The TV Addict 

Question: For quite some time now you’ve been kind enough to provide your fellow TV Addicts with an incredibly useful calendar highlighting the month’s big TV events. Seriously, my cubicle at work is practically wallpapered with them and I really can’t thank you enough for your hard work. The only problem is that you totally dropped the ball when it came to August. Please explain yourself? — HookedonTVA
The TV Addict: Truthfully, the TV Addict was on strike. And by that I mean, if the networks aren’t going to bother to program quality television in August, I certainly am not going to take time away from my FREAKS AND GEEKS marathon busy schedule to help promote the return of MILLIONAIRE on ABC. Plus, between Comic Con, my much-deserved vacation and the Television Critics Association Press Tour, I simply ran out of time. That said — here in a nutshell is everything you need to know for August: MONK and PSYCH returned to USA on August 7, MAD MEN returns to AMC on August 16, PROJECT RUNWAY makes it’s Lifetime premiere on August 20, TOP CHEF returns to Bravo on August 19, while GREEK picks up exactly where it left off on ABC Family on August 31.

Question: GMMR has got me totally hooked on GREEK. Got any spoilers? — Cappietastic
The TV Addict: Are you sitting down? Because I’m about to drop an honest-to-goodness GREEK game-changer on you. A spoiler so big, it may-or-may-not rock Greek row forever. Ready for it? When the hit ABC Family series returns from hiatus on August 31 [Please take a moment to ensure that there are no spill-able liquids within your computer's proximity!] expect to see hear a proposal from a series regular.

Question: Loved your sneak peek at FRINGE’s second season premiere, but found myself wondering as to why it was completely William Bell free? — TheOtherSider
The TV Addict: Unfortunately, there is a very good reason that my little tease was completely William Bell free —because that’s exactly what the episode was. Leonard Nimoy was MIA. That said, FRINGE executive producer Jeff Pinkner did confirm at last week’s TCA panel for the show that Nimoy has already filmed one episode for season two and “is welcome back as much as he wants.”

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While I’m not ready to see PRISON BREAK come to an end this Friday, I am ready to find out what goes down. Please tell me that my favorite band of [prison] breakers do not end up right back where they started (read: prison) — LincLover
The TV Addict: If I were to tell you that your favorite band of [prison] breakers don’t end up right back where they started…. well, I’d be lying. Because the fact of the matter is, at least one of your favorite Fox River inmates does in fact return from whence he came. But before you start to put your very own Michael Scofield strategy in motion in an effort to break he-or-they-who-shall-not-be-named out of prison (again!), you should probably take solace in the fact that things could end up a lot worse. After-all, Friday’s finale does offer up its fair share of shocking deaths, which we’re fairly certain is a far worse fate than five-to-ten in Fox River, right?

So excited to meet young Lily Rhodes on tonight’s GOSSIP GIRL flashback, any scoop on the episode? — Stuckinthe80s
The TV Addict: First, the bad news. With half the episode dedicated to GOSSIP GIRL’s modern day prom (more on that later), we didn’t get to spend nearly as much time in the 80’s as this TV Addict would have liked. That said, the good news is that fans of VERONICA MARS will be right at home in Lily’s world; With the episode not only opening with a nice, albeit possibly very unintentional shout-out to Neptune, but very exciting performances courtesy of MARS alum Krysten Ritter (playing Lily’s sister Carol Rhodes) and Ryan Hansen (playing the object of Ritter’s affection). With the even better news being that Lily’s story is most definitely compelling enough to have us asking, “What happens next?” and as an added bonus, the supportive sister vibe between Brittany Snow’s Lily and Krysten Ritter’s Carol may just be the ideal PRIVILEGED replacement should Sage and Rose not see a second season.

Any news on where Max and Casey are headed on GREEK? I’m worried! — TeamCappie
The TV Addict: You should be, because on tonight’s episode Max is made an offer he can’t refuse, putting the opposite attraction that is Max and Casey on hold for at least a month.

