Ask Ausiello 10/27/10

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/10/27/ask-ausiello-house-glee-castle/

Question: Maybe I missed it, but when is your last day at EW? And where are you going? —Cynthia
Ausiello: Let me see if I can peel back the thick layer of denial long enough to type this next sentence: My last day at EW is this Friday. As far as where I’m going, click here to have your memory refreshed. Or just join — or, rather, like — my new Facebook page. More specific details about my next steps will be posted there shortly. There’s also Twitter. Okay, time to climb back into my denial suit and get crackin’ on my final AA at EW. Sources confirm to me exclusively that I’m going out with a bang!

Question: Any information on when Olivia Wilde is returning to House? —Christine
Ausiello: Probably not until spring. You’ll be happy to know that her temporary replacement, Amber Tamblyn, makes a positive first impression in her Nov. 8 debut. As you would expect, her character — supersmart and moralistic med student Martha M. Masters — gets quite a hazing from House‘s boys club. We’ll soon discover that a member of said club shares a past with House‘s “immutable obstacle,” as Dr. Crankenstein calls her. Other colorful nicknames assigned to the newbie on her first day of work include:

* The Internet with breasts
* Small Wonder
* The love child of Einstein and Mary Poppins
* The Bunny
* Pippy Long Division

Question: House scoop? —Jennifer
Ausiello: House pink-slips a member of his team during November sweeps. Not once, not twice, but three times. Also, three major characters do some jail time.

Question: Could you please give some spoilers on Psych regarding Shawn and Juliet? —Steve
Ausiello: The show’s fall premiere (airing Nov. 10) will pick up shortly after the couple’s big kiss in the finale. “Our viewers are probably a little unsure of what that kiss meant,” says exec producer Steve Franks. “Will Juliet still take some time away on the Amalfi coast with Declan, or did the kiss change her mind? In the 5.5 premiere, she is still on her way to Italy, and Shawn is on his way to Canada at the request of convicted thief Pierre Despereaux [a returning Cary Elwes]. Their divergent travel plans may have derailed their romantic momentum, until Juliet unexpectedly shows up in Vancouver for Despereaux’s extradition and that spark becomes a fire. The question is, Do Shawn and Juliet believe ‘what happens in Canada, stays in Canada’? Stay tuned.”

Question: I recently discovered that we share the same birthday — Feb. 23! In honor of that, I think you should share some Bones scoop with me! — Catherine
Ausiello: Seinfeld‘s Wayne Knight will channel his inner Willy Wonka when he guest-stars as a candy magnate in an episode that features “one of our most revolting body finds ever,” reveals exec producer Stephen Nathan. “A body is discovered inside one of the world’s largest chocolate bars. It’s delightfully revolting.”

Question: Which episode marks Hannah’s permanent exit from Bones? —Lexie
Ausiello: That’s awfully presumptuous of you, Lexie. The fact is, Katheryn Winnick’s stint as Booth’s lover (and Brennan’s new BFF) doesn’t actually have an end date. “We don’t know how long she’s going to be with us this season,” says Nathan. “We want to keep it open. Hannah’s story is still evolving; we don’t know how we want to wrap it up. And even if she does go away, we want to leave open the possibility that she may come back.”

Question: It’s been a while since we’ve had any good Bones scoops. Do you have any interesting information to get me through the baseball hiatus? —Amy
Ausiello: How ’bout another tidbit about everyone’s favorite character, Hannah. “I’m working on an episode right now where Brennan and Hannah’s friendship is tested,” reveals Nathan. “It relates to something that happened between Booth and Brennan at the end of the Brennan-centric episode. It creates some friction between Booth, Brennan, and Hannah that has to be worked out.” Hmm…any thoughts on what happens between B&B? Hit the comments!

Question: May I please have some Puck-related Glee scoop? —Brittany
Ausiello: He’s not the character getting expelled.

Question: Are Burt and Carole getting married on Glee? —Danielle
Ausiello: They are if Kurt has anything to say about it. Speaking of weddings, the rumors are true: Sue is going to make history by becoming the first person on earth to marry — or at least attempt to marry — ****el*!

Question: Any more Glee scoop — maybe something about Kurt and his new BF, Darren Criss? —Matt
Ausiello: Save the date: Their first kiss is scheduled for Nov. 9! In related news, did you hear about this?

Question: Do you have any extra clues you could shed about what exactly Tess “is” on Smallville? —Gage
Ausiello: You’ll get your answer on Nov. 12.

Question: Do you have any Modern Family scoop? It is easily my favorite show. —Billie
Ausiello: Mitchell’s “straight” past comes back to haunt him around mid-November when CTU legend Mary Lynn Rajskub guest-stars as his ex. “She dated Mitchell in high school, and they may’ve done the nasty,” says Rajskub with a chuckle. “I think he broke my heart.” The two have what Rajskub calls an “awkward” reunion at a shopping center. “Mitch and Cam end up coming over to talk to me about an incident,” she teases, “but I can’t discuss that because it’ll ruin the story.”

Question: I was curious if you had any information on the 24 movie. Will it be going into production soon? —Brandon
Ausiello: Based on the following status report from Rajskub, I’m guessing the answer is no. “I don’t know what’s going on with it,” she says. “Everybody asks me about it, but I don’t know anything. I think it would be great if it happened a year after the show went off the air, but I haven’t heard anything.”

Question: Beautiful series finale of Ausiello TV. I laughed, I cried, I was surprised and confused. Thanks for all the great scoop, wit, snark, and Smurfy goodness. I promise to weep for all of six seconds before moving forward with life. —Jen
Ausiello: Thanks, Jenny. That means a lot. One quick thing: You are aware I’m not dying, right? Just want to make sure you knew that.

