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.
 

Ask Ausiello 10/13/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/10/13/ask-ausiello-spoilers-ncis-house-glee/

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!

'Private Practice' important incident

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/10/13/private-practice-confronts-rape/

So…you know that dark, tragic tale I told you was coming down the pike on Private Practice? The top secret plot you’ve been begging me to give you more info on? Well, be careful what you wish for: At the end of the ABC drama’s Oct. 28 episode, Charlotte King—the tightly wound doctor played by KaDee Strickland—will be attacked and raped by a deranged patient (Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s Nicholas Brendon). The incident kicks off a major season-long story line that will touch every character on the show. “A lot of violence against women on television is from the point of view of law enforcement,” points out executive producer Shonda Rhimes, “as opposed to standing in the shoes of the actual victim and seeing how it is for them and the people around them.” To that end, the Nov. 4 episode will be unlike any previous hour of Private in that it will revolve solely around the immediate aftermath of the attack. “It takes place all in one night, and it’s [set] almost entirely in the hospital,” reveals Rhimes, who penned the episode. “And there’s almost no music. It’s a fairly silent episode. It’s a compelling, painful episode. The work KaDee did in it was amazing.” Speaking of Strickland, what does she think about all of this? In the following interview, the actress reveals her surprising reaction upon first learning of the story line, explains why she didn’t use a stunt double while shooting the assault, and assesses the long-term fallout for Charlotte and Cooper.

What went through your mind when Shonda presented the story to you?
KADEE STRICKLAND: I was thrilled. I was so on board. It’s funny, we were at a table read and I gave Shonda my usual hug and “What’s up?” and she said, “I’m going to do something with your character this season, and it’s huge and you’ll know soon.” And I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” Once she saw the look on my face, she said, “We are going to have Charlotte be raped this season. Are you okay with that?” And my response was “Hell, yes. Let’s do it. Let’s go. I’m in.”

Why were you so enthusiastic about it?
STRICKLAND: There’s something wonderful about playing a character for four years and then having her completely turned on her head. Creatively, it’s a real gift for an actor. I also knew that this would reach so many people who have either experienced it or have been close to people who have experienced it. The only thing I said was that we have to get it right. And Shonda was totally on board with that.

Talk to me about the Nov. 4 episode.
STRICKLAND: It was amazing. It’s a page-turner. It doesn’t feel like our show—and I don’t say that with any negativity toward our show. It almost feels like a movie in some ways, because it takes place in one night.

Rape stories are a dime a dozen on TV these days. How will this one be different?
STRICKLAND: I think what you’ll find different about this is that Shonda poured her heart and soul into getting it as accurate as possible. And it is. I mean, it’s legitimately very accurate. We worked very closely with RAINN [Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network] on this. Also, we in no way are going to let this thing go away in four episodes. Charlotte will live with this for as long as she’s a character on Private Practice.

Over the past three seasons, Charlotte has been slowly tearing down the walls she built up around her. She’s less closed off than she was in the beginning. Is she going to revert to old Charlotte now?
STRICKLAND: It’s a shifting thing. And that’s the other thing that’s so great about this; no one responds to rape in the typical fashion. And that’s the one thing that I learned in doing my homework. I spoke to survivors on [nearly] a daily basis. Also, this is a very violent rape. It’s a very brutal attack. So yes, you will see those walls go up. She’s in denial at first. She is not accepting of what has happened, and she is trying very hard to act as if it didn’t.

Did you use a stunt double while shooting the assault?
STRICKLAND: No way. I wasn’t letting anybody else step into those shoes. I would’ve been heartbroken if anyone suggested it. We had a great stunt coordinator, and we gave [Nicholas Brendon] full permission to go for it. I didn’t want to act around it and play around with it. I wanted to make it as realistic as possible.

Did you get injured?
STRICKLAND: Yeah, a little bit. It was really safe, but I definitely wasn’t unscathed. And I don’t think [Nicholas] was either. Let’s just say that the day after, the makeup artists had a few legitimate bruises to cover up.

I’m assuming this will derail Charlotte and Cooper’s wedding plans.
STRICKLAND: Well, it is Shonda-land. But I think derailing things with something like this is a lot more interesting than [one of us having] an affair or [getting] cold feet. This is very real. Do I think the wedding is off? I don’t. I think that you’re going to see Charlotte and Cooper as you’ve never seen them before. And you will see sides of Cooper you’ve never seen before. I love working with Paul [Adelstein]. Charlotte leans into Cooper in a way that I don’t think she ever has in the history of the show.

I understand Addison is the only person Charlotte confides in about the actual rape. I’m guessing that will bring those two characters closer together.
STRICKLAND: I love what it does to my dynamic with Addison. She is our hero, and it’s really fascinating what they’ve given us here. It’s a different dynamic than we have gotten to play together.

For more on this sure-to-be-groundbreaking story, check out Ask Ausiello tomorrow. And to learn more about RAINN, call 800.656.HOPE.
 

Ask Ausiello 9/29/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ask Ausiello 9/22/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Grey's Anatomy-Private Practice Crossover Secrets Revealed—It's a Shepherd Family Reunion!

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b200746_new_greys_anatomy-private_practice.html

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!
 

Ask Ausiello 9/15/10

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

Question: I know you are busy and all with getting your fall season tactics together, but can you please give me some Private Practice scoop? —Vernice
Ausiello: Fall season tactics? You tickle me, Vernice. Let’s grab a drink sometime. Here’s your Private spoiler: Something tragic will happen to a major character during November sweeps. It’s probably the darkest story PP has ever tackled—and this show has tackled some dark stories. Consider yourself warned.

Question: Seriously, no Fringe scoop last week? Why do I even bother to read this column? —Brett
Ausiello: That’s between you, your therapist, and the lovely people at CVS. If it’s any consolation, I have Fringe scoop this week. Actually, I’ve got a few Fringe scoops. The first one comes courtesy of John Noble, who reveals exactly how Walternate plans to pull Peter’s strings from the alt-universe. “[Walternate] has to ensure that [Peter] continues to work on our side,” says Noble, “and he’ll do that through alt-Olivia.” Okay, I’ll bite: How exactly will Bolivia manipulate Peter? Noble hesitates before whispering, “She seduces him… Did I just say that? Did I just drop a big teaser?” I believe you did, sir!

