Ask Ausiello 10/27/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/10/27/ask-ausiello-house-glee-castle/

Question: Maybe I missed it, but when is your last day at EW? And where are you going? —Cynthia
Ausiello: Let me see if I can peel back the thick layer of denial long enough to type this next sentence: My last day at EW is this Friday. As far as where I’m going, click here to have your memory refreshed. Or just join — or, rather, like — my new Facebook page. More specific details about my next steps will be posted there shortly. There’s also Twitter. Okay, time to climb back into my denial suit and get crackin’ on my final AA at EW. Sources confirm to me exclusively that I’m going out with a bang!

Question: Any information on when Olivia Wilde is returning to House? —Christine
Ausiello: Probably not until spring. You’ll be happy to know that her temporary replacement, Amber Tamblyn, makes a positive first impression in her Nov. 8 debut. As you would expect, her character — supersmart and moralistic med student Martha M. Masters — gets quite a hazing from House‘s boys club. We’ll soon discover that a member of said club shares a past with House‘s “immutable obstacle,” as Dr. Crankenstein calls her. Other colorful nicknames assigned to the newbie on her first day of work include:

* The Internet with breasts
* Small Wonder
* The love child of Einstein and Mary Poppins
* The Bunny
* Pippy Long Division

Question: House scoop? —Jennifer
Ausiello: House pink-slips a member of his team during November sweeps. Not once, not twice, but three times. Also, three major characters do some jail time.

Question: Could you please give some spoilers on Psych regarding Shawn and Juliet? —Steve
Ausiello: The show’s fall premiere (airing Nov. 10) will pick up shortly after the couple’s big kiss in the finale. “Our viewers are probably a little unsure of what that kiss meant,” says exec producer Steve Franks. “Will Juliet still take some time away on the Amalfi coast with Declan, or did the kiss change her mind? In the 5.5 premiere, she is still on her way to Italy, and Shawn is on his way to Canada at the request of convicted thief Pierre Despereaux [a returning Cary Elwes]. Their divergent travel plans may have derailed their romantic momentum, until Juliet unexpectedly shows up in Vancouver for Despereaux’s extradition and that spark becomes a fire. The question is, Do Shawn and Juliet believe ‘what happens in Canada, stays in Canada’? Stay tuned.”

Question: I recently discovered that we share the same birthday — Feb. 23! In honor of that, I think you should share some Bones scoop with me! — Catherine
Ausiello: Seinfeld‘s Wayne Knight will channel his inner Willy Wonka when he guest-stars as a candy magnate in an episode that features “one of our most revolting body finds ever,” reveals exec producer Stephen Nathan. “A body is discovered inside one of the world’s largest chocolate bars. It’s delightfully revolting.”

Question: Which episode marks Hannah’s permanent exit from Bones? —Lexie
Ausiello: That’s awfully presumptuous of you, Lexie. The fact is, Katheryn Winnick’s stint as Booth’s lover (and Brennan’s new BFF) doesn’t actually have an end date. “We don’t know how long she’s going to be with us this season,” says Nathan. “We want to keep it open. Hannah’s story is still evolving; we don’t know how we want to wrap it up. And even if she does go away, we want to leave open the possibility that she may come back.”

Question: It’s been a while since we’ve had any good Bones scoops. Do you have any interesting information to get me through the baseball hiatus? —Amy
Ausiello: How ’bout another tidbit about everyone’s favorite character, Hannah. “I’m working on an episode right now where Brennan and Hannah’s friendship is tested,” reveals Nathan. “It relates to something that happened between Booth and Brennan at the end of the Brennan-centric episode. It creates some friction between Booth, Brennan, and Hannah that has to be worked out.” Hmm…any thoughts on what happens between B&B? Hit the comments!

Question: May I please have some Puck-related Glee scoop? —Brittany
Ausiello: He’s not the character getting expelled.

Question: Are Burt and Carole getting married on Glee? —Danielle
Ausiello: They are if Kurt has anything to say about it. Speaking of weddings, the rumors are true: Sue is going to make history by becoming the first person on earth to marry — or at least attempt to marry — ****el*!