Question: Can you give us a really juicy Grey’s Anatomy spoiler as a going-away present? —Ashley
Ausiello: Um, shouldn’t you be buying me the presents? Eh, whatever. This has always been kind of a one-sided relationship, so no point screwing with such a winning formula now. Here’s your scoop: Series creator Shonda Rhimes reiterated to me in a recent interview that Callie and Arizona are in it for the long haul. “Their journey is going to be long and hard, but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to end up together,” she maintained. “People better just prepare themselves for things to be difficult.” I then asked her if she would out Mark and Lexie in that same soul-mate-type category, and she replied, “No,” before quickly adding, “That doesn’t mean that I don’t see them as two people who are going to end up together… There’s hope for Mark and Lexie, [but] Lexie has some growing up to do, as does Mark.”

Question: There’s a Grey’s rumor going around about an Alex/April/Lexie triangle. True? —Diana
Ausiello: False. “I honestly have no idea what [fans] are talking about,” responded Rhimes. “We have no plans for an Alex/April/Lexie triangle.”

Question: Got anything on the truly epic Boardwalk Empire? —Hope
Ausiello: We meet Nucky’s (Steve Buscemi) dad in this Sunday’s episode, and to say father and son had a frakked-up relationship is an understatement of epic proportions. The ep also features a memorable showdown between Michael Pitt’s Jimmy and the thug who slashed his hooker girlfriend’s face. Oh, and shocker: Another recurring character gets whacked!

Question: Can I have some scoop on Castle? —Lori
Ausiello: A pivotal couple will break things off in the near future, and I can confirm it’s either Gina and Castle or Beckett and this guy. Elsewhere, a new — and rather surprising — interoffice romance will ignite in January.

Question: Can you please give me some good NCIS scoop, preferably about McGee? —Z.
Ausiello: He’s not the team member who gets “shot” in the big two-parter on Nov. 16 and 23. For those keeping track at home, that leaves Tony, Vance, and Ziva in the running. Oh, and I put SHOT in quotes because it’s not exactly a traditional shooting. The person will be wounded not by a gun, but by an explosive weapon.

Question: Could you please resume using the term “hitcom”? I really like it. Thanks for your consideration. —Ron
Ausiello: Yes! This past week has been HELL without it! Consider it officially reactivated!

Question: I was reading that CBS might cancel CSI: NY. —Jen
Ausiello: I think you’re confusing CSI: NY with Medium, which just had its episode order cut back from 22 to 13. I think CSI: NY — which has been doing solid business on Fridays — is safe for the time being. Speaking of the spin-off, Karina Lombard of Rescue Me and L Word fame has just been cast as the grieving mother of the victim in a January episode.

Question: What chance does Parenthood have of getting a full season? —Chevy
Ausiello: I’d say it stands a pretty good chance, since it already received a full-season pickup in May.

Question: I would like some 90210 scoop, please. —Greg
Ausiello: Casting scoop: Make It or Break It‘s Zachary Abel has been tapped to play, um, Zach, a hot surfer dude that Naomi develops a major crush on.

Question: What is the deal with Juliet on Gossip Girl? —Kathleen
Ausiello: The deal is I’m hearing a major character (or two) will join forces with the troublemaker to take Serena down. Exec producer Stephanie Savage, meanwhile, says, “A good chunk of Juliet’s plan will be revealed by the end of the first half of the season, but elements of it will carry over.”

Question: I’m in need of some Chuck spoilers to make my day better! —Natalie
Ausiello: There’s a major twist at the end of next Monday’s episode, and it involves him and her.

Question: After watching this week’s episode of Brothers & Sisters I’m scared for the future of Kevin and Scotty. Please tell me they’ll live happily ever after! —Stucky
Ausiello: B&S showrunner David Marshall Grant sure isn’t talking like it’s the end. “This isn’t so much about the crisis itself,” he says, “as it is about watching two people fight their way through it.” BTW, we’ll met the “other man” this Sunday, and he’s going to look a lot like Ryan Abbot from Three Rivers (a.k.a. Christopher Hanke).

Question: Like, joking aside, what’s happened to all the Brothers & Sisters scoops?! Please! I’m desperate! —Sophie
Ausiello: As my frenemy first scooped, Balthazar Getty is returning in January for the show’s 100th episode. And per Grant, he’ll be sticking around for a while. “He’s coming back for [at least] three episodes,” says the boss, who confirms that Tommy returns with a new girlfriend on his arm. “It causes a big stir in the Walker family.”

Question: Got any Good Wife scoop? —Carly C.
Ausiello: Casting scoop!! Leelee Sobieski will guest star in a January episode as the girlfriend of one of Lockhart/Bond’s most influential clients. Both stand accused of using prescription stimulants.

Question: What’s the latest on Grey’s giving viewers proper closure for Alex and Izzie? —Jesus
Ausiello: The latest appears in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. And it’s juicy.

Question: Do you know any Vampire Diaries scoop? —Savannah
Ausiello: Trent Ford and Daniel Gillies have joined the show along with Lauren Cohan as centuries old vampires, Trevor, Elijah, and Rose. “They have deep ties to Katerina Petrova,” reveals exec producer Julie Plec. “They will be heavily featured in November Sweeps episodes ‘Rose’ and ‘Katerina’.”
 

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!

TV Guide Mega Buzz 9/29/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/MegaBuzz-Bones-Event-CSI-1023760.aspx

What's this I hear about Brennan solving her own murder on Bones? — Maggie
ADAM: Well, Brennan obviously isn't the corpse, but her resemblance to the victim is uncanny. Executive producer Stephen Nathan says the experience will be educational for Bones. "Brennan gets to look at herself objectively, which is something she's never really been able to do," he says. "She sees herself in a new light, and that obviously will change her character to a certain extent."

