It appears Izzie Stevens has cheated death once more.
In an effort to give Alex/Izzie fans some closure in the wake of Katherine Heigl’s abrupt departure last spring, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes contemplated bringing their love story to a tragic end this season. She stops short of saying cancer survivor Izzie would’ve died off screen, but — keep reading and do the math.
“We discussed a lot of options, and the one we settled on felt like the [best idea] without having Izzie actually there,” she explains. “But it also felt like the cruelest possible thing.”
Ultimately, Rhimes couldn’t go through with it. “It was ready to go, but then I went home and literally couldn’t sleep,” she recalls. “It just felt so mean. It wasn’t closure; it just felt brutal. Alex might have never recovered from it. And the audience who loved Izzie would’ve been devastated. So we didn’t do it.”
What now? “I’m open to seeing Izzie again,” she says. “So if [Katherine] were to come back, we would be thrilled to [wrap up her story]. But if she doesn’t, we’ll just move on.”
Showing posts with label Grey's Anatomy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grey's Anatomy. Show all posts
Friday, October 29, 2010
'Grey's Anatomy' boss vetoes controversial Alex/Izzie plot
'Grey's Anatomy' Scoop: Scott Foley checks in!
Seattle Grace is about to experience a Code Noel: Scott Foley has booked a multi-episode arc on Grey’s Anatomy!
The Felicity (and Unit) alum will play a patient named Henry who, according series creator Shonda Rhimes, “stirs things up” with Kim Raver’s Teddy.
I know what you’re thinking: It’s Denny/Izzie all over again! Not quite, insists Rhimes. “He’s very different from Denny,” she says. “But I guess in the sense that he’s a patient who comes in and has an effect on one of our doctors, I guess that’s similar.”
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Ask Ausiello 10/27/10
Question: Maybe I missed it, but when is your last day at EW? And where are you going? —Cynthia
Ausiello: Let me see if I can peel back the thick layer of denial long enough to type this next sentence: My last day at EW is this Friday. As far as where I’m going, click here to have your memory refreshed. Or just join — or, rather, like — my new Facebook page. More specific details about my next steps will be posted there shortly. There’s also Twitter. Okay, time to climb back into my denial suit and get crackin’ on my final AA at EW. Sources confirm to me exclusively that I’m going out with a bang!
Question: Any information on when Olivia Wilde is returning to House? —Christine
Ausiello: Probably not until spring. You’ll be happy to know that her temporary replacement, Amber Tamblyn, makes a positive first impression in her Nov. 8 debut. As you would expect, her character — supersmart and moralistic med student Martha M. Masters — gets quite a hazing from House‘s boys club. We’ll soon discover that a member of said club shares a past with House‘s “immutable obstacle,” as Dr. Crankenstein calls her. Other colorful nicknames assigned to the newbie on her first day of work include:
* The Internet with breasts
* Small Wonder
* The love child of Einstein and Mary Poppins
* The Bunny
* Pippy Long Division
Question: House scoop? —Jennifer
Ausiello: House pink-slips a member of his team during November sweeps. Not once, not twice, but three times. Also, three major characters do some jail time.
Question: Could you please give some spoilers on Psych regarding Shawn and Juliet? —Steve
Ausiello: The show’s fall premiere (airing Nov. 10) will pick up shortly after the couple’s big kiss in the finale. “Our viewers are probably a little unsure of what that kiss meant,” says exec producer Steve Franks. “Will Juliet still take some time away on the Amalfi coast with Declan, or did the kiss change her mind? In the 5.5 premiere, she is still on her way to Italy, and Shawn is on his way to Canada at the request of convicted thief Pierre Despereaux [a returning Cary Elwes]. Their divergent travel plans may have derailed their romantic momentum, until Juliet unexpectedly shows up in Vancouver for Despereaux’s extradition and that spark becomes a fire. The question is, Do Shawn and Juliet believe ‘what happens in Canada, stays in Canada’? Stay tuned.”
Question: I recently discovered that we share the same birthday — Feb. 23! In honor of that, I think you should share some Bones scoop with me! — Catherine
Ausiello: Seinfeld‘s Wayne Knight will channel his inner Willy Wonka when he guest-stars as a candy magnate in an episode that features “one of our most revolting body finds ever,” reveals exec producer Stephen Nathan. “A body is discovered inside one of the world’s largest chocolate bars. It’s delightfully revolting.”
Question: Which episode marks Hannah’s permanent exit from Bones? —Lexie
Ausiello: That’s awfully presumptuous of you, Lexie. The fact is, Katheryn Winnick’s stint as Booth’s lover (and Brennan’s new BFF) doesn’t actually have an end date. “We don’t know how long she’s going to be with us this season,” says Nathan. “We want to keep it open. Hannah’s story is still evolving; we don’t know how we want to wrap it up. And even if she does go away, we want to leave open the possibility that she may come back.”
Question: It’s been a while since we’ve had any good Bones scoops. Do you have any interesting information to get me through the baseball hiatus? —Amy
Ausiello: How ’bout another tidbit about everyone’s favorite character, Hannah. “I’m working on an episode right now where Brennan and Hannah’s friendship is tested,” reveals Nathan. “It relates to something that happened between Booth and Brennan at the end of the Brennan-centric episode. It creates some friction between Booth, Brennan, and Hannah that has to be worked out.” Hmm…any thoughts on what happens between B&B? Hit the comments!
Question: May I please have some Puck-related Glee scoop? —Brittany
Ausiello: He’s not the character getting expelled.
Question: Are Burt and Carole getting married on Glee? —Danielle
Ausiello: They are if Kurt has anything to say about it. Speaking of weddings, the rumors are true: Sue is going to make history by becoming the first person on earth to marry — or at least attempt to marry — ****el*!
Question: Any more Glee scoop — maybe something about Kurt and his new BF, Darren Criss? —Matt
Ausiello: Save the date: Their first kiss is scheduled for Nov. 9! In related news, did you hear about this?
Question: Do you have any extra clues you could shed about what exactly Tess “is” on Smallville? —Gage
Ausiello: You’ll get your answer on Nov. 12.
Question: Do you have any Modern Family scoop? It is easily my favorite show. —Billie
Ausiello: Mitchell’s “straight” past comes back to haunt him around mid-November when CTU legend Mary Lynn Rajskub guest-stars as his ex. “She dated Mitchell in high school, and they may’ve done the nasty,” says Rajskub with a chuckle. “I think he broke my heart.” The two have what Rajskub calls an “awkward” reunion at a shopping center. “Mitch and Cam end up coming over to talk to me about an incident,” she teases, “but I can’t discuss that because it’ll ruin the story.”
Question: I was curious if you had any information on the 24 movie. Will it be going into production soon? —Brandon
Ausiello: Based on the following status report from Rajskub, I’m guessing the answer is no. “I don’t know what’s going on with it,” she says. “Everybody asks me about it, but I don’t know anything. I think it would be great if it happened a year after the show went off the air, but I haven’t heard anything.”
Question: Beautiful series finale of Ausiello TV. I laughed, I cried, I was surprised and confused. Thanks for all the great scoop, wit, snark, and Smurfy goodness. I promise to weep for all of six seconds before moving forward with life. —Jen
Ausiello: Thanks, Jenny. That means a lot. One quick thing: You are aware I’m not dying, right? Just want to make sure you knew that.
Question: Can you give us a really juicy Grey’s Anatomy spoiler as a going-away present? —Ashley
Ausiello: Um, shouldn’t you be buying me the presents? Eh, whatever. This has always been kind of a one-sided relationship, so no point screwing with such a winning formula now. Here’s your scoop: Series creator Shonda Rhimes reiterated to me in a recent interview that Callie and Arizona are in it for the long haul. “Their journey is going to be long and hard, but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to end up together,” she maintained. “People better just prepare themselves for things to be difficult.” I then asked her if she would out Mark and Lexie in that same soul-mate-type category, and she replied, “No,” before quickly adding, “That doesn’t mean that I don’t see them as two people who are going to end up together… There’s hope for Mark and Lexie, [but] Lexie has some growing up to do, as does Mark.”
Question: There’s a Grey’s rumor going around about an Alex/April/Lexie triangle. True? —Diana
Ausiello: False. “I honestly have no idea what [fans] are talking about,” responded Rhimes. “We have no plans for an Alex/April/Lexie triangle.”
Question: Got anything on the truly epic Boardwalk Empire? —Hope
Ausiello: We meet Nucky’s (Steve Buscemi) dad in this Sunday’s episode, and to say father and son had a frakked-up relationship is an understatement of epic proportions. The ep also features a memorable showdown between Michael Pitt’s Jimmy and the thug who slashed his hooker girlfriend’s face. Oh, and shocker: Another recurring character gets whacked!
Question: Can I have some scoop on Castle? —Lori
Ausiello: A pivotal couple will break things off in the near future, and I can confirm it’s either Gina and Castle or Beckett and this guy. Elsewhere, a new — and rather surprising — interoffice romance will ignite in January.
