Something next to normal, that's the thing I'd like to try

* Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul are reunited as creepy pawn shop owners in this funny Emmy awards promo with Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

* TV renewal announcements: The Strain has been renewed for season 2. I haven't been terribly impressed with the show so far, but I haven't given up yet, either. Finding Carter, which I find endearing in an ABC Family kind of way (seriously, this show belongs in a double-feature with The Fosters on ABC Fam, not MTV), has also been renewed, and Masters of Sex is getting a third season.

* Adrianne Palicki as Mockingbird! YAAAAAAAAASSSSSSS.

* First photo of Paul Rudd in Ant-Man, which added several actors to the cast, including John Slattery, suggesting that the older Howard Stark (as opposed to 1940s!Stark, played by Dominic Cooper) will play a role in flashbacks. Or time travel, who knows.

* Here's a roundup of everything we know about Avengers: Age of Ultron.

* Here's another Homeland season 4 trailer.

* Emma Stone is making her Broadway debut in Cabaret.

* Director Francis Lawrence drops some hints about Mockingjay and splitting the book into two films. 

* Why you should watch You're the Worst. I really did not expect to find this show hilarious, because while I often find terrible people to be interesting to watch, I rarely find them endearing, but I don't know, you guys. Maybe it's that they are terrible in kind of the ways that we all wish we could be terrible but worry about being judged?

* First promo for season 6 of The Vampire Diaries.

* Watch the Parks & Recreation gag reel.

* Enlisted will not be getting a second life from Yahoo. :(

* We now have more details about Better Call Saul, which will begin "before Saul was even Saul." Here's the full TCA press tour live-blog of the Better Call Saul panel.

* Emmy Award nominees were announced yesterday. They are ridiculous, as usual. Also, why the nomination process is so screwy.

* RDJ announced the impending arrival of a baby girl Downey in classic RDJ style.

* Here's a long interview with James Gunn about Guardians of the Galaxy.

* Orphan Black has been renewed for a third season.

* Here's the first trailer for Gone Girl. And here is the second.

* Aaron Tveit talks about Graceland and wears ridiculous sweaters, and answers some hilarious fan questions on the Broadway.com show. And because I will take any excuse to link this again, here's his amazing Taylor Swift cover from 54 Below.

* Apparently How I Met Your Dad is getting retooled for the 2015-16 TV season, because the universe hates us.

* There's another Mockingjay teaser clip. I have to say, I love the meta things they can do with viral marketing in this series.

* Yeah, Gus from The Fault in Our Stars really IS the guy version of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl.

* Orange is the New Black parody with kittens. No, really.

* The premiere of Better Call Saul has been pushed back to 2015, but it's been renewed for a second season in the meantime. Hey, AMC? I think you're doing that backwards.

* The Game of Thrones creators talk about the season 4 finale, as well as hints of what's to come in season 5.

* Stephen Sondheim revealed that the Into the Woods movie will have significant plot changes due to Disney-ification, which pretty much completely misses the point of the musical in the first place. (My new favorite description of this show is now "a dark, disturbing musical, where cherished heroes of classic fairy tales are systematically murdered.") I gotta go with my mom's reaction: "Ewwww. Well, we can still go see it to mock it."

* The one bright spot here is that all the Into the Woods talk this week pointed me toward a fascinating article from when the show first opened on Broadway in 1987.

* Mark Ruffalo was asked about a Hulk movie again - they're still "considering it," shocker - but the trailer for his new movie also looks pretty good.

* Oooh, I hope that All the Way, the Broadway play starring Bryan Cranston as LBJ, gets made into a movie with Bryan Cranston. Also, can't wait for his memoir.

* The newest Guardians of the Galaxy trailer actually gives us some sense of the plot of this thing, but it also makes the movie seem a lot more serious.

* The creator of Enlisted still has hope the show will continue on another network/platform. I would love to see it, but I'm not optimistic.

* I had not previously heard of Netflix's new series, Grace and Frankie, but now Martin Sheen will be starring in it, along with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

* I kind of think the delay of the 5th Bourne movie is just because Jeremy Renner is juggling about twelve movie franchises, but there are rumors that Matt Damon is coming back.

* Robert Downey Jr.'s movie The Judge now has a trailer.

* Spoilery tidbits about Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, and Star Wars Episode VII. Plus, some footage of Age of Ultron filming in Norwich.

* Here's a list of Snowpiercer screenings. "Arlington, VA - Shirlington 7" Yesssssssssssss.

* Gone with the Wind is getting a prequel novel about Mammy (whose real name, it happens, is Ruth). Which reminds me, I never posted my GWTW meta/reaction post that I started writing last summer and never finished. I should maybe get back to that sometime.

