. Or maybe I don't.

It's a relief when she says she's no longer with Ken. But she's living in a hotel. She is getting ready to move. Again. This woman is a nomad. Someone please find her a home!

Then Kyle pops out like an unwanted guest on an episode of Jerry Springer. This is when things start to lose steam. Andy really drags it out, asking questions that are usually much too dumb and obvious compared to his usual ones. He asks Kim why she can talk about her addiction problems now but couldn't on the first season reunion. Could it be because she totally wigged out this season? Kim and Kyle have so clearly not worked things out and it still seems to be pretty raw. It made me cringe every now and again. Kyle says "Phew!" that Kim wasn't pregnant. Kim doesn't like it and tells her to stop it. Those two have a longggg road ahead of them.

"Thanks Andy" they say in unison and giggle. The credits roll. Emptiness takes hold of my heart. But the Real Housewives of Orange Country is starting up again so we all have something to live for.

Dawn Wells: 'Gilligan's Island' Actors Got No Syndication Royalties

The TV classic "Gilligan's Island" aired for three seasons and for decades after that in syndication. But as Dawn Wells, the actress who played the bubbly Mary Ann, told "Good Day NY" (weekdays, 9 a.m. EST on Fox) the cast wasn't fortunate enough to share in the syndication royalties.

"No, they didn't exist!" Wells lamented. "Our producer made $90 million on the re-runs of 'Gilligan's Island' alone, but we didn't get any of it."

Another opportunity Wells missed out on while they were filming was an off-screen, on-island romance. When Rosanna Scotto asked her if she ever was romantically involved with anyone in the cast, Wells said that she and Russell Johnson, who played the Professor, had a special connection, but they could never hook up because they were both married. "I could have fallen in love with the Professor in a minute, but we were both married ... He was darling and he was handsome; he was the funniest one on the show," she said.

At that point Rosanna Scotto pressed her for more details, noting that being married "has never stopped anyone in Hollywood before." Wells sighed and replied, "Yeah, I know. But we were square. We were a family. That reads on camera," she noted. While a fling would have lasted for a few months, the on-screen chemistry was immortalized for over half a century.

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Julie Gerstenblatt: Lessons From 'Downton Abbey': A Jewish American Princess Studies the Dowager Countess

I admire the British for so many reasons. They have a rich history of beheading enemies of the monarchy without ever compromising afternoon tea. They colonized half the globe and yet managed to ensure that no other colony's accent would sound exactly like theirs. In particular, I idolize the Brits for their fictional characters. If shipwrecked on a deserted island and in need of reading materials to last a lifetime, I'd much rather have aristocratic and feisty Emma Woodhouse and her charming Mr. Knightly with me than puritanical Hester Prynne and her pastor, Arthur (yawn) Dimmesdale. Give me Heathcliff and Catherine! Bring me my Bridget Jones! Oh, heck, just give me any book that was later turned into a movie starring Hugh Grant and/or Colin Firth! And, now, thanks to Downton Abbey, make sure that I always have the BBC on my telly. (Yes, even on that deserted island.)

Turns out, there's a lot a Jewish girl from New York can learn from the fictional, Victorian-era Crawleys and their estate in North Yorkshire. In honor of the upcoming finale of Downton Abbey's second season, I'd like to share some of these delicious bits of knowledge.

1. Marry your cousin.
Clock ticking? Desperate for a mate? Tired of being set up by your mom's gay hairdresser? Sick of having half of your grandmother's mahjong group insist they have the perfect guy for a "mature" woman like yourself? Dear Jewess, don't fret. The next time your dad worries about who will take over his condo in Boca once he passes on, ensure him that you've got his back. Promptly fall in love with your cousin and gain an immediate heir to the estate. Now, don't go screwing things up by, let's say, screwing a Turk who then dies in your bed or by pretending you don't love your cousin when you really, really do. Don't let the cousin go off to war on Wall Street without telling him how you feel. Worry later about the genetic complications this might prompt, including blood-clotting disorders; for now, stay focused on Boca.