Question: Does the fact that Fringe is setting every other episode “over there” mean that we’re going to see more of Charlie this season? —Melissa
Ausiello: That’s precisely what that means. Charlie remains active in the alt-world’s Fringe division, so look for him to appear in multiple episodes—beginning with next Thursday’s season premiere.

Question: Can I get some good Grey’s Anatomy news regarding Der and Mer? —Betsy
Ausiello: Among the manifestations of Derek’s post-bloodbath adrenaline junkie phase will be an increased sexual appetite. “[There's] a lot of sex,” says series creator Shonda Rhimes. “He’s on the high that a person gets when they face death and survive it.”

Question: I heard a rumor that Kevin Sorbo will be on The Big Bang Theory playing Sheldon’s much less geeky, way older brother. True? —Ish
Ausiello: False.

Question: I’ll be watching six shows this fall: House, Chuck, Glee, Bones, The Office, and Smallville. You have to have a scoop on at least one of them! Please? —Hillary
Ausiello: How about more on Glee’s emotional third episode? Cory Monteith will be in the spotlight, performing R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” as Finn finds—and loses—his faith in the course of the hour. “So cool,” Monteith says of his solo. “I’ve been a huge Michael Stipe fan all my life.” Apparently he’s a Joan Osborne fan as well: “We end the episode with ‘One of Us,’” he says. “I think it’s been a long time since the song was done properly. I hope we do it well.”

Question: We’re so close to the premiere of Dexter and yet there was nothing in the last AA. Shame. —Adam
Ausiello: A scene in the Sept. 26 premiere in which Astor and Cody learn that their mother has been savagely murdered features a twisted-even-by-Dexter-standards piece of product placement. Hint: The folks at Disney are gonna be out for blood!

Question: My fiancé and I just watched all four seasons of Dexter in one week, and we’re completely hooked. Got any scoop on season 5? —Leslie
Ausiello: The premiere flashes back to Dex and Rita’s very first date. And given what went down on date No. 1, you’ll be shocked they made it to No. 2.

Question: Rumor has it House was shooting some big event on location in downtown Los Angeles last week. Got any deets? —Claudia
Ausiello: You sitting down? Good, ’cause a little birdie confirms to me exclusively that they were shooting a wedding! Now go ahead and stand back up because the bride and groom are, well, nobodies. At least they’re nobodies to us. They’re somebodies to House and Cuddy, who attend the nuptials along with Sam and Wilson. “None of our series regulars are getting married that I know of right now,” says exec producer and aforementioned little birdie Katie Jacobs. “But weddings tend to be a flashpoint for couples. And every couple that has to attend this wedding [ends up] examining where they are in their own relationship.”

Question: Please tell us who kidnaps Lois in the Smallville premiere. Or at the very least give us a hint. —Brian
Ausiello: It is not Lex Luthor. It is, however, the next worst thing.

Question: How much longer will Crosby and Jasmine be doing the long-distance thing on Parenthood? —Christine
Ausiello: “As the season progresses, all three of them find that [the arrangement] hasn’t really worked out,” says exec producer Jason Katims. “So things start to evolve pretty early on in the year. I don’t want to give away exactly what happens, but their living arrangements change.”

Question: Help me! I need some 90210 scoop that doesn’t involve Teddy being gay! —Ely
Ausiello: Look for Deb (Lori Loughlin) to pay an unannounced visit to Cougar Town—the metaphorical one, not the literal one—when she randomly hooks up with Ryan (Ryan Eggold) in November. For those keeping track at home, there’s a 20-year age difference between the two. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Question: Sorry to hear about your wrist! What’s making you feel better as you convalesce? —Ben
Ausiello: My good friend Paulie Percocet has been cheering me up. And in between doses his visits, I watch this.

Question: Did you break your wrist watching the House premiere? —@Sudsy95
Ausiello: No, I broke it *a****g *f* a ******. In related news, the first person to correctly solve that asterisk quiz wins this. Please email your most educated guess to ausielloscoop@ew.com and be sure to include “House contest” in the subject line.

Question: The DirecTV press release about the final season of Friday Night Lights doesn’t mention anything about Gaius Charles returning. Does this mean Smash is not in season 5? If so, did they want to bring him back and couldn’t for scheduling reasons, or was it a creative choice? —Jake
Ausiello: Smash will not be back for the fifth and final season, and, according to exec producer Jason Katims, creative and scheduling considerations came into play. “It was a combination of [Gaius'] availability and the storytelling,” he tells me. “With only 13 episodes, we ended up having to pick and choose which stories and characters to service. The story drives everything. We didn’t want to bring [alums] back just to bring them back. We wanted to make sure we had a good story for them.” That said, Katims says Smash is “referenced” in one of the episodes. “We find out how he’s doing in school.”

Question: Could you give us a clue about your wedding blind item from a while ago? —Jaimee
Ausiello: It’s not Grey’s Anatomy. Or Private Practice.

Question: How about a scoop on Community? All those commercials on Emmy night got me excited for season 2! —Jenny
Ausiello: Señor Chang’s transition from teacher to student will be a rocky one—and that’s a good thing, insists Ken Jeong. “Watching him assimilate into the school he once abused is all sorts of fun,” enthuses Jeong. “I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had on the show right now.”

Question: I’m very disappointed by the lack of Spartacus: Blood and Sand spoilers. To make up for this, how about a spoiler on the second season? It’s only fair. —Carol
Ausiello: I broke my wrist *a****g *f* a ******. Don’t lecture me about fairness, Carol. Having said that, your timing is fortuitous as I just got off the phone with series creator Steven S. DeKnight. Sparty’s boss told me that the search for a new Big Bad (or big Bads) to fill the void left by John Hannah’s Batiatus will soon get under way. “There will be some new people on the villain side,” he says. “But we’re not far enough into [season 2] to nail down any big casting news.” DeKnight went on to say that he “kicked around” the idea of a romance between sworn enemies Spartacus and Ilithyia, but he added that “it’s a tricky thing since she tried to kill him several times, and he firmly connects her to Glaber, who he partially blames for the death of his wife. But will they have some interesting interactions in season 2? Absolutely.”

Question: I have a craving for anything Castle! —Trish
Ausiello: I’ve got three words for you: Castle. Beckett. Nudity. Allow exec producer Andrew Marlowe to explain: “They have to go to a strip club to investigate a murder, and Castle is very excited about this. Unfortunately for him, it turns out to be a male revue with crazy bachelorettes running around. He, of course, ends up being fresh meat.”

Question: Can I have a scoop on Bones please? —Pauline
Ausiello: The rumors are true: Angela, who had a little pregnancy scare last season with boyfriend Wendell, is actually having a baby with husband Hodgins. Actress Michaela Conlin expects Angela to “weave in some of her craziness” to their impending parenthood. “I think we may see her interviewing some doulas and wild pediatricians and things like that. And hopefully, she’ll be eating a lot of weird stuff,” Conlin says. “I think it’s going to be nice to see another side of her this season.”

Question: I love Sweets on Bones, but I hate to see him get the short end of so many sticks. Any news on what’s in store for him this season? —AJ
Ausiello: A possible reunion with Daisy is in store—provided he’s able to forgive her for choosing her career over him. “He’s taking baby steps to finally let [Daisy] back into his heart,” reveals Sweets’ portrayer, John Frances Daley. “He has a very fragile heart. He’s been through a lot. Obviously, they have very strong feelings for each other, and they can’t really stay apart for too long—as we establish [in he premiere]. He’s a good guy generally, so I think ultimately, yeah, he’ll take her back.”

Question: I know TPTB on How I Met Your Mother have said that season 6 is going to be more Ted-centric, but do you think there is even the slightest glimmer of hope for Barney and Robin?—Jessica
Ausiello: “No comment,” responds exec producer Craig Thomas. Adds fellow EP Carter Bays: “We can’t say one way or the other. But we, like everyone, love them together. There is chemistry there that is undeniable.”

Question: Please elaborate on your recent item about a major character being killed off of Burn Notice when it returns in the fall. I’m seriously freaking out here! —Pat
Ausiello: The major character in question is [spoiler alert]. Furthermore, [spoiler alert] will ********** be [spoiler alert]. Hope that helps!
 

TV Guide Megabuzz 9/14/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ask Ausiello 9/1/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/09/01/ask-ausiello-spoilers-house-greys-bones/

 Question: Where is the Hugh Laurie interview you promised us from the Emmys?! House fans are an impatient lot! —Gillian
Ausiello: First off, simmer yourself. I’ve had a lot on my plate the past few days, if you hadn’t noticed. Second, the interview is RIGHT. HERE.

So they’re finally going there with Huddy.
HUGH LAURIE: It seems that way.

Scared?
LAURIE: I’m scared for him. Terrified. But so far so good. Baby steps.

Are you happy they finally took the plunge?
LAURIE: I care less about what happens than how it happens. And if you do it right, it will work. And if we don’t do it right, nothing works. But I think we’ve danced around the idea long enough, it was time to take some action.

Is it safe to say that if it doesn’t work with Huddy it won’t work with anyone?
LAURIE: That’s a possibility. He might be fatally flawed.

Question: Please give me some scoop about Jenny’s return to Gossip Girl! —Giovanni
Ausiello: I was right. Jenny reappearance is directly connected to Tim Gunn’s upcoming cameo. Turns out Blair permits her nemesis to return to the scene of her last crime (i.e. Manhattan) just long enough for her to interview for a job with Gunn at Parsons. Without giving too much away, Raccoon Eyes inadvertently gets caught up in Chuck and Blair’s latest drama, and the whole mess comes to a head at (natch) a big fancy party.

Question: How long is Mayim Bialik (Amy) sticking around for on The Big Bang Theory? —Holly
Ausiello: Exec producer Bill Prady tells me the actress fka Blossom is booked for a handful of episodes and there’s “no end in mind.” He adds that after embarking on their first date in the season premiere, Sheldon and Amy “are going to settle into a very peculiar relationship that doesn’t involve a lot of physical proximity—lots of video chatting and texting. But the big crisis coming up for Sheldon is the possibility that Amy is expressing feelings for him. That’s going to be a big problem for him.”

Question: I will literally take anything you’ve got on One Tree Hill. —Jasmine
Ausiello: A major-ish character is going to do some time in the slammer this season. That’s literally all I’ve got.

Question: Got anything on the Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice crossover involving Derek’s sister? —Nick
Ausiello: I’ve got this quote from exec producer Shonda Rhimes: “Amelia goes to visit Derek in the third episode of Grey’s. Derek got shot and he hasn’t been returning her phone calls. He’s never returned her phone calls. And what I love about the episode is that it really illuminates Derek. Remember: Derek’s father was shot when they were kids—something that both Amelia and Derek witnessed. And for both of them, Derek’s shooting brings up all of these memories of that. And you also get to see the two Shepherd neurosurgeons operating together, which I think is kind of badass.”

Question: I thought for sure the Grey’s couple tying the knot was Callie and Arizona. Imagine my surprise to find out it was Cristina and Owen! Anyhoo, what’s in store for Calzona if not wedding bells? —Steve
Ausiello: A very crowded house. Arizona decides to move in with Callie, who is currently sharing an apartment with Cristina—who just got married to Owen! That’s enough to put a little strain on any relationship. And another obstacle looms later in the season. Teases Rhimes: “Some stuff happens with their careers that’s going to take them in opposite directions possibly.”

