Ask Ausiello

Ausiello: That hardly qualifies as disrespectful, Ellen. No, disrespectful is telling me (as Aushole Jason did) that I deserve to be "run over by a New York City bus" for ignoring House these past few weeks. See the difference there? Anywho... I'm jumping back on the House scoopwagon in a big way this week with news that Fox, in collaboration with producer NBC Universal, is quietly developing a House spin-off for next season. As I understand it, producers are introducing a new male character for a multi-episode arc and, assuming the actor they find really pops in the role, he may be spun off into his own show. But there's a twist, and it's a big one: Per multiple sources, this newbie is not a doctor, but rather a private investigator! And no, his name isn't Twitter. I'll have more details as they become available, but for now, head over to the Ask Ausiello Discussion Thread to post your thoughts on a possible House 2.0.

Ausiello: He sure did, and his exclusive comments appear in this week's Ausiello Report vodcast!

Ausiello: Actually, word around NCIS is that the buzzed-about death won't be the biggest surprise of the season. Consider this line from Director Vance to Gibbs from the two-hour season finale: "If you think you can protect them forever, Jethro, you are mistaken. There's already been one casualty. There will be more." What does it mean?! Beats me! 

Ausiello: Not true. NBC's already renewed it for next season — a decision that is proving eerily prescient considering that in recent weeks the show has been enjoying some of its best ratings and press since Season 1.

Ausiello: Not officially, but producers apparently feel confident enough about a renewal that they're ending the season with a whopper of a cliff-hanger. "There's a huge shocker at the end of the episode that's basically going to affect whether Melanie and Derwin get back together," teases Game's leading lady, Tia Mowry. "It's a huge cliff-hanger. Even I was shocked when I read the script." Mowry also confirms that someone will be getting married in the hour-long episode on May 18, "but I'm not going to say who."

Ausiello: Well, lucky for you a huge shipment just arrived on my doorstep. Next week, Veronica Mars' Max Greenfield kicks off a two-episode arc as Ashleigh's French TA and a new love interest for Calvin. Also next week, look for dark and shady Evan to rear his ugly head when he tries to win Casey back. Teases series creator Sean Smith: "As we've shown his more romantic side in the past couple of episodes, next Monday we're reminded of the darker side from the pilot." Looking ahead to Episode 10, Wildfire's Ryan Sypek guest stars as a suitor for Casey. And in Episode 12 (aka "Spring Break"), look for Alexis Bledel's hottie BF from the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2, Jesse Williams, to show up as a lust interest for Ashleigh.

Ausiello: Unfortunately, no. Even M.I.T.'s eternally-optimstic creator, Jenny Bicks, says " it is doubtful the show will find a new home." That probably explains why, according to a mole at the Vancouver studio where Trees is shot, the show's wardrobe and props are being sold at fire sale prices. Whispers my spy: " I got a nice pair of shoes for $5."

Ausiello: And how! The show is casting two, er, Big roles. First up is Ray Henry, Nicki's boss at the law firm and the (contradiction alert!) good-guy lawyer who's prosecuting the Roman Grant rape case. Even juicier is the character of Bill's half-brother, Franky, a 16-year-old hottie who was bounced from Juniper Creek for macking on an elder's intended. Not enough for ya? This season, you'll also meet Jerry Flute, a Native-American power player who pow-wows with Bill and Don (odds are he's opposed to the idea of the casino they intend to build on Blackfoot turf), and Rob O'Hare, a neighbor who doesn't subscribe to the "Sharing is caring!" approach to marriage that Bill's wives do.

Ausiello: Good question. It actually might not be. Shortly after AA went live last week, a Bones insider e-mailed me to say, "There are actually two casualties coming up — only one of which leads to death." My mole's tip was all but confirmed by co-star Eric Millegan at TV Guide's Sexiest Stars Party. Actually, Millegan had a lot to say about this season's final two episodes (airing May 12 and 19), paying specific attention to the fate of his character, Zack, and the evil Gormogon. Click here to watch the whole spoilerific interview.

Ausiello: Officially, an SVU spokesperson denies that March is returning next season. Unofficially, I'm hearing that the actress is engaged in very preliminary talks with The Wolfster to appear in a handful of episodes next season.

