Isaiah Washington Begins Rebuilding with Bionic Gig

Isaiah Washington is back in action - literally. First up, says USA Today, the actor will guest-star this fall on at least five episodes of NBC's Bionic Woman update, playing "an outsider with a mysterious agenda" that will either help or raise hell for Jaime Sommers. Beyond that, the disgraced Anatomy star has inked a deal to star in a potential action drama he pitched to the Peacock for the 2008-09 TV season. Hailing Washington as "a brilliant actor," NBC Universal Media Studios president Katherine Pope believes viewers will welcome him back to the screen, in that "people watch characters... not personalities. He's put that [drama] behind him," Pope adds. "Let's give him a chance to do what he does." UPDATE: In a statement, NBC co-chairman of entertainment Ben Silverman says, "Isaiah Washington is a very talented and versatile actor and I've always admired his work, These episodes on Bionic Woman and the new development deal will showcase his talents, and we look forward to producing some great television together." UPDATE: For more on Washington's Bionic role as well as his series in development, see the TV Guide News Report. POLL: Are you now more or less inclined to try Bionic Woman? Vote here.