The theme of today’s blind item: “Hindsight is 20/20.”
When a certain series you’re likely enjoying was casting its lead, the studio suits knew exactly who they wanted. The network suits, on the other hand, knew exactly who they didn’t want. And — what a coincidence! — they were one and the same.
Since the performer in question was just coming off a failed show, the network brass felt that this individual was a star with no star power. But the studio stood behind its pick, to the point where there were threats of taking the hour-long drama to the competition.
Now, of course, the show is looking like a hit, and the network is singing a very different tune. (Which has gotta be hard when their bigwigs are also eating their words along with a steaming plate of crow.)
So, who was the small screen’s most unwanted lead? Guesses below. I can’t confirm when you get it right, but on the plus side, I also won’t mock you (much) when you get it wrong.
Sounds like Simon Baker in The Mentalist. He was coming off the massive disappointment Smith. The studio probably stood behind him because I think The Guardian was a bit of a hit.
It seems like that Simon Baker guy. Smith was on CBS for at least a few weeks, apparently (I have no recollection of it, tho), and The Mentalist is now on CBS.
GAA! 1 minute too late!
My Name is Earl.
Totally agree. Simon Baker.
it has to be simon baker, right? …. right….?
The picture is definitely from My Name is Earl, but what show was Jason Lee coming from?
=0p
THANK YOU for finally getting rid of the My Name is Earl photo. I can’t believe how stupid people are that they guessed that every single time when the photo was clearly not meant to reflect the subject of the item.
Anyway, I agree with all the other guesses. Simon Baker was the first person who came to mind.
It’s the mentalist star Simon Baker…Too easy
Nathan Fillion if you ask me.
Failed in Driver now in Castle..
This one is easy and I agree with what most have said — Simon Baker in The Mentalist.
LOL, when I first read the title, I didn’t see the “by Network” part, so I thought it was “Blind Item: Which Star Was Nearly Shot Down?” 9as in like, guns and BANG BANG!) and I was like WHAT?!
Jason O’Mara?
Got to be Simon Barker. He was awful in that Ray Liota show last year. Of course, that show was awful so maybe it wasn’t just him.
I’m pretty sure CBS LOVES Simon Baker, so I don’t think it’d be him.