Ask Ausiello 10/20/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/10/20/ask-ausiello-spoilers-glee-desperate-30-rock/

Question: Rumor around the Glee circuit is that Quinn and Rachel lock lips in episode 6. Any truth to that? —Joan
Ausiello: Sorry, no. If it’s any consolation, it looks like the frenemies get fairly close to first base in the new GQ. Speaking of Glee, I can now confirm that the show is planning a Christmas episode. I don’t have any other details at the moment. I do, however, have a suggestion for Ryan Murphy: Please give us (read: me) an It’s a Wonderful Life homage with Sue at the center. I, er, we don’t ask for much.

Question: Glee scoop, please! —Jeffrey
Ausiello: Someone’s about to get expelled!

Question: One Tree Hill. You’re a stingy Smurf when it comes to scoop on this gem of a show. —La-roo
Ausiello: Sources close to the National Weather Center confirm that Mother Nature is doing me a solid and sending a major hurricane Hill‘s way before season’s end.

Question: Do you have any spoilers on No Ordinary Family? —Mike
Ausiello: A recurring character has an appointment with the Grim Reaper in early December.

Question: I am loving No Ordinary Family. Got any good spoilers for me? —Deb
Ausiello: Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Julie Benz’s Ordinary parents will be played by Maddie Hayes and D-Day (a.k.a. Cybill Shepherd and Bruce McGill). Ma and Pa pay their superhero daughter a visit next month.

Question: Could you stop using the phrase “hitcom”? It bothers me. —John
Ausiello: Yes, but only because you asked nicely.

Question: Please, we need some 30 Rock scoop! Thank you. —Cindy
Ausiello: Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…wait, it really is a plane. And Matt Damon is flying it, in an episode that sounds like it’s going to take place largely on one of pilot Carol’s flights. Not only is Liz on board, but the show is also casting such fellow passengers as a neurotic suit (seated next to Liz, which I don’t think has ever dulled anyone’s neuroses), a snippy gay male flight attendant, and — this is where things get interesting — an *** ********.

Question: I can’t be the only one who loves Lincoln Lee in Fringe‘s “over there” universe! Will we learn new things about him (like how did he know Nick Lane, or where’s his “over here” version)? —Elena
Ausiello: Sounds like a question for exec producer Jeff Pinkner: “No, Elena, you’re not the only one! We love Lincoln (and Seth Gabel!). We love the energy he brings to the show, and the vibe of the Fringe Team “Over There.” (And we all fantasize about how much fun it would be to see the TV show Fringe that has been playing for the past two years in the Alt Universe with Lincoln, Charlie and Altlivia/Fauxlivia/(b)Olivia as the stars.) But to answer your question: We look forward to spending more time learning about Lincoln. And you raise a very interesting point: What is his doppelgänger “Over Here” up to?!”

Question: Weeds spoilers, for the love of all that is holy, I need some Weeds spoilers! Who is Lars? —Claire
Ausiello: Lars is an old friend of Nancy’s. A very good old friend.

Question: Your frenemy dropped some major Weeds scoop this week, and I know you are not gonna let her one-up you like that! What say you give us the deets on Guillermo’s return and just how far Esteban is willing to go to get baby Stevie back. —Claire
Ausiello: Guillermo shows up at the tail end of this season’s penultimate episode…with Esteban! And they don’t have to go too far to get Stevie back — just to the airport, which is where the Botwin clan is headed to flee the country. Quick, someone ask me who makes it onto the plane!

Question. Hey, there’s been no scoop on 90210 lately. Got anything? —Jane
Ausiello: New-couple alert: Navid and Silver! Look for sparks to start flying around episode 8. In other 90210 news, Ivy’s estranged father will be introduced in early ’11. He’s described as an all-American, Ivy League-educated charmer.

Question: Can’t seem to get enough Smallville spoilers. Have any new ones? —Dylan
Ausiello: If you’re a Clois freak, the Oct. 29 ghost-town-set episode is not to be missed. Trust me. Elsewhere, expect more Justice League appearances toward the end of the season.

Question: How is the new FX show Terriers doing? —Alexandra
Ausiello: Terribly. Seriously, the ratings are abysmal. It’s depressing because the show is fantastic. I screened the first five episodes last weekend and I immediately gave it the official Aushole Seal of Approval. The ceremony was private — i.e., friends, family, and Shawn Ryan — so don’t give me any grief about your invitation getting lost in the mail.

Question: There hasn’t been Desperate Housewives scoop in weeks. Got anything to appease me? —Connor
Ausiello: I hear Marc Cherry is putting the finishing touches on his annual winter cliff-hanger catastrophe, and this is what I’ve been able to glean from my Wisteria Lane moles: Two characters will be in mortal danger, the deadly event is not weather-related, and hordes of extras will be needed for the harrowing sequence. Guesses? Hit the comments!