Question: Can you please give me some good NCIS scoop, preferably about McGee? —Z.
Ausiello: He’s not the team member who gets “shot” in the big two-parter on Nov. 16 and 23. For those keeping track at home, that leaves Tony, Vance, and Ziva in the running. Oh, and I put SHOT in quotes because it’s not exactly a traditional shooting. The person will be wounded not by a gun, but by an explosive weapon.
Question: Could you please resume using the term “hitcom”? I really like it. Thanks for your consideration. —Ron
Ausiello: Yes! This past week has been HELL without it! Consider it officially reactivated!
Question: I was reading that CBS might cancel CSI: NY. —Jen
Ausiello: I think you’re confusing CSI: NY with Medium, which just had its episode order cut back from 22 to 13. I think CSI: NY — which has been doing solid business on Fridays — is safe for the time being. Speaking of the spin-off, Karina Lombard of Rescue Me and L Word fame has just been cast as the grieving mother of the victim in a January episode.
Question: What chance does Parenthood have of getting a full season? —Chevy
Ausiello: I’d say it stands a pretty good chance, since it already received a full-season pickup in May.
Question: I would like some 90210 scoop, please. —Greg
Ausiello: Casting scoop: Make It or Break It‘s Zachary Abel has been tapped to play, um, Zach, a hot surfer dude that Naomi develops a major crush on.
Question: What is the deal with Juliet on Gossip Girl? —Kathleen
Ausiello: The deal is I’m hearing a major character (or two) will join forces with the troublemaker to take Serena down. Exec producer Stephanie Savage, meanwhile, says, “A good chunk of Juliet’s plan will be revealed by the end of the first half of the season, but elements of it will carry over.”
Question: I’m in need of some Chuck spoilers to make my day better! —Natalie
Ausiello: There’s a major twist at the end of next Monday’s episode, and it involves him and her.
Question: After watching this week’s episode of Brothers & Sisters I’m scared for the future of Kevin and Scotty. Please tell me they’ll live happily ever after! —Stucky
Ausiello: B&S showrunner David Marshall Grant sure isn’t talking like it’s the end. “This isn’t so much about the crisis itself,” he says, “as it is about watching two people fight their way through it.” BTW, we’ll met the “other man” this Sunday, and he’s going to look a lot like Ryan Abbot from Three Rivers (a.k.a. Christopher Hanke).
Question: Like, joking aside, what’s happened to all the Brothers & Sisters scoops?! Please! I’m desperate! —Sophie
Ausiello: As my frenemy first scooped, Balthazar Getty is returning in January for the show’s 100th episode. And per Grant, he’ll be sticking around for a while. “He’s coming back for [at least] three episodes,” says the boss, who confirms that Tommy returns with a new girlfriend on his arm. “It causes a big stir in the Walker family.”
Question: Got any Good Wife scoop? —Carly C.
Ausiello: Casting scoop!! Leelee Sobieski will guest star in a January episode as the girlfriend of one of Lockhart/Bond’s most influential clients. Both stand accused of using prescription stimulants.
Question: What’s the latest on Grey’s giving viewers proper closure for Alex and Izzie? —Jesus
Ausiello: The latest appears in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. And it’s juicy.
Question: Do you know any Vampire Diaries scoop? —Savannah
Ausiello: Trent Ford and Daniel Gillies have joined the show along with Lauren Cohan as centuries old vampires, Trevor, Elijah, and Rose. “They have deep ties to Katerina Petrova,” reveals exec producer Julie Plec. “They will be heavily featured in November Sweeps episodes ‘Rose’ and ‘Katerina’.”
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
'Grey's' boss on this week's 'huge' twist and Cristina's big comeback!
The memory of last season’s bloodbath looms large over this week’s Grey’s Anatomy. With a camera crew invading Seattle Grace to shoot a documentary about the hospital’s recovery efforts, the entire episode is shot from the POV of the filmmakers, giving the hour a very voyeuristic vibe.
“You actually feel like you’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at our characters’ lives,” suggests series creator Shonda Rhimes. “You see our characters in a very different way, because we’re approaching them in a very different way.”
Rhimes has long toyed with the notion of doing a docu-style installment, but it was coexecutive producer Stacy McKee — this week’s scribe — who figured out how best to execute it. “Stacy was obsessed with [ABC's summer docuseries] Boston Med,” notes Rhimes. “So she came in one day after watching an episode and said, ‘I think I have it! I figured out how we can do our own version of that.’ And we used the shooting as our jumping-off point.”
However, by ensuring that this season’s story lines also move forward, Rhimes & Co. avoided getting the episode tagged as a mere gimmick. Case in point: It’s during the hour that Alex figures out “what kind of surgeon he really wants to be,” reveals Rhimes. “It seems [pediatrics] is his thing.”
Other highlights:
• Mandy Moore reprises her role of patient-turned-mercenary from the finale. “Her character is one of the Seattle Grace 13,” notes Rhimes of the Lost-esque nickname she gave the survivors. “She was forced to sort of be a doctor, too, so it felt important to me to bring her back and close that chapter.”
• Through the use of confessionals, we discover how truly unhinged Cristina has become. “She has a long journey [before her],” says Rhimes. “But when she gets a little bit better, she comes roaring back.”
• Lastly, Callie and Arizona make “a huge decision” that will usher them “into a new chapter,” teases Rhimes.
Moreover, the boss lady stresses that Thursday’s episode is a continuation of this season’s overall theme of recovery and rebirth — but not closure. “Closure is the wrong word for every last one of my characters,” she says. “I spent a lot of time really trying to get this right, speaking to grief counselors and reading the Columbine book and really thinking about this, and not wanting to minimize this. I don’t think there’s such a thing as closure. I think you move on and become different, and you’re changed, but I don’t think it’s ever closed.”
Friday, October 22, 2010
Ask Ausiello 10/20/10
Question: Rumor around the Glee circuit is that Quinn and Rachel lock lips in episode 6. Any truth to that? —Joan
Ausiello: Sorry, no. If it’s any consolation, it looks like the frenemies get fairly close to first base in the new GQ. Speaking of Glee, I can now confirm that the show is planning a Christmas episode. I don’t have any other details at the moment. I do, however, have a suggestion for Ryan Murphy: Please give us (read: me) an It’s a Wonderful Life homage with Sue at the center. I, er, we don’t ask for much.
Question: Glee scoop, please! —Jeffrey
Ausiello: Someone’s about to get expelled!
Question: One Tree Hill. You’re a stingy Smurf when it comes to scoop on this gem of a show. —La-roo
Ausiello: Sources close to the National Weather Center confirm that Mother Nature is doing me a solid and sending a major hurricane Hill‘s way before season’s end.
Question: Do you have any spoilers on No Ordinary Family? —Mike
Ausiello: A recurring character has an appointment with the Grim Reaper in early December.
Question: I am loving No Ordinary Family. Got any good spoilers for me? —Deb
Ausiello: Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Julie Benz’s Ordinary parents will be played by Maddie Hayes and D-Day (a.k.a. Cybill Shepherd and Bruce McGill). Ma and Pa pay their superhero daughter a visit next month.
Question: Could you stop using the phrase “hitcom”? It bothers me. —John
Ausiello: Yes, but only because you asked nicely.
Question: Please, we need some 30 Rock scoop! Thank you. —Cindy
Ausiello: Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…wait, it really is a plane. And Matt Damon is flying it, in an episode that sounds like it’s going to take place largely on one of pilot Carol’s flights. Not only is Liz on board, but the show is also casting such fellow passengers as a neurotic suit (seated next to Liz, which I don’t think has ever dulled anyone’s neuroses), a snippy gay male flight attendant, and — this is where things get interesting — an *** ********.
Question: I can’t be the only one who loves Lincoln Lee in Fringe‘s “over there” universe! Will we learn new things about him (like how did he know Nick Lane, or where’s his “over here” version)? —Elena
Ausiello: Sounds like a question for exec producer Jeff Pinkner: “No, Elena, you’re not the only one! We love Lincoln (and Seth Gabel!). We love the energy he brings to the show, and the vibe of the Fringe Team “Over There.” (And we all fantasize about how much fun it would be to see the TV show Fringe that has been playing for the past two years in the Alt Universe with Lincoln, Charlie and Altlivia/Fauxlivia/(b)Olivia as the stars.) But to answer your question: We look forward to spending more time learning about Lincoln. And you raise a very interesting point: What is his doppelgänger “Over Here” up to?!”
Question: Weeds spoilers, for the love of all that is holy, I need some Weeds spoilers! Who is Lars? —Claire
Ausiello: Lars is an old friend of Nancy’s. A very good old friend.
Question: Your frenemy dropped some major Weeds scoop this week, and I know you are not gonna let her one-up you like that! What say you give us the deets on Guillermo’s return and just how far Esteban is willing to go to get baby Stevie back. —Claire
Ausiello: Guillermo shows up at the tail end of this season’s penultimate episode…with Esteban! And they don’t have to go too far to get Stevie back — just to the airport, which is where the Botwin clan is headed to flee the country. Quick, someone ask me who makes it onto the plane!
