Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on NCIS, Castle, Psych, NCIS: LA, Covert Affairs, Suits, Beast and More!

Did NCIS‘ Ziva (gasp) “Friend” Tony? Which Castle couple is due for more lovin’? Which NCIS: LA agent will get a blast from the past? Who’s conspicuously silent in Psych‘s musical episode? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

NCIS | To Inside Liners Nisha, Joyce and others, this is for you. With many “Tiva” fans fretting that the pair’s season-ending heart-to-heart essentially landed Tony in the dreaded Friend Zone, showrunner Gary Glasberg maintains that over the course of Season 10, “We made huge strides. Their relationship has evolved, has changed. They’re a little more open with each other and a little more emotionally connected, certainly more than where we were at the beginning of the season.” With that same passionate group of ‘shippers having been vested in “The Year of Tiva” (a mantra initiated by, I believe it was, Michael Weatherly), Glasberg admits the couple’s closeness “may not be the big leap that a lot of people would like it to be, but I also feel like we’re enjoying the pace at which this is happening. That’s not to say we’re not headed in the direction  everyone would like to go, but I think we’re getting there.” As the EP explains, “It’s very complicated when two agents who are working together get into a relationship, and that’s something that [Tony and Ziva] would be very conscious of. So I think they would tread lightly, which is why, in theory, we’re treading lightly and being very careful about the steps that we take.” (As for Cote de Pablo’s contract status for Season 11, as of Wednesday night, Glasberg had no update to share: “I wish I had information for you, but I don’t.”)

Casting About | Before we dive into the reader mailbag, a few casting calls that have floated across my desk: MTV’s Awkward will close Season 3 with the introduction of Bailey, a “smart, very sarcastic and funny” freshman underdog – or, Jenna: The Next Generation? … On Necessary Roughness, the therapy-needing baseball prospect to be played by Entourage’s Jonathan Keltz is getting an increasingly concerned father…. And Californication Season 7 is casting a pair of TV stars: an African-American named “Hashtag Black,” and Amy, a pretty wit who’s heard a lot about Hank from her pal/Season 4 character Sasha Bingham.

And now…. Real questions, real answers!

I’m down on my knees here begging you for any and all info you might be in possession of on Psych! I’ll bake cookies, or send you a pineapple. Just please give me something! –Melinda
If you’ve longed to hear Arnie Becker let loose with a tune, the USA series’ musical episode — a two-parter set to unspool on one night in November or December – will not fill the bill. “I must tell you the truth, I don’t sing — and that’s probably why I only speak three words” in the much anticipated outing, Corbin Bernsen tells me. The pipes boasted by the rest of the cast, however, are “extraordinary,” Henry’s portrayer raves. “It sounds like Broadway stuff — the sort of stuff that I can’t do.”

Got any Castle or Suits scoop to help me through finals? –Christina
Suits up! At the USA Network upfront event, I asked Gabriel Macht what sets the stage for the new season’s flashback episode, which dives 10 years into the past. “The DA played by Gary Cole in the first season is brought back, so we’re going to see the origin episode of why Harvey left the DA’s office,” he shared. And what surprised him most about this latest bit of time travel? “It was interesting to find out where Harvey gets the value of not sleeping with the people he works with.” On a related note, Macht says the issue of where “Scottie” (played by Abigail Spencer) lands – New York or London – “is explained in the premiere, [airing July 16], so she’s back for that episode.”

I really hope to see more “Esplanie” on Castle next season. Anything you can tease so far? – Marine
Know who else hopes to see more Esposito/Lanie scenes? Andrew W. Marlowe, that’s who. Acknowledging that things are “complicated” between the detective and the M.E., (“I think that Lanie isn’t sure about wanting to commit “), the series’ creator says, “There is much more going on in that relationship than we have had time to show. There’s some great storytelling that we’ve talked about, but to give it the real breadth we want to, we need a bit more time. So we’re going to have some hallmarks next season on that front.” So I in turn ask fans: What hallmarks would you like to see?

What is new TV series/movie of the Jensen Ackles? –Emma
If there is a God: My Bloody Valentine 4D.

Can you tell us more about what’s coming in the second season of Beauty and the Beast? –Sakran
Presumably in addition to Catherine’s biological father, “We’ve got some new people joining us [for Season 2], which is going to amp things up,” Jay Ryan says. “Fresh blood!” As for the show’s sophomore run as a whole, Vincent’s portrayer has these expectations: “I think we’ve found our footing, as far as what the tone of the show is — and we can only grow bigger and better from there.”

Does Hart of Dixie’s Scott Porter think George and Zoe will finally be more explored in Season 3? And what would be his dream storyline for George Tucker? –Stephanie
What if I told you that his dream storyline does not involve Zoe…? Porter told me his No. 1 Season 3 wish is that “George is single, for most of the year. That we get to see him more fleshed out and go on some solo adventures as opposed to always being tethered to a relationship.” The actor noted that in Season 2, George “was single for one episode, and then had a revolving door of women coming through his life, and I want to see George outside of that.” As such, this storyline in which George shutters his law practice for a bit to indulge his musical leanings has a good ring to it. “There’s a part of George that is a little bit more wild — and he needs to start letting that side out.”

On NCIS: Los Angeles, will we ever meet Kensi’s ex-fiance Jack? –Lauren
No sooner did I utter your question to show boss Shane Brennan did he respond, “Yes.” But was that a yes as in sometime soon-ish…? “I answered you pretty quickly,” Brennan smiled, “so perhaps it’s something we are already thinking about.” As for what Jack might be like, Brennan isn’t locked into a type just yet, though he did venture: “Kensi likes Deeks, so maybe he’s a Deeks lookalike, another ‘shaggy dog’?”

Does Neal/Bae come back in Once Upon a Time Season 3, or is he really dead?? –Jessica
Judging by this bit of exclusive goodness (318 comments and counting!), he sure seems to be alive. (Unless he has another identity, that of Casper the Friendly Ghost.)

Covert Affairs is back filming and @ChrisGorham is tweeting cryptic teases. Any info on the upcoming season? –Janice
Gorham already dropped some juicy teases in Ask Ausiello, so I instead give you Kari Matchett sharing a taste of the tempestuous times ahead for the USA drama’s resident marrieds. In addition to the budding Annie/Auggie romance, she said, “There are some really interesting personal things going on [in Season 4] that inform the professional life in a bigger way for Joan and Arthur. I can say there is a very serious breaking point that comes up. I can’t tell you what the outcome is, but there is a very, very serious breaking point.” (Could Matchett’s real-life pregnancy play into this relationship drama? “Viewers will have to tune in and see,” I am told.)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Grey’s, Scandal, Smash, Five-0, Castle, Falling Skies and More

What is Grey’s Anatomy‘s big finale secret about? Why is Kerry Washington worried about Scandal fans surviving the hiatus? Will Smash go out on a high note? Does Falling Skies have a killer in its midst? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Grey’s Anatomy | As we enter this final stretch — the Season 9 finale airs next Thursday — here are a few teasers and/or merely interesting anecdotes. For one, you know how Shonda Rhimes famously tweeted that she scrapped her original finale plan for one that gives us a “superstorm”? Well, she says that a bit of bad weather was always coming Seattle’s way, “But it definitely wasn’t going to play out the way that it does now.” Then there was her tweet about having to whisper something to a director during the filming of a finale scene. Rhimes tells us that the top-secret exchange involved a bit of dialogue that was kept out of the script pages, yet was coming up in the scene. (“I just walked down to the set, told the director what we were going to do, and then he did it.”) On a related note — or not — I have this vittle for TVLine reader Jessica, who’s wildly curious about what the finale has in store for Meredith, Derek and the birth of their baby. “It is probably the exact opposite of any situation that anybody would want to go into labor in,” Rhimes says, “but it’s also works exactly how we want it to.” The show boss describes the storyline as “fairly intense,” adding that Ellen Pompeo “did beautiful work.”

And now, a flurry of reader questions….

Fitz choosing Olivia has the Olitz/POPUS shippers over the moon. How long before Scandal ruins the honeymoon? –Mandy
My advice would be to savor the POPUS/Olitz goodness while you can, because big things are brewing for season’s end. As Kerry Washington shared with me, “The end of the season finale is so shocking that at the table read I almost couldn’t get it out of my mouth. You can’t imagine how you’re going to live through the hiatus.”

