Mega Buzz on Lost, CSI: NY, True Blood, NCIS and More!

Senior editors Matt Mitovich, Mickey O'Connor and Tim Molloy answer your questions. Speaking of questions, we invite you to drop us a line at mega_scoop@tvguide.com.

I recently saw Malcolm David Kelley, "Walt haircut" and all, hawking chicken snacks in a Tyson commercial. It didn't fill me with a lot of hope for his future on Lost. Care to comment? — Adam
MATT: Did it occur to you that MDK was working the Walt 'do because he recently filmed an episode of Lost, scheduled to air Feb. 25? Just don't expect Michael's son to factor into Ben's mission to return select former castaways to the isle. As Michael Emerson tells us, "The writers would say that Walt ... left the island at a time that wasn't key. It's not just about the six who left; it's about when and how they left."

I heard a rumor that CSI: NY's Adam saves a life in an upcoming episode. Is this true? — Rebecca
TIM: "Adam doesn't save a life, but he does rescue someone who is very much alive," says executive producer Pam Veasey, who also told the Buzz what's up with Lindsay and Danny. Lindsay will take time off to go back to Montana and "share her pregnancy with her family." But when the baby's born, she and Danny find that balancing work and a newborn isn't easy. Oh, and Veasey refers to them as "the Messer family," the second huge hint producers have dropped that fans will get an early Valentine this week. 

Any scoop on Season 2 of True Blood? — Whitney
MICKEY: I'm sorry to say that the person you were hoping wasn't actually dead is actually dead. Bill, Sookie and Jessica, who are now kind of a demented family unit, travel to Texas, where they'll meet this guy. (The stars at night... are big and bright.... everybody!) 

I'm desperate for scoop on all of my shows. I know I'm asking for a lot, but.... — Vi
MATT: You do ask for a lot, so I'm going to make you work for it. Here is a list of your seven favorites and scoop for each — but in no particular order. (Sorry, there won't be an answer key.)

1) Grey's Anatomy	A) Someone will have their secret revealed, and lose what they love most.
2) Numbers	B) Two characters will be caught kissing for the first time.
3) Ghost Whisperer	C) Someone makes a career choice that affects each of their coworkers.
4) Ugly Betty	D) Somebody makes a request, and is surprised when they're turned down.
5) House	E) Someone gets into a fist fight.
6) NCIS	F) Somebody is talked into doing something that hurts someone close to them.
7) Bones	G) A dark secret from someone's past is in danger of being revealed.

Will Ali Larter have more screen time on Heroes' latest volume? — David
TIM: No, but she does have better screen time. Tracy proves to be "incredibly fearless and resourceful" during the "Fugitives" storyline, says a show rep, and "ultimately proves to be a strong, enduring presence in the Heroes universe." Quality over quantity, right?  

Will Olivia and Peter get a little closer this season on Fringe? — Martha
MICKEY: Only if they're wearing Arrid Extra Dry. The show's producers have consistently said that they want any Olivia-Peter flirtation to simmer, not boil. Besides, of the two Dunham girls we've met, Peter only has googly eyes for one of them.

We were led to believe that this season of Smallville would feature a huge story arc involving Lois. To date, I have yet to see that occurring.  Do you have any information indicating that the rest of this season is heading that way? — Jim
MATT: I agree, Jim, it's time to finally address the elephant in the room (that is, Erica Durance's conspicuous absence from recent episodes). Here is what executive producer Brian Peterson told the Buzz: "Lois returns in a big way [starting March 12], as she finds her feelings for Clark increasingly rivaled by her quest to get closer to the enigmatic Red-Blue Blur." Hey, it's something. 

Now that I know that Rescue Me is returning sometime in April, any scoop? — Merrily
TIM: Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, life is but a dream when your question gives us an excuse to preview Rescue Me's fifth season. Look for literal and figurative fireworks as Tommy gets into it with Janet's new boyfriend (played by Michael J. Fox), Chief Feinberg (who wants him out of the firefighting business), and his entire family (over the death of his father). Also, someone relapses and delivers a line no recovering alcoholic wants to hear: "As your sponsor, I'm demanding you take a drink with me."

Any news on ABC airing the final episodes of Pushing Daisies? — Teri
MICKEY: ABC is still contractually obligated to air the remaining three episodes. The latest I'm hearing is that this might end up happening this summer as part of a Pushing Daisies "event" to stimulate Season 2 DVD sales. 

I'm worried about The New Adventures of Old Christine going up against American Idol and Lost repeats, and in the timeslot that helped kill poor Pushing Daisies. Is there anything "happy" you can spill about what's coming up? — Caitlin
MATT: Does the idea of Old Christine and Richard regaining that loving feeling make you happy? Because that unlikely rekindling will take place when they help mean moms Marly and Lindsay through labor, and in doing so reflect on son Richie's own birth. 

Please ask the producers of 90210 to quit shilling Dr. Pepper and splashing their logo all over the place. — Bill S.
MICKEY: I know, right? That logo is everywhere. My West Bev mole tells me that the Dr. Pepper deal was an experiment gone slightly awry. Future product placement will aim for more subtlety. Besides, Diet Coke with Lime is a far superior carbonated beverage, several free cases of which I would never turn down. 

Shows like The Closer and Leverage are in true high definition when they air on TNT-HD, but Bones (among others) is not. Instead, they distort the standard-def image to fill the screen. What's the deal? — JD
MATT: This query was far enough off the beaten, scoopy path to pique my interest, so I dug up this explanation: Even though Bones is shot in high def (720p, 16x9 and all), TNT-HD currently does not have the rights to air the Fox series in that format. But maybe someday that will change.

Mickey's Mega Rave: I know it's fashionable to hate on Shondaland these days — what with all the ghost sexing, girl-on-girl kissing and fully-clothed showering going on — but I enjoyed the onset of the Grey's Anatomy-Private Practice crossover. Of particular note: the Victorian-style courtship of Yang and McArmy; Jennifer Westfeldt's high-strung pregnant lady; and Kate Walsh's enduring strength in the face of a family tragedy.  

Matt's Mini Rant: When the digital TV transition was first scheduled for Feb. 17, broadcasters stacked their slates with repeats, anticipating depressed viewership. Now that the switch has been delayed to June, those February reruns will be replaced with fresh fare, yes? Nope. In other words, Supernatural fans (for example) are still getting four repeats in a row — not super by any stretch.

Tim's Micro Riff: It's obviously Melissa. 

Reader Quote of the Week: "I have to give it up to the Grammy planners, because they did something no one else has been able to do — make me watch a performance by the Jonas Brothers.  By adding Stevie Wonder, I was intrigued enough to not fast-forward on my DVR. The result was a hot mess, but I did watch." (Melfman1, weighing in on this year's Grammy Awards)