Question. Hey, there’s been no scoop on 90210 lately. Got anything? —Jane
Ausiello: New-couple alert: Navid and Silver! Look for sparks to start flying around episode 8. In other 90210 news, Ivy’s estranged father will be introduced in early ’11. He’s described as an all-American, Ivy League-educated charmer.
Question: Can’t seem to get enough Smallville spoilers. Have any new ones? —Dylan
Ausiello: If you’re a Clois freak, the Oct. 29 ghost-town-set episode is not to be missed. Trust me. Elsewhere, expect more Justice League appearances toward the end of the season.
Question: How is the new FX show Terriers doing? —Alexandra
Ausiello: Terribly. Seriously, the ratings are abysmal. It’s depressing because the show is fantastic. I screened the first five episodes last weekend and I immediately gave it the official Aushole Seal of Approval. The ceremony was private — i.e., friends, family, and Shawn Ryan — so don’t give me any grief about your invitation getting lost in the mail.
Question: There hasn’t been Desperate Housewives scoop in weeks. Got anything to appease me? —Connor
Ausiello: I hear Marc Cherry is putting the finishing touches on his annual winter cliff-hanger catastrophe, and this is what I’ve been able to glean from my Wisteria Lane moles: Two characters will be in mortal danger, the deadly event is not weather-related, and hordes of extras will be needed for the harrowing sequence. Guesses? Hit the comments!
Question: Do you have anything on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia? —Stephanie
Ausiello: The Oct. 28 episode finds the gang (sans Dee) flashing back to try to figure out who got her pregnant. Mac claims they all “browned out” that night, which is a less severe version of blacking out. They piece together what vague memories they have and arrive at this disturbing conclusion: Dennis might have impregnated his sister! Ewwww!
Question: Do you know if any of last year’s guest stars from Community are coming back this year? I’m thinking John Michael Higgins, Tony Hale, Blake Clark, or Jack Black? —Tommy
Ausiello: Nothing cooking with any of those folks at this time. Here’s something cool, though: Judd Apatow’s go-to baddie Kevin Corrigan has just been cast as a guest professor in an upcoming episode.
Question: Is there any news on the rumored sniper on Bones? —Jessica
Ausiello: His name is Jacob Ripkin Broadsky, he’s slated to show up in early ’11, and I can confirm that he does in fact take out a pivotal recurring character.
Question: I’ve missed House two weeks in a row due to work, which is very depressing. Can I please have some scoop to cheer me up? —Kim
Ausiello: You should check out this new product that just hit the market. It’s called a DVR. All the cool kids are using it. In any event, exec producer Katie Jacobs teases that Taub’s marriage will be tested in “a completely unexpected way” later this season. Might this be connected to a certain spoiler that ran in AA last week? Maybe. Maybe not.
Question: Can you please use your impressive resources to find out if Rubicon will be picked up for season 2? —Nathan
Ausiello: I’m told that AMC would very much like a second season, but the ratings are atrocious. Even worse than Terriers’.
Question: I’m getting super-tired of Cristina’s “can’t do it” story line on Grey’s Anatomy. Tell me she’ll get over it soon. —Farrah
Ausiello: My guess is we’re closer to the end than the beginning. “It gets pretty dark for her,” teases exec producer Shonda Rhimes. “Cristina is a person who has identified herself purely as a surgeon — before anything else. And for her to be at a place where she’s not sure if she can even pick up a scalpel is fairly devastating.”
Question: Um, so tip fail? Unless a certain Mad Men character committed suicide after the credits rolled, I think you pegged that one wrong. What’s the scoop? —Elise
Ausiello: The scoop is there’s a big difference between a spoiler and a prediction. Look it up.
Question: Any Big C scoop? —Jeremy
Ausiello: A major character will commit suicide before the end of season 1. Now that, Elise, is a spoiler.
Question: I’m torn…I’m enjoying The Event, but I’m mildly happy that its ratings aren’t stellar. Why? Because Mr. Cyr [Jason Ritter] and Sarah were so perfect together on Parenthood! What are the chances of The Event lasting, in your expert opinion? —Wendy
Ausiello: Considering it was just picked up for a full season, the chances are good it’ll last at least 22 episodes. If the show’s ratings stabilize — or better yet grow — a second season is probably a safe bet. Chances are you’ll get closure either way. “I do have a shorter way of getting to [the endgame, should it conclude prematurely],” says series creator Nick Wauters. “Hopefully it won’t come to that. But I think it’s important to give viewers some kind of conclusion.”
Question: Any spoilers on The Event? —Sydney
Ausiello: Wauters says we’ll definitely find out who (or what) the “Others” are (aliens? time travelers?) by the end of season 1. “We’ll also find out what they want and where they came from.”
Question: Is there any way you can find out when Interview With the Vampire comes on? This probably isn’t what you normally do, but you are the best. Anyway, if you find out something, please post it or get back to me. —LT
Ausiello: Sometimes I don’t even know who you people are.
Question: Can you tell me more about Nicholas Brendon’s three-episode arc on Private Practice? —Catherine
Ausiello: As I revealed last week, he plays the nutjob who rapes Charlotte. Exec producer Shonda Rhimes describes it as a “random” attack. He comes into the clinic, and “immediately there’s [the suggestion] of some mental illness going on there,” she explains. “Charlotte tells him to wait his turn, and the next thing you know, he’s attacking her.”
Question: I would gladly give up my Papa Smurf action figure for some Private Practice scoop. I’m hoping that the upcoming sexual assault of Charlotte brings Cooper and Charlotte closer. Love this couple. BTW, last week’s episode with Dell’s daughter was one of the best episodes of all time. Ending was a classic. —The Rock
Ausiello: I think the attack will ultimately bring Charlotte and Cooper closer, but initially she’ll push him away. “The interesting bond that springs up is between Charlotte and Amelia,” reveals Rhimes. “They were both addicts, and there’s an interesting [connection] that forms there.”
Question: Damn you for pissing on my My Boys parade, Ausiello! That season finale was perfect, and now you’re telling me the show was cancelled?! I think I deserve some scoopage. Let’s go obscure. How about Huge? —Jenn
Ausiello: LOL! Good one, Jenn. You had me going there for a second. [Beat] Oh, wait — you’re not joking, are you? Um, this is awkward.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Ask Ausiello 10/13/10
Question: NCIS scoop, please! —Milea
Ausiello: Ziva’s about to get a major rival. Israeli actress/model Sarai Givaty (pictured) has just been cast in a November-sweeps arc as Liat, a Mossad liaison charged with keeping Ziva’s dad out of harm’s way. Before long, Ziva-With-a-Z is feeling replaced both professionally and personally, so she does what any smart, self-confident tough chick would: She has a knock-down, drag-out fight with the new “her.” May the biggest badass win!
Question: What happened with House spoilers? It’s like a desert nowadays! —Milena
Ausiello: There’s at least one significant breakup coming down the pike. (That noise you hear is the sound of Twitter exploding.)
Question: Season’s greetings! Will there be a Christmas Glee episode? —Ryan
Ausiello: Can’t confirm a Christmas episode. I can tell you that something big happens around the holidays, and it may or may not involve a wedding.
Question: Where is Mark Salling? Is he gone permanently? Is it due to his release of a non-Glee album? You have to know something about this, right?! —Missy
Ausiello: Puck up, Missy! Though I dunno whether his absence is a side effect of his decision to work on music that isn’t in the genre of R&Glee, I do know that it’s only temporary. He’ll miss one more episode—the Oct. 26 Rocky Horror Picture Show tribute—but will be back on the air in a big way in early November.
Question: You’ve been skimping on The Vampire Diaries scoop lately. —Katie
Ausiello: No, I haven’t, you’ve just been demanding more, more, more. (And ya know it, too.) Anyway, Damon’s about to get a new lust interest — a fellow vamp named Rose. Who, please, please, please, will be played by Katharine Isabelle (the she-wolf from the Ginger Snaps trilogy).
Question: Will there be closure between you and Ms. Barrett before you leave EW? Something on Ausiello TV, perhaps? —Bryon
Ausiello: I don’t know about closure. But there will be an ending.
Question: Any chance of Blair and Chuck getting back together on Gossip Girl? —Savanna
Ausiello: There’s a pretty good chance of it happening in the next couple weeks, but I have to warn you: It won’t be pretty. Think The War of the Roses meets lots of sex.
Question: I’ve had enough Chuck and Blair spoilers. Please tell me something good about Nate and Serena! —Ilaria
Ausiello: The former lovers attend Blair’s birthday party together, but as friends. Hey, it’s something. In other GG news, ‘memba the peace treaty I told you Nate and Serena get Blair and Chuck to sign? Well, Dan — who stands to benefit from B&C remaining at war — steals it.
