'HIMYM': Kyle MacLachlan joins cast

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/30/kyle-maclachlan-how-i-met-your-mother/

Kyle MacLachlan is the mother!!!

Sorry, couldn’t resist. All kidding aside, the ex-Desperate Housewives hubby may have a major connection to How I Met Your Mother‘s titular mama. Details below…

Sources confirm to me exclusively that MacLachlan is set to appear in at least two episodes of the CBS comedy as the ex-husband of Jennifer Morrison’s Ted-crushing architecture buff, Zoey—a character who may or may not turn out to be you-know-who.

Morrison’s first episode airs Oct. 18, while MacLachlan is set to debut in early November.

Thoughts? Theories? Random musings? Hit the comments!
 

Ask Ausiello 9/29/10

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

Question: Let’s assume Chord Overstreet’s Sam is not a love interest for Glee’s Kurt, and Darren Criss is. Well, who will Sam be paired with? —Jeff
Ausiello: I’m hearing single mom Quinn. But if you’ve got a better idea, the comments section below has your name written all over it, Jeff.

Question: Is Mike Chang going to get a solo on Glee? I’m swooning over his dancing (and now his abs!), but a solo would just be the icing on the cake. —Kraig
Ausiello: He’ll get the next best thing to a solo in episode 4: a duet with Tina!

Question: With the Britney tribute episode and talk of possible Michael Jackson or Bruce Springsteen episodes, when the hell are the folks at Glee going to do a second Madonna episode? I want my Madge! —Dan
Ausiello: Not this season, apparently. Word on the street is that the Super Bowl episode will be the last tribute we’ll see this season. Of course, given the record ratings the show got with last night’s Britneypalooza, the word on the street could change, and fast.

Question: Any truth to the rumor that Glee‘s post-Super Bowl tribute episode will be a sequel to Britney/Brittany? —Taylor
Ausiello: If by “any truth” you mean “no truth whatsoever,” yes. Otherwise, not so much. BREAKING GLEE NEWS: Sources confirm to me exclusively that Charice will reappear in episode 7!

Question: Weeds scoop? Pretty please? —Laura Mae
Ausiello: Okay, but it’s kinda gross. In episode 7 (airing Oct. 4), as Nancy’s worries about Andy grow, she takes him to a carnival to spend a little QT. Instead, he and Silas enter—I kid you not—a butter-eating competition.

Question: Weeds scoop. Now. —Susan
Ausiello: Okay, but it’s a little racy. In episode 8 (airing Oct. 11), Nancy knocks boots with guest hottie Mark-Paul Gosselaar. From what I hear, it’s the kind of scene that DVR rewind buttons were invented for. Meanwhile, in episode 9 (airing Oct. 18), Nancy’s second thoughts about her family’s life on the lam lead her to make what could be a fatal mistake.

Question: Any scoop on who Eliza Dushku is playing on The Big Bang Theory? —Jordan
Ausiello: Dushku will play an FBI agent named Angela tasked with giving Wolowitz a top secret security clearance. In related news, that sentence makes me happy on so many levels.

Question: Since it’s my B’Day today, I was hoping that you can give me some Bones scoop. —Ina B
Ausiello: An upcoming episode will be told entirely from Brennan’s point of view. “It’s a very stylized episode where Brennan is investigating a murder of someone who appears to be her,” explains exec producer Stephen Nathan. “It’s sort of Brennan examining her own life while examining the victim. We’ve never done anything this internal. It’s probably the most psychologically oriented episode we’ve ever done.”

Question: Which episode of Bones is Emily Deschanel directing this season? —Frankie
Ausiello: Episode No. 14. And so far, that’s all I know.

Question: Hawaii Five-O scoop? —Johanna
Ausiello: Newly unemployed Lone Star star James Wolk should call his agent, because the CBS reboot is casting the perfect part for him: a possibly two-faced old buddy of McGarrett’s who’s visiting the islands as a bodyguard for a controversial Third World leader.

Question: Gossip Girl has been amazing this season! It feels like the show has hit its stride! What’s coming up for these amazing Upper East Siders? —lec
Ausiello: Something wicked their way comes, I’m afraid. Juliet’s butting in is going to lead to a major couple breaking up. Guesses below…

Question: I’m intrigued about Community‘s Mean Girls homage with Hilary Duff. Tell me more. — Connie
Ausiello: Try this — an actual exchange from the show:

Hilary: You’re dead.
Abed: You’re bowlegged.

But wait, there’s more. When Britta and her fellow female coeds become the new Mean Girls, they take advantage of Abed’s ability to zero in on a person’s weakness for their own nefarious purposes. Oh, and two words: illegal trampoline.

Question: Olivia Munn was awesome on Chuck last week. Any chance she’s going to be a series regular? —Jeni
Ausiello: I hear they wanted her to stick around, but she has a full plate, what with The Daily Show and NBC’s Perfect Couples. But maybe this will cheer you up: An upcoming Chuck—or an upChuck, if you will—will be set in Thailand. Not the REAL Thailand, though. A sliver of the Warner Bros. backlot made to look like Thailand.

Question: What more can you tell us about the looming Private Practice tragedy? —Cline
Ausiello: It involves a major female character. Don’t give me that look, Cline. You asked what I could tell you, not what I knew.

