LE DOMAINE BLEU

Ausiello on Heroes, "Bubble Show" Mystery, Lost and More!

Question: I'm dying for some juicy Heroes scoop! — Stacie

Ausiello: Well, this is about as juicy as it comes: Kristen Bell is not — I repeat, not — signed on for next season. But (and this is a big "but," so listen up) sources confirm that Heroes is in active discussions with her to return for an arc during Season 3. And considering how much everyone at the show worships her — and she them — I have every reason to believe that this will happen.

Question: OMG! You are so evil! How could you post that Blind Item about a flatlining show on the verge of coming back from the dead and not tell us which show it actually is?! Spill!— Erin

Ausiello: OK, just make sure you're reading this on an empty stomach. Or at least near an open toilet. The name of the low-rated, little-loved show that's thisclose to being picked up for another season is… According to Jim! Actually, forget the "thisclose" part; I'm told the decision has already been made. I think one rival network exec put it best when, upon learning of this stunning development yesterday, told me, "If this was caused by the strike, then we definitely lost too much." Adds TV Guide's Matt Roush: "Too funny. Too sad. And too true." Chimes in TV Guide's Bruce Fretts: "The terrorists won." Fires back TV Guide's Michael Ausiello: "Oh, I see. You guys have time to contribute snarky quotes to Ask Ausiello, but you can't make room in your skeds to attend my birthday party over the weekend? Not. Cool."
Roush: "If I'd known Janel Moloney was coming…. "

Fretts: "What's this about Janel Moloney?"

Ausiello: "It's true. Janel Moloney came to my birthday party."

Fretts: "Thanks for letting me know! I would've come!"

Ausiello: "I'm tired of everyone using me to gain access to my famous friends!"

Fretts: "I… "

To be continued….

Question: I have a Heroes question: Are they going back to work on new episodes in the spring, even if they will not air until the fall? Is that how NBC is able to order more than 22 for next season? — Pat

Ausiello: Nothing gets by you, Pat. Yes, Heroes is tentatively slated to start production on Season 3 on May 1 — more than two months ahead of schedule. As a result, the show could have as many as 10-13 episodes already in the can by the time it returns in September.

Question: I'm so sad to hear that Heroes isn't returning until the fall. Do you have any idea what we can expect for next season? — Holly

Ausiello: Let's just say that over the next few months the show's casting offices will be filled with actors who are very good at being very bad.

Question: Please settle a heated office dispute regarding Lost: Aaron is or is not one of the Oceanic Six?— Dane

Ausiello: Aaron is *** *** of the Oceanic Six.

Question: Any more news on The Shield and its last season? — Nicholas

Ausiello: FX still hasn't decided when those final 13 episodes will air and it's really starting to piss me off. So much so that I'm feeling very tempted to read the scrïpt for the series finale that just landed on my desk.

Question: Can we please get some scoop on the series finale of The Shield?— Schmoo

Ausiello: I suppose it couldn't hurt to just skip to the last page of the scrïpt and scan it for some keywords. Let's see… the word "car" appears a few times. There's a mention or two of "Mackey" as well. There's apparently something involving… holy &*$#!

Question: Any post-strike CSI spoilers? — Meredith

Ausiello: Would you settle for CSI: NY instead? Because Mac is gettin' some. I hear that the sexy, professional, mid-thirties female who works in the mayor's office that is joining the cast will be getting all up under Gary Sinise's microscope, if you knowhutimsayin!

Question: Anything on the funniest show on TV, My Name Is Earl? — Kenneth

Ausiello: Weren't you listening to NBC über-mogul Ben Silverman, Kenneth? The funniest show on television is 30 Rock, d**n it! That said, look for a "very famous/recognizable tabloid-type celebrity" to guest-star in a dream sequence with Jason Lee.

Question: Tina Fey rocked my world on SNL last weekend. Can you give us a glimpse of what's in store on post-strike 30 Rock? — Sharon

Ausiello: "B**ch is the new black!" My mole tells me that Liz and her motley crew will tussle with an elderly, beloved TV star from yesteryear, whose behavior doesn't exactly jibe with his kindly, sweet reputation.