Question: I just read the press release for episode 6 of Brothers & Sisters, and it sounds like Scotty cheated on Kevin. Please tell me this is a mistake, because I will be devastated if Kevin and Scotty break up! —Maria
Ausiello: It’s not a mistake. You shouldn’t assume, however, that it leads to a breakup. It’s a little more complicated than that.
Question: The Good Wife is so, um, good this season. What’s coming up? —Mark
Ausiello: Look for a game-changing twist in the hotly contested race for state’s attorney next week.
Question: Mentalist writer Jordan Harper confirmed via Twitter that Mashburn’s coming back! Please investigate this one for us, Ausiello. Mashburn was awesome in last season’s episode “Redline.” He and Jane had some great scenes together. Plus, watching him put the moves on Lisbon was fun. Any chance you can find out why he’s back this time? —Rachel
Ausiello: Let’s ask series creator Bruno Heller. “As the story unfolds, it seems someone is determined to have Mashburn’s blood, and Mashburn is determined to have Lisbon,” he teases. “Someone is going to get their wish.”
Question: Hey! Where’s the Chuck scoop at? —Natalie
Ausiello: It’s right here, silly: The worlds of Chuck and Firefly will collide when Summer Glau guest-stars as Greta next month. “We’re definitely going to get Casey [Adam Baldwin] and her to cross paths,” says exec producer Josh Schwartz, “so there will be a mini-Firefly reunion.”
Question: Got any intel on the new NBC pilot Josh Schwartz is doing with Rachel Bilson, Ghost Angeles? —Nicholas
Ausiello: While it’s true that Bilson’s character communicates with spirits, Schwartz insists it’s “not nearly as similar to Ghost Whisperer as [it sounds].” He describes it simply as a “fun genre-hybrid show.”
Question: Has Melrose Place been canceled? —Diana
Ausiello: That depends. What year are you writing me from?
Question: I think I saw you shopping at Walmart in Lindon, Utah, last week. Or maybe it was your twin. In any event, I think that earns me some scoop from my favorite show, Supernatural. —Abiah
Ausiello: Wait a second — Lindon got a Walmart?! Get out! When the hell did that happen? I’m always the last to know. Here’s a little Supe scoop from this Friday’s Jensen Ackles-directed episode: Longtime voice actor Alan Ackles (a.k.a. Jensen’s pa) has a cameo as a newscaster. We’ll hear the elder Ackles’ voice during a news story that’s playing on TV at Bobby’s house. How much do we love Jensen for throwing a little work his dad’s way?
Question: You haven’t said a word about Undercovers! Breaks my heart, it does. Will they be getting the back-nine treatment or not? —James
Ausiello: Back nine seems like an iffy proposition right now given the show’s low ratings. Personally, I hope it rebounds. I find the two leads immensely appealing. I’m also excited to hear that the show will be sprinkling in a little mythology in the coming weeks. “We’re building to the reveal of why these two were really called back to the agency,” explains exec producer Josh Reims. “And along the way, we get hints about some secret CIA programs, people who aren’t who they say they are, and some facts about Samantha and Steven’s history that turn out not to be exactly what they thought.”
Question: I was kind of surprised that Derek wasn’t angrier at Mer for hiding the fact that she was pregnant and suffered a miscarriage on Grey’s Anatomy. He wasn’t really bothered by it at all. —Tim
Ausiello: Shonda Rhimes defends her decision thusly: “I would have really disliked Derek for being angry at Meredith for failing to tell him that she had a miscarriage on the day that he had been shot. I would have thought he was an ass.”
Question: How long will Jessica Capshaw be off Grey’s Anatomy for her maternity leave? And how will they explain it? —Joanne
Ausiello: Believe it or not, Rhimes expects Capshaw to be MIA for just two episodes. “We’re basically playing it by ear,” she says. “If she needs more [than two episodes], she’ll let me know. She’s not a new mother; she’s done this before. She feels like she’s in great shape and will be physically ready to come back almost immediately. But if she decides she needs some more time, we’re going to give her some more time.” As far as how she’ll be written out, let’s just say that question will be answered in dramatic fashion at the end of the Oct. 28 episode.
Question: Will we ever see Alex happy again on Grey’s Anatomy? —Julia
Ausiello: I don’t know about happy, but we will catch a glimpse of his tender side on Oct. 28 when he channels his inner Justin Bieber while treating a pediatric patient.
Question: Can we get some Private Practice scoop on Addison? Is she gonna have a story line besides her relationship with Sam? —Anna
Ausiello: Addison will play a key role in the upcoming rape story line, since she’s the only one Charlotte initially confides in. “Charlotte isn’t the kind of person who would want the world to know [that she was raped],” explains Rhimes. “And Addison’s a gynecological surgeon, so she needs somebody to help her in that sense. I love the position that it puts Addison in.”
Question: Any Private Practice scoop? —Diane
Ausiello: If the scene where Cooper first lays eyes on a bruised and battered Charlotte seems eerily authentic, here’s why: “The director of the episode didn’t let Paul [Adelstein] see me in the makeup before we shot it,” explains KaDee Strickland. “I literally walked around with a ginormous scarf over me on set. So when Cooper first sees Charlotte, it’s the first time Paul sees her too. I think it’s so awesome to get that natural reaction.”
Question: Can you tell us anything about the CSI episode with Dita Von Teese and what exactly happens between her and Greg? —Courtney
Ausiello: Sure can’t. Would you settle for a little scoopbit from this week’s episode? A recurring character gets killed. There’s also this: Catherine and Nick visit a sex shop as part of an investigation, and we learn that Cath is something of a regular customer.
Question: Will there be any more Annie-and-Jeff or Britta-and-Jeff developments on Community? It’s hard to believe that they’re just wiping the slate clean as if it never happened. What gives? —Becca
Ausiello: I’m surprised you aren’t asking me about Britta and Troy. Oh, wait, you haven’t seen this week’s episode yet. Oops, spoiler alert!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Ask Ausiello 10/6/10
Question: I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed that it’s Christina and Owen getting married in the Grey’s premiere and not Callie and Arizona. Will you make me feel better by giving us some Callie-Arizona scoop? —J
Ausiello: There’s a major Calzona development in the Oct. 28 episode, but a Grey’s source assures me that it’s not a turn for the worse. So don’t go barraging Shonda Rhimes with angry tweets. In the same episode, a camera crew invades Seattle Grace to film a documentary about the hospital’s recovery in the wake of the shooting rampage. In fact, the entire ep will be shot from the POV of the crew, so if shaky-cam makes you queasy you’d best pop a Dramamine before showtime.
Question: So sad to hear that you’re leaving EW! So, to cheer me up, any chance you could give me some Grey’s Anatomy scoop? —Mary
Ausiello: The sublime Amanda Foreman, who’s currently recurring on Parenthood, will guest-star in the aforementioned Oct. 28 episode as (I believe) a patient. This is also the episode that marks the return of Mandy Moore and Ryan Devlin. BTW, you’re not getting rid of me that quickly. I’m still here for a few more weeks—plenty of time to get me a really expensive farewell gift. (Registry info is forthcoming.)
Question: Good Wife scoop, please! —Cliff
Ausiello: Sounds like the show is breaking TV’s last taboo. No, not [blank], incest! A casting call has gone out for Molly, Cary’s beautiful 18-year-old cousin whom he is taking on a tour of the University of Chicago. During said tour, little Miss Molly makes it clear that she still has a crush on her older cuz. He, in turn, makes it clear that that’s gross he’s not interested. Perhaps they’re cousins once or twice or thrice removed? Or maybe they’re cousins in the way that, you know, Keri and I are cousins.
Question: What’s the poop, er, scoop on Elizabeth Reaser’s Good Wife character? —Tim
Ausiello: The scoop is … Alicia will probably get the urge to key her car. “She plays a sports writer, and she and Will develop sparks in a way that Will hasn’t with any other woman except Alicia,” explains exec producer Robert King. “We’re thrilled with [Elizabeth]. I’ve loved her since The Ex List. She’s doing an excellent job.”
Question: Could you please give us something good on Law & Order: SVU? —Kenleigh
Ausiello: I’m not sure this qualifies as good, but Emmy winner Marcia Gay Harden is reprising her role as FBI agent Dana Lewis. But she’s not returning to work on a case. She’s returning to BE the case.
Question: Were you able to find out why Glee is casting miniature versions of Puck, Santana, Rachel, Brittany, and Mercedes? Are they doing a flashback? —Shelly
Ausiello: Nope. It’s a fantasy sequence. Or nightmare sequence if Sue’s the one doing the dreaming.
Question: You must give us some scoop on whether Darren Criss will be playing Kurt’s new love interest on Glee! —Ashley
Ausiello: That’s still TBD. All I know for certain is that they’ll be good friends.