Question: Not one image or spoilery tidbit has been released regarding Julia Stiles’ “emotionally battered” character on Dexter. Can you please give me something?! —Dana
Ausiello: We’ll finally meet her in episode 3, and if her story is going where I think it’s going, I’m going to be very intrigued. So intrigued, in fact, that it’ll more than make up for the uninspiring first two episodes.

Question: Loving Grey’s at the moment. Would love a bit of Teddy goss. — Sophie
Ausiello: You got it: When Jackson tries to flirt his way up the food chain at Seattle Grace, Teddy will have none of it. And I mean NONE. Speaking of which, pick up this week’s EW, head home, draw a warm bath, light some candles, climb into the tub, and turn to page 29. You’ll be glad you did.

Question: Any word on who Grey’s is going to pair Jackson with? —Meg
Ausiello: No official word, but there are rumblings it’s this person.

Question: In a recent interview, Ellen Pompeo mentioned that fans will be treated to some overdue sister scenes on Grey’s Anatomy between Meredith and Lexie. Any news on the nature of this potential sisterly bonding? —Dana
Ausiello: Okay, Dana, since it’s two-for-one question day, I’ll tell you that the nature of the scenes isn’t bonding per se. Rather, when Mer starts forming a sibling-ish kinship with former nemesis Sarah Drew, it brings out the green-eyed monster in Lexie.

Question: James Tupper as Dr. Chris Sands was fabulous on Mercy. I am so thrilled to see him on Grey’s Anatomy, but I’m disappointed that he is only on two episodes. Anyway, can we get him on for more episodes later in the season? —Jeannie
Ausiello: Grey’s boss Shonda Rhimes wants that to happen too. “We’d love to have him back,” she tells me. So what’s the problem? “He’s playing a trauma counselor. There’s not a lot of room for a trauma counselor on a show about surgeons on a weekly basis.” Poop.

Question: Olivia’s been brainwashed. Peter’s canoodling with Fauxlivia. Yes, Fringe is awesome this season, but it’s also pretty depressing. Got any scoop that will cheer me up? —Emily
Ausiello: Walter breaks wind this week in his lab in front of Peter and Astrid. That help?

Question: I need a Fringe scoop like a cocaine test monkey needs its next hit. When will Olivia get back where she belongs? —Tommy
Ausiello: Exec producer Jeff Pinkner would say only that “Olivia’s journey will not be an easy one, and it will require help from unexpected sources.”

Question: 30 Rock live episode. Go. — Marc
Ausiello: Sounds meta. It’ll revolve around a TGS live show, be skit-driven (with some BTS elements), and it’s being shot at the SNL studios.

Question: Can’t wait for Candice Bergen on House. What is her first encounter with House like? —Joel
Ausiello: He doesn’t know she’s Cuddy’s mom when they first meet, so I’m guessing it’s going to get awkward quick. BTW, two other notes about Candice: She arrives for Cuddy’s birthday, and her two episodes will be nonconsecutive.

Question: Should we read anything into Chase’s sexual overture to Thirteen on House last week? Was he really interested in her, or is it just a case of a horny single doctor? —Elizabeth
Ausiello: Let’s ask exec producer David Shore, shall we? David, should we read anything into Chase’s sexual overture to Thirteen on House last week? Was he really interested in her, or is it just a case of a horny single doctor? “If there is something more going on there, you won’t see it for a while,” he says, “because of Olivia [Wilde]‘s movie schedule [taking her off the canvas].”

Question: Got any NCIS: LA scoop? — Justin
Ausiello: The show is on the lookout for a sixtysomething with a slight German accent to play the recurring role of a retiree who, though blind, still sees the fun in manipulating people. And since the character is named Burgess, I’m thinking the show is a fan of the Penguin.

Question: Any idea when Lily and Marshall will see a positive pregnancy test on HIMYM? —Claire
Ausiello: No clue. What I do know is that in episode 7 the wannabe dad dreams of his little girl growing up to be a high school student and a stripper.

Question: Mindy Kaling tweeted that last week’s opening musical number on The Office was done in one take. I find that a little hard to believe. I mean, they’re talented and all, but one take? —Brett
Ausiello: She later clarified: It was one long uninterrupted shot, but they did it a total of three times. Still, it was quite an impressive feat, no? “We were a well-oiled machine, as much as a group of nondancing comedy actors can be,” she tells me with a laugh. It took “three hours to learn the choreography from Mary Ann Kellogg, who incidentally did Ed [Helms] and my amazing Cafe Disco dance-off a few years back. I had a bit of trouble staying perched on the slippery counter and had to hold myself up. I had to take my shoes off. BJ [Novak] stepped on my foot
once accidentally — it was painful. This cannot be interesting to you.” Actually, she’s right. Let’s move on…

Question: Ausiello! Any idea if there’ll be an Ugly Betty movie?! — Abida
Ausiello: Abida! Let it go! Not happening.

Question: On a scale from 1 to 10, how crazy will the final scene in Smallville‘s 200th episode drive Clois fans? Any chance you can give us a little more on it? — Geff C.
Ausiello: Nine. Can’t say more except that it’ll take your breath away.

Question: Do you have any updates on the possibility of Michael Rosenbaum returning to Smallville? — Denny
Ausiello: I hear episode 10 may be titled “Luthor,” so draw your own conclusions. Actually, let me help you: I’m guessing that ties in with his pa Lionel’s return. But I could be wrong!

