Question: If you succeed as "Dragonfly Inn guest No. 6" (Ask Ausiello 3/2), how funny would it be if you did some "product placement" of your favorite Smurf? — Alice Ausiello: Let me work on getting a few lines first, Alice. After that, I'll introduce Amy Sherman-Palladino to Azrael and the gang.
Question: I am an admitted 24 addict. I know I'm not alone. Is there help for people like me? — Eric Ausiello: Eric, when I'm in the throes of 24 withdrawal, I step back, take a deep breath and recite these wise words: "In the end, those of us that walk away winning, win more than just a loss." Works every time.
Question: So, when do I get my Michael Ausiello plush toy, action figure, bobble head and wrist watch? Huh? Come on! I have been waiting very patiently here! — Matt H. Ausiello: My agents have advised me to hold off on a merchandising line until I can establish that there's enough demand out there. I'm thinking of putting a couple autographed head shots of myself on eBay to test the waters. What would be your maximum bid on something like that, Matt?
Question: Is Dead Zone going to return soon? — Beth Ausiello: It's still June, Beth, people!
Question: What are the chances of 24 coming back for another season? — Cory Ausiello: I'd say it's 90 percent certain. Speaking of 24, guess who just got cast in a Harrison Ford film? My favorite CTU techie Mary Lynn Rajskub (aka Chloe)!! "It's called The Wrong Element," Rajskub says. "Harrison is like a real heavy-duty financial guy, and I'm his assistant. His family gets taken hostage and I'm like, 'What's going on with my boss?!?!'" Filming gets under way April 6, right around the time Rajskub wraps 24. (As I previously reported, Rajskub took six weeks off to shoot Fox's The Sketch Show, which debuts this Sunday at 9:30 pm/ET.) In the meantime, Chloe reappears on the scene in Episode 13 or 14 — that's March 21 or March 28 — and Rajskub says, "There's more stuff with her and Edgar. And I might get to go out into the field, but I don't know yet." Chloe in the field? That's something I might get rea
Question: So, how did you like Alyson Hannigan's performance on Veronica Mars? — Taunja Ausiello: If I'm being completely honest, I thought she was a little stiff. You may recall, Aly told me she suffered a bit of a panic attack during shooting and, I hate to say it, but it kinda-sorta showed. But I'm confident she'll more than redeem herself when her second episode airs April 19.
Question: I heard that CSI is going to bring in another member of the Willows clan. Is it going to be Catherine's (Marg Helgenberger) sister or mother — or someone new? — Veronica Ausiello: It's her mother. The elder Willows will turn up in the second episode of May sweeps and, if all goes according to plan, she'll be played by an actress with two Oscar nods and five Golden Globe wins under her belt.
Question: Do you have any One Tree Hill scoop? — Mellissa Ausiello: Nathan surprises Haley on tour and tries to win her back, Lucas joins forces with Andy in an attempt to bring Dan down, Jake and Nicki fight over custody of baby Jenny and Anna's ex-girlfriend pays a visit. And the best news? I don't have a clue who any of these people are.
Question: Mike, I need you to do a favor for me. Thank J.J Abrams for me, 'cause I am having a blast watching this season of Alias. — Kechi Ausiello: I actually forwarded your e-mail to the TV God, and let's just say he really appreciated the props. And no, J.J. is NOT my hairy Alias mole. (Bitch won't tell me nothin'.)
Question: Is the Lena Olin scoop for real? Are you 100 percent sure? Where did you get this information from? I hope this is true because I am a huge fan of Alias and Irina/Lena. — Ingrid Ausiello: You don't honestly think I'm going to reveal my hairy Alias mole to you, right? (And for the record, it's not Stella in craft services. Bitch never called me back.) But in response to your first question, yes, it's 100 percent true that producers are talking to Lena Olin about returning in May. Whether the fickle thesp will ultimately say yes is another story altogether. Personally, I don't know what her damage is.