Question: College applications are getting me down. Any news on Darren Criss’ Glee character to remotivate me? Is it too much to hope that he’ll be singing one of his own songs? —Sabrina
Ausiello: Sorry to add to your doldrums, but I do believe it’s too much to hope. But let me get confirmation of that from Criss himself. “Well, it really isn’t up to me,” shrugs the up-and-comer. “But even if it was, and as cool as that would be—personally, for me as an artist—I think it’s important to keep a bit of separation from the actors’ realities and the characters’ realities. For example, as much as I would love to geek out over Matthew Morrison singing “Passeggiata” from Light in the Piazza—or any of the Spring Awakening-turned-Glee kids doing a number from that show—it probably would shake the audience out of the world of McKinley High, or at least the Broadway fans of the show anyway. But hey, what’s best for the show is best for the show, and I trust the creators in their choice of music. If the time was right, and they ever approached me to have one of my songs used in the show, of course, I’d be absolutely thrilled.” Talented, pretty, and eloquent? Bitch.
Question: Do you have any scoop on the upcoming season of Southland? —Autumn
Ausiello: It premieres in early January, and there’ll be a new face on the force. The show is casting the role of a Latina cop who is impulsive, no-nonsense, and occasionally annoying. She’s also, and I quote, “not gorgeous, but real.” I’d hate to be the actress who gets recommended for that role.
Question: Any new Smallville scoop? —Adelle
Ausiello: Present-day Clark comes face-to-face with future Clark (a.k.a. Superman) in next Friday’s 200th episode. But I’m pretty sure that’s old news. Here’s some new news. In the Oct. 22 episode, Clark finally decides to tell Lois his secret. Which is kind of funny because that’s the same episode she decides to tell him her secret: that she already knows! Hilarious, right? I thought it was.
Question: Any cool Big Bang Theory casting scoops? —Barrie
Ausiello: This isn’t as cool as Eliza Dushku guest-starring in an episode, but actress Aarti Man (Heroes‘ Shaila) has been cast as Koothrappali’s never-before-seen sister Priya.
Question: Is the rumor true that a Dallas reboot starring Josh Holloway and Jennifer Love Hewitt is being developed? Please say it’s true! —Lillie
Ausiello: It’s sort of true. TNT is developing a new Dallas series, but it’s more of a sequel than a reboot, as it takes place a few decades after the original series left off. No one is currently attached to the project, and that includes Josh Holloway, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and (last week’s big rumor) Kiefer Sutherland.
Question: Please tell me when Chuck and Blair will be back together on Gossip Girl! —Abbey
Ausiello: Serena and Nate lay the groundwork for a possible C&B reconciliation later this month when they negotiate a peace treaty between the warring exes. A literal treaty.
Question: The synopsis for the Oct. 29 episode of Supernatural says that one of the boys faces a truth about himself that sends the other brother reeling. Any insight on which brother is “facing a truth” and which brother is sent “reeling”? —Kat
Ausiello: Sam is facing the truth; Dean is reeling.
Question: So before you leave to open your Smurf museum, could you tell me if Bones will have a Christmas episode this season? —Amanda
Ausiello: Most likely not. There’s some uncertainty about what order Bones‘ November/December episodes will air in because of the World Series, so I think all parties felt it was easier not to do one this year.
Question: Remember a little show called Brothers & Sisters? Doesn’t seem like it, considering you rarely talk about it in AA. —Steve
Ausiello: My bad. Here are a few teasers about this Sunday’s episode.
* Someone goes missing.
* Someone gets caught lying about her age.
* Someone considers plastic surgery.
* Someone (temporarily) assumes a new identity.
* An estranged couple, um, reconnect.
Question: I am really liking the show The Big C, but I am getting over the story line of her not telling anyone she has cancer. This past Monday’s episode really irked me, because I thought she was finally telling someone. It was like the House/Huddy hallucination. Do you have any spoilers on when she’s going to reveal her secret? —Melodie
Ausiello: This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but there’s another near miss coming on Oct. 18 when Cathy finally decides to tell Paul the truth. Unfortunately, before she gets the chance he drops a bombshell on HER: He wants a divorce!
Question: Any word yet on whether AMC is going to pick up Rubicon for a second season? —Christine
Ausiello: Not a peep. I imagine a decision will have to come down soon, since there’s only two episodes left.
Question: I ask you for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Philo T. Farnsworth. How is the future looking for one of my favorite new shows this season, The Whole Truth? Remember, Mr. Ausiello, you are under oath. —Ryan
Ausiello’s attorney: Objection. Counsel is leading the witness.
Judge: Overruled. Mr. Ausiello, please answer the question.
Ausiello: The Whole Truth is one more low-rated episode away from getting pulled off the schedule.
Judge: I like your shoes, BTW. Cole Haan?
Ausiello: Yes! They’re so comfortable!
Question: Is Miles Heizer’s character on Parenthood gay? —Colleen
Ausiello: My gut says yes, but exec producer Jason Katims says no. I’m going to side with Katims on this one.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
NBC Mulling Possible Scheduling Changes; Grey's Reruns Replacing 'My Gen' On ABC
While it hasn't been as quick on the trigger to cancel underperforming new series as its counterparts Fox and ABC, over the past week NBC has been closely monitoring its schedule, which has not performed as well as the network's executives had hoped. I hear that the intention is to make as fewer scheduling moves as possible, and if things stay stable this week changes might not be implemented. But with the network's Monday lineup already setting the tone for a 3rd-week declines last night, we could see NBC going for some scheduling tweaks by the end of the week. Most endangered is freshman drama Outlaw, which drew 1.0 in the 18-49 demo and 4.7 million viewers in the Friday 10 PM slot last week. NBC already has new reality series School Pride launching Fridays at 8 PM next week and could slide the two-hour Dateline from 8-10 PM to 9-11 PM if Outlaw is pulled. I've also been hearing that The Apprentice could be moved out of the plum Thursday 10 PM slot after slipping to a 1.3 demo rating there last week. One possible scenario has new Law & Order spinoff, Law & Order: Los Angeles, moving to the Thursday 10 PM slot, with Law & Order: SVU sliding to 10 PM on Wednesdays where the second hour of its two-part premiere preformed very well during premiere week, proving once again that the Law & Order franchise works best at 10 PM. It is not clear if The Apprentice could move to the Wednesday 9 PM slot behind low-rated new spy drama Undercovers. While NBC brass seem to be happy creatively with the civilian edition of The Apprentice, the Donald Trump-starring business competition got hurt by its early launch the week before the beginning of the season and never built momentum in the Thursday 10 PM slot where it was dispatched after production on the new NBC dramedy Love Bites was put on hold.
Meanwhile, in a fallout from the recent axing of ABC's freshman drama My Generation and Fox's Lone Star, ABC will air Grey's Anatomy reruns in the Thursday 8 PM time slot for the next few weeks until it comes up with a permanent replacement for My Generation. And Fox will air reruns of Fringe in the Saturday 11 PM slot where it used to run Lone Star repeats.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
TV Guide Mega Buzz 9/29/10
What's this I hear about Brennan solving her own murder on Bones? — Maggie
ADAM: Well, Brennan obviously isn't the corpse, but her resemblance to the victim is uncanny. Executive producer Stephen Nathan says the experience will be educational for Bones. "Brennan gets to look at herself objectively, which is something she's never really been able to do," he says. "She sees herself in a new light, and that obviously will change her character to a certain extent."
So many answers on The Event this week! I can't help but think they're pulling a fast one on us. Have any scoop? — Martin
MICKEY: Go with your gut. We'll soon find out that at least one of the most fundamental parts of The Event's narrative is a big fat lie. Further, Sophia won't tolerate any leaks, even if people have to die to protect her secrets.
What else can you tell me about Katee Sackhoff's role on CSI? — Andrew
ADAM: She's a tough, stubborn woman, and that initially puts her at odds with George Eads' Nick Stokes. But she slowly wins him over. "She plays her character with a lot of bravado, which is something I think Nick really likes to be around," Eads tells us. Do we see sparks? "For Nick to have a relationship with anyone on the show, the genesis of it has to be mutual respect," Eads says, noting that the length of Sackhoff's arc has yet to be finalized. For his part, Eads is ready for something serious: "I would like to see her again."
Poor Artie! Will he find another love on Glee? —Amalia
MICKEY: I wouldn't call it love exactly, but on an upcoming episode, Artie will make a connection with a Cheerio that will make him feel special for a short while.
Got any new Grey's Anatomy information? — Bethany
ADAM: I hear that the show is looking for a middle-aged male doctor for a two-episode arc later in the season. In possibly related plot news, when a high-ranking Washington official checks into Seattle Grace, his Secret Service detail creates a logistical nightmare for the surgeons on duty.
I heard that the new Law & Order: Los Angeles gets rid of the theme song and the famous "chung-chung" sound. Say it ain't so. — Kathy
MICKEY: It ain't so. In fact, I think it's safe to say that the bouncing baby of the Dick Wolf family of television shows looks an awful lot like its parents. The first episode, "Hollywood," is a standard ripped-from-the-headlines gloss on the real-life Burglar Bunch. But there's a hilarious stage-mom twist.