So many answers on The Event this week! I can't help but think they're pulling a fast one on us. Have any scoop? — Martin
MICKEY: Go with your gut. We'll soon find out that at least one of the most fundamental parts of The Event's narrative is a big fat lie. Further, Sophia won't tolerate any leaks, even if people have to die to protect her secrets.

What else can you tell me about Katee Sackhoff's role on CSI? — Andrew
ADAM: She's a tough, stubborn woman, and that initially puts her at odds with George Eads' Nick Stokes. But she slowly wins him over. "She plays her character with a lot of bravado, which is something I think Nick really likes to be around," Eads tells us. Do we see sparks? "For Nick to have a relationship with anyone on the show, the genesis of it has to be mutual respect," Eads says, noting that the length of Sackhoff's arc has yet to be finalized. For his part, Eads is ready for something serious: "I would like to see her again."

Poor Artie! Will he find another love on Glee? —Amalia
MICKEY: I wouldn't call it love exactly, but on an upcoming episode, Artie will make a connection with a Cheerio that will make him feel special for a short while.

Got any new Grey's Anatomy information? — Bethany
ADAM: I hear that the show is looking for a middle-aged male doctor for a two-episode arc later in the season. In possibly related plot news, when a high-ranking Washington official checks into Seattle Grace, his Secret Service detail creates a logistical nightmare for the surgeons on duty.

I heard that the new Law & Order: Los Angeles gets rid of the theme song and the famous "chung-chung" sound. Say it ain't so. — Kathy
MICKEY: It ain't so. In fact, I think it's safe to say that the bouncing baby of the Dick Wolf family of television shows looks an awful lot like its parents. The first episode, "Hollywood," is a standard ripped-from-the-headlines gloss on the real-life Burglar Bunch. But there's a hilarious stage-mom twist.

I want to know if we will see a good emotional scene on NCIS between Abby and McGee during Season 8. — Marie-France
ADAM: Executive producer Shane Brennan wouldn't budge about any McGabby moments, but he did offer a cryptic tease about what's next for Abby. "Abby is caught up trying to solve a psychological mystery that centers around the death of an enigmatic young woman," Brennan says. Who's to say Abby won't need McGee's help?

I would think it would be easy for Walter and Peter to tell Olivia from Bolivia on Fringe. What gives? — Ted
MICKEY: Well, Bolivia's physical transformation is meticulous, and you'll see her come up with a very plausible explanation for her un-Olivia-like behavior. But Joshua Jackson points to a third factor. "I think there's something really cool about the idea that people from the same universe have some instinctual, animal level of connection to each other," he says. "The reason Peter responds to the other Olivia is because that would be his Olivia."

How much of Jane's backstory are we going to get on The Mentalist? — Hal
ADAM: You'll get some insight this week when Jane's brother-in-law shows up and forces him to confront his past. First, Jane revisits his carnival roots, but creator Bruno Heller tells us he'll later do something he hasn't done since his family died at the hands of Red John. "He goes on one of those Nancy Grace-type legal scandal shows," he says. "He swore he'd never go back on TV in order to catch the bad guy." Sounds pretty serious to us!

Help! I can't tell if the werewolves are the good guys or the bad guys on The Vampire Diaries. — Cory
MICKEY: I can't either, but perhaps a new addition to the cast will clarify everyone else's relative goodness. He's a man of few words who allows his piercing eyes to do the talking for him. I'm hearing him compared to the Haitian on Heroes, which means those peepers are probably good for more than just lookin'.

I really enjoyed the Brothers & Sisters premiere. Is this really the last season? — Katie
ADAM: Despite a reduced episode order and some siginifcant cast exits, executive producer David Marshall Grant isn't planning on going anywhere. "I've approached the show as if it's going to go on and on. I take my cue from the studio and the network, and they've given me no indication — not even a hint or a heads-up — that [cancellation is] a possibility," he says. "If and when I hear different, I will adjust and make sure that we take these Walkers off the air in the style that they deserve. But I have heard nothing to suggest that I should be planning for that."

I know it's a ways off, but can you give me any V scoop? — Kara
MICKEY: A major female character will lose her head in an early episode — which is to say, she'll be beheaded. I only mention the violent act because it will be as revealing as it is fatal.

Adam's Mega Rave: Thanks, Castle, for cooling it with the Beckett-Castle stuff for an episode. It gave Martha (Susan Sullivan) a chance to mourn her off-screen love interest, Chet, who succumbed to a stroke. Her musings about love after the thrill is gone were quiet but powerful.

Mickey's Mini Rant: Boo, Matt Damon, for being a fancy-pants movie star. We really like you as Liz Lemon's "inside spoon" on 30 Rock
 

Ask Ausiello 9/22/10

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.

Watch w/ Kristin Spoiler Chat 9/20/10

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b201377_spoiler_chat_get_premiere-week_scoop_on.html

It's here, TV fans! The new fall television season begins tonight, and we're kicking off the party with a big, juicy spoiler chat full of scoop about your favorite TV shows. Want dish on House, Fringe, Chuck, How I Met Your Mother and many more? Click in!

Melody: The Glee premiere is tomorrow! Spill!
Chord Overstreet is dreamy as the new football player Sam Evans (Sam and Dianna Agron's Quinn are going to make gorgeous blond babies together!); there's an unholy alliance between Sue and Will; and the Lea Michele-Charice diva-off is not to be missed! Oh, and Ken Tanaka had a nervous breakdown, while Matt (aka copresident of the background dancers union) transferred, Brittany's blank-faced one-liners are better than ever, and we absolutely love the backstory on Tina's hookup with Mike Chang. It's a great season premiere. You guys will love.

