Q and A: Week of Oct. 8

Q: I am so happy to hear that “Army Wives” has been renewed for another season. Will all the stars be back for the new season? — Fiona W., via e-mail

A: Lifetime has indeed ordered 13 more episodes of the hit military drama for a 2013 seventh season. However, not all the details of who will be returning have been worked out. Catherine Bell appears to be a yes, while Kim Delany is most likely a no. Kelli Wilson, who plays Jackie Clark, seems a likely candidate to slip into a more prominent role. And don’t count out newcomer Kellie Martin, who plays Capt. Nicole Galassini. She told me recently that she’d be up for another tour of duty with “Wives.”

“I was honored to play this woman,” Kellie said. “I thought she was so brave and so smart, yet in her personal life she had to hide, and it was really fun to play someone who comes out. I feel like Capt. Galassin is the girl next door. Everybody knows someone like her. I’m just very proud of “Army Wives” and Lifetime for following through with the storyline that they did.

“Last we saw Nicole, she was on a plane to Afghanistan at the season end, and there was a lot of turbulence … but I had a great time and I never ever know where my career’s going to head, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

In the meantime, you can catch Kellie in the Hallmark Channel original movie “I Married Who?” airing Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9/8c. Check back here for my full interview with Kellie next week.

Q: What has happened to “CSI: Miami”? Has it been canceled? — Bill V., via e-mail

A: CBS opted back in May not to renew the David Caruso-starring crime drama after 10 seasons and 232 episodes. However, you can still whet your “CSI” appetite with the original “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” on Wednesday nights with Ted Danson and Elisabeth Shue, and “CSI: NY” with Gary Sinise and Sela Ward on Friday nights.

Q: Will “Finding Bigfoot” be back? It’s one of my favorite shows. — Eddie S. in Oregon

A: As one of Animal Planet’s top-performing series ever, you can bet your sweet bippy that it’ll be back for a third season. Prepare yourself for 20 informative and somewhat-scary episodes beginning Sunday, Nov. 11, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. This season the team of investigators will travel worldwide in search of the ever-elusive sasquatch, heading to Australia to investigate the phenomenon known as “yowies” and to Indonesia to scout out the “orang-pendek” creature.

Q: I was wondering if two of my favorite reality shows will be back: “L.A. Ink” and “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.” — N.P. in Kentucky

A: I hate to have to deliver this double-whammy of bad news for you, but neither “L.A. Ink” nor “Family Jewels” has been renewed for a new season, and therefore won’t be returning to TLC and A and E, respectively.

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Q and A: Week of April 2

Q: I was a little apprehensive at first about how “Two and a Half Men” would be with Charlie Sheen gone, but I have to say it is still must-watch TV for me. I especially like the recurring character of Lyndsey, who plays Alan’s sometimes girlfriend. Will they stay together? — Kelly T., via e-mail

A: If Courtney Thorne-Smith has any say, they will stay together, but not for any big romantic reasons. As Courtney told me: “I love their relationship so much because of their honesty. They are two people who looked at each other and said, ’Seriously, we’re just not going to do any better.’ They’re settling; there’s none of the fantasy. It works for them. I think they are really authentic with each other, and it just makes me laugh so hard.”

Go here to read my entire interview with Courtney, where she talks about the joy of watching Jon Cryer “do his magic,” the transition from Charlie Sheen to Ashton Kutcher, and Lyndsey and Alan’s future.

Q: I am wondering what has happened to “CSI: New York,” which aired at 9 p.m. on Friday nights. Also wondering when/if “Covert Affairs” will back on the USA network for its next season? I really like all the things Annie gets into on this program. — Mary Lee C., Port Charlotte, Fla.

A: As you might have already noticed, “CSI: NY” has returned to its Friday night home (since March 30) on CBS, with five more first-run episodes left to broadcast of its eighth season. Also, the USA network has renewed “Covert Affairs” for a 16-episode third season, which is scheduled to air this summer. While an exact premiere date has not been released, I can tell you that cast and crew are back at work on the new season. Christopher Gorham, who plays Auggie, tweeted to his fans that he’s read two episodes so far of the third season, and that we need to “Get ready!”

Q: Is “Steel Magnolias” being remade? — Charlene F., via e-mail

A: Lifetime Television has snagged Queen Latifah to star in and executive produce the television adaptation of “Steel Magnolias.” While Latifah takes on the role of M’Lynn, Alfre Woodard joins her as Ouiser, with Phylicia Rashad as Clairee, Jill Scott as Truvy, Adepero Oduye as Annelle and Condola Rashad as Shelby. Production begins this month, with the premiere scheduled for later this year.