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Hey TV Addict, LOVED your reports from Paley Festival 2009, but why no love for BIG LOVE or FRINGE? — ThePaleyAddict
The TV Addict: Simple answer: Because spending a week in Los Angeles costs BIG bucks! And between my car rental, hotel, and borderline unhealthy Pinkberry obsession, this TV Addict could only afford to live out his TV adventure for eight days. That said, aside from Paley, I was lucky enough to drop by the sets of GLEE, GREEK in addition to spending time with a few of your favorite HEROES, so stay tuned for some great interviews next week. And, on a somewhat related note, if you’re reading this and just so happen to work for a major media outlet that includes any of the following letters “E,” “W,” “T,” “V,” “Z,” “A,” “P,” “T,” “W,” “O,” “P,” “E!” and are looking for an affordable, talented and really good looking west correspond, you know my digits.

I absolutely loved this week’s Evan/Cappie scenes on GREEK. Any word on whether we’ll be seeing more of my favorite Frat Bros. together this season? — RebeccaRocks
The TV Addict: Most definitely, because as it turns out, you’re not the only one who loves the Evan/Cappie dynamic. “I want Cappie and Evan back together,” explained GREEK showrunner Sean Smith on my recent one-on-one while visiting the set of GREEK. “So it was kind of nice to find the opportunity through a secret so…” And sadly, I’ve already shared too much. But rest assured, the Cappie/Evan bromance frienaissance is making a comeback in a major way. Stay tuned…

Any truth to the rumor that THE SIMPSONS are doing a 90210 parody in an upcoming episode. — DohnutFan
The TV Addict: Don’t let the May 3rd episode title of “Waverly Hills 9-0-2-1-D’Oh” fool you. It’s not so much a 90210 parody, as a HANNAH MONTANA one; When Lisa tried to impress her new Waverly Hills classmates by telling them she knows pop star Alaska Nebraska (pictured above and voiced by special guest star Ellen Page)

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As promised, Friday’s sixth episode of DOLLHOUSE didn’t disappoint. Please tell me it wasn’t an aberration. — DrunkonDushku
The TV Addict: Rest assured, it wasn’t. With Whedon’s winning streak continuing this Friday when he reveals more of Echo’s backstory by sending her on a mission back to the very College campus that we’ve become accustomed to catching glimpses of in the mysterious ‘Caroline’ video. Fans will also learn how Sierra ended up in the Dollhouse, when she confronts the man responsible for putting her there (and trust me, it ain’t pretty.) Oh, and as for the big reveal that there are twenty or so Dollhouses strategically located around the world, Whedon joked on a recent conference call that it’s built-in franchising. In other-words, get ready for DOLLHOUSE: MIAMI!

What’s the word on tonight’s GOSSIP GIRL? — GossipGuy
The TV Addict: Does “ZZZZZZzzzzzz” count as a word? Because unfortunately, that is my reaction to tonight’s snooze-inducing Nate-centric story-line. Seriously. If the Dollhouse ever needs another pretty-boy to walk around with a vapid and emotionless expression on his face, Chace Crawford is their man. So much so that not even an inebriated and highly entertaining secret-spilling Blair could save tonight’s train-wreck of an episode.

Loved Friday’s episode of TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR chronicles, how about you? — LenaLikey
The TV Addict: You mean the one where John Connor finally grew a pair. No exaggeration, scenes like John’s confrontation with Jesse are why PVR’s were invented (Well, that and because it allowed me to attend my BSG Frakkin’ Finale Party worry-free.) John’s transformation from petulant emo-boy was long overdue and I for one loved getting to see a glimpse of the young man who has finally started to demonstrate that he has what it takes to fight for humanity’s future. A fight, which by the way, just got a whole lot more interesting with Friday’s future-reveal that not all robots are on the same side.

