Full Seasons For 'Family,' 'Better'

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/full-seasons-family-better-32427

Two new ABC shows just landed full season orders ... and one title was left in the cold.

The network has picked up nine more episodes of superhero drama No Ordinary Family, and its latest Wednesday comedy block entry Better With You.

In addition, the network has ordered five episodes of struggling Tuesday night crime drama Detroit 1-8-7, as well as four episodes of Brothers & Sisters (that latter giving the Sunday night veteran a full 22-epsiode season).

Left without a chair when the music stopped: Wednesday's underperforming legal drama The Whole Truth, which risks joining ABC's My Generation on the cancelled list.

ABC's fall lineup hasn't produced a breakout title, with No Ordinary Family recently coming in forth place in its time period and Better With You ranking as the lowest-rated performer in the network's comedy block. Modern Family has continued to impress this season, however, and Grey's Anatomy has been a dominating anchor on Thursday nights.
 

Ask Ausiello 10/20/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 ABC Series Get Additional Script Orders

http://www.deadline.com/2010/10/3-abc-series-get-additional-script-orders/

Good news for ABC freshman No Ordinary Family -- the supernatural family drama just received an order for 4 additional scripts from the network, the only new fall ABC series to get such an order. The network also picked up 4 more scripts from veteran Sunday family drama Brothers & Sisters, which was given a reduced 18-episode order in May but has performed solidly in the ratings this fall. The third ABC series to get an additional script order is Shonda Rhimes/Jenna Bans' midseason medical drama Off the Map with one extra script picked up. Additional script pickups are usually a precursor to firm episodic orders. The script order to No Ordinary Family is not surprising as the Greg Berlanti-produced drama has emerged as ABC's most promising hourlong fall series, mostly because the others have all struggled mightily. It is somewhat surprising that new ABC comedy Better with You is not on the list. It has been the lowest-rated member of ABC's Wednesday comedy block but has shown some promise. As for the script orders to both Brothers & Sisters and Off the Map, ABC might be considering a new plan for the launch of the latter. Originally, the show was supposed to premiere behind Desperate Housewives just like Rhimes' first ABC medical drama, Grey's Anatomy, did almost 6 years ago, while Brothers & Sisters takes a break (thus the show's reduced order). But if the 4 additional scripts for Brothers & Sisters and the one for Off the Map all get converted to episodic orders, ABC may end up with too many originals for the Sunday 10 PM slot. 

No Ordinary Family Books Cybill Shepherd... and Bruce!

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kecks-Exclusives-Ordinary-1022551.aspx

Attention Moonlighting fans. Cybill Shepherd is returning to ABC — and she's bringing Bruce with her.

Before you get too amped up over a Dave and Maddie reunion, let me clarify: Cybill will be appearing in an upcoming episode of No Ordinary Family as mom to Julie Benz's character, Stephanie, a scientist who develops superhuman speed in the pilot (airing Sept. 28). Cybill's character, Barbara Crane, has a husband named Alan, to be played by Bruce McGill.

Though Mr. McGill may not be a Willis, he has some screen cred of his own, most recently recurring as Detective Vince Korsak on TNT's summer hit, Rizzoli & Isles.

At the Emmy Awards, I spoke with Julie who described her character's parents as being similar to her own — very protective and uncertain if any man is good enough for their baby. In other words, expect Barbara and Alan to be thorns in the side of Michael Chiklis' Jim Powell. "They don't know yet about what's happened to the family," says Julie. "So we have to decide if it's best to clue them in or keep them in the dark."

And if they get to be too annoying, super strong Jim can just hurl them out a window.

'No Ordinary Family' adopts 'Twilight' vamp Jackson Rathbone

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/08/27/no-ordinary-family-jackson-rathbone/

Coming up necks for Twilight bloodsucker Jackson Rathbone: A potentially recurring role on ABC’s No Ordinary Family.

The 25-year-old actor—whose two summer films, Eclipse and The Last Airbender, collectively grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide—will play Trent Stafford, a high school classmate of Kay Panabaker telepathic Daphne. Trent was recently the victim of a home invasion robbery, and I’m guessing Daphne will join forces with her superhero parents to help catch the perp.