Question: Do you have anything on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia? —Stephanie
Ausiello: The Oct. 28 episode finds the gang (sans Dee) flashing back to try to figure out who got her pregnant. Mac claims they all “browned out” that night, which is a less severe version of blacking out. They piece together what vague memories they have and arrive at this disturbing conclusion: Dennis might have impregnated his sister! Ewwww!

Question: Do you know if any of last year’s guest stars from Community are coming back this year? I’m thinking John Michael Higgins, Tony Hale, Blake Clark, or Jack Black? —Tommy
Ausiello: Nothing cooking with any of those folks at this time. Here’s something cool, though: Judd Apatow’s go-to baddie Kevin Corrigan has just been cast as a guest professor in an upcoming episode.

Question: Is there any news on the rumored sniper on Bones? —Jessica
Ausiello: His name is Jacob Ripkin Broadsky, he’s slated to show up in early ’11, and I can confirm that he does in fact take out a pivotal recurring character.

Question: I’ve missed House two weeks in a row due to work, which is very depressing. Can I please have some scoop to cheer me up? —Kim
Ausiello: You should check out this new product that just hit the market. It’s called a DVR. All the cool kids are using it. In any event, exec producer Katie Jacobs teases that Taub’s marriage will be tested in “a completely unexpected way” later this season. Might this be connected to a certain spoiler that ran in AA last week? Maybe. Maybe not.

Question: Can you please use your impressive resources to find out if Rubicon will be picked up for season 2? —Nathan
Ausiello: I’m told that AMC would very much like a second season, but the ratings are atrocious. Even worse than Terriers’.

Question: I’m getting super-tired of Cristina’s “can’t do it” story line on Grey’s Anatomy. Tell me she’ll get over it soon. —Farrah
Ausiello: My guess is we’re closer to the end than the beginning. “It gets pretty dark for her,” teases exec producer Shonda Rhimes. “Cristina is a person who has identified herself purely as a surgeon — before anything else. And for her to be at a place where she’s not sure if she can even pick up a scalpel is fairly devastating.”

Question: Um, so tip fail? Unless a certain Mad Men character committed suicide after the credits rolled, I think you pegged that one wrong. What’s the scoop? —Elise
Ausiello: The scoop is there’s a big difference between a spoiler and a prediction. Look it up.

Question: Any Big C scoop? —Jeremy
Ausiello: A major character will commit suicide before the end of season 1. Now that, Elise, is a spoiler.

Question: I’m torn…I’m enjoying The Event, but I’m mildly happy that its ratings aren’t stellar. Why? Because Mr. Cyr [Jason Ritter] and Sarah were so perfect together on Parenthood! What are the chances of The Event lasting, in your expert opinion? —Wendy
Ausiello: Considering it was just picked up for a full season, the chances are good it’ll last at least 22 episodes. If the show’s ratings stabilize — or better yet grow — a second season is probably a safe bet. Chances are you’ll get closure either way. “I do have a shorter way of getting to [the endgame, should it conclude prematurely],” says series creator Nick Wauters. “Hopefully it won’t come to that. But I think it’s important to give viewers some kind of conclusion.”

Question: Any spoilers on The Event? —Sydney
Ausiello: Wauters says we’ll definitely find out who (or what) the “Others” are (aliens? time travelers?) by the end of season 1. “We’ll also find out what they want and where they came from.”

Question: Is there any way you can find out when Interview With the Vampire comes on? This probably isn’t what you normally do, but you are the best. Anyway, if you find out something, please post it or get back to me. —LT
Ausiello: Sometimes I don’t even know who you people are.

Question: Can you tell me more about Nicholas Brendon’s three-episode arc on Private Practice? —Catherine
Ausiello: As I revealed last week, he plays the nutjob who rapes Charlotte. Exec producer Shonda Rhimes describes it as a “random” attack. He comes into the clinic, and “immediately there’s [the suggestion] of some mental illness going on there,” she explains. “Charlotte tells him to wait his turn, and the next thing you know, he’s attacking her.”

Question: I would gladly give up my Papa Smurf action figure for some Private Practice scoop. I’m hoping that the upcoming sexual assault of Charlotte brings Cooper and Charlotte closer. Love this couple. BTW, last week’s episode with Dell’s daughter was one of the best episodes of all time. Ending was a classic. —The Rock
Ausiello: I think the attack will ultimately bring Charlotte and Cooper closer, but initially she’ll push him away. “The interesting bond that springs up is between Charlotte and Amelia,” reveals Rhimes. “They were both addicts, and there’s an interesting [connection] that forms there.”

Question: Damn you for pissing on my My Boys parade, Ausiello! That season finale was perfect, and now you’re telling me the show was cancelled?! I think I deserve some scoopage. Let’s go obscure. How about Huge? —Jenn
Ausiello: LOL! Good one, Jenn. You had me going there for a second. [Beat] Oh, wait — you’re not joking, are you? Um, this is awkward.
 