Ausiello: All the major Dollhouse roles have been cast, so I doubt there's a place for her there. At the Sexiest Stars party, Katee would only let on that she's been reading pilot scripts in search of a post-BSG project, although she acknowledged that Starbuck will be a tough act to follow. She also relayed a very funny story about what she plans to do immediately after BSG wraps this summer — and I saved that juicy little morsel for this week's Ausiello Report vodcast.

Ausiello: I'm hearing *a*r****e *n*** was at one point in the mix. And, if you can believe it, Michelle *********.

Ausiello: Yes indeed. I just found out which two characters will be performing the "major kiss" in the season finale and trust me when I say you will not be disappointed.

Ausiello: A network getting cold feet over a controversial plotline? What makes you think that could happen, Kelly? No, seriously, I too was worried that the network and/or producers would do an about-face regarding Justin/Rebecca in light of some loud objections from fans and select members of the press. Yes, I said worried, because I actually love this story and the blockbuster material it's giving to Emily VanCamp and David Annable. Last week's episode may have been my favorite B&S ever. So it's not only shocking but disappointing to me that even the mere hint of the dreaded "I" word is enough to send folks over the edge. The fact is, J&R are not related, so people need to chillax and give this story a chance to play out. Which — I'm relieved to be able to say after screening the stellar finale — looks like it's going to happen. Greg Berlanti and his fellow exec producers — who, for my money, have handled this story with the utmost restraint and dignity — seem committed to seeing it through, even if it means they'll need an armed guard to and from work. (And bless their hearts for that.) Oh, and while we're on the subject, based on my mailbag, there's a lot more support for this story than the message boards would suggest. I'd say it's more like 60 neg, 40 pos. And after the last scene airs next week, I predict that number will flip-flop big time.

Ausiello: Michael's headed back to prison next season! Kind of. According to my Prison snitch, a huge warehouse has been erected on the Fox backlot that will serve as a sort of "metaphorical prison" for Michael and his merry band of misfits (Dr. Sara included) next season.

Ausiello: Let's just say he has a brush with the law, but not for the reason you think.

Ausiello: Well, he's really gone from Sacred Heart, but not from Scrubs. Although it's unclear whether Jenkins will remain a series regular, I hear we'll see glimpses of Kelso's life as a retiree. In the meantime, Bill Lawrence is said to be looking for a new Chief to succeed  Kelso, and word is he wants a name.

Ausiello: ABC and the show's producers keep insisting that she'll be back in a recurring capacity, but that's assuming Romijn will be available. I have a feeling she'll be snapped up in no time by another show. And as far as other big changes on Betty, I think this qualifies.  

Ausiello: Nothing official from ABC, but all indications are the show is toast. And I would like to think I was at least partially responsible. Oh, who am I kidding — it was all me. 

Ausiello: That wasn't the last we'll see of her. Sources confirm that Sarah/Stella will be back for the season finale, which can only mean one thing: OMFG she's the mother! I think.

Ausiello: I don't believe she'll be taking in a lover, but I can confirm that she'll be getting something nearly as important: a name! I'm told in this Monday's episode we'll, for the first time, hear Thirteen's real name. My guess: Tenplusfourminusone.

Ausiello: Rumors are circulating that Weeds mainstays Tonye Patano and Romany Malco have been downgraded to recurring status. Meanwhile, look for Silas to book a one-way trip to MILF Island, if you catch my drift. (And no, not that MILF Island. That'd be gross.)

Ausiello: What happens to Dan in the finale is so unbelievably tragic it's almost funny. Scratch that, it is funny. Hysterical, in fact.

Ausiello: The Season 2 premiere can best be summed up in three words: Hamp. Tons. Baby!

Ausiello: Big heaping scoop, as a matter of fact. While several at County General are rumored — and widely rumored, I might add — to be on their way out next season, four new med students will be scrubbing in. Tracy, perhaps inspired by Reese Witherspoon's character of the same name in Election, is a two-faced go-getter; Isabelle and Andrew are twins that everybody mistakes for a couple; and Ryan is a Latin family man whose home life may be more chaotic than the ER. Oh, and they're all in their 20s and really, really pretty. But that went without saying, right?

OK, I'm all scooped out for this week. Come back next Wednesday for more of the same, and then some. In the meantime, here's my e-mail address. Use it. Don't abuse it.