* It never occurred to me that Winnie the Pooh needed an origin story film, but apparently he's getting one anyway.

* Coulson's cellist is finally making an appearance, and she looks a lot like Amy Acker.

* Over the last week or so, I've been binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I watched the pilot back when it first premiered and wasn't really feeling it, but after hearing people rave about it for a whole season, I decided to give it another shot and I liked it! So here's an interview with Mike Schur, the co-creator. Plus, what the show can learn from Parks & Recreation.

* Matthew Weiner talks about Mad Men and is actually interesting, even though he still gives nothing away.

* Bryan Cranston talks Breaking Bad and his new role as President Lyndon Johnson on Broadway.

* Here's a recap of the Community panel at PaleyFest.

* Dan Rydell was temporarily resurrected when Josh Charles made an appearance on Keith Olbermann's show.

* Revisiting possibly the greatest thing HIMYM has ever brought us, Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segel once again sing "The Confrontation" from Les Miserables.

* Here's a sneak peek at Captain America's new uniform, which is changing yet again for Age of Ultron. (Also, am I displaying my obsessive nerdery if I point out that's clearly a stunt double and not Chris Evans, as the article states?)

* Jonathan Banks is officially in the Better Call Saul spin-off, which, IMO, makes it 10x better already.

* And here's an interview with Aaron Paul and his young Hellion co-star, who happens to be a Breaking Bad fan.

* Another image of Peter Capaldi as the Doctor.

* Tom Hiddleston jumps rope, does push-ups, and breathes heavily. You're welcome. Also, Tom wearing the Captain America suit in a Thor: The Dark World behind the scenes feature. He even does Chris Evans' VOICE, hilarious.

* The new Maleficent trailer is creepy and awesome as fuck.

* And, since we haven't had a cooking post in a while: Garlic-Lemon Mahi-Mahi. Super simple, probably doesn't really need a recipe, but I made it and it was yummy so I'm gonna brag about it.

No rambly topic today, just links: 

* More holiday gift guides: for Broadway fans and TV fans.

* A linguistic analysis of the best way to make fun of Benedict Cumberbatch's ridiculous name. Yes, really.

* An appreciation of the use of pop music in The Americans.

* Now they are making a Cats movie. I love cats, and I love musicals, but this is one of my least favorite shows ever, so... yeah.

* They are making another Bourne movie with Jeremy Renner.

* This is the Orange is the New Black Christmas video you never knew you always wanted.

* Tom Hiddleston recites poetry.

* Here's an update on the Better Call Saul spinoff.

* Anna Gunn is playing the female lead role opposite David Tennant in that American remake of Broadchurch (which, incidentally, is called Gracepoint). It still seems silly to remake the same show over again, but honestly, if someone at Fox watched Broadchurch and was like, "You know what? We should totally remake that, just so Anna Gunn can be in it!" I really can't fault them for their logic.

* James Marsters has written another Spike comic. This interview is confusing, because the interviewer keeps talking about "season 6" when the description of the plot clearly places it after Spike gets his soul. Scott Allie clarifies - it takes place during season 7.

* What to get the Breaking Bad fan in your life for Christmas. And the Marvel fan.

* In related news, there's apparently a Hellmouth in Turkmenistan.

* I am always a sucker for TV credits sequence mashups, but Orphan Black done Parks & Rec style is doubly hilarious because ALL THE ACTORS ARE TATIANA MASLANY.

* Which Doctor Who companion are you? I am Rory Williams. I feel like that's accurate?

* There really are a lot of similarities between Scandal and Game of Thrones in the way men treat women, aren't there?

* IDK guys, the trailer for Muppets Most Wanted doesn't really thrill me. I think it needs musical numbers and Jason Segel.

* How Friends paired up Monica and Chandler.

* I never realized there were so many turtlenecks in Love Actually...

* I don't watch Saturday Night Live regularly, but when I do, Kate McKinnon is always flawless.

* I'm not sure how I feel about Idris Elba playing Luke Cage when he's already playing another role in the Marvel universe. Then again, Chris Evans, but aren't we pretending The Fantastic Four never happened?

* Haha, remember back in, like, early season 3 when Damon/Elena was crowned the 12-year-old idiot ship? (Sigh. Good times.) Well, they've officially been replaced by Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson's ridiculous bromance. Also, Jen continues to be adorably nuts on David Letterman. (Also, girlfriend, you have my sympathies on the GI issues. BEEN THERE. POOPED THAT.)

* Aaron Paul pulls the best pranks ever. I feel like he's told that meteor story before, but the cartoon illustrations really make it.

* Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez are adorable as always answering fan questions. THE INTERSECT IS FOR PORN OMG DYING. Also, you guys, I am going to see First Date at Christmas woooo!

* A cat has been summoned for jury duty in Boston. Your move, Florida.