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Got any GOSSIP GIRL scoop? I seriously cannot wait until tonight’s brand new episode. — GossipGal83
The TV Addict: Without giving too much away (because my friends at the CW really hate when I do that!) Tonight’s installment of GOSSIP GIRL is jam-packed with some seriously OMG-worthy moments. Relationships will be tested (particularly those of the ‘N’ and ‘V’ variety), surprising alliances will be formed (Leighton Meester’s real-life boyfriend Sebastian Stan returns as Carter Brazier, pictured above), and a vengeful Blair will hit the warpath in an effort to discover the identity of the person responsible for crushing her dreams. In other-words, set against the backdrop of the senior class play, leave it to the students of Constance Billard to ensure that most of the must-see-drama takes place off-stage rather than on.

I loved KINGS last night, especially my new fictional TV boyfriend David Shepherd (Chris Egan). Please tell me he is going to be okay? — DavidisthenewDamon
The TV Addict: As much as I’d love to tell you that young David Shepherd is going to be a.okay, he’s about to find himself on the wrong end of a sniper rifle’s sight. Turns out that unless you’re Captain Sully Sullenberger, being catapulted from obscurity to national hero within the span of two hours isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Who knew?

Two questions for your TV Addict. (1) When does 90210 come back? And (2) should I bother returning to the zip code that I once loved? — BeachBum
The TV Addict: First off, clearly someone has yet to download theTVaddict.com’s March 2009 TV Calendar that I spent countless hours meticulously crafting. For if you had, you would have already have know that 90210 returns on March 31st at a new time (9PM). And two, shockingly enough, 90210 is in fact worth watching when it returns thanks to the show’s break-out star Erin Silver (Jessica Stroup) doing something so surprising, so hilarious and let’s just say so border-line creepy that for once, come Wednesday morning, everybody will be talking about 90210 for all the right reasons.

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Hey TV Addict, lately you’ve been on a serious roll when it comes to BATTLESTAR GALACTICA spoilers, what have you got for us tonight? — LiveStrongAnders
The TV Addict: Unfortunately, I’ve got some bad news for you that you may or may not want to hear. Tonight’s installment offers up another slow, meandering and quite frankly disappointing tale that only pays off in the exciting final act. But on the plus side, fans of both Katee Sackhoff and Grace Park in particular will be very pleased with the amount of screen-time both actresses receive.

I’m sick and tired of another episode of HOUSE that was practically Cameron and Chase free. Please tell me you’ve got some good news? — FreeCameron
The TV Addict: I do not. Because as I learned after daring to defy the most powerful man in television scoopery earlier in the week, HOUSE scoop is the sole domain of one Michael Ausiello. That said, I do in fact have some interesting HOUSE news (just so we’re clear, it’s news not scoop) that will put a smile on the face of any and all ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT fans. On the March 16th episode of HOUSE cleverly titled “Here’s Kitty,” the always hilarious Judy Greer drops by to play a nursing-home worker who fakes sick to get House’s attention after the home’s pet cat singles her out as being on death’s door by sleeping next to her. Hilarious right? Okay not so much. But as long as the episode’s writers manage to sneak in Kitty’s trademark “Say Goodbye to These!” you won’t here me complaining.

Loved last week’s episode of DOLLHOUSE but can’t help but wonder, how long is it going to take for Tamoh Penikett’s Agent Ballard to come face-to-face with Eliza Dushku’s Echo? — TeamTamoh21
The TV Addict: Well the good news, according to my man on the inside of the Dollhouse (also known as the FOX press release that was sent out to the media on Wednesday) is that Agent Ballard will come face-to-face and fist-to-fist with Echo for the very first time on March 20th. The bad news is that we’re not so sure as to how many viewers are going to be around to watch this epic confrontation when the series finale of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA airs at the very same time! Cut to opportunity to shamelessly plug the BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Frakkin’ Finale Party that theTVaddict.com is throwing in Toronto, click here for details.

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Dear TV Addict, as much as I loved last week’s mythology-laden episode BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, please tell me tonight’s episode involves a lot less thinking? — TighMeUp
The TV Addict: Is it just me, or are TV fans incredibly hard to please? I mean we all spend season after season clamoring for answers, only to complain the moment we finally get them! God help LOSTerminds Damon Lindeloff and Carlton Cuse when they finally fill us all in on the mysteries behind the island, the four-toed statue, Ben’s mom, Claire’s disappearance, Jack’s father… well, you get the idea. But to answer your question, rest assured tonight’s episode is far less taxing on the brain cells. Not only does Ellen Tigh return in all her former glory, she gives new meaning to the phrase, “If this Viper is a rockin’…. don’t come a knockin!”

