Archive: October 2008 (118-122 of 122)

Oct 2 2008 05:21 PM ET

'Burn Notice' Exclusive: Is Michael's Father Alive?!

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Is Burn Notice resurrecting Michael’s dead dad?

That’s the first thought that crossed my mind upon learning that Frasier‘s John Mahoney would be joining the cast as "a mysterious man with answers about Michael’s past and his future," per series creator Matt Nix.

Hmmm…..

Pressed for specifics about Mahoney’s connection to Jeffrey Donovan’s blacklisted spy, Nix — no doubt inspired by my critically acclaimed multiple choice spoiler quizzes in Ask Ausiello — confirmed that he would be playing one of the following four characters:

A.    Michael’s old boss.
B.    One of the "powerful people" behind Michael’s burn notice.
C.    Carla’s "handler."
D.    Michael’s "dead" father.

The good news? The comments section below was tailor-made for games like this! The bad news? It’ll be a while before the mystery is solved: Mahoney doesn’t show up until the thrillomedy’s second season finale, which isn’t scheduled to air until February. (The second half of BN‘s season 2 debuts in January.)

Of course, if you’re looking to kill some time before then, you absolutely must scroll down and watch the awesome interview I did with Jeffrey Donovan at Entertainment Weekly’s pre-Emmy bash. In it, he weighs in on the pivotal scene between Michael and Fiona in last month’s mid-season climax, says how long he sees himself doing Burn Notice, and reveals what he was doing with Angelina Jolie right before this Q&A was conducted. Hint: It concerns their new movie The Changeling. Enjoy! 

Oct 2 2008 03:00 AM ET

It's Official: Rosie's Headed to NBC Prime Time!

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NBC is cooking up one juicy Thanksgiving appetizer for viewers this year: Rosie O’Donnell!

Nearly two months to the day since I brought you news of the Peacock-Ro
talks, the polarizing funny lady has inked a deal with NBC to headline
an hour-long variety show/backdoor pilot to air live in prime time on
Thanksgiving eve, Nov. 26.

Appropriately titled Rosie’s Variety Hour, the special will kick off
with an incendiary topical monologue and feature celebrity guests, musical acts, comedy skits, and a
“giant” giveaway for both the in-studio and home audiences.

“This is a dream come true for any performer,” O’Donnell said in a
statement. “Old time variety, live from New York with a nod to Ed
Sullivan, Carol Burnett and memories of Sonny and Cher.”

For now, Rosie’s Variety Hour is just a one-off special. But if this thing’s a hit — and, c’mon, how could it not be — you can bet it’ll become a regular fixture on NBC’s schedule.

Reaction? Looking forward to
seeing Rosie back in her element? Was NBC smart to test the waters with a special as
opposed to, say, a 13-episode commitment? Wondering whether Ro will ply her prime-time audience with same complimentary Ho Hos and Hi-C she did her daytime? Sound off below!

Oct 1 2008 07:47 PM ET

Ratings: 'NCIS' reigns, 'The Mentalist' holds

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CBS’ NCIS was the top-ranked show Tuesday night, nabbing 17.2 million viewers according to overnight ratings. That’s 4 percent down from last week’s season premiere, but up 24 percent from last season’s average. The evening continued well for The Eye, with the freshman drama The Mentalist, starring Simon Baker, wooing 15.3 million viewers to win the 9 p.m. hour [see update below] over the Dancing With the Stars results show by 125,000 viewers. That 15.3 million is 89 percent of the NCIS lead-in, and only down 2 percent from its series debut. With 12.6 million viewers, Without a Trace held 83 percent of The Mentalist audience, and actually improved 12 percent on its own season opener, to take the 10 p.m. crown.

Though CBS dominated the day, there was some good news for the other networks: Fox’s Fringe (10 million viewers) headed back up in the ratings after dropping to 9.4 million last week from the week 2 high of 13.3 million. Ditto for House, which saw an uptick to 12.7 million at 8 p.m., a 300,000 gain from the week before. (That’s still short of the 14.8 million who tuned in for this season’s debut and the show’s 16.2 million average last season, when it aired an hour later at 9 p.m.)

