Onetime 24 terror mastermind Arnold Vosloo is taking his evildoer act over to Bones. The actor has been cast as this season’s Big Bad — an elite sniper named Jacob Ripkin Broadsky who is accused of assassinating a pivotal recurring character.
“We’ve got someone worse than the Gravedigger coming,” Bones creator Hart Hanson told me over the summer. “And if the Gravedigger is Evil Brennan, this [guy] is Evil Booth. Remember, Booth was a sniper.”
Vosloo — who also played the title role in the Darkman films as well as Brendan Fraser’s nemesis in The Mummy and The Mummy Returns — is slated to appear in at least three episodes beginning in early ’11.
Showing posts with label Bones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bones. Show all posts
Friday, October 29, 2010
'Bones': Meet Booth's new archnemesis
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Ask Ausiello 10/27/10
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’.”
Friday, October 22, 2010
Ask Ausiello 10/20/10
Question: Rumor around the Glee circuit is that Quinn and Rachel lock lips in episode 6. Any truth to that? —Joan
Ausiello: Sorry, no. If it’s any consolation, it looks like the frenemies get fairly close to first base in the new GQ. Speaking of Glee, I can now confirm that the show is planning a Christmas episode. I don’t have any other details at the moment. I do, however, have a suggestion for Ryan Murphy: Please give us (read: me) an It’s a Wonderful Life homage with Sue at the center. I, er, we don’t ask for much.
Question: Glee scoop, please! —Jeffrey
Ausiello: Someone’s about to get expelled!
Question: One Tree Hill. You’re a stingy Smurf when it comes to scoop on this gem of a show. —La-roo
Ausiello: Sources close to the National Weather Center confirm that Mother Nature is doing me a solid and sending a major hurricane Hill‘s way before season’s end.
Question: Do you have any spoilers on No Ordinary Family? —Mike
Ausiello: A recurring character has an appointment with the Grim Reaper in early December.
Question: I am loving No Ordinary Family. Got any good spoilers for me? —Deb
Ausiello: Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Julie Benz’s Ordinary parents will be played by Maddie Hayes and D-Day (a.k.a. Cybill Shepherd and Bruce McGill). Ma and Pa pay their superhero daughter a visit next month.
Question: Could you stop using the phrase “hitcom”? It bothers me. —John
Ausiello: Yes, but only because you asked nicely.
Question: Please, we need some 30 Rock scoop! Thank you. —Cindy
Ausiello: Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…wait, it really is a plane. And Matt Damon is flying it, in an episode that sounds like it’s going to take place largely on one of pilot Carol’s flights. Not only is Liz on board, but the show is also casting such fellow passengers as a neurotic suit (seated next to Liz, which I don’t think has ever dulled anyone’s neuroses), a snippy gay male flight attendant, and — this is where things get interesting — an *** ********.
Question: I can’t be the only one who loves Lincoln Lee in Fringe‘s “over there” universe! Will we learn new things about him (like how did he know Nick Lane, or where’s his “over here” version)? —Elena
Ausiello: Sounds like a question for exec producer Jeff Pinkner: “No, Elena, you’re not the only one! We love Lincoln (and Seth Gabel!). We love the energy he brings to the show, and the vibe of the Fringe Team “Over There.” (And we all fantasize about how much fun it would be to see the TV show Fringe that has been playing for the past two years in the Alt Universe with Lincoln, Charlie and Altlivia/Fauxlivia/(b)Olivia as the stars.) But to answer your question: We look forward to spending more time learning about Lincoln. And you raise a very interesting point: What is his doppelgänger “Over Here” up to?!”
Question: Weeds spoilers, for the love of all that is holy, I need some Weeds spoilers! Who is Lars? —Claire
Ausiello: Lars is an old friend of Nancy’s. A very good old friend.
Question: Your frenemy dropped some major Weeds scoop this week, and I know you are not gonna let her one-up you like that! What say you give us the deets on Guillermo’s return and just how far Esteban is willing to go to get baby Stevie back. —Claire
Ausiello: Guillermo shows up at the tail end of this season’s penultimate episode…with Esteban! And they don’t have to go too far to get Stevie back — just to the airport, which is where the Botwin clan is headed to flee the country. Quick, someone ask me who makes it onto the plane!
Question. Hey, there’s been no scoop on 90210 lately. Got anything? —Jane
Ausiello: New-couple alert: Navid and Silver! Look for sparks to start flying around episode 8. In other 90210 news, Ivy’s estranged father will be introduced in early ’11. He’s described as an all-American, Ivy League-educated charmer.
Question: Can’t seem to get enough Smallville spoilers. Have any new ones? —Dylan
Ausiello: If you’re a Clois freak, the Oct. 29 ghost-town-set episode is not to be missed. Trust me. Elsewhere, expect more Justice League appearances toward the end of the season.
Question: How is the new FX show Terriers doing? —Alexandra
Ausiello: Terribly. Seriously, the ratings are abysmal. It’s depressing because the show is fantastic. I screened the first five episodes last weekend and I immediately gave it the official Aushole Seal of Approval. The ceremony was private — i.e., friends, family, and Shawn Ryan — so don’t give me any grief about your invitation getting lost in the mail.
Question: There hasn’t been Desperate Housewives scoop in weeks. Got anything to appease me? —Connor
Ausiello: I hear Marc Cherry is putting the finishing touches on his annual winter cliff-hanger catastrophe, and this is what I’ve been able to glean from my Wisteria Lane moles: Two characters will be in mortal danger, the deadly event is not weather-related, and hordes of extras will be needed for the harrowing sequence. Guesses? Hit the comments!
Question: Do you have anything on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia? —Stephanie
Ausiello: The Oct. 28 episode finds the gang (sans Dee) flashing back to try to figure out who got her pregnant. Mac claims they all “browned out” that night, which is a less severe version of blacking out. They piece together what vague memories they have and arrive at this disturbing conclusion: Dennis might have impregnated his sister! Ewwww!
Question: Do you know if any of last year’s guest stars from Community are coming back this year? I’m thinking John Michael Higgins, Tony Hale, Blake Clark, or Jack Black? —Tommy
Ausiello: Nothing cooking with any of those folks at this time. Here’s something cool, though: Judd Apatow’s go-to baddie Kevin Corrigan has just been cast as a guest professor in an upcoming episode.
Question: Is there any news on the rumored sniper on Bones? —Jessica
Ausiello: His name is Jacob Ripkin Broadsky, he’s slated to show up in early ’11, and I can confirm that he does in fact take out a pivotal recurring character.
Question: I’ve missed House two weeks in a row due to work, which is very depressing. Can I please have some scoop to cheer me up? —Kim
Ausiello: You should check out this new product that just hit the market. It’s called a DVR. All the cool kids are using it. In any event, exec producer Katie Jacobs teases that Taub’s marriage will be tested in “a completely unexpected way” later this season. Might this be connected to a certain spoiler that ran in AA last week? Maybe. Maybe not.
Question: Can you please use your impressive resources to find out if Rubicon will be picked up for season 2? —Nathan
Ausiello: I’m told that AMC would very much like a second season, but the ratings are atrocious. Even worse than Terriers’.
Question: I’m getting super-tired of Cristina’s “can’t do it” story line on Grey’s Anatomy. Tell me she’ll get over it soon. —Farrah
Ausiello: My guess is we’re closer to the end than the beginning. “It gets pretty dark for her,” teases exec producer Shonda Rhimes. “Cristina is a person who has identified herself purely as a surgeon — before anything else. And for her to be at a place where she’s not sure if she can even pick up a scalpel is fairly devastating.”
Question: Um, so tip fail? Unless a certain Mad Men character committed suicide after the credits rolled, I think you pegged that one wrong. What’s the scoop? —Elise
Ausiello: The scoop is there’s a big difference between a spoiler and a prediction. Look it up.
Question: Any Big C scoop? —Jeremy
Ausiello: A major character will commit suicide before the end of season 1. Now that, Elise, is a spoiler.
Question: I’m torn…I’m enjoying The Event, but I’m mildly happy that its ratings aren’t stellar. Why? Because Mr. Cyr [Jason Ritter] and Sarah were so perfect together on Parenthood! What are the chances of The Event lasting, in your expert opinion? —Wendy
Ausiello: Considering it was just picked up for a full season, the chances are good it’ll last at least 22 episodes. If the show’s ratings stabilize — or better yet grow — a second season is probably a safe bet. Chances are you’ll get closure either way. “I do have a shorter way of getting to [the endgame, should it conclude prematurely],” says series creator Nick Wauters. “Hopefully it won’t come to that. But I think it’s important to give viewers some kind of conclusion.”
Question: Any spoilers on The Event? —Sydney
Ausiello: Wauters says we’ll definitely find out who (or what) the “Others” are (aliens? time travelers?) by the end of season 1. “We’ll also find out what they want and where they came from.”
Question: Is there any way you can find out when Interview With the Vampire comes on? This probably isn’t what you normally do, but you are the best. Anyway, if you find out something, please post it or get back to me. —LT
Ausiello: Sometimes I don’t even know who you people are.
Question: Can you tell me more about Nicholas Brendon’s three-episode arc on Private Practice? —Catherine
Ausiello: As I revealed last week, he plays the nutjob who rapes Charlotte. Exec producer Shonda Rhimes describes it as a “random” attack. He comes into the clinic, and “immediately there’s [the suggestion] of some mental illness going on there,” she explains. “Charlotte tells him to wait his turn, and the next thing you know, he’s attacking her.”