Question: Any word from Rob Thomas yet? Are we getting a Veronica Mars comic? Or something? — Steve

Ausiello: Just heard from the Mars master and, while there's nothing new to report on the VM front, he does have several potentially kick-toe projects percolating at various stages of development. Among them: his Cupid reboot, and a single-camera comedy he cowrote with Paul Rudd titled Party Down that's generating some very good buzz. Rob is also being courted by several networks to show-run potential pilots for the '08-'09 TV season. "I'm waiting to find out if either of my projects gets ordered before I commit to something else," he tells me. "I should learn the fate of my projects pretty quickly."

Question: Got any Boston Legal info for us? — Leila

Ausiello: David E. Kelley is looking for an actor in his mid-seventies to play Shirley's Alzheimer's-stricken father. Meanwhile, Jerry's going to find himself in some deep doo-doo when a woman comes forward and accuses him of drugging her on a date.

Question: Do you know if NBC will at least produce a special episode of Las Vegas that resolves things? — Joe

Ausiello: Exec producer Gary Scott Thompson isn't ruling it out. The ball's in NBC's court. (Read: send in those baby booties!)

Question: There is something terribly wrong with your "Bubble Show" poll over at Ausiello Central. — Rafael

Ausiello: Simmer yourself. It's been fixed. The polls are back open.

Question: Can you give us any scoop on Supernatural? Are we getting another season?— Hazi

Ausiello: Some very encouraging news awaits you in this week's Ausiello Report vodcast.

Question: Is Nicholas Brendon going to return to Criminal Minds this season? — TVFilm411

Ausiello: Yep, he's onboard for at least two more episodes, the first of which airs April 2.

Question: Happy birthday! I hope you'll celebrate by giving us some scoop on anything besides Lost. — Lauren

Ausiello: One hot piece of Lost scoop comin' your way, Lauren: Sources confirm what was first reported by my frenemy on Monday: ABC has opted to end the current, pre-strike arc with Episode 8, not 7 as was the original plan. So, just to recap, this is what Lost's revised sked looks like.
Episode 5: Feb. 28
Episode 6: March 6
Episode 7: March 13
Episode 8: March 20
Episode 9: April 24
Episode 10: May 1
Episode 11: May 8
Episode 12: May 15
Episode 13: May 22 (season finale)

Question: Thanks for the scoop on Women's Murder Club returning for three episodes this season. What are you hearing about new show-runner Robert Nathan? Is he going to make any drastic changes? — Kimberly

Ausiello: As I reported over the weekend, there are no immediate plans to overhaul the series. And everything I'm hearing about new boss Nathan is very positive. Not only is he said to be one of the nicest guys in the biz, but he is ridiculously talented. " He's a brilliant writer," enthuses a former colleague. "He was among the very best of the Law & Order bunch, especially his work for SVU. He's passionate and really, really stubborn. If anybody can out-argue and out-last James Patterson, it's Robert. He doesn't give up."

Question: Have you heard any new scuttlebutt about the possible, highly anticipated Arrested Development movie? — Sarah

Ausiello: At the Independent Spirit Awards over the weekend, Jason Bateman told USA Today that the project is "gathering momentum." I'm guessing one potential sticking point could be the fact that Michael Cera has become a huge frakkin' star! Maybe they could call it "Michael Cera's Arrested Development." Or "Arrested Development with Michael Cera." Or just "Michael Cera." Or… (Any/all suggestions submitted to the Ask Ausiello Discussion Thread will be promptly forwarded to 20th Century Fox.)

Question: It's been forever and a day since you said anything about Brothers & Sisters. Can you tell us anything about the final run of episodes? — Claire

Ausiello: I can tell you that if ABC approves all of the ideas being generated by Greg Berlanti & Co., the final four eps are going to be, by no small measure, eventful.

Question: Is ABC ever going to just leave Men in Trees in one reliable time slot so I can actually watch it? And what are the chances of it returning for a third season? — Diane

Ausiello: I'd say the answer to the first question will directly affect the answer to the second. In the meantime, don't forget: Trees returns tonight at 10 pm/ET! Tell a friend! Actually, tell six!

