Dish Of Salt: Friday TV Round UP (February 19, 2010)

I love my family, but if I could gain entrance into the Walker family of ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters,” I’d gladly allow them to adopt me. Since I realize this is a fictional family, I took the next best thing and hit up the show’s set for a very fun flashback episode they were filming yesterday.

“Brothers and Sisters” Flashback
Ever wonder what the Walker family looked like in shoulder pads and with big hair? Well, wonder no more. In a special two-hour episode airing in April, the whole clan will be flashing back to the ‘70s and ‘80s. I was invited to the set yesterday where I got a chance to meet the young doppelgangers of Calista Flockhart (Kitty), Rachel Griffiths (Sarah) and Matthew Rhys (Kevin).

Each actor, hired to play the younger versions, was sent several episodes in order to study the mannerisms of their character counterparts. Newcomer Anna Wood, who plays a college-aged Sarah, hardly needed it. She is the spitting image of Rachel. It’s almost eerie how much they look alike. In her tacky 1980’s outfit (worn for show purposes only, of course!), Anna reminded me of Rachel in the film “Muriel’s Wedding.” “I’ve always been told I look like her. So, I was thrilled to see that there was an opportunity to play her,” Anna told me.

Kay Panabaker, who starred on Disney Channel’s “Phil Of The Future,” plays a high school-aged Kitty and told me what we will learn about Kitty through this flashback. “She wasn’t always so uptight,” Kay revealed. “She was always a Republican but just not…she had her moments.”

Another acting newcomer, Kasey Campbell will play the young Kevin. He told me in this episode we will learn that Kevin, whose character is openly gay, was dealing with questions about his sexuality as a teenager. “He wasn’t necessarily sure he was all the way….he wasn’t gay yet,” Kasey revealed. “He hasn’t come out yet. He knew he was gay but he didn’t want to be gay. He was confused.”

And more news about Kevin’s character. Matthew revealed to me that Kevin will not accept Kitty’s offer to be her campaign manager, as she attempts a run for a Senate seat. Instead, he will open up a cake shop with his TV husband, Scotty. Yes, you heard right. A cake shop. “He’s out of politics and into flour,” Matthew chuckled.

As AccessHollywood.com reported HERE yesterday Colin Egglesfield, who was fired from “Melrose Place” last year, returns to TV to play a young version of the late William Walker. Meanwhile, Sally Field (at least during the ‘80s flashback) will continue to play family matriarch Nora Walker. “They are forcing me to stand in the shadows and talk younger and hide my neck,” Sally told me with a laugh. She will be seen only in silhouette. Sally did tell me a young Nora will be shooting scenes next week for when the show flashes everyone back to 1973.

Two Smiths Back On TV
It’s been nearly 20 years since she fought crime as angel Kelly Garrett but now “Charlie’s Angel” beauty Jaclyn Smith is back at it. I’ve just learned that Jaclyn has landed a role on NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU.” I’m told she will play a former police officer in an episode set to air this Spring. Jaclyn’s last TV gig was hosting Bravo’s “Shear Genius,” now hosted by Matthew McConaughey’s girlfriend, Camilla Alves.

Another Smith is also heading back to work as well. Courtney Thorne-Smith, last seen on ABC’s inexplicably long-running sitcom “According to Jim” for eight seasons, will next appear in a recurring role on CBS’ “Two and a Half Men.” Courtney will play a love interest to Alan (Jon Cryer).

“Biggest Loser” Auditions
NBC’s popular reality weight loss series is looking for more “Losers.” Producers are launching a 15-city cross-country search to find new contestants for the next edition of the hit show, which will be their tenth season. Individuals and teams of two, who have at least 100 lbs. to lose, are encouraged to apply for the new season, which will air in the fall of 2010. All the casting info can be found HERE www.thebiggestlosercasting.com.

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