Downton Abbey Finale Earns Biggest PBS Ratings in Three Years

Lindsay Autry When does frozen mousse trump perfectly cooked halibut? When you're on Top Chef! Despite her nearly inedible, ice-hard confection, Sarah - with some major backing from Tom Colicchio - made it to the finale with Paul over her pal Lindsay Autry, whose error-free, albeit less creative, dish sent her packing. "I think they were really nitpicking at that point and it came down to doing something risky like what she did against me being great, but not risky enough," Lindsay tells TVGuide.com. "I know I didn't make any mistakes, but I guess they wanted to see more." Was she surprised that her well-made dish lost to such shoddy execution? Find out below.Top Chef's Beverly: I definitely felt the fan supportThe edit seemed like it was really close between the three of you. Did it feel that way up there?Lindsay: I really feel like even when it got down to the four of us - even before Beverly got back - that it was a close game. One little thing is what sends you home because at the end of the day, only one person can win. But I did feel that it was really close. At Judges' Table, they all had very positive things to say. I don't know if they aired it or not since I didn't see it, but Padma said that she thought it was one of the best dishes I made all season. Then it was like, "Pack your knives and go." I was like, "Oh, OK." [Laughs] "Great, thanks!"Well, Gail fought for you and liked your dish overall. And Tom really fought for Sarah. She, obviously, had the bigger mistake with the frozen mousse. Why do you think she edged you out? Did her doing something risky like that, even though it failed, outweigh your consistency?Lindsay: Well, we had a break between Texas and Canada. I think that Paul and I came back staying true to who we've been all season, and I think that Sarah came back more inspired. She showed that this whole experience made her grow as a chef and made her more creative. I think that when it came down to it that it did come into play - the judges were able to see that Sarah stepped it up and took a risk and showed something. And I'm really proud of her for doing that. ... Standing in between the two of them while we were cooking - seeing Sarah pull out an anti-griddle and Paul was doing a powder and using liquid nitrogen - I knew in that moment that, yeah, I might be going home since I wasn't doing anything crazy or risky with molecular and modernist techniques. But I felt that I stayed true to what the concept was, and I think that's what Top Chef is truly about, so no regrets. Food is very subjective; it's all about your interpretation.You did the tomato ice that they loved.Lindsay: Yeah, I knew that conceptually that I went really far with the Fire & Ice theme. Every component of what I did fit. Ultimately, I think my downfall was my cocktail. I think it wasn't as intriguing as what Sarah and Paul did. But I also knew my cocktail was the only one that really tied in to the dish. ... In every single challenge, there was that one thing like, "Why are we doing this?" As a chef, it's important that you're part of your beverage program because food and drink go hand in hand. But I didn't think that it would come down to me going home over a cocktail. I thought it would be judged more on the food.Were you happy you redeemed yourself with halibut after the Restaurant Wars fiasco?Lindsay: [Laughs] Tom made a comment about that when we were in the kitchen - that I chose halibut because of what happened with Beverly and I was like, "Oh my God! I didn't even think about it!" I really didn't. I got to Whole Foods and I really wanted to use black cod, but they didn't have enough, so I went with halibut. I didn't do it out of spite. It was the only fish they had enough of for 150 people!Top Chef's Ed: What's the point of Last Chance Kitchen?Restaurant Wars was probably your low point. Would you agree?Lindsay: Uh-huh. [Laughs] Restaurant Wars was definitely when I felt at my lowest. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I wasn't in the kitchen because it's a cooking competition and I wasn't touching my own food. I'm very hard on myself. Even though we won, I talked to Beverly and Grayson and Sarah, and none of us felt like we really won that one because it was so challenging.Why did you choose halibut, knowing that Beverly had to cook it for you, instead of something with an easier prep?Lindsay: I didn't think it was difficult. I knew that Beverly's dish was a little bit elaborate and I felt that after we had talked everything through, there only needed to be three steps to my dish. Obviously, it evolved into more than that to get it out. I picked my dish last. I let Sarah, Beverly and Grayson decide what they wanted to do since I was doing front of house. We obviously needed a fish course, so that's why I did it. And for the past three years, I've run a very seafood-focused restaurant, where I cooked fish every single day. In my mind, it was an easy pickup. But we're all very different in what we do.A lot of fans didn't like how you treated Beverly there, especially since she was being picked on so much. Did you have any other problems with her like Heather and Sarah did?Lindsay: I never had a problem with Beverly. Up until that point, I had never worked with her in a team effort. And we roomed in different rooms, so I didn't really have a lot of interaction with her, which I think a lot of people who watch the show don't understand, whether it's because of the editing or whatnot. I really didn't get the chance to get to know her. In Restaurant Wars, a lot of it has to do with editing. If you watch, I kind of lose my sh-- on everybody. [Laughs] It wasn't just her. I did get a little more intense with her because people weren't eating my dish. After seeing six people not eat my dish, it was like, "Oh my God! What's going on?" I just kind of lost my cool. But I never had any problem with her. Even after it was over, she was telling me, "I'm so sorry." And I was like, "Don't worry about it. I'm sorry I blew up." I mean, none of us had time to think this through. Four hours to open a restaurant and four executive chefs trying to work together? It's meant to be chaotic.What did you think of Last Chance Kitchen?Lindsay: I remember thinking when we were riding the bikes for Pee Wee Herman that there was no way that this is the last challenge to go to the finale. It can't be this, like something is happening. When we did find out, at first, I think Ed, Paul, Sarah and I were a little, I guess, annoyed. In our minds, we were done and you kind of let yourself go out of focus for a second. I think the concept was a great idea because in certain circumstances, chefs go home early for other people's mistakes or whatever. I think Nyesha really proved herself there, but even though she had a good run, it would've been difficult for her to come back after winning so much. I think the thing that upset us at the beginning is that we never stopped. We kept doing all these challenges and even though they did their own challenges, they already dealt with being eliminated, and I think that only makes you stronger.Top Chef's Grayson: I wasn't excited about Last Chance KitchenSince they do simpler challenges on Last Chance Kitchen, do you think it's fair that someone could win Top Chef without going through all the challenges on the actual show?Lindsay: Well, I think it was great that Beverly got to come back and redeem herself. I think that she came back a stronger chef, but I think that it ended up the way it needed to be. Even bringing her back, it just kind of worked itself out that the people who are left have been here the whole time. We'll see what happens if they continue it.Speaking of the bike task, what did you think of all the wild challenges this season?Lindsay: When I found out that we were going to Texas, which was just a few days before we went, I knew that there was going to be a lot of barbecue and chili type of challenges. I was surprised at how many group challenges we did. I did feel that a lot of the challenges were very physical, more so than in past seasons. Sometimes I felt like I was on Survivor. [Laughs] Like, "Oh my God! I should've done that PX90 before I left! Maybe I could run faster!" But I think that's what Top Chef is all about. They put you in these surreal situations to test how good a chef you are. Even though none of what we did had anything to do with the day-to-day life of being a chef, flexibility and your ability to adapt is something we deal with every day and I think that this whole season was just taking that to the extreme.What are you up to now?Lindsay: I'm doing a lot of dinners and appearances. I recently left my position in Palm Beach and I'm pursuing some other opportunities, so we'll have to stay tuned and see!

Exclusive: Giancarlo Esposito Discusses His Community Guest Shot

Andy Cohen and Joan Rivers Whitney Houston would be a favorite target of Joan Rivers', however the funnywoman appreciates it's inappropriate to mock the singer at this time. After Houston died Saturday, E! drawn a way Police episode by which Rivers pokes fun at Houston, and that we needed to amend the next episode of Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? too.Aretha Franklin, Stevie Question to sing at Whitney Houston's funeral"Up to she was dead, everyone was [making drug jokes about Houston]," Rivers stated on Thursday's Watch What Goes On: Live. "Winona Ryder - you need to do stealing jokes. Whitney Houston - you probably did smoking jokes and broke jokes, so obviously we drawn it.""You won't want to [perform a joke] once somebody's dead. This is exactly why I do not perform a Betty Whitened joke," she cracked. You do not know!InchThen when will she resume making jokes about Houston? Watch the clip to discover:

Mega Buzz: A Bones Movie, Smash's Leading Lady along with a New NCIS Relationship

Emily Deschanel, Katharine McPhee, Mark Harmon Each week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams suit your requirement for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com. Can't watch for Bones to return in April! Got any scoop for now? - Gina ADAM: Certainly one of Brennan's books has been converted into a movie, and wouldn't you love to know who Hollywood has selected to experience our bloodstream-and-guts enthusiasts? You'll, whenever a murder on set brings Booth and Bones as well as their movie alter egos together. Booth's stand-was an action star whose stunts aren't restricted to filming. It appears his criminal background of drug abuse and assault are simply tries to make head lines on TMZ. The actress playing Brennan? Well, she's type of a slut. No thanks, poetic license we'll stick to the originals. So Ivy won the role of Lana Turner on Smash. But Katharine McPhee is in most individuals advertisements! Reliable advice that isn't permanent casting? - LucyNATALIE: You are certainly onto something there, Lucy. Whether she ends up becoming Norma Jean, Karen will probably be adhering around for some time -- as part of the show's chorus (ouch). Obstacle No. 1: Just how can she conquer the super-savvy (and Ivy-loving) Broadway men and gals with whom she now rehearses every single day? To begin with, don't go back home to Iowa and sing "Redneck Lady," Karen. The way Gibbs differ since he's reflected on his existence in NCIS' 200th episode? - Henry ADAM: Executive producer Gary Glasberg states has possibly shed a few of the guilt he transported over his wife's dying, which might open him as much as new associations. As luck might say, Jamie Lee Curtis' first episode is February. 21! Her character, mental health specialist Samantha Ryan, "understands how to get inside individuals heads and she or he understands how to spar with ," Glasberg states. "She's prepared to challenge him on the high end, that will then continue into other activities.Inch Other activities? "You cannot keep [figures] alone forever!" Glasberg teases. I really hope loves/needs Activia. I still can't believe Desperate Average women is ending. Please produce some scoop that helped me to grieve. -Jennifer NATALIE: Let us connect some dots: Carlos is within rehab, so he isn't working, meaning the Solis family is not coming to a money. Performs this mean Gaby will need to obtain a job? It's searching progressively likely the former model-switched-housewife will need to join the labor force - that is great, because everyone knows just how much Gaby loves putting her nose towards the grindstone. What else could you let me know concerning the finish of Castle's two-parter? - Ellen ADAM: What about a cryptic hint from creator Andrew W. Marlowe? "Hang onto the finish, because there exists a handful of surprises available," he states. "There is a thought about Castle that needs to be interesting for fans." We hear it's attached to the mystery surrounding Castle's absent father - who've had a behind-the-moments role in the son's future achievements. Just when was Alaric going to behave apart from drink and flirt with Meredith around the Vampire Journals? - SamNATALIE: To become fair, Alaric has lost both his wife and girlfriend towards the bloodstream-suckers, so we'll provide him a spread the nascent alcoholism. But we'll soon find out more about his vampire-hunting days, which might allow us to to determine why Elena trusts him so blindly. "Much more of his past is going to be revealed," Matt Davis states. "Stuff that he's been battling with is going to be cleared and are available into clearness for him." What is going to happen how I Met Your Mother since Ted told Robin he loves her? - Alex ADAM: I do not think it is going to go perfectly. Why else would Barney be setting Ted on a number of "palate-cleansing" dates? Each girl Ted is out with could not become more not the same as Robin Body is really a hippie and the other is really a blinged-out stylish-hop chick. However in Ted's mind, they are all just painful memory joggers of Robin - literally. Got any scoop on Private Practice's Charlotte now and Cooper? - Jameson NATALIE: Erica's illness will start to strain Charlotte now and Cooper's relationship. "How long that Cooper is investing to Mason 's time that he isn't investing to his marriage," Paul Adelstein informs us. "That can take its toll. Despite the fact that it's accomplished for the best reasons, the connection continues to be neglected. As understanding as Charlotte now is all about that, will still be a disconnection and you will find implications from that." Any Suburgatory spoilers? - Janet ADAM: Who would like to meet Tessa's mother? She's lengthy wondered concerning the daughter she left out, and she's finally ready to try to repair the connection. Unhealthy news: Although she's attempted to become better, more powerful person, she's still a neurotic mess. I am so glad Juliet wasn't really raped by Mr. Contractor on Ringer! Will the trio really pull off their plan? - Lana NATALIE: Who stated it is simply a trio? Keep in mind, with this many schemers splitting much money, expect many people to obtain so greedy they'll do nearly anything to obtain the others' shares. I really like A Gifted Guy. What's approaching for Anton since he's been shot? - Lisa ADAM: Can a gunshot cause jealousy? Because Anton's feelings about Dr. Zeke and Christina's fledgling relationship will require an outrageous submit coming episodes. "You will see another triangular develop, and also the wonderful, kind Anton might change a little," executive producer Neal Baer teases. "He's a nerve condition in the shooting that changes his whole attitude." Evil Anton? We are in! What's approaching on Spartacus? - Derek NATALIE: Is Lucretia from mourning already? The widowed domina will be receiving very cozy with a brand new guy - a Roman, not really a slave this time around - throughout a decadent party held in the former House of Batiatus. Could this be among the love interests Lucy Lawless taunted? Natalie's Mega Rave: Lost alum Emilie p Ravin would be a great casting option to play Belle on Not so long ago, especially since we found that Belle in Storybrooke continues to be secured inside a mental ward. Other people crossing their fingers for any squirrel baby cameo? Adam's Small Rant: Hey Grammys, the next time you reunite The Beach Boys, please leave Maroon 5 from it. As Adele would say, fanks a great deal. Crave scoop in your favorite Television shows?At the-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide (Additional confirming by Denise Martin, Hanh Nguyen, Robyn Ross and Kate Stanhope)

Cablers pay tribute to Houston

HoustonA quantity of cablers have scheduled programs in remembrance of Whitney Houston. Tributes for the singer, who died Saturday within the Beverly Hilton, will probably be spread throughout the dial.VH1 will air three special deals, starting with "Whitney Houston: The Dying from the Diva" at 9:30 p.m. Monday. Show will feature the newest news regarding what can cause Houston's dying additionally to tributes from record companies professionals and fans.Half-hour later, the web will acknowledge Houston in "100 Finest Women in Music" at 11 p.m. Thursday VH1will debut "VH1 News Presents Whitney Houston's Finest Moments." At sister Viacom cabler MTV, the net's AMTV sister station will feature nonstop Houston musicvideos from 6-9 a.m.And Viacom internet Wager will probably be offering Houston special deals too. At 3:30 p.m. today "Celebration of Gospel" is scheduled. "Gospel" is Houston's last public performance.Around the three-hour edition of "106 & Park" that airs 6 p.m. Monday, Wager pays tribute to Houston's existence.To place Houston's bigscreen career, Lifetime is replaying her pic "The Bodyguard" at 8 p.m. Monday. The film, which co-starred Kevin Costner making greater than $410 million worldwide, features two Oscar-nominated tunes: "I have Nothing" and "Visit You." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Pacha snares pair

Paris-based Pacha, the first sales company dedicated to Arab world content, has snapped up international rights to "My Brother the Devil" and "The Last Friday."Produced by London's Wild Horses Film Co. and Rooks Nest Entertainment, "Devil" is the debut of Egyptian-Welsh helmer-scribe Sally El Hosaini. It won cinematography in Sundance's World Dramatic Competition. The gangster movie/same-sex love tale is set in a gritty London underworld."Friday" turns on a down-on-his-luck taxi driver scraping together funds for essential surgery. From tyro director-writer Yahya Al Abdallah, based out of Jordan's Amman, "Friday" won San Sebastian's Cinema in Motion rough-cut showcase, then the Special Jury Prize, actor and music at December's Dubai Festival."Devil" screens in Berlin's Panorama, "Friday" in Forum.Pacha chairman Frederic Sichler, former Studiocanal CEO, believes "Friday" points to consolidation in Arab world filmmaking. "With the Jordan Film Commission supporting the regular production of films, Jordanian cinema is really on its way up," Sichler said.Amman's Rula Nasser produced "Friday." "There's a generation of new producers emerging in the Arab World," Sichler said, citing Nasser, Mohamed Hefzy (a Pacha partner who takes an exec producer credit on "Devil") and Tunisia's Habib Attia among others. "They represent a big piece of the Arab world cinema puzzle." Pacha also reps Hanan Abdalla's Panorama player, "In the Shadow of a Man," a portrait of women in the midst of Egypt's revolution."The major change in Arab society in the last years is the entry of educated women into the workforce," Sichler said. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com