When Falling Skies returns on June 9, how much time has passed on screen between the Season 2 finale and the Season 3 premiere? –@jacobsjj
I will go out on a limb and say that seven months have passed — if only because about a dozen different characters mention in the Season 3 opener that seven months have passed. (So exposition-y!) As such, Tom and Ann are thisclose to birthing their baby, which will, all things considered, present out-of-this-world complications. I can also share that the premiere has a wowza cold open in which the rebels kick some ass… until they don’t; Hal is somehow paralyzed, yet still finding ways to rendezvous with an ever-creepy Karen; and a murder mystery plays a big role in at least the first episodes.

Hi, Matt! I would love to get scoop on the Hawaii Five-0 finale — more specifically on the Kono and Adam storyline. Thank you! –Clarisse
Showrunner Peter Lenkov wants you to know, Clarisse, that come May 20, “Kono has to make the hardest decision of her life — choosing between Adam and her Five-0 family.” Your prediction?

I know it’s a little early for next season questions, but any chance we’ll see Dane Cook on Hawaii Five-0 again? –Sarah
Yes, it is a little early for next season questions.

Who is coming back next season on Criminal Minds? –Sandy
Who, indeed. Though our sister site Deadline said that holdouts such as A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness and Shemar Moore had until close of business this past Tuesday to accept CBS/ABC Studios’ “final” offer for Season 9, last I checked, there had been no movement,

Now that Smash‘s Karen told Jimmy that she loves him, will they be getting back together anytime soon before the series finale? And will Jimmy tell Karen that he loves her? –Kristina
Let’s just say the would-be couple has a “moment” in the finale airing Sunday, May 26. You’ll also see the entire cast singing “Under Pressure”; Karen and Ivy will reteam for a musical number; and Eileen’s bad boy squeeze Nick (played by All My Children‘s Thorsten Kaye) will resurface.

I’ll take any (and I mean ANY) scoop regarding Castle‘s season finale! Monday cannot come fast enough! –Martina
Awesome, because I have ANY scoop: Chuck alum Mekenna Melvin, we knew, guest-stars in Monday’s ep. I can now add that she’s playing Talia McTeague, a well-off Harvard student who shares a connection with the Victim of the Week.

Any news on the Man In the High Castle miniseries from Syfy? My husband is really excited about it. –Saralyn
Your spouse is in good company — the cabler got a very strong reaction to that announcement — but it’s still in the development stage at this time, I am told.

In one of your interviews with Revenge showrunner Mike Kelley, he said that he “tabled” Conrad’s son for the latter half of Season 2. Has Victoria’s abandoned son taken the place of that storyline? –Andrew
Not necessarily; last we checked in with Kelley, the Conrad’s son story had been pushed all the way to Season 3 — which, of course, Kelley won’t be overseeing any longer. So… who knows?

If there’s a show you’d like the Inside Line on, email InsideLine@tvline.com!

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on NCIS, Grimm, Once, Castle, Criminal Minds, The Following and More

Will an NCIS mystery soon be solved? Is Grimm about to get hungry for brains? Will a Castle “couple” reunite? Who’s doing the deed on Defiance? Will Once Upon a Time find a missing person? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

When will Season 2 of The Following start? –Elsie
If you mean, “When does Season 2 premiere?,” that’s a premature question; check back in June. But if you meant when does Season 2 pick up, Kevin Bacon predicts a modest time jump. “My discussions with [series creator] Kevin [Williamson] about next year have been in very broad strokes… but I do know that the things that I really respond to, that he’s brought up to me, are the ideas that when you see [Ryan] at the beginning of next season, he’s in a very different place in his life,” the actor shares with TVLine. “So, the idea is that we may jump ahead in time.” But will Claire be along for the ride…?

On behalf of all of us Criminal Minds fan fiction writers on Facebook, any word on who’s losing their life in the season finale? –Jekkah
Show boss Erica Messer wasn’t about to spill on the confirmed fatality, so I went with this angle: Is the Replicator’s target the same as the finale’s eventual victim? Her intriguing response: “There’s one of each — we have a target, and we also have a victim.”

What is Gibbs building in his basement on NCIS? Will we find out before the season ends? –Joyce
“Your question is perfectly timed,” showrunner Gary Glasberg answers. ” Don’t miss the season finale (airing May 14) and you’ll see what Gibbs has been slowly working on in the basement for months. It’s going to be a terrific new addition for our family.” Hmm. “Addition”? “Family”? It’s a big ol’ crib!

I saw CBS advertising “the last three episodes” of NCIS. Does this mean “ever,” or this season? They did not specify. –Sharon
I answer only because I received a stupefying amount of questions about this cruel CBS promo. Rest assured, NCIS was renewed for Season 11 some time ago. (We’re just still waiting on Cote.)

Any Suits tidbits? –Megan
Midway through the coming season, we’ll meet Harvey’s yet-to-be-cast father Gordon, in an origins flashback to when Harvey was working at District Attorney’s office and he caught his boss Cameron burying evidence on his cases. Of note during the father/son chat: They bring up two family members that have been hinted at only a little thus far, Harvey’s cheating mother and his little brother Marcus.

We’re three episodes into Defiance and Irisa doesn’t even seem to like her dad. Will this change? –@justinmwykes
Alas, save for one fleeting scene, Irisa is MIA in next week’s episode. (In fact, I hope they shot the scene during a busier day for poor Stephanie Leonidas, lest she spent hours in makeup to not say a word!) What you do get this Monday is a wonderful (and then suddenly intense) scene between Amanda and Stahma, and some sexytime for Nolan and Kenya (interrupted, amusingly, by madame mayor). There’s also a tiny mythology dump (what’s up with that golden gizmo McCawley’s ill-fated son discovered?), and you’ll learn the Bioman’s first (only?) name.

When will Malibu Country Season 2 start? –Joyous
The same day as The Following Season 2. (No, that’s just me making a cheeky callback. Reba’s ABC com needs to get renewed first.)

The penultimate episode of Grimm Season 2 is called “The Waking Dead,” a clear connection to AMC’s The Walking Dead. Are there any possibilities that there will be zombies in the two final episodes, considering Reg E. Carthy appears as Baron Samedi, probably based upon Haitian Loa of Death? –Oliver
Keen observation, Ollie. And I can confirm that there will indeed be zombies — with a twist. (Maybe they have porcelain-like skin?)

Loving all the Banshee coverage on TVLine. Got any fresh scoop on Season 2? —Noel
This one is hot off the proverbial presses: Harrison Thomas — who appeared in the final shot of Season 1 as Jason, the son of the real Lucas Hood — has closed a deal to appear in at least three Season 2 episodes.

Is there any word on a possible Chris/Gail romance in Season 4 of Rookie Blue? –@Chyler_Obsessed
The season opener (airing May 23) does feature a good Chris/Gail scene, but by all appearances thus far, it seems the show is going back to Gail and… Nick.

I’m in serious need of some Emma/Neal scoop on Once Upon a Time! Do you have anything? –Meredith
This Sunday’s episode very well may be everything you’ve ever wanted (and more), when the exes finally have a heart-to-heart. As Michael Raymond James previews, “Neal still feels some guilt” for bailing on his love 10 years ago, “but he felt he didn’t have a choice in the matter. I mean, we’re talking about her saving a townful of people that he grew up with, people from Fairytale Land. So in Neal’s mind, he jumped on a grenade in the name of the greater good.”

Are we ever gonna see Greg/Owen’s dad again on Once Upon a Time? I can’t say I’d be shocked if being locked up somewhere in Storybrooke post-curse hasn’t aged him a day. –Estee
Kurt Flynn resurfaces this Sunday. And… that’s all I got.

Any scoop on Castle? Are there any scenes coming up with Alexis or Martha, or Lanie with Kate? –Valentina
I like your thinking, that as Kate gets to wondering about her and Rick’s future, she might consult with her gal pal. So I am happy to confirm that we will get another of the all-too-rare Kate/Lanie scenes before this season is over.

Will the Castle ‘shippers that have a vested interest in the Caskett relationship be happy or angry at the end of the season finale, “Watershed”? –Gary
The Castle ‘shippers that have a vested interest in the Caskett relationship will… have a very strong reaction at the end of the season finale, “Watershed.”

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Mentalist, Good Wife, NCIS, Bones, Castle, Once, Vikings and More!