* Best nutrition facts ever.

* Fun for my linguists: not one but two articles examining the influence of the Internet on the English language. Because reasons.

* The most WTF thing someone did while hooking up. No lie, I laughed outrageously hard at the ninja turtles one.

* Zachary Levi talks about Thor: The Dark World and First Date, which I apparently need to get my ass to New York to see before the end of the year.

* And speaking of The Dark World, here's an interview with the director. I get the sense he was not totally pleased with his Marvel experience, lol.

* If this is actually what Ben Kingsley's secret Marvel project was about... meh. I LOVED what they did with the Mandarin in IM3. Fanboys can go fuck themselves.

* I agree with pretty much everything in this Agents of SHIELD critique (including the punctuation). Please get better, Show.

* Hmmm. Not sure how I feel about the Veronica Mars movie promo putting so much emphasis on the Logan/Veronica/Piz love triangle. I mean, Chris Lowell, you're adorbs, but why even is Piz still around?

* Final Catching Fire trailer! OMG I AM EXCITE.

* I swear, someday the internet will run out of Breaking Bad links. But not today. Check out the last two pages of the series finale script. Also, BREAKING BAD ON ICE IS A THING THAT EXISTS.

* This review of the Jonathan Rhys Meyers Dracula series is full of epic snark. A sample: "So Dracula's plan is to introduce a new energy source that will devalue The Order's oil interests and... Oh Dear God. If you're Dracula and you want to get revenge on people, you make yourself an army of vampires and you tear everybody associated with those people into little bits. Your plan is "Murder, pillage, wipe the blood from my mouth" not "Boy I bet it'll make them disappointed if their stock takes a dip." If your plan takes longer than three days, you're not Dracula. You're Emily Thorne."

* Sesame Street did a Homeland parody. OMG. I can't even.

* Tom Hiddleston is not the only one who does impressions. Here are celebrities imitating other celebrities.

* Wow. Woooooow. We never did anything that cool when I was in marching band.

Sorry I have been terribly neglectful and missing everything. I've been away for a bit, first headed to New Jersey for mcmegan's wedding, then to Orlando for work. Possibly I will discuss those things further in a locked post, but for now, all the links I missed over the last week or so:

* Behind the scenes photos from Breaking Bad. Bryan Cranston with the monocle! Also, an interview with Vince Gilligan on the end of the series and what he's doing next. And a Breaking Bad opera is apparently a thing that is happening.

* This comparison of Agents of SHIELD to early Fringe is actually right on point, IMO. Maybe AoS will get better - Fringe did (before it got way, way worse). Nevertheless, the show is a success (it just received a full season episode order) and Marvel is planning five more TV series set in the same universe. Also, Jeph Loeb and the Fitz/Simmons actors (I would use their names if I thought anyone would know who I was talking about) talked about the show at NY Comic Con.

* Tom Hiddleston has been known to do impressions of his costars, but this is above and beyond: Tom does Owen Wilson playing Loki. No wonder this (male) interviewer is so smitten with him. HE QUOTES SHAKESPEARE AT PASSING DUCKS. NO REALLY. Seriously, Hiddles is the hilarious gift that keeps on giving.

* Really interesting look at the clothes on The Mindy Project and dressing people of all shapes and sizes. (It IS possible!)

* Now that gay marriage is legal in California, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard got married with no fanfare whatsoever.

* Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will be hosting the Golden Globes for the next two years, which is a good step in the direction of them hosting everything ever (except the Tonys, which belong to NPH forever).

* Photos from the Doctor Who 50th anniversary episode.

* Tatiana Maslany talks about her guest appearance on Parks & Rec.

* Damian Lewis has interviews about Brody and Homeland here and here. (Speaking from personal experience, I think he wildly underestimates nuns in the first interview.)

* New Catching Fire trailer. Looks good, but lol, I didn't even realize Coldplay was still around?

* Prompted by the Damon Lindelof article I linked yesterday, this is a look at anger and ugliness in fandom.

* Another intriguing, yet farfetched, theory about the Breaking Bad finale, a less farfetched and more symbolic explanation, and an observation of just how remarkable it is that such a carefully constructed episode could still function as a Rorschach test for its audience in the vein of BSG, Lost, or The Sopranos.

* A hilarious (and yet remarkably accurate) guide to Scandal, which returns tonight.

* Wow, Sleepy Hollow has already gotten a renewal for season 2. I haven't watched it, and didn't really plan to, but then everyone started talking about how completely, unapologetically bananas it is, and I am kind of curious?

* The new 24 mini-season will be set in London. Points for the "Union Jack" pun.

* Uh, so, did Samuel L. Jackson confirm the Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch casting?

* Nathan Fillion will be guest-starring on Community.