Fringe gets a Back to the Future Shock!

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Exclusive-Fringe-gets-1024542.aspx

Great Scott! Back to the Future's Doc Brown will be meeting Fringe's resident Doctor Frankenstein when Christopher Lloyd guest stars early next year as Walter's musical hero.

"We all know how much Walter loves music, right? Well this fellow was one of his icons," explains John Noble of Lloyd's role in the season's 10th episode. "He adored this man. So Walter gets to be a bit of a fanboy."

Lloyd, who is currently enjoying a resurgence thanks to the 25th anniversary of Future, begins filming next week in Vancouver and will appear in the show's 10th episode. And while there remains a Fringe-ian veil of secrecy surrounding his actual involvement in the hour's investigation, it's very clear that Nobel is excited to have Marty McFly's bestie coming aboard. "It's a beautiful role and such good casting," he enthuses. "When I read the script I thought 'I hope hey get someone great.' And Christopher Lloyd exceeds my expectations!"
 

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.”
 

Fancast Big Tease 9/28/10

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

Do you have any hints as to why Robert Wagner is coming back to ‘NCIS‘? – Carlee
I turn this first question over to the Hintmaster himself, Shane Brennan. “R.J. Wagner’s return as the charming Anthony DiNozzo Sr. recaptures all the fun and chaos that resulted from his last visit,” the ‘NCIS’ boss tells the Big Tease. What’s more, he says the encore “reveals an emotionally charged moment between father and son that’s not to be missed.” So hinty!

I’m obsessed with what ‘Fringe’s Anna Torv said about Olivia finding a new ally in the alternate universe. Did she give any other clues? – Deb
Did Anna? No. John Noble? Maybe. When I questioned alt-Broyles’ allegiance to the Secretary of Defense, Noble responded, “Broyles is a strong character. Now, how much he’ll go along with things is to be revealed.”

Are we going to see more of the hybrid baby when ‘V‘ returns? – Susan
“Ohhh yeah,” exec producer Steve Pearlman told me during my visit to the ABC series’ Vancouver set last week. “You’ll see the hybrid in Episode 1″ (premiere date TBD). As for the little one’s appearance, “It won’t necessarily look very human,” he teased.

Did your visit to the ‘V‘ set turn up any scoop on what “red sky” is or does? – Greg
Though Elizabeth Mitchell wouldn’t spill any specifics, she said the answer “definitely satisfied me” and it “happens in the first five minutes…. all kinds of really horrifying things.” And yet, somehow, Anna will spin it as a good thing for humanity. Somewhere in outer space lays a very savvy publicist.

Please give me some scoop on ‘The Good Wife‘! – Karen
Oh, tonight’s season premiere is a fine hour. That “intimate” scene that made headlines a few weeks back? Well-played. Also, the way Kalinda meets her new rival (’FNL’s Scott Porter) is pretty awesome, as is their ongoing prickly banter (he knows a secret of hers that she very much doesn’t like him knowing); Eli acquires a new cohort; Michael Ealy (’Sleeper Cell’) fits in smoothly as a new partner with big ideas; and Will has been named one of the area’s most eligible bachelors (ouch, Alicia!).

Thank you so much for the ‘CSI: NY‘ Q&A. Did Pam Veasey say nothing about Adam, though? – QueenLillith
Well, she offered this: “Adam gets a little hair on his chest in Episode 2,” which airs this Friday at 9/8c. The storyline: A woman appears to be strangled while participating in a live online chat that Adam witnesses. Ah, the perils of this Internet thing.


I hope Claire Forlani is coming back to ‘CSI: NY‘ as Mac’s love interest. Any hints? – starskybabe
As revealed in last Friday’s Q&A: Madchen Amick, maybe. Claire Forlani, no.

Do the folks at ‘Human Target‘ feel like they’re shooting a James Bond film with every episode? Because it sure feels like one! – Joel
Exec producer Matt Miller must agree. “Between our incredible stunt coordinator (Emmy nominee Dean Cho) and our producer-director Steve Boyum, who spent the majority of his career as a stunt man, we have the best stunts on television,” he boasts. And what sort of explodey goodness is on tap for Season 2, premiering this Friday at 8/7c? “For our eighth episode, our kind of ‘holiday ‘episode, we really wanted to destroy a mall,” Miller says. “We wanted a cool set piece where Chance is just wreaking havoc in a mall.” I suggested the episode title “A Very Human Target Christmas” – cross fingers!

Will ‘Smallville’s Clark ever say to Lois the words, “I love you”? – Nicole
First, let’s ask Clark himself. “I would think so,” Tom Welling told me Saturday night at the show’s 200th episode party. “I’m not sure what exactly they have in store for [the final season], but Lois is definitely a part of Clark’s future.” And now, the executive producers. “There will be epic romance, that we can say,” teases Brian Peterson. Adds Kelly Souders: “Definitely watch the 200th episode” (airing Oct. 15).