Jaqueline in Athens, Ga.: What's the 411 on Kristin Chenoweth's return to Glee?
April Rhodes is on her way back to McKinley High and a little birdie we like to call Kristin Chenoweth tells us we're in for a nearly nude treat! "I'm going back in two weeks to do Glee. I did hear April will be stripping and it made me nervous—made me not want to eat." Just don't expect any smooth moves on the stripper pole. Says Kristin: "I'm not going to practice it either because I don't think April would know how!"

Parker: Stop skimping on the Chuck and Blair Gossip Girl info!
Except for the fact that they're seeing other people and they're trying to pretend they're over each other, the Chuck and Blair scene that ends tonight's episode is perfect. Don't worry about that French girl too much, OK, Chair fans? There's no way she could ever compete with Chuck's love for Blair. Waldorf and Bass are epic, eternal and sure to reunite again one of these days.

James in Virginia: What can you tell me about Fringe?
Fringe is usually one of the chillier shows on TV, but by the end of Thursday's season premiere, little girl lost Olivia (Anna Torv) gets a heartwarming reunion that will melt even the grouchiest sci-fi fan's ice-clad heart. Of course, the specific circumstances of the reunion also mean that Olivia is more lost than ever. That girl can't get a break!

Adele in Florida: Please tell me it's true that House and Cuddy are sticking together this season!
Oh, it's true. House executive producer Katie Jacobs tells us so, and she also told us to look for a wedding-centric episode later this season. No, it's not House and Cuddy getting married (just a hospital poobah peripheral to the story), but the circumstances of preparing for the wedding are going to make for a very romance-centric episode, wherein everyone in a relationship starts to look more closely at who they're with and why.

Terri in Washington, D.C: Am I right that Julia Stiles plays Dex's girlfriend or Harrison's nanny on Dexter this season?
Two strikes! (1) Exec producer Sara Colleton told us most emphatically, "God no! No no no no no no. It's way too soon" for Dexter to be thinking of romance. (2) Dexter does hire a nanny—a virtual Mary Poppins who seems almost too good to be true. (We're keeping our eyes on that lovely Brit.) When an almost unrecognizable Julia Stiles does finally appear at the very end of the Oct. 10 episode, we realize why Colleton refers to her character as "damaged." So, so, so very damaged.

Jude in Overland Park, Kan.: Poor Deb has the worst luck in boyfriends on Dexter. Will her track record improve this season?
Signs point to yes! Who's Deb's (Jennifer Carpenter) lucky guy? Let's just say Batista (David Zayas) and LaGuerta (Lauren Velez) aren't Dexter's only interoffice romance this season. Hmmm....Could Masuka's (C.S. Lee) dreams finally be coming true? You'll have to watch to find out! Meanwhile, married couple Batista and LaGuerta could become separated—by prison bars!

Elle in Oregon: So excited for The Big Bang Theory's move to the big-time, aka Thursdays! Got any scoop?
The season premiere centers on a threesome between Sheldon, Amy and Penny. OK, not a sex threesome, exactly, but Penny does chaperone the nerds on their first date, during which Sheldon genially calculates Penny's slut quotient. Meanwhile, Mayim Bialik continues to be hilarious and perfect as Sheldon's lady friend Amy.

Patty in Boulder, Colo.: There's only one thing I care about this fall, and that's Chuck. Please tell me Chuck and Sarah are finally just happy together.
Oh yeah, they're happy all right. Happy and cohabiting and—sexting! You know, sexy texting? (90210 did a whole episode about it last season, you might recall.) OK, confession time: Yes there is lots of sexting going on, but Morgan (Joshua Gomez) is responsible for most of it. (Promise you'll understand what that means after you watch tonight's premiere.) Thankfully, Chuck and Sarah really do seem happy together, and more lovey-dovey than ever.

Delia in Maine: I need Bones news!
(1) Emily Deschanel's new bangs are sooo cute! (2) If you missed Hodgela as much as we have, you have got to tune in. Their joy at being prospective parents is palpable and adorable. (3) B&B fans should keep their eyes peeled for the look on Brennan's face just before they take down the bad guy, because there's never been clearer visual evidence that she loves Booth like crazy.

Charlie in Sparta, Michigan: Can we hear some more Sons of Anarchy scoop? But not about Jax, Tara or Gemma. I want to hear more about the others.
Even though it's only been a few months since Donna's death in the timeline of the show, Opie (Ryan Hurst) seems to be growing closer and closer to Lyla (Winter Ave Zoli). Look for some serious stuff with them on Tuesday night.

Liam in Smithtown, N.Y.: What's coming up for Bonnie on The Vampire Diaries? Will she continue to feel guilty after forcing Damon to give Caroline his blood?
Definitely…but only to a point. Katerina Graham recently told us: "This is somebody who you love and you're putting pressure on other people to help you out to protect someone else. There's guilt with the whole process." However, Mystic Falls' resident witch still feels the vampires are ultimately to blame...for everything that's ever happened in the entire world. Or something like that. "It's still their fault that this happened in the first place. At the end of the day, if the vampires didn't come to town, this wouldn't be a problem." We think Damon said it best: "Witches, judgy little things."

Jordan in Prescott, Ariz.: Tell us more about Castle!
What about a—gasp!—Lanie-Castle hookup?! We'll let Tamala Jones elaborate: "I get to interact with Castle a lot more, which I love," Tamala tells us. "We're getting closer, but you don't know what it is. It could be, 'Does Castle like Lanie?' 'Does Lanie like Castle?' And it leads you in some different areas. But you know Lanie likes Esposito, and Esposito likes Lanie—still, what's this Lanie/Castle thing?" Dun-dun-dun!