I want to know if we will see a good emotional scene on NCIS between Abby and McGee during Season 8. — Marie-France
ADAM: Executive producer Shane Brennan wouldn't budge about any McGabby moments, but he did offer a cryptic tease about what's next for Abby. "Abby is caught up trying to solve a psychological mystery that centers around the death of an enigmatic young woman," Brennan says. Who's to say Abby won't need McGee's help?
I would think it would be easy for Walter and Peter to tell Olivia from Bolivia on Fringe. What gives? — Ted
MICKEY: Well, Bolivia's physical transformation is meticulous, and you'll see her come up with a very plausible explanation for her un-Olivia-like behavior. But Joshua Jackson points to a third factor. "I think there's something really cool about the idea that people from the same universe have some instinctual, animal level of connection to each other," he says. "The reason Peter responds to the other Olivia is because that would be his Olivia."
How much of Jane's backstory are we going to get on The Mentalist? — Hal
ADAM: You'll get some insight this week when Jane's brother-in-law shows up and forces him to confront his past. First, Jane revisits his carnival roots, but creator Bruno Heller tells us he'll later do something he hasn't done since his family died at the hands of Red John. "He goes on one of those Nancy Grace-type legal scandal shows," he says. "He swore he'd never go back on TV in order to catch the bad guy." Sounds pretty serious to us!
Help! I can't tell if the werewolves are the good guys or the bad guys on The Vampire Diaries. — Cory
MICKEY: I can't either, but perhaps a new addition to the cast will clarify everyone else's relative goodness. He's a man of few words who allows his piercing eyes to do the talking for him. I'm hearing him compared to the Haitian on Heroes, which means those peepers are probably good for more than just lookin'.
I really enjoyed the Brothers & Sisters premiere. Is this really the last season? — Katie
ADAM: Despite a reduced episode order and some siginifcant cast exits, executive producer David Marshall Grant isn't planning on going anywhere. "I've approached the show as if it's going to go on and on. I take my cue from the studio and the network, and they've given me no indication — not even a hint or a heads-up — that [cancellation is] a possibility," he says. "If and when I hear different, I will adjust and make sure that we take these Walkers off the air in the style that they deserve. But I have heard nothing to suggest that I should be planning for that."
I know it's a ways off, but can you give me any V scoop? — Kara
MICKEY: A major female character will lose her head in an early episode — which is to say, she'll be beheaded. I only mention the violent act because it will be as revealing as it is fatal.
Adam's Mega Rave: Thanks, Castle, for cooling it with the Beckett-Castle stuff for an episode. It gave Martha (Susan Sullivan) a chance to mourn her off-screen love interest, Chet, who succumbed to a stroke. Her musings about love after the thrill is gone were quiet but powerful.
Mickey's Mini Rant: Boo, Matt Damon, for being a fancy-pants movie star. We really like you as Liz Lemon's "inside spoon" on 30 Rock
Ask Ausiello 9/29/10
Question: Let’s assume Chord Overstreet’s Sam is not a love interest for Glee’s Kurt, and Darren Criss is. Well, who will Sam be paired with? —Jeff
Ausiello: I’m hearing single mom Quinn. But if you’ve got a better idea, the comments section below has your name written all over it, Jeff.
Question: Is Mike Chang going to get a solo on Glee? I’m swooning over his dancing (and now his abs!), but a solo would just be the icing on the cake. —Kraig
Ausiello: He’ll get the next best thing to a solo in episode 4: a duet with Tina!
Question: With the Britney tribute episode and talk of possible Michael Jackson or Bruce Springsteen episodes, when the hell are the folks at Glee going to do a second Madonna episode? I want my Madge! —Dan
Ausiello: Not this season, apparently. Word on the street is that the Super Bowl episode will be the last tribute we’ll see this season. Of course, given the record ratings the show got with last night’s Britneypalooza, the word on the street could change, and fast.
Question: Any truth to the rumor that Glee‘s post-Super Bowl tribute episode will be a sequel to Britney/Brittany? —Taylor
Ausiello: If by “any truth” you mean “no truth whatsoever,” yes. Otherwise, not so much. BREAKING GLEE NEWS: Sources confirm to me exclusively that Charice will reappear in episode 7!
Question: Weeds scoop? Pretty please? —Laura Mae
Ausiello: Okay, but it’s kinda gross. In episode 7 (airing Oct. 4), as Nancy’s worries about Andy grow, she takes him to a carnival to spend a little QT. Instead, he and Silas enter—I kid you not—a butter-eating competition.
Question: Weeds scoop. Now. —Susan
Ausiello: Okay, but it’s a little racy. In episode 8 (airing Oct. 11), Nancy knocks boots with guest hottie Mark-Paul Gosselaar. From what I hear, it’s the kind of scene that DVR rewind buttons were invented for. Meanwhile, in episode 9 (airing Oct. 18), Nancy’s second thoughts about her family’s life on the lam lead her to make what could be a fatal mistake.
Question: Any scoop on who Eliza Dushku is playing on The Big Bang Theory? —Jordan
Ausiello: Dushku will play an FBI agent named Angela tasked with giving Wolowitz a top secret security clearance. In related news, that sentence makes me happy on so many levels.
Question: Since it’s my B’Day today, I was hoping that you can give me some Bones scoop. —Ina B
Ausiello: An upcoming episode will be told entirely from Brennan’s point of view. “It’s a very stylized episode where Brennan is investigating a murder of someone who appears to be her,” explains exec producer Stephen Nathan. “It’s sort of Brennan examining her own life while examining the victim. We’ve never done anything this internal. It’s probably the most psychologically oriented episode we’ve ever done.”
Question: Which episode of Bones is Emily Deschanel directing this season? —Frankie
Ausiello: Episode No. 14. And so far, that’s all I know.
Question: Hawaii Five-O scoop? —Johanna
Ausiello: Newly unemployed Lone Star star James Wolk should call his agent, because the CBS reboot is casting the perfect part for him: a possibly two-faced old buddy of McGarrett’s who’s visiting the islands as a bodyguard for a controversial Third World leader.
Question: Gossip Girl has been amazing this season! It feels like the show has hit its stride! What’s coming up for these amazing Upper East Siders? —lec
Ausiello: Something wicked their way comes, I’m afraid. Juliet’s butting in is going to lead to a major couple breaking up. Guesses below…
Question: I’m intrigued about Community‘s Mean Girls homage with Hilary Duff. Tell me more. — Connie
Ausiello: Try this — an actual exchange from the show:
Hilary: You’re dead.
Abed: You’re bowlegged.
But wait, there’s more. When Britta and her fellow female coeds become the new Mean Girls, they take advantage of Abed’s ability to zero in on a person’s weakness for their own nefarious purposes. Oh, and two words: illegal trampoline.
Question: Olivia Munn was awesome on Chuck last week. Any chance she’s going to be a series regular? —Jeni
Ausiello: I hear they wanted her to stick around, but she has a full plate, what with The Daily Show and NBC’s Perfect Couples. But maybe this will cheer you up: An upcoming Chuck—or an upChuck, if you will—will be set in Thailand. Not the REAL Thailand, though. A sliver of the Warner Bros. backlot made to look like Thailand.
Question: What more can you tell us about the looming Private Practice tragedy? —Cline
Ausiello: It involves a major female character. Don’t give me that look, Cline. You asked what I could tell you, not what I knew.
Question: Not one image or spoilery tidbit has been released regarding Julia Stiles’ “emotionally battered” character on Dexter. Can you please give me something?! —Dana
Ausiello: We’ll finally meet her in episode 3, and if her story is going where I think it’s going, I’m going to be very intrigued. So intrigued, in fact, that it’ll more than make up for the uninspiring first two episodes.
Question: Loving Grey’s at the moment. Would love a bit of Teddy goss. — Sophie
Ausiello: You got it: When Jackson tries to flirt his way up the food chain at Seattle Grace, Teddy will have none of it. And I mean NONE. Speaking of which, pick up this week’s EW, head home, draw a warm bath, light some candles, climb into the tub, and turn to page 29. You’ll be glad you did.
Question: Any word on who Grey’s is going to pair Jackson with? —Meg
Ausiello: No official word, but there are rumblings it’s this person.
Question: In a recent interview, Ellen Pompeo mentioned that fans will be treated to some overdue sister scenes on Grey’s Anatomy between Meredith and Lexie. Any news on the nature of this potential sisterly bonding? —Dana
Ausiello: Okay, Dana, since it’s two-for-one question day, I’ll tell you that the nature of the scenes isn’t bonding per se. Rather, when Mer starts forming a sibling-ish kinship with former nemesis Sarah Drew, it brings out the green-eyed monster in Lexie.
Question: James Tupper as Dr. Chris Sands was fabulous on Mercy. I am so thrilled to see him on Grey’s Anatomy, but I’m disappointed that he is only on two episodes. Anyway, can we get him on for more episodes later in the season? —Jeannie
Ausiello: Grey’s boss Shonda Rhimes wants that to happen too. “We’d love to have him back,” she tells me. So what’s the problem? “He’s playing a trauma counselor. There’s not a lot of room for a trauma counselor on a show about surgeons on a weekly basis.” Poop.