I have an unhealthy obsession with Jonathan Jackson, can you please tell me we are going to see more of him on TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES. — Jackson1
The TV Addict: I can do one better than simply tell you, I can be the first to reveal to you exclusively that Jonathan Jackson will indeed (all together now) be back, for multiple episodes no less. “Kyle Reese is the kind of character that fans are excited about and is good for the show,” revealed Jackson during last week’s one-on-one with theTVaddict.com. “I’ve shot three episodes so far and I’m about to shoot a fourth in a couple of weeks. A lot of stuff has been in the future, and Brian Austin Green who plays Derek has been great. Such a good guy and a great actor to work with.”

A while back you twittered that you were getting ready to see Lauren Graham in GUYS & DOLLS on Broadway. So… how was she? — StarsHollowHolla
The TV Addict: Well let’s put it this way. Had Rory Gilmore been reviewing the show for the Yale Daily News, she definitely wouldn’t have walked out. In fact, she would have been immensely proud of her fictional TV mom for not only proving that she has the pipes to belong on Broadway. But for more importantly showing that she can actually act and create a character that was hilarious, heartwarming and best of all, absolutely nothing like Lorelai Gilmore. Miss Patty would have been proud… and we’re just going to say, possibly a little jealous.

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Hey TV Addict, as a loyal stalker follower of yours on twitter, I couldn’t help but notice that you’re off to New York this weekend, Can I ask why? — NotaStalker21
The TV Addict: Certainly! After-all, this column ain’t called “Ask the Addict” for nothing. What originally was going to be a quick visit to the set of NBC’s exciting new series KINGS on Thursday turned into a full blown weekend extravaganza after your very own TV Addict was lucky enough to secure tickets to Lauren Graham’s Broadway debut in GUYS & DOLLS and a press pass to this weekend’s New York Comic Con. Where if all goes according to plan, I’ll be live blogging throughout the day on Sunday as I sit front row center in the DOLLHOUSE, FRINGE, LIFE ON MARS & CHUCK panels.

As per your earlier tweet, do you seriously expect us to believe that you’re doing “brunch with Michael Urie and Becki Newton?” — Jason
The TV Addict: Ummm…. no. But if it helps, here’s a little breaking news. Michael Urie (@michaelurie) is officially following the TV Addict on twitter. Which as everybody who is anybody knows, is the first step to what will undoubtedly be the start of a beautiful bromance!

Were you connected enough to snag tickets to this weekend’s Bradley Cooper hosted installment of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE? — ArvinSloaneismyConstant
The TV Addict: Sadly, no. But that doesn’t mean you, yes you, can’t help make this TV Addict’s dream come true. If your name is Lorne Michaels or you just so happen to be incredibly well connected within the hallowed hallways of 30 Rockefeller Center, please feel free to email me anytime at info@thetvaddict.com.

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Where the Frak have you been? Do you think you can just throw up an “Ask the Addict” anytime you damn well feel like it? I have needs you know! — TVLover28

The TV Addict: Look people, “Ask the Addict” is a two way street. One that only works when you actually take the time to you know, ASK THE ADDICT! Which is why we’re back. Because it turns out that more than a few of you have yet to discover google have some really great TV questions which I’m going to do my absolute best to help answer. Ready….

I’ve been pulling my hair out all week long trying to find a pair of 3D glasses in time for Monday’s 3D episode of CHUCK. Help me TV Addict, you’re my only hope. — DownWithFulcrum

The TV Addict: The good news is that according to our sources, and by sources I of course am referring to NBC’s official CHUCK news page, 3D glasses can be picked up for free at any of the the following retail locations: Kroger, Ralph’s, Frys, Safeway/Vons, Supervalu, Food Lion, A & P, Pathmark, Coburns, Fresh Brands, Hy Vee, Nash Finch, Roundy’s, Winn Dixie, K-Mart, Dollar General, Hess (select stores), CVS (select geographies), Meijer (on 1/31) and Target (on 1/31). CHUCK’s big news page also claims that, “Should a display’s supply of glasses run out or if a retailer near you does not carry the glasses, consumers can call 1-800-646-2904 to obtain a pair for free.”