2. Just shut up already.
When people ask me how I am doing, I actually tell them. Sometimes, I go on for several minutes, blabbing and spewing and confiding, analyzing and hypothesizing and then circling back to the original point with some sort of diarrhea of the mouth. What can I say? This is nearly unavoidable when the double helix of your DNA looks like Fran Drescher and Woody Allen snake dancing. An English Lady would never behave like that. She would hold her tongue and smile in mixed company, only divulging her true feelings to her maid. Even if she were bleeding internally during cocktails, I like to think she'd keep concerns about her spleen to herself. Perhaps if I wore a corset, I'd feel less like talking, and therefore, become all the more charming. I'd certainly look better. It's worth a shot.

3. Use your father's influence for your own gain.
Oh, wait. We Jewish American Princesses have already got this one down. Check it off the list!

Interestingly, gossip about season 3 of Downton Abbey has some suspecting that Cora Crawley, wife of the Earl of Grantham and daughter of American dry goods multimillionaire Isidore Levinson, is actually... gasp... Jewish. With a name like Levinson, it's certainly possible. And it would help to explain the overlapping behaviors between Jewesses and Countesses, at least in this instance.

4. When and if that doesn't work, sneak around behind Papa's back.
This is really fun. There is no telling what can be done once dear old Papa is out of the loop. This is how most of my shopping at Bergdorf Goodman was done when I was in high school. Afterwards, I would hide the packages so my dad couldn't document the trouble my mom and I got into with his Amex. But now I see that this was nothing. When done with the English flair of a Crawley, you can achieve true greatness behind your father's back. You can fall for your politically-minded chauffeur and still have time to dress wounds back at the makeshift convalescent hospital set up in your family's dining room. You can, with help from your mother and her maid, remove the dead Turk from your bedroom and place him back in his own bedchamber. You can then work a romantic deal with a well-known publisher, exchanging your heart for the safety of your public reputation. Shhh. As long as Papa doesn't know, then you are not a whore, or a slut, or in fear of being disinherited, disowned, or dishonored. There shall be no dissing whatsoever without Daddy's knowledge. (Easier by far just to go on a shopping spree, if you ask me.)

5. In a tiered society, it's best to be at the tippy top or the briny bottom.
Honestly, the servants and the Dowager Countess seem to have the most fun in and around Downton. There is much to scheme about when you spend all day mending fancy people's socks and cleaning their underclothes, which explains why O'Brien and Thomas are so delightfully awful. Same with Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess, the most influential of the upstairs bunch. Once she properly positions an off-kilter, feathered and flowered hat atop her curls, she's got nothing to do all day but gossip and connive and dream up the next sharp barb. And that's the way life should be as the top 1%. It's not as much fun being stuck somewhere in the middle, like me, and like dear Bates. He's got some money, but he's also got a limp and had a wife who was a bitch. No one wants to be him. And then there's Isobel Crawley, who has so little power next to Lady Grantham that she had to retreat to France for a while. She's no fun at all.

When all is said and done, in my next life, I'd like to come back as a British duchess or countess or heiress. Any -ess will do. I'd like to have someone dress me for dinner and I'd want to learn how to ride a horse in the countryside without having to worry about my hay fever.

Oh, and one last thing. I'd like to celebrate Christmas, even if it is fictional and during wartime. Lucky for me, that's exactly what the Crawleys will be doing this Sunday, February 19th. Now, raise your heirloom quality, cut-glass crystal goblet and follow my lead. Cheers, everyone.

Maureen Ryan: 'The Hour' Is The Next Period Drama You'll Fall For

BBC America premiered the handsome retro drama "The Hour" in August 2011, but you may not have noticed.

It's hard for programs that debut in the dog days of summer to get traction in the media, and when "The Hour" arrived, a lot of TV writers had just dragged themselves from San Diego Comic-Con to the Television Critics Association press tour, a brain-consuming beast that lasts for weeks. I must confess I was one of those people who never got around to writing about the British import, though Ryan McGee and I did devote a Talking TV podcast to the show.