Question: Who are these Nielsens, and why do they always watch everything but the shows I like? — Richard

Ausiello: Although it's never been officially confirmed, reliable sources tell me that the Nielsens and the inbred family from The X-Files "Home" episode are, in fact, one and the same. And do you really want to tell these people what to watch?

Question: Is Cappie (aka Scott M. Foster) going to be on the new season of Greek now that he's also doing Quarterlife for NBC? — Megan

Ausiello: Greek creator Sean Smith insists Cappie is staying put. "Scott's involvement on Quarterlife was always supposed to be short-term because of his commitment to Greek," he says. "Needless to say, though, he's been a very, very busy man."

Question: In last week's Ask Ausiello, you said that during the first five minutes of Lucas and Lindsey's wedding ceremony on One Tree Hill something happens that would appear to bode well for Lucas-Peyton. Is someone going to object? — Vikki

Ausiello: Possibly. And I'd say the most important word in your question is the 28th one.

Question: K-Ville — canceled or not? — Justine

Ausiello: Read this and you tell me.

Question: Got any scoop on Gossip Girl? I am addicted!— Kelsey

Ausiello: I'm hearing that they're adding a new recurring female character, but I have no other details. Actually, that's a lie. I have one other detail: She'll be hot as hell.
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Johanna in Tulsa, Oklahoma: I've heard episode 13 "could" serve as a series finale of Battlestar Galactica. (Lords of Kobol, forbid!) What about the last frakkin' seven episodes!? Any news?
I double-checked to be sure, but don't worry, you are definitely getting your final seven. BSG scribe Jane Espenson even told me she turned in an outline for episode 14 the day before the strike started. The full
20-episode order for Battlestar Galactica will be written, produced and aired. Now can I get a "Frak yeah," motherfrakkers?!

Spider in Cleveland, Ohio: I just read NBC has ordered six more episodes of Lipstick Jungle. What does this mean for the chances of Kim Raver coming back for more 24?
It means, uh, definitely…maybe? As Kim told my pal Michael Yo over on our satellite radio show Yo on E!: "It's really tricky right now, because I'm fully on Lipstick Jungle, and we're in New York City. You know, Kiefer and I have talked, and we kind of always keep talking, because we have a great time working together. So, anytime we can kind of collaborate again, I'm sure it will happen. We just have to work out our schedules." Cross your fingers!

Tara from Orange, California: The finale of Project Runway is coming! Is there anything you can tease about the final runway?

I just finished watching the runway show, and all I can say is "Dark!" The bright patterns Uli brought to Bryant Park last year are nowhere to be found with this year's finalists. Let's leave the outcome a surprise, but I can tell you one thing: There is no clear winner, so the final episode will be interesting to see! Like the show says, watch what happens!

Jenn in Conyers, Georgia: I'm an idiot. I just started watching Dexter, and I'm hooked—it's so good! It's so good, in fact, that I looked up all of your columns on the show and read in the very first article who the Ice-Truck Killer was! My fault, 'cause I knew better. Anyway, so I don't continue to frak myself, without revealing plot, and in honor of season one premiering blood-free on CBS, can you tell us when to expect it back and when season two will be on DVD? Any news about the show, and not what's happening in the show, will be much appreciated. Muchas gracias!
First off, note to all you Dexter newbies: Do not spoil yourself for this show. The unforeseen twists are much, much, much too good!! Anyhoodles, just had a fantastic talk with Dexter boss Clyde Phillips, and he tells me the writers room reopens tomorrow, production resumes in June and the show should be back on the air in October (which means the season-two discs should be out in August or September). Check back soon for more from Clyde on our favorite killer killer.

Casey from San Diego, California: I can't wait any longer! I need My Boys back ASAP! What can you tell me?
Well, we're hearing nine episodes are slated to come back this summer, but if you need a quick fix, look for My Boys' very own Reid Scott (Brendan Dorff) to rock it out—literally—on the second episode of Fox's new show Unhitched, which premieres on Mar. 2.