Over on NBC, Law & Order: SVU improved on its Sept. 23 season premiere by 6 percent with 10.2 million viewers — just 400,000 shy of its last-season average. At The CW, both 90210 (3.2 million) and Privileged (1.9 million) also saw week-to-week gains. Privileged needed it, having dropped 32 percent from its Sept. 9 premiere. Note: If history repeats itself, those freshman series will earn another 2 million and 1 million viewers, respectively, in single CW encores later in the week. 

Though NBC’s weight-loss reality show The Biggest Loser didn’t do poorly enough to be taken literally, it wasn’t fortunate enough to gain viewers in its third week. Though it grew over the course of its two hours (from 6.5 million to 8 million), this week’s episode of the families edition averaged 7.2 million viewers, compared to 7.4 million last week and the 7.9 million who tuned in for the Sept. 16. season premiere.

UPDATE: After Tuesday night’s final ratings were released on Wednesday afternoon, Dancing With the Stars was proclaimed the winner of the 9 p.m. hour, besting The Mentalist by a mere 10,000 viewers.

More from EW:

Inside the Cast of NCIS

EW’s Dancing With the Stars recap

EW’s House recap

PopWatch: Fringe sent Joshua Jackson to the ER

PopWatch: The timeslot war that pains you the most

Oct 1 2008 03:51 AM ET

Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on 'House,' 'Lost,' 'Grey's,' 'Smallville,' 'CSI: NY,' '24,' 'NCIS,' and More!

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Question: How about some non-Huddy House scoop for a change? — Dani
Ausiello:
Could I interest you in something on Thoreman? Never heard of that particular portmanteau? That’s about to change, since executive producer Katie Jacobs tells me that a major, potentially romantic story line involving Foreman and Thirteen will kick off in November when Olivia Wilde’s ailing alter ego agrees to participate in a clinical trial overseen by Omar Epps’ Foreman. As a result, the pair “are going to be spending a serious amount of time together,” reveals Jacobs. Thirteen’s leap of faith will follow a tumultuous few episodes in which she has a random hookup with an unidentified lovergirl (see last week’s AA for more on that) and witnesses firsthand the horrors of Huntington’s via a patient played by Lori Petty (A League of Their Own). “I don’t want to see Thirteen come down with Huntington’s,” confesses Jacobs, “but I think it’s important for the audience to see what she’s up against in dealing with [the disease].” Thoughts on Thoreman — the moniker and the pairing? Scroll down to the comments!

Question: Any scoop on Grey’s Anatomy‘s Callie and Erica? — Ally
Ausiello:
Their secret affair won’t be a secret much longer. Next week, word of their sapphic romance makes its way to two of their colleagues. Also in the episode: One of last season’s most significant relationships comes to an end.

Question: Grey’s spoilers, please! — Jack
Ausiello:
Alex and Izzie contemplate moving in together next week. Well, one of them contemplates it. The other one just says mean and hurtful things.

Question: Any good Mer-Der news? — Emily
Ausiello:
This is more Der than Mer, but the Oct. 16 episode will feature Patrick Dempsey completely naked save for one strategically placed pillow. That’s pretty good, yes?

Question: I have been very grateful for your Supernatural scoop, but I would be even more grateful if you keep it coming! — Toni-Ann
Ausiello:
Oh, Toni-Ann, if there’s one thing I like more than a catnap, it’s gratitude, so here ya go: The show is currently casting another Big Bad, a middle-aged demon whose air of gentility does little to mask the stink of his cruelty. The recurring character is one of the top dogs down under, so it’s a safe bet that he’s gonna raise some hell for the Winchesters.

Question: Are Tony and Ziva going to get together romantically this season on NCIS? Do they finally quit the cat and mouse game and start dating? — Dianna
Ausiello:
Sounds like a question for exec producer Shane Brennan: “There’s no doubt that Tony is intrigued by what Ziva was up to while in Israel, but is he motivated by curiosity or jealousy? The slow dance between Ziva and Tony will continue, but maybe Ziva has another name on her dance card. Could it end badly? Yes. The question is, for whom…” And you guys call me a tease.