In any event, if you missed this worthy drama the first time around, the good news is that BBC America is re-running "The Hour" in its entirety starting 9 p.m. E.T. Wednesday.

Why should you watch it? Thanks for asking, I happen to have some reasons prepared!

1. It's a smart, well-acted and well-crafted slice of British drama. The show tells the story of a BBC news program that breaks all the rules of the conservative '50s. The fictional show-within-the-show doesn't merely parrot government-approved spin and promote stories about mundane society news, and its abrasive lead reporter, Freddie Lyons (Ben Whishaw) doesn't care about assuaging the egos of those above him in the rigid post-war class structure. When the broadcast strays too close to big secrets and lies, "The Hour" makes powerful people in the government very uncomfortable, and the consequences for everyone connected to "The Hour" could be severe. There's a subplot about espionage that isn't integrated particularly well into the overall story, but generally speaking, "The Hour" is one of those nicely calibrated UK dramas that has an alluring atmosphere and is bursting at the seams with great character actors.
2. It has McNulty talking posh and wearing a suit. Dominic West, who played hard-living Baltimore cop Jimmy McNulty on "The Wire," employs his real accent here to play married, upper-crust news anchor Hector Madden, whose roving eye has landed on his ambitious young producer, Bel Rowley (Romola Garai). Creator Abi Morgan has said that the similarities to "Broadcast News" are entirely intentional, and the chemistry between West and Garai -- both of whom are very skilled at playing both restraint and occasional abandon -- is palpable. (In this interview, West talks about playing Hector.)
3. You will soon be experiencing "Downton Abbey" withdrawal. "The Hour" features swanky accents, star-crossed lovers, a debutante gone wrong and visits to an aristocrat's country house. Sound familiar? All right, it must be said that "The Hour" doesn't feature a lot of drama among servants, and very few of the characters in the BBC America show have fancy titles. But if it's a well-made British costume drama you want, you can't go wrong with this show, which will be a useful substitute once "Downton Abbey" wraps up its second season on Sun., Feb. 19.
4. "Mad Men" isn't back yet and you want to see good-looking people drinking excessively. Don't think of "The Hour" as just another would-be "Mad Men" (which was more or less the case with last fall's '60s dramas, "Playboy Club" and "Pan Am"). As I mentioned above, "The Hour" is more a retro "Broadcast News" than a clone of that AMC drama, which returns Mar. 25, but "The Hour" does have a lot of characters who drink, smoke and fool around to their hearts' content. With both shows, the saturated colors, retro fashions and terrific period details are as big a draw as the social commentary.
5. It's only six hours of your life. One of the selling points of the new horror-mystery "The River" is that it airs for only seven weeks. "The Hour" has that show beat in a couple of regards: It asks for a mere six-week commitment, and it also delivers more consistently on the satisfaction front (though I must warn you that there are no possessed dolls on "The Hour").

WATCH: Colbert Takes On The Contraception 'Crusade'

President Obama's mandate to have all employers -- including religious institutions -- cover contraceptives in their insurance plans is not sitting well with conservative Christians, making it the perfect hot-button issue for Stephen Colbert's satire/analysis (Satirlysis?)

On Tuesday night's "Report," Colbert poked holes in the right's argument against the mandate with a look at what the Good Book says about procreation and whether or not birth control is really prohibited by Catholicism when 98% of Catholic women use it.

"When you use contraception, you are not only sinning, you're c*ck-blocking the almighty!" Colbert joked.

But words simply weren't enough for Colbert last night. Watch the full segment above to see him take his innuendo a step further by whipping out a banana, a condom and mini-guillotine. We think you know where this is going.

'Ringer' Exclusive: Guest Appearance From 'Supernatural's' Fallen Angel

Some loyal "Supernatural" fans might have been feeling deprived by the lack of Castiel on your screens this season, but look to another CW show for your tall, dark and brooding fix. Misha Collins -- the man behind our favorite fallen angel -- is set to appear in next Tuesday's installment of "Ringer" (Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. EST) and HuffPost TV has an exclusive clip of his eagerly-anticipated appearance.