Question: I would gladly give up my Papa Smurf action figure for some Private Practice scoop. I’m hoping that the upcoming sexual assault of Charlotte brings Cooper and Charlotte closer. Love this couple. BTW, last week’s episode with Dell’s daughter was one of the best episodes of all time. Ending was a classic. —The Rock
Ausiello: I think the attack will ultimately bring Charlotte and Cooper closer, but initially she’ll push him away. “The interesting bond that springs up is between Charlotte and Amelia,” reveals Rhimes. “They were both addicts, and there’s an interesting [connection] that forms there.”
Question: Damn you for pissing on my My Boys parade, Ausiello! That season finale was perfect, and now you’re telling me the show was cancelled?! I think I deserve some scoopage. Let’s go obscure. How about Huge? —Jenn
Ausiello: LOL! Good one, Jenn. You had me going there for a second. [Beat] Oh, wait — you’re not joking, are you? Um, this is awkward.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Fox's Dramedy 'Bones' Plots Spinoff Series
Fox's veteran procedural Bones is developing a potential spinoff series built around a character that would be introduced as a recurring on the series this season. Casting for the role is expected to begin shortly. If the Bones producers, Fox and studio 20th Century Fox TV find an actor that they feel can carry a new series, the new character, Walter Sherman, will debut in the December 6 episode of Bones. UPDATE: Hart Hanson, creator/executive of Bones, would also create the potential spinoff, which would be based on The Locator series of two books written by Richard Greener that center on Walter Sherman aka "the Locator". Walter is described as an eccentric, obstreperous and amusing reclusive man in his late 20s-30s with highly sought after abilities to find anything. He is skeptical of every statement and often asks offensive, seemingly irrelevant questions which oddly enough turn out to be extremely relevant. A former military policeman, Walter knows Agent Booth (David Boreanaz) from their time serving in Iraq together, and the two dislike each other very much. Meanwhile, Dr. Brennan (Emily Deschanel) finds him very intriguing. Walter was injured overseas and suffered brain damage which lead to his honorable discharge, as well as his ever present state of paranoia.
Planted spinoffs have become the networks' preferred way to spawn new shows from established series. CBS has successfully used the technique on its CSI, NCIS and Criminal Minds franchises. But planted spinoffs not always lead to new series. For instance, the PI character introduced as a recurring on Fox's hit medical drama House two seasons ago didn't pan out. The planted spinoff episodes of CW's Gossip Girl and Lifetime's Army Wives didn't get picked up to series, and the planned Prison Break spinoff set in a women's prison never got past the casting stage. Bones, about a prosaic forensic anthropologist (Deschanel) and a cocky FBI agent (Boreanaz) who team to investigate death causes, has been among Fox's most reliable performers despite being moved around the schedule a number of times. The series hit the 100th episode mark in the spring and is now in its sixth season.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Ask Ausiello 10/6/10
Question: I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed that it’s Christina and Owen getting married in the Grey’s premiere and not Callie and Arizona. Will you make me feel better by giving us some Callie-Arizona scoop? —J
Ausiello: There’s a major Calzona development in the Oct. 28 episode, but a Grey’s source assures me that it’s not a turn for the worse. So don’t go barraging Shonda Rhimes with angry tweets. In the same episode, a camera crew invades Seattle Grace to film a documentary about the hospital’s recovery in the wake of the shooting rampage. In fact, the entire ep will be shot from the POV of the crew, so if shaky-cam makes you queasy you’d best pop a Dramamine before showtime.
Question: So sad to hear that you’re leaving EW! So, to cheer me up, any chance you could give me some Grey’s Anatomy scoop? —Mary
Ausiello: The sublime Amanda Foreman, who’s currently recurring on Parenthood, will guest-star in the aforementioned Oct. 28 episode as (I believe) a patient. This is also the episode that marks the return of Mandy Moore and Ryan Devlin. BTW, you’re not getting rid of me that quickly. I’m still here for a few more weeks—plenty of time to get me a really expensive farewell gift. (Registry info is forthcoming.)
Question: Good Wife scoop, please! —Cliff
Ausiello: Sounds like the show is breaking TV’s last taboo. No, not [blank], incest! A casting call has gone out for Molly, Cary’s beautiful 18-year-old cousin whom he is taking on a tour of the University of Chicago. During said tour, little Miss Molly makes it clear that she still has a crush on her older cuz. He, in turn, makes it clear that that’s gross he’s not interested. Perhaps they’re cousins once or twice or thrice removed? Or maybe they’re cousins in the way that, you know, Keri and I are cousins.
Question: What’s the poop, er, scoop on Elizabeth Reaser’s Good Wife character? —Tim
Ausiello: The scoop is … Alicia will probably get the urge to key her car. “She plays a sports writer, and she and Will develop sparks in a way that Will hasn’t with any other woman except Alicia,” explains exec producer Robert King. “We’re thrilled with [Elizabeth]. I’ve loved her since The Ex List. She’s doing an excellent job.”
Question: Could you please give us something good on Law & Order: SVU? —Kenleigh
Ausiello: I’m not sure this qualifies as good, but Emmy winner Marcia Gay Harden is reprising her role as FBI agent Dana Lewis. But she’s not returning to work on a case. She’s returning to BE the case.
Question: Were you able to find out why Glee is casting miniature versions of Puck, Santana, Rachel, Brittany, and Mercedes? Are they doing a flashback? —Shelly
Ausiello: Nope. It’s a fantasy sequence. Or nightmare sequence if Sue’s the one doing the dreaming.
Question: You must give us some scoop on whether Darren Criss will be playing Kurt’s new love interest on Glee! —Ashley
Ausiello: That’s still TBD. All I know for certain is that they’ll be good friends.
Question: College applications are getting me down. Any news on Darren Criss’ Glee character to remotivate me? Is it too much to hope that he’ll be singing one of his own songs? —Sabrina
Ausiello: Sorry to add to your doldrums, but I do believe it’s too much to hope. But let me get confirmation of that from Criss himself. “Well, it really isn’t up to me,” shrugs the up-and-comer. “But even if it was, and as cool as that would be—personally, for me as an artist—I think it’s important to keep a bit of separation from the actors’ realities and the characters’ realities. For example, as much as I would love to geek out over Matthew Morrison singing “Passeggiata” from Light in the Piazza—or any of the Spring Awakening-turned-Glee kids doing a number from that show—it probably would shake the audience out of the world of McKinley High, or at least the Broadway fans of the show anyway. But hey, what’s best for the show is best for the show, and I trust the creators in their choice of music. If the time was right, and they ever approached me to have one of my songs used in the show, of course, I’d be absolutely thrilled.” Talented, pretty, and eloquent? Bitch.
Question: Do you have any scoop on the upcoming season of Southland? —Autumn
Ausiello: It premieres in early January, and there’ll be a new face on the force. The show is casting the role of a Latina cop who is impulsive, no-nonsense, and occasionally annoying. She’s also, and I quote, “not gorgeous, but real.” I’d hate to be the actress who gets recommended for that role.
Question: Any new Smallville scoop? —Adelle
Ausiello: Present-day Clark comes face-to-face with future Clark (a.k.a. Superman) in next Friday’s 200th episode. But I’m pretty sure that’s old news. Here’s some new news. In the Oct. 22 episode, Clark finally decides to tell Lois his secret. Which is kind of funny because that’s the same episode she decides to tell him her secret: that she already knows! Hilarious, right? I thought it was.
Question: Any cool Big Bang Theory casting scoops? —Barrie
Ausiello: This isn’t as cool as Eliza Dushku guest-starring in an episode, but actress Aarti Man (Heroes‘ Shaila) has been cast as Koothrappali’s never-before-seen sister Priya.
Question: Is the rumor true that a Dallas reboot starring Josh Holloway and Jennifer Love Hewitt is being developed? Please say it’s true! —Lillie
Ausiello: It’s sort of true. TNT is developing a new Dallas series, but it’s more of a sequel than a reboot, as it takes place a few decades after the original series left off. No one is currently attached to the project, and that includes Josh Holloway, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and (last week’s big rumor) Kiefer Sutherland.
Question: Please tell me when Chuck and Blair will be back together on Gossip Girl! —Abbey
Ausiello: Serena and Nate lay the groundwork for a possible C&B reconciliation later this month when they negotiate a peace treaty between the warring exes. A literal treaty.
Question: The synopsis for the Oct. 29 episode of Supernatural says that one of the boys faces a truth about himself that sends the other brother reeling. Any insight on which brother is “facing a truth” and which brother is sent “reeling”? —Kat
Ausiello: Sam is facing the truth; Dean is reeling.
Question: So before you leave to open your Smurf museum, could you tell me if Bones will have a Christmas episode this season? —Amanda
Ausiello: Most likely not. There’s some uncertainty about what order Bones‘ November/December episodes will air in because of the World Series, so I think all parties felt it was easier not to do one this year.
Question: Remember a little show called Brothers & Sisters? Doesn’t seem like it, considering you rarely talk about it in AA. —Steve
Ausiello: My bad. Here are a few teasers about this Sunday’s episode.
* Someone goes missing.
* Someone gets caught lying about her age.
* Someone considers plastic surgery.
* Someone (temporarily) assumes a new identity.
* An estranged couple, um, reconnect.
Question: I am really liking the show The Big C, but I am getting over the story line of her not telling anyone she has cancer. This past Monday’s episode really irked me, because I thought she was finally telling someone. It was like the House/Huddy hallucination. Do you have any spoilers on when she’s going to reveal her secret? —Melodie
Ausiello: This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but there’s another near miss coming on Oct. 18 when Cathy finally decides to tell Paul the truth. Unfortunately, before she gets the chance he drops a bombshell on HER: He wants a divorce!