Who on The Good Wife will stir up bad blood? How will The Mentalist surprise Lisbon? Will an NCIS mystery be quickly solved? Is New Girl about to get very naughty? What comes out of left field for Castle? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

The Good Wife | As interesting as what does happen on CBS’ acclaimed drama – in Sunday’s finale, for example, Colin Sweeney resurfaces (though far from a courtroom), while Cary makes a surprising enemy while forming his upstart firm – is what doesn’t. For example, the April 14 episode was set to revisit the Vampire Diaries fan fiction scandal that nearly upended Diane’s Supreme Court bid, but the scene didn’t make it into the episode. (In the lost sequence, Florrick campaign operative Jim Moody opened up to Diane about his own obsession with the CW soap.) “I’m kicking myself now because the episode was so long we had to cut it,” laments exec producer Robert King. “We will get it online or something. It was a [great] shout-out to Kevin Williamson.”

Elementary | All roads lead to Moriarty…? On next Thursday’s episode, titled “A Landmark Story,” exec producer Rob Doherty shares, “We start with Moran (played by Vinnie Jones) in prison [when] he comes across something on the news that would seem to suggest Moriarty is up to no good in New York City. He reaches out to Sherlock to try to convince him that Moriarty may be here and making trouble.” But while it may not be time to bust out the M-word quite yet, “Moriarty is quite present in this last batch of episodes,” Doherty promises. “He won’t make an appearance until the two-hour finale [airing May 16], but we’re really getting onto his trail in earnest in the [May 2] episode.”

Major Crimes | Adama, call your agent! TNT’s offshoot of The Closer will introduce in Season 2 Jackson Raydor aka (yep, you guessed it) Captain Sharon’s estranged, not-quite-ex husband. Jackson is described as a “charming and devilish rascal” on hiatus from his career as a lawyer to pursue his main passion: gambling. But you can bet on major awkwardness — or sparks? – when Jackson grabs a gig as a public defender, temporarily crashes at Sharon’s place and fast becomes a buddy to ward Rusty.

And now, reader questions answered, via Inside Line’s shiny new email address:

Anything new on The Mentalist‘s finale? Thanks! – Luiza
As promised, the first Q that landed in the new emailbox gets an answer. So, Luiza, you probably heard how Jane is going to narrow down the Red John suspect pool to seven people in the May 5 finale. Well, wait until you see Lisbon’s reaction when he gives her the first name!

Welcome to your new email address! I’m still reeling from the NCIS cliffhanger. What else can you tell us about the upcoming episodes? –Cheryl
And congrats to you, Cheryl, for being the one of 100-plus NCIS emails I chose. This much I can share: Next Tuesday’s episode picks up right where we left off, with Tony and Ziva in the crashed car; no time-jump into a hustling-bustling hospital ER room here. Also, viewers won’t have to wait long to find out who it was that Michael Vaughn’d their vehicle.

Tell us Castle and Beckett are not breaking up in the finale! OK, I know you can’t answer that, but give us something to make us feel better? –Rida
Hmm. Would it make you feel better to have insight into how Andrew W. Marlowe decided wherever it is that Kate and Rick end up at 10:55 pm on May 13? When first planning a finale, the series creator explains, “You have a great map, but it’s like driving through fog a little bit – the closer you get, the clearer it gets. So about seven or eight episodes out, I knew ballpark where I wanted to land.” And versus yet another capper tied to Beckett’s mother’s murder, “I wanted a quieter, more emotional finale, without the fireworks,” he says. “In this one, something comes out of left field that both characters have to wrestle with, something that would be a challenge to any relationship.”

You pick the show, I will take scoop on any! New Girl, Smash or Scandal. –Jackie
Eenie, meenie, miney… Schmidt! Next Tuesday’s New Girl, which reveals how the characters lost their virginity, is filled with expectedly hilarious awkwardness (and braces for Nick!). At the risk of sounding like SNL‘s Stefon, you have prostitutes, a kids’ castle, a dead hobo, tears and a whole lotta lube involved. While Jess’ prom night with Teen Wolf‘s Dylan O’Brien doesn’t go exactly as planned, Cece loses her V-card in a very model way and Nick plays an (unwilling!) role in Schmidt’s first time. And yes, that big Nick/Jess moment that Jake Johnson teased is indeed huge.

So happy to hear Autumn Reeser will be back in the Hawaii Five-0 season finale! Any scoop on what’s going on with her and Danny? –Sarah
While we scoop-hunters may be in the loop, rest assured that for Danny, after being apart most of the season, Dr. Asano’s return is most unexpected.

Greetings from Spain. Got any scoop on Once Upon a Time? –Mundo Magico
Mais oui! (I failed French class.) In an upcoming TVLine Q&A, Lana Parrilla has plenty of wonderful things to say (and tease) about the final three episodes, including how the May 12 finale features “a very sobering moment, where the audience will be very surprised to see some characters have to come together, to work together, to save one another.”

How will Royal Pains handle Hank’s medical situation when the show returns in June? Last we saw, he had suffered a stroke-like emergency from the explosion at Shadow Pond. Will the show pick up with his recovery? –Laura
I have four words that may point you in the right direction: Five. Month. Time. Jump.

From what Bones‘ Emily Deschanel and executive producer Stephen Nathan said over the past week, it seem that Sweets is going to be impacted in a major way by Monday’s season finale. Care to elaborate? –Ed
It’s hard to say more without spoiling the season ender, but yes, Sweets plays a pivotal role in this episode — in that the buttons Pelant is pushing this time around belong to him.

The Nikita writers wouldn’t do anything as obvious as killing off Michael in a finale titled “Til Death Do Us Part…” would they? –Lora
“We have some pretty big deaths coming up,” EP Craig Silverstein spilled in out May Sweeps/Finales Scoopapalooza. And the finale itself, he added, uncorks “one of the most WTF shocks” of the season.

Can you please get info on Vikings? –Lyn
Oh, I’ve got tons, and it’s all coming your way soon. But until then, I shall taunt you with this context-free quote from series creator Michael Hirst, that despite what happens in Sunday’s finale, “I’m very happy to reassure audiences that Lagertha will continue to be a very, very important and major character in the show, for a very long time.” All together now :-O

If there’s a show you’d like the Inside Line on, email InsideLine@tvline.com! (With reporting by Vlada Gelman and Meg Masters)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Bones, NCIS, Arrow, Smash, CSI, Mentalist, Defiance, Once and More!

Who on Bones has a bad bug? What truth is Arrow‘s Tommy going to share? What is NCIS agent Ziva’s tie to the new Mossad boss? Will a secret Smash relationship be outed? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Bones | “The stakes are incredibly high” in this Monday’s episode, Emily Deschanel shared with TVLine this week, when a viral outbreak jolts the Jeffersonian. “One of our own” — Arastoo — “is affected and faces possible death,” the actress previews. “And since Cam, who we are so close to, loves him and is facing losing him, it’s incredibly terrible to think about.” As Brennan and her team race to crack the case at hand (as a means to developing an antidote that will squash the bug), Booth struggles with being shut out of the process. “We kind of go into lockdown mode, so even though he is very concerned and is threatening to show up, he’s not going to be let in.” Instead, the G-man does anything he can “from outside the Jeffersonian,” Deschanel says, “because we won’t be able to solve the case without him.”

Smash | With only six episodes left in Season 2, expect to see a number of story arcs crescendo toward their inevitable conclusions. Bombshell, for starters, has its official Broadway bow in this Saturday’s episode (now airing at 8/7c), and showrunner Josh Safran says that the musical’s “critical fate will be revealed” by the end of the hour. Meanwhile, you can expect to see more of Jimmy’s erstwhile drug dealer Adam skulking around the Hit List stage door — but maybe not for the reasons you’d expect. “The relationship between Jimmy and Adam is more complicated than has been revealed,” adds Safran, who teases that the connection between these characters will be clarified in this weekend’s ep. Oh, and if Jaime Cepero’s one-time-only, “gah!”-worthy cameo as the nefarious (and naked!) Ellis wasn’t enough Season 1 nostalgia for you, the executive producer promises that another former cast member will show his or her face in Episode 12.

Arrow | An Angel (alum) will descend upon Starling City next week, in the form of J. August Richards playing a hit man dubbed Mr. Blank. Per showrunner Andrew Kreisberg, “He’s a very cool new villain to add to our rogues gallery” — and one that almost was lifted from DC lore. “Originally, we were going to try to do Onomatopoeia, a villain from Kevin Smith’s run [of New Earth comics], but Kevin apparently said in an interview that there was no way to bring that character to television and film — and after a while we agreed with him!” (Ono’s shtick was the ability to mimic sounds.) Instead, with Mr. Blank, Arrow gets a tantalizingly “innocuous assassin, somebody who has strength and power but is just sort of there in the background. That’s how we came up with the name, because he’s not really anything or anyone.”

And now, even more Arrow scoop, plus many other reader questions answered….