Collins' character, Dylan, was previously described as "an important part of the sisters' past" in the episode's synopsis, and the exclusive clip from "Whores Don't Make That Much" seems to lend credence to that fact. He apparently had a contentious relationship with Siobhan in particular, as we see in an intriguing flashback that features both siblings, as well as Sean, the young boy that we've only seen in photos with Siobhan up until this point (perhaps it's her son?). Could Dylan be the child's flaky father, looking to reconnect with his ex in the present day?

Series creators Nicole Snyder and Eric Charmelo hint that the episode is an important one in terms of exploring Siobhan's past and her current vendetta against Bridget. She has long carried a burden of guilt for something that happened to Sean, as the twins briefly touched on in the pilot. Though Siobhan previously confessed to forgiving Bridget for her mistake, as we found out in the Feb. 14 episode, that may not actually be the case ...

The exclusive also sheds a little more light on the startling twist that was revealed at the end of the Feb. 14 episode -- that Juliet, Tessa and Mr. Carpenter faked the sexual assault in order to extort money from Juliet's father, as a way of retrieving her confiscated trust fund. Charmelo and Snyder promise further developments in that scheme, as the loyalty between the trio threatens to fracture. It also looks like Bridget is finally coming close to uncovering some of her sister's secrets, but is Andrew as innocent as Bridget believes he is, or could Siobhan be justified in trying to take her husband down? So many mysteries, so little time!

Share your predictions regarding Dylan's involvement in Siobhan's life, and weigh in on the story so far in the comments below.

"Ringer" airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST on The CW.

WATCH: Emily Prepares For The Fire & Ice Ball On 'Revenge'

There's a calm before the "Chaos" on Wednesday night's anticipated all-new episode of the hit ABC soap "Revenge." Fans will finally know what happened on the night of the Emily and Daniel's engagement party.

It's the night of the Fire & Ice Ball, and it look's like Emily is packing a bit of a surprise underneath her red dress. Of course, we know from the promo that Emily's gun will go missing, and it probably will be used to shoot Daniel.

But is it Daniel who was shot? Or could it be Tyler? And who was the shooter? While we may have to wait for the episode to know the answer to those burning questions, check out the clip below to watch some of the final moments between Emily and Daniel.

'Revenge': The Episode We've All Been Waiting For

This is it, "Revenge" fans: The episode we've all been waiting for. Since the show's premiere back in September 2011, with it's very teaser-y preview of what's to come, there have been some huge questions. And now, we'll finally get answers.

In "Chaos" (Wed., Feb. 15, 10 p.m. EST on ABC), we get to see what really happens at Daniel and Emily's Fire & Ice engagement party. We know there are gunshots, and we've seen Daniel Grayson fall to the sand, but how it all goes down is such a fantastically twisted puzzle.

I caught up with the cast after screening this insane, edge-of-your-seat episode to discuss all that happens in "Chaos." And believe me ... a lot happens. Keep reading for some scoop, but warning, spoilers ahead!

"This is it, kids. You like the show, right? Well then this is the one you've gotta see," Nick Weschler (Jack Porter) said. "You saw the pilot, you like the show ... we've been building up to this all season. You are about to find out who and how and why. This is not the episode to miss."

Gabriel Mann, who plays the scheming Nolan Ross, agreed. "We are teasing this, to take it very heavy and intellectual, as the Rashomon Fire & Ice Ball. For the layperson," he starts with a laugh, "that implies that we show the story that you all have seen in the pilot, except we now see all the angles and offscreen and backstage that we didn't see before. It's everything you've seen, but with a very fresh take on it. Some of the same shots, interspersed with new stuff. It's kind of like adding the seventh layer on the cake -- it's already sweet and yummy, but this makes it even more delicious."

Josh Bowman, who plays the (possibly) ill-fated Daniel Grayson, said: "It's going to be a freaking 'Revenge' fest ... It's a crazy episode ... phenomenally directed and very well-acted by the rest of the cast. We're all really close now, so to see that chemistry all coming to life, that's what's making the show. Fans should expect to see fireworks. Literally."

Henry Czerny, who plays Conrad Grayson, teased what the episode's closure will bring. "Because it is the episode that harkens back to the pilot, there's a sense of closure, but in that closure there is a blossoming, poisonous flower. And each petal -- if we're going with the flower theme -- has a deeper color to it."

Christa B. Allen (Charlotte Grayson) agreed that knowing now what they didn't know back then made shooting this episode even more fun. "We got the chance to play that facet of the scene which, as an actor, is such a toy to play with," Allen said. "You kind of go back and look at the pilot, and there's little glances the characters will give each other, and you didn't know what it meant at the time, but now, it fits."

"It's such a cool idea," Wechsler said. "It's a common storytelling device, but I love the way we did it. I think [creator] Mike Kelley said something like, 'Its components aren't new, but it's how we do it that is.' The destination is common; it's how we get there that is uncommon. I was excited, even as a viewer, to see this stuff. It's like little Easter eggs and bonuses for fans."

And Connor Paolo (Declan Porter) added that, with this episode, "everything's been justified, which is unbelievable."

Tell us: Are you excited to see what really goes down at the Fire & Ice ball? And what do you think is next?

Who's Leaving 'Criminal Minds'?

Paget Brewster is leaving "Criminal Minds." According to EW, Brewster, who joined the cast in Season 2, will exit the hit CBS drama after this year.

Brewster and fellow "Criminal Minds" actress A.J. Cook were involved in a controversial cast shake-up in which Cook was axed from the show and Brewster's episode count was reduced. Her character, Emily Prentiss, eventually left the team, faking her own death with the help of Cook's Jennifer "JJ" Jareau.

However, after an outcry from fans, both Brewster and Cook returned to "Criminal Minds" as full-time cast members for Season 7. During her limbo period, Brewster joined the cast of an NBC comedy pilot.

According to EW, Brewster and co-star Matthew Gray Gubler were in talks to extend their contracts for Season 8. When Cook returned as a series regular in Season 7, she signed a two-year contract.

CBS has yet to order an eighth season of "Criminal Minds" and so far, there is no word on Gubler's status with the show.

S. Epatha Merkerson Brings Attention To Missing Black Americans

With African Americans accounting for more than 30 percent of missing-person cases in America, TV One's "Find Our Missing" aims to make a difference in bringing them home. The 10-episode, hour-long docu-drama series, which premiered last month, is hosted by "Law & Order" star S. Epatha Merkerson and puts a spotlight on missing black Americans who have not gotten national media attention.

The Golden Globe-winning and Tony Award-nominated actress recently talked to The Huffington Post about the new series, her experience directing the forthcoming documentary "The Contradictions of Fair Hope" and her historic 16-season stint on "Law & Order."

What initially attracted you to "Find Our Missing"?

The interesting thing is that I kept hearing this dialogue about it. Here in New York, you don't always need a car, but I've been using mine lately and listening to a lot of talk radio. And I noticed that there's been this dialogue, especially on the black radio stations, about the dearth of information on people of color who are missing on a national scale. So when TV One called and asked me to host, I thought to myself, "Wow, some things happen for a reason." There was a reason why I was hearing this dialogue, because it was this show coming up. And it was a no-brainer when they asked. And there's something about being proactive with the quote- unquote use of celebrity. And this is certainly a proactive way for me to give back to a community that has been so gracious and loving to me.

What are your thoughts on African Americans making up nearly a third of the nation's missing person cases?