Leigh in Old Westbury, New York: What is Quarterlife?
Do you remember a little show called My So-Called Life? Well, those same amazing people, Marshall Hershkovitz and Edward Zwick, decided to ignore the networks and create an original show designed for the Internet. NBC saw how brilliant it was and picked it up for broadcast on old-fashioned television. How’s that for cool!? The show follows a group of twentysomethings (these are also the guys that brought you Thirtysomething) as they struggle with careers, relationships, life. Think Friends, but more real. No laugh track, no picture-perfect vision of the world. You can catch up on the episodes before they air on NBC on the online quarterlife.com site. If not, tune in tomorrow to see the pilot on NBC.

Angelina in Washington, D.C.: Any new news or rumblings from the powers that be on the status of Blood Ties?!
I'm told producers remain "cautiously optimistic" and are hoping to have news for all y'all by March—which would still allow for new episodes by fall '08.

Erin in Paramus, New Jersey: Is that show New Amsterdam ever going to air?
New Amsterdam actually airs next week, on Mar. 4. I have seen the first two episodes—and let's just say, he might be 400 years old, but Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (who plays John Amsterdam) may need to become a Future (Second) Husband. (BTW, you might remember Nikolaj from the movie Wimbledon.) Although the premise is a tad far-fetched, Amsterdam is still a pretty enjoyable hour of television, and the second hour has a pretty shocking reveal about John's family. I recommend it!

Heidi in Cary, Illinois: When is Army Wives going to start again?
The Lifetime peeps tell me it premieres in June. Can't wait to see if the bar gets 'sploded and/or what happens with pregnant Joan!
Charlene in Columbus, Ohio: I'm really enjoying Breaking Bad, but I'm curious, does this mean Aaron Paul is off Big Love for good?
Actually, no! Korbi ran into him at the Independent Spirit Awards this weekend, and he said he plans to return to Big Love (playing Sarah's older boyfriend, Scott) for several episodes this season. Breaking Bad is his main priority, since he's a series regular on it, but he's such a fan of BL that he's trying to juggle his schedule in order to make both roles possible. He said there are some really good storylines in the works for Scott. Harold Perrineau, Lost

Maritza in Chicago: I have come to regard your column as my go-to for anything Lost! It's nice to know I'm not the only Lost junkie out there...this show is soooo awesome! So, here is my question: Do we get a Oceanic Six reveal soon? I'm dying to know at least one more.
Yep...we'll know more about the Oceanic Six before the end of this first pod of eps. And speaking of that, I'm hearing we might not have to wait for episode eight after all. Even though episode seven is said to make a more logical endpoint for the pod, ABC wants Betty, Grey's and Lost to return all at once on Apr. 24, so they may be bumping episode eight back from Apr. 17 to its original airdate of Mar. 20. Good news for our greedy Lost-lovin' selves, yes? Meanwhile, for more Lostie goodness, check the spoiler section.
Entourage: Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven

Hailee from Tigard, Oregon: I cannot wait for the Entourage boys to be roaming the streets of Hollywood again. Any word on when the show is coming back?
Great news! According to Adrian Grenier, Entourage is back in production as we speak. But to tide you over until they return, Adrian is producing a television show for the Discovery Channel called The Green Life that's slated to premiere in June. Adrian says, "We're documenting basically the lifestyle we've been living for a long time, which happens to be green, but it's also quite fun, so watch out!" Want more Entourage dish? Keep checking the section for a big dish download, coming soon...

Airam in Atlanta: Surely you've heard of the Paley Fest '08 Buffy the Vampire Slayer reunion, right?! Virtually everyone from the cast is going to be there (aside from, sadly, David Boreanaz and Tony Head)—even Sarah Michelle Gellar, and she never does these kind of events! I mean, this is seriously historic! Please, oh please, tell me I will be able to experience it vicariously through you! You are going to be there, right?!
Um, are you kidding me?! You couldn't stop me with a sharp stick. Meanwhile, if you've got Q's for the Buffy peeps or any of this year's Paley Fest panelists, submit them to the panel moderators via email (askpaleyfest@paleycenter.org) by Mar. 10.