Question: Any word yet on whether AMC is going to pick up Rubicon for a second season? —Christine
Ausiello: Not a peep. I imagine a decision will have to come down soon, since there’s only two episodes left.
Question: I ask you for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Philo T. Farnsworth. How is the future looking for one of my favorite new shows this season, The Whole Truth? Remember, Mr. Ausiello, you are under oath. —Ryan
Ausiello’s attorney: Objection. Counsel is leading the witness.
Judge: Overruled. Mr. Ausiello, please answer the question.
Ausiello: The Whole Truth is one more low-rated episode away from getting pulled off the schedule.
Judge: I like your shoes, BTW. Cole Haan?
Ausiello: Yes! They’re so comfortable!
Question: Is Miles Heizer’s character on Parenthood gay? —Colleen
Ausiello: My gut says yes, but exec producer Jason Katims says no. I’m going to side with Katims on this one.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
TV Guide Mega Buzz 9/29/10
What's this I hear about Brennan solving her own murder on Bones? — Maggie
ADAM: Well, Brennan obviously isn't the corpse, but her resemblance to the victim is uncanny. Executive producer Stephen Nathan says the experience will be educational for Bones. "Brennan gets to look at herself objectively, which is something she's never really been able to do," he says. "She sees herself in a new light, and that obviously will change her character to a certain extent."
So many answers on The Event this week! I can't help but think they're pulling a fast one on us. Have any scoop? — Martin
MICKEY: Go with your gut. We'll soon find out that at least one of the most fundamental parts of The Event's narrative is a big fat lie. Further, Sophia won't tolerate any leaks, even if people have to die to protect her secrets.
What else can you tell me about Katee Sackhoff's role on CSI? — Andrew
ADAM: She's a tough, stubborn woman, and that initially puts her at odds with George Eads' Nick Stokes. But she slowly wins him over. "She plays her character with a lot of bravado, which is something I think Nick really likes to be around," Eads tells us. Do we see sparks? "For Nick to have a relationship with anyone on the show, the genesis of it has to be mutual respect," Eads says, noting that the length of Sackhoff's arc has yet to be finalized. For his part, Eads is ready for something serious: "I would like to see her again."
Poor Artie! Will he find another love on Glee? —Amalia
MICKEY: I wouldn't call it love exactly, but on an upcoming episode, Artie will make a connection with a Cheerio that will make him feel special for a short while.
Got any new Grey's Anatomy information? — Bethany
ADAM: I hear that the show is looking for a middle-aged male doctor for a two-episode arc later in the season. In possibly related plot news, when a high-ranking Washington official checks into Seattle Grace, his Secret Service detail creates a logistical nightmare for the surgeons on duty.
I heard that the new Law & Order: Los Angeles gets rid of the theme song and the famous "chung-chung" sound. Say it ain't so. — Kathy
MICKEY: It ain't so. In fact, I think it's safe to say that the bouncing baby of the Dick Wolf family of television shows looks an awful lot like its parents. The first episode, "Hollywood," is a standard ripped-from-the-headlines gloss on the real-life Burglar Bunch. But there's a hilarious stage-mom twist.
I want to know if we will see a good emotional scene on NCIS between Abby and McGee during Season 8. — Marie-France
ADAM: Executive producer Shane Brennan wouldn't budge about any McGabby moments, but he did offer a cryptic tease about what's next for Abby. "Abby is caught up trying to solve a psychological mystery that centers around the death of an enigmatic young woman," Brennan says. Who's to say Abby won't need McGee's help?
I would think it would be easy for Walter and Peter to tell Olivia from Bolivia on Fringe. What gives? — Ted
MICKEY: Well, Bolivia's physical transformation is meticulous, and you'll see her come up with a very plausible explanation for her un-Olivia-like behavior. But Joshua Jackson points to a third factor. "I think there's something really cool about the idea that people from the same universe have some instinctual, animal level of connection to each other," he says. "The reason Peter responds to the other Olivia is because that would be his Olivia."
How much of Jane's backstory are we going to get on The Mentalist? — Hal
ADAM: You'll get some insight this week when Jane's brother-in-law shows up and forces him to confront his past. First, Jane revisits his carnival roots, but creator Bruno Heller tells us he'll later do something he hasn't done since his family died at the hands of Red John. "He goes on one of those Nancy Grace-type legal scandal shows," he says. "He swore he'd never go back on TV in order to catch the bad guy." Sounds pretty serious to us!
Help! I can't tell if the werewolves are the good guys or the bad guys on The Vampire Diaries. — Cory
MICKEY: I can't either, but perhaps a new addition to the cast will clarify everyone else's relative goodness. He's a man of few words who allows his piercing eyes to do the talking for him. I'm hearing him compared to the Haitian on Heroes, which means those peepers are probably good for more than just lookin'.
I really enjoyed the Brothers & Sisters premiere. Is this really the last season? — Katie
ADAM: Despite a reduced episode order and some siginifcant cast exits, executive producer David Marshall Grant isn't planning on going anywhere. "I've approached the show as if it's going to go on and on. I take my cue from the studio and the network, and they've given me no indication — not even a hint or a heads-up — that [cancellation is] a possibility," he says. "If and when I hear different, I will adjust and make sure that we take these Walkers off the air in the style that they deserve. But I have heard nothing to suggest that I should be planning for that."
I know it's a ways off, but can you give me any V scoop? — Kara
MICKEY: A major female character will lose her head in an early episode — which is to say, she'll be beheaded. I only mention the violent act because it will be as revealing as it is fatal.
Adam's Mega Rave: Thanks, Castle, for cooling it with the Beckett-Castle stuff for an episode. It gave Martha (Susan Sullivan) a chance to mourn her off-screen love interest, Chet, who succumbed to a stroke. Her musings about love after the thrill is gone were quiet but powerful.
Mickey's Mini Rant: Boo, Matt Damon, for being a fancy-pants movie star. We really like you as Liz Lemon's "inside spoon" on 30 Rock
Ask Ausiello 9/29/10
Question: Let’s assume Chord Overstreet’s Sam is not a love interest for Glee’s Kurt, and Darren Criss is. Well, who will Sam be paired with? —Jeff
Ausiello: I’m hearing single mom Quinn. But if you’ve got a better idea, the comments section below has your name written all over it, Jeff.
Question: Is Mike Chang going to get a solo on Glee? I’m swooning over his dancing (and now his abs!), but a solo would just be the icing on the cake. —Kraig
Ausiello: He’ll get the next best thing to a solo in episode 4: a duet with Tina!
Question: With the Britney tribute episode and talk of possible Michael Jackson or Bruce Springsteen episodes, when the hell are the folks at Glee going to do a second Madonna episode? I want my Madge! —Dan
Ausiello: Not this season, apparently. Word on the street is that the Super Bowl episode will be the last tribute we’ll see this season. Of course, given the record ratings the show got with last night’s Britneypalooza, the word on the street could change, and fast.
Question: Any truth to the rumor that Glee‘s post-Super Bowl tribute episode will be a sequel to Britney/Brittany? —Taylor
Ausiello: If by “any truth” you mean “no truth whatsoever,” yes. Otherwise, not so much. BREAKING GLEE NEWS: Sources confirm to me exclusively that Charice will reappear in episode 7!
Question: Weeds scoop? Pretty please? —Laura Mae
Ausiello: Okay, but it’s kinda gross. In episode 7 (airing Oct. 4), as Nancy’s worries about Andy grow, she takes him to a carnival to spend a little QT. Instead, he and Silas enter—I kid you not—a butter-eating competition.
Question: Weeds scoop. Now. —Susan
Ausiello: Okay, but it’s a little racy. In episode 8 (airing Oct. 11), Nancy knocks boots with guest hottie Mark-Paul Gosselaar. From what I hear, it’s the kind of scene that DVR rewind buttons were invented for. Meanwhile, in episode 9 (airing Oct. 18), Nancy’s second thoughts about her family’s life on the lam lead her to make what could be a fatal mistake.
Question: Any scoop on who Eliza Dushku is playing on The Big Bang Theory? —Jordan
Ausiello: Dushku will play an FBI agent named Angela tasked with giving Wolowitz a top secret security clearance. In related news, that sentence makes me happy on so many levels.
Question: Since it’s my B’Day today, I was hoping that you can give me some Bones scoop. —Ina B
Ausiello: An upcoming episode will be told entirely from Brennan’s point of view. “It’s a very stylized episode where Brennan is investigating a murder of someone who appears to be her,” explains exec producer Stephen Nathan. “It’s sort of Brennan examining her own life while examining the victim. We’ve never done anything this internal. It’s probably the most psychologically oriented episode we’ve ever done.”
Question: Which episode of Bones is Emily Deschanel directing this season? —Frankie
Ausiello: Episode No. 14. And so far, that’s all I know.
Question: Hawaii Five-O scoop? —Johanna
Ausiello: Newly unemployed Lone Star star James Wolk should call his agent, because the CBS reboot is casting the perfect part for him: a possibly two-faced old buddy of McGarrett’s who’s visiting the islands as a bodyguard for a controversial Third World leader.
Question: Gossip Girl has been amazing this season! It feels like the show has hit its stride! What’s coming up for these amazing Upper East Siders? —lec
Ausiello: Something wicked their way comes, I’m afraid. Juliet’s butting in is going to lead to a major couple breaking up. Guesses below…
Question: I’m intrigued about Community‘s Mean Girls homage with Hilary Duff. Tell me more. — Connie
Ausiello: Try this — an actual exchange from the show:
Hilary: You’re dead.