Do you have any scoop on Arrow and the remaining episodes this season? What will happen between Laurel and Tommy? –Karen
Did you hear that in the May 1 episode, “Tommy stuns Laurel with a truth”? Because I did, so I promptly invited EP Andrew Kreisberg to elaborate. “People should be wondering what that truth is…,” he answered, before adding: “Not every truth is about the plot; sometimes these truths are emotional, and they can be just as powerful as the mechanics of what’s happening in the episode.”

Anything you can tease about Defiance‘s Nolan and Amanda? Their scenes during the pilot were so cute and hilarious. –Angel
Agreed, there’s a bit of a Han-and-Leia vibe there. In Episode 2, though Amanda is still recuperating from injuries suffered during the Volge battle (“Battle of the Volge”?), she joins Nolan on a trip to the bowels of what used to be St. Louis. Alas, by episode’s end, a bold if well-meaning act by Nolan’s wild-child ward Irisa will force madam mayor to make a call that agitates not just Datak Tarr but perhaps the entire Castithan race.

Matt, please, you’re our last hope. We’re dying to know a spoiler for this year’s season finale of The Mentalist. –Danny
I recently spoke to exec producer Daniel Cerone, who penned the April 28 episode that reveals the contents of LaRoche’s Tupperware (!), and while he had no direct hand in the May 5 season finale, I coaxed this tidbit out of him: “Put it this way: By the end of the season and into next season, the hunt for Red John becomes real. And names will be named.”

On CSI, Morgan has a thing for Hodges, yet he’s marrying Elisabetta — but Greg has a thing for Morgan. What is going to come out of that storyline? –Danny
I ran your query by executive producer Don McGill, and he had this response: “We’re excited at the interest sparked by the heat between Hodges and Elisabetta. Fans can expect more intrigue between our unlikely couple when a surprise visitor from Italy and a surprising revelation about Elisabetta’s past surface at a day spa where Elisabetta finds herself a witness in a murder investigation.”

Where is Dracula on NBC’s summer schedule? –Bender
Rest assured, production is underway on the Jonathan Rhys Meyers-fronted series — Episode 2 is filming as we speak, I hear – but any details on where/when it will “stake” a claim on NBC’s schedule won’t be revealed until the network’s May 13 Upfront presentation.

Please tell me the names of the guest stars on the April 17 show on NCSI. –Suzan
If by “the April 17 show on NCSI” you mean “the April 30 episode of NCIS,” which has yet to release a guest cast list, I can confirm that that hour marks Oded Fehr’s first episode back as the elusive Ilan Bodnar.

Is it too late to ask for more NCIS scoop? That promo for next week’s episode has me very excited to see the finale arc kick off. –Cheryl
Ever since I broke the news of Marina Sirtis’ casting as new Mossad director Orli Elbaz, several have wondered if Eli David’s successor is familiar with his feisty daughter. “There is a lot of history between Ziva and Orli,” show boss Gary Glasberg confirms. “We discover something at the end of the [April 23] episode, a nice little twist and a surprise that absolutely will inform us moving forward about the two characters. There is more to [their relationship] than meets the eye.”

More scoop on Once Upon a Time! Thank you! –Laurel
No, thank you for this generic request that allows me to plop in whatever nuggets I wish. “We said at the beginning of this season, ‘Magic is coming and it always has a price’ — and we’re going to see that at the end of this season,” series cocreator Eddy Kitsis told me. Leading up to that in these final four episodes, “We’re going to see a new chapter in the Rumple/Belle story that we’ve never seen… we’re going to see an Evil Queen and Snow White story that we’re excited about… and we’re going to get some backstory on Baelfire and Captain Hook. You’re going to see all the core characters front and center.” And just to be crystal clear about Tamara/what I shared in last week’s Spoiler Alert! webisode, here are Eddy’s actual comments on the matter: “She is a person from this world. She is from America. She is not going to be revealed to be someone else,” he attested. “For us what was interesting was, with the curse gone, what happens when the outside world comes? Who has been looking for this place?”

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on NCIS, Once Upon a Time, Criminal Minds, Scandal, W13 and More

Is an NCIS agent out for blood? When will Scandal roll out the voting booths? Will Criminal Minds‘ Reid ever catch a break? What’s up with Once Upon a Time‘s new “prince”? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

NCIS | Now that we have a new, “out of this world” Mossad director in place — and given that the synopsis for the April 9 episode says, “Tony suspects that Ziva is planning a risky move to avenge her father’s death” — it looks like TV’s most watched drama is poised to pick up the thread of Eli David’s murder and his badass daughter’s calculated (proportional?) response. “I hope everyone’s ready, because the sprint to the end of season starts now,” showrunner Gary Glasberg affirms. “Ziva is about to uncover a clue trail that will lead straight to her father’s killer, put the integrity of the team at risk and bring her closer to Tony in ways we never saw coming.” Thus raising the burning question: Does the same clue trail lead to Cote de Pablo re-upping with NCIS, for Season 11…?

Scandal | If, especially ever since the 10-month time jump, you’ve wondered when ABC’s ultra-buzzy drama will need to uncork a re-election storyline (Defiance, we’re watching you!), I secured a firm answer from series creator Shonda Rhimes: “[Re-election] is pretty much whenever we need it to be.” (I have a funny definition of firm, yes.) Rhimes went on to more specifically say, “Technically, it’s probably another year away, based on the math of our show. But whenever we decide it needs to happen, it’ll happen.” What are your  predictions, Gladiators? February sweeps 2014? Leading to a Season 3 cliffie?

And now, some excellent reader Qs, with excellenter As:

Is Spencer Reid ever going to catch a break on Criminal Minds? There has got to be some happiness for him out there somewhere! –Diana
I hereby present a sliver of hope, courtesy of Shemar Moore, who fancies Morgan as Reid’s “big brother.” Currently still reeling from girlfriend Maeve’s cold-blooded murder, “Reid finds closure, but it’s tough,” Moore told me. “Hopefully, all of us in life have had that one love that got away but you still hold true, and you learn so much from and you become better because of it. So, yes, Reid’s cracked a bit, but he will not break. It’s a process, but you’ll have happy, goofy Einstein pretty boy Reid back in the saddle before the end of the season.”

Do you have any scoop on The Americans? I love that show! –Elena
If you are worried that FX’s drama, like its high-caliber cable brethren, is going to end its freshman run on May 1 with a humdinger of a bombshell that leaves you screaming at the TV and cursing every day until Season 2 arrives (in January 2014), don’t be. “I don’t think this is a show about cliffhangers or urgent plot devices,” EP Joel Fields tells us. “So where we look toward the end of the season is teasing where we may go with the characters and the relationships. But it’s not about some crazy plot twist or cliffhanger.”

I about died when I saw the beautiful Tom Ellis (The Fades, Merlin) in the Once Upon a Time promo. Do you have any scoop on his Robin Hood character? –Sandi
While Adam Horowitz says that Ellis is “amazing” in the role and Eddy Kitsis teases that he figures into “a very fun scene with Rumple,” the series’ creators stress that the Rumple/Belle-centric episode (airing April 21) will not also deep-dive into the Prince of Thieves’ backstory. “It’s done in the spirit of what we did a lot in Season 1 — bringing in a character and mashing him up with our story without having to do ‘the Robin Hood story,’” says Kitsis. “But now there is a character in our universe who, should the time arise, we would love to delve into further.”

We were given a hint about a connection between Once Upon a Time’s Neal and Hook in Neverland. Do you have any scoop about what their history might be? – Stef
I kinda sorta do, and I share it in the next episode of Spoiler Alert! But until that goes live, I can share that allll the dots will be connected in this season’s penultimate episode, “Second Star to the Right.”

I know I’m one of the few people who care, but any idea when 666 Park Avenue comes back this summer? –Erin
Lucky for you, I have a source who is one of the other few people who care, and the unconfirmed, unofficial buzz is that the remaining episodes will see the light of day starting in June, and likely on Saturday nights.

I have been waiting for Warehouse 13 to air the back half of season 4. Any scoop on what’s going to happen? –Brendan
I’m going to be honest: Not a fan of the midseason finale. It was clunky, and the cliffhanger was only slightly better than what turned out to be the Alphas finale. (Which isn’t saying much.) That said… the resolution to all that Artie/Chinese Orchid hullabaloo plays out satisfyingly when the Syfy series returns April 29. Among the teasers I can slide your way: Leena resurfaces in an interesting way (as do the likes of Dr. Calder and James Macpherson); you’ll see the warehouse like you have never seen it before; Saul Rubinek turns in a heartbreaking performance; Caprica’s Polly Walker makes quite an impression; and James Marsters is pretty damn terrific in the guest-starring role of an expert on somethingoranother, playing “drunk” in the first stretch of scenes and taking part in a Buffy shout-out that will have you rolling.

