michael.ausiello

Scoop! Sarah Connor Bulking Up for Season 2

It looks like she'll be back.I'm hearing that Fox's in-limbo Sarah Connor Chronicles has quietly begun staffing up for the fall. According to insiders, Fox has given producers the green light to start booking directors for next season's first three episodes. While this is no guarantee that SCC is returning , it's obviously a very good sign. A Fox spokesperson, meanwhile, maintains that "no decision about a second season has been made yet."Related: Roush Dispatch: Terminator Struck Down Too Soon Online Video Guide: Watch full episodes of Sarah Connor.

Fri, Mar 21, 2008

Scoop! Sarah Connor Bulking Up for Season 2

Murder Club Scoop: Harmon Gets a Major Dad

Fallen Jericho patriarch Gerald McRaney has been cast as the estranged pop of Angie Harmon's Lindsay on Women's Murder Club, sources confirm to me exclusively. Dad is described as a dirty ex-cop who has few friends on the force  and that includes his daughter. The two have been estranged for seven years, and his mere presence gives her the creeps. She even refuses to call him "Dad," which is never a good thing (unless you're a Simpson). McRaney's onboard for one of this season's three post-strike episodes, although he could reappear next season  if there is a next season. Fleshing out Lindsay's personal life appears to be a top priority for new Club boss Robert Nathan. In addition to a dad, Harmon's bloodhound will be getting a new love interest in the form of The 4400's Joel Gretsch (Ausiello Report 3/17).

Thu, Mar 20, 2008

Murder Club Scoop: Harmon Gets a Major Dad

Friday Night Lights Renewal Imminent?

Best. Panel. Ever. That's basically how I'd describe last night's Friday Night Lights session at Paley Fest '08. OK, so, I may be a little biased, having served as moderator of said panel (watch me deliver my opening remarks!), but the fact remains: The 800 or so Panther fans who packed into the Cinerama Dome got their money's worth. And if you don't believe me, believe my colleague Anna Dimond, who was embedded in the crowd with pen in hand chronicling every scoopbit, spoiler and motorcycle thrust. Participants: Adrianne Palicki, Zach Gilford, Aimee Teegarden, Minka Kelly, Scott Porter, Connie Britton, Jason Katims and Jeffrey Reiner.MIA: Taylor Kitsch, Gaius Charles, Jesse Plemons and Kyle Chandler, all of whom were stuck on film sets far away from L.A.Cutting to the chase: Although the DirecTV deal is still not official, Katims said to expect some news "within two or three weeks." Even more promising, he referred to shooting new episodes in July, before quickly qualifying it with...

Thu, Mar 20, 2008

Exclusive: Grey's Recruits Two Carnivale Grads!

Amy Madigan has booked a multi-episode arc on Grey's Anatomy, sources confirm to me exclusively. The Oscar-nominated thesp  and former co-star of HBO's gone-but-not-forgotten Carnivale  is playing a psychiatrist who, and I'm just speculating here, may be the one to help Meredith get over her commitment issues, thus paving the way for the Mer/Der reunion Shonda Rhimes has been hyping.Meanwhile, Madigan's former Carnivale co-star, Clea DuVall, will fill the "everywoman housewife" role I teased in last week's Ask Ausiello. Her George Clooney-esque husband will be played by Jason O'Mara (Men in Trees, In Justice). I'm guessing one of them will be a patient. Both are on board for two episodes.Oh, Carnivale, how I miss thee.

Thu, Mar 20, 2008

Exclusive: Grey's Recruits Two Carnivale Grads!

Exclusive: Buffy Grad Stakes Claim to Gossip Gig

Guess that pesky financial i$$ue worked itself out after all: I can now reveal that not only was Michelle Trachtenberg the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alumna to whom I alluded in today's AA, but a deal has been sealed for her to join Gossip Girl. And even though probably every other starlet in Hollywood under the age of 30 had to be salivating over the prospect of playing Georgina Sparks, a troublemaker from Serena's past who makes Blair look about as dangerous as Donna Martin, I think the CW's casting department nailed it. (C'mon, Buffy's sis was always one prickly pear!) For that matter, Trachtenberg lucked out, too: Could there be a more entertaining way for a young actress to make her comeback than by playing an adolescent Cruella? Didn't think so.So what do you think? Is there someone you would have preferred to see snag the plum part? Don't be shy  discuss away.  Additional reporting by Ben Katner

michael.ausiello

Scoop! Sarah Connor Bulking Up for Season 2

Murder Club Scoop: Harmon Gets a Major Dad

Friday Night Lights Renewal Imminent?

Exclusive: Grey's Recruits Two Carnivale Grads!

Exclusive: Buffy Grad Stakes Claim to Gossip Gig

Major Chuck Scoop, Spoilers and... Van Damme!?

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