'Castle': 'That '70s Show' vet Laura Prepon cast as... Beckett?!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/10/28/castle-laura-prepon/

Apparently, Castle is about to get a new queen: I’ve learned exclusively that Laura Prepon has just been tapped to play Natalie Gray, the actress who’s been cast as Nikki Heat in the movie version of our hero’s book Heat Wave.

Go ahead and read that again: I realize it’s a lot to take in.

As you know, the author based Nikki on his actual partner in crime-fighting — and obvious true love — Beckett. So you can well imagine the sparks that will fly when, in essence, a second Beckett, this one bearing a striking resemblance to the hot redhead from That ’70s Show, arrives on the scene early next year.

Ask Ausiello 10/27/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TV Guide Mega Buzz 9/29/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/MegaBuzz-Bones-Event-CSI-1023760.aspx

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

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/29/ask-ausiello-spoilers-glee-greys-30-rock/

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.”
 

Ask Ausiello 9/22/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/22/ask-ausiello-spoilers-glee-greys-gossip/

Question: Okay, so in order for me to make it ’till Thursday, I need some Grey’s Anatomy scoop—specifically on Mer/Der. —Olivia
Ausiello: By the time Meredith tells Derek about her pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage in next week’s episode, she will have kept both secrets for a grand total of three months. Why wait so long? “The man was shot and he’s already feeling [responsible] for getting a bunch of people killed,” explains series creator Shonda Rhimes. “So for her to tell him that the shooting also caused her miscarriage seems a little bit cruel. He doesn’t need one more thing to worry about.” Makes sense to me!

Question: I’d love a little Grey’s Anatomy scoopbit. —Christine
Ausiello: Yet another Buffy grad is checking into Seattle Grace. Amber Benson (ex-Tara) will guest star in this season’s seventh episode as the estranged daughter of one of Cristina’s patients.

Question: Any scoop on Ziva’s storyline on NCIS? —Jennifer
Ausiello: During November sweeps, Ziva “comes face-to-face with her father for the first time since her return from Israel,” reveals exec producer Shane Brennan. “It’s an emotion-charged reunion in a two-part episode that also reveals much about the enigmatic Eli David and one of the other team members.”

Question: I am just wondering about NCIS: Los Angeles and the status of Peter Cambor and his character Nate; in the premiere episode he’s only listed as a special guest star. What’s going on? —Kevin
Ausiello: You’ll get your answer in next week’s episode.

Question: I think you’ve been a little stingy with The Vampire Diaries scoop. How about some enlightenment? —Robin
Ausiello: How about some casting scoop: She Spies alum (and season 7 American Idol almost-finalist) Natasha Williams has landed the role of Lucy, a mysterious hipster who possesses a fun swagger. How’s that for a vague spoiler?

Question: Do you have any Community scoop for me? —Florian
Ausiello: Series creator Dan Harmon breaks down how the Annie/Jeff/Britta triangle will play out this season: “Annie exists, Jeff exists, and Britta exists. And the attractions between them exist. Britta and Jeff had sex. Annie and Jeff kissed. Conflicts between all of them exist and we do touch on that on and off. We established in the first season that it is okay for us to touch on the romantic element sometimes, [but] there doesn’t have to be a will-they-or-won’t-they that drives the show. In real life, there is ab intersecting of love lives and sometimes they flair up into massive complications. We deal with the fallout of the behavior that Jeff engaged in in the finale thoroughly and tremendously in the first episode. There are people who like single Britta and people who hate couples and people who are in one couple’s court, so we have lots of options and I think we will make all of them happy sometimes.”

Question: Any scoop on Community‘s Apollo 13 homage? —Amber
Ausiello: Alison Brie dropped this bombshell during our set visit last week: “Kentucky Fried Chicken is involved. Not sure if that helps you out, but I know for me when I think KFC, I think space immediately. KFC is the final frontier.”

Question: A Brothers & Sistsers scoop ahead of this weekend’s season premiere? —Kelly
Ausiello: Justin the golden child will replace Justin the hothead screw-up this season. “Justin returns from Afghanistan a very different Justin,” reveals exec producer David Marshall Grant. “We all felt that it was time for him to grow up. He becomes a much more strong and a much more helpful force in the Walker family. I don’t think Justin is going to be the problem anymore as much as he might be the solution.”

Question: If my math is correct, Brothers & Sisters will be celebrating its 100th episode this season. Anything special planned? —Matt
Ausiello: Sandra Bullock is guest starring as William Walker’s latest bastard child. And off screen, ABC will probably host a little cake-and-coffee reception for the cast and crew. One of those is true. The other one is a complete fabrication. Guesses? Hit the comments!

Question: Have we seen the last of Lucas on House? —Kirsty
Ausiello: My guess? Yes. You haven’t, however, seen the last of his portrayer, Michael Weston, on Fox. The actor has signed on to guest star in an upcoming episode of The Good Guys, which has its fall premiere this Friday. Weston plays Carson, the genial owner of a bed and breakfast where Jack spends a weekend. Carson is all smiles and pleasant conversation, but Jack senses something is off about him and delves into his past—which leads him to an unsolved crime he may have been part of.

Question: You saw the first two episodes of Fringe! Spill some details, please! Will Peter be getting hot n’ heavy with Bolivia? —Mena
Ausiello: For the record, I prefer Fauxlivia. And yes, there’s some playful dancing and a scorching couch seduction in episode 2. Other tidbits from the immensely satisfying first two hours:

* Walter has The Talk with Peter.
* Walter *ar*s!
* William Bell’s final message to Walter is as follows: Don’t ** a***i* to **o** the ***e.
* Anna Torv deserves an Emmy nomination for the premiere alone.
* Fauxlivia puts a gun to Peter’s head and pulls the trigger not once but twice.