Michelle in Miami: I'm kind of shocked by how much I liked Hellcats. Any chance we'll be seeing Dan and Savannah hookup?
We're happy to report that you can expect the pretty pair to start dating very soon. Ashley Tisdale tells us, "At first it's like really weird. You're like, Oh, why are they getting together? But then I think throughout each episode you're like, Oh, I get it!" And what romance is complete without a little drama? The Tiz says Savannah's extremely religious upbringing will lead to some (non?)sexual tension. "She's very Christian and so is her family, so she's not used to dating outside of the church. This is a whole new experience with a boyfriend who isn't that religious."

Sandra in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.: When are we going to see this big wedding of Brooke's on One Tree Hill?
That all depends on what the CW Powers That Be decide about picking up One Tree Hill's back nine episodes. If the current 13-episode order stays as is, we'll see a Brulian wedding around episode 11 or 12 (Mark Schwahn tells us it definitely won't happen in the final ep). And if OTH fans are blessed with a full season (fingers crossed), Brooke's nuptials might be pushed back a bit, but still midseason. So start marking those calendars now—in pencil, of course.

Wendee in Beaumont, Calif.: Something on Smallville would really make my day.
Smallville's final season premiere starts just a few seconds after last season's finale, and Clark's 10th season adventures continue on from that point. It's going to be a struggle for the someday superhero, but with help from his dad Jonathan Kent (oh yes, he's back in full force), Clark will eventually make peace with things and be the good guy we all know and love. And Lois is going to start keeping some secrets of her own—starting with not telling Clark she knows who he really is. Hey, someone's gotta look after his well-being, right?

Kirstin in Sykesville, Md.: Please, please, please tell me we're going to see Math get some love on Life Unexpected this season. It's long overdue!
We're right there with ya, and lucky for everyone involved (Austin Basis included!), so is Life Unexpected's awesome show runner gal Liz Tigelaar. "Math always takes Baze's like sloppy seconds, but he wants to be seen as his own person," Liz tells us. "We definitely have him interested in different people and we'll definitely do a story about it. I want to give Math his relationship!" Start your casting call in the comments.

Jessie in Michigan: Anything you can spill on How I Met Your Mother's Robin Sparkles reboot would be amazing!
We just ran into little ole Cobie Smulders (a chick we absolutely adore and are totally girl-crushing on!), and she told us of her next Robin Sparkles episode: "It's some kind of 80's variety show with Alan Thicke, and all those ingredients create a recipe that could be genius. It's powerful stuff," Cobie teased.

Kevin in New York: Any scoop on The Mentalist's Amanda Righetti?
"We are going to see Jane [Simon Baker] becoming more obsessed with Red John, and we do actually get closer to Red John," says Righetti. "And Grace gets a love interest this year, so that's exciting. It's Eric Winter." So romance with Rigsby is on the back burner for the time being. Sniff.

Bethany in New Orleans: Rules of Engagement is my favorite show. Could you do a girl a solid and share something about the new season?
"[Adam and Jennifer] are not getting married; it's not gonna happen," Oliver Hudson tells us. "And there could be a separation." Laughs his onscreen gal Bianca Kajlich: "We're hoping there's a separation, actually."

Jamie: So excited that Parenthood is back! Any scoop?
Kevin Alejandro brings his usual hotness to the table in a courtship of Lauren Graham's Sarah Braverman! Oh, and one of the four Braverman kids is working on bringing another kid into the world. Gasp! Care to guess who? Hit the comments!

Chris in Phoenix: I don't care what the haters say, Rubicon is the smartest show on TV right now. Any scoop on the final episodes?
Couldn't agree more—Rubicon is like gourmet TV! Coming up, Will (James Badge Dale) and Katherine Rhumor (Miranda Richardson) join forces—until that nasty Donald Bloom shows them just how unlucky four-leaf clovers can be. And enigmatic Kale (Arliss Howard), one of TV's most delicious characters, shows he's really one of the good guys. Aw.
 

Big Start For NFL Season, 'Nikita' Debut OK, 'Diaries' Slips

http://www.deadline.com/2010/09/ratings-rat-race-big-start-for-nfl-season-on-nbc/

Last night's NFL season opener between Super Bowl champions New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings drew a 17.7 overnight rating/28 share - the best for any NFL regular season primetime game in 13 years and the best ever for an NFL kickoff game. The faceoff, a rematch of last year's NFC Championship Game, was won by the Saints 14-9. It gave a very strong start to the season for the NFL, which faces the possibility of a lockout next year. NBC dominated primetime with a 15.9/26 average in the metered markets, beating the combined delivery of CBS, ABC, Fox and CW.

The premiere of the CW's new Thursday lineup was no doubt affected by the hugely-rated game, though it's worth mentioning that last year the network also premiered its Thursday dramas The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural against the NFL kickoff game. The season 2 opener of Diaries drew 3.4 million viewers, down 30% from last year's big debut. In CW's target demo 18-34 (1.9/6), the decline was smaller, 13%, while in women 18-34 (2.8/9) the series posted its best number since Feb. 4.

At 9 PM, CW's new drama Nikita (3.6 million) didn't display the breakout potential Diaries showed in its premiere last year but did a good job holding onto its Diaries lead-in. It drew a bit more viewers than Diaries as well as last season's premiere of Supernatural, which averaged 3.4 million viewers in the time slot last year.

Elsewhere, CBS' Big Brother (2.5/8 in adults 18-49) was up 9% from last Thursday but was strongly affected by the game, dropping from 2.7/9 to 2.3/7 from the first to the second half-hour when the NFL game started. At ABC, summer drama Rookie Blue drew a 1.2/3 for its two-hour season finale, up 9% from last week's low.
 