Question: Olivia’s been brainwashed. Peter’s canoodling with Fauxlivia. Yes, Fringe is awesome this season, but it’s also pretty depressing. Got any scoop that will cheer me up? —Emily
Ausiello: Walter breaks wind this week in his lab in front of Peter and Astrid. That help?
Question: I need a Fringe scoop like a cocaine test monkey needs its next hit. When will Olivia get back where she belongs? —Tommy
Ausiello: Exec producer Jeff Pinkner would say only that “Olivia’s journey will not be an easy one, and it will require help from unexpected sources.”
Question: 30 Rock live episode. Go. — Marc
Ausiello: Sounds meta. It’ll revolve around a TGS live show, be skit-driven (with some BTS elements), and it’s being shot at the SNL studios.
Question: Can’t wait for Candice Bergen on House. What is her first encounter with House like? —Joel
Ausiello: He doesn’t know she’s Cuddy’s mom when they first meet, so I’m guessing it’s going to get awkward quick. BTW, two other notes about Candice: She arrives for Cuddy’s birthday, and her two episodes will be nonconsecutive.
Question: Should we read anything into Chase’s sexual overture to Thirteen on House last week? Was he really interested in her, or is it just a case of a horny single doctor? —Elizabeth
Ausiello: Let’s ask exec producer David Shore, shall we? David, should we read anything into Chase’s sexual overture to Thirteen on House last week? Was he really interested in her, or is it just a case of a horny single doctor? “If there is something more going on there, you won’t see it for a while,” he says, “because of Olivia [Wilde]‘s movie schedule [taking her off the canvas].”
Question: Got any NCIS: LA scoop? — Justin
Ausiello: The show is on the lookout for a sixtysomething with a slight German accent to play the recurring role of a retiree who, though blind, still sees the fun in manipulating people. And since the character is named Burgess, I’m thinking the show is a fan of the Penguin.
Question: Any idea when Lily and Marshall will see a positive pregnancy test on HIMYM? —Claire
Ausiello: No clue. What I do know is that in episode 7 the wannabe dad dreams of his little girl growing up to be a high school student and a stripper.
Question: Mindy Kaling tweeted that last week’s opening musical number on The Office was done in one take. I find that a little hard to believe. I mean, they’re talented and all, but one take? —Brett
Ausiello: She later clarified: It was one long uninterrupted shot, but they did it a total of three times. Still, it was quite an impressive feat, no? “We were a well-oiled machine, as much as a group of nondancing comedy actors can be,” she tells me with a laugh. It took “three hours to learn the choreography from Mary Ann Kellogg, who incidentally did Ed [Helms] and my amazing Cafe Disco dance-off a few years back. I had a bit of trouble staying perched on the slippery counter and had to hold myself up. I had to take my shoes off. BJ [Novak] stepped on my foot
once accidentally — it was painful. This cannot be interesting to you.” Actually, she’s right. Let’s move on…
Question: Ausiello! Any idea if there’ll be an Ugly Betty movie?! — Abida
Ausiello: Abida! Let it go! Not happening.
Question: On a scale from 1 to 10, how crazy will the final scene in Smallville‘s 200th episode drive Clois fans? Any chance you can give us a little more on it? — Geff C.
Ausiello: Nine. Can’t say more except that it’ll take your breath away.
Question: Do you have any updates on the possibility of Michael Rosenbaum returning to Smallville? — Denny
Ausiello: I hear episode 10 may be titled “Luthor,” so draw your own conclusions. Actually, let me help you: I’m guessing that ties in with his pa Lionel’s return. But I could be wrong!
Question: Do you have any scoop on why/how Robert Wagner is coming back to NCIS? —Lyss
Ausiello: Tony Sr. gets caught up in a case that requires him to go on a date with (wait for it) Ziva!
Question: Is Stana Katic pregnant? Don’t get me wrong, she is as stunning as ever; her wardrobe choices on Castle, on the other hand, are suspicious. — Peter
Ausiello: She is not pregnant. In related news, the puffy blouse Katic was wearing in Monday’s episode released the following statement exclusively to Ask Ausiello: “My bad.”
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Fancast Big Tease 9/28/10
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.”
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Prepare to Loooove Sarah Drew—No Really!—as Grey's Anatomy Returns Tonight
Tonight is the night! Grey's Anatomy returns, with new series regular Sarah Drew.
Now, we love Sarah Drew, but when it comes to some newbie creepin' up on our Mer-Der action, it's hard to forgive.
So to prep for her new increased role, I did what any respectable journalist would do—I trekked it on over to Sarah's house (oh yeah, I went there!) and demanded some answers, including a few on that icky Derek crush, and even an Everwood reunion (she admits to one-night stands with a former costar!)...
"We are going to see the redemption of April," Sarah promised me (promise, I didn't threaten her or anything!). "She's moved past the [Derek] crush."
Sarah says April's change of heart is due in large part to that superscary Grey's finale shootout. "Witnessing the miscarriage and sitting there and having that moment with Meredith really helped to shut the door on all of it," explained the starlet from the comfort of her very own adorable home—which I graciously offered to move in to. " Also, there's something about almost getting someone killed that makes you stop crushing on them. Really it's replaced with guilt more so than adoration." Hooray for small miracles, right?
Now I know you guys might not believe this, but Sarah swears we might totally fall in love with her character this season, too.
"There's a really fun secret about April revealed in episode three," she teased. Sarah's also ready to see April get some lovin' but has a very specific storyline in mind—so Shonda Rhimes, this one's for you!
"She's never been loved!," Sarah laughed. "In her big monologue she goes, 'I've never been loved. I haven't lived yet,' so that's my hope for April. I want to see a Bright-Hannah [Everwood] storyline, like a really sweet love story, an innocent, blossoming of her and entering into becoming a woman—even though she's 28 years-old."
Ah, Everwood. A gem from the WB of yesteryear, and one that Sarah told me she still holds near and dear to her heart: "I love my Everwood family. I mean I was just watching a clip from one of the shows the other day and I literally teared up." She and Emily Van Camp are still buds and have...one-night stands?!
"When we [see each other] it's an eight hour, drinking wine, talking, sharing as if no time has passed and then I fall asleep in her house and then sneak out at 6 a.m. the next morning," Sarah gushed. "And then I don't see her again for six months so we call them our one-night stands."
Told ya. Sarah Drew is love-worthy. So keep an open mind as Grey's new season opens tonight, will ya?
Don't miss what's bound to be a crazy Grey's Anatomy premiere tonight at 9 p.m. on ABC.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Ask Ausiello 9/22/10
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.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
New Grey's Anatomy-Private Practice Crossover Secrets Revealed—It's a Shepherd Family Reunion!
Crossovers are always a treat, but mix-n-match Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, and you've got what the world's greatest boss Michael Scott would call a win-win-win!
We just chatted up P.P.'s brilliant new neurosurgeon Caterina Scorsone, and she spilled all sorts of fun facts on the latest crossover—including an emotional reunion between estranged siblings Amelia Shepherd and her Grey's big bro McDreamy Derek (Patrick Dempsey)...
Blame Addison!
No, really—according to Caterina that's exactly how this whole thing comes to be. "Basically Addison kicks her in the keester," the starlet laughs. "Amelia is kicking and screaming and doing everything she can do to avoid the inevitable, but Addison somehow convinces her that she's gotta go to Seattle." So...blame Addison. Or rather, thank her.
"[Derek and Amelia] have been at an impasse for years after their father's tragedy," Caterina explains of the feuding family. Yes, the two are taking baby steps to repair the damage during the crossover, but it's not going to be pretty. Adds Caterina: "She has some pretty bad behavior and Derek's got his quirks as well. I'm not going to give Amelia all the blame, but there is definitely some cathartic movement in that relationship."
The episode is also a treat for longtime fans of Grey's, providing some long overdue insight into the man who still melts our hearts.
"You find out a lot about Derek," Scorsone promises. "That's one of the things that'll be interesting for a lot of people who have been watching the show for years, myself included. You really get to find out about that tragedy that's colored both of our lives ever since. We were young when we witnessed our father's murder, and so fans really get to learn about that."
"Amelia is pretty focused on Derek and trying to mend that relationship," she tells us. "And I'm really happy with how it all went."
The big crossover event is still a few months away, but be sure to catch Caterina on Thursday's Private Practice premiere at 10 p.m. on ABC, following a brand-new Grey's Anatomy at 9 p.m. Both are must-sees!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ask Ausiello 9/15/10
Question: I know you are busy and all with getting your fall season tactics together, but can you please give me some Private Practice scoop? —Vernice
Ausiello: Fall season tactics? You tickle me, Vernice. Let’s grab a drink sometime. Here’s your Private spoiler: Something tragic will happen to a major character during November sweeps. It’s probably the darkest story PP has ever tackled—and this show has tackled some dark stories. Consider yourself warned.