Question: Do you have any scoop on why/how Robert Wagner is coming back to NCIS? —Lyss
Ausiello: Tony Sr. gets caught up in a case that requires him to go on a date with (wait for it) Ziva!

Question: Is Stana Katic pregnant? Don’t get me wrong, she is as stunning as ever; her wardrobe choices on Castle, on the other hand, are suspicious. — Peter
Ausiello: She is not pregnant. In related news, the puffy blouse Katic was wearing in Monday’s episode released the following statement exclusively to Ask Ausiello: “My bad.”
 

Is Jennifer Morrison HIMYM's Mother?

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kecks-Exclusives-HIMYM-1023671.aspx

Spoiler Alert! Jennifer Morrison is back on the lot where she spent more than five seasons as House's Dr. Cameron — but this time she's in a new role that showcases a killer comedic side we never knew she had. Jennifer joins CBS' How I Met Your Mother on October 18 as Ted's new love interest, a mischievous architecture nerd named Zoey Van Smoot — the most likely candidate yet to be the titular mom.

"Without giving anything away, it's a very, very big character who influences Ted's life quite a bit, so we were being very picky with who we cast," reveals creator Craig Thomas. "We'll see Zoey become a fixture of this group's world."


During a break in filming with Josh Radnor (Ted), Jennifer tells me, "It feels natural to be here." A rabid HIMYM fan, she campaigned hard for the role. "I was in Dallas playing a delusional killer on an episode of [NBC's] Chase [costarring real-life boyfriend Amaury Nolasco] when they called for me to come read with Josh." Adds Josh, "She was the unanimous choice" for the part.

Zoey and Ted hit it off when they meet on the streets of Manhattan and start talking architecture. But the budding flirtation sours when she discovers he's been hired to design a new building in the place of the historic one she's protesting to preserve. "She'll be making his life hell," assures Thomas.

But it turns out Zoey isn't all Ted first believes her to be, with one whammy revealed in her first episode. "That complicates things," says Josh. An additional surprise comes a few episodes later when Ted attends a gala event at the American Museum of Natural History and encounters a woman in a sparkling ball gown who turns out to be Zoey. "He gets a completely different version of this girl," says Thomas. "Maybe there's a little rich princess side to her."

So what's the chance of Jennifer becoming a series regular? "I wouldn't rule anything out," says Thomas. "There's something very kindred about them. In the middle of the season, this takes a big, interesting turn. We will be flashing forward to Ted's wedding day throughout the season. We're talking about seeing Zoey's house, and she'll become part of Ted's Thanksgiving Day, much to his chagrin. And I can tell you she's in our season finale. But whether Jennifer's the mother, I just can't say."
 

Will Forte Returns to How I Met Your Mother

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kecks-Exclusives-Forte-1023365.aspx

What are you going to do now, MacGruber? How about return to CBS's How I Met Your Mother? In his first move since leaving the cast of Saturday Night Live, Will Forte (aka MacGruber) is reprising his role as HIMYM's Randy in this season's sixth episode. Randy, a low-level Goliath National Bank employee, briefly became Barney's 'Rebound Bro' in Season 3.

"Will Forte was absolutely hilarious, so we've been dying to bring him back for three years," co-creator Craig Thomas tells me. In the episode, titled "The Dark Side," "Marshall will wrestle with whether or not to fire Randy, who is as hopeless as a paralegal as he is with the ladies," previews Thomas. "There is also a shocking twist as it starts to become clear that Robin — in a moment of weakness — may or may not have hooked up with Randy on Halloween night."

What possibly could have possessed Robin to bed Randy? Well, apparently he was dressed as a lobster. And who really can resist such a mouth-watering crustacean?
 

HIMYM's Robin Gets a Supersized Beau

http://www.tvguide.com/News/HIMYM-Cobie-Smulders-1023188.aspx

Everyone's talking about Jennifer Morrison's debut on How I Met Your Mother's fifth episode as a love interest for Ted (Josh Radnor), but someone else in that episode is finding love too. Big love, you could say.

Robin (Cobie Smulders) will meet a man named Max (as in Maximum), played by familiar TV face Geoff Stults (Happy Town, October Road, 7th Heaven). Here's what Cobie told me about Geoff's character: "He's very well endowed. She shares that with her friends and I believe the word 'gherkin' might be used."

What a pickle! But is that what ruins their date? Well, you know what they say about too much of a good thing...
 

Jennifer Morrison hits the 'Mother' lode

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/09/jennifer-morrison-how-i-met-your-mother-ted/

It’s official: Former House doc Jennifer Morrison is joining the cast of How I Met Your Mother as Zooey, the new woman in Ted’s life.

And she’s not just any woman. Zooey’s “the biggest female character we’ve maybe ever added to the show in Ted’s life,” exec producer Craig Thomas declared to EW.com last month. “This is a big arc—a huge arc. It’s going to be a little less date-of-the-week for Ted, which season 5 was.”

So, who exactly is Zooey? As I teased yesterday, she’s a rabble-rousing activist who’s hell-bent on saving the Arcadian, an old New York hotel that’s scheduled to be torn down to make way for the Goliath National Bank tower—which Ted just so happens to be designing.

Cue fireworks!

Thomas describes the Ted-Zooey dynamic as “very complicated and interesting.” Adds fellow EP Carter Bays: “This is going to be a big saga for Ted. [It's] going to be a big over-arching story that will take Ted on a journey that we’re really excited about.”

