This was a good week for welcoming back familiar and much-missed talent to some very good shows. Let's start with one of cable's underdogs, TNT's gritty and gripping police drama Southland, which introduced Carl Lumbly (who'll always be Dixon from Alias to me) as the squad's militaristic new captain, Brucker. "Our job just got harder," grumbles one of the grunts. Bad for him, good for Southland. Pledging to command a pro-active patrol, with Mickey D applications at the ready for those who screw up, Brucker's mantra is: "We protect! We serve! And we kick a— till we smell s---!" Yeah, he's that kind of boss.
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Let's raise a glass of "apple pie" moonshine in honor of the dearly departed Justified villain Mags Bennett. Margo Martindale's Emmy-winning portrayal was a huge part of what made the Southern-fried FX drama's second season such a thrilling ride and will no doubt be a tough act to follow. And executive producer Graham Yost knows it.
Get more scoop on your favorite shows in our Winter TV preview
"I would be lying if I said we didn't consider that," Yost tells TVGuide.com. "It gives you some pause that people responded so ...
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Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questions to mega_scoop@tvguide.com.
Are any of my beloved characters going to die in the final season of One Tree Hill? — Danica
ADAM: I would say it's a distinct possibility (but look closely, that's not a body Haley is looking at in this promo). Rob Buckley's thoughts on the matter also seem pretty grim. "The One Tree Hill family as we know it is going to change by season's end," he teases. "The people we start the season with [are] not the same group we end it with."
Let's start 2012 with some Hawaii Five-0 spoilers? — James
ADAM: How do you say "Book 'em, Danno!" in Russian?
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Not only does Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) have to save the world, once again, but he has to do it with the help of a new CTU and an even newer boss, Brian Hastings (Mykelti Williamson). TVGuide.com hit the set of 24 to find out about the big threat this season, how Hastings interacts with Chloe (Mary Lynn Rajskub) and Jack and if he'll live up to former CTU head Bill Buchanan (James Morrison).
24: Jack Bauer will survive to the end of the series
"This is a different guy," Williamson says about being compared to Buchanan. "He's here for a different reason and he's not really sure he should be here."
Check out the video from the 24 set:
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Dear Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland),
As you prepare to embark on your eighth action-packed day, TVGuide.com thought it wise — after looking into your future (i.e. the first four episodes of 24's Season 8) — to pass on a little advice.
1. Remember to cherish your friends...
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