Question: Any more Glee scoop — maybe something about Kurt and his new BF, Darren Criss? —Matt
Ausiello: Save the date: Their first kiss is scheduled for Nov. 9! In related news, did you hear about this?

Question: Do you have any extra clues you could shed about what exactly Tess “is” on Smallville? —Gage
Ausiello: You’ll get your answer on Nov. 12.

Question: Do you have any Modern Family scoop? It is easily my favorite show. —Billie
Ausiello: Mitchell’s “straight” past comes back to haunt him around mid-November when CTU legend Mary Lynn Rajskub guest-stars as his ex. “She dated Mitchell in high school, and they may’ve done the nasty,” says Rajskub with a chuckle. “I think he broke my heart.” The two have what Rajskub calls an “awkward” reunion at a shopping center. “Mitch and Cam end up coming over to talk to me about an incident,” she teases, “but I can’t discuss that because it’ll ruin the story.”

Question: I was curious if you had any information on the 24 movie. Will it be going into production soon? —Brandon
Ausiello: Based on the following status report from Rajskub, I’m guessing the answer is no. “I don’t know what’s going on with it,” she says. “Everybody asks me about it, but I don’t know anything. I think it would be great if it happened a year after the show went off the air, but I haven’t heard anything.”

Question: Beautiful series finale of Ausiello TV. I laughed, I cried, I was surprised and confused. Thanks for all the great scoop, wit, snark, and Smurfy goodness. I promise to weep for all of six seconds before moving forward with life. —Jen
Ausiello: Thanks, Jenny. That means a lot. One quick thing: You are aware I’m not dying, right? Just want to make sure you knew that.

Question: Can you give us a really juicy Grey’s Anatomy spoiler as a going-away present? —Ashley
Ausiello: Um, shouldn’t you be buying me the presents? Eh, whatever. This has always been kind of a one-sided relationship, so no point screwing with such a winning formula now. Here’s your scoop: Series creator Shonda Rhimes reiterated to me in a recent interview that Callie and Arizona are in it for the long haul. “Their journey is going to be long and hard, but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to end up together,” she maintained. “People better just prepare themselves for things to be difficult.” I then asked her if she would out Mark and Lexie in that same soul-mate-type category, and she replied, “No,” before quickly adding, “That doesn’t mean that I don’t see them as two people who are going to end up together… There’s hope for Mark and Lexie, [but] Lexie has some growing up to do, as does Mark.”

Question: There’s a Grey’s rumor going around about an Alex/April/Lexie triangle. True? —Diana
Ausiello: False. “I honestly have no idea what [fans] are talking about,” responded Rhimes. “We have no plans for an Alex/April/Lexie triangle.”

Question: Got anything on the truly epic Boardwalk Empire? —Hope
Ausiello: We meet Nucky’s (Steve Buscemi) dad in this Sunday’s episode, and to say father and son had a frakked-up relationship is an understatement of epic proportions. The ep also features a memorable showdown between Michael Pitt’s Jimmy and the thug who slashed his hooker girlfriend’s face. Oh, and shocker: Another recurring character gets whacked!

Question: Can I have some scoop on Castle? —Lori
Ausiello: A pivotal couple will break things off in the near future, and I can confirm it’s either Gina and Castle or Beckett and this guy. Elsewhere, a new — and rather surprising — interoffice romance will ignite in January.

Question: Can you please give me some good NCIS scoop, preferably about McGee? —Z.
Ausiello: He’s not the team member who gets “shot” in the big two-parter on Nov. 16 and 23. For those keeping track at home, that leaves Tony, Vance, and Ziva in the running. Oh, and I put SHOT in quotes because it’s not exactly a traditional shooting. The person will be wounded not by a gun, but by an explosive weapon.

Question: Could you please resume using the term “hitcom”? I really like it. Thanks for your consideration. —Ron
Ausiello: Yes! This past week has been HELL without it! Consider it officially reactivated!

Question: I was reading that CBS might cancel CSI: NY. —Jen
Ausiello: I think you’re confusing CSI: NY with Medium, which just had its episode order cut back from 22 to 13. I think CSI: NY — which has been doing solid business on Fridays — is safe for the time being. Speaking of the spin-off, Karina Lombard of Rescue Me and L Word fame has just been cast as the grieving mother of the victim in a January episode.