Although Thomas doesn’t come out and ID Morrison as the titular mama, he does concede that season 6 gets “back to the fact that Ted is the ‘I’ in How I Met Your Mother. There’s going to be a huge push forward for Ted on that search.”
 

'HIMYM': Jennifer Morrison circling the 'Mother' of all roles

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/08/how-i-met-your-mother-jennifer-morrison/

Soon, Jennifer Morrison may not just be paying How I Met Your Mother a house call, she may be calling the hitcom home.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that the House grad is among a handful of actresses in the running to play a major new love interest for Ted.

How major? Well, I don’t know if she’s the mother we’ve been waiting to meet. However, I do know that the character—a quick-witted, rabble-rousing activist who initially clashes with Ted over the planned demolition of a historic New York hotel—will appear in as many as 13 episodes this season.

Other names in the mix include Minka Kelly and Jacinda Barrett.

If Morrison hits the Mother lode, the gig would reunite her with her former employer, 20th Century Fox, the studio behind both the CBS laffer and Fox’s medical drama. And if she doesn’t get the part? At least we can look forward to seeing her on NBC’s new action-drama, Chase; she just shot an episode opposite her real-life boyfriend, Amaury Nolasco.

So, thoughts? Is the prospect of Morrison as a Mother lover too good to be true? Sound off below!
 

Cobie Smulders on the big 'How I Met Your Mother' wedding twist: 'I was [spoiler]'

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/08/28/cobie-smulders-how-i-met-your-mother-wedding-spoiler/

Cobie Smulders knows the identity of the bride and groom getting hitched on How I Met Your Mother this season, and she’s… unfortunately not squealing. Bummer. She is, however, sharing her thoughts on the top-secret nuptials, which we’ll sneak a peek at in the Sept. 20 season premiere. The actress—whom I caught up with at last night’s 2010 Entertainment Weekly and Women in Film pre-Emmy bash—also previews the next chapter in the Robin Sparkles saga, hinting that the follow-up to “Let’s Go to the Mall” and “Sandcastles in the Sand” will be “loaded with sexual innuendo,” and proposes a new nickname for her Emmy-winning costar Neil Patrick Harris. The video’s after the jump!  

'HIMYM': Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger claws her way into Robin Sparkles' orbit

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/08/26/how-i-met-your-mother-nicole-scherzinger-robin-sparkles/

How I Met Your Mother is about to fill in a major piece of Robin Sparkles’ pop-star backstory.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that Pussycat Doll-turned-Dancing With the Stars champ Nicole Scherzinger has been tapped to play Jessica Glitter, Robin’s former BFF and costar of the Canadian talk show that also featured Alan Thicke.

“It’s going to be a satisfying third chapter in the Robin Sparkles trilogy,” says executive producer Craig Thomas. “It’s a prequel to both ‘Let’s Go to the Mall’ and ‘Sandcastles in the Sand.’”

Adds fellow EP Carter Bays: “It’s the origin story of Robin Sparkles. You see where she came from.”

The Sparkles & Glitter flashback episode, simply titled “Glitter,” is slated to air during November sweeps.
 

Ask Ausiello 8/25/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TV Guide Megabuzz 8/17/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/MegaBuzz-Bones-Good-Wife-1021965.aspx

 Got any more scoop on Bones' new season? — Andrea
ADAM: We hear the show is looking to add a Bill Nye the Science Guy type to woo Brennan... to appear as a guest on his popular children's TV show. Bones brushes off the request because she doesn't see him as a serious scientist. But when he persists, Brennan makes him a deal: She'll do his show if he can help her solve a murder.

I can't wait for the The Good Wife to come back. Do you know who Alicia picks? — Deborah
MICKEY: Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 left off, with Alicia deciding between standing by her man and answering that fateful phone call. She doesn't take Will's call, thanks to Eli Gold, and Julianna Margulies tells us that Will and Alicia will be like "two ships in the night" for a while. But that doesn't mean that she's back together with Peter either — though she's definitely with him. It seems that seeing his feisty wife in the courtroom makes Peter want to debrief her.

How will Criminal Minds resolve last season's cliff-hanger? — Marcus
ADAM: The season premiere finds the team in what executive producer Ed Bernero calls a "rolling hostage situation," during which an unexpected member of the team will be called upon to make contact with Tim Curry's creepy killer in an unorthodox way. "The solution rests on whether or not that team member can convince this psychopath to spare the little girl he's taken," Bernero says, adding that "another team member will be affected for a long, long time by what happens."

What exactly will Vanessa Williams be up to on Desperate Housewives this season? — P.K.D.
MICKEY: It seems she'll be taking one for the team. We're hearing that a handsome professional baseball player with some ethical issues will romance one of the Wisteria ladies. Wanna make a bet he'll be rounding the bases with the erstwhile Willi?

I need some CSI: Miami scoop, pronto! — Brett
ADAM: The team will investigate a kidnapping early in Season 9 with the help of a witness. The bad news: He's blind. Look for him and Natalia, who is hearing impaired, to form a special bond. Also: Two perps from the show's past will turn up again — one in prison, and one back on the streets.

Is Chuck grooming Alex to be a mini-spy? — Ben
MICKEY: It's no accident that producers have shown us that Casey's daughter has some serious combat skills. "It's a spy show, so I think she's going to be on some missions," reports Adam Baldwin, who plays Alex's proud papa.

