THEME:   ANTE spelled "upward" found in phrases Down   
GOOD ONES:     Poker request {& theme}   ANTE UP [loved this theme]   
Like some bands   ONE-MAN   
Honey and Boo Boo, e.g.   PET NAMES [not "Honey Boo Boo" of the net]   
Matthew Fox and Peter Coyote   ACTORS [not canines]      
BTW:   "Cat got your tongue?"   SAY IT [the idiom is general while the fill is particular: I'd go with the pop song of the Big Band Era --- well, maybe too tough --- how about "Come out with"?]      
Square root of 
nove   TRE [integers are international but not words]      
Countess' husband   EARL [COUNT didn't fit]      
Crossing GET NAKED with TWERKING!  Well, I never…!      
RATING: 
 
  
   Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun