Today's Entertainment

2 No vember 16 - 22, 2014 Br ainerd Dispatch By Meagan Sylvester TV Media I t's a question many film and television critics are pondering this month in lieu of the premiere of NBC's new political drama "State of Affairs": will Katherine Heigl's return to the small screen help boost her image and her short-lived career? Heigl, who will assume the pro- gram's leading role as CIA analyst Charlie Tucker, is generating some buzz with her return to prime-time television following an abrupt de- parture from the popular medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" in 2010. She created a memorable stir among fans and members of the media, who extensively docu- mented the actress's sour — even ostentatious — fallout with the show. "State of Affairs" will be the first time Heigl has appeared on the small screen since "Grey's," aside from a commercial for an over-the-counter cough and cold medication. This new political drama chroni- cles the exploits of Special Analyst Tucker, who is tasked with briefing the president of the United States — played by Alfre Woodard ("Des- perate Housewives") — with the most vital homeland security is- sues at home and abroad. The highly anticipated espionage thriller, premiering Monday, Nov. 17, on NBC, has been described as a cross between ABC's political thriller "Scandal" and NBC's White House-based drama "The West Wing," and thus a notable stretch from Heigl's role as surgical intern Izzie Stevens. While the actress maintains she left the long-running medical dra- ma to spend more time with her young family and pop rock hus- band Josh Kelley, some critics ar- gue she left to pursue a more de- sirable career on the big screen. In fact, Heigl's own colleagues spoke out against her decision to leave the show, citing increased pay and "hurt feelings" as the leading fac- tors in what would become Heigl's ultimate verdict. "You could understand why she wanted to go — when you're of- fered $12 million and you're only 26," said "Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo in an interview with "The New York Post" in 2013. "But Katie's problem was that she should not have renewed her con- tract. She re-upped, took a big raise and then tried to get out of the show." Despite Pompeo's take on the dramatic altercation between Heigl and the producers of "Grey's Anatomy," Heigl main- tains she hoped to become a full-time wife and mother, thus spending more time at her private home in Utah. "I would come home angry and frustrated that I had missed every- thing with my kid that day; I didn't get to wake her up from her nap, or do bath time or bedtime," Heigl said in an interview with "Good Housekeeping" in 2010. "I'd have to sneak into her room and kiss her when she was sleeping, hop- ing not to wake her." Heigl got her start in film as a teenager in the early '90s, but her first big gig after her breakout on "Grey's" was Judd Apatow's ro- mantic comedy "Knocked Up" (2007), the hilarious story of two unlikely indi- viduals and the repercus- sions of their one night stand. "Knocked Up," racking in a whopping $149 million at the U.S. box office alone, would become an enormous success with the tagline: "What if this guy (Seth Rogen) got you pregnant?" While voicing her reluctance for a bustling "show-biz" lifestyle, Heigl would find a niche in rom- coms, taking up a number of lead- ing roles in movies such as "27 Dresses" (2008), "Killers" (2010), "New Year's Eve" (2011) and "The Ugly Truth" (2009). Her initial suc- cess in some of these titles may have ignited her passion for film, but the one-time high would ulti- mately result in a rock bottom low, at least in terms of her on-screen TV career. By 2012, Heigl had taken the lead role as Stephanie Plum in that year's action comedy "One for the Money," the story of a bounty hunter who works for a bonding company. In the process, she earned herself a Golden Rasp- berry Award nomination in the "worst actress" category. (Also known as the Razzies for short, this tongue-in-cheek awards cer- emony is held annually the day before the Oscars to "celebrate" the worst in film and is intended to be low-end and extremely tacky in nature.) It's clear the Washington, D.C.-born actress has experienced her own ups and down over the past several years, but two ques- tions remain as a result: Why did Heigl decide to make the move back to television, and should you, the viewer, watch the new program on NBC? To answer the first question, Heigl said at the Television Critics Association media tour in July that she's back because she stopped challenging herself and "exercising different muscles of [her]acting ability." As for the second question, ac- cording to an "Entertainment To- night's" Facebook poll, 61 per cent of voters said "yes" to "State of Affairs," leaving 39 per cent of the vote in the "no" category. The general consensus among big- name reviewers online also seems to be mostly positive, often saying that the show has potential and can definitely compete amongst the heavy hitters. Whether viewers side with Hei- gl's outspoken behavior and pre- vious off-air antics, fans of the po- litical drama genre will be able to scrutinize her second television debut when "State of Affairs" of- ficially premieres Monday, Nov. 17, on NBC. 'State' of play Former TV star makes high profi le return to prime time Cover Story this week Alfre Woodard as seen in "State of Affairs" Mon.-Fri, 8:00-5:30, Sat. 9:00-12:00 With coupon. CASH Sales only. No other discounts apply. Pride® Lift Chairs Choice of Style & Color $ 50.00 OFF VALUABLE COUPON Expires 11/30/14 Stop in and see our "NEW" Serta lift chair! 206 W. Washington, Tyrol Hills Center, Brainerd (218) 829-2100 Everything You Need For Planter Fasciitis Heel Pain Heel Cups Total Support Insoles Night Splints Strassburg ® Socks To S FREE DELIVERY IN OUR SERVICE AREA 001160721r1 501 W Washington St, Brainerd | Ph: 218-828-1823 Free Pick Up & Delivery or Loaner Cars Available. We Can Do That! HUGE TIRE SALE! MANAGER'S SPECIAL $20 OFF BRAKE SERVICE OF $100 OR MORE Offer Valid Through 12/22/14 Not Valid With Other Offers Must Present Coupon At Time Of Purchase Addition charge for shop supplies, up to 7% or $25 maximum 001160787r1 INCLUDES: - Lube, Oil Change & New Oil Filter (Up to 5 quarts conventional oil); 4-Tire Rotation, Check Tread Depths & Adjust Air Pressure to Manufacturer's Specifi cations; Top Off Under Hood Fluid Levels (Exclude extended life); Complete Visual Vehicle Inspection. Offer Valid Through 12/22/14. Not Valid With Other Offers. Must Present Coupon At Time Of Purchase. Canister cartridge fi lter and diesel oil extra. Addition charge for shop supplies, up to 7% or $25 maximum WINTER CAR CARE PACKAGE $29.95 PACKAGE WITH SYNTHETIC BLEND OIL: $49.95 PACKAGE WITH FULL SYNTHETIC OIL: $69.95

• Cover