Dissecting Alcatraz's Mysteries: Who Are the '63s?

Sarah Jones and Jorge Garcia From the purveyor of mystery series that keep audiences scratching their heads - Alias and Rambaldi, Lost and the island, Felicity and her hair - J.J. Abrams has debuted another mystifying series, Alcatraz. The new show focuses on the notorious San Francisco prison. It's 1963, and more than 300 guards and prisoners vanish into thin air. In each episode, one of these hardened criminals, called "the '63s," will reappear in 2012 without having aged. San Francisco cop Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones), Diego Soto (Lost alum Jorge Garcia) - an academic who's an expert on The Rock - federal Agent Emerson Hauser (Sam Neill) and his mysterious associate Lucy Banerjee (Parminder Nagra) team up to find them before they can enact their anachronistic justice. Alcatraz's J.J. Abrams: New Fox drama is on an island, but it's not Lost Along the way, Alcatraz will raise questions. Namely, where did they disappear to, and who's pulling the strings behind their reappearance? To keep track of the questions and attempt to find insight into what could be the answers, we've compiled a list of the big mysteries Alcatraz introduced in the two-hour series premiere. Where did the '63s go when they disappeared?Some 302 criminals and guards mysteriously disappeared on March 21, 1963, forcing Alcatraz to close its doors as a maximum-security prison and U.S. government (in Alcatraz's fictional world) to create a huge cover-up by falsifying transfer papers, and eventually death certificates, for each of the missing people. Now, after nearly 50 years, they're seemingly returning to the present with a mission. Who is behind their disappearance and what is their ultimate goal?Upon their return, the criminals - at least the first one, Jack Sylvane (Jeffrey Pierce) - were given the tools needed to assimilate to the real world. Not only did Jack seek his own form of revenge by murdering E.B. Tiller (Jason Butler Harner) - the long-ago deputy warden of Alcatraz who kept him from seeing his wife on visitor's day, which lead to their divorce - but, under their orders, he tracked down a peculiar key, which looked similar to the key that unlocked the prison to the yard in the second hour. Why don't the '63s remember where they were for a half century? In the premiere's second hour, Banerjee questions Sylvane on his whereabouts during those missing years. He says he doesn't know. It seems like he's telling the truth - not just because the lie-detector machine says so, but because we come to discover that Lucy is also one of the '63s and even she seems to be unaware of where they had been. Exclusive: Eric Johnson, Michael Eklund head to Alcatraz How did Dr. Lucy Banerjee come to work with Emerson Hauser?Once a psychiatrist on Alcatraz, Lucy now helps Hauser track down the reappearing criminals, one of which shot her in the second hour and left her in a coma. Did Lucy know Hauser when they worked on the island? Or did they meet after she reappeared? The pair shared a moment before her shooting that may indicate a former relationship - he was especially distressed when she was shot. Why are the '63s after Lucy? Before the two-hour series premiere ended, she was already in a coma, shot by Ernest Cobb (Joe Egender), a '63 who was a former sniper. Is her compliance with Hauser the reason she's a target? Or is she withholding information about the 63s that we'll come to learn later? Or did Cobb just want to kill her because he was forced to be treated by her in the '60s? How did Emerson Hauser know that the '63s would return?While the obvious answer could be that when Lucy returned she told Hauser the rest of the '63s would eventually reappear, Alcatraz doesn't seem like a series that would be predictable. Plus, Hauser is so insistent on keeping pertinent information from Madsen and Soto that could help them in their quest to track down the '63s, so he's obviously hiding something. Why were the Alcatraz doctors stockpiling the prisoners' blood, and how did Madsen's grandfather know there was something terrible going to happen on the island?After the prison's doctor drained several pints of blood from Jack, a mysterious prisoner, known then as Inmate 2002, mentioned that things are much worse "downstairs." It turns out, the man who foresaw their fate is actually Detective Madsen's grandfather, Thomas Madsen (David Hoflin), whom she had unknowingly chased earlier in the premiere, leading to her partner's death. Get scoop on all the midseason shows Where are the guards who also disappeared in 1963?So far, we've only seen prisoners. Are they keeping the guards from returning to the present? Or did they already kill them off because the guards were unlikely to help in their mission? Why does Hauser have a duplicate Alcatraz prison in the middle of the forest to hold the '63s? Obviously, they can't let these prisoners assimilate into present-day prisons, but it seems as though Hauser is getting his own form of revenge by locking them up together. Is Hauser just angry over losing his co-workers or did the '63s do something else to him? What burning questions do you have about Alcatraz? And will you be tuning in to find out the answers? Alcatraz airs Mondays at 9/8c on Fox.