How about some scoop on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’s Meredith? – Kazzer
This is the week Mer tells Derek that she had a miscarriage. But also on the horizon are some powerhouse scenes on the sisterly front. As the aftermath of the shooting continues to play out and “Meredith begins mothering everybody, Lexie is like, ‘Hey, what about me? I don’t understand where you’ve been for me in this,’” Chyler Leigh previews. That leads to “several really great scenes between the two of us, where we really define what our relationship is.”


Any info on Jensen Ackles‘ ‘Supernatural‘ directorial debut? – DeanGirl1 via Comments
If by info you mean raves, here’s one castmate’s take on Jensen’s turn behind the camera: “The truth of the matter is he’s a natural,” Mark Sheppard (Crowley) tells Fancast. “He was extraordinarily well-prepared, and he’s very good at getting what he wants. It was fun for me and Jim [Beaver] to….” To what? Frak, Mark caught himself and stopped short of spoiling. But he did share this about the Crowley/Bobby teaser shown at Comic-Con this summer: “That is a fabulous, really fun scene – and that’s not all of the scene either. There’s a lot of stuff going on.”

Do you have any new scoops for ‘Sons Of Anarchy’s Gemma? – Evee
You know how nothing comes between Ms. Teller-Morrow and her brood? Well, I hear that later this season, as part of a plan to find grandson Abel, Gemma’s allegiance to her family is demonstrated via a desperate act that is her most shocking exploit yet. When I asked my source if it’s the same “shocking act” that I Big Tease’d a ways back, I was laughed at and told that that act is “sooooo tame” compared to the one teased here.

Please tell me that Marti and Savannah’s ‘Hellcats‘ friendship will not devolve into a catty thing over Dan! I love those girls together, and I don’t want to see their friendship torn apart over a guy. – VM
It might not get downright catty, but envision more of a small kitten. As Ashley Tisdale notes, “There’s a bit of a flirtation there between Dan and Marti – you just know they have a history – so for Marti and Savannah it’s going to be up and down.” And what might said “history” entail? When we saw Matt Barr (Dan) last week, he cryptically shared, “I just got some big news [from the producers] about Marti and Dan’s background [and] it’s something that really does define their relationship.”


You seem to be the only source of ‘Make It Or Break It‘ news – whatcha got? – Irena
What I’ve got is a correction to my scoop on Sean Maher’s guest-starring role. Turns out the ‘Firefly’ alum is going to be playing a National Gymnastics Organization official who starts poking around Emily’s life. Though I’m sure he would’ve done fine as a gymnast.

Last week’s ‘Terriers‘ – WTF?! – Joe
I’m assuming that’s a request for scoop on the shadowy figure seen slinking into the crawl space of Hank’s house? That out-of-left field mystery “is resolved pretty quickly,” says Donal Logue. “You’ll find out who it is, and to me a really cool aspect of this show is what it means getting to work with that person.”

Gasp! Is Fringe's Walternate Actually a Good Guy? John Noble Sure Thinks So

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b201882_gasp_fringes_walternate_actually_good.html

As far as we've always known, Fringe's Walternate is an evil genius, and original-flavor Walter is a big ol' softy. But what if that's not really the case? We just caught up with the incomparable John Noble and chatted about tonight's season-three premiere, why Walternate is actually "good" (whaaa?!)—and while we were at it, we kinda wrote the plot for season four together:

"Walternate is a good man," John gushed about his alter ego. "He's saving his world. If our world was disintegrating, we'd want someone to step up; that's truly what Walternate does."

Kind of makes you think, right? "He's cold and manipulative and wounded, so all those things when you first meet him make you think he's a hard man," continues John. "But he has reason to be. Someone stole his son, for goodness sake. I'd be furious. I have some affection for Walternate, even though he's not a crowd favorite."

True, the inclusion of Walternate into the world of Fringe has been a difficult one for fans to accept, and it obviously hasn't gone unnoticed. But John actually believes that unease may benefit season three.

"We've got to play on both sides, which is the radical change to this season," he explained. "And I want to see the audience's response to us playing two universes. If we can do it [right], it'll be magical. The characters on the other side are going to have to make themselves likable."

And here's where things get interesting: John has his own plans for the future of Fringe. A plan that involves peace and love and the coming together of both Walters.

Laughs John: "What's got to happen is that there has to be peace made. If this breach is indestructible, what if the two great minds of each world got together and said, 'We know how to fix it.' They could. And if we want a fourth season, they better. I just thought of this! Wouldn't it be cool if Walter and Walternate put their heads together and said 'Let's do this'?"

So cool! And a coming together of the two worlds wouldn't mark the end of the show, because as John puts it: "What about all the other universes that we haven't even looked at? There are many things to discover. We've still got to work out how many men Nina has slept with!"