Question: What chance does Parenthood have of getting a full season? —Chevy
Ausiello: I’d say it stands a pretty good chance, since it already received a full-season pickup in May.

Question: I would like some 90210 scoop, please. —Greg
Ausiello: Casting scoop: Make It or Break It‘s Zachary Abel has been tapped to play, um, Zach, a hot surfer dude that Naomi develops a major crush on.

Question: What is the deal with Juliet on Gossip Girl? —Kathleen
Ausiello: The deal is I’m hearing a major character (or two) will join forces with the troublemaker to take Serena down. Exec producer Stephanie Savage, meanwhile, says, “A good chunk of Juliet’s plan will be revealed by the end of the first half of the season, but elements of it will carry over.”

Question: I’m in need of some Chuck spoilers to make my day better! —Natalie
Ausiello: There’s a major twist at the end of next Monday’s episode, and it involves him and her.

Question: After watching this week’s episode of Brothers & Sisters I’m scared for the future of Kevin and Scotty. Please tell me they’ll live happily ever after! —Stucky
Ausiello: B&S showrunner David Marshall Grant sure isn’t talking like it’s the end. “This isn’t so much about the crisis itself,” he says, “as it is about watching two people fight their way through it.” BTW, we’ll met the “other man” this Sunday, and he’s going to look a lot like Ryan Abbot from Three Rivers (a.k.a. Christopher Hanke).

Question: Like, joking aside, what’s happened to all the Brothers & Sisters scoops?! Please! I’m desperate! —Sophie
Ausiello: As my frenemy first scooped, Balthazar Getty is returning in January for the show’s 100th episode. And per Grant, he’ll be sticking around for a while. “He’s coming back for [at least] three episodes,” says the boss, who confirms that Tommy returns with a new girlfriend on his arm. “It causes a big stir in the Walker family.”

Question: Got any Good Wife scoop? —Carly C.
Ausiello: Casting scoop!! Leelee Sobieski will guest star in a January episode as the girlfriend of one of Lockhart/Bond’s most influential clients. Both stand accused of using prescription stimulants.

Question: What’s the latest on Grey’s giving viewers proper closure for Alex and Izzie? —Jesus
Ausiello: The latest appears in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. And it’s juicy.

Question: Do you know any Vampire Diaries scoop? —Savannah
Ausiello: Trent Ford and Daniel Gillies have joined the show along with Lauren Cohan as centuries old vampires, Trevor, Elijah, and Rose. “They have deep ties to Katerina Petrova,” reveals exec producer Julie Plec. “They will be heavily featured in November Sweeps episodes ‘Rose’ and ‘Katerina’.”
 

Cherry Jones quits Emmy race; Terry O'Quinn jumps back in

http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2010/06/cherry-jones-emmys-24-tv-news.html

When Emmy voting commences after 6 p.m. PST today, TV academy members will be shocked by the status of two past champs. Last year's winner of best supporting drama actress, Cherry Jones ("24"), took her name off the Emmy ballot and the 2007 winner of best supporting drama actor, Terry O'Quinn ("Lost"), is back in the running after quitting last year.

Why did Jones bow out? Her rep won't say.

When Gold Derby asked her agent at William Morris Endeavor, Scott Henderson, for comment, he dodged the inquiry and referred us to a publicist at Fox TV. That rep said that the network submits "24" only in the race for best drama series. Actors submit themselves in the performance categories, so only Henderson or Jones can explain why she quit the Emmy derby just 10 months after winning.

Jones' refusal to explain her snub will inevitably fuel speculation that she's upset with "24" producers over how her role evolved as U.S. president. While she told Entertainment Weekly that she's satisfied with how her character played out, she also confessed that producers dangled her throughout the final season, not mapping out a clear story arc for the part, dismissing her from the show, then bringing her back willy nilly.

When asked if she thought there will be an opening for her in the "24" feature film, she replied, "I can't imagine that would be the case."

