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Page 16 September 4 - 10, 2023 word search puzzle major things are happening for the plath family, as this family of conservative Georgians find themselves at a crossroads. It seems that Kim and barry are separated, now headed for di- vorce, and the kids are struggling to deal with the changes – and with each other. It's a whole new world for the plaths, as Season 5 of "Welcome to plathville" begins with big changes when it premieres, Tuesday, Sept. 5, on TLC. To see what the plaths have been up to between seasons, check out tlc.com/inside-tlc/ catch-up-with-the-plath-family Solution is on page 9. WebLinks celebritypipeline By Jay Bobbin Mariska Hargitay: Calling the shots again? Q: Will Mariska Hargitay direct more episodes of "Law & Order: Spe- cial Victims Unit"? – Gary Muller, via e-mail A: It seems likely, since it's a job she clearly enjoys do- ing, She has directed eight episodes of her long-run- ning NBC crime drama, two of which were in Season 17 … quite a task, since it's often enough for a star of a show to direct only one during a season, given how much else has to be done acting-wise. The real question for Hargitay now is time, since the actors' and writers' strikes probably will lead to a reduction of episodes ordered for the upcoming Season 25 by the time production on the series is able to resume. It takes quite a bit of advance preparation to direct a show, and since Hargitay also will need to focus on her role as Olivia Benson in other episodes, it would appear to be a matter of whether she feels she has enough time to get another directing job done to her satisfaction. Q: Is there any word yet on whether "The Good Lawyer" will be a weekly series? – Donna Cram- er, via e-mail A: Not as of the time of this writing. Undoubtedly, stars Kennedy McMann and Felicity Huffman and the writing-producing team have been eager to learn whether their intended ABC spinoff of "The Good Doctor" has a future, but the actors' and writers' strikes actually bought the network some additional time in terms of having to make a decision, since much of the basic work couldn't be done on the show until the resolutions of those job actions. Any new scripted programming on ABC has been put off until midseason a.t the earliest, with only "Abbott Elementary" – thanks to repeats of episodes shown earlier – planned to be in the network's fall lineup. The rest of that schedule will be made up of reality shows, game shows and news programming. Q: Now that Ja- mie Foxx is said to be on the mend from the health situation he had, will he be the host of "Beat Shazam" again? – Joy King, Rome, Ga. A: That remains to be seen. It probably will be up to how he's feeling if and when that conversa- tion arises, and whether he and the Fox network can come to terms on his returning … if, indeed, he does want to come back. Foxx and his daughter Corinne have both said that one of the big appeals for them in doing the show is the opportunity for them to work together, so whether she participates in the program again as well also might be a factor. Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" Send questions of general interest via email to tvpipeline@gmail.com. Writers must include their names, cities and states. Personal replies cannot be sent. Jamie Foxx "Welcome to Wrexham" - Season 2 (Sept. 12, Season Premiere) This hit FX docuseries is hitting the pitch with high spirits for its second season. Following "Dead- pool" (2016) star Ryan Reynolds and "It's Always Sunny in philadel- phia" star Rob mcElhenney as they purchased Wrexham AFC, a historic professional football club in Wales, and work to return the struggling team to its former glory, the series zooms in on the passion of the community and the impact the club has on their lives. This season, the team continues their quest to move up through the ranks to the premier league. InFocus

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