Question: So glad Gibbs’ team got back together last night! But what’s the deal with Agent Lee? Will she be back? Will Gibbs learn of her deceit? — Kim
Ausiello:
Yes, she will be back. And yes, “sometime soon Gibbs’ gut instinct will kick in,” teases Brennan. And when that time comes, look the heck out! (Wanna see some exclusive new images of Gibbs and Co. and get more scoop on the new season? Well, by all means, click here!)

Question: You make up questions. And you’re ugly. — S.S.
Ausiello:
Let me check. (Beat) Computah says nooo.

Question: Is Kim Bauer’s return related to the 24 writers shutting down production for two weeks? Or is there any specific reason for them doing so? — Yong
Ausiello:
Wrong, Yong — Elisha Cuthbert’s comeback and the production time-out are unrelated; the powers that be simply wanted a stronger finish to the season. Apparently, they also needed some new characters, as a bunch more are being cast as I type this. One, Clea Bowden, is a thirtysomething Mata Hari who’s as hot as she is cold; she’s an attorney for the day’s public enemy No. 1, Jonas Hodges (Jon Voight). Another recurring newbie is Alan Wilson, a forty-to-fiftysomething Trump who is as powerful as Jonas.

Question: I think I figured out who your soon-to-be mole is that you sat next to on the airplane. Was it Amy Ryan? — Andy
Ausiello:
No, but since you brought up her name, here’s some Office scoop: Expect big un-PC shenanigans when a little person becomes a Dunder Mifflin sales rep. (Yes, yes, I know, you expected un-PC shenanigans, anyway. But now you know what kind to expect.)

Question: Thank you for the news about Danny and Lindsay having a baby on CSI: NY! How will all this impact Rikki’s (Jacqueline Pinol) return? — Lisa
Ausiello:
Per executive producer Pam Veasey, “It will impact how frequently we will see her. We’re constantly talking about when the right moment is for her to come back and be happy for [Danny]. Yes, we’re planning on her returning, but I would say the change is that it wouldn’t be as often. I think at this point the audience is interested in the [Danny-Lindsay] relationship. We did the bumps already, so let’s see what this new [baby] bump means for Danny.”

Question: Are Danny and Lindsay going to make it official now that a baby is on the way? — Nicole
Ausiello:
If they do, it’ll probably consist of a quick trip to city hall. “We wouldn’t do it big,” Veasey says. “You have to think of Danny. He’s a little unconventional. We want to do things that are unexpected but that really tell you a lot about his character.”

Question: When exactly did Danny and Lindsay make their baby on CSI: NY? Looking at the timeline, I’m having trouble pinpointing the moment of conception. — Tracy
Ausiello:
It happened shortly after Lindsay hung up on Danny in this scene from last May. “That’s the night they conceived this child,” Veasey confirms. “We believe she turned around and went back. [When we shot the scene] we had no idea Anna was pregnant, but we did leave ourselves options to take this relationship in a lot of different places.”

Question: Do you have any info on what will happen to Smallville‘s Chloe on the day of her wedding, please? — Naomi
Ausiello:
Very bad things. Imagine a cross between The Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield. Now imagine it at Jimmy and Chloe’s reception. Short-story-shorter: I hope someone remembered to take out wedding insurance.

Question: I don’t know if I can wait until January or February for Lost. Got any scoop on it? — Nick
Ausiello:
Sawyer, Juliet, Daniel, Miles, Charlotte, and ***** will learn Jin’s fate at the precise moment we do: in episode 4. In other news, ask yourself this question: Why was Jorge Garcia shooting a scene in jail last week?

Question: What’s the latest on Jim’s “death” on Ghost Whisperer? — Phyllis
Ausiello:
The latest is the fiery debate rages on, both on EW.com and over at CBS.com. Dive in at your own risk!