Game on for Sony handheld Vita

Sony isn't ready to give up on the mobile gaming biz just yet.Eager for a popular handheld version of its PlayStation 3 videogame console, Sony revs up a marketing blitz today from the Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, for its Vita arriving at U.S. retailers on Feb. 22. The handheld gaming device replaces the PSP, which didn't catch on with consumers as much as Sony had hoped seven years ago, and already bowed in Japan in December. Timing could be an issue for Vita's success, however.The Vita, priced from $249 to $299, comes as more consumers are turning to cheaper alternatives like their smartphones and tablets to play inexpensive games such as "Angry Birds," "Words With Friends" and "The Sims Social." As a result, analysts question whether there's still a market for a dedicated gaming device when other handsets are packing larger screens with the Internet and cell service.Sony isn't deterred. It has sold nearly 80 million PSPs and PSP Go devices since late 2004. And Nintendo is still doing brisk business with its DS-line of handhelds, which debuted the same year."The mobile market is ripe for a new gaming opportunity," said John Koller, director of hardware marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We see it as the best handheld gaming device ever launched."Sony is certainly backing up its claims. The company is expected to pony up its largest marketing campaign for the Vita since launching the PlayStation 3 and PSP.And it's turning to CES to make a big splash for the product through demos at the Sony booth, where it will have around 30 Vitas to play with."CES is a very critical platform for us," Koller told Variety while on set in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to film a commercial for Vita's upcoming campaign. "The opportunity that it presents to discuss with the media but also analysts and key partners is unmatched." Sony used CES to showcase the PSP in 2005. Sony will need the hype. During its first week of sales in Japan, the Vita moved 320,000 units, 72,000 units in week two and 42,648 units in the third, although analysts aren't disappointed by that result. Nintendo's 3DS sold 370,000 units in its first week, dropping to 210,000 in its second. It has since moved more than 4 million units in Japan, after a price cut from $250 to $170 in the U.S. Mobile is key to PlayStation's future as a brand, given that its core gamers spend 80% of their time outside the home in the U.S., Koller said. "We view mobile and handheld gaming as critically important overall, but within PlayStation it's uber important. We need to have a forum to continue to provide PlayStation content where they go."There's certainly a lot of ground for Sony to make up. By the end of 2011, nearly 58% of portable games in the U.S. were played on mobile devices that operate on Google's Android or Apple's iOS platform, according to research firm Flurry Analytics. Nintendo's DS line owned 36% of the market, with the PSP taking up the rear at 6%, down from 9% in 2010 and 11% in 2009.On a revenue basis, an estimated $3.3 billion was spent on portable games in 2011, according to Flurry, with Nintendo earning $1.2 billion and cell phones taking in $1.9 billion. That's a switch from $1.9 billion in 2009 for Nintendo and $500 million for Google and Apple that same year.But in designing the Vita, Sony stuck with a familiar format -- it resembles the PSP but boasts a better screen and graphics, along with other capabilities."We asked ourselves, 'How do we create content that's related to PlayStation that's not a tablet?'" Koller said.Although skeptics in the games biz worry that Sony is outpricing itself with the Vita and its games, SCEA has a certain consumer in mind. It views the Vita as a "premium product" that falls within the handheld gaming and mobile portfolios. The 5-inch OLED touchscreen features HD resolution that's more colorful and brighter than the PSP and senses motion and allows for augmented reality gameplay, while the devices also includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional 3G. The Vita drops PSP's UMD discs for flash memory sticks, or the PlayStation Vita card, to play movies and store information. Top titles to launch, and priced between $40-$50, initially include "ModNation Racers: Road Trip," "Uncharted: Golden Abyss," "Reality Fighter," "Army Corps of Hell," WipeOut 2048," " Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational" "Michael Jackson: The Experience," "Plants vs. Zombies," "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3" and "FIFA Soccer." That kind of capability comes with a higher pricetag."The Vita, in many ways, is a PlayStation 3 in your pocket," Koller said. "It will be the most powerful mobile device on the market for the next few years that will be able to stream movies, music and photos on an HD screen." AT&T is providing the Wi-Fi and 3G accessibility, through which Sony wants to eventually offer high-end, graphically rich games -- the kind that are familiar to PS3 owners.It found that lowering the price of its PSP too soon lowered the average age of its typical user."The PSP consumer was someone that aged down very quickly" to an average age of 12-14 within two-and-a-half years, Koller said.With the Vita, SCEA is targeting PlayStation 3's core consumer of males in their mid-20s with a large amount of discretionary income and are typically early adopters, rabid for new technology."Reaching them on this device where they're more apt to spend their money is critical," Koller.That's because Vita will tap into the growing pot of digital dollars the gaming industry is increasingly turning to. When attending a baseball game, for example, the Vita will unlock jerseys left for fans at various stadiums. Apps will also enable users to go on treasure hunts throughout a city or venue, while others will reveal other players in the area and their capabilities.The Vita "was designed as a social medium and I believe it will be used that way," Koller said.The PSP wasn't. Sony is cautious not to replicate what occurred with the PSP, which wound up being dubbed "PlayStation Personal" because users "weren't interacting with anyone," Koller said.Naturally, the Vita will also incorporate video services like Netflix and Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Skype. But apps will be tweaked to fit with Sony's push for social interaction. "Vita is designed to be completely the opposite," he added. "We're not interested in throwing something that's already on your phone onto Vita. We want apps to be unique to Vita. When you take the Vita out in the world it affects your gaming and who you're playing with and engaging with."Either way, that social element is expected to be a large part of Vita's marketing campaign and message coming out of CES and the focal point of its meetings with developers, app makers and other content partners during the show."We don't always have a chance to meet with all of them and fly around the world," Koller said. "CES provides that opportunity."Game on for VitaSony wants a bigger piece of Nintendo's handheld gaming biz as it tries to launch a mobile version of its PlayStation 3 console with Vita.Nintendo DS149 million units sold since November 2004Nintendo DS Lite93.4 million units sold since March 2006 Sony PSP71.4 million units sold from December 2004-September 2011Nintendo DSi25.6 million units sold since November 2008Nintendo DS XL11.1 million units sold since November 2009Nintendo 3DS8 million units sold since February 2011 Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Flashpoint Renewed for a Fifth Season