I don't understand a lot of why so many of our people are missing. One of the things that TV One has done is that they have partnered with an organization called the Black & Missing Foundation. And Derrica Wilson, who founded the organization, made a statement once -- that I thought was just devastating -- that a lot of the missing young women between the ages of 11 and 17 are a part of human trafficking, and so it becomes more important that we have a national forum to discuss these stories and these cases, because we might be talking about something that happens in Chicago, but indeed, these young people may be in California, they may be in Florida, they may be here in New York. So, why do we have so many in our community missing? I'm not the person who can answer that question. I'm not the expert in the field, but I believe that what TV One is doing, which I appreciate, is that they're trying to make a difference. They're putting this show in a national forum so that someone somewhere may see one of these episodes, and it may jar their memory. It may bring up something they thought was inconsequential and yet it can be a very important component in the finding of one of these missing people. What is even more important is that it's not just about young people. We're covering stories from toddler to adult, because there are so many people that go missing.

In addition to serving as the show's host, do you provide any creative input into the show?

Only in what involves me, in terms of the words that are said, and that's really it. The producers of the show, Donna Wilson and Mike Snyder, they have this down. One of the things that they're doing -- that I think is really, really important and fascinating in the telling of the stories -- is that they're not telling these stories on a set, they're going to the actual place where the person went missing. And that is so important, because it gives you a visual as well. But my involvement is really as the face for the call to action, which happens at the end of every story, where you're shown a picture of the person who's missing. You get their vital statistics and the date that they went missing. And there's a local number that you can call where you can access the investigators working the cases immediately. And then there's the website for TV One that you can access.

Outside of the current 10-show commitment, are there any plans to renew the series for another season?

I hope so, but you know it is television, so I guess people who are involved with TV will know better than I what is needed to keep a show going. If you ask me, the show is needed, so I'm hoping that not only do we get some response from the stories that we're telling, but that people and the powers that be will allow the show to continue, because it is something that is desperately needed. I believe that the local law enforcement and the local news media work on these cases, but all of these cases need a national forum. And so I think it's fabulous that TV One has taken on this job. Wednesday nights at 10 o'clock, folks can sit down and they can be involved in the lives of families all over this country who are missing their loved ones.

In addition to hosting "Find Our Missing," are you currently working on any other projects?

I just finished a documentary, "The Contradictions of Fair Hope," about a little-known organization down in Alabama that was created in 1888 [The Fairhope Benevolent Society]. And we've been doing the festival circuit with the film.

Is there a tentative release date set for the documentary?

No, we don't have that yet, we're just new in the process. Right now we're just trying to get the film seen and we're doing all that we can to see if we can find a place where it can be shown. We took the story back to the beginning of the creation of the Benevolent Society, and we come all the way to now to show the way this organization has morphed from what it originally was to what it is now. So hopefully we'll get distribution. That's what we're looking for.

After spending 16 years on "Law & Order," do you have any plans to return to television as an actor?

I'm still a working actor, so I still look for work. If it's television, if it's stage, if it's film, I'm still going to be looking for work. Do I have any immediate plans? No. But am I looking? Yes [Laughs].

What are your thoughts on having played Anita Van Buren on "Law & Order" for 16 years, which makes her the longest-running African-American character on an American drama?

One of the things that I never knew when I took the job is that I would end up being a piece of television trivia. But I think that what is most important is that Anita Van Buren is a well-respected character, and that she had 16 years on television is just a great way to have role models that I didn't have. There was Diahann Carroll in "Julia" and a couple of examples, but I think it's great that there's this solid, respected black character who's been on television and a really good show. "Law & Order" was a well-produced and well-written show. It had a lot of integrity. So for me to be involved with a show for that long is really very cool.

"Find Our Missing" airs every Wednesday at 10 p.m. (ET) on TV One.

Roseanne Barr Jumps Into The Occupy DC Fray

Sometimes, Twitter hands you a decent story. And sometimes it's a circus. This is more the latter, but it piqued our interest. Last night, Sam Jewler, a mainstay of Occupy D.C., was getting into a 140-character spat with Gabriel Brey, a high-school student in Falls Church, Va. who really loves all things Republican. A fuller blow-by-blow is below in a Storify module, but the short version of events goes something like this:

Wedding Bells For David Arquette?

