Question: Will Ken Howard ever come back to Crossing Jordan? Answer: That's a negative. "We will not see Ken Howard again," states Tim Kring. "The one occasion that we've had in the last two years to bring him back was not a successful enough episode for us to make that case to the network."
Question: Would you be willing to bet your entire Smurf collection that Lorelai and Luke will tie the knot this season? Answer: A few months ago I would have taken you up on that. But now? Not so much. I have it on good authority that Lorelai-Luke are about to take a turn for the worse. Plus, based on what happened in last night's episode, it now looks like the spring wedding AS-P alluded to is Lane and Zach's. (And if you haven't already figured it out, the winter wedding involving a non-Stars Hollow couple that I had alluded to was Honor and Josh's. Sorry if that was a bit of a letdown.)
Question: Crossing Jordan will be celebrating its 100th episode this season. Any scoop on what will take place? Answer: Not only is the May 7 episode the show's 100th, but it's also the season finale. You know what that means: big doings! "Someone the audience has gotten to know pretty well this year ends up dead, and Jordan is accused of the murder," teases exec producer Tim Kring. "We leave that as the cliff-hanger. She basically has to flee to prove her innocence."
Question: This interminable waiting game that ABC is playing regarding the fate of Alias is not to be had! What can we, the fans, do about it? Anything? Answer: ABC confirmed late Tuesday that Alias is returning in just seven short weeks on Wednesdays at 8 pm. There are eight episodes remaining — reduced from 13. Here's how they're being scheduled: April 19, 8-10 pm/ET: Two-hour episode. Syd's baby is born and Vaughn's fate is revealed. Michael Vartan, Lena Olin and Greg Grunberg return. April 26, 8-9 pm: The 100th episode. Bradley Cooper returns. May 3, 8-9 pm: Currently in production. Devlin returns. May 10, 8-9 pm: TBD May 17, 8-9 pm: TBD May 24, 8-10 pm: Two-hour finale.
Question: I think Invasion is the best show on TV. Will it be coming back next season? Answer: Exec producer Shaun Cassidy has some interesting thoughts on that particular issue in our next podcast, available Friday afternoon.
Question: Has USC tackled Vince Young yet? I need to know for my fantasy draft.Answer: Bite me.
Question: What happened to Lynette's third son — the nontwin — on Desperate Housewives? Answer: You mean Parker? That menace is still around. In an upcoming episode, he's going to offer one of his female classmates a cookie in exchange for a peek at her va-jay-jay.
Speaking of rumors I've started, here's an update on the possibility of UPN picking up our beloved CBS castoff Love Monkey. A source close to Monkey confirms that UPN has expressed interest in acquiring the show's five unaired episodes, but as of now, it isn't in the plans. "But," the source adds, "anything could happen in the future." Future? Sounds to me like the ball could soon be in CW's court. Cross your fingers and stay tuned.
A spokesman for 20th Century Fox is denying a report that an official deal is in place to bring 24 to the big screen. Responding to a Moviehole.net story claiming that Kiefer Sutherland has signed on for three 24 pics, the first of which could hit screens by 2007, the rep says, "There is no truth to this story. As has been previously reported, there have been discussions about a potential feature film based on the television series. However, those discussions remain preliminary, and at this time there are no firm plans for any 24 project s
A wise man once said, "When two separate events occur simultaneously pertaining to the same object in inquiry we must always pay strict attention." The wise man in question? If you have to ask, you clearly weren't a fan of Twin Peaks' resident java junkie Agent Cooper. Well, I was a fan (a huge obsessive one, in fact) and those sage words came in handy last month when I happened to run into Kyle MacLachlan (Event No. 1) just days after hearing a rumor (Event No. 2) that Twin Peaks cocreator Mark Frost was in early development on a series of TV -movies featuring Coop. Creepy, huh? Well, not only did I pay strict attention to the coincidence, I went a
Have you heard the buzz about Desperate Housewives' Edie getting a sister who looks a lot like Sex and the City sexpot Kim Cattrall? Well, it's apparently all lies. "There are no plans to bring in [an actress] to play Edie's sister," says the show's publicist…. I've got bad news for closure-craving
Rory was apparently onto something when she suggested in last week's Gilmore Girls that Logan "may be the one." I've just been informed by my crusty Gilmore mole that Matt Czuchry has sealed a deal to return for the show's seventh — and likely final — season. Per my spy, Czuchry is committed to appearing in at least 13 of 22 episodes, the same arrangement he had this season. Although this is no guarantee that Rory and Logan will ride off into the Stars Hollow sunset together, it certainly bodes well for the young lovers. At the very least, this should stifle rumors that the two are headed for a possibly permanent split in next week's explosive episode.