So excited for the Private Practice wedding. Anything else cool coming up? — Jenna
ADAM: Stop me if you've heard this one before: A merger is coming. With William gone, Naomi will decide to join Pacific Wellcare Group with Oceanside Wellness Center. In contrast to the unholy union of Seattle Grace and Mercy West on Grey's Anatomy, however, this merger is agreeable to all parties. (They do already share a roof, after all.)

Is Barney back to his old self now on How I Met Your Mother? — Kingsley
MICKEY: Neil Patrick Harris says that while Barney searches for his dad, he won't lack female companionship. (Actually, he used much more colorful language, but you get the idea.) Might he birthday-suit up for Zoey, a civic-minded activist who is protesting the destruction of a New York hotel? No. She'll tangle with Ted, since he's the guy who's leveling the historic gem.

How will Smallville deal with having less Chloe this season? — Greg D.
ADAM: As we previously reported, Chloe will give herself up in a trade to save Oliver, who was taken in the season finale. That will keep Chloe off-screen and give Oliver lots to do as he searches for her. Or will it? "Hunting [for her] may not really be a good thing He's got to weigh that decision," executive producer Brian Peterson tells us. Adds fellow EP Kelly Souders: "Giving up is maybe not quite the way he would look at it, but letting go might be part of his scenario."

I love The Big C, but I think it's sad that Cathy and her husband are apart. Will they ever reconcile? Laura Linney and Oliver Platt are so great together. — Hilary
MICKEY: Well, they don't have to be together to be great together, do they? In fact, the couple's fumbling romantic estrangement is the source of much of the upcoming comedy. A particularly hilarious misunderstanding occurs when Cathy says she'd like to have sex in the grass.

What's coming up on Lie to Me? — Sarah
ADAM: Sounds like the show is cooking up quite a season-ender, thanks in no small part to assurances from the network that it will be back. "We put some characters in jeopardy," outgoing executive producer Shawn Ryan says. "We really tried to end the season as a launching pad for Season 3. It's not a Dynasty-esque cliff-hanger, where there's bloody people on the floor... but there are some pretty high stakes."

Life Unexpected? Anything? — Tamara
MICKEY: Britt Robertson tells us that there will no more running away for Lux; Season 2 will find her much more settled with her birth parents. "No matter what people did, Lux always felt rejected," she says. "That's something she has now overcome." Good thing too, because her love life is going to get a lot more complicated. Forget Jones vs. Bug: There's a new surly musician in town, and he's like catnip to our be-hatted heroine.

Mickey's Mega Rave: The Big C's Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney) is a great addition to Showtime's stable of feisty females. Terminally ill Cathy's poignant quest to make every moment count is buoyed by another C word: comedy.

Adam's Mini Rant: You know what might make Big Brother's Saboteur twist interesting? Malevolence! Get your hands dirty, Ragan!

How I Met Your Mother Welcomes Wayne Brady and Ben Vereen

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kecks-Exclusives-Met-1021626.aspx

The second Season 6 episode of CBS's How I Met Your Mother will see the return of Wayne Brady as James Stinson — the gay, black brother of Barney (Neil Patrick Harris). Wayne, who also hosts CBS's Let's Make A Deal, first introduced the character in 2006, and returned for a second episode in 2007.

This time, James will be bringing along his dad, played by Ben Vereen (Silk Stalkings, Webster). Since Ben, Wayne and Neil are all song and dance men, I can't imagine the show not utilizing their talents for some kind of colorful production number.
 

Laura Bell Bundy joins 'How I Met Your Mother'

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/08/05/laura-bell-bundy-how-i-met-your-mother-as-spoiler-alert/

And How I Met Your Mother‘s titular mama is… not Laura Bell Bundy! But the stage vet/country singer has scored a recurring role on the hitcom—and a fairly pivotal one at that.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that Bundy—who played Elle Woods in the Broadway version of Legally Blonde—has been cast as Robin’s new co-host on Metro News One. She succeeds Don (Ben Koldyke), who left town in May’s season finale after dumping Robin.

Rumor has it Bundy’s character will go out on a date with Ted, but it’s my understanding that she is not the “complicated and intriguing” new love interest exec producer Craig Thomas mentioned in this week’s Ask Ausiello.
 

'How I Met Your Mother' shocker: Season 6 kicks off with 'game-changing moment'

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/07/29/how-i-met-your-mother-scoop-2/

The new season of How I Met Your Mother, executive producers Carter Bays and Craig Thomas tell us, will be more like early ones, less like the most recent one. Oh, and like nothing you’ve seen before.

Wha?

“We’ll be, from the first episode on, exploring a new saga for these characters,” says Bays. “There’s going to be a big game-changing moment in [that] episode.“

Game-changing as in the rewind in the series’ mythology that we’ve all heard about? Nope, says Thomas. “We’re taking a little trip forward…to get a glimpse of a huge, huge day in Ted’s life. It’s actually going to make it like a whole new story.”

“And we’re going to have actual mythology,” Bays adds with a laugh. “There’s going to be a Minotaur…a griffin. It’s crazy.”

All kidding aside, the dynamic duo are looking ahead to the show’s inevitable conclusion. “We have an idea of where [the series] will end up,” insists Bays. “We’re just going to have to ask the audience to trust us.”