TV Guide Megabuzz 9/7/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/MegaBuzz-Vampire-NCIS-Housewives-1022674.aspx

Vampire Diaries scoop, please! — Micah
MICKEY: We'll learn pretty quickly how Jeremy and Caroline fare in their stare-downs with the Grim Reaper, but the answers won't be simple... or permanent. Also: The premiere (Thursday, 8/7c, CW) features a devastating scene between Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder. I'll leave it up to you to guess which character Dobrev is playing in it.

Will there be any friction between Abby and Gibbs in the new season of NCIS? — Melanie
ADAM: While there still may be some fallout from Abby's discovery of Gibbs' murderous past, executive producer Shane Brennan doesn't think the secret will greatly change their relationship. "It's a complex relationship and we've just added another layer of complexity," he says. "But we would not jeopardize the relationship that the audience has come to love. It does bring a different perspective, but it's not like they're going to be busted up. Gibbs and Abby are going back to being Gibbs and Abby."

How can Orson leave Bree? They're the king and queen of Desperate Housewives' Wisteria Lane! — Vicki
MICKEY: Well, I hate to break it to you, Vicki, but Bree is definitely single for now. And according to Marcia Cross, her behavior might be kind of pearl-clutching. "I feel protective of her," Cross says. "There have been some things that have gone on with Brian Austin Green's character, where I was like, 'She'd never do that.'" Can't wait!

I would love some Grey's Anatomy scoop about Derek! — Jaqueline
ADAM: Don't let the stories about Derek being thrown in jail for becoming a speed freak fool you. He's actually coping with last season's bloody finale much better than the rest of the docs. "He gets cleared [for surgery] very early on," Patrick Dempsey tells us. "That's actually a fun scene."

Will Quinn still be nice when Glee returns? — Carrie
MICKEY: Now that Quinn has discharged her cargo, it sounds like she's pretty much back to being an emotional terrorist. "She's mean again," Dianna Agron tells us. "She's looking for a way to torment Rachel; Santana has become a very big threat to her." Perhaps a Destiny's Child cover is in order: "Right now, she's very happy on her own and she likes rubbing it in Puck's face."

Can you give any clues about the Criminal Minds premiere? — Chiara
ADAM: I can tell you that Morgan is vital in bringing down Tim Curry's serial killer and that the child he kidnapped in the finale has an impact that reaches beyond the season premiere. "The carryover from that story is still around," Thomas Gibson tells us. "There's a very wonderful story that we are shooting right now that involves the little girl from last year and my family and Agent Morgan's connection with the little girl. All of those threads are brought together ... and intertwine in a really great way."

After seeing the adorable Rico Rodriguez on the Emmys red carpet, I need to know: What's new for Manny on Modern Family this season? — Anna
MICKEY: Remember how cute — and hilarious — it was in the pilot when Jay and Gloria took Manny to the mall so he could read poetry in a puffy shirt to his much-older crush? Well, it sounds like the kid's at it again, because we're hearing that he'll find love at a quinceañera, which is a party to celebrate a young lady's 15th birthday.

Can't wait for Castle to come back. Just how angry with Castle is Beckett? — Anthony
ADAM: Let's just say that there's a whole lot of woman-scorned subtext when Beckett gets Castle in the interrogation room after he becomes a murder suspect. (And you've seen the promos where they're point guns at each other, right?) But it's pretty clear by the end of the premiere that she wants him back on her team, much to the chagrin of Esposito and Ryan, each of whom spends most of the premiere trying to become Beckett's new favorite.

How long before Chuck returns to New York on Gossip Girl? — Millicent
MICKEY: Not too long. He'll be stateside by the second episode, but that doesn't mean he'll immediately be welcomed back into the fold. Nor does he want to be. (Aside: According to True Prep — aka the new Preppy Handbook — it's still not OK to wear an ascot. Take that, Mr. Bass!)

Anything on The Mentalist? — Clarisse
ADAM: You know how Patrick Jane loves rebelling against authority? He'll get even more opportunities, because the show is adding a stern federal judge to antagonize him. She's a wealthy former DA from a family of blue bloods, and we're hearing the two will clash spectacularly over one of Jane's cases.

I don't understand how Divya can leave Royal Pains. Tell me she won't. — Matt
MICKEY: Did you like the Royal trip to Cuba? I hope so, because there'll be more globe-trotting in the show's future when Divya starts "commuting" between London and the Hamptons. Needless to say, it won't just be the job that keeps her coming back.

I could really use a Supernatural spoiler fix. Can you help? — Leslie
ADAM: Series star Misha Collins warns viewers not to expect the same old Supernatural when the show returns Sept. 24, especially with regards to Castiel's relationship with the Brothers Winchester. "Castiel has his own host of problems ... dealing with maintaining a balance of power in heaven," Collins says. "It's really not something Sam and Dean are any longer involved with. Cas is much less concerned with Sam and Dean and much more concerned with his own problems."

Adam's Mega Rave: Can anyone possibly top Jon Hamm's masterful performance in Sunday's Mad Men? Whether yelling, vomiting or sobbing, he set the bar very high. (My catchphrase of the week: "That's what the money is for!")

Mickey's Mini Rant: Jersey Shore, no more girl-on-girl crime. It's ruining your feminist rep.
 

Desperate Housewives' Troublemaker Signs on for Vampire Diaries

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kecks-Exclusives-Vampire-1022548.aspx

Maiara Walsh, who played Gaby's and Carlos' bratty, over-sexed niece Ana on last season's Desperate Housewives, is headed to Mystic Falls to cause more even trouble. In Vampire Diaries' Oct. 7 episode, the 22-year-old actress will appear as Sarah, a high schooler who likes to party. Woo-hoo! Crack open the coffins and pour me some blood!