Question: I’ve had a rough day. Do you think you could give me a Chuck scoop and make it better? —Jenny
Ausiello: Chuck and Sarah will be swapping genders this season, and their relationship could suffer as a result. Allow exec producer Josh Schwartz to explain: “In their relationship, Sarah is kind of the guy and Chuck is a little bit more of the emotional one. Chuck is someone who is very comfortable with commitment. And Sarah’s only real commitment is to people that she feels are probably going to die in the line of duty.” Adds fellow EP Chris Fedak: “Chuck also has a lot of access to his emotions and Sarah is one who likes to keep her emotions under wraps to a degree.”

Question: Any chance Steve Carell might change his mind and stick with The Office for another year? —Sandra
Ausiello: There was a chance, but that ship has long since sailed, according to exec producer Greg Daniels. “We held out a lot of hope at the beginning of the year when it was first coming out that [Steve] might leave,” he tells me. “We didn’t comment on it at the time because we were making a last-ditch effort.” But Carell stuck to his guns, and, at this point, Daniels does not anticipate an 11th hour reversal. “Steve doesn’t play a lot of games. He said what he wants to [leave] and he’s doing it in a very classy, typical-Steve fashion. I’m 100 percent confident it’s not some kind of ploy. He gave us plenty of lead time to really construct a great exit for him as well as a great ongoing storyline for other people.”

Question: I’d love a Lie to Me scooplet! —Jonathan
Ausiello: As it happens, I have a capital-S Super one for you: The Man of Steel’s mother, Smallville fave Annette O’Toole, is about to guest on the show and give what I assume will be a tour-de-force performance. She’s been cast as a 60-year-old harboring the proverbial dark secret that makes it extra tricky for her to be treated for her early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Question: Any juicy scoop on CSI: Miami that doesn’t involve Calleigh and Delko? —Ann Marie
Ausiello: Yep, but you may feel like you’ve heard this one before—because, in a way, you have. Just as Bones has a Jersey Shore-inspired episode coming up, so does CSI:M. If ever there was a good time to be a Sookie or Situation look-alike, I’ll be damned if this isn’t it.

Question: Thanks for the awesome video of Chris and Mariska on the Emmy red carpet! Did you get any other SVU scoop there? —Jennifer
Ausiello: Not from them, no, but I did hear that Numb3rs’ David Krumholtz is about to guest in an episode. He plays an expert on fancypants mushrooms who’s mixed up in the same murder investigation that involves Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Rosemary Harris.

Question: What’s this I’m hearing about Lux having an affair with her teacher this season on Life Unexpected? —Kayla
Ausiello: Can’t confirm an affair. Can confirm a crush. “They definitely have a dynamic between them,” acknowledges exec producer Liz Tigelaar of Lux and her new hottie teacher, played by Melrose Place‘s Shaun Sipos. “It’s a different kind of story. Lux is a character that doesn’t have any desire to play by the rules. She’s also an old soul. She’s drawn to someone different than the typical high school guy. What do you do when you’re not allowed to be drawn to that? And how do you deal with it? And how does it make you feel? What we really want to do is tell a story that gets underneath this girl [and find out] where boundaries should be crossed with her and why she kind of feels like she’s kind of above the rules.”

Question: Any Emmy stuff you didn’t tell us about already that you probably should have? —Janet
Ausiello: Come to think of it, yes. I have a new hero: Eva Longoria Parker. You see, I was taping my red-carpet interviews right next to TV Guide Channel, and unfortunately, their celebrity wrangler, in her zeal to keep their live coverage seamless, busted in on one Q&A after another in a way that brought to mind the word “inexcusable.” As you can imagine, this peeved me, and many of my fellow reporters, to no end. Even more frustrating was the fact that the stars’ publicists allowed it to happen, over and over. But then there was Parker. When the aforementioned wrangler tried to pull her away mid-conversation from another journalist, the Desperate Housewife said, in essence, “No. That’s rude. I’ll be there as soon as I’m done here.” And, with that simple display of common sense and impeccable manners, she rose to the top of my list of favorite people. (BTW, you can get a glimpse of said wrangler doing the devil’s work at the tail end of my interview with John Krasinski.)

Question: Can I just say that your interviews were so cute I just want to pinch your cheeks. Now do you have any good Bones spoilers? —Madeline
Ausiello: You can touch the cheeks, but no pinching. They bruise easily. Here’s your Bones spoiler: Brennan is having a change of heart about Booth!! “What happened at the [end of last season] was that we saw Booth move on and not have any regrets,” recounts exec producer Stephen Nathan. “He did his best. He professed his love and when she couldn’t reciprocate he realized at that point this is now crazy, I have to be happy. I have to try to make a life for myself. And he’s moved on. Now Brennan—who felt very secure in her decision last year—has had seven months alone to think about this. And we think that she’s come back reevaluating her situation and the choice she made with Booth. Brennan is seeing things differently. She seemed to have one take for five years and I think the time away has made her reevaluate what she wants from life and perhaps a relationship with Booth. I don’t think this is something that she has an easy time admitting to herself. And perhaps it hasn’t even bubbled up from her subconscious yet, but it’s something that’s real this season.” I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: This is the season it happens! I can feel it in my, er, bones!

Question: Enough about Booth and Brennan. How about something on Angela and Hodgins? —Missy
Ausiello: The buzz is it’ll be smooth sailing for the newlyweds this season, but Michaela Conlin isn’t buying it. “I don’t believe that,” Angela’s portrayer tells me, before hinting that “something happened” during the seven-month flash forward between the two that “will come up” later in the season. Hmm….

Question: More Bones scoop, please! —Matt
Ausiello: Daisy and Sweets will “reconnect” in the season premiere, but “their relationship is different,” notes EP Stephen Nathan. “Sweets has become a free man in his seven months without Daisy and isn’t initially willing to give that up.”

Question: Since Jason Segel reportedly wants out of How I Met Your Mother when his contract expires after season 8, does that mean that’s when the show will end? —Chip
Ausiello: Maybe… maybe not. “It was funny to see that [quote] become such a story,” laughs executive producer Craig Thomas, “because all our contracts are through eight seasons. [But we all love it] so much, we’d be willing to talk about going beyond that point, too.” Especially since the series’ heart soon will be once again in the right place. Says fellow EP Carter Bays: “We gave our director our little document, [our] Season 6 Map, and she came in with tears in her eyes and said, ‘We’re back!’”