Adds Thomas: “If HIMYM is a three-act play, this is kind of the beginning of the third act. [In it, there’s] going to be…a huge push that will lead us into the last big chapter.”

Thoughts? Got a fresh theory re: the identity of HIMYM’s mother? And do you think returning guest star Rachel Bilson plays a part in the premiere’s “game-changing” event? Place your bets below!
 

'How I Met Your Mother': Rachel Bilson returns

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/07/28/mother-exclusive-rachel-bilson-returns/

Rachel Bilson will reprise her role as the titular mama’s roommate, Cindy, on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas confirm to me exclusively.

Bilson will appear in the show’s sixth season premiere this fall. Cindy shows up at MacLaren’s bar, the favored hangout of Mother‘s group of friends. Her presence will heavily inform the show’s first episode back, Bays and Thomas teased.

Are you excited for Bilson’s return? Are you hoping this means a return to Ted’s quest for his future wife?
 

Watch w/ Kristin Spoiler Chat - 6/28/10

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b187985_spoiler_chat_true_bloods_new_baddie_may.html

Fangbangin' serial killer? Been there. Orgy-inducing maenad? Done that.

Big Bads in Bon Temps are a dime a dozen, but if you think you've sussed out True Blood's latest candidate—ehhh! (How awesome is my buzzer sound?) Try again.

Sure, Eric's pretty evil (if you count studliness as sin), and the King of Mississippi's got somethin' up his sleeve, and don't even get me started on that rubbernecker Lorena. Still, there's someone else, and his or her dastardly plans might just bring the tiny town to its knees.

So who's True Blood 's latest rotten apple? And which character is next to go vamp? Read on for that, plus the latest scoop on Gossip Girl, The Office and even (sniff) Lost...

Brandon in Devore, Calif.: Do you have any other info on that lost Lost scene?
As a matter of fact, we've confirmed reports from our pal over at PopWrap that the unseen story of Hurley and Ben will be called "The New Man in Charge"—how exciting is that?! The DVD extra will run exactly 11 minutes, 40 seconds long...just enough time to find out what went down between Jacob's reign and the end of our beloved Lost. Also, we'll get the scene on the Season Six DVD and also the complete compilation, so you can drop to your knees and thank whatever deity you like (Jacob?).

Drew in Moorpark, Calif.: Loving that Tater Top Awards is back! It's my highlight of the summer. Can I put in a word for Grey's Anatomy finale for Best Shocker? And Kate and Jack on Lost for Best Kiss?
Soitenly! Make sure you keep checking back each day to vote and nominate right here. We'll be doing a brand-new category or two every weekday for the next thee weeks.

Dalia in Wisconsin: I'm in love with Pretty Little Liars. Please tell me there's hope for more after this season?
Why wait? ABC Family is loving it as much as the fans and just this morning upped the first season episode order to 22—that's 12 more hours of Pretty Little Liars for your viewing pleasure!

Monica in North Carolina: Kristin, thanks for the scoop from Steve Carell himself that he's really leaving The Office. I can't believe he doesn't think it's a huge deal! Did he say what he'd want to do next?
"I'll just travel around the country doing the one man Michael Scott show." Funny how he thinks he's kidding, but I'm going to kidnap him and make him do it. Kathy Bates can help.

Jenna in Indianapolis: Got the goods on the next season of How I Met Your Mother?
Jason Segel is lobbying (pun absolutely intended) for a very specific guest star next season—Marshall and Lily fans, cover your eyes. "[I want] Hillary Clinton," he told us at the Despicable Me premiere Sunday. "I'd have an affair with her." Bwah! What kinda idea is that when there's finally baby talk being thrown around?!

Cody in Fresno, Calif.: I'm hearing good things about FX's new series Louie. What's your take on it?
Think Seinfeld, only darker! Parks and Recreation's Office Dave Louie C.K. is not, but that doesn't mean he's not a hoot. The format of the series takes a little getting used to, but it's part standup (with bleeped out words and everything!), part scripted show acting out the rants Louie is on. The verdict: Tune in and decide for yourself is Louie is your cup o' tea. We're just hoping he heads back to Pawnee to swoop Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) off her feet again.

George in Michigan: Alright, give it to me straight. What's the deal with Sam's little brother on True Blood?
What, you mean little ol' Tommy? He's harmless—in the sociopath, crazy-person sorta way! Marshall Allman, aka Sam's little bro Tommy, is in it for the long haul this season, and a source tells us he intends on "bringing Bon Temps to its knees." Sounds fun, right? "I go in and have a lot of fun," Marshall tells us. "There's not an impulse that I don't act on. I'm tons of fun. And then I'll take your wallet, [and] I'll also steal your girl." Yes, we're hearing some girl-stealing is afoot. Any guesses as to which lovely lady Tommy might have on his arm? Hands off Sookie, L.J., or we'll tell your Dad! (A little old-timey Prison Break humor brought to you by Wentworth's abs.)

Julie in Toronto: True Blood, please.
Marshall tells us he'll be around well into the "shocking" season finale, and that even though he'll do some pwetty tewibble things to Bon Temps during his stay (yep, he's moving in!), don't judge too quickly. "People will see that I have a heart, but they're just going to be frustrated that I'm not being who I was meant to be," he says, "I suffered a lot of dysfunction, and I just need a lot of love." Sources have also revealed that Tommy might be working to Sam at Merlotte's soon enough, so watch out for that, 'cause that seems to be where all truly terrible people end up at one time or another. (Note: Hands off Arlene, too, buddy. She's with child.)