Question: I keep hearing whispers that Gossip Girl might dare to “Dair.” Is this true or am I hearing things? —Kristin
Ausiello: While I can’t confirm that Dan and Blair will be hook up, I can confirm that they will team up to take down Katie Cassidy’s meddling minx.

Question: Any scoop on Dexter? —Mike
Ausiello: New showrunner Chip Johannessen promised he was going to go there with Deb and Quinn, and, man, does he ever. And quick.

Question: Scoop on Amy Ryan’s return to The Office? —Pete
Ausiello: Her first in-the-flesh appearance will be in the Christmas episode when Holly is transferred back to Scranton to sub for Toby, who’s on jury duty. Mindy Kaling is penning the special hour-long episode and Rainn Wilson is serving as director, which I think means craft services turns into a makeshift bar that week.

Question: Castle scoop, please? —Ellen
Ausiello: Scrubs: Med School alum Michael Mosley will be guest-starring in an episode tentatively scheduled to air in November. No details on who he’s playing.

Question: I’m a Charice fan and was wondering when we’ll see her again on Glee? —Mauruce
Ausiello: Probably not until after Sectionals in January. That girls got pipes to spare!

Question: Cheyenne Jackson’s 30-second cameo on Glee this week was fantastic, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him. But does this mean we’ve seen the last of Danny on 30 Rock? —John
Ausiello: You have not seen the last of Danny on 30 Rock. Jackson will be among the guest stars in the Oct. 14 love episode!

Question: Please give me more of scoop on Addison and Sam from Private Practice. Will they be together won’t they? —Virginia
Ausiello: All I’ll say is you’ll know exactly where they stand as a couple by the end of this week’s season premiere.

Question: The looming Private Practice tragedy that you teased in AA last week—is that connected to the blind item about a HIV storyline? —Michael
Ausiello: No, the HIV plot takes place on a CW show. The Private Practice tragedy doesn’t involve a disease.

Question: I loved Cuddy’s new assistant on the House season premiere. Any word on whether we will ever get to see him again? I’ll love you forever if you say yes! —Janine
Ausiello: Prepare to loathe me forever: There are no immediate plans for Chris Conner (Bones, The Assistants) to be back.

Question: Just out of curiosity, do you think House and Cuddy really have a fighting chance to make it as a couple? —Erin
Ausiello: If they can survive the arrival of Cuddy’s mother (as played by Candice Bergen), then I’m pretty sure they can survive anything. “House is going to meet her mom and she is a handful,” explains series creator David Shore. “It’s always nice to have House come up against people with whom, whether he likes to admit it or not, he has something in common. They’re not the same person, but there are parallels—and they’re not attractive parallels.” Bonus scoop: In next Monday’s episode, look for Cuddy to go to great, um, lengths to prove to Wilson that she is indeed dating House.

Question: What can you tell us about the 200th episode of Smallville. Rumor has it there is going to be a major Clois moment in that episode. —Lisa
Ausiello: I can confirm that the final shot in the episode will drive Clois fans bonkers. I can also confirm that Kristin Kreuk will make a cameo appearance… sort of. The landmark episode contains a Lana flashback.

Question: I know you’ve probably been getting tons of requests for this, but any more scoop on the wedding blind item? Perhaps an exact network? —Maggie
Ausiello: How about an exact show: It’s How I Met Your Mother. Did anyone spot the clues in Monday’s episode?!

Question: Did you break your wrist falling off a bridge? —Haley
Ausiello: No.

Question: You broke your wrist falling off a corner? —Luci
Ausiello: Nope I sure didn’t.

Question: You broke your wrist falling off a donkey? —Anna
Ausiello: Nah.

Question: Falling off a ladder? —Lesley
Ausiello: Wrong.

Question: Taking off a jacket? —Anthony
Ausiello: Negatory.

Question: Falling off a jetski? —Christopher
Ausiello: Denied.

Question: Hanging off a branch? —Miguel
Ausiello: False.

Question: Falling off a toilet? —Ron
Ausiello: Incorrect.

Question: Asking for a **o**o*? —Sue
Ausiello: You kiss your mother with that mouth? No.

Question: *a*k**g o** a monkey? —Aaron
Ausiello: That’s disgusting. No.

Question: *a*k**g o** a source? —Joshua
Ausiello: It is getting competitive out there, but no.

Question: Falling off a seesaw? —Reana
Ausiello: Yes! Congratulations! You just won a replica of Gregory House’s legendary walking stick! For the record, Reana was one of two readers (out of 674 who participated) to correctly guess seesaw. Also for the record, turns out my wrist didn’t actually break. Further tests showed that it was just a triangular fibrocartilage complex injury (a.k.a. a bad freakin’ sprain.) Bottom line: Looks like I’ll be able to carry the Smurf balloon at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade after all!

Question: Is there any news at all about the Pushing Daisies comic books? —Eric
Ausiello: Here’s an update from Bryan Fuller himself: “Issue no. 1 will hopefully be out in early 2011. Issue no. 2 is being colored as we speak, and issue no. 3 is being written. Our Emmy-Award winning composer Jim Dooley and I have been talking about giving the audience a multi-media experience with the comic— specifically, a score. We have no idea whether we can actually afford to do an actual Pushing Daisies comic soundtrack (because the cast has agreed to sing songs and those licensing fees are expensive), but Jim has already started composing musical cues that we will either release officially or stream for freesies online when the comic book is published. I’ve already heard the track for Lee Pace’s cover-diddy and it’s fantastic.”

Question: Have you made your picks yet for best new fall show, and first new fall show to be canceled? —Alex
Ausiello: Sadly, it’s one and the same: Lone Star.

