Question: OK, everyone knows Palmer is coming back on 24. But is it true Chase is also returning? — Jason Wells Ausiello: According to my 24 mole, "It doesn't look like it." And despite what you may have read elsewhere (Hi, Kristin!), don't count on seeing Elisha Cuthbert (or Kim) anytime soon.
Question: Heard a local radio interview with Kristen Bell of Veronica Mars and she said she loves the Smurfs and went by Smurfette for several months. Is she your new favorite? — Susie-Q Ausiello: Well, she certainly nudged her way into the Top 10.
Question: I thought my husband was the only person who thought the monster on Lost is Vincent the dog! He's very happy that you and Alex D share his opinion (Ask Ausiello 4/13). As an aside, don't the people who are getting mad at you for recapping episodes from the night before know not to read anything about their favorite shows until they actually watch them? You totally should not be blamed for anything. — Cherlene Nerland Ausiello: Anything? Really? Not even all that mean stuff I said about Elisabeth Rohm? Not even the time I made fun of Barry Manilow? What about the incident back in '87 when I told my brother the iron was off? I'm off the hook for all of that? Cool.
Question: Do you have any news/scoops/spoilers for Numbers? I adore that show! — Samantha Ausiello: Would you settle for a benign tease? The finale finds Morrow and Krumholtz hunting down two fugitives who escaped after their prison bus crashed.
Question: So, how were the sales for TV Guide's Gilmore Girls cover? Is your job safe? — Melissa Ausiello: Let's just say our editor-in-chief was very pleased with the numbers. In fact, in a major vote of confidence, he just extended my TV Guide contract for another six weeks, thru May '05. Life is sweet, my friend. Life is sweet.
Question: Hey, I love your column, but did you say a major character is going to die in Smallville? Can you please tell me who? — Brandan Ausiello: Yes, that's what I said (Ask Ausiello 4/13), and no, I can't. What I can tell you is that Jensen Ackles, who plays Lana's boyfriend, Jason, has landed a starring role in the WB pilot Supernatural. (Hint, hint, nudge, nudge.)
Question: You have the biggest head I have seen since King Kong. I mean it is huge! I think I shall dub thee Waterhead Mike, 'cause your head is just that big. Now that I've got that out of my system, any scoop on Alfre Woodard's character on Desperate Housewives? — Ericka Ausiello: King Kong? Really? Well, you know what they say about disproportionately large heads. Anyway, regarding Ms. Alfre, exec producer Kevin Murphy tells me that her character will appear in the final two episodes of the season before returning as a regular next fall. And, "like our other housewives, she's a mother who's willing to go to extreme means to protect her family," he previews, adding that "Alfre will be central to the prevailing mystery of next season." The role of her early-twentysomething son, meanwhile, has not yet been cast, and Murphy says it could very well be filled by an unknown. "If we can find that fantastic star on the rise, we'll grab him."
Question: Last week you mentioned the need for a continuity coordinator. Let's talk. Seriously. — Jenni Ausiello: When did I say that?
Question: Dude, what is in the hatch? — Greg Ausiello: WARNING, MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD: TVGuide.com's latest Podcast! (But you did not hear that from me.)
Question: How do you feel about your childhood? — Jenna Ausiello: Deeply conflicted. On the one hand, there were the fat jokes, but on the other hand, I was surrounded by, um... Maybe we should take this off-line, Jenna.
Question: Travis Wester? I don't see the resemblance (Ask Ausiello 4/13). What's the complete list? — Jane Ausiello: Let's see, Matt Dillon, Matt Damon, Jim Carrey, Michael C. Hall, Eddie Munster, and, this just in...
Question: What's the deal with Cheri Oteri's sitcom with J.J. Abrams? — Eva Ausiello: Would you believe it still hasn't gotten past the script stage? What script, I ask? Just put Cheri in front of a camera and let the magic begin. Anyway, the window for a fall slot is closing fast, so it's looking like the project won't see the light of day until mid-season '06 at the earliest. Bummer.
Question: Do you have any scoop on SVU? I know Mariska's your girl and all, but there's a nasty rumor going around that Diane Neal's character is going to get beat up in an SVU/TBJ crossover. — Daniel Ausiello: That nasty rumor's actually true. ADA Novak gets assaulted in the line of duty on May 3. The drama will then spill over onto Trial By Jury on May 6.
Question: Not enough talk about the best show on TV, 24. Please give us everything you know. Have a nice day. — Paula Ausiello: Two recurring characters will bite it before the day's over.
Question: You said an Alias alum is in talks to return for the finale (Ask Ausiello 4/13). Any hints on who it is? — John Ausiello: His first name is Terry and his last name is O'Quinn. Sorry, but that's all I'm allowed to say. OK, I can say one more thing: Sydney finds out that her dad is battling a fatal disease on May 4. Of course, this is Alias, so, well, you know.
Question: With the resignation of Dr. Cameron, have we seen the last of Jennifer Morrison on House ? I kinda hope she sticks around! — Brian Ausiello: WARNING, MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD: Yes, she'll be coming back under extremely unusual circumstances. And trust me when I say you're gonna love, love, love it. (Here's a tip: I kinda, sorta hinted at it in a recent AA.)
Question: Why don't you pass one of those free movie tickets my way (Ask Ausiello 4/13)? My birthday is less than a month away so this will be like an early gift from you to me. — L.J. Ausiello: And I get what out of this exactly?
Question: OK, I've been racking my brain and checking my old 24 DVDs, and I still can't think of a single "classic" 24 villain who isn't dead as a doornail and thus could come back at the end of the season. Can you give us another clue? Spill, pretty please! — Anne Ausiello: The answer is in the new issue of TV Guide magazine. The one with Kiefer on the cover.
Question: Liked the new TV Guide Podcast; it and you were hilarious. I would actually like to see the video! — Sara Ausiello: Actually, you wouldn't. We do the show naked. And for those asking, "Podcast, shmodcast — whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?", TVGuide.com is getting ready to launch our very own weekly Podcast featuring some of the site's biggest and brightest personalities. And some weeks other people will join me, too. It's not quite ready for prime time yet, but here's a special sneak preview! for you to download and listen to. Let us know what you think by leaving a message at 212-626-2525. Heavy breathing is encouraged.
Question: In your column last week, you suggested AA for addicts of your column. Wouldn't the proper organization be AAA (Ask Ausiello Anonymous)? — David Crenshaw Ausiello: I suppose if you want to get technical.
Question: When is the issue of TV Guide with the spoilers for the JAG series finale coming out? — Kelly Geiswite Ausiello: You mean the one with Kiefer on the cover? It goes on sale tomorrow.
Question: So, my friends and I want to practice pronouncing your last name, but is it AWE-see-ellow, awe-SEE-ellow or awe-see-ELLOW? — Mike Ausiello: It's actually awe-see-elloW. The accent is on the second W.