Abed: You’re bowlegged.
But wait, there’s more. When Britta and her fellow female coeds become the new Mean Girls, they take advantage of Abed’s ability to zero in on a person’s weakness for their own nefarious purposes. Oh, and two words: illegal trampoline.
Question: Olivia Munn was awesome on Chuck last week. Any chance she’s going to be a series regular? —Jeni
Ausiello: I hear they wanted her to stick around, but she has a full plate, what with The Daily Show and NBC’s Perfect Couples. But maybe this will cheer you up: An upcoming Chuck—or an upChuck, if you will—will be set in Thailand. Not the REAL Thailand, though. A sliver of the Warner Bros. backlot made to look like Thailand.
Question: What more can you tell us about the looming Private Practice tragedy? —Cline
Ausiello: It involves a major female character. Don’t give me that look, Cline. You asked what I could tell you, not what I knew.
Question: Not one image or spoilery tidbit has been released regarding Julia Stiles’ “emotionally battered” character on Dexter. Can you please give me something?! —Dana
Ausiello: We’ll finally meet her in episode 3, and if her story is going where I think it’s going, I’m going to be very intrigued. So intrigued, in fact, that it’ll more than make up for the uninspiring first two episodes.
Question: Loving Grey’s at the moment. Would love a bit of Teddy goss. — Sophie
Ausiello: You got it: When Jackson tries to flirt his way up the food chain at Seattle Grace, Teddy will have none of it. And I mean NONE. Speaking of which, pick up this week’s EW, head home, draw a warm bath, light some candles, climb into the tub, and turn to page 29. You’ll be glad you did.
Question: Any word on who Grey’s is going to pair Jackson with? —Meg
Ausiello: No official word, but there are rumblings it’s this person.
Question: In a recent interview, Ellen Pompeo mentioned that fans will be treated to some overdue sister scenes on Grey’s Anatomy between Meredith and Lexie. Any news on the nature of this potential sisterly bonding? —Dana
Ausiello: Okay, Dana, since it’s two-for-one question day, I’ll tell you that the nature of the scenes isn’t bonding per se. Rather, when Mer starts forming a sibling-ish kinship with former nemesis Sarah Drew, it brings out the green-eyed monster in Lexie.
Question: James Tupper as Dr. Chris Sands was fabulous on Mercy. I am so thrilled to see him on Grey’s Anatomy, but I’m disappointed that he is only on two episodes. Anyway, can we get him on for more episodes later in the season? —Jeannie
Ausiello: Grey’s boss Shonda Rhimes wants that to happen too. “We’d love to have him back,” she tells me. So what’s the problem? “He’s playing a trauma counselor. There’s not a lot of room for a trauma counselor on a show about surgeons on a weekly basis.” Poop.
Question: Olivia’s been brainwashed. Peter’s canoodling with Fauxlivia. Yes, Fringe is awesome this season, but it’s also pretty depressing. Got any scoop that will cheer me up? —Emily
Ausiello: Walter breaks wind this week in his lab in front of Peter and Astrid. That help?
Question: I need a Fringe scoop like a cocaine test monkey needs its next hit. When will Olivia get back where she belongs? —Tommy
Ausiello: Exec producer Jeff Pinkner would say only that “Olivia’s journey will not be an easy one, and it will require help from unexpected sources.”
Question: 30 Rock live episode. Go. — Marc
Ausiello: Sounds meta. It’ll revolve around a TGS live show, be skit-driven (with some BTS elements), and it’s being shot at the SNL studios.
Question: Can’t wait for Candice Bergen on House. What is her first encounter with House like? —Joel
Ausiello: He doesn’t know she’s Cuddy’s mom when they first meet, so I’m guessing it’s going to get awkward quick. BTW, two other notes about Candice: She arrives for Cuddy’s birthday, and her two episodes will be nonconsecutive.
Question: Should we read anything into Chase’s sexual overture to Thirteen on House last week? Was he really interested in her, or is it just a case of a horny single doctor? —Elizabeth
Ausiello: Let’s ask exec producer David Shore, shall we? David, should we read anything into Chase’s sexual overture to Thirteen on House last week? Was he really interested in her, or is it just a case of a horny single doctor? “If there is something more going on there, you won’t see it for a while,” he says, “because of Olivia [Wilde]‘s movie schedule [taking her off the canvas].”
Question: Got any NCIS: LA scoop? — Justin
Ausiello: The show is on the lookout for a sixtysomething with a slight German accent to play the recurring role of a retiree who, though blind, still sees the fun in manipulating people. And since the character is named Burgess, I’m thinking the show is a fan of the Penguin.
Question: Any idea when Lily and Marshall will see a positive pregnancy test on HIMYM? —Claire
Ausiello: No clue. What I do know is that in episode 7 the wannabe dad dreams of his little girl growing up to be a high school student and a stripper.
Question: Mindy Kaling tweeted that last week’s opening musical number on The Office was done in one take. I find that a little hard to believe. I mean, they’re talented and all, but one take? —Brett
Ausiello: She later clarified: It was one long uninterrupted shot, but they did it a total of three times. Still, it was quite an impressive feat, no? “We were a well-oiled machine, as much as a group of nondancing comedy actors can be,” she tells me with a laugh. It took “three hours to learn the choreography from Mary Ann Kellogg, who incidentally did Ed [Helms] and my amazing Cafe Disco dance-off a few years back. I had a bit of trouble staying perched on the slippery counter and had to hold myself up. I had to take my shoes off. BJ [Novak] stepped on my foot
once accidentally — it was painful. This cannot be interesting to you.” Actually, she’s right. Let’s move on…
Question: Ausiello! Any idea if there’ll be an Ugly Betty movie?! — Abida
Ausiello: Abida! Let it go! Not happening.
Question: On a scale from 1 to 10, how crazy will the final scene in Smallville‘s 200th episode drive Clois fans? Any chance you can give us a little more on it? — Geff C.
Ausiello: Nine. Can’t say more except that it’ll take your breath away.
Question: Do you have any updates on the possibility of Michael Rosenbaum returning to Smallville? — Denny
Ausiello: I hear episode 10 may be titled “Luthor,” so draw your own conclusions. Actually, let me help you: I’m guessing that ties in with his pa Lionel’s return. But I could be wrong!
Question: Do you have any scoop on why/how Robert Wagner is coming back to NCIS? —Lyss
Ausiello: Tony Sr. gets caught up in a case that requires him to go on a date with (wait for it) Ziva!
Question: Is Stana Katic pregnant? Don’t get me wrong, she is as stunning as ever; her wardrobe choices on Castle, on the other hand, are suspicious. — Peter
Ausiello: She is not pregnant. In related news, the puffy blouse Katic was wearing in Monday’s episode released the following statement exclusively to Ask Ausiello: “My bad.”
Monday, September 20, 2010
Watch w/ Kristin Spoiler Chat 9/20/10
It's here, TV fans! The new fall television season begins tonight, and we're kicking off the party with a big, juicy spoiler chat full of scoop about your favorite TV shows. Want dish on House, Fringe, Chuck, How I Met Your Mother and many more? Click in!
Melody: The Glee premiere is tomorrow! Spill!
Chord Overstreet is dreamy as the new football player Sam Evans (Sam and Dianna Agron's Quinn are going to make gorgeous blond babies together!); there's an unholy alliance between Sue and Will; and the Lea Michele-Charice diva-off is not to be missed! Oh, and Ken Tanaka had a nervous breakdown, while Matt (aka copresident of the background dancers union) transferred, Brittany's blank-faced one-liners are better than ever, and we absolutely love the backstory on Tina's hookup with Mike Chang. It's a great season premiere. You guys will love.
Jaqueline in Athens, Ga.: What's the 411 on Kristin Chenoweth's return to Glee?
April Rhodes is on her way back to McKinley High and a little birdie we like to call Kristin Chenoweth tells us we're in for a nearly nude treat! "I'm going back in two weeks to do Glee. I did hear April will be stripping and it made me nervous—made me not want to eat." Just don't expect any smooth moves on the stripper pole. Says Kristin: "I'm not going to practice it either because I don't think April would know how!"
Parker: Stop skimping on the Chuck and Blair Gossip Girl info!
Except for the fact that they're seeing other people and they're trying to pretend they're over each other, the Chuck and Blair scene that ends tonight's episode is perfect. Don't worry about that French girl too much, OK, Chair fans? There's no way she could ever compete with Chuck's love for Blair. Waldorf and Bass are epic, eternal and sure to reunite again one of these days.
James in Virginia: What can you tell me about Fringe?
Fringe is usually one of the chillier shows on TV, but by the end of Thursday's season premiere, little girl lost Olivia (Anna Torv) gets a heartwarming reunion that will melt even the grouchiest sci-fi fan's ice-clad heart. Of course, the specific circumstances of the reunion also mean that Olivia is more lost than ever. That girl can't get a break!
Adele in Florida: Please tell me it's true that House and Cuddy are sticking together this season!
Oh, it's true. House executive producer Katie Jacobs tells us so, and she also told us to look for a wedding-centric episode later this season. No, it's not House and Cuddy getting married (just a hospital poobah peripheral to the story), but the circumstances of preparing for the wedding are going to make for a very romance-centric episode, wherein everyone in a relationship starts to look more closely at who they're with and why.