Question: I just finished watching the second season of Parks and Recreation and it was incredible. The season finale made me want to laugh, cry, and everything in between. Can you please give me some scoop to lull me over until it returns? —Avery
Ausiello: With Amy Poehler’s maternity leave wrapping up, the show resumes production next week with an episode that pits Leslie against a local tribal leader who’s determined to preserve his ancestors’ sacred grounds.

Question: How about a Friday Night Lights spoiler? —Steve
Ausiello: In the fifth episode of the new season, the wife of a college TA screams the following words in a crowded library: “Julie Taylor is a whore!”

Question: I just saw the premiere of The Event, and it was so good! Do you have any scoops—Marie-Eve
Ausiello: I just watched next week’s second episode and was completely satisfied with both the quality and quantity of the answers we got. In addition to learning what happened to the plane and its inhabitants, we find out what turned Scott Patterson into the pilot from hell and who exactly The Others (a.k.a. Laura Innes & Co.) are. Bonus scoops: A rather pivotal character from the premiere is murdered and someone else is not who he/she claims to be.

'Castle': Lyle Lovett lands unearthly role

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/21/castle-lyle-lovett-alien-abduction/

Remember how much fun Nathan Fillion had pretending he was Indiana Jones on that episode of Castle last season? We expect he’ll enjoy this year’s alien-abduction-themed hour just as much. Especially with Lyle Lovett as a guest star.

The singer and occasional actor (The Player, The Opposite of Sex) has signed on to play Agent Darryl Shafer, a shadowy government figure who detains and interrogates Castle (Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic) as they investigate the death of a prominent astrophysicist whose body was found in her car—a victim of explosive decompression. Was she killed in a decompression chamber and her body moved, or did she die in space? Shafer wants to know what Castle and Beckett already know; they want to know what he’s been hiding.

In the end, they’ll all have to work together to, per a Castle source, “unmask the real killer before he disappears off the face of the earth, taking with him evidence of secrets that, if revealed, could challenge everything we currently believe.”

Lovett will appear in this season’s ninth episode.

Guesses on what movies and TV shows will be referenced? Go!
 

Watch w/ Kristin Spoiler Chat 9/20/10

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b201377_spoiler_chat_get_premiere-week_scoop_on.html

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.
 

Castle Season Premiere Craziness: Why Is Stana Katic So Pissed Off?

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b200720_castle_season_premiere_craziness_why.html

"Surprisingly, deeply suspenseful." "Adrenaline rush, sexy, and very mysterious." "It's on."

No, these aren't terms to describe the inner workings of the Situation's plan to win Dancing with the Stars. "Hair gel and tanning," maybe. But those quotes are directly from the cast of Castle, which returns to our television lives tonight. But what exactly were they describing?

The season premiere! Duh. How else would you describe an episode where Castle ends up getting arrested in the first act?

"Castle was bad. He was somewhere he wasn't supposed to be," Tamala Jones tells us. Jon Huertas also agrees that their favorite author has been naughty. "Castle's getting in trouble. He's not in the good graces of the precinct anymore, so he's got to work his way back in, and it's harder this season than it has been for him," he says.

But more important than possible jail time and being wrongfully accused…how does Beckett react to all this hullabaloo?

"Um, hello?! Castle is standing over a dead body with a gun in his hand. Beckett and the gang find him in there after having discovered that there is a murderer out on the loose," Stana Katic all but shouts at us. "On top of that, Castle, who said, ‘Hey, yeah, I'll see you in the fall,' never called Beckett! He's been back for awhile. His book is about to open. Remember? The one that he based on Beckett? That's what's going on!" It's like we always warn you guys, hell hath no fury like a fictional character scorned. Wait, make that hell hath no fury like a fan base deprived of some sexual tension between their favorite stars.

Rest assured, creator Andrew W. Marlowe will not ignore the double whammy of Beckett finding Castle with a dead body and wondering where he's been since coming back into town. "He walked away from Beckett, and he should be punished for that," he tells us. "So when Beckett has him in the interrogation room, there's a couple layers to that interrogation. Not just strictly ‘What were you doing there?' It's like, ‘When you found the dead body, why didn't you call?' But ‘Why didn't you call?' has other connotations." We bet it's going to be a scene chock -full of good-cop, bad-cop dynamic. Except no good cop, only bad cop. Can't wait!

And the big storyline coming up this season is the arrival of a serial killer. Our frenemy reported that former Oz star Lee Tergesen is signed on for the recurring role of the "Triple Killer," and it looks like he won't be easy to track down.

"I don't know if you noticed this, but we tend to catch every murderer we go after," Nathan Fillion says to us. "Now, there's a guy out there who we find is more than a match for our heroes." And Andrew is definitely looking forward to seeing how the team deals with a slippery criminal. "We've always caught our guy, and here's somebody who presents themselves as an incredibly smart match for Beckett and Castle," says Andrew. "And I think it's fun to see this character match wits with our guys."

How about the other unsolved mystery of the Neil Patrick Harris challenge?

"I've talked to him twice, and I keep forgetting to bring that up!" Nathan laughs. "There's always something going on!" Andrew has his own theories about NPH. "The man is clearly afraid of us. He's afraid because he understands you have to bring your A-game for our show. I don't think he's ready."

Oh. Snap.

Perhaps after Neil sees the crazy season premiere, he'll be more inclined to rearrange his schedule. That, or we're pretty sure Nathan is planning to kidnap him.

What are your thoughts on the "Triple Killer" storyline? Ya think Castle can talk his way out of his arrest? Have at it in the comments below!
 

'Castle' captures 'Oz' grad Lee Tergesen

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/16/castle-lee-tergesen/

Castle is setting the stage for one helluva cat and mouse game, pitting Castle and Beckett against one of their most worthy adversaries yet: Ex-Oz inmate Lee Tergesen.

Sources confirm that Tergesen has been cast in the potentially recurring role of Gates, a shrewd, hardened, and violent felon who becomes the prime suspect in this season’s big “SXK” serial killer investigation.

Tergesen’s character turns up in episode 7 when Castle and Beckett ID him as The Triple Killer (a.k.a. 3XK), a serial murderer who strangled six women four years earlier and has now struck again. As cool-headed as he is cold-blooded, Gates is more than a match for Beckett and Castle.

“He’s going to be somebody that really ends up challenging Beckett and Castle,” reveals exec producer Andrew W. Marlowe. “Castle and Beckett have cracked every case that they’ve been on, and we want to introduce somebody who is more of a worthy opponent to Beckett’s police skills and Castle’s story skills.”

Season 3 of Castle kicks off on Sept. 20.
 

Ask Ausiello 9/15/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/15/ask-ausiello-spoilers-fringe-dexter/

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!
 

TV Guide Megabuzz 9/7/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/MegaBuzz-Vampire-NCIS-Housewives-1022674.aspx

Vampire Diaries scoop, please! — Micah
MICKEY: We'll learn pretty quickly how Jeremy and Caroline fare in their stare-downs with the Grim Reaper, but the answers won't be simple... or permanent. Also: The premiere (Thursday, 8/7c, CW) features a devastating scene between Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder. I'll leave it up to you to guess which character Dobrev is playing in it.

Will there be any friction between Abby and Gibbs in the new season of NCIS? — Melanie
ADAM: While there still may be some fallout from Abby's discovery of Gibbs' murderous past, executive producer Shane Brennan doesn't think the secret will greatly change their relationship. "It's a complex relationship and we've just added another layer of complexity," he says. "But we would not jeopardize the relationship that the audience has come to love. It does bring a different perspective, but it's not like they're going to be busted up. Gibbs and Abby are going back to being Gibbs and Abby."

How can Orson leave Bree? They're the king and queen of Desperate Housewives' Wisteria Lane! — Vicki
MICKEY: Well, I hate to break it to you, Vicki, but Bree is definitely single for now. And according to Marcia Cross, her behavior might be kind of pearl-clutching. "I feel protective of her," Cross says. "There have been some things that have gone on with Brian Austin Green's character, where I was like, 'She'd never do that.'" Can't wait!

I would love some Grey's Anatomy scoop about Derek! — Jaqueline
ADAM: Don't let the stories about Derek being thrown in jail for becoming a speed freak fool you. He's actually coping with last season's bloody finale much better than the rest of the docs. "He gets cleared [for surgery] very early on," Patrick Dempsey tells us. "That's actually a fun scene."

Will Quinn still be nice when Glee returns? — Carrie
MICKEY: Now that Quinn has discharged her cargo, it sounds like she's pretty much back to being an emotional terrorist. "She's mean again," Dianna Agron tells us. "She's looking for a way to torment Rachel; Santana has become a very big threat to her." Perhaps a Destiny's Child cover is in order: "Right now, she's very happy on her own and she likes rubbing it in Puck's face."

Can you give any clues about the Criminal Minds premiere? — Chiara
ADAM: I can tell you that Morgan is vital in bringing down Tim Curry's serial killer and that the child he kidnapped in the finale has an impact that reaches beyond the season premiere. "The carryover from that story is still around," Thomas Gibson tells us. "There's a very wonderful story that we are shooting right now that involves the little girl from last year and my family and Agent Morgan's connection with the little girl. All of those threads are brought together ... and intertwine in a really great way."

After seeing the adorable Rico Rodriguez on the Emmys red carpet, I need to know: What's new for Manny on Modern Family this season? — Anna
MICKEY: Remember how cute — and hilarious — it was in the pilot when Jay and Gloria took Manny to the mall so he could read poetry in a puffy shirt to his much-older crush? Well, it sounds like the kid's at it again, because we're hearing that he'll find love at a quinceañera, which is a party to celebrate a young lady's 15th birthday.

Can't wait for Castle to come back. Just how angry with Castle is Beckett? — Anthony
ADAM: Let's just say that there's a whole lot of woman-scorned subtext when Beckett gets Castle in the interrogation room after he becomes a murder suspect. (And you've seen the promos where they're point guns at each other, right?) But it's pretty clear by the end of the premiere that she wants him back on her team, much to the chagrin of Esposito and Ryan, each of whom spends most of the premiere trying to become Beckett's new favorite.

How long before Chuck returns to New York on Gossip Girl? — Millicent
MICKEY: Not too long. He'll be stateside by the second episode, but that doesn't mean he'll immediately be welcomed back into the fold. Nor does he want to be. (Aside: According to True Prep — aka the new Preppy Handbook — it's still not OK to wear an ascot. Take that, Mr. Bass!)

Anything on The Mentalist? — Clarisse
ADAM: You know how Patrick Jane loves rebelling against authority? He'll get even more opportunities, because the show is adding a stern federal judge to antagonize him. She's a wealthy former DA from a family of blue bloods, and we're hearing the two will clash spectacularly over one of Jane's cases.

I don't understand how Divya can leave Royal Pains. Tell me she won't. — Matt
MICKEY: Did you like the Royal trip to Cuba? I hope so, because there'll be more globe-trotting in the show's future when Divya starts "commuting" between London and the Hamptons. Needless to say, it won't just be the job that keeps her coming back.

I could really use a Supernatural spoiler fix. Can you help? — Leslie
ADAM: Series star Misha Collins warns viewers not to expect the same old Supernatural when the show returns Sept. 24, especially with regards to Castiel's relationship with the Brothers Winchester. "Castiel has his own host of problems ... dealing with maintaining a balance of power in heaven," Collins says. "It's really not something Sam and Dean are any longer involved with. Cas is much less concerned with Sam and Dean and much more concerned with his own problems."

Adam's Mega Rave: Can anyone possibly top Jon Hamm's masterful performance in Sunday's Mad Men? Whether yelling, vomiting or sobbing, he set the bar very high. (My catchphrase of the week: "That's what the money is for!")

Mickey's Mini Rant: Jersey Shore, no more girl-on-girl crime. It's ruining your feminist rep.
 

Fancast Big Tease 9/7/10

http://www.fancast.com/blogs/2010/tv-news/the-big-tease-scoop-on-good-wife-v-csi-ny-bones-and-more/

Hey, Matt, I’ll take anything you’ve got on ‘The Good Wife‘! – Karen
Hey, Karen, you’re in luck, because Graham Phillips had lots to tease about Zach Florrick’s Season 2 storyline – namely that it will feature less teen sleuthing and “a bit more real action.” With pop Peter again running for office, “Zach is desperate to get involved in some way with his dad’s political career – and by the end, he does.” Graham also confirmed what The Big Tease shared back in June, that Zach’s ex-girlfriend Becca (played by Dreama Walker) “comes back, and she’s up to more mischief.”

What’s in store for Kyle Hobbes in ‘V’s Season 2? – ripleyaeryn via Twitter
‘V’ exec producer Scott Rosenbaum tells The Big Tease that Hobbes (played by Charles Mesure) will resume his mercenary role within Erica’s team, but because of the deal he is forced to make with Visitor Marcus, “His alliance will be tested.” We’ll also learn about Sarah, the love of Hobbes’ life “whose disappearance sent him down his dark path,” Rosenbaum reveals. “[That] gives him a personal stake in the fight against the Vs, and we will see him at his most ruthless as he’s driven to take down the Visitors and reunite with Sarah.” Wait, what – Sarah’s alive? Paging Evangeline Lilly!

Please! Give us some scoops about ‘CSI: NY’s Danny and Lindsay! – cposoares via Twitter
Exec producer Pam Veasey tells me that in addition to negotiating the Melina Kanakaredes/Sela Ward swap, the Friday, Sept. 24 season opener takes a look at “what Lindsay (Anna Belknap) is dealing with and going through” as the result of Shane Casey’s middle-of-the-night visit to the Messers’ nursery. “It speaks to Lindsay and who she’s become, and how valuable family is to her.” And Danny? “Obviously, he’s kind of shaken up by it,” Carmine Giovinazzo shares, “but he’s the rock for Lindsay right now. She’s the one that seems to need the support.”

Will we see familiar faces back on ‘CSI: NY‘ this season? For one, I hope to see Flack’s sister, Sam, again. – Clarisse
As would EP Pam Veasey. Alas, ever since Kathleen Munroe last guested as Sam, “She became a very hard-working actress,” Veasey explains. “We tried to bring her back in a recent episode, and couldn’t work out the schedule. But we will definitely try again.” P.S. Watch for my in-depth season premiere Q&A with Pam Veasey this Friday!

What have you heard about Daisy returning to ‘Bones‘? – Smurfs
She’s on hand for the Sept. 23 season premiere, have no fear. In fact, she brings rather humorous levity to the “guerillas” scene that Emily Deschanel referred to in this video Q&A. And then when Daisy and Sweets (attempt to) reconnect after the seven-month split? So much fun, I want these two to get their own spin-off.


What did you think of the ‘Bones‘ premiere? I’m on the fence about this one. – Tanya
I was impressed by how angst-free it was, even as Bones and Booth came face to face after their seven-month separation. Instead, equal time was given to the Sweets/Daisy and Angela/Hodgins stories. Plus, I like how the workplace status quo has been altered just enough (right down to a dwindled number of squints) to freshen things up.

Any ‘Castle‘ scoop? Preferably something Castle/Beckett related, if you can. – xpenguin via Twitter
Monday’s season premiere revolves around a nifty twist: What if Castle repeatedly emerged as a person of interest in a series of murders, thus landing him Beckett’s non-flirty crosshairs? And while it’s cute to espy Kate’s bitterness over her “partner’s” summer hiatus, it’s just as fun to see Esposito and Ryan come off as scorned bromantic interests.

Did you ever watch the new pilot for The CW’s ‘Hellcats‘ (premiering Wednesday)? – hellcatsfansite via Twitter
I popped it into the DVD player on Monday night and, compared to the incomplete, 32-minute “presentation” that got sent out in the spring, it was obviously better/richer. It fleshes out the canvas – namely ‘Boston Public’ alum Sharon Leal’s storyline, which is always a good thing – with the addition of D.B. Woodside (’24′) and Jeff Hephner (’Mercy’) as the Hellcats coach’s present and past love interests. I’ll be detailing my thoughts in a Fancast First Look preview piece, but at the very least the show falls into the “Guilty Pleasures” category.

How is the ‘Life Unexpected‘ premiere? I really liked the first season, and was surprised and happy that it got a second. – EvolutionGirl via Twitter
My goodness, a lot happens in the September 14 season premiere. There’s plentiful reaction to Baze’s failed ‘Graduate’ moment, there’s a romantic road trip, a near-tragedy… and at least one canvas-tweaking twist that I did not see coming.

You tweeted this piece of Baze’s dialogue from the ‘Life Unexpected‘ premiere: “Cate, if I had gotten to the church earlier, it wouldn’t have mattered… right?” Tell me more! – PaulaEdgar via Twitter
OK – Cate’s response to that is three words.

Now that ‘Lie To Me’s Gillian is finally done with Dr. Burns, can we see some good Gillian/Cal stuff? After all, Cal did say that he wanted Gillian “in the worst possible way.” – Hilla
Well, he sure has a funny way of showing it. Take the Season 3 episode that guest-stars Tricia Helfer (’Battlestar Galactica’) as a woman who catches Cal’s eye. He whips out every trick in his book to capitalize on her “tells,” reel her in and make her putty in his hands – and practically right in front of Gill!

Anything juicy coming up this season on ‘90210‘? – D.L.
A few episodes in, Navid will struggle to figure out from where it is he knows his pretty new locker neighbor. Oh, that’s right – she starred in one of the pornos his dad produced! Awk. Ward. (And we haven’t even gotten to the fact that she’s a high school junior; do the math.)

Do you have any scoop on there being another season of ‘Persons Unknown‘? The show was great, but it was supposed to “answer all questions” by the end of the season. Instead, the finale left us wondering. Will it be back? – Debbie
Nothing is “official,” but seeing as the two-hour finale only mustered 1.58 million viewers, I’m hearing that the chance for renewal is slim to none.

Any chance to see Dan and Blair together on ‘Gossip Girl‘? – Wahiba
Dan and Blair? She’s about the only female he doesn’t have a scene with in the first two episodes of the new season, which debuts Sept. 13. I mean, the guy’s already juggling a seemingly waylaid romance with Serena, a possible reunion with Vanessa and whatever fresh hell Georgina has planned for him. By the way, the moment in Episode 2 when those three stories converge? Priceless.
 

Ask Ausiello 8/25/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/08/25/ask-ausiello-spoilers-glee-gossip-girl-castle/

Question: Any Glee scoop? —Ines
Ausiello: I’m hearing a major character (a series regular!) will find himself/herself in a literal life-and-death situation in this season’s third episode. In possibly related news (I say possibly because I honest-to-goodness don’t know), Chris Colfer’s Emmy-nominated TV dad Mike O’Malley tells us that episode 3 will be “another emotional, emotional episode” for father and son. The actor goes on to hint that the show will revisit the complicated dynamic between Burt and Kurt’s crush, Finn. “The last time I was on the show, [Burt] threw Finn out of the house. There [may] be some resolution there. One of the things I think is really important in life and for human beings is to forgive and be able to rise up from our mistakes. I’m hoping that Finn and Burt are able to cross that chasm.”

Question: I seem to recall you said that Chord Overstreet (a.k.a. Glee‘s newest stud) wouldn’t turn out to be Kurt’s new boyfriend. Jane Lynch tells it differently. —Ashley
Ausiello: Actually, Jane Lynch tells it exactly the same way I did. Snap.

Question: Will Glee ever cast Rachel’s “two gay dads”? Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick are my top picks! —Kim L
Ausiello: Series creator Ryan Murphy sounds doubtful. Though “people always ask me to do that…I don’t know that we ever will.” Maybe he’ll go with Lea Michele’s idea. Says the boss, she suggested “we see them in season 3, like a shot of Elton John cheering her on in an audience. I haven’t decided how I’m going to do that.”

Question: Got any Grey’s Anatomy scoop concerning the Alex/Lexie/Mark triangle? —Maura
Ausiello: Yep—said triangle no longer exists! “At the end of the season Alex was asking for Izzie,” Shonda Rhimes reminds me. “It’s really hard to feel like there’s a love triangle going on if the man Lexie loves is clearly asking for another woman. And she’s very clear on that by the time the [season premiere] is over.”

Question: Some news about the future of Josh Holloway in television? —Olivia
Ausiello: Funny story: Shortly after I posted my story linking Holloway to NBC’s Rockford Files remake, Doc Jensen emails me and says he had a conversation with JH about Rockford back in April when NBC started casting the pilot. Doc J mentioned to him that after watching the “Sawyer & Miles” cop show in the sideways world, he thought Holloway would make a perfect Jim Rockford. Holloway’s response? “I thought so, too! And I was like, no way, don’t even go there… because I love The Rockford Files. And I thought Ken [Leung] would be great for [Rockford's sidekick]. I would have loved that show. But I wanted to give movies a shot, so I never even pursued it.” But that was April. This is August. Fingers crossed Holloway is having a change of heart.

Question: Is it too early to get any plot-related Big Love scoop? —Rachael
Ausiello: It’s sure not. Ex-president Gregory Itzin tells us that his senator character and newly elected Bill “will butt heads. [Since] he’s come out as a polygamist, he’s taking a lot of political heat, and I become the spearhead for that, because I am the Speaker of the House.” But before the conclusion of the 24 baddie’s arc—he’s in at least five of the season’s 10 episodes—”I extend an olive branch, and he does too. But,” he adds, “I don’t know how long that will last.”

Question: Some Gossip Girl scoop regarding Rufus and Lily, please. They’re my favorite couple, and we’ve heard nothing about them. —Sly
Ausiello: A certain rat Bass-tard is going to come between them early in the season—relax, I’m not talking romantically. While Lily is more than willing to forgive Chuck for what happened with Jenny, Rufus is having a harder time moving past it. And just when he finally starts to come around, Eric lets him in on a little secret (hint: It pertains to an ugly incident from the pilot). Cue World War III.

Question: I fell in love with Dan and Vanessa last season on Gossip Girl. Needless to say, Dan’s out-of-nowhere “signs” about Serena in the finale threw me for a loop. Please say Dan and Vanessa aren’t over for good as a couple. —Sarah
Ausiello: I’m guessing it’s not over, since they move in together in episode 3!

Question: Got anything on Brothers & Sisters? —Tim
Ausiello: Producers are looking for a “celebrity name” to play Gilles Marini’s gorgeous (natch) sixtysomething TV mom, who comes to town and makes quite an impression on the Walker family. Got casting tips? Hit the comments!

Question: What happened to Duck on Mad Men? —Karen
Ausiello: I have a sneaking suspicion we’ll find out in this Sunday’s episode. Meanwhile, Rich Sommer (Harry) says he’s optimistic that current contract talks between series creator Matthew Weiner and Lionsgate will yield a positive outcome. “I think the show is him,” he says. “Could a show called Mad Men exist without Matt Weiner? It wouldn’t be the Mad Men that we know and care about. Hopefully everything will get worked out soon, and I will get the phone call saying so.”

Question: I will be cutting my Smurf doll in half unless I receive some good How I Met Your Mother scoop. Your move, Ausiello. —Matt
Ausiello: Back away from the doll! [Beat] Take another step back. [Beat] You’re still too close. [Beat] Okay, that’s good. Marshall and Lily waste no time starting Project Concepción. “We’re going to pick up right where season 5 left off—it’s night 1 of them trying to have a baby,” previews exec producer Craig Thomas. “I’m not saying it’s going to be pornographic, but we are going to dig right into Attempt No. 1. We’re going to join them at the very beginning of that journey.” In other HIMYM news…wedding scoop!

Question: I’m in desperate need of some Weeds scoop, especially regarding Andy! —Kristen
Ausiello: Someone’s about to get gang-spanked, and that someone is Andy.

Question: Please tell me some good 30 Rock scoop! —Cindy
Ausiello: Would you settle for good-ish? A casting call has gone out for an African-American male in the 30s-60s age range to play Rutherford Rice, the distinguished, well-spoken host of Right On, a fictitious talk show focusing on African-American issues. Is it racist of me to assume this probably involves Tracy? Probably.

Question: Are you going to make a list of the new shows we should watch, and the ones that we should miss? I have no idea how to set my DVR! —Amanda
Ausiello: Help has arrived…

Watch: Lone Star (Fox), Undercovers (ABC), The Event (NBC), No Ordinary Family (ABC), Raising Hope (Fox), Mike & Molly (CBS), Better With You (ABC), Hawaii 5-0 (CBS), and Nikita (The CW).

Miss: $#*! My Dad Says (CBS) and Hellcats (The CW).

If a new show you’re curious about isn’t listed above, it means either I’m on the fence (e.g., CBS’ The Defenders) or I haven’t watched the pilot yet (e.g., Outlaw).

Question: I’m sure you’re sick of Castle/Beckett-related questions, but it has to be asked: Is there any good news on the horizon for them? —Darla
Ausiello: There is good news: Series creator Andrew W. Marlowe confirms that they will hook up—eventually. “There will come a time in the series when [a relationship] will be worth exploring,” he says. “But I don’t think the characters are ready to go to that level now. We still have a lot of storytelling—a lot of near misses—left to explore and play with. In many ways, Beckett is still a mystery to Castle. She has other things going on in her life that she’s very cautious about exposing to him because she feels that he’s not ready. I think the fun of the series is watching them do that dance. And the dance can continue evolving to the point where they can be in a relationship. I just don’t think they’re ready for that right now.” That’s sorta good news, right?!

Question: Got any Castle scoop for us? —Jennifer
Ausiello: There’s a somewhat significant death in the second episode. I’m also hearing something about Castle revealing his REAL name.

Question: Thanks for the scoop about Monet Mazur (Gina) returning in Castle‘s fifth episode. Can you tell us anything else about the episode? What brings her back? —Heather
Ausiello: Per Marlowe, “Castle has to attend a charity event that Gina’s throwing that’s honoring her. Of course, Martha’s take on it is that it’s very narcissistic, but we find out later on that she’s doing it for all the noble reasons. The theme of the episode is the things we do for love.”

Question: Many fans of The Office are concerned that Pam dated Timothy Olyphant’s character post-Roy and pre-Jim. Is this the case? Is Jim just finding out about it now? —Matt
Ausiello: Yes to all of the above! According to executive producer Paul Lieberstein, Pam dated Olyphant while Jim was with Karen. “Everyone in the office makes a big deal of it, and we get into Jim’s jealousy a little bit,” he says. “It bothers him a little.”

Question: You tell us that Erica Durance is playing Isis on Smallville and you don’t elaborate? WTH? —Steve
Ausiello: Do you still not understand how this works? Ausiello TV is where the seed gets planted, and Ask Ausiello is where we watch the flower grow. Put another way, Ausiello TV is the foreplay to Ask Ausiello’s full-on shag. So whaddaya say we get down to business? “It’s an inhabitation story,” explains exec producer Brian Peterson of the Lois-Isis connection. “Lois is actually going to be possessed by the spirit of Isis.” Was it good for you, Steve? BTW, quick clarification: Smallville‘s Isis isn’t the DC Comics character Isis. It’s the Egyptian goddess Isis with a nod to the DC Isis. Understand? Good, now explain it to me.

Question: Anything on Chloe’s return yet on Smallville? —Maria26
Ausiello: Allison Mack will appear in the premiere and then return “in the middle of the season in a very impactful way in Clark’s life,” reveals Peterson. “It’s a great wrap-up to her character, and it also dovetails into the Chloe/Oliver relationship.”

Question: I have loved this season of Burn Notice so far, and I’m totally digging the addition of Coby Bell. But last week’s episode has me wondering: Now that (SPOILER ALERT!) Jesse knows that Michael burned him, what will become of Mr. Bell? —Kristina
Ausiello: He’ll be back for the second half of the season, don’t you worry. In the meantime, Jesse makes a choice in this week’s finale that will affect Michael in a major way. In possibly related news, the cliff-hanger finds Michael in the most perilous situation we’ve ever seen him in. And this dude’s been in some seriously perilous situations.

Question: The last two Ask Ausiellos haven’t had any scoop on the best series at this moment: The Good Wife! —Ingmar
Ausiello: Good thing we spoke to Alan Cumming over the weekend at the Creative Arts Emmys or else it would’ve been three in a row. Look for Eli to get “more heavily involved in Peter’s campaign,” he teases about his character’s story line this fall. “He gets meaner and ruthlesser.” Regarding his recent upgrade to series regular, Cumming says the biggest difference is “I get paid more. And I sort of have an idea of where my character is going now. [Before] I had no idea what was going to happen. The next week I could’ve been a murderer.”

Question: What are the chances Chuck will get a back-nine order? I’m freaking out over here! —Eric
Ausiello: I assumed exec producers Chris Fedak and Josh Schwartz would be too. But they’re not. As Schwartz points out, “We never started a season with more than 13 episodes. Like last year, we will hope for the best, plan for the worst, and be ready to have an incredible final episode 13 if need be with a contingency plan to keep the season going.” Adds Fedak: “Episode 13 no matter what will be epic.”
 

TV Guide Megabuzz 8/24/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mega-Buzz-Greys-1022165.aspx

Any more hints about the couple getting married on Grey's Anatomy? — Janelle
ADAM: You'll find out soon enough. In the meantime, the second episode of the season will feature a near-proposal involving another fan-favorite couple (one half of which may or may not be pictured above). Before you reach for your Kleenex, though, ask yourself: Does this guy really want to get married?

Stefan seemed different in the Vampire Diaries finale. Where is he heading? — Katherine
MICKEY: Interestingly, it's Katherine's arrival that awakens something in Stefan. "He accepts that he's a vampire more; he's less plagued by being a victim and being run over by his brother," Paul Wesley says. "He becomes more proactive, and he knows how to have fun sometimes." In other words, get ready for Freaky Friday: Sibling Vampire Edition.

Will Ray Langston change after being stabbed by Nate Haskell on CSI? — Bill
ADAM: "All of our characters will be recovering from the events of the finale," executive producer Carol Mendelsohn tells us, adding cryptically that Ray "will have lost something in the attack." She also let slip that Haskell will return to Vegas to stand trial. "Our current plan is to have Nate Haskell defend himself, and anything goes — including putting Langston on the stand!"

Is Vanessa Williams just playing a version of Wilhelmina on Desperate Housewives? Because I would hate that. — Maureen
MICKEY: I wouldn't say that exactly. She plays Renee Perry, Lynette's college "frenemy" who is also the estranged wife of a professional football player. From what I understand, she is no stranger to fine jewelry, treating her household staff poorly, and infidelity. Infer what you will.

Why is Beckett getting another boyfriend on Castle? Can't she and Castle get together already? — Melinda
ADAM: "If you don't create obstacles, the flirtation will lead to something much sooner than the audience wants," creator Andrew Marlowe tells us. But he promises the roadblocks, including Castle's reunion with his ex-wife, aren't just there for the sake of keeping the characters apart. "Part of our metaphor in the early stretch of the season is that these two people, who many feel belong together, 'married' the wrong people," Marlowe says. "So, we're rooting for them to wake up and find each other again."

Wow! President Logan on Big Love? I'm in! — Matt
MICKEY: Matt, would you be surprised if I told you that the man who played 24's most devious commander-in-chief, Gregory Itzin, is going to play a political adversary to Bill? "I am very judgmental of him because of what he did," Itzin tell us. "I feel he betrayed his constituents. He told them one thing and then did another." The Utah state senator better watch his back, though: This ain't Bill's first time at the character-debate rodeo.

Got anything new on CSI: Miami? — Hugh
ADAM: Apparently Bones isn't the only show dedicating an episode to reality TV. We're hearing that an upcoming episode of Miami will feature four stars of a fictional reality show called the The Boroughs. One is described as a "shirtless god" and another plunges to her death during a red carpet event.

I can't wait to LOL at more Modern Family. Scoop? — Tom
MICKEY: Exclusive, context-free scoop! In an upcoming episode, Phil has this line: "Sorry, I burnt my ladyfingers." In other Pritchett news, who would watch a documentary series about Cameron as an overbearing stage parent? [Raises hand.] We'll get a taste of that program when Lily lands a small role in a commercial that pays homage to a classic B movie.

I haven't heard much about Parenthood's new season. Can you help? — Rachel
ADAM: I smell a new love interest for Mae Whitman's Amber: her SAT tutor. The only problem is that he's more interested in a friend of hers — oh, and drugs. Will that stop Amber? The character is set to recur, so it sounds like it won't.

I love Community and I've heard that Betty White is going to be on. Any other guest stars? — Terry
MICKEY: I'm hearing that the producers are circling a big name star to guest in a Pierce-centric episode that happens later in the season. In it, the mischievous leader of a group of older students called the "hipsters" — so named after the surgical procedure they've all had — attempts to "steal" Pierce from the study group. If producers have their way, it'll be a fun little only-on-TV reunion.

What more can you tell me about the Smallville premiere? — Allen
ADAM: I can tell you that it ends with a twist that executive producer Kelly Souders says "rocks [Clark's] world and sends him on a different trajectory. ... He realizes that he's not the guy that everybody looks to when they think of Superman, an inspirational totally pure-hearted guy. That's not who Clark Kent is right now, and that becomes very clear to him."

Do you have any Chuck scoop about Casey? —Melanie
MICKEY: We'll meet two former members of Casey's Special Ops team. One will be as grounded as the other is skittish. They'll also, oddly, kind of remind you of Justin "I'm a Mac" Long and John "I'm a PC" Hodgman.

Adam's Mega Rave: Rescue Me has been on fire lately, culminating in Tuesday's cliff-hanger that left Lou and Damien's lives in the balance. No matter who lives or dies, the show is clearly proving it's not afraid to take risks.

Mickey's Mini Rant: Sookie's not the only one who thinks it's "f---ing lame" that she's a fairy.