Q: Is it true that the HBO series “Luck” has been canceled because three horses died? — Rosalind R., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Unfortunately, that is true. While a second season had been ordered, producers David Milch and Michael Mann decided to pull the plug on the Dustin Hoffman-starring series, stating: “Safety is always of paramount concern. … While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen, and it is impossible to guarantee they won’t in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision.”

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Q and A: Week of March 21

Q: I am going stir crazy waiting for the new (and final) season of “Friday Night Lights” to begin on NBC. I’ve been doing my best to avoid spoilers, since the season already finished airing on DirecTV earlier this year. — Paul G. via e-mail

A: It won’t be too much longer now, Paul. “Friday Night Lights” returns to NBC on Friday, April 15, for its fifth and final season, which consists of 13 episodes. However, if you really can’t wait to see how the series ends, the DVD of Season 5 will be released on April 5.



Q: On “CSI: NY,” what is the name of and who sings the title song at the beginning of the show? Can I get it on CD? — Madeline J., Gaines, Mich.

A: “CSI: NY” uses “Baba O’Riley” by The Who as its opening theme music. As you might already know, the original “CSI” uses The Who’s “Who Are You,” and “CSI: Miami” uses “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” again by The Who. If you are detecting a theme here, you are absolutely correct. All three songs are remixes of the original Who songs, and can be found on the official “CSI” soundtrack for each show. If you want all the theme songs, you can buy each show’s soundtrack, or you can purchase individual songs from amazon.com or iTunes.

Q: The other day, I watched Heather Locklear’s new movie on Lifetime, “He Loves Me.” While I love seeing Heather in these thriller-type movies, I miss seeing her in comedies. Any chance she’ll be doing any of those anytime soon? — Kellie M., via e-mail

A: I spoke with Heather recently and asked her just that, telling her that my favorite thing I have ever seen her on would have to be when she hosted “Saturday Night Live” back in the ’90s. She was thrilled that I singled out that performance, telling me: “‘Saturday Night Live’ was my most favorite thing I’ve done where you could see that I’m funny. I had such a good time doing it. And that ‘Melrose Place’ skit we did was so perfectly perfect. ‘I am an important advertising executive!’”


When I asked about her future comedic plans, Heather didn’t want to give too much away, responding: “I don’t know, but I do have a meeting for something soon, and it’s funny, so we’ll see!”

Q: Why is Julie Banderas no longer hosting the “Fox Report”? — Becky S., Clarksville, Tenn.

A: After returning from maternity leave, Julie was reassigned to reporter duties for the New York bureau of Fox News. The workdays are longer than when she was host for the “Fox Report,” but she gets to report on a broader range of topics, and can be seen on the news channel several times throughout the day (including doing reports for the “Fox Report” on occasion).

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Q and A: Week of August 2

Q: I am so happy that season 2 of “Dark Blue” has started back up on TNT. What can we expect for the new season? — George F., via e-mail

A: Star Dylan McDermott (pictured, photo credit Richard Foreman) told me: “We looked at the first season to see what worked and what didn’t work. We decided to make the show a little lighter in tone, added more humor, and the introduction of Alex Rice as my love interest. We’ve opened it up to a wider audience. It’s still gritty and dark, but adding and making changes opened up the show a lot.” (Read my entire interview here.)

Q: I can’t believe Melina Kanakaredes is leaving my favorite show, “CSI: NY.” Who will they get to replace her? — Maggie F., Portland, Maine

A: After six years, Melina is hanging up her handcuffs, and television vet Sela Ward is stepping in to take her place. “We are delighted to have Sela joining ‘CSI: NY,’” ’showrunner’ Pam Veasey announced in July. Ward will play an “experienced investigator from Washington, D.C., whose work is driven by her empathy for the victim.”

Q: Is it true that Steve Carell is leaving “The Office”? Why? The office will be so empty without him! — David G. in Pennsylvania

A: It’s sad, but true. Everyone’s favorite worst boss will be leaving the show when his contract expires in May 2011. He explained to E! Online that he just felt it was time. But don’t worry, as Steve explains: “It certainly doesn’t mean the end of the show. I think it’s just a dynamic change, which could be a good thing, actually. Add some new life and some new energy. I see it as a positive in general for the show.”


Some good news on the casting front, though, is the return of Amy Ryan as Holly for eight episodes, as well as Melora Hardin as Jan (no word as of yet on how many episodes). I can’t wait to see how Michael handles this one!