Question: We already know Kate (Alexandra Daddario) is returning to White Collar, but do you know anything about the story—aside from the fact that it’s a flashback episode? —Julie
Ausiello: The episode—the first one back in January—focuses almost entirely on the origin of the Kate-Neil relationship and how it folds into the show’s mythology (i.e. the music box).

Question: A Smallville spoiler in honor of the show’s 10th and final season? —Nelson
Ausiello: Sources confirm to me exclusively that there will be at least one huge “Clois” moment in each of the first eight episodes.

Question: 30 Rock scoop….please? — Randy
Ausiello: On the red carpet at the Emmys, Jane Krakowski told me that as the show enters its fifth season, the show within the show is entering its fifth season as well. And “Jenna has all these wacky things built into her contract [that kick in at this point], because nobody thought we’d still be on the air,” she said. “So I get to be a producer.”

Question: You’re always so nice about making with the 30 Rock spoilers. Please don’t let the streak end today. —Henna
Ausiello: Since you lied about me being so nice, how can I resist? At the Emmys, Keith “Toofer” Powell revealed that, in one of the first new episodes, he’d be getting a big storyline. And not just that, “it involves one of the funniest scenes I have ever read,” he teased. Okay, I’m intrigued. You?

Fancast Big Tease 8/31/10

http://www.fancast.com/blogs/2010/tv-news/the-big-tease-scoop-on-svu-glee-nikita-caprica-more/

Do you have any new information on Henry Ian Cusick’s ‘Law & Order: SVU‘ character, and what’s in store for him and Benson (played by Mariska Hargitay)? – Dee93
The ‘Lost’ alum was hesitant to spill too much on his ‘SVU’ stint when I saw him at the Emmys, but he did say that graphic artist Erik and Benson “first meet in a train station, there’s sort of a flirtation, and it goes on from there.” Though Cusick is around for just two episodes – the September 22 season opener and the one after that – he promises, “It’s going to be an interesting role.”

I cannot wait for ‘Glee’s return – any scoop to share? – Alicia
Heather Morris – who looked positively golden at the Emmys – told me that in the Britney Spears/Brittany-centric episode airing September 29, “People will see more of what I do as an artist, which is dancing.” (If you’ve ever seen Heather back up Beyoncé, you know girl’s got mad moves.) Morris also said that while we will learn Brittany’s last name, her increasingly fleshed-out Cheerio won’t also gain a brain. “No, that’s confirmed – I will not be smarter!” she happily reported.

Do you have any information on ‘Glee’s Rachel and Finn? – Patricia K.
Between this scene shot (from E!) and this Twitpic (from Lea Michele), I’d say things are looking very good!

Do you have any scoop on ‘Nikita‘? Especially on Melinda Clarke’s character? – Angela
Shortly after the CW action-drama debuts on September 9, it will be revealed that the ‘O.C.’ alum’s character, Amanda, is nicknamed “The Inquisitor” because of her very thorough interrogation skills. Meaning, if you’re a hostile being detained by the top-secret Division and you won’t talk, expect a visit from Amanda… and don’t be surprised if she comes wearing (eek) a latex glove.


With the ‘Caprica‘ actors’ contracts expiring, executive producer David Eick said we’d hear a decision on Season 2 by August 15. It’s now almost September. Is the show canceled? – Pete
That deadline came and went, yes, but a source very close to Syfy’s ‘Caprica’ told me during Emmys weekend that NBC Universal worked out an “extension” that bought them until November to make a call on a pick-up. So hold out hope, Pete.

At Comic-Con, John Schneider said the ‘Smallville‘ Season 10 premiere (airing Sept. 24) features “the best-written scene I’ve ever done on [the show].” Any details? – Kipper
“I agree with him,” exec producer Brian Petersen said of Schneider’s rave. “He has a great scene with Tom Welling – kind of a reunion thing.” EP Kelly Souders added that Pa Kent’s improbable “return” is designed to kick off the final season with a bit of “the warmth, the mentor and sort of moral compass that Jonathan always was in Clark’s life – and that Clark has kind of been missing. He brings that aspect of ‘Smallville’ back.” Yes, this item is brought to you by Kleenex.

EW’s Michael Ausiello says that ‘Smallville’s Erica Durance is playing DC’s Isis. So, is she playing the comic/TV character or not? – history1776 via Twitter
Mere moments after I hit play on Oz’s video, I quadruple-confirmed what I had heard and posted in last week’s Big Tease. And I had it right: According to exec producer Kelly Souders, ED is doing double duty as an Egyptian goddess named Isis, but she is not the DC Comics character.

I was happy to hear that Brian Benben is now a series regular on ‘Private Practice,’ but do you have any idea what Sheldon will be up to? – Catalina
Alas, I don’t – nor does Brian! “I mean, he’s been rejected by everybody on the show!” the actor notes with a laugh. Still, Benben sees the glass as half-full. “There’s an ever-widening parade [of characters] on these shows, so we’ll see what happens.”

‘Angel’s Jenny Mollen said on Twitter that she will be appearing on ‘Law & Order: Los Angeles‘ (premiering September 29). Any scoop on her role? – Gabby
The erstwhile Nina Ash is guest-starring as Carly Morris, a party girl who is the recipient of some very, very nice gifts from her “clients.” She’ll be in just one episode.

Thank you so much for sharing the news about David Tennant and the ‘Fright Night’ remake during your Emmy tweets. Did he say anything about the status of NBC’s ‘Rex Is Not Your Lawyer’? – Dawn
I did ask about ‘Rex’ – which last I heard was being eyed by USA Network after NBC opted not to order the series – and Tennant confirmed what we sorta knew: It’s truly and sincerely dead. Shame, too – in addition to the former Doctor Who, ‘Rex’ also starred ‘Mad Men’ schoolteach Abigail Spencer.