Rathbone last appeared on the small screen in 2009, when he guest-starred as a serial killer with multiple personalities on Criminal Minds.

N.O.F. premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 28.

Fancast Big Tease 8/24/10

http://www.fancast.com/blogs/2010/tv-news/the-big-tease-scoop-on-hawaii-five-o-bones-supernatural-and-more/

 With Alex O’Loughlin starring in the new ‘Hawaii Five-0‘ (premiering Sept. 20, CBS), I would love to see this hottie in an on-screen romance. Any scoop on that? – Amy
Will there be onscreen romance for Alex’s Steve McGarrett? “Goodness gracious, yes!” a (female) source assures The Big Tease. In fact, just three or four episodes into the season, you can count on some seriously “hot ‘n heavy action” for Hawaii’s top cop.

On September 13, ‘Hawaii Five-0‘ premieres at Sunset On The Beach in Waikiki. Which actors will attend the premiere? Alex O’Loughlin, perhaps? – Karen
I am happy to say that the entire ‘Five-0′ ensemble – AO’L included – will be there. Aloha!

Can we expect to see more of Parker this season on ‘Bones‘? That kiddo is just too cute to be off screen for so long. – Amanda
It won’t be long at all ’til you spy the rugrat: Booth’s son – still played by Ty Panitz – shows up in the September 23 premiere.

Temperance wore some strikingly beautiful silver jewelry during the first few years of ‘Bones,’ and I have never seen any jewelry similar. Can you tell me something about it? – Georgeann
According to the show, there are two L.A-based designers they use to accessorize Brennan: Aklia Chinn of Aklia, and Kate Lindsay of Kate Lindsay Designs.com.


Got anything on ‘Supernatural‘? – Beth
Jared Padalecki will seize the spotlight as Season 6 launches Sept. 24, when “Sam comes back under mysterious circumstances – as people tend to do when they get out of Hell!” show runner Sera Gamble shares with a chuckle. And though the bros have the Apocalypse behind them, don’t worry about them kicking back with historically disposable love interests. “No, what the boys need is to be hunters, to save people while probably suffering a lot in their personal life on every level,” says Gamble. “That’s what makes them heroes.”

Will the fact that Tony and Gibbs missed Ziva’s citizenship ceremony in the ‘NCIS‘ season finale be addressed in the Sept. 21 premiere or any episode after? – Lyss
I asked around for you, Lyss, and that topic does not come up, at least in the first few episodes of Season 8.

Matt, I was hoping for any scoop on the ‘Smallville‘ episode “Isis.” – Chrisluvstom via Twitter
As revealed by Kryptonsite, “Isis” is this season’s fifth episode, and there’s been speculation over what/who exactly the title refers to. I have confirmed this much: Although DC lore does boast an Isis character (born of a live-action Saturday-morning series I was addicted to as a lad – “Oh Mighty Isis!”), ‘Smallville’ is serving up a non-branded Egyptian goddess – though the eagle-eyed may catch a wink-wink to the DC heroine.

Can you confirm that Allison Mack will only be in five episodes of ‘Smallville‘ this season? – Jessica
At first glance, that tally seemed skimpy, but it’s the real deal. As Chloe’s portrayer – now starring in the Broadway play ‘Love, Loss and What I Wore’ – told the New York Post, “I didn’t feel comfortable walking away from the show, and my character, without a completion. So I committed to doing five episodes to giving her the ending I think she deserves.”


Any scoop on my favorite ‘Glee‘ couple, Tina and Artie? – Dee
Oh, you haven’t heard? Those two are totes dunzo when Season 2 arrives on September 21. Kevin McHale reveals how Artie blew it big-time in this video Q&A.

I am in love with ‘Covert Affairs.’ Any scoop? And if you wanna be extra nice, I’d love for it to be about Ben (played by Eion Bailey)! – Melissa
As the double-episode, September 14 season-ender nears, I’ve been promised that there will be “a lot of Ben.” Yet at the same time poor Annie will be left to wonder – more than ever – who she can and cannot trust.

Any goodies on ‘Hellcats,’ ‘Nikita’ or ‘No Ordinary Family‘ (premiering Sept. 28, ABC)? – HellcatsNewsTV via Twitter
I choose door #3 and present this video Q&A with Michael Chiklis and Julie Benz. (P.S. I apologize to Buffyverse fans for brainfarting that Julie “died” like 17 times before her ‘Dexter’ demise.)