The bad news is that if you currently reside outside the United States you’re pretty much out of luck. Unless of course you can scrounge together a cheap pair of plastic sunglasses, a red and blue permanent marker (ie. Sharpie) and a flat piece of clear plastic (ie. a transparency sheet) which combined, can easily be MacGyver’d together to create your very own pair of 3D glasses. Assuming of course you can follow these ridiculously instructions (Click for Video)

[Update] After checking in with our good friends over at NBC publicity, we’ve been informed that our attempt to MacGyver together our very own pair of 3D glasses will not work! Furthermore, viewers must use the “Color Code” glasses as the footage has been processed so it works with the Color Code technology.” D’oh!

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I heard a rumor that PUSHING DAISIES is done as a series and seeing as you are the most in the know person I know. Is this true? Or have I been bamboozled? — Dan B.

The TV Addict: The facts are these. People stopped using the term Bamboozled in 1931. But seriously, as dreadful as PUSHING DAISIES’ ratings have been — and they have been dreadful. ABC has yet to bury the show six feet under. Which is why if you really, and I mean really care about the fate of Ned, Chuck, Olive and Emerson you will be sure to not only tune into a brand new episode of PUSHING DAISIES at 8PM tonight on ABC, but knock on every house on your block and convince your neighbors to do the same.*

*Please Note: theTVaddict.com does not condone door-to-door begging and pleading in an effort to raise the ratings of your favorite shows. Unless those shows were among my dearly departed brilliant-but-cancelled favorites such as EVERWOOD, JACK & BOBBY, GROSSE POINTE, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL.

Can you please explain to me how KNIGHT RIDER got a full season pick up before EVERY OTHER SHOW ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH? — Jenn

The TV Addict: What’s that? You’re not buying my theory that NBC President Ben Silverman is secretly the fifth and final Cylon who has given a starring role to a talking car with the hopes of secretly pushing his pro-machine agenda on an unsuspecting public. Well then, how does this slightly more plausible theory from frequent friend-of-the-site John Kubiceck sound, “Even with modest ratings, NBC is making so much money from Ford by having KNIGHT RIDER on the air that Ben Silverman would be an idiot in these tough economic times to give up such a lucrative deal just because the show is bad. Making money with crap like that is what allows NBC to keep airing low-rated stuff like CHUCK and 30 ROCK.” 

Of course this TV Addict would be remiss if I didn’t point out to Mr. Kubiceck that (a) I’m not sure we know exactly how much NBC is getting to keep the super-sized Ford commercial that is KNIGHT RIDER on the air. And (b) CHUCK is no stranger when it comes to insanely intrusive SMALLVILLE levels of product placement [See: Recent sales pitch story-line featuring Michael Strahan and MADDEN '09.]

I’m still confused over your assertion that IN TREATMENT has been cancelled. Please clarify. — Marisa

The TV Addict: Now this may come as a shock to some, but it turns out that this TV Addict isn’t perfect. I mean who knew that sitting in front of a buteiful high defanition flatt screen for houres on end wuld be detrimental to my smarts? [TV Addict Note: Unlike my usual poor uses of spelling and grammar, the previous sentence of typos was purely for comedic effect.]

Which is why I’m here to apologize to fans of IN TREATMENT everywhere. All ten of you. Embarrassingly enough, I’ve been confusing IN TREATMENT’s cancellation, or lack there of, with TELL ME YOU LOVE ME. So to clarify, a second season of IN TREATMENT is officially moving forward with Hope Davis on board to play Mira, a high-powered malpractice lawyer and FRASIER’s John Mahoney signing on the dotted line to play Bill, a CEO who finds that life is passing him by.

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