I have never asked for spoilers but I am asking in my nicest, chattering-teeth way to sink your teeth into BBC America’s Orphan Black and give your readers some info. –Jen
Wowza, that was quite the request. How about an answer to the age-old question: Will Sarah start to develop real feelings for her clone Beth’s boyfriend? “Initially, Sarah doesn’t have any sense that she’s going to stick around long in this life, so there are no ties being made to anybody in Beth’s life,” says series star Tatiana Maslany. ”But the more she steps into this life, the less she’s able to get out without causing trouble. So she does start to become very linked to all the people in Beth’s life.” OK, but: Paul included? “An interesting dynamic between Paul and Sarah starts to develop,” the actress hints. ”Things definitely get more complicated.”

If there’s a show you’d like the Inside Line on, email mattmtvguy@gmail.com and maybe it’ll get love the next time around! (With reporting by Vlada Gelman)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Scandal, Red Widow, Once, Grey’s, POI, Beauty and the Beast and More

Will a Scandal secret-keeper be “exposed”? Can Red Widow solve a coke problem? What twists does Beauty and the Beast have on tap? Has Person of Interest‘s Finch met his distaff match? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

You’ve got Qs, and I’ve (usually) got As! On with the show….

My crystal ball – or one of Kerry Washington’s tweets – told me there is at least a steamy Jake/Olivia sex scene in Scandal’s future. In which episode will that scene be featured, and will it involve shirtless Scott Foley? – Patrick
I cannot seem to track down this alleged/supposed/rumored KW tweet, but I nonetheless will assure you this: A well-placed source confirms that “a very hot shirtless Scott Foley scene” is a-coming. (Brace yourself, Felicity!) The precise when and why, though, I must leave you to ponder.

Any spoilers for NCIS: LA? Pleeeeze!!!! –lgnyc1
If only because you went with the non-traditional “z” spelling of “please,” I give you show boss Shane Brennan talking up the season finale (airing May 14). “It is incredibly powerful, and I can tell you it involves Sam and his wife and the story arc that we’ve been playing so far over the season,” he shares. “It’s a fantastic finale. We’re coming home very strong, we feel.”

Please give us some Beauty and the Beast scoop! Thanks! — Lindsey
What if I told you that secrets about Cat’s family will start to unravel… and they might not be about whom you think? (That’s just me being coy: They will not be about whom you think.) Watch for those twists to trickle out soon and continue to do until the very last second of the season.

I’m hooked on Red Widow! Any spoilers? The show keeps getting better I can’t wait for the next episode. –nkristel
I have, alas, no spoilers. Unless you count an exclusive clip from this Sunday’s episode a “spoiler.” If so, then yes, I have “spoilers”:

How about some Person of Interest scoop? Like, will there be any more Zoe this season? – Shawn
There is still no news on the Zoe front, with Paige Turco busy off shooting her CW pilot. Instead, I can A) remind that Sarah Shahi is due back as the similarly kick-ass Shaw on April 4, and 2) reveal that the just-renewed CBS drama will introduce in its Season 2 finale (airing May 9) the recurring character of Mrs. Penn, a powerful, intelligent and wry 50something femme who never flinches in the face of danger.

If Once Upon a Time‘s Tamara basically has been lying to Neal about everything, then she also possibly lied about Hook. Any scoop on him? –@onceuponamirror
Your hypothesis would seem to be sound, about lying liars and the lies they tell and all. As for scoop on Hook himself, I can promise you’ll never guess where he next turns up. BONUS SCOOPLET: This just in from Deadline: Brit Michael Socha (aka Tom from the UK’s Being Human) has been cast as The Knave in the Wonderland-centric Once spin-off.

How can I sign up to be on the show Stranded? –Mark
Rest assured you are one of many readers who have asked/are asking about going on a ghost hunt. Alas, I am told that production on Season 1 of the Syfy freshman is already wrapped, so… cross fingers and hope it scares up a renewal?

Do you have any info if April will be taking her boards again on Grey’s Anatomy? – Babar
As a matter of fact, I brought your inquiry to Sarah Drew herself. “She brings it up again in [an upcoming episode], but she still has not taken them,” the actress answered. “I don’t know if that’s going to happen before the end of the season, or if it’s not happening until next season.” Asked to account for the hold-up, Drew ventured, “I think she’s just been pretty preoccupied, and hasn’t had a chance to do the studying and prep in the way she needs to.” Oh, sure, blame it on the hunky guy named Matt. Typical.

[Tonight] is the two-part season finale of Raising Hope, and those two episodes are the 21st and 22nd ones of the season. I’ve read on other sites (like The Futon Critic) that the show has a 24-episode order, so what’s the deal? –Nicolas
The “deal” is that those “missing” two episodes were in fact shot but are being banked to air as part of the already-ordered Season 4.

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Supernatural, Once, Smash, Grimm, Grey’s, NCIS: LA and More

What tribulations (if not Trials) await Supernatural‘s Dean? What’s the story behind Smash‘s controversial coupling? What’s the status of Grimm‘s big, bad mother? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Smash | We lead off this week with the answer to a musical mystery — namely, why is Karen Cartwright giving moody newbie Jimmy the time of day? “I know that some people have said that they find Jimmy sort of unlikable,” showrunner Josh Safran acknowledges. “Our goal was to create a complicated character that pushes everybody away that he cares about, and acts out, and is a little bit of sort of loud and reactionary. The journey for him this season is coming to grips with who he is and trying to let people in, much like Billy Bigelow [in the musical Carousel] — and hopefully people who stayed with the show will see Jimmy learn his lessons and crack open.” As for the way the wannabe Hit-maker treats Ms. Cartwright, Safran notes, “I don’t think it’s specific to Karen” but simply the way he is with everyone. “Right now, she’s sticking around because she finds him incredibly talented, and she’s drawn to him.” That said, “She knows he’s very clearly not a healthy individual, and that comes in to sharp focus very soon.”

Grey’s Anatomy | Just a quick casting nugget: If you are an All My Children fan of any duration, dahling, know that grande dame Jennifer Bassey (aka Marion Colby Chandler) is set to guest-star in two episodes (starting with No. 21) as the grandmother of a little boy whose parents are both critically injured in an accident. (Owen takes said lad “under his wing” during the difficult time, at least until Grams arrives. Hmm….)

And now, diving into the reader mailbag….

Will we ever get a glimpse of Deeks’ childhood on NCIS: LA? Or of his mother? –Laura
“Yes,” show boss Shane Brennan answers, “but not this season. Next season we’re going to learn more about Deeks, including some insights into his past, his relationship with Kensi and his future with NCIS.”

Any news on what Supernatural‘s Dean will be doing while Sam is dealing with the Trials? –Sue
I turned your query over to exec producer Jeremy Carver, and his response was: “I can’t say much about the Trials, but when it comes to what might be in store for Dean, I have one word: Tron.” (Could that be, as I suspect, a reference to a certain casting notice that circulated last month?)

Do you have any news on when Nick’s mother (played by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) will show back up on Grimm? –Amanda
I do not — and apparently I am in the best of company in that respect. “Truth be told, we have absolutely no idea,” the NBC drama’s producers say in a statement to Inside Line. “Hopefully next season!!”

There’s conflicting information out there about whether or not the whole cast of The Vampire Diaries has been filming scenes in New Orleans for the back-door pilot episode, or if it’s just the Originals cast. Can you confirm which one is true? – Audrey
I am assured that TVD regulars definitely appear in the planted pilot, but the exact and complete RSVP list is a well-guarded secret – including who appears in New Orleans, in Mystic Falls or in both settings.

I’m waiting for Alfred Molina’s character to get called to the podium on Monday Mornings. Who would be able to do that, though? –TP
Will the officious Dr. Hooten ever himself be the target of an M&M grilling? Jennifer Finnigan aka Dr. Tina Ridgeway notes that in exec producer Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s book, that twist does take place, “But in Season 1 [of the TNT show], no.” As for who would put the screws to Hooten in such a sitch, Finngan says that in the novel, “[Dr. Sydney Napur] is actually vying to replace him when he retires. So who knows if that’ll be a twist for Season 2?” Short of Hooten being summoned to his own 311, Finnigan reveals, “In the season finale (airing April 8), he is challenged. The doctors stand up to him and really question him.”

