Today's Entertainment

2 • November 8 - 14, 2015 • Brainerd Dispatch By Jacqueline Spendlove TV Media T he name's Case. John Case. OK, the title character in "Agent X" isn't quite 007, but he's certainly drawing comparisons to the smooth-talking, tuxedo-swaddled Brit. TNT's action-packed new series sees big-screen icon Sharon Stone ("Casino," 1995) making a rare departure from film to star in a television show. She portrays the newly elected vice president of the United States, Natalie Maccabee, who is landed with a very particu- lar set of responsibilities — and more importantly, one exceptional employee — that only a handful of people know about. "Agent X" premieres Sunday, Nov. 8, on TNT. At last month's New York Comic Con, series creator William Blake Herron explained his inspiration for the concept of "Agent X." In a sentiment echoed in the first epi- sode by Malcolm Millar (Gerald McRaney, "House of Cards"), the vice president's chief steward, Herron was intrigued by the fact that the second most important executive position in the American government doesn't appear to have any set duties. From that came the speculation that perhaps those duties are just unseen and kept from the public. After she's sworn into office, Maccabee returns to her new digs only to discover a secret passage behind the fireplace, which she follows to the end and promptly has her mind blown when she's filled in on one of the nation's big- gest secrets. As Millar explains, Maccabee is about to be heavily involved in a program she never knew existed. An extra section in Article Two of the Constitution — the original document is housed in the hidden chamber in which she's now standing — states that "an agent of unknown identity is hereby au- thorized to serve at the discretion of the vice president for the pur- pose of aiding the republic in times of dire peril." And so she's introduced to John Case, also known as Agent X. Jeff Hephner ("Chicago Fire"), who plays Agent X, described the character in an interview for Blastr as a "taller-than-average, really handsome bad-ass" who's de- ployed on missions that the gov- ernment needs to accomplish on the down-low. "He's an American James Bond," added Herron, "so he goes on missions like any super spy would do." Indeed, the extended preview has no shortage of butt-kicking, gun-toting, glass-breaking and other fancy maneuvers; Agent X pulls it all off while looking terribly dapper, with never a hair out of place. The character is, in essence, a weapon himself. Case is Special Ops-trained, CIA-tested, cunning, tough and quick as a whip. He's also fiercely patriotic with a strong moral compass — qualities that all come together to make him the ideal man to be protecting his country when no one else can. His charm and good looks don't hurt, either. The series obviously has some recogniz- able faces attached to it, but scoring Stone as the leading lady was a real windfall. The award-winning actress, producer and for- mer fashion model has dozens of roles un- der her belt and, while she's done some TV work (mostly in guest ap- pearances), it's on the big screen that she's made a name for herself. Stone spoke with "Extra" about the timing of finally taking a major television role: "I waited for the good thing. I knew that I wanted to do something that had a wom- an in a sort of political situation, in a way that talked about politics but also in a way that was fun." The current political situation in the U.S. also played a role in Stone, a supporter of Hillary Clinton, tak- ing the part. "For me, to play vice president during this prescient moment when women are in so many pow- erful positions politically, and when we're very apt to have a woman as president, it's a very ex- citing time in the world to be play- ing something that is really in that moment, in that historical mo- ment," she added. Maccabee is certainly an admi- rable character. She went from law professor to senator to the coun- try's first female vice president, and bore the tragic death of her husband with a strength that showed her to be capable in times of crisis, and a qualified com- mander of a top secret program requiring clarity and careful dis- cretion. Of course, she'll still have guid- ance in her new position, and not only from the dry-witted Millar, who will become her right-hand man and trusted adviser. Chief Jus- tice Caleb Thorne is played by an- other Hollywood heavyweight, three-time Emmy winner James Earl Jones ("Field of Dreams," 1989), and is one of the few peo- ple who is in on the Agent X pro- gram. The iconic actor can do no wrong in roles requiring a voice of guidance and reason, and Thorne will prove invaluable to Maccabee as she dives head first into crisis management. Also privy to Case's role is Presi- dent Thomas Eckhart, played by Emmy-winning actor John Shea ("Mutant X"). As the former vice president, Eckhart is Case's previ- ous boss, and it wasn't so long ago that he was standing right where Maccabee is now. If two dozen James Bond mov- ies are any indication, audiences love to see a hunk in a suit throw- ing punches and taking names. "Agent X" promises just that and more. Don't miss the action- packed premiere when it airs Sun- day, Nov. 8, on TNT. At your service TNT debuts the James Bond-esque 'Agent X' Cover Story this week James Earl Jones as seen in "Agent X" Like us on Facebook to receive info and specials at Baxter Country Kitchen www.BAXTERcountrykitchen.com 7788 Fairview Rd, Baxter 218-829-1739 Guest Check on guest checks totaling $18.00 or more (Before Tax) Coupon Exp. 11-22-15 Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. Off $ 3.00 One coupon per table, per person, per visit. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. $ 1.00 CAFÈ STYLE BEVERAGES REAL EXPRESSO ICED COFFEE & ICED LATTES Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. Coupon Exp. 11-22-15 Off REAL Cappaccino, Latte & Hot Cocoa Guest Check on guest checks totaling $25.00 or more (Before Tax) Coupon Exp. 11-22-15 Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. Off $ 5.00 One coupon per table, per person, per visit. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. 001326275r1 001323357r1 "Your One-Stop, Locally-Owned Medical Supply Company." FREE Delivery in our service area! • 8-5:30pm M-F, 9-12 Sat. 206 W. Washington, Tyrol Hills Center Brainerd • 218-829-2100 BRAINERD MEDICAL SUPPLY We Process Medical Assistance, Medica, Blue Cross, Medicare and Most insurance. 24 Hour Emergency Oxygen Service Do your legs get achy and tired after a long day at work, school or play? Need help? Try Compression Stockings Diabetic Shoes Medicare and some insurances allow one pair per calendar year with a doctor's order. Get yours before Dec. 31st. These are NOT the Compression socks of your Great Grandma's generation. These stockings come in a variety of COLORS, PATTERNS, STYLES AND COMPRESSIONS, made for both men and women. We have certified fitters and custom stockings are available.

• Cover