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Scorched ‘Earth’! Finke and Deadline split? RIP Jean Stapleton.

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After the coffee. Before deciding if I should try ‘The Killing’ again.

The Skinny: Pretty good episodes of “Mad Men” and “Veep” last night. I would have liked them better if I wasn’t working while they were on! Monday’s headlines include the box office recap, speculation about the future of Deadline Hollywood editor Nikki Finke and an appreciation of the late Jean Stapleton. Oh and if you are interested in receiving an email alert when the Morning Fix is live please send me a note.

Daily Dose: Lionsgate this morning said Chief Executive Jon Feltheimer signed a five-year contract to remain with the movie and TV production company that runs through May 2018. Under Feltheimer and Vice Chairman Michael Burns, Lionsgate has had an active last few years. It acquired Summit Entertainment and successfully launched “The Hunger Games.” More recently, it partnered with CBS on the TV Guide Network.

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Left in the dust. Will Smith’s “After Earth” got toasted not only by “Fast & Furious 6,” but also by “Now You See Me,” the crime thriller starring Jesse Eisenberg and Morgan Freeman. For Smith, who co-stars in “After Earth” with his son Jaden, the movie’s performance is a rare disappointment in his otherwise stellar box office career. “Fast & Furious 6” drove off with almost $35 million in ticket sales while “Now You See Me” had plenty of magic as well, making $28.1 million. “After Earth” took in $27 million, below both studio Sony’s projections and those of box office analysts. The Los Angeles Times and the Wall Street Journal with box office recaps. Variety looks at whether the international box office can give “After Earth” a boost.

PHOTOS: Movie nepotism doesn’t always work

Will she or won’t she? A relaxing Sunday night was shattered when The Wrap published a story saying Deadline Hollywood editor Nikki Finke had been fired by Jay Penske, whose company PMC owns the site. PMC then issued a statement published on Deadline denying the story. But that hasn’t stopped the speculation that Finke -- whose at times scathing take on the industry has made the site a must-read and made her one of the more colorful characters in town -- may be on her way out of Deadline. Early Monday, Finke herself finally weighed in. Here’s the take from the Los Angeles Times.

A year to remember. This year is turning out to be a big one for black filmmakers. According to the New York Times, as many as 10 films will be released in the coming months made by or aimed at black audiences. “Studio executives also say there is a growing audience with more multicultural tastes that gives these films a broader appeal,” the article said.

Mystery player. While everyone tries to figure out who may buy the online video site Hulu (bidders include DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Chernin Group), another question is whether all the owners will sell. Hulu parents Walt Disney Co. and News Corp. are leading the sales effort. Although the third Hulu owner -- Comcast Corp. -- is a silent partner, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will follow whatever the other two do. Analysis from the Los Angeles Times.

Where’s “Rescue Me?” The Writers Guild of America has released a list of what it considers to be the 101 best-written TV series of all time. Coming in first place was HBO’s “The Sopranos” followed by “Seinfeld.” As usual, the list has already sparked a debate about shows that were omitted and how programs were ranked. For me, having “The Odd Couple” ranked all the way down at No. 78 is absurd. Anyway, here’s the list. Go get mad.

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PHOTOS: Hollywood backlot moments

Inside the Los Angeles Times: Robert Lloyd with an appreciation of Jean Stapleton, best known for her portrayal of Edith Bunker in the CBS hit “All in the Family.” Mary McNamara on ABC’s new summer series “Mistresses.”

Follow me on Twitter. Who else works on a Sunday night just for you? @JBFlint.

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