michael.ausiello

Question: Sorry, I didn't ...

Question: Sorry, I didn't know about the no-caps rule ("Ask Ausiello" 11/03). Here's the question again: About five years ago there was a new comedy with a popular, older male lead. The show was a hit, but after only about five episodes, the male lead suddenly died. Can you tell me who the actor was?  Lori Ausiello: Thanks for resubmitting with your caps lock off, Lori. Much appreciated. Now for an answer to your question, I turn "Ask Ausiello" over to Daenery...

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: Years ago, Mariska ...

Question: Years ago, Mariska Hargitay was the across-the-hall best friend of the lead female in a sitcom, but I can't remember the star's or series' name. Do you know? By the way, I'm not really amused by catty humor, but you're so cute about it that I can't help but laugh.  Dennis Ausiello: Well, I'm not really amused by research-intensive questions, but you were so cute about it that I can't help but lend a hand. After consulting my copy of TV Guide's handy new tube bible Guide to TV (Barnes & Noble Books, $12.95), I have come to the conclusion that you're referring to 1995's short-lived Can't Hurry Love. It starred Nancy McKeon as a New York career woman and Mariska as her best friend. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without my copy of TV Guide's handy new tube bible Guide to TV (Barnes & Noble Books, $12.95).

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: So I just put your ...

Question: So I just put your birthday into my Outlook calendar. Is that weird?  Salena Ausiello: Not at all. Weird would be forgetting to check my wish list on Amazon.com as the big day draws near.

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: First of all, I ...

Question: First of all, I looooove your column! You are an absolute hoot! I am a 30-year-old mother of three who adored Tru Calling. Is it coming back or not? Kisses!  Heidi Vestal Ausiello: Last I heard, the sets were still standing, so don't give up hope.

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: Do you know what ...

Question: Do you know what the deal is with a Marissa/Ryan reunion on The O.C.?  Jordan Ausiello: Don't hold your breath.

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: I live in Ohio and ...

Question: I live in Ohio and we have an amusement park called Kings Island here. When I was a kid they had a Smurf-themed boat ride that featured scenes from the cartoon. It totally rocked. I would spend the whole day riding it.  Tracy Ausiello: Take me to it, Tracy. Please. Take. Me. To. It.

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: So like, am I the ...

Question: So like, am I the only Mountain fan in America?  The Amster Ausiello: No, you're not the only Mountain fan in America. I'm pretty sure Barbara Hershey's agent likes the show, too.

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: What does "jump the ...

Question: What does "jump the shark" mean?  Dee Ausiello: It refers to Episode 44 of Six Feet Under, titled "That's My Dog."

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: I absolutely love ...

Question: I absolutely love your column! It is one of the most entertaining and best around! I also am a child of the '80s. My fascination for the Care Bears equals yours for the Smurfs. What did you think of He-man and She-ra?  Elizabeth Ausiello: He-man had his moments, but who's She-ra?

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: You're crazy about ...

Question: You're crazy about Desperate Housewives spiraling downward in creativity. Sunday's episode was the best yet.  Joel Raab Ausiello: All right, so maybe "spiraling downward" was a bit of an exaggeration, but I can't help but feel that Housewives could (and should) be so much better. The pilot was near perfection: funny, moving, clever, surprising. Subsequent episodes, however, have been predictable and cartoonish. And that whole suicide mystery is playing like a bad episode of Murder, She Wrote. I mean, who among us didn't know Sunday's episode was going to end with a shot of Dana's baby blanket. That said, there's still a lot to like about the show. The production values remain top notch and the cast is as good as it gets. My beef is mostly with the writing. And those twins. God how I despise those twins!

Wed, Nov 10, 2004

Question: A couple of years ...

Question: A couple of years ago, I read that Fox was developing a new Muppet Show for Sunday nights. What happened?  Josh Ausiello: Who knows? Maybe Gail Berman was too busy responding to the idea that audiences were responding to Quintuplets.

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: If Keri Russell ...

Question: If Keri Russell guest-starred on Alias, would you consider liking it then?  Ellen Wong Ausiello: Well, I'd certainly watch, Ellen. Speaking of Keri, she just joined the ensemble cast of Neil LaBute's new off-Broadway play Fat Pig. It's a comedy about a guy (Entourage's Jeremy Piven) who falls for a "generously proportioned" girl (Rescue Me's Ashlie Atkinson). Keri plays one of Piven's disapproving friends. The limited engagement begins Nov. 23 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. For tickets, you can call Ticket Central (212-279-4200). Tell them you read about it in "Ask Ausiello" and you'll get a few seconds of uncomfortable silence.

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: I love this column ...

Question: I love this column and your news column! You are hilarious! Note to those who don't like it  don't read it!  Kristen Ausiello: And Kristen!

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: I heard that you ...

Question: I heard that you may guest-host CBS's Late Late Show. Is it going to happen?  Arthur Lamoureux Ausiello: CBS has asked me to forward all queries about my rumored Late Late Show stint to their PR department. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: How about "I'd ...

Question: How about "I'd rather be in Santa Barbara with Keri Russell"?  Joey Ausiello: Again, too long. Next...

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO ...

Question: ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO THERE WAS A NEW COMEDY THAT CAME ON WITH A POPULAR OLDER MALE LEAD. THE SHOW WAS A HIT, BUT AFTER ONLY ABOUT FIVE SHOWS, THE MALE LEAD DIED SUDDENLY  I THINK OF A HEART ATTACK ON THE SET. WHO WAS THE ACTOR AND WHAT WAS THE SHOW?  LORI Ausiello: Sorry, Lori, but I don't answer questions in this format. Please turn off your caps lock and resubmit.

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: The Members Only ...

Question: The Members Only password should be "Awe-see-yellow in the house!"  Eddie Ausiello: There's a 10-character limit, Ed. Next...

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: Your secret ...

Question: Your secret password should be "BenorNoel."  Erin Bond Ausiello: Folks might read that as a question and enter either "Ben" or "Noel" individually. Next...

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: The new password ...

Question: The new password should be TVGuide.  Scott Ausiello: I love it! It'll be a few weeks until we can get this into place, folks. Please be patient.

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: Since you were so ...

Question: Since you were so instrumental in getting Mariska nominated for an Emmy this year, could you please throw your support behind Kelly Bishop! That woman is genius as Emily on Gilmore Girls. Oh, and that dreamy (and talented) Matthew Fox of Lost deserves a nomination, too!  David Ausiello: I couldn't agree with you more on both counts  especially Bishop, who may actually have a shot next year since Sex and the City's farewell opens up three slots in the supporting-actress category. Let's hope the other two vacancies get filled by Arrested Development's Jessica Walter and Scrubs' Judy Reyes.

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: Sorry, I should ...

Question: Sorry, I should have been more specific about what part of your Smurf collection I wanted to see ("Ask Ausiello" 10/27). I was thinking along the lines of PVC figurines.  Jerome Ausiello: I have a cancellation this Friday at 4:30 pm. Otherwise, I'm booked through Easter.

Wed, Nov 3, 2004

Question: I just read your ...

Question: I just read your section for the first time and I must admit, you are a very funny guy. Not quite sure what all the Smurf talk is about but...  Trish Ausiello: Be patient, Trish. Soon it'll all make perfect sense.

Wed, Nov 3, 2004