Question: Ugly Betty question for you: Will Daniel ever be editor in chief of Mode again? — Jason
Ausiello:
I think there’s a really good chance he’ll officially reclaim his perch atop Mode‘s masthead by episode 3.

Question: What happened to Marc and Cliff on Ugly Betty? Did they break up and no one told me? — Todd
Ausiello:
Nope, they’re still together. They have one of those special TV relationships that take place primarily off screen (see also: Chase and Cameron on House). But as David Blue (Cliff) told me at Ugly Betty‘s New York premiere a few weeks back, the MIA couple will get some long overdue face time very soon.

Question: Ugly Betty spoilers! — Eddie
Ausiello:
I’m getting word that Mode is hosting a company-wide, off-site retreat in November that has “Emmy bait” written all over it.

Question: Do you have any new scoop on ER? — Wingzo
Ausiello:
Did I tell you about the awesome scene where Ray and Neela are racing each other along the coast of Lake Michigan? If not, then yes, I have some new ER scoop.

Question: How bad are the ratings for Prison Break? Is there any hope for a full season? — Isy
Ausiello:
The ratings aren’t great, but Fox already ordered a full, 22-episode season, and they have yet to amend that order. Speaking of PB, based on what I’m hearing about the next few episodes, producers should bag the women-in-prison spin-off and pitch Fox Gretchen and T-Bag instead.

Question: The Unit‘s season premiere was fraktacular! Attempted (and some successful) assassinations of the current and incoming administrations gave the show new life. What’s coming up? — Tony
Ausiello:
Beats me. Good thing God invented show publicists! Per a Unit rep, “As the season continues, tensions run high between Mack and Tiffy as they are forced to live their farce of a marriage in order to protect their new identities — especially when their daughter is needed to keep up the front at school. And, now that Mack has discovered the naked photo of Tiffy and Col. Ryan, it’s just a matter of time until the situation reaches an explosive climax.”

Question: Now that Do Not Disturb‘s gone, what do you think are the next prime candidates to get the boot? — Antonio
Ausiello:
Hate to say it, because it’s my favorite new comedy, but if Worst Week doesn’t start retaining more of its Two and a Half Men lead-in, it’s probably next to go. I hope I’m wrong. And speaking of the not-so-dearly-departed Do Not Disturb, ex-Buffy cutup Tom Lenk really got the raw end of that cancellation deal. He landed the recurring role of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s slacker boyfriend right before the ax fell.

Okay, that does it for this week. Please forward all of your burning questions, constructive feedback, and anonymous tips to ausielloscoop@ew.com

Remember, you put the “u” in Ask Ausiello. (The other 10 letters are all me.)

Related:
More Ask AusielloEW.com MainAusiello TVAusiello Files Main

Oct 1 2008 01:16 AM ET

'Worst Week': Fred Willard set to guest-star

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Willard_fred_lYou could say that Fred Willard is about to have a really bad week. Make that two. He’s guest-starring in two episodes of the new CBS comedy Worst Week, EW.com has learned. Willard (Best in Show) and Connie Ray (Thank You for Smoking) play the parents of Sam (Kyle Bornheimer); they come to town to meet the mother and father of Sam’s fiancee and to help with last-minute wedding arrangements. The episodes will air later this fall.