Pip in Orlando, Florida: If the strike is over, what does this mean for season two of Ugly Betty? Thanks!
They're back at work now, and the show is slated to return to ABC on Apr. 24! Betty's big cheese Silvio Horta tells us, "I'm thrilled to be back. As bad as the strike was in many ways, and as unfortunate as it was that we had to do it and people were out of work, I'm trying to look at the positives. Having had time off, having had the break and perspective and looking at the show and so much of what we did right and so much of what we can do better, has been a wonderful thing. Me and other writers feel so reinvigorated. We love this show, and we want to make it as good as possible. We're meeting at my house—I'm redoing the offices at work. We started meeting at my house to ease into it. I want the warmth of us together to extend into the show. That's what I'm focusing on." Yay! Can't wait for more Bettyliciousness.


Spoilers: Spoiler Line: Do Not Cross

SPOILERS

Carrie in Columbus, Ohio: After that awful Kate-Sawyer fight in last week's Lost?, I felt like I did when Ross and Rachel broke up for the first time in Friends. Angst is great, especially between Kate and Sawyer, but can you tell us if there's any chance they'll make up or at least share some scenes in upcoming episodes?
Sawyer and Kate are totally on a break for at least episodes five and six. No word yet on if during said break Sawyer sleeps with the girl from the copy place. That said, Skaters, don't tune out yet. From what I've heard, even sans Skate, eps five and six are absolute barn burners.

Diana in Phoenix: Anything on Juliet from Lost?
Her upcoming flashback ep is entirely located on the Island. And yet it guest stars Alan Dale as Charles Widmore. That's what Arsenio would call a thing that makes you go hmmm...

David in Dallas: Do you have anything on my favorite Lost? Other: Juliet?
She's going on a little field trip to the Orchid Station. As in the station unveiled this summer at Comic-Con, with the "highly volatile and potentially dangerous" research—and them creepy numbered bunnies. I'm also hearing something about a field of skeletons...
Lost - Polygon

Benny in El Paso, Texas: Do you have any scoop on Jacket in Juliet's episode of Lost?? Thanks!
I'm told she's the one who initiates the kiss. Tramp! Kidding. Love her.

Keeping Awake in Montclair, New Jersey: How will Ken Leung's New York stage commitment affect Lost?? Is he already off the show?
I suspect an understudy for that play might be getting his big shot sometime soon. Ken's people didn't have an official restart date for Lost, so they've been going ahead with other jobs, but Ken's contracted through the season to play regular character Miles, so don't assume Locke's breakfast of champions did him in, at least not yet. Meanwhile, our girl Gina Serpe hit the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, and Fisher Stevens (Minkowski, the guy tied to the bed in this week's Lost previews) said he would be returning to Hawaii next week to resume filming his role on Lost. (Join me in a Snoopy dance joy at the news that Lost is back in front of the cameras soon!)

Alan in Omena, Michigan: Anything on My Name Is Earl?
You can look forward to seeing the likes of La Lohan or Miss Hilton on the show. Producers are currently looking for a tabloid-type celebrity to play themselves on an ep! But let's be honest, they're more likely to score a Heidi Montag for that part, don't ya think?

Jenny in Argyle, Texas: Is Boston Legal really done for the season?
Nope. Now that the strike is over, they're going back to work right quick. I'm hearing Jerry Espenson will soon have a date-rape case on his hands, and—gulp—he's the accused.

Lisa in Albany, California: Any scoop on the new episodes of The Office coming in April?
Just that Rashida Jones told me last week at the Unhitched premiere party that she was originally slated to do another episode this season! No telling if that will still work in this wacky poststrike environment, but it seems we might not yet have seen the last of Utica's lovely Karen Filippelli.

Alyssa in Dayton, Ohio: How I Met Your Mother!
I'm hearing the show will return with a St. Patrick's Day episode, in which Ted makes out with a married chick and gets popped in the face by a drunk dude. Good times are ahead for him and Barney, no doubt!

Mariela in Long Beach, California: I heard Chris Carmack will play Susan's cousin on Desperate Housewives when the show returns. Any more info on him?
Yes, his name is supposedly Tim, and we'll meet him in the first new hour. He'll be a very good-looking tax guy in his late 20s and should stick around for at least two episodes. Some of his storyline will include flashbacks and getting into truhhh-bul.