Anything on how Eddie Cibrian will be written off of ‘CSI: Miami‘? – Tami
Since you apparently missed this story that quite bluntly reveals Jesse Cardoza’s fate, I’ll offer this sanitized version from Eva La Rue (aka Natalia): “In the season premiere, we lose Eddie Cibrian.” Turning to the bigger picture – that is, ‘Miami’s new Sunday time slot – Eva believes it could prove to be a better, more DVR-proof fit for the show’s fans. “It’s going to really interesting to see how they cover up Emily Procter’s pregnancy, Adam Rodriguez (Eric) is back…. There are a lot of good reasons to watch.”

I read that the ‘Covert Affairs‘ season finale is in mid-September. How long will I have to live without it? And to cope during its absence, what show(s) should I add to my Tivo season pass list? – Alicia
Sad but true, ‘Covert Affairs’ double-episode season finale airs September 14 – and the spy drama won’t be back until summer 2011. In the meantime, I would suggest that you DVR/watch On Demand the new shows ‘Nikita‘ (Thursdays, The CW) and ‘Undercovers‘ (Wednesdays, NBC), both of which offer a similar mix of espionage, intrigue and romance.


I am so happy about the Emmys for ‘Modern Family‘ and Eric Stonestreet. Do you have any scoop to celebrate? – Nancy
Well, in addition to meeting Cameron’s mom, Eric revealed backstage at the Emmys that in one Season 2 episode we will learn that Cam really, really “likes bike shorts, and he doesn’t get that they’re not appropriate [everyday] attire.” As such, he spends the whole episode enveloped in Spandex.

I was excited to hear that Gale Harold will play Marti’s law professor on ‘Hellcats‘! Do you have any scoop on his character, or any idea how many episodes he’ll be in? – Tariel22
As I scooped back in July, Gale’s law prof is someone Marti (played by Aly Michalka) will look up to – but not necessarily hook up with. At least not right away, seeing as The CW series will quickly handspring the blonde bombshell into a triangle with BFF Dan (‘Harper’s Island’s Matt Barr) and fellow cheerleader Luis (’One Tree Hill’s Robbie Jones). At this time, Harold’s episode count is TBD.


Does ‘The Good Wife’s Kalinda have a male or female love interest next season? Lesbians everywhere are wondering! – gabydunn via Twitter
When the CBS hit kicks off its sophomore season on September 28, don’t expect new light to be shed on Kalinda’s proclivities anytime soon. As Emmy winner Archie Panjabi said after claiming her much-deserved prize, “I’m as taken back by her mystery as the audience is, and her sexuality is one thing I still haven’t figured out. When [Kalinda] does confess it to me, I will certainly reveal it.”

Did you see ‘Glee’s Dianna Agron at the Emmys, Matt? – kb5961 via Twitter
See her? Yes. She walked thisclose to me. But talk to her? [Grumble] The luminous Dianna continues to be the Moby Dick to my Ahab. The Suzanne Somers to my Richard Dreyfus.
 

Watch w/ Kristin Spoiler Chat 8/23/10

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b196594_spoiler_chat_glee_castle_true_blood.html

Stop the presses!

Is Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) jumping ship on 30 Rock? This is the news that has us devastated this week in our roundup of exclusive TV scoop!! But hmmm...perhaps you wanna hear some juicy tidbits about the possible return of Britney Spears to Glee (and confirmation that Jonathan Groff will be back!), a kick-ass new sidekick on Castle, the latest on Chuck and Blair on Gossip Girl, a possible return for John Lithgow to Dexter and True Blood's season finale?

Thought so. Here it is:

Elle in Michigan: OK, forget about the Britney episode of Glee, what can you tell me about the Brittany episode of Glee?
We love Heather Morris (Brittany) too! Ran into exec producer Dante Di Loreto at an Emmys event for nominated producers and he spilled about the upcoming "Britney/Brittany" bonanza, "Heather Morris can really sing. We know she can dance, but to see her dance and hear her sing all at once is really fantastic. She knocks it out of the park. And we learn a lot of new things about Brittany in the episode—we might be surprised to hear what Brittany thinks about Britney Spears." Dante also revealed that "We're all working hard to make more Glee for you: Football players were dancing until about three o'clock in the morning on Friday." Mmmm…were they dancing to Brit's "Stronger," being football players and all? "Ryan [Murphy] would kill me if I told you. But I would say…you're smart." Yay! That gingo bilboa is paying off. Or wait…How is it spelled? (Joaking!)

Frederick in Des Moines: Will Britney be back on Glee or it's just a one-time thing?
They're already talking about bringing her back. How very HIMYM of you! Hey, maybe Brit can bring that Barney guy with her.

Alex in Venice, Italy: Is Jonathan Groff ever coming back to Glee?
Yep! Exec producer Dante DiLoreto (whom you can follow @GleeTV on Twitter, BTW) tells us, "Yes, absolutely, without a doubt Jonathan will be back. He's in London right now. We're hoping he'll finish that pesky play and come back and work with us." Hurry up, dude! Rachel Berry has a raw egg with your name on it!

Scott in Detroit, Mich.: I totally remember Joe Manganiello, True Blood's Alcide, as Brad on How I Met Your Mother! Any chance he'll make another appearance on the show?
Ew. That flabby schlub? "I would bet money that Brad will be back." That's what the ridonkulously hot man himself told us. So what exactly has Brad been up to since we last saw him in the season five premiere? "He revealed he may be a hermaphrodite 'cause he tells Robin, 'I'm a little different down there,' So maybe deeper into the mystery of what Brad is," Joe suggested. "We need to figure out what Brad is. We're figuring out who the mother is and what exactly Brad is. It's kind of the b-plot of the show, 'What is Brad?'" B-plot?! Psh, we're promoting the Brad mystery to the A-plot. Sorry Ted's baby mama, we've had enough of your drama.