Marybeth in Laurel, Md.: Anything good coming up for Tara on True Blood?
That depends on your definition of good. Rutina Wesley tells us our ever-troubled bartender "is gonna struggle with this vampire lover named Franklin Mott. He's very psychological and very hard. So this relationship is not necessarily by choice." Probably not your definition of good, huh? One thing you don't have to worry about? Tara becoming a vamp herself. "Probably not," she says. "I love being human. It's like I'm one of the only humans on the show!"

Neil in Santa Fe, N.M: Please tell me that Holly will be back on The Office next season! Michael needs his other half.
How about I promise that another ex will be back? Is that the same? No? Well, take what you can get because Jan is about to be all up in Dunder Mifflin, er, Sabre next season. "I am going to be back," Melora Hardin happily tells us. "I'm going to be doing a guest starring thing next year." A guest starring thing? Perhaps that means more than one episode, but whatever it means, we hope this thing involves another inappropriate baby shower. Also, since we now know Steve is serious about leaving The Office, can we please get Holly Flak back ASAP?!

Justin in Commack, N.Y.: Is there a chance Elizabeth Banks will be returning to 30 Rock this season?
We went straight to the big-time fancy movie star herself for the answer and here's what she had to say: "You would think I'll be back. I am knocked up, for sure by Jack Donaghy on the show so you'll have to wait and see." A vague, non-committal yes? We'll take it!

Mike in Kansas City, Kan.: Any Entourage scoop?
If you're curious about those Ari Gold marital woes, let's break 'em down: Ari's agency is now the biggest thing in Hollywood, thus no time for the wifey. Also, Autumn Reeser is back and doing big things for the company—except Mrs. A only sees her as that girl who slept with the family friend last season and misinterprets her relationship with the big boss man. Any questions?

Gabby in Mississippi: Entourage is back! What's coming up?
Before Scott Caan pops up in fall's crazy good Hawaii Five-0, he'll continue to make E's life miserable on Entourage. And not just 'cause his character is a big bad word." Vince and I get to be friends a little bit," Scott tells us. And yes, jealousy ensues. Secret Life's Megan Park also pops up in Sunday's episode with some not-so-suitable for ABC Family language.

Eddie in Sioux Falls: Hung is my favorite show. Anything juicy to reveal?
Not that these two have ever been the happiest of couples, but Ronnie (Eddie Jemison) and Jessica (Anne Heche) are headed for some tough times this season. Jessica is going to accidentally agree to have a baby with the doc (who does that?!), then attempt to back out of the deal on top of the fact that she has a budding friendship with her ex, Ray (Thomas Jane). How will Ronnie react? "He embarrasses his wife in front of hundreds of people publicly," he reveals, possibly at a sporting event, so keep your eyes peeled!

Eric in Long Island: What is the deal with My Boys?! Is it really over or will it be saved now that Jordana Spiro is out of Love Bites?
Although NBC and the Love Bites producers love Jordana, I'm told her casting on the show was always in second position to TBS' My Boys. So the producers took a risk but knew that if TBS didn't release her from her My Boys contract, they'd have to let her go. I'm told they don't yet know if they'll recast Jordana (it's shot like Love Actually, in vignettes, so her story might just go away or be reshot), and I'm also that there's still a teensy-tiny possibility Jordana will appear on Love Bites in some capacity later on. TBS says they just don't know yet about a fifth season for My Boys since the fourth season hasn't begun airing yet. It premieres July 25.

Jody in Boston, Mass.: Thanks for the story about My Boys returning. It's a favorite of mine! Can you tell us more about this upcoming season?
How about some extreme heart-stopping action scenes? Well, kind of. Unless you think falling down when trying to seduce your onscreen boyfriend is extreme sports. Jordana Spiro sure does: "I would say the biggest challenge I had was I had to do a couple of pratfalls in Christian Louboutin 7-inch heel shoes," she says. "That was a challenge but a really fun one." But...the Louboutins are safe, right?

Leslie in Chicago, Ill.: Super bummed that Jim Gaffigan isn't on this season of My Boys. Please tell me it's still funny without him.
According to the first three episodes back, hell yes! We get to find out how the gang met in a flashback episode, which means seeing P.J., Stephanie (Kellee Stewart), and Brendan (Reid Scott) in straight up '90s college mode. Plus, Rachael Harris joins the cast as a love interest for Mike (Jamie Kaler), and you just can't go wrong with her.

Brynn in New York City: After that 90210 finale, I need a reason to keep watching. Got anything for me?
When we return to West Beverly, Annie and Liam will be fighting those lovey-dovey feelings they've pretty much always had for each other. Liam's over Naomi and all that drama-rama, but Annie's determined to keep a clean conscience and steer clear of whatever happened between the two this summer. I'm guessing hot hookup. You?

Billie in Calif.: Anything on Gossip Girl today?
Former Melrose Place vixen Katie Cassidy is headed way across the country for her next CW gig, joining the cast of Gossip Girl. And yes, it's true tubers, she is taking the role Chace Crawford promised to someone very important, ahem, me! Yessir, Katie will be Nate's new Columbia co-ed galpal. And per usual with G.G. and K.C., she's got a lil' sumpin' sumpin' up her sleeve that will wreak a little havoc on the gang. Step aside, Georgina!