Flashpoint Flashpoint has been renewed for a fifth season, ION TV announced Tuesday. The Canadian cop drama previously aired on CBS, but moved to ION midway through its fourth season. The series, which stars Hugh Dillon, Enrico Colantoni and Amy Jo Johnson, has been given a 13-episode order with production set to begin in February. Check out the rest of today's news "Flashpoint's solid performance season-to-date shows that a growing number of fans enjoy the series on ION Television," said Brandon Burgess, CEO of ION Media Networks. "We welcome back this exciting dramatic series and its cast to ION Television for another season in 2012." An air date has not yet been set.

NFL Player Hines Ward Talks About His Scene in 'Dark Knight'

In one of the most memorable scenes for the recently released trailer for "The Dark Knight Rises," NFL player Hines Ward can be seen running for a touchdown as the football field collapses behind him.This is not the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver's first time in front of the cameras in a non-football game role - he is a former "Dancing with the Stars" champion.Ward spoke to the media after the trailer was release to talk a little about his role in the film. Although since he's been sworn to secrecy about most of the film, he was limited in what he could say. Ward was invited by the producers to be a part of the film, along with several other pro football players."It blew me away. I mean to be a part of something that will last forever was amazing. I was truly blessed to be a part of it all," Ward told the "Los Angeles Times" about his reaction to seeing himself in the trailer.Ward, who said he's always been a Batman fan, told "USA Today" that he doesn't usually take kickoff returns, which is what he's pictured doing in the trailer. The scene was filmed at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh."I hadn't run back a kickoff in forever," said Ward. "It was a little bizarre. But I scored on the return and any time I score it's a lot of fun.""The Dark Knight Rises," the upcoming final installment Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, stars Christian Bale and Tom Hardy and is set for a July 2012 release. The Hollywood Reporter