Jessica in Cleveland, Ohio: Big Brother!!
Um, did you hear about what went down at the house last night? Let's just say Chelsia and Nat shed their bikinis and proceeded to rub their assets stripper-style on all the housemates. Their, um, enthusiasm spread like wildfire and the entire cast ended up in the pool "expressing their love" for one another. Perhaps the craziest thing to go down in all of BB history. If you're a fan, don't forget to TiVo the show this week, as CBS will surely air a somewhat edited version of the event.
Jon Hamm, Mad Men

Bekki from Santa Ana, California: Mad Men is absolutely my favorite show on television. Tell me you have some scoopage to tide me over till the next season!?
Golden Globe winner Jon Hamm had a little bit to say about Mad Men season two that may satisfy your cravings: "From what I understand, the timeline will move forward a couple of years, and we will pick up not quite where we left off, but pick up with the same characters—there won't be a lot of new people involved." The jump forward we've heard about will be to early 1962. Hamm says, "It will be another interesting year in American history, and we'll see how these characters deal with it."

Gail in Omaha, Nebraska: On Jericho, Major Beck and Heather...Are the rumors true?
Yes, indeedy! If you don't believe moi, believe Esai Morales (Major Beck) himself. He gives us this scoop: "There is chemistry between [Major Beck] and Heather, and it doesn't have to be consummated for it to feel real. Eventually, there's a situation where he feels betrayed, and he feels like a fool, and he has to come to grips with what happened and realize what she's all about. Is she there to help him, is she a Mata Hari, or is she a true patriot for the cause? The thing is, he has to make up his mind about what cause he is going to follow." By the way, I'm told Tuesday's episode of Big Brother will have some clues for you Jericho fans. In the "Power of Veto" challenge, the houseguests will receive news from the outside world, including a mystery headline that gives a clue to the upcoming Jericho episode.

Kim in Bangor, Maine: I like that Esai Morales character on about Jericho. He's such a cutie. Do he and Jake eventually go head-to-head?
Sounds like it—or worse. Esai tells me, "The insurrection is a slap in the face to the major because of what he did for Jake. He entrusted him to be the sheriff, and he turns around and finds out that all is not well. So I have to become a bit of a Guantánamo...well, there are enhanced interrogation techniques."

Mae in South Amboy, New Jersey: Any rumors and word on the new season of The Tudors (and not just about Henry himself...)?
Just caught a preview screening of The Tudors season-two premiere, and all his majesty's naughty lords and ladies are back in fine form. In particular, we spent some time with Dearest Daddy Boleyn, and he is very bad man. Thanks to him, the dungeon goon squad gets medieval
Renaissance on someone's toe.

Melanie in Des Moines, Iowa: What's up with ER?
You'll see additional episodes by Spring, and rumor has it they're adding a new recurring character to the mix quite soon. Word is, County General will hire a thirtysomething attending physician named James Brenner who comes off as Mr. Perfect, but he has a bit of a dark side. A highly intelligent ladies' man, he'll rub a lot of his coworkers the wrong way when they realize how selfish and self-serving he truly is. Torrey DeVitto, One Tree Hill

Jordan in Omaha, Nebraska: I want to kick Nanny Carrie in the teeth! Tell me she's not sticking around on One Tree Hill?!
Oh, how she is. And how, how it's going to get so much worse before it gets...worse. By the time she does what she's going to do, you'll want Dexter Morgan to do what he's done to his latest love interest. (And yes, that's an intentional, spoilery comparison to all five of you fans of both OTH and Dexter out there!)

Hennisee in Miami: Any scoop on OTH?! Will Lucas and Lindsay really get married?
Michaela McManus will be here this week to answer such questions, so send any Q's you have for her to tvdiva@eonline.com. I can tell you Peyton does break up the wedding, but I have heard that's a dream. In other news, spoiler alert! I'm hearing Rachel comes back as a Lindsay/Amy/Eva and that Brooke and the bartender are heatin' up.
—Additional repo