Thanks for the scoop on ‘Royal Pains‘ new and returning guest stars. But I hope that Brooke D’Orsay is back in the winter, too! “Paigan” = the best ‘RP’ ’ship to date. – Rivier via Twitter
Worry not, the ‘Drop Dead Diva’ beauty will be back as Paige when Season 1.5 arrives in January.

I heard that an ingénue by the name of Amelia Pedlow, a local gal from Philly, will have a part on ‘The Good Wife.’ Any truth to the rumors? – Alan
We here at Fancast – a Comcast site – do love the City Of Brotherly Love, so here’s a shout-out to the local girl done good: Pedlow is guest-starring in the second episode of the season as Daria Joyce, the girlfriend of a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan.


Is ‘Pretty Little Liars‘ returning to let us know if Allison is really alive? Surely they are not leaving us with the way it has ended! – Yolanda
They will not leave you hanging, and stop calling me Shirley. ‘PLL’ will likely resume its freshman run sometime in January. To bide the time, check out my video Q&A with Bryce Johnson (aka Officer Wilden), who hopes to have one of the girls behind bars by season’s end.

Is ‘Big Bang Theory’s move to Thursday the kiss of death for this intelligent and funny show? I note that it will now directly compete with another highly original sitcom, ‘Community.’ Thank heavens for DVR and On Demand. – Jim
Listen, you’re talking to the guy who questioned moving ‘Big Bang’ to the après-’Two And A Half Men’ slot. Result: the gangbustiest ratings ever. Exec producer Chuck Lorre is among those who urge us all to trust CBS. “One assumes they’ve given it a lot of thought, so if they think this is a good call, then that’s great,” he says. “Our job is to make a good show… [to] grow the crops. We don’t have the truck that brings them to market.” To bolster ‘Big Bang’s chances, CBS is running a promotional blitz as we speak, and loading up on winning guest stars such as Mayim Bialik (back in the Sept. 23 premiere as Sheldon’s “perfect match,” Amy Farrah Fowler), Laurie Metcalf (playing Sheldon’s mom) and Apple founder Steve Wozniak as… Apple founder Steve Wozniak.

Is Dillon Casey returning to ‘The Vampire Diaries‘ as Noah? – Johanna
Sorry, Jo, but this is an instance where IMDb “bites.” Says exec producer Julie Plec, ” There is nothing scheduled for him currently.” ‘TVD’ returns Sept. 9.

Do you know if ‘Flashpoint‘ is coming back for another season? – Deacon
I do not – and nether does anyone at CBS. Yet.

 

Ask Ausiello 7/21/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/07/22/ask-ausiello-spoilers-greys-smallville-castle/

Question: I need Chuck scoop and I need it now. —Olivia
Ausiello: In case you missed it, I just posted a major spoiler about one of the show’s most memorable villains returning for season 4. But wait — there’s more. Sources confirm to me exclusively that Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Hugo Panzer is also making a comeback in the same October episode!

Question: Do you need a date for Comic-Con? I’m totally available! I’m a pop culture wunderkind, so I’d be great for much varied and relevant conversation! —Brundy
Ausiello: I know how this goes. You say you want stimulating conversation and then the moment we’re together you start undressing me with your eyes. Sigh. I long for the day when people start respecting me for my brains and not my brawn. I guess what I’m trying to say is… yeah, you can be my date.

Question: I’m about to go Mel Gibson on your butt if I don’t get some Smallville spoilers regarding Lois and Clark. So how ’bout it bud? —Christine
Ausiello: You wouldn’t dare hit a man while he’s holding a mint condition Vanity Smurf plush circa 1982, would you? [Beat] Don’t answer that. Okay, here’s your scoop: There’s a development in the premiere that is so ginormous you’d think Smallville was heading into its final season or something.

Question: Any intel on Smallville‘s big bad this year? —Mitch.
Ausiello: No, but I think I have something better: Clark’s getting a new partner at the Daily Planet this season, and she’s got some major DC Comics cred. The character’s name is Cat Grant, and my good buddy Walter Wikipedia has all the deets on the currently-being-cast character. (And no worries Clois fans; Cat will serve solely as a comedic foil to Clark. I think.)