Pour a Proper Cup of Tea Today for Christopher Hitchens

He had divisive opinions and a rare mind, but the late, great Christopher Hitchens also, from time to time, deviated from politics, culture, and history to examine other important issues including film, filmmakers, and — importantly! — how to make tea. Pour one out for Hitch today — the proper way, no dunking — with his wise words from last year. “If you use a pot at all, make sure it is pre-warmed. (I would add that you should do the same thing even if you are only using a cup or a mug.) Stir the tea before letting it steep. But this above all: “[O]ne should take the teapot to the kettle, and not the other way about. The water should be actually boiling at the moment of impact, which means that one should keep it on the flame while one pours.” This isn’t hard to do, even if you are using electricity rather than gas, once you have brought all the makings to the same scene of operations right next to the kettle.It’s not quite over yet. If you use milk, use the least creamy type or the tea will acquire a sickly taste. And do not put the milk in the cup first—family feuds have lasted generations over this—because you will almost certainly put in too much. Add it later, and be very careful when you pour. Finally, a decent cylindrical mug will preserve the needful heat and flavor for longer than will a shallow and wide-mouthed—how often those attributes seem to go together—teacup. Orwell thought that sugar overwhelmed the taste, but brown sugar or honey are, I believe, permissible and sometimes necessary.Until relatively few years ago, practically anything hot and blackish or brackish could be sold in America under the name of coffee. It managed both to be extremely weak and extremely bitter, and it was frequently at boiling point, though it had no call to be. (I use the past tense, though there are many places where this is still true, and it explains why free refills can be offered without compunction.) At least in major cities, consumers now have a better idea how to stick up for themselves, often to an irksome degree, as we know from standing behind people who are too precise about their latte, or whatever it’s called.Next time you are in a Starbucks or its equivalent and want some tea, don’t be afraid to decline that hasty cup of hot water with added bag. It’s not what you asked for. Insist on seeing the tea put in first, and on making sure that the water is boiling. If there are murmurs or sighs from behind you, take the opportunity to spread the word. And try it at home, with loose tea and a strainer if you have the patience. Don’t trouble to thank me. Happy New Year.” - Excerpted from “How to Make a Decent Cup of Tea” R.I.P. Christopher Hitchens. Leave your thoughts on tea making and other Hitchens concerns below. How To Make a Decent Cup of Tea [Slate]

Nominations reaction: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"

Jean Dujardin in 'The Artist'"I appear just like a spoiled child, however, if i had been shooting it never really joined our mind (about) the honours it might receive. We always wanted results but it is a very abstract artwork, so its a very nice surprise to find out it perfectly received."

'The Artist' Named Best Picture by Boston Film Experts

Director Steven Spielberg stood a submit Oscar champion Christian Bale's starring role in Zhang Yimou's The Flowers of War, which opened up Sunday mid-day in Beijing.our editor recommendsZhang Yimou Being Honored at Asia Off-shoreline Screen AwardsChina Chooses Zhang Yimou's Christian Bale starrer 'Flowers of War' for Oscar Language Submission TheHollywood Reporter formerly reported Spielberg's role in acover story with Bale and Zhang, However, Spielberg's director friend joined more detail the way the recommendations came to exist. "I asked for Steven Spielberg, who's a pal, to determine the British script and recommend stars," Zhang mentioned inside a press conference carrying out a premiere. Among people suggestions was Bale, who had starred becoming an adult actor in Spielberg's own turn pointing in China, 1987's Empire in the Sun,also with various novel set throughout Japan's World War Ii occupation of eastern China. STORY: The Flowers of War: Film Review Spielberg then advised Bale to make use of Zhang. "He passed [Zhang] Yimou instructions to provide in my experience, plus it mentioned, 'do it.'" Getting a financial budget of $100 million, the film is regarded as the pricey obtainable in China, around a year ago's top domestic box office artist, Feng Xiaogang's Aftershock, made. Even though, Zhang blown off any suggestion it put greater commercial pressure on him for your film to complete. "Company company directors shouldn't think about this stuff. It prevents you from developing a good movie," Zhang mentioned. STORY: An Auteur + This Actor = Game Changer The Two-time Oscar-nominated director similarly dodged an problem about whether Flowers was an attempt to finally win that trophy. "Winning an Oscar wasn't the goal. We just preferred to produce good art creating a good film," he mentioned. "I don't really know the Oscar process much, so that it's around luck." Zhang, who also directed the opening occasions in the 2008 Olympic games, is representing China again with Flowers since the country's official entry to find the best Language Film award. Bale plays John Burns, a u . s . states drifter who finds themselves inside the then-Chinese capital in 1937, similar to the Nanjing Massacre -- which saw entering Japanese troops rape and murder thousands of Chinese regular people -- will get on-going. Several youthful hookers take refuge in the chapel near to the brothel where they work, and Burns, wearing clerical robes, offers them defense from the burglars. Flowers' female lead, newcomer Ni Ni, put herself on the limb when asked for if she felt a steamy scene between her character and Bale's was necessary, just like Ang Lee's Lust, Caution -- that have its sex moments removed and acquired a couple-year industry stop for actress Tang Wei. "I love Tang Wei but she's a great actress, very beautiful, which i've many userful stuff here from her," Ni mentioned. The film is positioned to start wide in China on 12 ,. 16, a restricted U.S. release on 12 ,. 23. Related Subjects Worldwide Asia Christian Bale Zhang Yimou