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  1. Tuesday, May 1
    1. The Biggest Loser NBC, 8-9PM
  2. Friday, May 4
    1. In Plain Sight USA, 10-11PM
  3. Sunday, May 6
    1. The Amazing Race CBS, 8-10PM
    2. GCB NBC, 10-11PM
  4. Monday, May 7
    1. Two Broke Girls CBS, 8-9PM
    2. Castle ABC, 10-11PM
  5. Tuesday, May 8
    1. Last Man Standing ABC, 8-8:30PM
    2. The Voice NBC, 8-10PM
    3. New Girl FOX, 9-9:31PM
    4. Unforgettable CBS, 10-11PM
  6. Wednesday, May 9
    1. CSI CBS, 10-11PM
  7. Thursday, May 10
    1. The Big Bang Theory CBS, 8-8:31PM
    2. The Vampire Diaries The CW, 8-9PM
    3. The Office NBC, 9-9:30PM
    4. The Secret Circle The CW, 9-10PM
    5. Parks and Recreation NBC, 9:30-10PM
  8. Friday, May 11
    1. The Finder FOX, 8-9PM
    2. Undercover Boss CBS, 8-9PM
    3. Fringe FOX, 9-10PM
    4. CSI: NY CBS, 9-10PM
    5. Blue Bloods CBS, 10-11PM
  9. Sunday, May 13
    1. Once Upon A Time ABC, 8-9PM
    2. Survivor: One World CBS, 8-10PM
    3. Desperate Housewives ABC, 9-11PM, SERIES FINALE
    4. American Dad FOX, 9:30-10PM
  10. Monday, May 14
    1. Bones FOX, 8-9PM
    2. How I Met Your Mother CBS, 8-9PM
    3. Gossip Girl The CW, 8-9PM
    4. Two and a Half Men CBS, 9-9:30PM
    5. Hart of Dixie The CW, 9-10PM
    6. Mike & Molly CBS, 9:30-10PM
    7. Hawaii Five-0 CBS, 10-11PM
    8. Smash NBC, 10-11PM
  11. Tuesday, May 15
    1. 90210 The CW, 8-9PM
    2. Cougar Town ABC, 8-9PM
    3. NCIS CBS, 8-9PM
    4. NCIS: Los Angeles CBS, 9-11PM
    5. Fashion Star NBC, 10-11PM
    6. Private Practice ABC, 10-11PM
  12. Wednesday, May 16
    1. Suburgatory ABC, 8:30-9PM
    2. Criminal Minds CBS, 9-11PM
  13. Thursday, May 17
    1. Missing ABC, 8-9PM
    2. Community NBC, 8-8:30PM, 9-10PM
    3. 30 Rock NBC, 8:30-9PM
    4. Rules of Engagement CBS, 8:30-9PM
    5. Awake NBC, 9-11PM
    6. Grey's Anatomy ABC, 9-10PM
    7. Person of Interest CBS, 9-10PM
    8. The Mentalist CBS, 10-11PM
    9. Scandal ABC, 10-11PM
  14. Friday, May 18
    1. Nikita The CW, 8-9PM
    2. Shark Tank ABC, 8-9PM
    3. Who Do You Think You Are NBC, 8-9PM
    4. Grimm NBC, 9-10PM
    5. Supernatural The CW, 9-10PM
  15. Saturday, May 19
    1. Saturday Night Live NBC, 11:29PM-1AM
  16. Sunday, May 20
    1. America's Funniest Home Videos ABC, 7-8PM
    2. The Cleveland Show FOX, 7:30-8PM
    3. Harry's Law NBC, 8-9PM
    4. The Simpsons FOX, 8-8:30PM
    5. Bob's Burgers FOX, 8:30-9PM
    6. Celebrity Apprentice NBC, 9-11PM
    7. Family Guy FOX, 9-10PM
  17. Monday, May 21
    1. Dancing With the Stars (Performance) ABC, 8-9PM
    2. House FOX, 8-10PM, SERIES FINALE
  18. Tuesday, May 22
    1. American Idol (Performance) FOX, 8-9PM
    2. Dancing With the Stars (Results) ABC, 9-11PM
    3. Glee FOX, 9-10PM
  19. Wednesday, May 23
    1. The Middle ABC, 8-8:30PM
    2. American Idol (Results) FOX, 8-10:07PM
    3. Modern Family ABC, 9-9:30PM
    4. Don't Trust the B— ABC, 9:30-10PM
    5. Revenge ABC, 10-11PM
    6. Law & Order: SVU NBC, 10-11PM
  20. Thursday, May 24
    1. Awake NBC, 10-11PM
  21. Tuesday, May 29
    1. Cougar Town ABC, 8-9PM
    2. The L.A. Complex The CW, 9-10PM
  22. Wednesday, May 30
    1. America's Next Top Model: British Invasion The CW, 9-10PM
*Times are Eastern Daylight and subject to change

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