July 12, 2007

Blogging TCA: Hallmark Tempts Critics, Talent

Seth Arenstein, at the TV Critics Association summer press tour, noshes with Hallmark

HALLMARK'S CARDS: Valerie Bertinelli at TCA, surrounded by Hallmark Channel execs (L-R) Henry Schleiff, Barbara Fisher and David Kenin.

TCA critics haven't always been kind to Hallmark, sometimes chiding what they see as ancient actors in their syrupy originals.

But you have to give Hallmark a good mark for its catering. For today's 1:30pm panel, it served critics ice cream sundaes with all the trimmings; warm, soft pretzels with mustard; plus, fruit, soda and M&Ms in the Hallmark colors of yellow and black. Adding to the yellow and black color scheme, each critic also received a yellow flower. (Awww...)

But on to the business at hand. No doubt about it, Valerie Bertinelli looks great, appearing solo on Hallmark's TCA panel for her Aug. 11 original movie, Claire. It's clear that Claire was made before Valerie lost the weight. She’s dropped 28 lbs and wants to shed 15 more pounds. (Hopefully she didn't visit Hallmark's ice cream bar...)

• EARLIER: Blogging TCA: Nat Geo's Naked Lunch