Charlotte in Georgia: I love Modern Family, and I hope they win all the Emmys this weekend! Have you been able to get any scoop on season two at the Emmys events?
Alex (Ariel Winter) is getting several storylines this year. Ariel tells us, "Alex gets a little friend who probably will develop into something more. Alex is turning into a teenager and maybe more of the popular girl. She'll still be the know-it-all, the smart aleck, but she's just going to be a little popular." Ooh, and what does big sis Haley (Sarah Hyland) think of that? "I don't think Alex really cares what her big sister thinks. I think once she becomes top dog in her school, it's going to be, 'Hey, I'm as cool as me now so you can't say anything. I can still make fun of you, but you can't make fun of me.' "

Drew in Chicago: What's the latest on Brothers and Sisters? You haven't talked about it in a while!
I forgot! And that's exactly what's going to be happening to Holly (Patricia Wettig) in the new season—except she's gonna forget something much, um, bigger. She has memory loss and can't even remember her own daughter Rebecca, from what I hear. I'm guessing this makes the loss of Emily VanCamp somehow easier? But crazy, right?! I love it. I'm also told that Emily will appear in episode three and four of the new season and that she and Justin will have some serious problems. Oh, and there may be another little Walker on the way! One of the women wants to get pregnant. Guesses?

Heather in Tuscaloosa, Ala.: Why, oh why, is there no Mad Men scoop? Pleeeaaaase give us some dish!
The divine Christina Hendricks, who plays Joan Holloway Harris, tells us, "There is a lot about to happen, so tune in. It's going to be good. Mad Men without darkness is Disneyland without Mickey Mouse. It will be there." Rich Sommer, aka Harry Crane, agrees, promising, "I can say the show doesn't get any less dark. You'll see some deeper levels of despair—but it's still funny! I think as long as someone like Roger Sterling (John Slattery) is around, it'll still stay light." Any guesses about what's so bad?

Heather in Chico, Calif: What's the latest on Finn and Rachel?
In case you missed it: PDA central! Something tells me they're going to be giving Cam and Mitchell a run for the money. Ryan Murphy talks about how they're going to be very visible in very public places with their love (you happy, Finnchel fans!?) and how Will and Emma fans aren't so lucky in this exclusive right here.

Francesca: So happy John Lithgow won the Emmy on Saturday! Will he be back on Dexter at all?
Well, his character Trinity is dead but we here at WWK Central have spent way too much time decoding my on-camera interview with John and have reached the verdict of: Absolutely! John's words said: "You know, people who work on Dexter never answer questions like that. You know that! It's a cultural secrecy surrounding Dexter. It makes it a lot of fun. Half the time, we didn't even know what was coming." But the avoidance of the Q, coupled with John's head shake and smile gave it all away if you ask me! I also broke the news to Mr. Trinity that Julie Benz hasn't been able to take a bath since the last season finale, and Lithgow laughed: "I did for bathtubs what Janet Leigh did for showers back in the '50s." True dat. I miss feeling pruney.


Eli in New York: Can't wait until Sept. 26! Spill me some news about Dexter, please.
According to James Remar, this season brings still more growth for our fave killer and all his family members, dead and alive: "As Dexter's personality progresses, Harry progresses. I believe at this time, Harry's more of a companionate figure. He's more of a companion than a specter that haunts him—and Dexter's not being as rebellious." Hmmm…could Harry be taking the brakes off Dexter this season? Interesting. (BTW, James is ready and willing to return to The Vampire Diaries as Giuseppe Salvatore should he be called upon to do so. "You never know with the vampires." Indeed.)

Greg in New Hampshire: Is Kenneth the Page really off of 30 Rock this season? Didn't he show up drunk at the end of the season finale saying he was fired?
Yes, Jack MacBrayer is off the show because he just really wasn't working out. Also, monkeys are going to fly out of Tina Fey's butt. Translation: They would never let Kenneth/ Jack go! But how crazy is this Twitter photo that Grizz sent out via Twtter http://twitgoo.com/1jn8s1 that clearly shows Kenneth working for some crazy network that has an eyeball logo or something. Traitor! I'm appalled, Kenneth. Just appalled.

Nikki in Bowling Green, Ohio: Parenthood was one of my favorite new shows last year, and I need some scoop on the second season!
You're in luck, because the season premiere date is just around the corner (Sept. 14!) Erika Christensen was gracious and lovely enough to spill some tidbits on what's coming up for Julia, and it involves spawning. "My character decides she wants to get pregnant and have a second child," Erika tells us as at the Creative Emmy Awards. "Her husband maybe isn't quite as enthusiastic about it as she is." And if her hubby ain't gonna do the job, someone else might! There are plenty of hot dudes coming on the show next season, after all. "When a woman makes up her mind, she gets what she wants. I do occasionally think maybe she'll have an affair at one point," she says. Relax, she's joking. Or is she?

Roland in Toluca Lake, Calif.: It would be so double rainbow if you could give me any secrets from the next season of Castle.
Remember when you thought Stana Katic couldn't get any hotter? You are so wrong, bro. "Beckett rides a motor bike!" she tells us gleefully. And this won't be a one time thing either, so don't you worry—it's her new thing. "Beckett definitely has a motor bike at home. I'm so stoked. I can't wait!" We can't either. Meanwhile, that sound you hear is millions of fanboys drawing up concepts for Stana's leather biker-babe ensembles.

Libbie in Georgetown, Texas: Please tell me you've seen the season three premiere of Sons of Anarchy! You have to give me something! I gotta know how the Sons react to poor Abel's kidnapping, if they react at all!
Oh, they definitely react. No doubt about that. Season three is all about the effect that Abel's kidnapping has on the club, and Sons show runner Kurt Sutter just revealed that, "Season three is a bit different for us. I felt like after two seasons of serialized character development, fans would be open to learn more about the history of the club. This season we delve into the mythology of the Sons connection to the IRA and John Teller's relationship with Belfast. It's a huge season for Jax. In fact, it's all about the three generations of Tellers—John, Jax and Abel." (Among other things, we'll actually see John Teller's face for the first time this season.)