Terri in Washington, D.C: Am I right that Julia Stiles plays Dex's girlfriend or Harrison's nanny on Dexter this season?
Two strikes! (1) Exec producer Sara Colleton told us most emphatically, "God no! No no no no no no. It's way too soon" for Dexter to be thinking of romance. (2) Dexter does hire a nanny—a virtual Mary Poppins who seems almost too good to be true. (We're keeping our eyes on that lovely Brit.) When an almost unrecognizable Julia Stiles does finally appear at the very end of the Oct. 10 episode, we realize why Colleton refers to her character as "damaged." So, so, so very damaged.
Jude in Overland Park, Kan.: Poor Deb has the worst luck in boyfriends on Dexter. Will her track record improve this season?
Signs point to yes! Who's Deb's (Jennifer Carpenter) lucky guy? Let's just say Batista (David Zayas) and LaGuerta (Lauren Velez) aren't Dexter's only interoffice romance this season. Hmmm....Could Masuka's (C.S. Lee) dreams finally be coming true? You'll have to watch to find out! Meanwhile, married couple Batista and LaGuerta could become separated—by prison bars!
Elle in Oregon: So excited for The Big Bang Theory's move to the big-time, aka Thursdays! Got any scoop?
The season premiere centers on a threesome between Sheldon, Amy and Penny. OK, not a sex threesome, exactly, but Penny does chaperone the nerds on their first date, during which Sheldon genially calculates Penny's slut quotient. Meanwhile, Mayim Bialik continues to be hilarious and perfect as Sheldon's lady friend Amy.
Patty in Boulder, Colo.: There's only one thing I care about this fall, and that's Chuck. Please tell me Chuck and Sarah are finally just happy together.
Oh yeah, they're happy all right. Happy and cohabiting and—sexting! You know, sexy texting? (90210 did a whole episode about it last season, you might recall.) OK, confession time: Yes there is lots of sexting going on, but Morgan (Joshua Gomez) is responsible for most of it. (Promise you'll understand what that means after you watch tonight's premiere.) Thankfully, Chuck and Sarah really do seem happy together, and more lovey-dovey than ever.
Delia in Maine: I need Bones news!
(1) Emily Deschanel's new bangs are sooo cute! (2) If you missed Hodgela as much as we have, you have got to tune in. Their joy at being prospective parents is palpable and adorable. (3) B&B fans should keep their eyes peeled for the look on Brennan's face just before they take down the bad guy, because there's never been clearer visual evidence that she loves Booth like crazy.
Charlie in Sparta, Michigan: Can we hear some more Sons of Anarchy scoop? But not about Jax, Tara or Gemma. I want to hear more about the others.
Even though it's only been a few months since Donna's death in the timeline of the show, Opie (Ryan Hurst) seems to be growing closer and closer to Lyla (Winter Ave Zoli). Look for some serious stuff with them on Tuesday night.
Liam in Smithtown, N.Y.: What's coming up for Bonnie on The Vampire Diaries? Will she continue to feel guilty after forcing Damon to give Caroline his blood?
Definitely…but only to a point. Katerina Graham recently told us: "This is somebody who you love and you're putting pressure on other people to help you out to protect someone else. There's guilt with the whole process." However, Mystic Falls' resident witch still feels the vampires are ultimately to blame...for everything that's ever happened in the entire world. Or something like that. "It's still their fault that this happened in the first place. At the end of the day, if the vampires didn't come to town, this wouldn't be a problem." We think Damon said it best: "Witches, judgy little things."
Jordan in Prescott, Ariz.: Tell us more about Castle!
What about a—gasp!—Lanie-Castle hookup?! We'll let Tamala Jones elaborate: "I get to interact with Castle a lot more, which I love," Tamala tells us. "We're getting closer, but you don't know what it is. It could be, 'Does Castle like Lanie?' 'Does Lanie like Castle?' And it leads you in some different areas. But you know Lanie likes Esposito, and Esposito likes Lanie—still, what's this Lanie/Castle thing?" Dun-dun-dun!
Michelle in Miami: I'm kind of shocked by how much I liked Hellcats. Any chance we'll be seeing Dan and Savannah hookup?
We're happy to report that you can expect the pretty pair to start dating very soon. Ashley Tisdale tells us, "At first it's like really weird. You're like, Oh, why are they getting together? But then I think throughout each episode you're like, Oh, I get it!" And what romance is complete without a little drama? The Tiz says Savannah's extremely religious upbringing will lead to some (non?)sexual tension. "She's very Christian and so is her family, so she's not used to dating outside of the church. This is a whole new experience with a boyfriend who isn't that religious."
Sandra in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.: When are we going to see this big wedding of Brooke's on One Tree Hill?
That all depends on what the CW Powers That Be decide about picking up One Tree Hill's back nine episodes. If the current 13-episode order stays as is, we'll see a Brulian wedding around episode 11 or 12 (Mark Schwahn tells us it definitely won't happen in the final ep). And if OTH fans are blessed with a full season (fingers crossed), Brooke's nuptials might be pushed back a bit, but still midseason. So start marking those calendars now—in pencil, of course.
Wendee in Beaumont, Calif.: Something on Smallville would really make my day.
Smallville's final season premiere starts just a few seconds after last season's finale, and Clark's 10th season adventures continue on from that point. It's going to be a struggle for the someday superhero, but with help from his dad Jonathan Kent (oh yes, he's back in full force), Clark will eventually make peace with things and be the good guy we all know and love. And Lois is going to start keeping some secrets of her own—starting with not telling Clark she knows who he really is. Hey, someone's gotta look after his well-being, right?
Kirstin in Sykesville, Md.: Please, please, please tell me we're going to see Math get some love on Life Unexpected this season. It's long overdue!
We're right there with ya, and lucky for everyone involved (Austin Basis included!), so is Life Unexpected's awesome show runner gal Liz Tigelaar. "Math always takes Baze's like sloppy seconds, but he wants to be seen as his own person," Liz tells us. "We definitely have him interested in different people and we'll definitely do a story about it. I want to give Math his relationship!" Start your casting call in the comments.
Jessie in Michigan: Anything you can spill on How I Met Your Mother's Robin Sparkles reboot would be amazing!
We just ran into little ole Cobie Smulders (a chick we absolutely adore and are totally girl-crushing on!), and she told us of her next Robin Sparkles episode: "It's some kind of 80's variety show with Alan Thicke, and all those ingredients create a recipe that could be genius. It's powerful stuff," Cobie teased.
Kevin in New York: Any scoop on The Mentalist's Amanda Righetti?
"We are going to see Jane [Simon Baker] becoming more obsessed with Red John, and we do actually get closer to Red John," says Righetti. "And Grace gets a love interest this year, so that's exciting. It's Eric Winter." So romance with Rigsby is on the back burner for the time being. Sniff.
Bethany in New Orleans: Rules of Engagement is my favorite show. Could you do a girl a solid and share something about the new season?
"[Adam and Jennifer] are not getting married; it's not gonna happen," Oliver Hudson tells us. "And there could be a separation." Laughs his onscreen gal Bianca Kajlich: "We're hoping there's a separation, actually."
Jamie: So excited that Parenthood is back! Any scoop?
Kevin Alejandro brings his usual hotness to the table in a courtship of Lauren Graham's Sarah Braverman! Oh, and one of the four Braverman kids is working on bringing another kid into the world. Gasp! Care to guess who? Hit the comments!
Chris in Phoenix: I don't care what the haters say, Rubicon is the smartest show on TV right now. Any scoop on the final episodes?
Couldn't agree more—Rubicon is like gourmet TV! Coming up, Will (James Badge Dale) and Katherine Rhumor (Miranda Richardson) join forces—until that nasty Donald Bloom shows them just how unlucky four-leaf clovers can be. And enigmatic Kale (Arliss Howard), one of TV's most delicious characters, shows he's really one of the good guys. Aw.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ask Ausiello 9/15/10
Question: I know you are busy and all with getting your fall season tactics together, but can you please give me some Private Practice scoop? —Vernice
Ausiello: Fall season tactics? You tickle me, Vernice. Let’s grab a drink sometime. Here’s your Private spoiler: Something tragic will happen to a major character during November sweeps. It’s probably the darkest story PP has ever tackled—and this show has tackled some dark stories. Consider yourself warned.
Question: Seriously, no Fringe scoop last week? Why do I even bother to read this column? —Brett
Ausiello: That’s between you, your therapist, and the lovely people at CVS. If it’s any consolation, I have Fringe scoop this week. Actually, I’ve got a few Fringe scoops. The first one comes courtesy of John Noble, who reveals exactly how Walternate plans to pull Peter’s strings from the alt-universe. “[Walternate] has to ensure that [Peter] continues to work on our side,” says Noble, “and he’ll do that through alt-Olivia.” Okay, I’ll bite: How exactly will Bolivia manipulate Peter? Noble hesitates before whispering, “She seduces him… Did I just say that? Did I just drop a big teaser?” I believe you did, sir!
Question: Does the fact that Fringe is setting every other episode “over there” mean that we’re going to see more of Charlie this season? —Melissa
Ausiello: That’s precisely what that means. Charlie remains active in the alt-world’s Fringe division, so look for him to appear in multiple episodes—beginning with next Thursday’s season premiere.
Question: Can I get some good Grey’s Anatomy news regarding Der and Mer? —Betsy
Ausiello: Among the manifestations of Derek’s post-bloodbath adrenaline junkie phase will be an increased sexual appetite. “[There's] a lot of sex,” says series creator Shonda Rhimes. “He’s on the high that a person gets when they face death and survive it.”