Vampire Diaries executive producer Kevin Williamson tells me, "Sarah is a girl who sets her eyes on Jeremy and encourages him to party it up at the Lockwood house." (And by Lockwood house, we're now talking Werewolf Central.)

Since Maiara now has a good chance of being killed off by both vampires and werewolves, I wish her the best of luck in Mystic Falls. She's a sweet actress whose Housewives character just never took off. Last we saw of Ana Solis, she was headed off to New York City to pursue a modeling career just like her Aunt Gaby did back in her day. At least I think that's what happened to her. I sort of tuned her character out after she got all caught up with those Bolen neighbors.
 

‘The Vampire Diaries’ smolderin’ season two ads

http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/08/the-vampire-diaries-smolderin-season-two-ads.html

The eagerly awaited return of The CW's breakout hit "The Vampire Diaries" is being marketed with some luxurious-looking key art characteristic of the network's marketing department.

Here's a first look:

TV Guide Megabuzz 8/24/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mega-Buzz-Greys-1022165.aspx

Any more hints about the couple getting married on Grey's Anatomy? — Janelle
ADAM: You'll find out soon enough. In the meantime, the second episode of the season will feature a near-proposal involving another fan-favorite couple (one half of which may or may not be pictured above). Before you reach for your Kleenex, though, ask yourself: Does this guy really want to get married?

Stefan seemed different in the Vampire Diaries finale. Where is he heading? — Katherine
MICKEY: Interestingly, it's Katherine's arrival that awakens something in Stefan. "He accepts that he's a vampire more; he's less plagued by being a victim and being run over by his brother," Paul Wesley says. "He becomes more proactive, and he knows how to have fun sometimes." In other words, get ready for Freaky Friday: Sibling Vampire Edition.

Will Ray Langston change after being stabbed by Nate Haskell on CSI? — Bill
ADAM: "All of our characters will be recovering from the events of the finale," executive producer Carol Mendelsohn tells us, adding cryptically that Ray "will have lost something in the attack." She also let slip that Haskell will return to Vegas to stand trial. "Our current plan is to have Nate Haskell defend himself, and anything goes — including putting Langston on the stand!"

Is Vanessa Williams just playing a version of Wilhelmina on Desperate Housewives? Because I would hate that. — Maureen
MICKEY: I wouldn't say that exactly. She plays Renee Perry, Lynette's college "frenemy" who is also the estranged wife of a professional football player. From what I understand, she is no stranger to fine jewelry, treating her household staff poorly, and infidelity. Infer what you will.

Why is Beckett getting another boyfriend on Castle? Can't she and Castle get together already? — Melinda
ADAM: "If you don't create obstacles, the flirtation will lead to something much sooner than the audience wants," creator Andrew Marlowe tells us. But he promises the roadblocks, including Castle's reunion with his ex-wife, aren't just there for the sake of keeping the characters apart. "Part of our metaphor in the early stretch of the season is that these two people, who many feel belong together, 'married' the wrong people," Marlowe says. "So, we're rooting for them to wake up and find each other again."

Wow! President Logan on Big Love? I'm in! — Matt
MICKEY: Matt, would you be surprised if I told you that the man who played 24's most devious commander-in-chief, Gregory Itzin, is going to play a political adversary to Bill? "I am very judgmental of him because of what he did," Itzin tell us. "I feel he betrayed his constituents. He told them one thing and then did another." The Utah state senator better watch his back, though: This ain't Bill's first time at the character-debate rodeo.

Got anything new on CSI: Miami? — Hugh
ADAM: Apparently Bones isn't the only show dedicating an episode to reality TV. We're hearing that an upcoming episode of Miami will feature four stars of a fictional reality show called the The Boroughs. One is described as a "shirtless god" and another plunges to her death during a red carpet event.

I can't wait to LOL at more Modern Family. Scoop? — Tom
MICKEY: Exclusive, context-free scoop! In an upcoming episode, Phil has this line: "Sorry, I burnt my ladyfingers." In other Pritchett news, who would watch a documentary series about Cameron as an overbearing stage parent? [Raises hand.] We'll get a taste of that program when Lily lands a small role in a commercial that pays homage to a classic B movie.

I haven't heard much about Parenthood's new season. Can you help? — Rachel
ADAM: I smell a new love interest for Mae Whitman's Amber: her SAT tutor. The only problem is that he's more interested in a friend of hers — oh, and drugs. Will that stop Amber? The character is set to recur, so it sounds like it won't.

I love Community and I've heard that Betty White is going to be on. Any other guest stars? — Terry
MICKEY: I'm hearing that the producers are circling a big name star to guest in a Pierce-centric episode that happens later in the season. In it, the mischievous leader of a group of older students called the "hipsters" — so named after the surgical procedure they've all had — attempts to "steal" Pierce from the study group. If producers have their way, it'll be a fun little only-on-TV reunion.

What more can you tell me about the Smallville premiere? — Allen
ADAM: I can tell you that it ends with a twist that executive producer Kelly Souders says "rocks [Clark's] world and sends him on a different trajectory. ... He realizes that he's not the guy that everybody looks to when they think of Superman, an inspirational totally pure-hearted guy. That's not who Clark Kent is right now, and that becomes very clear to him."

Do you have any Chuck scoop about Casey? —Melanie
MICKEY: We'll meet two former members of Casey's Special Ops team. One will be as grounded as the other is skittish. They'll also, oddly, kind of remind you of Justin "I'm a Mac" Long and John "I'm a PC" Hodgman.

Adam's Mega Rave: Rescue Me has been on fire lately, culminating in Tuesday's cliff-hanger that left Lou and Damien's lives in the balance. No matter who lives or dies, the show is clearly proving it's not afraid to take risks.