Lisa in Bridgeton, N.J.: I'm intrigued by USA's new series Covert Affairs. Piper Perabo and Chris Gorham would make a cute couple! Got scoop?
Do I ever! But it will burst your Piper/Chris hookup bubble, so gird your loins. Chris Gorham says that while Auggie "takes Annie under his wing" right from the get-go, the prospect of a romantic pairing is not in the cards for these two. At least not yet. "There's a real connection. And it's definitely a big part of the show," Chris tells us. "I think when they first met, he kind of assumes that they're going to hookup. But the relationship with her for some reason quickly moves past the casual hookup and into a real friendship." Aw, BFF necklaces for everyone!

Richie in Sacramento, Calif.: Rescue Me is back! Please tell me that Tommy lives!
What? You didn't hear that the writers decided to do this season without Denis Leary? Oh, I kid. He's gonna be fine. Well, let me rephrase it. Tommy is going to make it, but I can't promise he'll be fine, per say. Check out his freaky hallucinations after getting shot and make the decision for yourself. Purgatory or just emotional trauma from the shooting?

Trish in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario: Rescue Me premieres this week and I think we deserve some scoop.
Oh, is that what you think? Do you also think poor Tommy is going to get all kinds of sympathy after his brush with death via gunshot? Nah. Pretty much the whole first episode back is an ode to how much everyone is pissed off at Tommy. Of course, there's also the issue of firehouse 99 being thisclose to getting shut down. Tommy to the rescue? Perhaps.

Teresa in White Plains, N.Y.: Are Jack and Allison finally going to hook up for realz in season four of Eureka?
Um, remember that heartbreaking alternate timeline in Eureka's first-season finale when Sheriff Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) and Allison (Salli Richardson-Wakefield) were married with a baby on board? The opening of season four involves another Jack and Allison time-travel hookup. This time they both remember their encounter, but as usual (sniff) circumstances conspire against them—and everyone else involved in their blast to the past. As new castmember James Callis (Battlestar Galactica) told us, "It's a reset button for this series...it's exactly the same and everything's different. Everybody in the show now has things that they can't quite cope with." At least Jo and Fargo finally got the promotions they deserve (and how!).

Marc in San Diego: Any details on the new season of Warehouse 13?
Like Eureka, time travel is also the theme (it is Syfy, after all!) of Warehouse 13's second-season premiere. Instead of retrieving an artifact, the team is after a person: original time-traveler H.G. Wells (Dexter's Jaime Murray). She (it is Syfy, after all!) has been released from the Warehouse by Artie's (Saul Rubinek) nemesis, MacPherson (Roger Rees). Will they ever defeat this guy? Yes. Soon. The beautiful Wells, however, will probably be back to torment the agents.

Allison in Cleveland, Ohio: Friday Night Lights scoop, if you please.
Coach Taylor is on the wrong side of the tracks in this week's episode. After a dangerous altercation that leaves you screaming at your TV for Eric's safety (not that I did that or anything), he decides to get a sketchy park cleaned up. And Kyle Chandler continues to be awesome as he deals with the whole Tami/Glenn kiss sitch. Hilariously awkward scenes FTW!

Mitch in Oklahoma City, Okla.: What kind of drama is coming up on Friday Night Lights?
Besides all the football drama week in and week out, you mean? During the next episode alone: Someone is pregnant. A couple is getting a divorce. Someone gets a new job. And someone meets and makes out with a new dude.
 

Will Jason Segel Be Fired From How I Met Your Mother Because Of This Quote?

http://www.movieline.com/2010/06/will-jason-segel-be-fired-fromhow-i-met-your-mother-because-of-this-quote.php

Eight years is a long time to be chained to a network sitcom, especially when your career has blown up so much over the past few seasons that you are currently attached to star in big-budget features opposite Jack Black and Cameron Diaz, not to mention co-write The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made (really, that is the title). Just ask Jason Segel, who recently attempted to explain his dead-end How I Met Your Mother obligation to an interviewer and ended up sounding a bit resentful of the CBS series that helped make his name.

In an interview with GQ, the Forgetting Sarah Marshall star and scribe explained how he is still under contract for a sixth, seventh and eighth season of How I Met Your Mother, which is really more than he — or his character, Marshall — can handle:

“…When your idol is Peter Sellers, playing one character for eight years isn’t what you’re trying to do. I don’t really feel like I have that much more to offer with this character. Maybe if we got divorced or something — but that’s not gonna happen. It’s gonna be some iteration of, like, my TV wife opens the fridge, and she’s like, “What happened to the birthday cake?” And I walk in with a little frosting here [points to corner of mouth] like, “What birthday cake?”

So does Segel even care about the eventual How I Met Your Mother conclusion?

“I had two other suggestions [about how the writers should end the series]. One is that they’re dead. The two kids and their father — they’re dead, and they’re in purgatory, and he’s telling the story for eternity. […] And then my other suggestion, which they never used, which I think would be so funny, is — it’s the future, right? I think in one of those scenes, they should open the window, and it should be, like, a postapocalyptic wasteland outside. It should be like I Am Legend. Horrible mutants.”

Maybe CBS is better off just releasing Segel from his contract.