Question: So, Scrubs has what, three new episodes left to air this season? Do you think NBC will finish the season early or do we have to wait until the end of April to see them? — Ryan Ausiello: Actually, NBC ordered 25 Scrubs episodes — three more than the industry standard. As a result, there are six more episodes to go, not three. As far as the timetable goes, the season finale airs May 17, which means we'll have to sit through several weeks of repeats before we get to the first of the six new ones. And contrary to rumors, NBC did not extend the show's season to give producers time to write a series finale. Scrubs will be back next fall.
Question: I'm writing from the little European island of England, having just discovered this site, and would firstly like to say how witty and entertaining it is. My question is, any news on an eighth season of Charmed yet? — Shelly Ausiello: No news. In fact, exec producer Brad Kern is currently writing the final episode not knowing if it's the season or the series finale.
Question: I took my cashmere sweater to the dry cleaner and it shrunk! What is the best way to clean cashmere if dry cleaning keeps shrinking it? — Cassie Ausiello: Hand-washing is the gentlest method of cleaning a cashmere sweater, and will add years to the life of your cashmere garment. Cashmere tends to become softer with each washing, which allows the yarns to bloom. Follow these four simple steps and your cashmere purchase will give you years of luxurious comfort and wear. 1) Gently wash in warm water with a mild soap (shampoo will do) and thoroughly rinse in water of the same temperature. Special care must be taken as wet cashmere fabric can weaken and stretch out of shape. Never wring or twist. Gently press excess water from garment. 2) While supporting the weight of the wet garment, lay the sweater on a dry towel. Ease the sweater back into shape and roll up in the towel. Press to remove excess water and repeat this step with a second towel. 3) On a
Question: What's the latest on Melanie Griffith joining Gilmore Girls? — Pam Ausiello: The deal fell through. Melanie apparently had a "scheduling conflict," which is Hollywoodspeak for "too much Botox." An offer has apparently gone out to another actress.
Question: You're gonna be on Gilmore Girls?!?!? I can't tell you how jealous I am! But I can tell you that if "Dragonfly Inn Guest No. 6" needs an, um, "partner," I can have my bags packed at a moment's notice. I think Stars Hollow is ready — they're a progressive little town. — Bryan Ausiello: Don't take this the wrong way, Bryan, but this is my time to shine. Me, me, me, me, me, me!
Question: Hey Mike, love your column. I don't really have a question — I just want to plug saveveronicamars.com! — Stephanie Ausiello: Your total comes to $29.95, Steph. Please pay at the register.
Question: I keep hearing rumors about a CSI episode taking place in London. Any truth? — Shelly Ausiello: Yes and no. It was planned originally for November sweeps, but then all the cast upheaval squeezed the schedule and made it impossible. So, not only did George and Jorja screw themselves out of a raise, but their antics cost them — and their costars — a free trip across the pond as well. Nice work, kids!
Question: Where can I send my donation for your Santa Barbara Reunion fund? — Kathleen Ausiello: Until I can set up something official, please send your cash contributions to TV Guide's New York headquarters. Just put "Attn: Michael Ausiello's Belated B-Day Fund" in the corner of the envelope. On that note, I've gotta go catch my flight to Stars Hollow. Speaking of which, if you have any questions for Lauren, Alexis, Scott, Matt or Amy, send them to me ASAP and I'll do my best to get them answered Friday when I'm on the set preparing for my close-up. And no matter what ends up happening with my role, it's nice to know I'll always be a star in your eyes. It's not enough, but it's nice.
Question: What happened to LAX, Center of the Universe and Rodney? My family enjoyed them all. — Joan Ausiello: The first two are dead and the third's on life support. And your family scares me a little, Joan.
Question: I'm a brand-new reader and I'm already addicted. Your column's initials are AA. Coincidence? I think not. Anyway, regarding our favorite Girls, could you elaborate just a wee bit on that upcoming "crisis" of Rory's (Ask Ausiello 3/2)? Please tell me our increasingly naughty good girl ain't gonna get prego! — Matt Ausiello: I can confirm for you that she ain't gonna get prego — with Logan's baby or a can of tomato sauce.
Question: What's the latest on Elisha Cuthbert returning to 24? — Mary Ausiello: It's looking like it's not gonna happen.
Question: Is Nick Lachey ever coming back on Charmed? — Sarah Ausiello: Doubtful. They asked him, but he was too busy denying those breakup rumors.