When it comes to former couple Courteney Cox and David Arquette, the pair are more than open about their modern family. Courteney recently revealed to Howard Stern that she has not had sex since her October 2010 split from David, even with him urging her to date other men.

But while Courteney reveals that no guy has asked her out since her breakup, David has already moved on with his new girlfriend, "Entertainment Tonight" reporter Christina McLarty. Friends of the couple think that wedding bells may be ringing soon for the serious pair.

"She's great and I'm really happy," David told me about his relationship with Christina at a pre-Super Bowl game of flag football. "I'm not worried about Christina; she's tough -- she might tackle people."

Christina, who is "Girls Gone Wild" creator Joe Francis' ex-wife, met David at a boat party this past summer and the pair started dating soon after.

"There is no way, I love him too much. I would never tackle him," Christina said, laughing when asked if she'd play rough during the game. "It's wonderful. I love him."

Although Christina wouldn't comment on any wedding rumors, insiders tell me they would not be surprised if David popped the question in the near future.

"They are perfect together," a friend of the couple's told me. "They spend so much time together that we already assume they are married."

Plus, she already has the support of David's ex. "I met her," Courteney told Stern. "She's really nice, pretty, good sense of humor."

Check out these celebrities who've called it quits:

Idris Elba Knows Secrets About 'Prometheus,' But Won't Tell You About Them

Lesson learned: Do not bring up Idris Elba's early role as "gigolo" on "Absolutely Fabulous" when interviewing Idris Elba. Yes, the star of "The Wire," "Luther," the upcoming "Prometheus," and this weekend's "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" will give you a look that can only be translated as, "Good lord, what is wrong with you?"

In the rebooted "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance," Elba plays Moreau, a free spirited, alcoholic friend of Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) -- the man who has been cursed as the Ghost Rider. Moviefone spoke to Elba about the new film, "The Wire," a big secret about the upcoming "Prometheus," and Elba's vastly underrated role as Charles Minor on "The Office." Also, unfortunately, "Ab Fab."

So, I saw your movie last night...
I haven't seen it yet.

Really?
The film companies tell you not to say that.

But now you did. I've got my scoop!
Ah! I just want to be honest with you.

Your character, Moreau, seems like a carefree guy.
I don't think he cares, but I think he lives in his skin so much that he's well-lived and well-traveled. But he does have a mission.

Did you go to them or did they come to you about this role?
They came to me.

This sequel is nothing like the first film. But did it go through your head, "Maybe I shouldn't do this movie because people didn't like the first one?"
Yeah. It was definitely a sort of like a, "Hm, should I be doing this?", because of the previous film. But, there was a new take on it and I personally know what I can bring to the table and I just felt that there was something there to work with. So, I believe that the second version of "Ghost Rider" has a completely different DNA. Just a different feeling and tempo -- and I'm part of that. So, hopefully, people will be forgiving.

That's interesting that you say "forgiving." Do you think people are hesitant because of the first one?
I don't think they're hesitant, no. I think that any preconceptions that they have from the original "Ghost Rider" is going to go in with them when they see this film. But, they're going to be pleasantly surprised on the way out, I think.

Did you see the first "Ghost Rider"?
Some of it.

What do you like about the new film that you didn't like abut the first one?
The differences are that this movie feels a lot more grounded in reality. Like, there's a man, Johnny Blaze, and you get to know him...

I should remind you that he does urinate flames.
[Laughing]

I just feel I should point that out before you go much further.
Well, you know, someone has to do it. But I definitely feel like this film, the special effects are definitely a big part of this film, but there's a real feeling that you're there with him, though.

Did you know anything about Ghost Rider before being approached?
Not before, but I did a lot of research about the part.

Did you read the comics for research?
I saw some comics, yeah. I did. And they were all right. I think this interpretation is closer to the comics.

When you did decide to do this film, how long did you take? Was it just, "I'll sleep on it overnight"?
I slept a couple of night on it...