Q: I have been a fan of Natasha Henstridge since “Species” (who could forget that role?), and really liked her on the now-canceled “Eli Stone.” What does she have coming up? — Greg D., via e-mail

A: Natasha has been pretty busy since playing Taylor Wethersby on “Eli Stone.” The beautiful blonde, who turns 36 on Aug. 15, recently starred in “You Lucky Dog” opposite Harry Hamlin (who I’ve redeveloped my crush on since watching “Clash of the Titans” again). She also starred in the film “The Perfect Student” and starred in the TV miniseries “Impact” with David James Elliott ("Scoundrels”).


You can catch her on Sunday, Aug. 8, in the Lifetime Original Movie “The Devil’s Teardrop,” a mystery/thriller based on the best-selling book by Jeffery Deaver. She plays a special agent assigned to catch a serial killer who’s on the rampage in Washington, D.C. Natasha co-stars with Tom Everett Scott ("That Thing You Do”) and Rena Sofer ("Just Shoot Me!”). Stay tuned — my full interview with Natasha is coming soon!

Q: Does Jeanne Cooper, who plays Katherine Chancellor on “The Young and The Restless,” have a son or two in show business? If so, who are they? — Janet C., Battle Creek, Mich.

A: The Grand Dame of daytime television does indeed have children who are actors: daughter Caren, son Collin and, most famous, son Corbin Bernsen (of “L.A. Law,” “Major League” and “Psych” fame). Jeanne’s husband (now deceased) was TV producer Harry Bernsen Jr. They divorced after 23 years of marriage, but reportedly remained best friends until his death in 2008. Corbin, 55, plays the recurring part of Father Todd Williams on his mom’s show, and he directed Jeanne, 81, in the films “Carpool Guy” and “Donna on Demand,” as well as many other projects.

Q: I watched “Stargate: Atlantis” from the beginning, and really like one character who wasn’t in the show for the entire run of the series. Can you give me more information on Rainbow Francks? Also, is he related to Canadian actor Don Francks? — June J., Holberg, B.C., Canada

A: Rainbow Sun Francks, 30, is indeed the son of Don Francks, as well as the brother of actress Cree Summer (who is best known for her role in “A Different World”). You can catch him this summer in the CBS police drama “The Bridge,” which airs Saturdays. He guest-stars in the ninth episode of this first season. The show, which originated in Canada, already aired his episode (titled “Never Let Me Down Again”) in April, but you might be able to catch it online or in reruns.

Q: Can you tell me if Jill from “Wipeout” is the same girl on the Mercury car commercials? — Burton L. in N.Y.

A: “Wipeout” co-host Jill Wagner is indeed known as the “Mercury Chick” for her commercial and print ads for Lincoln-Mercury (since 2005). The 31-year-old North Carolina native also has appeared on “Blade: The Series,” “Stargate: Atlantis” and “Bones.”

Q: I would love to know what my favorite ’90s star, Jason Priestley, has been up to lately. The most recent thing I’ve seen him on is “Side Order of Life.” — Trisha J., via e-mail

A: Jason, who turns 41 in August, still acts here and there, but he has really turned his attention to directing. He caught the directing bug while working on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and has since directed shows such as “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” “The Lake” and the new “90210.” Currently he is guest-starring on the new ABC series, “Scoundrels,” which airs Sunday nights.


I spoke with series star Leven Rambin recently (see the interview here), and she told me she was thrilled to work with Jason. “He was so fun. He just came in and really embraced it and really got the joke of the character. The character is like an ’80s washed-up TV star who is now doing a reality-hosting type of show. He came in and was such a pro, and I got along with him really well.”

Q: After Farrah Fawcett passed away, I was watching an interview with her best friend, Alana Stewart, and she mentioned their shared Texas ties. Where is she from? — Janice, Fort Worth, Texas

A: Farrah hailed from Corpus Christi, Texas, which is in the southern portion of the state along the Gulf of Mexico. Alana is from Nacogdoches, Texas, which is toward the east and closer to the Louisiana border.

Q: I absolutely adore the “Harry Potter” series and am so sad to see it come to an end. What do the stars of the series have planned for the future? — George K., Casper, Wyo.

A: I had the chance to speak with the stars when they were in Orlando for the opening of Universal Studio’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Daniel Radcliffe will be starring on Broadway in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and he hopes to continue to hone his singing and dancing skills. Rupert Grint is going the indie route: His new film, “Wild Target,” recently opened, and he’s in preproduction for “Eddie the Eagle.”


Tom Felton might have a bit of revenge in his future. When I asked him about his speech being interrupted at the MTV Movie Awards by Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, he joked: “I just wanted to thank my mum — it took me four tries to get it out! Hopefully one day Will Ferrell will have a big lifetime acceptance speech, and I can swing down from the rafters and mess his speech up.”

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