Question: Seriously, no Fringe scoop last week? Why do I even bother to read this column? —Brett
Ausiello: That’s between you, your therapist, and the lovely people at CVS. If it’s any consolation, I have Fringe scoop this week. Actually, I’ve got a few Fringe scoops. The first one comes courtesy of John Noble, who reveals exactly how Walternate plans to pull Peter’s strings from the alt-universe. “[Walternate] has to ensure that [Peter] continues to work on our side,” says Noble, “and he’ll do that through alt-Olivia.” Okay, I’ll bite: How exactly will Bolivia manipulate Peter? Noble hesitates before whispering, “She seduces him… Did I just say that? Did I just drop a big teaser?” I believe you did, sir!
Question: Does the fact that Fringe is setting every other episode “over there” mean that we’re going to see more of Charlie this season? —Melissa
Ausiello: That’s precisely what that means. Charlie remains active in the alt-world’s Fringe division, so look for him to appear in multiple episodes—beginning with next Thursday’s season premiere.
Question: Can I get some good Grey’s Anatomy news regarding Der and Mer? —Betsy
Ausiello: Among the manifestations of Derek’s post-bloodbath adrenaline junkie phase will be an increased sexual appetite. “[There's] a lot of sex,” says series creator Shonda Rhimes. “He’s on the high that a person gets when they face death and survive it.”
Question: I heard a rumor that Kevin Sorbo will be on The Big Bang Theory playing Sheldon’s much less geeky, way older brother. True? —Ish
Ausiello: False.
Question: I’ll be watching six shows this fall: House, Chuck, Glee, Bones, The Office, and Smallville. You have to have a scoop on at least one of them! Please? —Hillary
Ausiello: How about more on Glee’s emotional third episode? Cory Monteith will be in the spotlight, performing R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” as Finn finds—and loses—his faith in the course of the hour. “So cool,” Monteith says of his solo. “I’ve been a huge Michael Stipe fan all my life.” Apparently he’s a Joan Osborne fan as well: “We end the episode with ‘One of Us,’” he says. “I think it’s been a long time since the song was done properly. I hope we do it well.”
Question: We’re so close to the premiere of Dexter and yet there was nothing in the last AA. Shame. —Adam
Ausiello: A scene in the Sept. 26 premiere in which Astor and Cody learn that their mother has been savagely murdered features a twisted-even-by-Dexter-standards piece of product placement. Hint: The folks at Disney are gonna be out for blood!
Question: My fiancé and I just watched all four seasons of Dexter in one week, and we’re completely hooked. Got any scoop on season 5? —Leslie
Ausiello: The premiere flashes back to Dex and Rita’s very first date. And given what went down on date No. 1, you’ll be shocked they made it to No. 2.
Question: Rumor has it House was shooting some big event on location in downtown Los Angeles last week. Got any deets? —Claudia
Ausiello: You sitting down? Good, ’cause a little birdie confirms to me exclusively that they were shooting a wedding! Now go ahead and stand back up because the bride and groom are, well, nobodies. At least they’re nobodies to us. They’re somebodies to House and Cuddy, who attend the nuptials along with Sam and Wilson. “None of our series regulars are getting married that I know of right now,” says exec producer and aforementioned little birdie Katie Jacobs. “But weddings tend to be a flashpoint for couples. And every couple that has to attend this wedding [ends up] examining where they are in their own relationship.”
Question: Please tell us who kidnaps Lois in the Smallville premiere. Or at the very least give us a hint. —Brian
Ausiello: It is not Lex Luthor. It is, however, the next worst thing.
Question: How much longer will Crosby and Jasmine be doing the long-distance thing on Parenthood? —Christine
Ausiello: “As the season progresses, all three of them find that [the arrangement] hasn’t really worked out,” says exec producer Jason Katims. “So things start to evolve pretty early on in the year. I don’t want to give away exactly what happens, but their living arrangements change.”
Question: Help me! I need some 90210 scoop that doesn’t involve Teddy being gay! —Ely
Ausiello: Look for Deb (Lori Loughlin) to pay an unannounced visit to Cougar Town—the metaphorical one, not the literal one—when she randomly hooks up with Ryan (Ryan Eggold) in November. For those keeping track at home, there’s a 20-year age difference between the two. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Question: Sorry to hear about your wrist! What’s making you feel better as you convalesce? —Ben
Ausiello: My good friend Paulie Percocet has been cheering me up. And in between doses his visits, I watch this.
Question: Did you break your wrist watching the House premiere? —@Sudsy95
Ausiello: No, I broke it *a****g *f* a ******. In related news, the first person to correctly solve that asterisk quiz wins this. Please email your most educated guess to ausielloscoop@ew.com and be sure to include “House contest” in the subject line.
Question: The DirecTV press release about the final season of Friday Night Lights doesn’t mention anything about Gaius Charles returning. Does this mean Smash is not in season 5? If so, did they want to bring him back and couldn’t for scheduling reasons, or was it a creative choice? —Jake
Ausiello: Smash will not be back for the fifth and final season, and, according to exec producer Jason Katims, creative and scheduling considerations came into play. “It was a combination of [Gaius'] availability and the storytelling,” he tells me. “With only 13 episodes, we ended up having to pick and choose which stories and characters to service. The story drives everything. We didn’t want to bring [alums] back just to bring them back. We wanted to make sure we had a good story for them.” That said, Katims says Smash is “referenced” in one of the episodes. “We find out how he’s doing in school.”
Question: Could you give us a clue about your wedding blind item from a while ago? —Jaimee
Ausiello: It’s not Grey’s Anatomy. Or Private Practice.
Question: How about a scoop on Community? All those commercials on Emmy night got me excited for season 2! —Jenny
Ausiello: Señor Chang’s transition from teacher to student will be a rocky one—and that’s a good thing, insists Ken Jeong. “Watching him assimilate into the school he once abused is all sorts of fun,” enthuses Jeong. “I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had on the show right now.”
Question: I’m very disappointed by the lack of Spartacus: Blood and Sand spoilers. To make up for this, how about a spoiler on the second season? It’s only fair. —Carol
Ausiello: I broke my wrist *a****g *f* a ******. Don’t lecture me about fairness, Carol. Having said that, your timing is fortuitous as I just got off the phone with series creator Steven S. DeKnight. Sparty’s boss told me that the search for a new Big Bad (or big Bads) to fill the void left by John Hannah’s Batiatus will soon get under way. “There will be some new people on the villain side,” he says. “But we’re not far enough into [season 2] to nail down any big casting news.” DeKnight went on to say that he “kicked around” the idea of a romance between sworn enemies Spartacus and Ilithyia, but he added that “it’s a tricky thing since she tried to kill him several times, and he firmly connects her to Glaber, who he partially blames for the death of his wife. But will they have some interesting interactions in season 2? Absolutely.”
Question: I have a craving for anything Castle! —Trish
Ausiello: I’ve got three words for you: Castle. Beckett. Nudity. Allow exec producer Andrew Marlowe to explain: “They have to go to a strip club to investigate a murder, and Castle is very excited about this. Unfortunately for him, it turns out to be a male revue with crazy bachelorettes running around. He, of course, ends up being fresh meat.”
Question: Can I have a scoop on Bones please? —Pauline
Ausiello: The rumors are true: Angela, who had a little pregnancy scare last season with boyfriend Wendell, is actually having a baby with husband Hodgins. Actress Michaela Conlin expects Angela to “weave in some of her craziness” to their impending parenthood. “I think we may see her interviewing some doulas and wild pediatricians and things like that. And hopefully, she’ll be eating a lot of weird stuff,” Conlin says. “I think it’s going to be nice to see another side of her this season.”
Question: I love Sweets on Bones, but I hate to see him get the short end of so many sticks. Any news on what’s in store for him this season? —AJ
Ausiello: A possible reunion with Daisy is in store—provided he’s able to forgive her for choosing her career over him. “He’s taking baby steps to finally let [Daisy] back into his heart,” reveals Sweets’ portrayer, John Frances Daley. “He has a very fragile heart. He’s been through a lot. Obviously, they have very strong feelings for each other, and they can’t really stay apart for too long—as we establish [in he premiere]. He’s a good guy generally, so I think ultimately, yeah, he’ll take her back.”
Question: I know TPTB on How I Met Your Mother have said that season 6 is going to be more Ted-centric, but do you think there is even the slightest glimmer of hope for Barney and Robin?—Jessica
Ausiello: “No comment,” responds exec producer Craig Thomas. Adds fellow EP Carter Bays: “We can’t say one way or the other. But we, like everyone, love them together. There is chemistry there that is undeniable.”
Question: Please elaborate on your recent item about a major character being killed off of Burn Notice when it returns in the fall. I’m seriously freaking out here! —Pat
Ausiello: The major character in question is [spoiler alert]. Furthermore, [spoiler alert] will ********** be [spoiler alert]. Hope that helps!