Now that Mr. Gold is alive and well on Once Upon a Time, what will happen to the relationship between him and Neal? –Margena
“Gold, he’s such a flawed character, so he’s trying to do the right thing but he doesn’t really know how,” says Robert Carlyle. Meaning, above and beyond that wacky offer to turn Neal into a teenager again, “He doesn’t know how to take that further, so it’s going to take a while to get any kind of resolution on that. But in Episode 21 or 22, something happens which changes [their relationship] forever.” For the better…? “Maybe,” Carlyle teases.

Once Upon a Time fans were given a hint about a connection between Neal and Hook in Neverland. Do you have any scoop about what their history might be? –Stef
For now, I’ll just say that one particular rumor making rounds as of late absolutely will not pan out.

If there’s a show you’d like the Inside Line on, email mattmtvguy@gmail.com and maybe it’ll get love the next time around! (With reporting by Vlada Gelman)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on NCIS, NCIS: Red, Once, Big Bang Theory, Castle, Scandal and More

What is up with the back end of NCIS Season 10? Is big news brewing on Castle? What brand of evil is Once Upon a Time‘s Regina now serving? Get answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

NCIS | On the short-term spoiler front, I’ve got Pauley Perrette teasing a bit of high drama on March 19, when the NCIS team swings into action to… help Vance hire a nanny for his kids. “But Vance is such an independent person that all the help from the crew is not making him happy,” the actress says of the Michael Weatherly-directed episode. “He’s kind of like, ‘I love you, but leave me alone!’” Now, looking in the general direction of the Season 10 finale, show boss Gary Glasberg has been telling his cast, “‘The last half of this season is going to be unlike any season’ — and I’m not sure what that means, to be honest,” Brian Dietzen reports. “All of us are on pins and needles, like, ‘What are we going to do? What does that really mean?’ But he’s not giving anything away!”

Once Upon a Time | As previously previewed, Regina is most definitely out for blood, having realized that Mary Margaret orchestrated Cora’s death. But how exactly will the Evil Queen go about exacting her revenge? “I honestly can’t say — it’ll just give away too much,” Lana Parrilla (sorta) tells us. “But I think she’s going to ‘rely a little bit on the universe’ and let things unfold as they’re meant to be.” Said differently: “She’s going to stalk her for a little bit, and then try to take her down.” (Psst, more Once scoop below.)

Castle | First, there was the Valentine’s Day jewelry jumble. Then, during Alexis’ kidnapping, Gates urged Kate to do whatever is necessary to help Rick. Was the latter a sign that the captain is wise to the workplace romance? “Do you know what that [line] came after? Seeing or not seeing them hug,” Penny Johnson Jerald reminds. “In fact, I remember the director saying, ‘I want you to turn around,’ and I go, ‘I don’t think I ever look at [Beckett]. ‘Cause I always think it’s about [Castle].’ So that was a good call.” Jerald can’t say if Gates in fact is onto the lovebirds, but in her mind, “It’s not whether she knows or not; it’s how she’s going to handle to truth.” BONUS SCOOP: Seamus Dever tells us that by Episode 18 (airing March 25 and revolving around Ryan’s past), we’ll know if his detective is gonna be a dad.

The Big Bang Theory | Speaking with EP Steve Molaro at the CBS hitcom’s PaleyFest 2013 event, we asked if the matter of Penny proposing to Leonard will be revisited this season. “We addressed that pretty well and won’t be hitting it any time soon,” he answered. “But when that springs back around, we know whose court the ball is in.” As for the show’s newest coupling, Simon Helberg shared that as Howard’s bestie Raj dates Lucy, “He discovers some stuff on the Internet about her.” (Insert :-O emoticon.) As Raj processes this finding, “Howard tries to help give him some tips,” Helberg says, “which is always a double-edged sword!”

Beauty and the Beast | As the show returns from its midseason break, Nicole Gale Anderson says the death of Heather’s beau Darius presents “a huge shift for the show. They start a whole hunt for the beast, to vindicate that death, and [Darius' brother] Joe takes this huge turn…. It changes all the relationships at [the precinct].” Vincent meanwhile will hunt down the thugs who set in motion Darius’ killing, “Not only to clear his name but because he knows what it’s like to lose brothers,” Anderson explains. “He definitely is dealing with a lot of guilt and this whole complex of ‘Am I still human or am I turning, slowly, into this monster that I am?’” Lastly, tonight’s arrival of Sendhil Ramamurthy as a vigilante-hunting ADA presents “a huge twist,” the actress teases. “Just when you think something is going to go a certain way, he comes in and changes everything.”

And now, we finish with a few reader questions….

On Once Upon a Time, does Neil’s fiancée possibly have a fairytale background? –Tedi
Ooh, I like this question. Let me say this: Soon enough, you won’t be wondering who Tamara might be so much as wondering what the [bleep] her agenda is.

Can you tell us anything about the upcoming NCIS: LA spin-off? –Ali
Though Daniela Ruah doesn’t share many scenes with the “Red” team, she did share this observation with us: “There’s a lot of tension going on between Callen and the female lead” aka Agent Paris, played by Kim Raver. They’re just throwing more wood in a fire.” (Reminder: The two-part planted pilot kicks off March 19.)

Can you feed my Scandal addiction and give me some spoilers? — Nicole
Given your name, howzabout I drop this bit on you, regarding Fringe alum Jasika Nicole’s mysterious guest-starring role: Her character has a deep connection to an existing character.

Pretty Little Liars! I’ll take anything, except if anyone is dying. I hate it when someone dies. –Elke
Though I cannot vouch if any of the following pertains to death, you’re getting it nonetheless. Exec producer Oliver Goldstick gave us this three-word tease for Tuesday’s season finale: “Haunting. Mind-blowing. Smoldering.”

If there’s a show you’d like the Inside Line on, email mattmtvguy@gmail.com and maybe it’ll get love the next time around! (With reporting by Meg Masters and Vlada Gelman)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Bones, Castle, The Mentalist, Revenge, H50, Glee, Once and More

What do we see in The Mentalist‘s future? What “hot” storyline is ahead on Bones? Are you ready for the Castle finale’s jelly? Who are the Once Upon a Time bosses excited for you to know better? Will Nashville‘s Deacon sing the (baby) blues? Get answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Ausiello’s off hosting Parenthood‘s PaleyFest panel, so he wont notice if I do all Q&A this week, right? Of course not. Our secret, folks….

Is there anything you can dish on The Mentalist? –Katrina
Well, that sure sounds like a “red” alert! In the new run of episodes kicking off this Sunday, Lorelai comes back into Jane’s life (with bloody results); things start to heat up again between Van Pelt and Rigsby (in a way neither could have predicted); JJ LaRoche, the head of the CBI’s Professional Standards Unit, returns and the mystery of what’s inside his Tupperware container is (finally!!) answered; and Jane’s quest to narrow down the list of Red John suspects comes to a thrilling conclusion in the season finale, “Red John’s Rules.”

Please tell me Hodgins gets his money back on Bones. He isn’t the same without the money. –Laura
“There’s a very, very surprising development with Hodgins and his money issues that involves Finn… and hot sauce. And a visit from someone who was competing to be one of the Top Chef Masters,” teases EP Stephen Nathan. “It’s a perfect storm of food and money.” Any GH fans getting a Pickle-Lila vibe from this?

Do you have anything regarding Castle‘s 100th episode? Any scoop will be very much appreciated! –Martina
One hundred, shmun-hundred! How about, instead, Episode 105 – aka the Season 5 finale? “We’re looking at a very emotional finale,” series creator Andrew W. Marlowe previews. “We’re dealing with something very explosive, personally… ‘he says cryptically and mysteriously.’” With a smile, he added: “Stay tuned!”

Is there any scoop on what is in store for Kono and Adam’s relationship on Hawaii Five-0? –Jennifer
Towards season’s end, they’re still a couple… when Kono learns that Adam’s been keeping a secret from her, about someone who has reentered his life. Uh-oh.

I am really looking forward to the rest of Season 2 on Revenge. Especially after that last episode, what can we expect? –Matt
You know how Gabriel Mann teased for us a “Nolan-centric” season finale? At this week’s TV Academy event showcasing the ABC sudser, he elaborated – somewhat – about what’s on tap, saying that over “the next three or four episodes, you’re going to have a very good idea of where these events may be leading.” In fact, he’s left to wonder “whether we may hit that apex even prior to the finale — and if we do, what does that mean for what the finale actually could mean?” His working theory: Simply that the season-ender “is going to be next-level [stuff]. It’s going to be hard to top last year, so they’ve got their work cut out for them.”