Question: Your wedding blind item is keeping me up at night wondering which pairing it could be. Please help me get a good nights sleep; give us another clue. —Khalia
Ausiello: The show in question is not—I repeat not—Bones. Nighty-night!

Question: Do you know the name of Katie Cassidy’s character on Gossip Girl? —Julie
Ausiello: As a matter of fact I do. Her name is Juliet Sharp.

Question: I need a juicy NCIS scoop, please. —CC
Ausiello: Would you settle for a mildly interesting one instead? Knots Landing vet William Devane is slated to guest star this fall as the grandfather of a little girl that is kidnapped. Admit it, that kind of knocked your socks off.

Question: Vampire Diaries scoop pretty please with a Smurf on top? —Randi
Ausiello: New blood alert! The show is casting the potentially recurring role of Vanessa, a very attractive, smart, young grad student who assists Damon and Alaric with their werewolf research at Alaric’s alma mater, Duke University.

Question: It’s common knowledge that you’re going to Comic-Con. But what is not common knowledge is what exactly you’ll be doing there. Spill it! —Jason
Ausiello: I don’t think I like what you’re insinuating. Similar to last year, I will be holed up at Entertainment Weekly’s base camp at the [spoiler alert] Hotel conducting non-stop interviews with the casts of The Big Bang Theory, Fringe, Glee, Bones, Spartacus, Castle, etc. Prior to each interview I’ll be soliciting questions via my Twitter account — @michaelausiello — so Start. Following. Me. Now. And in my down time, I’ll be discreetly making my way around the convention floor hoping to get recognized taking in the sights.

Question: Got anything on Grey’s Anatomy—particularly Meredith and Derek? —Wala
Ausiello: There’s a new man in Mer’s life, and it’s this guy! (More deets in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly, on sale today. And just because he’s in her life doesn’t mean he’s, you know, in her. Did I go too far with that one?)

Question: Rumor has it Glee is introducing a new athlete early in the season. Is this the same guy who will strike up a romance with Curt? —Ashley
Ausiello: Nope, different guy. This particular singing stud will play a key role in a football-related plot.

Question: Will Lucy Lawless be returning for season 2 of Spartacus: Blood and Sand? I know she was knocking at death’s door in the finale, but I’m praying she pulls through! —Jennifer
Ausiello: I’m keeping vigil right next to you, Jen! Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a straight answer out of the show’s EP, Steven S. DeKnight regarding Lawless’ fate. “That’s a good question that I can’t quite answer yet,” he hedged. “But she will be in the prequel. I can guarantee you that.” I guess I’ll just have to find out for myself later this week when I reunite with Lawless at Comic-Con. Speaking of which, rumor has it LL is bringing a friend with her to the EW video suite. (Hint: The friend in question was a major topic of conversation during our inaugural chat at last year’s Con.)

Question: Any new spoilers for the third season of Castle now that they’ve started filming? —Laura
Ausiello: We’ll learn a lot more about Beckett’s early years on the force in this season’s third episode when her training officer becomes the focal point of a cast. Said training officer is being played by Jason Beghe (Cane, American Dreams), and rumor has it the two may have been romantically involved back in the day.

Question: No Ordinary Family. You thoughts? Worth watching this fall? —Maddie
Ausiello: Without question. I’ll admit I was worried the ABC drama would have a “been there, seen that” feel to it coming on the heels of Heroes. But Family offered a surprisingly fresh take on the Average Joe and Jane Superhero conceit. I’m definitely on board. In fact, it’s one of my top six favorite pilots. Here are the other five (in case you’re curious): Fox’s Lonestar, NBC’s The Event, The CW’s Nikita, CBS’ Hawaii Five-0, and ABC’s Better With You.

Question: Some Desperate Housewives scoop, please! —Arno
Ausiello: I hear Bree has a nasty confrontation with some tired old wallpaper in the season premiere. Of course, as my friend’s therapist would say, it’s not wallpaper she’s really mad at.

Question: Will Andrea Bowen be back as Julie Mayer for the new season of Desperate Housewives? —Annie
Ausiello: As a matter of fact she won’t.