Question: I heard a rumor that Kevin Sorbo will be on The Big Bang Theory playing Sheldon’s much less geeky, way older brother. True? —Ish
Ausiello: False.
Question: I’ll be watching six shows this fall: House, Chuck, Glee, Bones, The Office, and Smallville. You have to have a scoop on at least one of them! Please? —Hillary
Ausiello: How about more on Glee’s emotional third episode? Cory Monteith will be in the spotlight, performing R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” as Finn finds—and loses—his faith in the course of the hour. “So cool,” Monteith says of his solo. “I’ve been a huge Michael Stipe fan all my life.” Apparently he’s a Joan Osborne fan as well: “We end the episode with ‘One of Us,’” he says. “I think it’s been a long time since the song was done properly. I hope we do it well.”
Question: We’re so close to the premiere of Dexter and yet there was nothing in the last AA. Shame. —Adam
Ausiello: A scene in the Sept. 26 premiere in which Astor and Cody learn that their mother has been savagely murdered features a twisted-even-by-Dexter-standards piece of product placement. Hint: The folks at Disney are gonna be out for blood!
Question: My fiancé and I just watched all four seasons of Dexter in one week, and we’re completely hooked. Got any scoop on season 5? —Leslie
Ausiello: The premiere flashes back to Dex and Rita’s very first date. And given what went down on date No. 1, you’ll be shocked they made it to No. 2.
Question: Rumor has it House was shooting some big event on location in downtown Los Angeles last week. Got any deets? —Claudia
Ausiello: You sitting down? Good, ’cause a little birdie confirms to me exclusively that they were shooting a wedding! Now go ahead and stand back up because the bride and groom are, well, nobodies. At least they’re nobodies to us. They’re somebodies to House and Cuddy, who attend the nuptials along with Sam and Wilson. “None of our series regulars are getting married that I know of right now,” says exec producer and aforementioned little birdie Katie Jacobs. “But weddings tend to be a flashpoint for couples. And every couple that has to attend this wedding [ends up] examining where they are in their own relationship.”
Question: Please tell us who kidnaps Lois in the Smallville premiere. Or at the very least give us a hint. —Brian
Ausiello: It is not Lex Luthor. It is, however, the next worst thing.
Question: How much longer will Crosby and Jasmine be doing the long-distance thing on Parenthood? —Christine
Ausiello: “As the season progresses, all three of them find that [the arrangement] hasn’t really worked out,” says exec producer Jason Katims. “So things start to evolve pretty early on in the year. I don’t want to give away exactly what happens, but their living arrangements change.”
Question: Help me! I need some 90210 scoop that doesn’t involve Teddy being gay! —Ely
Ausiello: Look for Deb (Lori Loughlin) to pay an unannounced visit to Cougar Town—the metaphorical one, not the literal one—when she randomly hooks up with Ryan (Ryan Eggold) in November. For those keeping track at home, there’s a 20-year age difference between the two. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Question: Sorry to hear about your wrist! What’s making you feel better as you convalesce? —Ben
Ausiello: My good friend Paulie Percocet has been cheering me up. And in between doses his visits, I watch this.
Question: Did you break your wrist watching the House premiere? —@Sudsy95
Ausiello: No, I broke it *a****g *f* a ******. In related news, the first person to correctly solve that asterisk quiz wins this. Please email your most educated guess to ausielloscoop@ew.com and be sure to include “House contest” in the subject line.
Question: The DirecTV press release about the final season of Friday Night Lights doesn’t mention anything about Gaius Charles returning. Does this mean Smash is not in season 5? If so, did they want to bring him back and couldn’t for scheduling reasons, or was it a creative choice? —Jake
Ausiello: Smash will not be back for the fifth and final season, and, according to exec producer Jason Katims, creative and scheduling considerations came into play. “It was a combination of [Gaius'] availability and the storytelling,” he tells me. “With only 13 episodes, we ended up having to pick and choose which stories and characters to service. The story drives everything. We didn’t want to bring [alums] back just to bring them back. We wanted to make sure we had a good story for them.” That said, Katims says Smash is “referenced” in one of the episodes. “We find out how he’s doing in school.”
Question: Could you give us a clue about your wedding blind item from a while ago? —Jaimee
Ausiello: It’s not Grey’s Anatomy. Or Private Practice.
Question: How about a scoop on Community? All those commercials on Emmy night got me excited for season 2! —Jenny
Ausiello: Señor Chang’s transition from teacher to student will be a rocky one—and that’s a good thing, insists Ken Jeong. “Watching him assimilate into the school he once abused is all sorts of fun,” enthuses Jeong. “I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had on the show right now.”
Question: I’m very disappointed by the lack of Spartacus: Blood and Sand spoilers. To make up for this, how about a spoiler on the second season? It’s only fair. —Carol
Ausiello: I broke my wrist *a****g *f* a ******. Don’t lecture me about fairness, Carol. Having said that, your timing is fortuitous as I just got off the phone with series creator Steven S. DeKnight. Sparty’s boss told me that the search for a new Big Bad (or big Bads) to fill the void left by John Hannah’s Batiatus will soon get under way. “There will be some new people on the villain side,” he says. “But we’re not far enough into [season 2] to nail down any big casting news.” DeKnight went on to say that he “kicked around” the idea of a romance between sworn enemies Spartacus and Ilithyia, but he added that “it’s a tricky thing since she tried to kill him several times, and he firmly connects her to Glaber, who he partially blames for the death of his wife. But will they have some interesting interactions in season 2? Absolutely.”
Question: I have a craving for anything Castle! —Trish
Ausiello: I’ve got three words for you: Castle. Beckett. Nudity. Allow exec producer Andrew Marlowe to explain: “They have to go to a strip club to investigate a murder, and Castle is very excited about this. Unfortunately for him, it turns out to be a male revue with crazy bachelorettes running around. He, of course, ends up being fresh meat.”
Question: Can I have a scoop on Bones please? —Pauline
Ausiello: The rumors are true: Angela, who had a little pregnancy scare last season with boyfriend Wendell, is actually having a baby with husband Hodgins. Actress Michaela Conlin expects Angela to “weave in some of her craziness” to their impending parenthood. “I think we may see her interviewing some doulas and wild pediatricians and things like that. And hopefully, she’ll be eating a lot of weird stuff,” Conlin says. “I think it’s going to be nice to see another side of her this season.”
Question: I love Sweets on Bones, but I hate to see him get the short end of so many sticks. Any news on what’s in store for him this season? —AJ
Ausiello: A possible reunion with Daisy is in store—provided he’s able to forgive her for choosing her career over him. “He’s taking baby steps to finally let [Daisy] back into his heart,” reveals Sweets’ portrayer, John Frances Daley. “He has a very fragile heart. He’s been through a lot. Obviously, they have very strong feelings for each other, and they can’t really stay apart for too long—as we establish [in he premiere]. He’s a good guy generally, so I think ultimately, yeah, he’ll take her back.”
Question: I know TPTB on How I Met Your Mother have said that season 6 is going to be more Ted-centric, but do you think there is even the slightest glimmer of hope for Barney and Robin?—Jessica
Ausiello: “No comment,” responds exec producer Craig Thomas. Adds fellow EP Carter Bays: “We can’t say one way or the other. But we, like everyone, love them together. There is chemistry there that is undeniable.”
Question: Please elaborate on your recent item about a major character being killed off of Burn Notice when it returns in the fall. I’m seriously freaking out here! —Pat
Ausiello: The major character in question is [spoiler alert]. Furthermore, [spoiler alert] will ********** be [spoiler alert]. Hope that helps!
Get Ready for a Bones Baby!
When Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) return to D.C. from Paris in Bones' September 23 season premiere, they'll be bringing back a much better souvenir than a plastic Eiffel Tower trinket. "Angela's pregnant!" says Michaela, who planned to keep the exciting news secret until Fox's promo department included the spoiler in a preview clip. "I was bummed they decided to do that."
Well, at least now the actress is free to discuss the happy news. "I have to be honest, at first I was a little hesitant," she says. "To marry this wild child off and get her pregnant had me worried that this would limit her, story-wise. But I now feel, getting in to the sixth season, it's going to be interesting to see her try to fit her wild life into this maternal situation."
Since, as Michaela noted, Angela is such a wild child, who's to say that a handsome Frenchman isn't the baby daddy? "I am pretty convinced Hodgins is the dad," insists Michaela. "Only because we were just married. That would be very slutty of her. This time, I think she played it right."
The drama, she says, will come in other ways. "We're going to see them pursue very unconventional doctors," Michaela teases.
Bones creator Hart Hanson says we should also expect Angela's pregnancy to have an impact on Brennan (Emily Deschanel), who has seemingly abandoned her plans to have Booth (David Boreanaz) donate his sperm to her. "Everything that happens will force Brennan to reevaluate all of her decisions from last year," Hanson says. "We leave nothing hanging."
Fancast Big Tease 9/14/10
I am so super-excited about the ‘House‘ premiere (airing Sept. 20)! Is it going to live up to the hype? – Lelinor
I think so, especially since Hugh Laurie and Lisa Edelstein act almost exclusively opposite each other in their scenes, and that results in a pretty intense character study à la last season’s psych ward opener. My only quibble is that throughout much of the premiere, House is withholding one whopper of a secret from Cuddy.
Does the ‘House‘ premiere have anything worth watching for someone who doesn’t like “Huddy”? – Sabrina
Well, the Patient Of The Week is a pretty important doctor at Princeton Plainsboro. Also, the episode closes with a nifty twist that I didn’t see coming.
