During The Flickcast’s set visit to USA Network’s new series Covert Affairs we spoke with Exec. Producer Doug Liman about the origins of the show.  Following that we had the opportunity to speak with three of the show’s regulars, Christopher Gorham (Ugly Betty, Harper’s Island), Anne Dudek (House, Mad Men) and Piper Perabo (The Prestige, Coyote Ugly).  All the interviews took place on the Covert Affairs sets in Toronto, Canada.

Christopher Gorham plays Auggie Anderson on Covert Affairs.  The resident technology expert, the role lends itself to being the bridge between the audience and how the tech on the show works.  Based on this, one would think Gorham was a natural geek, but according to him that’s not the case:

The Flickcast: Being surrounded by that, being that kind of character on the show, how well versed are you in technology?  Like, are you anywhere near what Auggie is, or are you-

Chris Gorham: Nowhere-first of all, nowhere near.

TF: No?

CG: Second of all, nowhere near what I wish I knew.  Thirdly, nowhere near where I need to be, because my kids are getting older quick.

One would think getting your head around hi-tech gadgets would be a challenge but that pales in comparison to one important element of Gorham’s character-the fact that he’s blind.  In preparation for the role Gorham worked extensively with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB):

“I was working on a film in Michigan right before the pilot, and literally came straight here from there. So I hadn’t had any time at home to really do the research that I would normally do. So I called ahead and found the – well, I found the CNIB on the Internet, and called ahead to the production office and asked them if they could hook me up with somebody over there.

And they did – a lovely woman named Leslie McDonald who came out. And we had two sessions during the pilot, where the first one she came out and just went over things like sighted lead, and working with the cane, and a lot of just behavioural things about how to get around.”

Having seen a number of actors take on roles in which they portray blind characters I can tell you Gorham is exceptional.  Be that as it may, Gorham is quick to emphasise that while Auggie is blind that does not diminish him in contrast to other characters:

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It’s October already, and that means another batch of tv shows are premiering! Cortney’s TV Digest is here with everything worth tuning in for while you’re carving your pumpkins and perfecting your Halloween costumes.

South Park – Premieres October 7th, 10/9c on Comedy Central

Some shows never cease to entertain, shock, or antagonize audiences. South Park is certainly one of those shows, and has been doing so for thirteen seasons. Earlier this season, we saw Kanye West debut his newest single, “Fishsticks”, Cartman made his pirate dreams a reality, and Ike saw some dead people. After a midseason break, South Park returns on Wednesday night.

30 Rock – Premieres October 15th, 9:30/8:30c on NBC

Just after winning its third consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, 30 Rock returns for its fourth season on NBC. The antics are sure to continue behind the scenes of The Girly Show, and whether you’re a long time fan or checking the show out for the first time, 30 Rock, featuring Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski, is sure to keep you laughing until it hurts.

Ugly Betty – Premieres October 16th, 8/7c on ABC

Ugly Betty is on its fourth season, and this is sure to be a dramatic one after the climactic ending of the third season. In the premiere episode, Betty starts her new job as associate features editor and deals with resentful co-workers while she tries to run her own Mode photo shoot.

Southland – Premieres October 23rd, 9/8c on NBC

Returning for its second season, Southland centers around Los Angeles and the members of the LAPD. The OC’s Ben Mackenzie plays rookie Officer Ben Sherman, and while the first season only had a seven-episode run, the show made enough of an impression that NBC renewed it for another season.

Be sure to check back with The Flickcast each month for Cortney’s TV Digest, with the scoop on all the shows you know and love, plus the latest and greatest tv that you need to check out.