What’s coming next for Glee‘s “Klaine”? –Basak
I can’t speak for Kurt‘s doings, but what if I told you that a familiar face will have Blaine flipping head over heels…? That’s right, Blaine is heading back to the Cheerios, as you may have heard. But you perhaps do not know why. “Sue’s trying to get him back on the Cheerios, because he was on the team for a hot minute there, so she blackmails him, basically,” Jane Lynch shares. That contentious set-up understandably leads to a duel of sorts ‘tween the two. But is it of the musical variety? “Maybe!” Lynch answered with a laugh.

When do the new episodes of Scandal start again? –Syd
Season 2 resumes March 21, with three — count ‘em, three – fresh episodes in a row.

Will Neal’s fiancée play a role in future Once Upon a Time episodes? –Devin
Yes — though probably not in quite the way you expect. And that’s all I’ll say, for now, on the matter… so here’s series cocreator Eddy Kitsis, pre-PaleyFest: “Tamara’s not going anywhere anytime soon…. We’re very excited for the audience to see what she’s all about.” (Ooh, Devin, you came so close to asking the question I have a tantalizing response for. Maybe next week….)

I know Sally Pressman will make appearances on Army Wives this season, and that [REDACTED] is going to be killed off…. But I was wondering about Drew Fuller’s character, Trevor — is he gone for good? –Vita
My lips are sealed, but as you can surmise by our coverage of Season 7, big changes are ahead – including goodbyes for several characters.

Will Nashville‘s Deacon find out about his secret child with Rayna this season? –Stephanie
Series creator Callie Khouri confirms that Deacon thus far “has no idea” about his progeny, and she seems in no rush to drop that paternity bombshell. “That’s a big deal… We’ll hold that,” Khouri says – though, keep in mind, she hasn’t tackled the season finale yet.

Is the rumour true that T.J. Ramini is returning to NCIS (as Mossad Officer Malachi Ben-Gidon)? –Ted
“It’s no secret Eli David’s killer is still out there — and Ziva wants answers as does Mossad,” answers showrunner Gary Glasberg. “But we will have to wait and see if that means Malachi is coming back as well.”

Now that things are starting to heat up between Person of Interest‘s Reese and Zoe, are we going to see Paige Turco again soon? –Kelly
I was prepared to break the news that, no, Turco has not booked her next visit just yet. And now, in light of her new commitment, it might be a while ’til she’s available for an encore. (Did I ever tell you about the time I sent Paige, then just a soap opera ingenue, roses…?)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Once Upon a Time, Walking Dead, Beast Sex, Castle, Scandal & More

Is Once Upon a Time‘s Regina truly back to being a bad girl? Will Beauty and the Beast give new meaning to “safe” sex? Who’s back from the Dead? Will Castle be left in a father daze? Get answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Once Upon a Time | Since many – myself included – have speculated that Cora cast some sort of spell on her daughter, and that’s why Regina seems to have abandoned her redemption tour, I asked the series’ creators if we are onto something. Short answer: Nope. As Eddy Kitsis reminds, “In Episode 9, we saw Regina say, ‘I have to kill you, Mother. Your grip on my heart is too strong.’ So while the audience is right to be wary of Cora, and Regina is right to be wary of her mother’s true intentions, we can never forget how important the need to get your mom’s approval and love is.” Adam Horowitz meanwhile offered this teaser for fans of Lana Parrilla’s ever-unpredictable alter ego: “We’re going to see some Regina unleashed!”

Beauty and the Beast | Admit it. You’re curious. Because VinCat’s first kiss surely will lead to a second, and … etcetera. So, should the lady cop be worried about him beasting out mid-coitus? EP Brian Peterson, whose Smallville dealt with a similar sitch (with Clark/Lana/”super-sex”), tells me that after Season 1 resumes March 14 , “We definitely play that [question] — and we play it much more on Vincent’s side, because he has so many fears about who he is and what that could turn into.” That said, Peterson says that — in part because it’s simply “not very sexy” — “We didn’t want to make it such a big deal. So it is absolutely addressed, but it definitely is not a major, major plot point.”

The Walking Dead | A quick heads-up for this Sunday’s episode: One of the major characters is going to get quite the blast from the past, and as Michonne makes headway with Carl and Rick, be prepared to lay witness to the katana-carrying badass’ softest moments to date.

Smash | Karen may be doing her best to get Jimmy’s Hit List off the ground, but it’s her roomie Ana who will land one of the lead roles once it takes shape. “It’ll be interesting to see how two friends who are very close handle rivalry in the business,” series newbie Krysta Rodriguez told me. “You see how you maneuver a relationship that can sometimes be tricky.” But first things first: The gals will hold a reading of the boys’ musical, at their cozy digs.

And now, diving into the reader mailbag — starting with a Castle trifecta….

James Brolin was so good as Castle’s father. Will Martha and Kate hear the entire story? –Cynthia
We will have to assume they both were utterly regaled by the overseas espionage tale, because as Nathan Fillion told us at the show’s 100th episode party, there’s “nothing in the episodes that we’ve filmed” since the two-parter that calls back to the paternal reveal. As for how the long-awaited father/son meeting played out, Fillion said he was “very satisfied,” explaining, “To find out that his dad has had a hand in his life ever since he was kid, that his dad has been there in the wings, I think, for Castle, is a good feeling. He can’t have any feelings of, ‘I was abandoned.’ He knows now his dad has been a shadow.”

Was Castle‘s second kidnapping really shot in Paris? Or on a sound stage? –Leslie
Molly Quinn confirmed that she, director Rob Bowman and her TV dad’s stuntman got to travel to France for a quickie shoot – yet nonetheless fielded tons of teasing/envy, especially from Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever. Says the actress, “I kept telling them, ‘I feel bad. I wish we could all go. But really, I’m going to go there, I’m going to be jet-lagged. I’m going to work three days and then I come back, I’ll be jet-legged again and then I have to get back to work!’”

Can you tell me the name of the actor who played Henri on this week’s Castle? I have seen him in other shows and cannot place him. –Marty
That was Christopher Heyerdahl being suitably sketchy as Castle’s double-crossing cohort. You may know him from such series as Hell on the Wheels!, The Stargate of Atlantis! and Space Sanctuary!

Where do I go to find spoilers on Scandal? –Dorrett
Do not go to one of those “big box” stores; they’re killing the local mom-and-pop merchant. Instead, ask me – because I’ve got one! The long-lens photographer who’s snapping a pic of Olivia with Jake in the promo for the March 21 episode? He’s going to really regret doing that.

What does the Season 3 finale of Pretty Little Liars hold for us? -Fernando
Just as I was hand-crafting this week’s column, ‘Nando, this official synopsis for the March 19 season ender, titled “A dAngerous gAme,” arrived from ABC Family: “Spencer is back home and presenting a good front, but Aria, Hanna and Emily are not so sure their friend is fully back after seeing how fragile she was just a day or so before. Unfortunately the girls don’t have much time to ponder Spencer’s health as shocking revelations are brought to the forefront. With so much happening and new information being uncovered, will the Liars be ready for what is waiting for them?”

If there’s a show you’d like the Inside Line on, email mattmtvguy@gmail.com, and maybe it’ll get some love the next time around! (With reporting by Vlada Gelman)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Once Upon a Time, SVU, Scandal, Teen Wolf, White Collar and More!

What happens when Once Upon a Time celebrates Father’s Day in February? Which Scandal-ous family tree is expanding? Will the Teen Wolf‘s BFF find love? Is a White-hot romance about to cool down? Get answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Once Upon a Time | If you follow me on The Twitter (and really, why wouldn’t you want to read my Love it or List It rants?), you know how I feel about this Sunday’s pretty damn pivotal episode, “Manhattan” — IMO, it’s the best hour of the season and one of the strongest since the pilot. And while some of you believe to have the mystery of Rumplestiltskin’s son all figured out, I shall relate a lesson Bae’s dad is about to learn from a sneaky seer: Just because you know what’s going to happen doesn’t mean you know what’s going to happen. I relayed a couple scooplets in Ask Ausiello, but here are more: Hook proves adept at translating treasure maps but less so at fending off witchy women; David and Mary Margaret have a rather hilarious conversation about their family tree and what Thanksgiving dinner might look like this year; a three-month-old mystery is solved; Cora, sporting a modern-day Maine makeover, has a tender talk with Regina; and a grim fate is surprisingly revealed for a major character. Also: There’s some terrific work by both Robert Carlyle and Jennifer Morrison.