O'Quinn's return to the derby is less mysterious but nonetheless odd. Soon after he won in 2007, O'Quinn told TV hosts of "The View" that he might not leap back into any Emmy race: "My view was that, when you win an Emmy for a role, you ought to be ineligible for it again – for a while – maybe for a year or two or maybe not at all – till you get another role."


However, O'Quinn did enter the Emmy race in 2008 but failed to be nominated. In 2009, he declined to participate. This year he reentered, apparently believing that it's OK since "a year or two" has passed since his previous involvement. Or maybe he thinks that it's OK since he, well, kind of got a new role on "Lost" as the show progressed. John Locke evolved into the sinister Man in Black and also existed in a different persona in a sideways universe.

O'Quinn's rep has not yet responded to our request for comment about his return to the Emmy race.

Watch w/ Kristin Spoiler Chat - 6/7/10

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b184569_spoiler_chat_hooray_vampire_porn_true.html

Anybody else counting the minutes til Vampire Porn returns?

Or, wait. What 's its real name? Oh right, True Blood. And having just watched the first batch of fangtastic episodes of the third season—which starts this Sunday on HBO—I can tell you: The Vamp-Porn is back, baby! In fact, this season has more eye-popping and jaw-dropping sex scenes than ever before. And you fans know, that's sayin' something.

So who's doing the dirty? And what else can you expect? Put the kiddies to bed and read on for scoop on True Blood, Glee, Dexter and more...
John P. Johnson/HBO

Randall: I saw on Twitter that you got the first few episodes of True Blood. Please let us know what you think!
I think I'm so very grateful for Alan Ball and his cast and crew right now, because the next few months of TV would be looking so bleak if not for this Sunday's return of TB. It's just as gripping and shocking and hilarious as before, and you can keep reading for more juice! Also, I'm going to be interviewing the entire True Blood cast tomorrow night at the show's premiere party in Hollywood, so please help me out with some good questions by tweeting them to me @kristindsantos!

Wendell: What's the word on True Blood? Are Sookie and Bill really over?
They're so not in a happy place. But one of them will be in a sexy place. Here's what I can tell you about the first three episodes: Either Bill or Sookie has sex with someone, and it is hands-down the most unforgettable (you will have dreams/nightmares afterward!) sex scenes in the entire run of True Blood so far. Here's what else you can expect from the first three episodes:
Someone tries to commit suicide.
Someone tries to kill a sibling.
Someone loses his head.
Someone is pregnant.
Someone has a one night stand--and it's the last person you'd expect.
Someone has an underground sex marathon--and it's the first person you'd expect.
There are more bare backsides than a gym locker room, and one belongs to one Mr. Alexander Skaarsgård. This just in from Alan Ball: You're welcome.
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com

Brett in Los Angeles: Any scoop on Dexter?
Just caught up with the always amazing Jennifer Carpenter (F--kin' Deb!) so stand by for that. In the meantime, Showtime has confirmed that Julia Stiles will guest star in 10 episodes this season, as "a mysterious young woman who forms a unique relationship with Dexter (Michael C. Hall) in the wake of the death of his wife." You have it all figured out what she's playing, right? 'Cause this show is so predictable. (Eyeroll.)

Vicki in Orlando, Fla.: I'm hearing great things about Memphis Beat. Can you tell me anything about it?
We love Jason Lee, and we think everyone else will love him in this cop series that doubles as a love letter to Memphis. You also get to see Jason man a microphone, which should be enough reason to check out the pilot, airing June 22.

Boyd in Maui: Any word on whether or not Joshua Jackson will really guest star on Vampire Diaries?
Not yet, but another Dawson's alum has enlisted my help in securing a spot on Vampire Diaries, and this time Life Unexpected's Kerr Smith is the culprit. "When you interview Kevin today, will you ask him?," he asked me at The CW Upfronts. "I would love to play a vampire!" Hope Kev's taking notes!
ABC/Mario Perez