Question: I know it's a day early, but I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday! In honor of your big day, I'm going to see if I can afford to get one of those Ask Ausiello caps this week! Answer: OK, so let me get this straight: It's my birthday and you're buying something for yourself? I've taught you well, Famin. Anyway, if you're unable to beg, borrow or steal enough cash to get the cap, at the very least you can add the Ask Ausiello products to your Amazon.com wish list. In fact, if all of you add the cap and
Question: On last week's Gilmore Girls, Rory made a comment about Betty Friedan being dead. But Ms. Friedan — a hero to my mom and me — only died the week before. Were the writers betting on Betty leaving this world before the broadcast? Answer: I was wondering the same thing! Turns out production on that episode was delayed and Betty was already dead when shooting began. "They did Episode 16 before Episode 15," says a source, "and they had to rush to get 16 on the air by Feb. 14."
Question: Can you tell me when Lana and Lex are going to hook up on Smallville? Answer: According to my hairy Smallville mole — not to be confused with my small hairy mole — Lana plants a major lip-lock on Lex at the end of Episode 18. Coincidentally, that's the same episode that Tom Welling is directing, making the whole thing a little kinky.
Question: Did you have any nicknames when you were growing up? Answer: I'd tell you, but I'm afraid you'll point at me and laugh.
Question: Goodbye McDreamy… hello McSteamy! Eric Dane is hot! Can you give us any info about him and how long he plans on sticking around? Answer: Would you believe that no one at Grey's Anatomy will tell me?! So let's change the subject: In the new Details, Shonda Rhimes revealed that Rob Lowe was her first choice to play McDreamy. Shocking, no? He had to turn it down because of his commitment to Lyon's Den. I never thought I'd write these words, but thank god for Lyon's Den!
Question: Why is Milo Ventimiglia coming back to Gilmore Girls this time? As much as I love Jess, why can't he just leave well enough alone? Rory went back to Yale, fixed things with her mom and fixed things with Logan. Answer: Actually, this time it's Rory who can't leave well enough alone. After hitting another rough (and possibly permanent) patch with Logan, Rory decides to attend the opening of Jess' new 'zine/bookstore/art gallery in Philadelphia.
Question: I haven't heard any news about The Dead Zone. I'm patiently waiting for scoop. Answer: The fifth season kicks off June 11 and, barring a major ratings upswing, there probably won't be a sixth. Unless, of course, USA Network — in an effort to trim costs — decides to bring the show back without any of Anthony Michael Hall's costars, as last week's TV Guide speculated.
Question: Kudos on the new office! OK, now on to my question: In the Feb. 8 Ask Ausiello, you said that a major character on The Shield won't be back for the second half of Season 5. Is this person being killed off or will he/she just be leaving the show? Answer: I promised FX I wouldn't say. Sorry. And remember, Shawn Ryan revealed in last week's Ausiello Report that there would be a "couple departures" in the March 21 mid-season finale.
Question: Anything new on ER? Answer: You know that TV Death List I compiled in the Ausiello Report last Friday? Well, you can go ahead and add ER to the list, 'cause I just learned that a major character will die during May sweeps. And it's going to be very sad. I'd go so far as to call it devastating. Also, Morris (Scott Grimes) is going to accept a job working for a pharmaceutical company. Not sure if that means he's leaving the show, but it certainly looks like he's leaving the ER.
Question: Is J.J. Abrams going to write or direct the finale of Alias? Please say yes.Answer: It's suddenly not looking so good. I hear he may be busy doing a Misson: Impossible III promotional tour. Curses!