Question: One Tree Hill scoop demanded. Let’s be real. Will Lucas and Peyton ever return to Tree Hill? —Taylor
Ausiello: If this turns out to be the soap’s final season, I’d say there’s an 80 percent chance both will be back in the series finale.

Question: Why is it that there is still no juicy spoilerific scoop on One Tree Hill‘s new season? —Johnny
Ausiello: Um…. did you not see my spoiler last week about three longtime series regulars being killed off in the season premiere? You’re looking for something bigger than that? Okay, here it goes: Look for Victoria and Millicent to jeopardize the future of Brooks company. (BTW, that first part about the three series regulars getting whacked was a joke. It’s okay to laugh.)

Question: How about a season 3 Mentalist spoiler? —TDM
Ausiello: Have you heard the one about the show introducing PJ’s con-man of a bother-in-law who ends up falsely accused of murder? A charismatic charmer whose devil-may-care bravado masks a hidden anxiety and desperation? Someone who looks like a mix of Giovanni Ribisi and Paul Giamatti? Yes? Well then this has all been a huge waste of time.

Question: How many days a week do they shoot Chuck? How many film crews do they have, and do they ever film at the same time? How many days of shooting equals one episode on average? How and when did Sarah learn to express her love for Chuck without saying a word? Was she in another sitcom before Chuck? —Andy
Ausiello: I like you Andy. Don’t get me wrong—you clearly have issues. But I like you. Would you be my date to Comic-Con?

Question: Any word on whether Melina Kanakaredes will be returning to CSI: NY to give a proper goodbye to Stella? —Kirsty
Ausiello: Yep, there’s word: And here it is: No.

Question: I’m curious how Damages‘ move to DirecTV will affect the show. Will the budget be affected? I hope they can still afford actors as accomplished as those who have populated its first three seasons. —Jake
Ausiello: The show’s budget will remain unchanged. The only difference is the next two seasons will be 10 episodes apiece (instead of 13), and the absence of commercials means producers have an extra 15 or so minutes to play around with each week.

Question: I’ve heard rumblings of different Comic-Con after parties—one in particular. Do you know anything about the rumored secret party that Chuck‘s Zach Levi is throwing? —Shar
Ausiello: You mean the one that takes place on [spoiler alert] at [spoiler alert] and features such VIP guests as [spoiler alert] and [spoiler alert]? This is the first I’m hearing of it.

Question: Can you give us a little spoiler regarding House? —Krista
Ausiello: The show has quietly been casting the role of an ex-model and psychiatric resident that ends up joining House team. But there’s a catch. And it’s a fairly big one (as in too spoilery to reveal. (And no, this is not the role Amber Tamblyn is playing.)

Question: I need a 90210 season 3 scoop—an amazing one! —Antonakis
Ausiello: There’s a death in the season premiere. Amazing enough for you?

Question: I really need some Bones scoop! Will we be seeing Zack (a.k.a. Eric Milligan) in season 6? —Elizabeth
Ausiello: Let’s ask EP Stephen Nathan: “We love Eric and would like him to return, but we have no immediate plans yet. Of course, it’s always about juggling schedules now that Eric is back in NYC and busy entertaining the masses in the Big Apple. But the season is young and it remains a possibility.”

Question: Got any Glee scoop that doesn’t involve stunt casting or musical tributes? I’m kind of sick of both. —Geoffrey
Ausiello: Ryan Murphy apparently feels your pain. The show’s creator tells me, “The second season will be more intimate and quieter with less musical numbers. People expect that we’re going to keep trying to top ourselves and out Madonna ourselves. But we’re actually doing the opposite of that. I love the characters we’ve created. I love that I’m doing a whole episode around Heather Morris (Brittany). We’ve finished a couple of the scripts and I love them even more than I did the first season. I just think they’re more emotional and funnier.”

Collins a series regular on 'No Ordinary Family'

http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/collins-upped-to-series-regular-on-no-ordinary-family.html

Stephen Collins (“7th Heaven”) has been upped to series regular on the ABC dramedy “No Ordinary Family” opposite Michael Chiklis and Julie Benz.


The series is about a family who gain supernatural powers after surviving a plane crash. Collins plays Benz’s boss.

Collins recent credits include roles on "Private Practice” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia." He's repped by APA and Envision Entertainment.