So, two nights.
Yeah, just two [laughs]. But it was really about working with the directors. Once I met them, I was like, "Yeah. Why not?" It's a challenge. It's different. I may get completely criticized for it, but it's something that i haven't done yet -- so let's go have fun.

Do people know you more from "The Wire" or "The Office"?
It's either "The Wire" or "Luther."

I loved Charles Minor on "The Office."
Oh, thank you.

And that was six episodes?
Yes.

No one could break through with him.
Yeah, he was a real one... and he's one of my favorite characters. But I'm not remembered for that very often. Do you think I would be?

Well, it's a very popular show. And he was such a cold guy... well, until soccer was brought up.
[Laughs] It's hilarious because he is very passionate about it. No, I never get a chance to do any comedy and that was such a good opportunity to do it. When I got there it was really tough because that team, they're so used to pulling pranks on each other and having a good time. And they got me a couple of times.

What did they do?
Ah, man, like they'd not say the lines. Or go, "Don't you have a line here?" and I'd be frozen.

Now that it's been a few years, do you look back on "The Wire" and think, You know, that really was horseshit that we never were nominated for an Emmy.
I mean, I'm sure there's probably a million reasons for it. But "The Wire" wasn't a spoon-feeder. It demanded your attention and it demanded you be very diligent in watching it. You know?

Do you feel it's more popular today than when you were actually working on it?
Yeah. Absolutely. And its popularity has not gone away.

Does that surprise you?
Does it surprise me? [Pauses] Well, look, I'm not a creature of habit but when I watch "Columbo" -- which is a great character -- and it's not on the air, but I'll watch "Columbo" whenever I can catch reruns of "Columbo"...

You think he doesn't know what he's doing, then he comes back and gets you...
He comes back and gets you! I love that. And I would revisit Columbo because it's still classic TV. And "The Wire" is like that, you know? It's classic TV. It has gained an audience more and more because people go, "You should check this out." But I can't begin to speculate on why it got ignored, but I feel like, you know, it's not easy TV. It's quite tough to watch.

Have you ever been part of a production as secretive as "Prometheus"?
I can't tell you. [Laughs]

Good answer.
No, I have to be honest, this particular film -- Twentieth Century Fox and Ridley Scott have been very, very diligent about keeping a lid on it. But, I know exactly why -- because the film depends on that. It needs that. It needs you to not know.

See, if you told me, even though people think they want to know, they don't really want to know.
Because it's a shocker, isn't it? It's a shocker and the anticipation of a great filmmaker like Ridley Scott is part of the draw. Like, what is he going to do next? What's that about? And the more he cloaks it in, "There's something I can't tell you yet," it makes it more intriguing. And anyone that has that shortcut, "Well, I heard it was this," it's cheating.

So, you're saying that you know something about "Prometheus" that's going to blow our minds when we find out?
Yes.

OK.
I put myself on the line for you!

I love that one of your first credits is as "gigolo" on "Absolutely Fabulous."
Why would you bring that up?

Because it's great.
Right.

Was that not a good experience?
It was an amazing experience.

OK, see...
No, I just forget that people might have seen that. Somehow I figure that it might disappear.

Well, I feel that show is only one of a handful of British television shows that people in the United States know really well.
Yeah, but Idris Elba in "Ab Fab"? No. "You mean that guy is Idris Elba? What?"

How does that happen? How do you become a gigolo in one episode of "Ab Fab"?
It was a straight audition. I remember it was like, "Hey, we have this audition to play a male, sort of, stripper guy." I was like, "OK." And, next thing I know, I was in it -- and it was great fun. Those girls are such a good laugh.

You shouldn't be embarrassed by that. That's a great early credit.
[Laughs] I'm not embarrassed; I'm proud. But it definitely always surprises me when it's brought up. I look like ten years old in it!

Mike Ryan is the senior writer for Moviefone. He has written for Wired Magazine, VanityFair.com, GQ.com, New York Magazine and Movieline. He likes Star Wars a lot. You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter