The dish: Why was baby in 'American Sniper' a creepy doll?
We're not legal minds, so we'll leave aside the question of whether "American Sniper" will keep the accused killer of Chris Kyle from getting a fair trial. The more burning issue: What's the deal with the creepy fake baby? In one emotional scene, Bradley Cooper as Kyle and Sienna Miller as his wife do some of their best acting, pretending a bundle of plastic is the real thing. What gives, Clint? Screenwriter Jason Hall explained it in a tweet (since deleted): "hate to ruin the fun but real baby #1 showed up with a fever. Real baby #2 was no show. (Clint voice) Gimme the doll, kid."
It's morning in 'Fargo'
The second season of "Fargo," set in 1979, will feature Ronald Reagan as a character. No word on the casting. … The fifth season of "Louie" will premiere April 9. FX also is giving co-star Pamela Adlon her own series, "Better Things." … Lea Michele's post-"Glee" career includes a role on the anthology series "Scream Queens." … J.K. Simmons will host "Saturday Night Live" Jan. 31. … "Well played. LOL." That was Justin Bieber's reaction to the "SNL" short, starring Kate McKinnon, mocking his Calvin Klein ads. Bieber had better brush up his "feigned chagrin" look: He'll be the subject of a Comedy Central Roast on March 7. … Rob Lowe, Megan Mullally and Jenna Fischer will star in the NBC dramedy "Apocalypse." … Was this season of "American Horror Story" Jessica Lange's last? She's not saying, but showrunner Ryan Murphy tweeted after Wednesday's finale: "Thank you Jessica … for everything."
So last month
If anyone still cares, "The Interview" began streaming on Netflix this weekend. … Nicolas Cage will play a Colorado construction worker hunting for Osama bin Laden in the satire "Army of One" from "Borat" director Larry Charles. … Rooney Mara and Tatiana Maslany ("Orphan Black") have tested for roles in the first of two "Star Wars" spinoffs. … The Coen brothers, on the Cannes Film Festival: "Presiding over the jury is a special honor, since we have never heretofore been president of anything. We will issue further proclamations at the appropriate time."
CYNTHIA DICKISON
about the writer
The season for cardamom bread, comfort food and a dish as bright as Bentleyville’s holiday lights.