Yasmine: Do you have anything more to say about the Lost finale?
Just that according to you all, it was the best and worst finale of the TV season! Not surprising, given the intense reaction so many of you had to it. Whether you loved it or hated it, it was certainly by my account the event of the TV season. (We have a reporter meeting up with Jorge Garcia this week in Monte Carlo, so if you have questions for him, holler.) Also, you guys loved Grey's Anatomy finale, because it was crazy good and you guys have excellent taste! And ditto Vampire Diaries. Here's the final rundown of what you crowned the best and worst season finales:

BEST SEASON FINALES TOP FIVE
1. Lost 20.7%
2. Grey's Anatomy 17.4%
3. The Vampire Diaries 8.5%
4. Chuck 8.4%
5. Fringe 6.1%

WORST SEASON FINALES TOP FIVE
1. Lost 12.7%
2. 90210 9.0%
3. The Office 8.9%
4. Bones 5.5%
5. V 5.0%

Karen in Madison, Wis.: Any word on Cougar Town changing its name?
Bill Lawrence hasn't made an official statement, but Courteney Cox is weighing in with a big fat no. Says one of our favorite Friends: "At this point, I don't think so." Her hubby David Arquette had a good suggestion to fix the name fiasco, though. "Maybe they'll do a 'C.T.' [abbreviation] thing—like KFC!" Brills!

James in New Jersey: I love seeing Amy Poehler and Will Arnett working together! Any chance she'll pop up on his new Fox show?
As a matter of fact, we just asked Amy if there'd be any Running Wilde in her future, and while she assured us she's just focusing on her baby-to-be for now, she's not saying no. "We never rule it out," she explained, "but for now we're both going to be working on our own shows. But I'm such a huge fan of Mitch and Will and the whole show...so anything they want me to do!"
Michael Yarish/FOX

Katie in Chicago: I'm not ready for the end of Glee, but do you have some scoop on next season to help me get through the summer?
Sure. Will Schuester is pregnant! *Gasp* But who is the father? "Coach Tanaka!" Matthew Morrison joked to our own Ryan Seacrest on his radio show. All kidding aside, Matthew unfortunately plays dumb on next season: "They're writing the first script back right now and we have no idea what's going on." However, he does give "maybe's" and "you never know" to questions about a Britney Spears episode and a Madonna episode reprise. Another guest star he throws in the mix? "Barack Obama!"

Rebecca in New York: Thank you for the Glee scoop! What else can you tell us about the finale?
Stand by for more scoop tomorrow morning, including how the zombies are coming. Yes, you heard me!

Gracie in Hollywood: Is it true Jessica Simpson is going to be on Entourage this season?
True story! Entourage sources tell us Jess will pop up in one episode this year as another of Ari Gold's many superstar clients. Per usual, expect Jess to play a bit of a caricature of herself.
2009 Starz Entertainment, LLC

Jolene in Arkansas: Will we see Ryan Hanson and Adam Scott back on Party Down if it gets another season?
Even with its sad state of ratings, we adore Party Down--and so do its stars! Adam tells us he's so happy to be a part of the Parks and Recreation family, but he's still onboard for more Party if need be. "By design, the show can withstand cast changes, but I can do three episodes if it gets picked up and I would be anxious to do it." As for Kristin Bell's bestie Ryan, whose NBC pilot Friends with Benefits was recently picked up, he'd love to come back, too. "I don't know how that works, but hopefully," he said. "And hopefully they get a season three."

Mae in Boston: More Parks and Recreation, please!
Ask and ye shall receive. Look for lots of fun stuff between Tom (Aziz Ansari) and Ben (Adam Scott) at the start of season three, as a new brand of bromance ignites in Pawnee.

Martin: I don't get HBO. Wah! What can I watch this summer instead of True Blood?
Actually, ABC's The Gates is pretty engaging. I just checked out the first two episodes and it's sort of like Desperate Housewives (sans camp) meets your favorite vampire series--but a lot more clean for the kiddos. Rhona Mitra stars as a suburban housewife who is a vampire married to another vampire...And really, how can you go wrong with Rhona Mitra? The gated community in which she lives also has werewolves and succubuses.(Succubi? No wait, sorry, they're all hetero. Ba-dum-bump.) And the teenagers are in on the action too. It's worth checking out. Premieres June 20 on ABC.
ABC Family/Andrew Eccles