See? Lots more Fringe to come if we just give Walternate a fair shot.

Love him or hate him, Walternate and the Fringe gang are back tonight at 9 p.m. on Fox, and you need to be there.
 

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.

'Fringe' extends Andre Royo's stay

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/21/fringe-extends-andre-royos-stay/

In any universe, this is great news: Fringe is bringing Bubbles Andre Royo back for seconds!

The Wire actor—who makes a sensational first impression in this Thursday’s absolutely thrilling season 3 premiere—will return for a second episode later this fall, sources confirm to me exclusively.

In case you missed my previous two stories on this subject, Royo plays an “over there” cab driver that original-flavor Olivia encounters as she fights to find her way home. Some of my favorite moments in the episode sprang from their interplay, so I’m not surprised producers are bringing him back.
 

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.
 

'Fringe' Scoop: Five season 3 spoilers!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/17/fringe-scoop-season-3-spoilers/

I’ve got some news for Regular-World and Alternate-World Fringe fans alike. On a conference call today, showrunners Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman revealed new info on the eagerly awaited upcoming third season of the universe-skipping sci-fi series, which premieres on Sept. 23. So grab a Walter-approved snack—preferably a Ho Ho—and read on.

1. The bell may have not yet tolled for Bell. Although Walter’s former lab partner William Bell may have died in the season finale, the exec producers were quick to point out that nothing is final in the world of Fringe. “Leonard Nimoy has retired from acting,” says Pinkner. “But if Leonard chooses to come back, there is a story in place that we’d love to tell.” Adds Wyman: “I think it’s fair to say that you have not experienced the last of William Bell.”

2. Walter’s advances towards mental stability over the past two seasons may not hold. “Walter will get to the point where he realizes that he has to go through insanity to get to the place where he can be okay,” says Wyman.

3. Expect to really get to know the Alternate Universe this season. Pinkner and Wyman say fans responded to the little touches in the scenes set there—like the zeppelins and Nixon coins—so they expect to show a lot more of those details in future episodes.

4. Keep an eye on Walternate, whose motivations and actions may surprise fans when they are revealed. “Walternate can conceivably turn over a card that you didn’t see coming,” teases Wyman.

5. The life-changing knowledge Peter now has about his own origins will send him on a quest to learn more—a mission that will eventually pay off at season’s end. “He’s going to start putting together a really nice-sized jigsaw puzzle,” says Wyman, “that will be eventful at the end of the season.”
 

Decoding the new 'Fringe' cast photo

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/16/fringe-cast-photo/

It’s exactly one week until Fringe returns and that can only mean one thing: Time for another first look! You’re looking at the second official group photo for the Fox thriller’s third season which premieres next Thursday. Two key observations: Bolivia appears to have rejoined Walternate in Overthereland, and Astrid is once again throwing some ‘tude around. Not sure what her deal is, but I like it! Thoughts? Opinions? Theories? Share ‘em below!

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 9/14/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/MegaBuzz-Fringe-NCISLA-House-1023039.aspx

How is Nolivia different than Olivia on Fringe? — Ken
MICKEY: The season premiere, titled simply "Olivia," addresses that question in an unexpected way. You see, not only has Olivia been kidnapped and imprisoned "over there," but her captors are trying to forcibly convince her that she is Nolivia. They start with her marksmanskip skills.

Will Callen get some answers about who's been following him in the NCIS: Los Angeles premiere? — Maggie
ADAM: Yeah, I'd like that answer as well, but executive producer Shane Brennan says that solving that riddle would give away the series' ultimate end. Instead, he promises smaller bits of insight. "The truth of what he finds out is startling," Brennan says. "It's a mystery now, and the further he goes down the rabbit hole, the deeper the mystery gets." Instead, Brennan says to keep your eyes on Callen's boss: "There's a little moment at the very end of Episode 2 that lifts the veil on Hetty. It's setting up something that comes later in the season that will be one of the most powerful episodes we do all season."

I'm so excited for House and Cuddy, sitting in a tree! Give me House scoop. — Katy
MICKEY: Well, before Huddy settles into a normal-couple rhythm, we'll get the rom-com, soft-focus sex scene we've all been waiting for, including a scar kissing that is actually quite touching. But if the cranky doc pitching woo makes you want to retch, there's this: Thirteen is leaving! It's no spoiler to say that she is taking a leave of absence from Princeton-Plainsboro and has booked a flight to Rome. But why Rome, bella Tredici? That is indeed the question.

What can you tell me about The Big Bang Theory? — Jimmy
ADAM: We're hearing that Raj's cousin, who is visiting from India, will go on a date with Leonard — and it, and she, will be a wild one. Meanwhile, Wolowitz takes a very different approach to romance when he gets, um, very hands-on with a robotic arm that belongs to NASA.