Steph in Austin, TX: Kristin, there's a rumor that Chuck tries to rape and beat Blair. Can you clear that up for me because if this happens, [Gossip Girl] can shove this show where the sun doesn't shine. Thanks!
Per my rock-solid source: "LOL. Not true in the least." So no one needs to shove anything anywhere uncomfortable. Phew!

Sarah in Massapequa, N.Y.: Am I the only person sensing some romantic tension between Aria's dad Byron (Chad Lowe) and Hanna's mom Ashley (Laura Leighton) on Pretty Little Liars?
Trust us, you are definitely not the only one catching the pair's meaningful stares and ever-growing connection, but there might be someone standing in their way when this guiltiest of guilty pleasures returns, and that someone ain't his estranged wife, Ella (Holly Marie Combs). We caught up with Amanda Schull, aka Byron's former mistress Meredith, who tells us fans will be seeing more of her in the second half of the season: "As far as I know I will be [back]. I don't know the details of that but I know that the story line, especially the story lines in the book say I will be." Well, according to the books she's around for a (pregnant pause)… long time. Oops, was that too obvious?

Kiley in Colorado: Any scoop on Psych? My friends and I all agree that this season's run of episodes has been awesome—so much better than all of last year's serious drama!
Agreed! Lost's Nestor Carbonell spilled to us about his upcoming guest gig on Psych: "I play a criminal profiler who rivals Shawn, James Roday's character, and who one-ups him at every turn. Shawn's never had somebody one-up him. Shawn's always the man in charge—he's pretty much a superhero. But I come in and I destroy him—which is a lot of fun."

Jessica: True Blood! How great was last night's episode?
So great I'm honestly broken up that there are only two episodes left! I just interviewed the completely amazing Denis O'Hare (Russell Edgington, the big bad vampire king) and he told me that the season finale was his most challenging work yet (gulp!), and that "Sookie is very mean to me…Eric is very mean to me…and I cry tears of joy." I am a little alarmed by that last tease! What on Earth could make Russell so happy? Talbot somehow coming back from the crystal urn? A double rainbow? An all-you-can-eat baby buffet?

Karen in Illinois: Are you going to retract your statement about the werewolf gang rape [on True Blood]? That never happened.
Sorry! My very bad bad. And proof that apparently I am the one with the truly sick mind. I personally thought the werewolf initiation scene to be something of a gang-rape scene, hence my mention on E! News of it…I don't know, perhaps it was open to interpretation, or I'm in need of serious medication? (Don't answer that.) Regardless: I went back and you're right: No actual rape was ever shown. My apologies for my apparently overactive imagination and please know, True Blood remains one of my all-time favorite shows. That is an indisputable fact.

Emily in Toronto, Ontario: Hi Kristin! I have a question about True Blood and I'm really hoping you can help me out. How is Arlene pregnant with Rene? Does this mean that everything that has happened over the past almost two seasons has been over the course of merely weeks? It just doesn't add up to me. Thank you!
It's a reminder that each season of True Blood covers very little time…Only a few weeks! Arlene is only about 7-8 weeks pregnant, so really, very little time has passed since Rene's death in season one. All I know is a lot happens in Bon Temps and I don't want to live there. Well, OK, fine, unless you're going to shack (shackle?) me up with Eric.

Britney in Dallas, Texas: I'm so over Stelena and Delena on The Vampire Diaries. Please tell me we will see more Dalaric!
You can rest easy because we will be seeing plenty of Damon and Alaric teaming up in season two. We asked the show's very own Buffy (spin-off idea: Alaric The Vampire Slayer!) Matt Davis, about the unlikely duo's partnership and here's what he told us: "Our bromance is definitely developing. You'll see much more of that for sure. I love Ian to pieces and I love working with him and I think our chemistry as friends and the way Kevin and Julie write the two of them together, just the archetypes of the two characters together I think fit really well." If that wasn't cute enough for you, Matt recently tweeted a picture of the duo's nifty supernatural rings with the caption, "Wonder Twin power unite in shape of a bromance!!!" Um, I die.

Monica: Hi! Any scoop on 90210?
Michael Steger tells us: "I show up in a Ferrari, I got rid of the Lamborghini, so I am driving a new car to school on the first day." Jessica Lowndes: "My new character is no longer in high school, she's touring and singing, so there's a lot more music, which has been a lot of fun." And Matt Lanter: "There's always drama, love triangles, I've got a half-brother coming in. There's a big earthquake that happens in episode one, so it kind of affects everybody, it's kind of fun." By the way, Matt stars as the Robert Pattison in the new spoof movie Vampires Suck and jokes about his anticipated reaction from Twilight fans: "I got a couple extra deadbolts on my door just as a precaution, but so far, I haven't needed 'em."

Sammi in Temecula, Calif.: Any scoop on my Thursday-night guilty pleasure, Private Practice?
James Remar tells us of his Private Practice character: "He's a bad boy doctor who worked with Doctors Without Borders with Pete (Tim Daly) in the past—and we have history, obviously. My character is a doctor who likes working for people that don't have any money, and he gives his services for nothing, but some of his patients may be questionable."
Jeffrey Mayer/Getty Images

Melody in Indiana: Any dish on Covert Affairs? So excited it's coming back for a second season!
Yes! This week's episode puts the affairs in Covert Affairs. We'll learn that not one but two of Augie's girlfriends are known troublemakers who are being watched by the CIA. Oh, and Chris Gorham takes his shirt off and proves he's definitely no Henry Grubstick skinny nerd. Meow!

Sara in Springfield, Ill.: When, oh when, does Greek come back? I must know what happens to Cappie and Casey!
They are finishing up the filming of season four right now, but it won't premiere until January! Doesn't that seem just ridiculously far away? And while no official announcement has been made on a renewal, when we visited the set we were told that the writers have been wrapping up storylines as if this was the last season. Bummer city. In regards to Cappie and Casey, Spencer Grammer did tell us that they "reconcile in some way." Feel free to speculate on that little gem for the next four months.