Remember the spoilery pics with House and Cuddy at the beach? They were all over the Internet weeks ago, but we haven’t seen any of these scenes in any promos. Will House and Cuddy really go on a “road trip”? – Ally
At least two trips are planned by one doctor or another. I will say that much.
Are House and Cuddy on a first name basis now, at least outside of the hospital? – DeJune
Why, just because they are “together”? Nah, they still call each other “House” and “Cuddy”… and the occasional “Honeybuns.”
Have ‘House’s opening credits been changed yet? – Sophie
Do you mean, is Jennifer Morrison removed from them? No, her name and clip are still there, at least in the rough cut I saw. UPDATE: I have since been reminded that the press screeners feature temp credits that could change for broadcast.
The new group photo for ‘House‘ indicates that there might be something going on between Chase and Thirteen. Does the premiere give something away about that? – Christina
Let’s just say that Chase drops a huge question at Thirteen’s footsteps – at what either is the best- or worst-possible time.
Do you have any scoop about ‘CSI,’ especially for Marg Helgenberger’s character? – Erica
When the new season kicks off on Sept. 23, Catherine will continue her relationship with Detective Vartann (played by Alex Carter. In fact, I am told that things will very much “heat up” between the two in Episode 3!
Can you get me some scoop on ‘CSI: NY’s Flack? Pleeeease! – emilyhawks via Twitter
Factoring in the Sept. 24 season premiere’s time jump, it is now well over a year since Flack lost Detective Angell, so you can count on his angsty days being behind him. “As a result of playing all that [last season], I personally felt that the character started to feel a little alienated,” says Eddie Cahill, “so I am longing to get back into the groove.” Flack however is not immediately pegged for a new love interest; instead, EP Pam Veasey tells me that Hawkes (played by Hill Harper) is due for a hook-up.
Enough about the stunt casting on ‘Chuck,’ as fun as it might be. What’s going on with Chuck and Sarah this season? – Jennifer
Acknowledging that Chuck/Sarah are “the heart of the show,” series cocreator Chris Fedak tells me that their romance is now “obstacle-free in the sense that were not doing the ‘Will they/Won’t they’ thing. But in every relationship, there are going to be issues.” And the hot topic for Chuck and his chica? She’s still in the spy game, while he is jobless, and that weighs heavily on Chuck as he charts their future. “There’s always an interpersonal story for those two,” says Fedak.
Got any scoop on ‘Sons Of Anarchy‘? There’s a nasty rumor going around Jax sleeps with someone who isn’t Tara. Say it ain’t so! – MLA
Well, as I scooped a while ago, Taryn Manning is returning for a few episodes as Cherry. Jax did help her go on the lam a ways back, and a gal can be… appreciative….
I’m jealous that you got to see the ‘Bones‘ season premiere! Might there be a tiny nugget of something you can tease us with? – Andrea via Facebook
I had to laugh (and tweet about it) when Caroline, during a bit of a pep talk for the reunited Jeffersonian team, referred to them as “the Scooby gang.” As fans of David Boreanaz’s previous work as TV’s ‘Angel’ know, Buffy Summers and her buds sometimes adopted that nickname.
I just watched the awesome season finale of ‘Rizzoli & Isles.’ Please, please tell me there will be a Season 2! – JJFan18 via Twitter
Have no fear, TNT renewed ‘Rizzoli’ – as well as ‘Leverage’ and ‘The Closer’ – back in July.
What can you tell us about this week’s ‘Covert Affairs‘ finale? – Dawn
1) It’s two episodes. 2) It airs Tuesday starting at 9/8c. 3) There’s a pretty kick-ass fight atop some high-rise scaffolding. And 4) It’s not looking good – at all – for a certain someone as Season 1 draws to a close.
Any more ‘Gossip Girl‘ scoop to share? – DL0472
On the off chance that you, as I did, interpreted a scene from Monday’s premiere to mean that Gossip Girl herself has been revealed, think again. When I asked EP Stephanie Savage about newcomer Juliet’s (Katie Cassidy) laptop being open to Gossip Girl’s site and her wall covered with detailed notes about the UES’ finest, she said, “Part of me would like to be, ‘Sure, go ahead and pontificate.’ But no, that is not her.’”
Please tell the powers-that-be to make last season’s ‘Grey’s Anatomy‘ finale available on the web. I didn’t get a chance to see it and now it’s no longer available on ABC.com. Hurry, before the premiere! – Renee
Actually, ABC is rebroadcasting the two-hour finale the week before the premiere – as in this Thursday, September 16.
Can you tell me if the entire ‘Spin City‘ series (all six seasons) has been legally released on DVD? I can’t seem to find it on the well-known web sites, but I did find two sites that advertise the full series for $45. – Dan
Dude, do not click “BUY” just yet. ‘Spin City’ has yet to be properly released on DVD, but Shout! Factory is trying to make it happen, my pal at TVShowsOnDVD.com tells me. The shady sites you’re looking at likely will send you a crappy quality bootleg – or nothing at all.
Thank you for the Christopher Meloni article! Like Mariska Hargitay, did he also shoot scenes for ‘SVU’s L.A. visit/crossover while at the Emmys? – Debbie
No, Stabler is not bound for the West Coast in the episode setting up the ‘Law & Order: LA‘ spin-off. “It was a Mariska episode,” Meloni explained to me, “so she was the one who had to figure out the case with ['LOLA' lead] Skeet Ulrich.”
I know ‘The Marriage Ref‘ was renewed for a second season, but the ratings declined so much, I’m wondering if we’ll ever see it again. Will it quietly fade away, the way Whoopi Goldberg’s and Bette Midler’s sitcoms have in the past and William Shatner’s ‘S#*! My Dad Says’ likely will? – TV Gord
“No official premiere date has been set yet,” an NBC rep tells me, but casting for Season 2 is underway, hitting Chicago this weekend. P.S. That is a sound assessment of ‘S#*!’
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Ask Ausiello 9/9/10
Question: Have you seen the House premiere? If so, thoughts? —Robin
Ausiello: Yes, I’ve seen it—it’s the reason this column arrived a little late. If you’re a Huddy fan, you’re going to swoon yourself silly. The Sept. 20 opener features the star-crossed lovers cuddling, bathing, massaging, champagne-toasting, and—of course—kissing. I think I counted a dozen smooches in the first 15 minutes alone. The episode will also answer the burning question “What does Hugh Laurie look like wearing nothing but a laptop?”
Question: Should we read anything into the fact that Chase is touching Thirteen’s shoulder in House‘s season 7 key art? —Nina
Ausiello: After watching the premiere, I would have to say HELL YES, YOU SHOULD.
Question: How does House’s team—specifically Chase, Taub, and Foreman—react to House and Cuddy being an item? —Brandon
Ausiello: To quote Dr. Crankenstein in episode 2, one is “in favor,” another is “indignant,” and a third is “indifferent.” Now head to the comments and match the adjective with the character! But first, repeat after me: “Games are fun.”
Question: Is the “S” on Lois’ chest in the Smallville picture you posted Photoshopped on, or is it on her in the actual episode? —Mike
Ausiello: It’s on her in the actual episode.
Question: I, for one, am pulling for Jennifer Morrison to get that role on How I Met Your Mother. When does the character first appear? Any scoop on the premiere? —Dave
Ausiello: Ted’s new love interest—who (BREAKING NEWS!!) will definitely be played by Morrison—is slated to show up in episode 5. As far as the premiere goes, it’s (a) very old-school HIMYM—i.e., ridiculously funny and incredibly moving—and (b) twisty as hell! I don’t think it’s giving anything away to say the biggest curveball involves the return of Rachel Bilson’s Cindy.
Question: Please give us scoop on the season finale of My Boys. Are we going to get any hope for P.J. and Brendo? —Funmi
Ausiello: That’s negatory. By the end of the Sept. 12 finale, P.J.’s in a pretty happy place with Bobby. The future is also looking bright for another Boys duo. Are those wedding bells I hear?
Question: How serious are things between Booth and that new girl on Bones? —Catelynn
Ausiello: That new girl has a name—Hannah. Show some respect. And to quote Booth in the Sept. 23 premiere, their relationship is “as serious as a heart attack.”
Question: So these new Bones promos have me super-excited for the new season (and more than a little bit heartbroken for Brennan), but I’m confused: Is Hannah going to show up in the premiere, or in episode 2? —Amy
Ausiello: You mean that new girl? She shows up in episode 2.
Question: Will we see more of Parker on Bones this season? —Brianna
Ausiello: Mini Booth actually plays a pivotal role in the opener, as he’s essentially the reason Big Booth returns home from Afghanistan. (And yes, you will actually see him.)
Question: Got a Bones scoop? I’m such a good girl. —Galle
Ausiello: My fave moment from the premiere involves Brennan and Daisy channeling their inner action heroines—well, it involves Brennan channeling her inner action heroine while Daisy suffers a series of mini strokes on the sidelines.
Question: We haven’t gotten any Fringe intel in forever. Please say you have some! —Jennifer
Ausiello: I have some!
Question: Any news on what will happen to Castiel on Supernatural this season? —Minha
Ausiello: This season’s first two episodes will be Cas-free, but the full-powered angel returns in spectacular fashion in week 3. “Let’s just say some angels show up that are not so happy,” teases exec producer Sera Gamble. “Cas and an angel go through a window at one point, and the result is not pretty. It’s a pretty spectacular stunt.”