Brittany in Overland Park, Kan.: Pretty Little Liars are my favorite books. How different is the show going to be?
You probably know that the actresses (except Privileged's Lucy Hale as Aria) don't physically resemble the books' characters (although they sure are pretty!), but their personalities and the plot are pretty spot-on. When we chatted with the cast on set when they were filming episode six, Troian Bellisario (Spencer) said, "We're kind of going out of order right now—we're just hitting on some things in [the first book], and now we're into two." What happened to the girls' nasty friend Alison is revealed at the end of the first episode—and there's nothing pretty about that. (Come back here tomorrow before the show's premiere for more scoop from the Pretty Little Liars set!)

Breanne in New York City: I'm such a fan of the Huge novels, but am a little ambivalent about the new ABC Family series. Any words of encouragement?
My advice to you is to go in with an open mind, and know that Huge is not exactly the same as the novels you know and love. That said, it's fun summer fare and definitely something to fill the void while all your other faves are MIA. And Gina Torres (of Angel and Firefly fame) is absolutely fab in one of the few adult roles on the show.
Kelsey McNeal/FOX

Linc in Atlanta: Forget Lost, I'm still hurting over the end of 24. But at least we still have the movie, right?
Indeed! Howard Gordon is putting hope in all the hearts of Jack Bauer fans around the world. "The current status of the movie is that Billy Ray has written a draft which Kiefer has read, and we're all working together on the second draft," he says. But don't start planning your premiere night outfits just yet, as there have been no official announcements: "It's very much a work in progress. It's all very much speculative at this point."

Jamie in Hollywood: Yay for Lie to Me coming back! What's going on in tonight's season premiere?
The spring season of Lie to Me opens with an intense episode, called "Beat The Devil". Lightman (Tim Roth) chases his suspicion of a young scientist being a psychopathic killer, and he's not just trying to get back at the student for showing him up at his own lying game. The team doesn't really believe Lightman, but they help him unravel the mystery anyway.

Kalee in Boston: Lie to Me is the only reason I'm excited for summer TV. Got any scoop for me?
The June 14 episode has an explosive beginning, and it revolves around Lightman's past. Not only do we get a case that comes from his days with the CIA, but we get to see how Lightman and Foster met and became team members.
Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Gregory in Dallas: Last week's episode of Friday Night Lights was sensational. Any scoop on this week's episode?
Totally agree. Zach Gilford gave an Emmy worthy performance in our book. This week's episode of Friday Night Lights, titled "Stay", brings back the lovely Minka Kelly. Her scenes with Taylor Kitsch are as about a heart wrenching as you can get. More Emmy worthy stuff, I tell ya. If you don't feel a tug on your heartstrings when Lyla asks Tim a not-so-simple question, you must have no soul!

Aileen in New York: I know Taylor Kitsch won't be a series regular anymore on Friday Night Lights, but he'll be coming back for some episodes next season, right?
Jason Katims sure thinks so! "We're hoping he will come back for the last few episodes of the fifth season," he tells us. "I'm certainly hoping he's coming back because we've written the episodes!" Taylor, we know you'll be busy being a huge movie star, but make sure you come back to Dillon, 'kay? As for Adrienne Palicki, she tells me: "Yes. I will be back this final season. Probably a couple episodes. I'm thinking the later part of the season."

Claire in Bridgeport, Conn.: So bummed Nurse Jackie is ending! What can we expect on tonight's season finale?
You can expect Coop (Peter Facinelli) to make a new friend: Sam's fist. Coop is the dumbest doctor we know, but openly admitting to sleeping with Sam's girlfriend and trying to pass it off as a favor is the stupidest move he's pulled in awhile. But you really want to know if Jackie makes a decision between Kevin (Dominic Fumusa) and Eddie (Paul Schulze), right? Well, this episode will actually have you pulling for both men, and the final moments of the finale are ones that we've been working up to allll season long.

Brandon in Poughkeepsie, Pa.: Anything on the United States of Tara finale?
Whoda thunk Tara's kids would be the ones to find out the piece of her past that might just fix this whole personality disorder thing?! We'll that just so happens to be the case.