It seems like there are a lot of new characters on 90210 this season. I'm concerned. — James
MICKEY: Don't be, they're full of surprises. (But you didn't hear it from me.) The new girl at West Bev used to make adult films with Navid's porn-producer papa, and Liam's sketchy benefactor is dealing more than fake purses. I hate gossip, don't you?

Any Kevin-Scotty spoilers from Brothers & Sisters? — Wendy
ADAM: You know about the couple adopting a troubled teen. What you don't know is that Kevin, who was baby-crazy last year, is initially opposed to the idea. He's taken the surrogate's miscarriage badly, and worse, he won't even talk to Scotty about it. Possibly because he's as torn-up over Robert as Kitty is.

Will The Good Wife's Eli clean up his act this season? I hope not! — Carole
MICKEY: Let's ask Alan Cumming. "I do something at the start of the season that, if [Alicia] ever finds out, there will be trouble," he says. If you're thinking that something has to do with that fateful call in the cliff-hanger, you're right, and duh — of course she finds out. "There are fireworks ahead," Cumming warns.

What more can you tell me about James Remar's guest role on Private Practice? — Samantha
ADAM: He plays an old friend of Pete's whose ethical standards aren't exactly the highest. "He accepts donations from some questionable characters so that he can help people who are less fortunate," Remar says. His reunion with Pete (Tim Daly) makes an impact. "[Pete] gets really turned on to doing emergency medicine again," Daly says, "which kind of takes care of his adrenaline."

I understand that Bree needs to move on after Orson, but Brian Austin Green? Really, Desperate Housewives? Crazy! — Marilou
MICKEY: Marcia Cross agrees with you! "When I heard that Brian Austin Green would be joining the show, I never in a million years thought it would be for me," she says. But Bree's new contractor makes for an interesting palate cleanser after Orson's starchy traditionalism. It's just a shame about that temper of his.

I am badly in need of some killer Dexter scoop! — Brad
ADAM: Rita's murder sends Dexter on the run from the FBI, but our favorite blood-spatter analyst can't disappear too easily: He gets shot within the first three episodes of Season 5 — but not with a bullet.

Parenthood is nothing without Lauren Graham — what's she up to this season? — Matthew
MICKEY: That Sarah Braverman is a gigantic flirt. It's no wonder that the on-a-good-day dyspeptic Adam is even more irritated when his sister joins his company and almost immediately finds not one, but two co-workers with which to behave inappropriately. One of them is Adam's boss.

Why did Sons of Anarchy kill off Hale? — Will
ADAM: Creator and executive producer Kurt Sutter says his writing team developed a "Plan B" in case the contract negotiations with the actor, Taylor Sheridan, went south. "Ultimately, we all creatively fell in love with Plan B, and that became the decision and we moved ahead," Sutter says, noting that the decision also allows new character growth for Unser. "What happens when Unser has to actually be a cop?" Sutter asks. "Everything he does, even his relationship with Sons, has been about protecting Charming. He really has to decide this season between Charming and the Sons."

Adam's Mega Rave: If you're not watching Rubicon (and unfortunately most of you aren't), you're missing Arliss Howard's delightfully twisty performance as puppetmaster Kale. Who else could hire Maggie as a spy while ratting her out to Will, and still be the only person either of them trusts?

Mickey's Mini Rant: I don't need everything tied in a bow, True Blood, but a show that makes us wait nine months between seasons owed us more closure.
 

Ask Ausiello 9/9/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/09/ask-ausiello-spoilers-house-glee-bones

Question: Have you seen the House premiere? If so, thoughts? —Robin
Ausiello: Yes, I’ve seen it—it’s the reason this column arrived a little late. If you’re a Huddy fan, you’re going to swoon yourself silly. The Sept. 20 opener features the star-crossed lovers cuddling, bathing, massaging, champagne-toasting, and—of course—kissing. I think I counted a dozen smooches in the first 15 minutes alone. The episode will also answer the burning question “What does Hugh Laurie look like wearing nothing but a laptop?”

Question: Should we read anything into the fact that Chase is touching Thirteen’s shoulder in House‘s season 7 key art? —Nina
Ausiello: After watching the premiere, I would have to say HELL YES, YOU SHOULD.

Question: How does House’s team—specifically Chase, Taub, and Foreman—react to House and Cuddy being an item? —Brandon
Ausiello: To quote Dr. Crankenstein in episode 2, one is “in favor,” another is “indignant,” and a third is “indifferent.” Now head to the comments and match the adjective with the character! But first, repeat after me: “Games are fun.”

Question: Is the “S” on Lois’ chest in the Smallville picture you posted Photoshopped on, or is it on her in the actual episode? —Mike
Ausiello: It’s on her in the actual episode.

Question: I, for one, am pulling for Jennifer Morrison to get that role on How I Met Your Mother. When does the character first appear? Any scoop on the premiere? —Dave
Ausiello: Ted’s new love interest—who (BREAKING NEWS!!) will definitely be played by Morrison—is slated to show up in episode 5. As far as the premiere goes, it’s (a) very old-school HIMYM—i.e., ridiculously funny and incredibly moving—and (b) twisty as hell! I don’t think it’s giving anything away to say the biggest curveball involves the return of Rachel Bilson’s Cindy.

Question: Please give us scoop on the season finale of My Boys. Are we going to get any hope for P.J. and Brendo? —Funmi
Ausiello: That’s negatory. By the end of the Sept. 12 finale, P.J.’s in a pretty happy place with Bobby. The future is also looking bright for another Boys duo. Are those wedding bells I hear?

Question: How serious are things between Booth and that new girl on Bones? —Catelynn
Ausiello: That new girl has a name—Hannah. Show some respect. And to quote Booth in the Sept. 23 premiere, their relationship is “as serious as a heart attack.”

Question: So these new Bones promos have me super-excited for the new season (and more than a little bit heartbroken for Brennan), but I’m confused: Is Hannah going to show up in the premiere, or in episode 2? —Amy
Ausiello: You mean that new girl? She shows up in episode 2.

Question: Will we see more of Parker on Bones this season? —Brianna
Ausiello: Mini Booth actually plays a pivotal role in the opener, as he’s essentially the reason Big Booth returns home from Afghanistan. (And yes, you will actually see him.)

Question: Got a Bones scoop? I’m such a good girl. —Galle
Ausiello: My fave moment from the premiere involves Brennan and Daisy channeling their inner action heroines—well, it involves Brennan channeling her inner action heroine while Daisy suffers a series of mini strokes on the sidelines.

Question: We haven’t gotten any Fringe intel in forever. Please say you have some! —Jennifer
Ausiello: I have some!

Question: Any news on what will happen to Castiel on Supernatural this season? —Minha
Ausiello: This season’s first two episodes will be Cas-free, but the full-powered angel returns in spectacular fashion in week 3. “Let’s just say some angels show up that are not so happy,” teases exec producer Sera Gamble. “Cas and an angel go through a window at one point, and the result is not pretty. It’s a pretty spectacular stunt.”

Question: You’ve given us great scoop about the final (shed a tear) season of Friday Night Lights, but one thing remains unanswered: Are we going to be lucky enough to have Minka Kelly return for a few episodes? Riggins putting her on the bus with a soulful “Goodbye, Lyla Garrity” is not enough closure for me. —Becky
Ausiello: Well, it was enough closure for exec producer Jason Katims—and he’s the boss! “I thought her final episode was so powerful,” says Katims. “We talked about bringing her back, but I didn’t really feel like anything we came up with beat the [Tim-Lyla] story in that episode, which I thought was really poignant. It wasn’t a happy ending, but it was a really satisfying ending for me. It was a satisfying resolution to that story line.”

Question: Do you have any scoop on that proposed Heroes telefilm to wrap up loose ends from last season? —Josh
Ausiello: THIS JUST IN: Production on the Heroes reunion pic will officially get under way…probably never.

Question: Give a Blair fan one reason to watch Gossip Girl this season! —Karen
Ausiello: The train-station-set reunion scene between Chuck and Blair at the end of episode 2 is stunningly shot and impeccably acted by Ed Westwick and Leighton Meester. Need another reason? ‘Cause I got a ton!

Question: Gossip Girl scoop? —Lisa
Ausiello: By the end of the second episode, the question you (and everyone else) will be asking yourself is “Who the hell did Serena piss off?”

Question: Please tell me Mozzie is not dead on White Collar! —Vin
Ausiello: Mozzie is probably most likely not dead.

Question: Glee returns in two weeks! Got anything new? —Timothy
Ausiello: The show wastes no time showing off Chord Overstreet’s, um, impressive body of work. When we first meet his possibly gay football-jock character, Sam, in the premiere, he’s in the shower singing “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” For his part, Chris Colfer believes that scene is proof positive that Sam will not turn out to be Kurt’s BF. “After seeing the episode, I feel like it’s not going to happen because all the girls are going to fall in love with him and they’re not going to want to see [him with Kurt],” he says. “And I don’t want to be the guy girls hate. I’m the gay guy the girls love. I don’t want to become the target. I don’t want the letters that say, ‘Kurt needs to get off our man. Stop kissing our boyfriend.’ Young girls can be vicious. I don’t want to know how Kristen Stewart feels. I don’t want to be the Bella of the Glee world. I like being the guy everyone likes.” Colfer adds that there’s no sign of romantic tension between Sam and Kurt in the first four episodes. “Maybe it is too obvious,” he theorizes. “Our writers have a way of avoiding the obvious and throwing curveballs.” BONUS GLEE SCOOP: Someone’s going to the slammer!

Question: I heard a rumor that Terri will date Principal Figgins on Glee this season. Please say it’s not true. Team Twill FTW! —Rion
Ausiello: According to Terri’s portrayer, Jessalyn Gilsig, it’s “definitely not” true. Gilsig does confirm that the former Mrs. Schuester will “get into a relationship of some kind that brings her around the glee club and the school, but I’m not at liberty to say who.” Guesses? Hit the comments! More fun games!

Question: How’s about serving up a steamy hot dish of Burn Notice scoop? That finale really burned me up. I’ll stop with the puns now. —Hope
Ausiello: The following scoop is rated S and RH for Sizzling and Red-Hot: A major character will be killed off during the show’s fall run.

Question: I am eagerly anticipating your handy-dandy Fall TV Show Premiere cheat sheet! —Traci
Ausiello: And I’m anticipating the day you actually start reading my blog. I posted it two weeks ago. Sigh…

Question: I’m dying for anything you can dig up on Pretty Little Liars. —Jared
Ausiello: Ian Harding (hottie English teach Mr. Fitz) just got his hands on the script for the first episode back in January, and he offered this tease: “They’re not wasting any time with some reveals and secrets and juiciness.”

Question: I have not seen anything on season 2 of Justified. Got any scoop on that? —Carolyn
Ausiello: Production resumes in mid-October, and newly minted series regular Walton Goggins tells me “the pendulum will swing in a completely different direction for Boyd, and religion may receive his ire. He may become an agnostic vigilante, [but] I won’t say against who.”

Question: It’s less than a week until Life Unexpected returns. Surely you have scoop! —Laura
Ausiello: The three new characters I told you about previously are introduced in the Sept. 14 premiere, and one of them has a not-so-surprising connection to a main character. Bonus scoop: Bug and Lux consider taking a big step forward in their relationship, but something happens to trip them up.

Question: Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey were shooting a Grey’s Anatomy scene at the courthouse! Please, Ausiello, tell us if Mer-Der are going to make that Post-it legal! —Amber
Ausiello: A Grey’s insider confirms to me exclusively that you’re as high as a kite.

Question: I’m pulling overnight shifts, so I think in all fairness you should give some Parenthood spoilers, please. —Amanda
Ausiello: Lauren Graham’s Sarah will be caught in a workplace love triangle with a hunky blue-collar forklift operator (True Blood‘s Kevin Alejandro) and Adam’s wealthy white-collar business partner (Billy Baldwin). “She has to make a choice between the two of us,” says Alejandro, before adding with a laugh, “Does she want money or just rugged good looks?”

Question: Can I get a Mad Men spoiler? —Derek
Ausiello: Assuming he submits last week’s flawlessly written and acted Don-and-Peggy-centric episode, Jon Hamm will be the first Mad thesp to win an Emmy next year, beating out fellow nominees Kyle Chandler, Steve Buscemi, Hugh Laurie, Michael C. Hall, and Peter Krause. Mark my words.

Question: I may have to go all Russell Edgington on somebody if I don’t get some more True Blood finale scoop. —Sara
Ausiello: This is sort of finale-related: Season 4 will pick up immediately where season 3 left off.
 

'Fringe': The Season 3 cast photo!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/09/fringe-first-look-the-season-3-cast-photo/

Are you noticing a pattern here? It’s Thursday and I’ve got another Fringe first look! Here’s the first official group photo for the Fox thriller’s third season, which premieres on Sept. 23. I can’t decide what I find most intriguing about this image: the shadowy figure “observing” the cast (presumably from Overthereland), or the touch of sass Astrid appears to be throwing out. Thoughts? Opinions? Theories? Share ‘em below!

Andre Royo with Anna Torv on 'Fringe'

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/02/first-look-olivia-meets-henry-a-k-a-andre-royo-on-fringe/

Welcome back to TV, Bubbles! EW has obtained this exclusive first look of Andre Royo – best known as Bubbles from HBO’s The Wire - in the premiere episode of Fringe that airs Sept. 23. In the episode, Royo plays Henry, a taxi driver that Olivia (Anna Torv) encounters as she fights to find her way home. The Ausiello Files first broke news about Royo joining the show in July.

First Look at Fringe's Season Opener!

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Exclusive-Look-Fringe-1022572.aspx

Alt, who goes there?!

The alternate universe is in for a major dose of Dunham when the real Olivia gets the upper hand on a very messed-up resident of the other side as she battles her way home in Fringe's season premiere. Considering the producers have told TV Guide Magazine that the other side has super-healing nanotechnology (and that actor Seth Gable would be back on the show), could Agent Dunham be facing down the previously incinerated Lincoln Lee? And more importantly, will she be able to get back to our universe before her doppelganger gets her paws on Peter?


Find out in three weeks when Fringe kicks off its third season with the "Olivia" episode on Sept. 23 at 9/8c, on Fox. Until then, share your thoughts about what's going on in this pic in the comments below.