Question: You’ve given us great scoop about the final (shed a tear) season of Friday Night Lights, but one thing remains unanswered: Are we going to be lucky enough to have Minka Kelly return for a few episodes? Riggins putting her on the bus with a soulful “Goodbye, Lyla Garrity” is not enough closure for me. —Becky
Ausiello: Well, it was enough closure for exec producer Jason Katims—and he’s the boss! “I thought her final episode was so powerful,” says Katims. “We talked about bringing her back, but I didn’t really feel like anything we came up with beat the [Tim-Lyla] story in that episode, which I thought was really poignant. It wasn’t a happy ending, but it was a really satisfying ending for me. It was a satisfying resolution to that story line.”
Question: Do you have any scoop on that proposed Heroes telefilm to wrap up loose ends from last season? —Josh
Ausiello: THIS JUST IN: Production on the Heroes reunion pic will officially get under way…probably never.
Question: Give a Blair fan one reason to watch Gossip Girl this season! —Karen
Ausiello: The train-station-set reunion scene between Chuck and Blair at the end of episode 2 is stunningly shot and impeccably acted by Ed Westwick and Leighton Meester. Need another reason? ‘Cause I got a ton!
Question: Gossip Girl scoop? —Lisa
Ausiello: By the end of the second episode, the question you (and everyone else) will be asking yourself is “Who the hell did Serena piss off?”
Question: Please tell me Mozzie is not dead on White Collar! —Vin
Ausiello: Mozzie is probably most likely not dead.
Question: Glee returns in two weeks! Got anything new? —Timothy
Ausiello: The show wastes no time showing off Chord Overstreet’s, um, impressive body of work. When we first meet his possibly gay football-jock character, Sam, in the premiere, he’s in the shower singing “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” For his part, Chris Colfer believes that scene is proof positive that Sam will not turn out to be Kurt’s BF. “After seeing the episode, I feel like it’s not going to happen because all the girls are going to fall in love with him and they’re not going to want to see [him with Kurt],” he says. “And I don’t want to be the guy girls hate. I’m the gay guy the girls love. I don’t want to become the target. I don’t want the letters that say, ‘Kurt needs to get off our man. Stop kissing our boyfriend.’ Young girls can be vicious. I don’t want to know how Kristen Stewart feels. I don’t want to be the Bella of the Glee world. I like being the guy everyone likes.” Colfer adds that there’s no sign of romantic tension between Sam and Kurt in the first four episodes. “Maybe it is too obvious,” he theorizes. “Our writers have a way of avoiding the obvious and throwing curveballs.” BONUS GLEE SCOOP: Someone’s going to the slammer!
Question: I heard a rumor that Terri will date Principal Figgins on Glee this season. Please say it’s not true. Team Twill FTW! —Rion
Ausiello: According to Terri’s portrayer, Jessalyn Gilsig, it’s “definitely not” true. Gilsig does confirm that the former Mrs. Schuester will “get into a relationship of some kind that brings her around the glee club and the school, but I’m not at liberty to say who.” Guesses? Hit the comments! More fun games!
Question: How’s about serving up a steamy hot dish of Burn Notice scoop? That finale really burned me up. I’ll stop with the puns now. —Hope
Ausiello: The following scoop is rated S and RH for Sizzling and Red-Hot: A major character will be killed off during the show’s fall run.
Question: I am eagerly anticipating your handy-dandy Fall TV Show Premiere cheat sheet! —Traci
Ausiello: And I’m anticipating the day you actually start reading my blog. I posted it two weeks ago. Sigh…
Question: I’m dying for anything you can dig up on Pretty Little Liars. —Jared
Ausiello: Ian Harding (hottie English teach Mr. Fitz) just got his hands on the script for the first episode back in January, and he offered this tease: “They’re not wasting any time with some reveals and secrets and juiciness.”
Question: I have not seen anything on season 2 of Justified. Got any scoop on that? —Carolyn
Ausiello: Production resumes in mid-October, and newly minted series regular Walton Goggins tells me “the pendulum will swing in a completely different direction for Boyd, and religion may receive his ire. He may become an agnostic vigilante, [but] I won’t say against who.”
Question: It’s less than a week until Life Unexpected returns. Surely you have scoop! —Laura
Ausiello: The three new characters I told you about previously are introduced in the Sept. 14 premiere, and one of them has a not-so-surprising connection to a main character. Bonus scoop: Bug and Lux consider taking a big step forward in their relationship, but something happens to trip them up.
Question: Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey were shooting a Grey’s Anatomy scene at the courthouse! Please, Ausiello, tell us if Mer-Der are going to make that Post-it legal! —Amber
Ausiello: A Grey’s insider confirms to me exclusively that you’re as high as a kite.
Question: I’m pulling overnight shifts, so I think in all fairness you should give some Parenthood spoilers, please. —Amanda
Ausiello: Lauren Graham’s Sarah will be caught in a workplace love triangle with a hunky blue-collar forklift operator (True Blood‘s Kevin Alejandro) and Adam’s wealthy white-collar business partner (Billy Baldwin). “She has to make a choice between the two of us,” says Alejandro, before adding with a laugh, “Does she want money or just rugged good looks?”
Question: Can I get a Mad Men spoiler? —Derek
Ausiello: Assuming he submits last week’s flawlessly written and acted Don-and-Peggy-centric episode, Jon Hamm will be the first Mad thesp to win an Emmy next year, beating out fellow nominees Kyle Chandler, Steve Buscemi, Hugh Laurie, Michael C. Hall, and Peter Krause. Mark my words.
Question: I may have to go all Russell Edgington on somebody if I don’t get some more True Blood finale scoop. —Sara
Ausiello: This is sort of finale-related: Season 4 will pick up immediately where season 3 left off.
Bones's Michaela Conlin Says Angela will Do Recon on Booth’s Ladyfriend
On BONES, Angela routinely has her hands full being Brennan’s best friend…and this season will be no exception.
Now that Booth is coming back home with a brand new girlfriend, Michaela Conlin (Angela) tells GIVE ME MY REMOTE that Brennan is going to need her more than ever.
Of course, Angela has some of her own (major) storylines happening in season 6, so keep reading to hear what Conlin had to spill…
So Hodgins and Angela are now happily married…
Michaela Conlin: They’re married. [Laughs] And I hear the honeymoon is over. I don’t know what else I can say.
Tell me everything!
MC: [Laughs] There’s going to be some exciting stuff from them this season, definitely.
Might it involve an addition to the family for Hodgins and Angela? [Editor's note: This interview took place before FOX released a major spoiler in a recent promo]
MC: I will say, it’s not what you think.
How did the duo fare while they were away? Were they missing work?
MC: Oh, I think they were just thrilled to be in Paris. I think they’re dragging their heels to come back a little bit. But I think the [break] did them well. I think we’re going to see a lot of stuff and hopefully a little bit of what happened in Paris will come out this season as well. And I think Angela is dealing with Booth having met somebody else. So as [Brennan's] best friend, I feel she definitely is going to be called in for some recon.
Will Angela and the rest of the Jeffersonian crew accept Booth’s gf, Hannah?
MC: We’ve talked about her at length. I actually know Katheryn [Winnick (Hannah)] in [real] life, which is funny. I think she’s going to be more well-received than people think. I think she is going to be surprising.
How about the Angela and Brennan friendship? Will we see the BFFs talk about the changes in Booth and Brennan’s relationship on screen? We didn’t see much of that last year…
MC: Not [last season], but they are coming. Angela feels like Brennan needs to [talk]…you gotta admit this is really bothering you! You know what I mean? Come on. I think [Angela]‘s dragging it out of her. Which in many ways is what I like about Angela so much, we get to see her reveal this other side of Brennan which she doesn’t always want to reveal, obviously.
Yeah, absolutely. And Angela certainly is a force to be reckoned with. Will her time in Paris have her reverting back to some of her more whimsical tendencies?
MC: You know, even in really subtle things like her wardrobe, there’s a little bit of a shift in the beginning of the season, a French influence and stuff. I feel like [with] Angela, the great thing is she’s still as sexually open and bold as she ever was. I think the [wedding] ring to her means that she’s now monogamous, but it doesn’t really mean she’s any less wild.
So she still may resort to flashing someone to get information?
MC: I hope so! [Laughs] I’m sure she will be. She uses her wiles, that Angela.
And how are things with her ex, Wendell?
MC: Wendell is still around…he’s in the first episode — the season opener — and it’s a very platonic banter. I don’t think Angela would ever do anything to cross a line there, but she still finds him hot. She still finds him attractive.
Who wouldn’t?
MC: It’s true. I know, I feel like he’s my little brother, Michael Grant Terry (Wendell). But he’s such a sweetheart.
There won’t be awkwardness now that she went back to Hodgins after the Angela-Wendell breakup?
MC: No, it’s not so awkward. I should say it’s not awkward for [Wendell] and I. It might awkward for Hodgins and Wendell.
As long as you stay out of the awkwardness, I’m sure the boys can duke it out appropriately. Now, how about the Gravedigger? I’m hearing she’ll be revisited this season?
MC: I don’t know anything about that episode. I just know someone is leaving. And I hope it’s not me! [Laughs]
Well, BONES creator Hart Hanson just promised at Comic-Con that Angela and Hodgins were going to stay together, so it would seem you are safe.
MC: I think they are. I have to read everybody else’s stuff to find out [what they say at Comic-Con].
Why don’t they have you at Comic-Con? I think you should be there.
MC: You know what? Thank you! I completely agree. Keep asking Hart, maybe I’ll get to go again.
