Question: I've waited all week for new AA, and for July 20, we get a July 13 column. Where is your new one???Answer: Ask Ausiello will be on hiatus until Aug. 3 while Michael covers the Television Critics Association press tour in Los Angeles. In the meantime, don't forget to check out Michael's daily Press Tour Diaries.
Question: This Just In! Hell's Kitchen will be back for a second helping.Answer: Gordon, is that you? If so, congrats on the pickup!
Question: Oh, my god! In the picture you showed us of you and Azrael, it looks like you have sustained some kind of serious injury to your finger. If anyone was ever looking for a better reason to give you your own office, it has to be your ability to perform in spite of the pain.Answer: It's nice to know that somebody gets it. Thanks, Doug
Question: Do you predict an Emmy nomination for Mariska Hargitay this year?Answer: Yes, I actually think she's a shoo-in. That reminds me, Emmy nominations are announced tomorrow (Thursday) morning, so don't forget to pray extra hard tonight for Lauren Graham and Kristen Bell. And check out Entertainment News around 10 am/ET for an overview of all the nominees.
Question: Any Deadwood Season 3 scoop? I just f---ing love that show!Answer: Me, too! As I previously mentioned, I'm heading to the set on Monday and, next to getting my picture taken with Al Swearengen and Calamity Jane and poaching props from the Gem Saloon, getting scoop is my top priority.
Question: Please tell me it's not Munch getting killed off on SVU (Ask Ausiello 6/29). He's one of my favorites.Answer: The person who gets shot does not — I repeat, does not — die. Besides, it's not Munch anyway.
Question: Is it true that Amy Acker has been dropped from CBS' The Unit?Answer: Yeah, and I'm not happy about it.
Question: Got any spoilers for the second season of House?Answer: Yeah, I just got off the phone with exec producer David Shore and he told me that LL Cool J will guest-star in the Sept. 13 season premiere as a death row inmate who is felled by — yep, you guessed it — a mysterious ailment. The second episode, meanwhile, almost featured Dakota Fanning as a 9-year-old patient, but the scheduling couldn't be worked out and they ended up going with a newcomer. And Shore assured me that a House/Cameron romance is not out of the question, despite the crabby doc's continued flirtation with recurring guest-star Sela Ward. Their romance has merely been postponed.
Question: Any good scoops on the season premiere of Big Brother? — Regina Ausiello: Julie Chen's reputation as a serious journalist will continue to erode. That's all I got right now.
Question: Will Jessica Biel be back for 7th Heaven's 200th episode? — Ashley Ausiello: No, but allow me to use this opportunity to share some big news on the 7th Heaven front. In yet another global exclusive, exec producer Brenda Hampton tells AA that Haylie Duff is joining the cast next season as "a close friend" of David Gallagher's Simon. "We just signed her on Friday," she says. "She will be in the first 13 episodes." And although Biel will be MIA in the show's 200th installment — which just happens to coincide with Heaven's 10th-season premiere in September — Hampton reveals that the episode will feature plenty of excitement. "Someone's pregnant," she teases. "And it's not Jessica Biel." Or, for that matter, Mary.
Question: Will Jessica Biel be back for 7th Heaven's 200th episode?Answer: No, but allow me to use this opportunity to share some big news on the 7th Heaven front. In yet another global exclusive, exec producer Brenda Hampton tells AA that Haylie Duff is joining the cast next season as "a close friend" of David Gallagher's Simon. "We just signed her on Friday," she says. "She will be in the first 13 episodes." And although Biel will be MIA in the show's 200th installment — which just happens to coincide with Heaven's 10th-season premiere in September — Hampton reveals that the episode will feature plenty of excitement. "Someone's pregnant," she teases. "And it's not Jessica Biel." Or, for that matter, Mary.
Question: Where's my idol Clay and when is his CD [he] coming out? &#042 — Jan Ausiello: Be careful, Jan. That's how rumors get started. &#042 Letters to Ask Ausiello can be edited for clarity, length and comicality.
Question: Do you have any advance word on the upcoming Bochco FX series Over There? Promos look intense! — NukeLady Ausiello: First off, the folks over at Homeland Security would like to have a few words with you, um, NukeLady. And I haven't seen Over There yet, but the buzz has been very positive. I think FX has another hit on its hands.
Question: Can you ask the "brains" at UPN why they would air repeats of Veronica Mars' first season out of order while new viewers are trying to get acquainted with the show in time for the second season?Answer: Funny story. I e-mailed UPN about this two weeks ago but never received a response. Methinks I'm on their S-list.
Question: Don't cop out — answer the question this time: Who do you want to be at Veronica's door? — Sherry Ausiello: Of course, I want it to be Logan!
Question: Any good scoops on the season premiere of Big Brother?Answer: Julie Chen's reputation as a serious journalist will continue to erode. That's all I got right now.
Question: Who's the major character getting shot next season on SVU (Ask Ausiello 6/29)? And please tell me that Mariska and Chris will not be filming episodes separately anymore. — Debby Ausiello: Unfortunately, Mariska told me those "tandem" episodes (i.e., episodes in which Benson and Stabler are partnered with C-list SVUers) are necessary in order to accommodate the show's hellish production schedule. You see, by splitting them up, producers can shoot two episodes simultaneously. But I'm with you, Debby. I hate them. I'd rather have 22 episodes of Benson and Stabler than 28 episodes of Benson and Fin any day. And regarding your first question, I'm gonna have to plead the Fifth again. I don't wanna give away everything (tee-hee).
Question: Hello! Viagra is the No. 1 medication to help the struggle with men's erectile dysfunction. Like the joke says, it is strong enough for a man, but made for a woman. Ordering Viagra online is convenient, fast and secure! Millions of people do it daily to keep their privacy and save money. Click here to order. — Eliza Bowers Ausiello: Note to TV Guide Help Desk: I keep clicking on this link and nothing happens! The spam is getting worse!
Question: We need to take a moment of silence for Mr. Paul Winchell, aka the voice of Gargamel (Entertainment News 6/27). I wonder who will take care of his cat? — Kip Ausiello: No worries. Azrael is being cared for at Casa de Ausiello until a permanent home can be found. See for yourself.
Question: When does Gilmore Girls begin filming Season 6? — Amy Ausiello: July 20. There had been talk that Alexis' new movie might push that date back until early August, but that turned out to be nothing more than a boldfaced lie.
Question: Any truth to rumors that Scarlett Johansson will be showing up on 24 next season? — Tim Ausiello: Let me guess: You read that on IMDb.com? Not true.
Question: I absolutely adore Fox's Hell's Kitchen! Do you have any scoop about whether it will return or is this a one-shot deal?Answer: A show spokesperson says "no decisions have been made yet regarding a second season." But they'd be fools not to renew it. It's one of the few reality shows generating any heat this summer.