Q and A: Week of Aug. 26

Q: I think I’ve finally dealt with the death of Matthew Crawley on “Downton Abbey” and am now eager for more upstairs/downstairs drama. Can you tell me when new episodes will begin airing? — Frannie P., via e-mail

A: Series four of “Downton Abbey,” which pick up in winter 1922, is scheduled to premiere Jan. 4, 2014, on PBS. Michelle Dockery, who plays the newly widowed Mary, assured fans at the Television Critics Association panel this year that as far as she knows, no other major characters are set to exit this season (referring to last season’s deaths of Matthew and Lady Sybil).

Michelle told the TCA panel: “As much as I think it was sad to see Dan (Stevens, who played Matthew) go, it opens up an opportunity for Julian (Fellowes, “Downton Abbey’s creator and head writer) to take the character in all new directions. The fourth (season) is about recovery. She’s starting a new life. There are various suitors who are being thrown in her direction. But she’s very reluctant to go through with any of it because she can’t stop thinking about Matthew.”

Q: I thought Jay Leno was going to retire and hand “The Tonight Show” reins over to Jimmy Fallon. Is that ever going to happen? — Brendan W., Spokane, Wash.

A: NBC officially announced that Jay Leno’s last day will be Feb. 6, 2014, with his staff of 170 getting paid through September as part of the agreement. Jimmy Fallon will take over hosting duties on Feb. 24, after the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. “The Tonight Show” will relocate to New York City from Los Angeles for Jimmy’s tenure as host. Seth Meyers — writer, comedian and “Weekend Update” anchor on “Saturday Night Live” — will take over Jimmy’s position at “The Late Show.”

Q: Is it true that Lea Michele and Kate Hudson of “Glee” do not get along off-screen? — Bridget L., via e-mail

A: Chalk that rumor up to good acting — just because their characters didn’t get along doesn’t mean the actresses behind the characters don’t. In fact, Kate offered up her Los Angeles home to Lea so she could hide out for a few weeks after the death of her beau, Cory Monteith.

In other “Glee” news, NeNe Leakes is set to return for multiple episodes this season as Coach Roz. This makes me happy, because even though I love Coach Sylvester, there is always room for the hilarious Roz.

Q: I loved Showtime’s series “The Borgias” and was so bummed when it was canceled without a resolution. Any chance it’ll come back as a movie or something to wrap things up? — Jerry T., Montgomery, Ala.

A: The Jeremy Irons-starring period drama, which ended its third season this past June, has gotten a wrap-up — in e-book form. Mid-August saw the release of “The Borgia Apocalypse,” a book based on the intended two-hour series finale that never came to fruition.

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 21

Q: I watched Season 1 of the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire” starring Steve Buscemi. It is the best new series since “The Sopranos.” Is there a second season in the works? — Lisa C., Port Charlotte, Fla.

A: “Boardwalk Empire” was renewed for a second season by HBO just two days after the show’s record-setting premiere in September. Even if that hadn’t happened, the numerous accolades the freshman series has been given — including Golden Globes for Best Dramatic Series and Best Dramatic Actor for Steve Buscemi (pictured) — would have guaranteed its renewal. Look for it this fall.

Q: When will the new season of “Nurse Jackie” start airing? I really miss getting my Edie Falco fix. — Grace R., via e-mail



A: It’s not long now, Grace. Edie and gang will be back when “Nurse Jackie” has its Season 3 premiere March 28 on Showtime. In other Showtime news, “Californication” has been renewed for a fifth season, “The Real L Word” will return in the summer, and Jeremy Irons (!) comes to Showtime in the new series “The Borgias,” beginning Sunday, April 3, at 9 p.m. Jeremy stars in this epic period drama as Rodrigo Borgia, the manipulative patriarch of the Borgia family who ascends to the highest circles of power in Renaissance-era Italy. By the looks of it, Showtime is really giving HBO a run for its money in the original-series department, wouldn’t you say?

Q: I keep hearing rumors that “Dallas” is going to be remade for television. Is that true, and if so, what can you tell me about it? — Kyra L., Tacoma, Wash.

A: This time, the rumor mill is correct. TNT has optioned a pilot for “Dallas,” which will center on the new generation — J.R. Ewing’s son, John Ross, and the adopted son of Bobby and Pam Ewing, Christopher — as they clash over the future of the family dynasty. Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray are all signed on to reprise their previous roles — J.R., Bobby and Sue Ellen, respectively. Jordana Brewster (“Fast and Furious”) and Josh Henderson (“Desperate Housewives”) also are set to star. As of this writing, it is not known exactly when the series will premiere, but I have my fingers crossed for fall 2011.

Q: I think “The Whole Truth” is a great program, but it has not been on the air for a few months. The banter between Rob Morrow and Maura Tierney is fast-paced with a hint of something electrical going on between them. Please tell me this show will be on the air again soon. — Louise G., via e-mail

A: I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but “The Whole Truth” was pulled from ABC’s schedule in December, with no plans to air the remaining seven episodes. Perhaps ABC will release Season 1 on DVD, with 13 episodes of the show included, but you never know these days.

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