Mickey's Mini Rant: Sookie's not the only one who thinks it's "f---ing lame" that she's a fairy.
 

Fancast Big Tease 8/24/10

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

 

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.
 

 

TVGuide Mega Buzz 8/3/10

http://www.tvguide.com/News/MegaBuzz-NCIS-Housewives-Greys-1021417.aspx

Given the events of the finale, is Gibbs' job in danger on NCIS? — Jonathan
ADAM: The murder of Pedro Hernandez will add a new layer to the already contentious relationship between Gibbs and Director Vance. You'll see Vance's somewhat shocking reaction in the premiere, but executive producer Shane Brennan coyly tells us that it may also give hints to Vance's own mysterious past. "Sometimes when you think something's done, things pop up years later," Brennan says. "You've got that famous moment where the new director moves into his office for the first time and shreds a piece of paper. That's one of those moments."

How bad do Mike and Susan's finances get on Desperate Housewives? — Rob
MICKEY: With Mike's business on the skids, Susan's finger-painting with the kiddies isn't going to pay the rent. To help out, she'll get a house-cleaning job. And wait until you see her uniform, gentlemen.

What can you tell me about my favorite Grey's Anatomy couple, Arizona and Callie? — Maggie
ADAM: Callie is about to pop a life-altering question, and it's safe to say that Arizona will be a bit freaked-out. And even though Jessica Capshaw, who plays Arizona, is pregnant, that doesn't mean her character is. "This is not being unveiled," Capshaw says of her pregnancy. "This is below a counter, in back of an X-ray, hidden by a big file. This baby is camera-shy."

House and Cuddy — give me the dirt. — Caren
MICKEY: The writers and producers of House "are addressing all the concerns one might have when the main characters of a show get together," Lisa Edelstein says. "This is a real relationship." One snag: House might be ready to pursue love with Cuddy, but he ain't exactly ready to be a dad. "We're just now getting into that now," Edelstein says. And it doesn't sound good.

Are we really supposed to believe that Brennan is happy about Booth's new girlfriend on Bones? — Taylor
ADAM: Supportive is a better word. She's certainly not thrilled, but Brennan might get some action of her own. "We're going to look at some different possibilities for Brennan now; she will definitely look into some different love interests," Emily Deschanel tells us. "She wants to be happy for Booth, but I think there's some jealousy there."

How will the vamps and weres interact on The Vampire Diaries? — Tamara
MICKEY: "In our world, our vampires know very little about the werewolf mythology, other than what anybody who's watched Wolfman or read books has learned," says executive producer Julie Plec. "They're going to be surprised at what they can do." Well, not everyone will be surprised. Katherine, it turns out, has a long history with the werewolves of Mystic Falls.

What will the vibe be like between Castle and Beckett in the new season of Castle? — David
ADAM: Beckett's not happy that Castle has returned from his summer in the Hamptons without so much as calling her, especially after her crushing disappointment in the Season 2 finale. But Stana Katic says the duo's chemistry is still intact. "I don't think they're back to square one," she says. "They have so much history. There's nothing that can untie that kind of a bond between those two characters. They should still have the same kind of swordplay."

Is Travis really going to go away to college on Cougar Town? — Joshua
MICKEY: He is, unless Jules shrinks him down so small that he can live inside her blood! Trav marks his first days as a college man similarly attached to his mama, much to the amusement of his roommate (producers are seeking a Quinton Aaron type), who bestows upon Trav a series of nicknames, each more humiliating than the last.

Anything you can tell us about the new season of Criminal Minds? — Richard
ADAM: The new season is focused on secrets. "We will learn that every member of the team has a secret that they try to keep from the others," executive producer Ed Bernero says. "In some cases, they're successful. In other cases, it threatens the trust and fabric of the group."

I'm excited for Law & Order: Los Angeles, but not about the cast so far. Are there any more coming? — Dave
MICKEY: Now that Alfred Molina and Terrence Howard are locked in to share deputy district attorney duties, they need some assistants. We hear they're looking for a young Latina woman to fill one of those slots. My pick: My Generation's Daniella Alonso, who deserves a better show.

Any updates on the new team member replacing Liz Vassey on CSI? — Brittney
ADAM: Two things: First, the new team member won't exactly replace Vassey. "We did not hire a new cast member," executive producer Carol Mendelsohn says. "It's potentially recurring, but at the moment, it's for one episode." Second, the new CSI, to be played by British actress Sienna Guillory (Criminal Minds), will be a total BABE. (What? It stands for bombs and ballistics expert!)

Give me scoop on Peter's re-entry this season on Fringe. — India
MICKEY: Joshua Jackson says we should focus on that mysterious machine that we saw in the season finale. "The most crucial thing in his life is what that machine is and what he is to that machine," he says.

Mickey's Mega Rave: At the TCA awards, Glee executive producer Ian Brennan gave critics a sneak peek at Sue Sylvester's continuing reign of terror, quoting one of her lines from an upcoming episode: "Don't go soft on me, Will. I realize you're mourning the loss of that bony little redhead you're in love with. And I understand, it's not just a loss for you — as she appears to be the link between early hominids and man, it's also a loss for science." Waiting for Season 2 of Glee to begin... that's hard.

Adam's Mini Rant: I am intrigued by Rubicon, but if the show wants to pay homage to such films as The Parallax View and All the President's Men, it should also try a little harder to match the quick pacing of those films.

Reader Quote of the Week: "On Monday, Victoria Principal will wake up, walk into the bathroom, and find Patrick Duffy in the shower. Then she'll tell him that she had a terrible nightmare and, just like that, last season will be ret-conned as if it had been a dream." — MichaelSacal, on the American Idol judges' shakeup