Mega Buzz: Once's Flashback, Back to HIMYM's Future and Revolution's New Baddie

Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questions to mega_scoop@tvguide.com or tweet them to @adam_bryant or @NatalieAbrams
Will anything surprise us about the upcoming episodes of Once Upon a Time? — Megan
NATALIE: We know that the flashbacks lead to Regina enacting the curse, but coming trips to the past may surprise you. "We're going to show you some things in our world that you didn't even think were an option," executive producer Edward Kitsis says. Will we see flashbacks to other lands — say, Oz? Kitsis remains coy. "[They'll] center on our characters, but in surprising ways."
I loved the flash-forward of Marshall becoming a judge on How I Met Your Mother. When will he be sworn in? —David
ADAM: Like basically everything else on this show, that day is "a little way down the road." Lily, on the other hand, might be considering a career switch. "Lily's gonna be lost a little bit," executive producer Carter Bays says. "She's going to be grappling with going back to work or doing a different career or being a stay-at-home mom. Or maybe finding a job where she can work from home." Like art? "She will definitely look into art again."
Are we going to see more of Randall and Grace on Revolution? — Kevin
NATALIE: We'll learn more about the evil mastermind holding Grace hostage very soon. "Randall starts to play a very large part in the mythology in the second half," executive producer Eric Kripke tells us. "They're in this mysterious location, and we'll learn what [it] is. We'll learn what Randall wants, what he's doing and indeed how dangerous he is and how it'll affect our heroes." Bonus: Kripke also says we'll get all those answers by season's end.
Is Vinnie Jones playing Moriarty on Elementary? — Jimmy
NATALIE: They'd like you to think so, right? M. is certainly infatuated with Sherlock, but when things get personal, Sherlock may make a drastic decision that could create a permanent divide between him and Watson. Suffice it to say, Holmes fans won't want to miss Thursday's episode — and those same people may want to look here for clues.
Got any Hawaii Five-0scoop? —Melanie
ADAM: Looks like McGarrett's trust issues with his mom aren't going away. In fact, he's going to hire a private investigator to tail her! "There's a lot of mistrust about what her agenda is, and he wants to know what's going on," executive producer Peter Lenkov tells us. Treat Williams will play the P.I. in a couple episodes, but he too is not all he seems to be. "It's going to backfire," Lenkov teases. "It comes back to bite [McGarrett]."

What can you tell me about Esposito's upcoming spotlight episode on Castle? — Heather
ADAM: "He has to forge a relationship with an at-risk youth who is at the center of our investigation," creator Andrew W. Marlowe tells us. "It gives us a bit of insight into who Esposito was before he became a cop. ... I think we're in a place where Esposito is really looking for something in his life." And perhaps he might find it!
How will Stefan handle his breakup with Elena when The Vampire Diaries returns? — Julia
NATALIE: It depends on how you look at it. Stefan definitely spirals a bit when he realizes the depth of Elena's feelings for Damon. But he'll drown his sorrows with the help of a hot blonde. But which hot blonde?
What happens when the team meets Hodges' fiancée on CSI? —Christine
ADAM: We won't be the only ones who are surprised to learn that Hodges is engaged to an Italian beauty (supermodel Catrinel Marlon); wait until you see how his dumbfounded colleagues react. Naturally, his bella intended will be miffed to learn when she shows up stateside that Hodges hasn't told them about her. But they've got bigger pesci to fry. Can you say "piedi freddi"?
I am so excited to see Jesse L. Martin back on the small screen! What can you say about his role on Smash? — Diane
NATALIE: The Law & Orderalum (and Broadway vet) will play the producer of an Off Broadway theater company and will share many scenes with Karen's new love interest Jimmy (Jeremy Jordan), the mastermind behind Hit List, this season's new musical. "He shows some interest in our show and becomes this shepherd for our show coming into the New York theater scene," Jordan says. "Jimmy's not really fond of letting other people take control of his show. He's not fond of having a director." Uh-oh!
I can't believe what happened with Victor last week on Parenthood! What how will Joel and Julia deal with it? —Brenda
ADAM: Not only will Joel and Julia have to deal with the ramifications of Victor's violent outburst — and the startling way Julia handled it — but the couple will have to face the biggest question of all: Do they want to formally and permanently adopt Victor? Julia might be having second thoughts, mostly because Victor won't say that he loves her.
I'm excited that Steve is with Fiona now on Shameless. Is there anything you can tease about their new relationship? — Micah
NATALIE: Now that Jimmy/Steve (we don't really know what to call him anymore!) is no longer a car thief, the balance of power in their relationship has shifted. "How is he bringing in money? Is he going to have a regular person job? When we come back, we realize that he's basically become Mr. Mom to a certain extent and Fiona is bored and misses the thieving, sexy, fast-car Jimmy, or Steve," Emmy Rossum tells us. "Lots of things have changed and they've settled into a life that Fiona thought she wanted."
I hear Rachael Harris is back on Suits. Details! —Brad
ADAM: Yes, Sheila Sazs, aka the female Louis Litt, returns to help Louis hire an associate now that he's senior partner. Her compensation request, however, is more 50 Shades of Grey than $50,000.
Natalie's Mega Rave: Robin Sparkles is going back to the mall! In the Feb. 4 episode of How I Met Your Mother, Robin's teen pop star alter ego will be joined by a slew of Canucks, including Jason Priestley, k.d. lang, Paul Shaffer, former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page, Rush lead vocalist Geddy Lee, and former Canadian professional hockey player Luc Robitaille and returning guest stars Alex Trebek, James Van Der Beek and Alan Thicke. Not bad, eh?
Adam's Mini Rant: It's time to lose the food metaphors, Castle. Yes, Rick's ex is perfectly described as a "deep-fried Twinkie," but Castle as a soufflé? It leaves a bad taste in our mouth.

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(Additional reporting by Joyce Eng, Robyn Ross, and Kate Stanhope)