Scandal | But what of Hollis Doyle? Outed to Fitz as a president-buyer and threatened by Huck into silence, will the Big Energy lobbyist (played by Gregg Henry, who for me is forever the creepy guy from Body Double) slither off into the woodwork? Not so fast. We’ve learned that the ABC drama is looking to cast Hollis’ New York-fabulous wife Deborah, as well as their secretly wild daughter Nikki. Perhaps a scandal is about to darken the Doyles’ doorstep? (Or a funeral…?)

Suburgatory | I spied an upcoming script where Sheila is selling real estate — namely, the house occupied by George and Tessa! What is up with that? Per Jeremy Sisto, George proposes to Dallas… that they live together – “but I don’t do it in a very romantic way. I’m like, ‘Let’s share our cable bills!’ And she questions how I feel about her because [of that approach].” Sheila meanwhile leaps back into the workforce and finds “a really motivated buyer” for the Altman home. Sisto previews with a laugh, “I think I sell my house before I get my answer from Dallas!”

White Collar | I have good news for fans of a certain coupling… and baddish news. “Sara and Neal have a really great, kind of fantastic moment at the top of the Empire State Building in the season finale (airing March 5),” show boss Jeff Eastin shares. Thing is, that “beautiful and iconic” moment “finishes up their relationship.” At least for the time being. “Let’s put it this way,” Eastin adds. “The end of the season doesn’t necessarily rule anything out.”

And now, diving into the Inside Line reader mailbag….

I swear, the baby on Bones is the baby from Teen Mom – Kaitlin’s baby, who was adopted by another couple. Is it her? – Sheena
The twins who plays Christine are not adopted, so the answer would be no. But to thank you for playing Guess the Infant Actor, here’s an exclusive photo of new intern Dr. Oliver Wells (played by Brian Klugman), who debuts in “The Fact in the Fiction” (airing Feb.25).

Any scoop on Stiles in Season 3 of MTV’s Teen Wolf? Is he gonna find love? –Rachelle
“Determined to grow out of his crush on Lydia, Stiles will definitely try to find love this season,” executive producer Jeff Davis tells the Inside Line. “His efforts, however, are exactly what lead him and Scott into the new mystery of the season. While other teenagers just discover the pain of heartache, Scott and Stiles discover dead bodies.”

Got any SVU scoop to share? –Zoe
It was only a matter of time before the last summer’s “legitimate rape” brouhaha had its headline ripped by Law & Order: SVU. According to sources, Dick Wolf’s venerable procedural is currently in production on an episode inspired by last summer’s political firestorm, with a few minor tweaks (like, this time there’s a felony crime involved). Should be interesting to hear Benson’s particular POV on this one.

Now that Community is finally back in our lives again, how ’bout some scoopage — preferably regarding Jeff and Annie, but I’ll take what I can get. –Karen
For starters, about Jeff/Annie: I see a lotta people knitting their brows over these photos, crying “character regression!” and what not. I’ll say this: Wait for the context, Human Beings. Elsewhere, Oscar winner Jim Rash dean-livered a script for Season 4′s 10th episode that evokes Freaky Friday circa Jodie Foster, thrusting besties Abed and Troy into a body-swapping predicament of sorts. “It’s very Greendale in the sense that it’s warped,” Rash says, “but there’s a lot of heart and it comes to some resolutions about some key things that play out over the season.”

Use your powers for good and please find out what determines the color of the Castle title card background. Most of the time it’s gold, but for a few episodes it’s been blue or even red. What’s the rhyme and reason? –Linda
“Sometimes for special episodes, we change our screens to be appropriate,” a production source explains. “For the Christmas episode, we had a holiday-themed card. And for the two-parter when Castle and Beckett were trapped in freezer, we went with an icy blue card.” Plus, as attentive viewers know, it’s not just the title card that gets tweaked. “When it tickles our fancy, we’ll even change our theme music slightly to fit the theme of the episode,” says the insider.

I am new to your column and love it! I hope you can give me some insight on my favorite show, Psych. What can we expect from the new season? –Camille
In addition to what I shared in the previous Inside Line, you can expect to hear this extremely sincere line from Shawn: “Why would you poke fun at The Mentalist?”

If there’s a show you’d like the Inside Line on, email mattmtvguy@gmail.com, and maybe it’ll get some love the next time around! (With reporting by Meg Masters and Vlada Gelman)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Good Wife, Psych, Covert Affairs, Grimm, Being Human and More!

What should Psych fans get psyched for? What blast from the past will The Good Wife get? Is Arrow off his mark? Will Josh cease Being Human? Get answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Psych | Your long, (semi-)patient wait is just about over, Psych-os, with the Season 7 now just… well, less than three weeks away. I am two episodes in, and here’s a tiny taste of what’s ahead for Team Pineapple. You will see Shawn repeatedly wrestle with what exactly the term “Mexican stand-off” means, have cause to tell Jules, “I’ve got the greatest girlfriend ever” and, in a sad-ish turn of events, blow up [spoiler]‘s car. As for Gus, he finds love with ER‘s Parminder Nagra – which pleases him greatly since, as he notes, he tends to fall for “killers or girls dating killers.” And while Gus will declare his new lady to be “the one,” Shawn can’t help but selfishly ask, “But is she the one for us?” There’s also what has turned out to be a dated Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23 reference, a land mine winds up in a very bad place, and when Shawn’s lease expires… well, that leads to all kinds of complications/discussions, as you might imagine.

Arrow | Stephen Amell talked up this past week’s “Betrayal” plenty. But given how it ended – and especially if you watched the new promo– he also had something to tease about Episode 14, titled “The Odyssey” and seemingly featuring Olivier in a fugue state of sorts after suffering a major injury. “Episode 14 is a radical departure for the series based on how most episodes have been structured, and it will be probably the toughest episode for me to shoot,” he shared the week before filming it. “John Behring, who directed our sixth episode featuring the Royal Flush Gang, is coming back for that one, and it is going to be incredible.”

The Good Wife | I’ll keep this fresh bit of intel short but sweet — and sweetly provocative it is: Shockingly, the CBS drama with its next episode (airing Feb. 17) will suddenly revive a storyline that has been in hibernation for more than a year. Which dormant tale do you think will be dusted off? Share your theories in Comments!

Covert Affairs | A new man will be entering Annie’s orbit when Season 4 arrives – definitely for business, and possibly (we must always wonder) for pleasure. The USA Network series is casting the series regular role of Calder Michaels, a cocky and ambitious CIA station chief who ascended to that choice post at a relatively young age (i.e. in his 30s), and is hungry (and destined for) more. Calder grew up on a U.S. military base in Germany, so expect him to just as worldly as the well-versed Agent Walker. Casting suggestions?

And now, diving into the Inside Line reader mailbag….

I’m loving the new season of Being Human but I’m not going to lie — I miss Josh as a werewolf. Please tell me that he will become a wolf again at some point? – Scott
“Things are not likely to ever really work out for Aidan, Sally, Josh and Nora in the way that they hope –and I mean that in the best way possible,” showrunner Anna Fricke answers. “The show is about exploring all aspects of what it means for these characters to be human. But if Josh were just forever human and if Sally could just forever change into cute outfits, we wouldn’t be pushing ourselves. Maybe the characters would be happy but the show would be over. Things will get complicated. The interesting thing will be to see how.”

Are Grimm fans ever going to find out why Renard wears what looks to be a wedding band on his left-hand ring finger? –Shannon
Quite possibly. But for now, all show boss David Greenwalt will (cryptically) share is this: “It’s not a wedding ring….”

I just saw FX artwork that said American Horror Story: Salem with a picture of the back of someone’s head hanging from a noose. Is it real? –Billy
That is fakety-fake piece of Fake-oshop work – which I suspected the instant I saw it. Because ask yourself this: Isn’t it a bit tame for a Horror Story poster? Now, if the noose was on someone with two heads…

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Castle, Vampire Diaries, Scandal, Bones, New Girl and More!

Why is Castle convinced he’s gonna croak? What’s next for New Girl‘s new romance? What will make Scandal go “Boom”? What guy has Bones on edge? For whom will Vampire Caroline risk her life? Get answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Scandal | It’s seldom that I get to tout something as being dynamite, and yet this is — because, well, it’s about the Feb. 21 episode, “Boom Goes the Dynamite.” What does that provocative phrase possibly refer to? As with many of the sophomore drama’s titles, “It’s a line of dialogue, from Harrison [Columbus Short],” Shonda Rhimes explains. “It refers to one of the cases they are working on. But it also [refers] to things blowing up for our characters in ways that are unexpected.” (Sorry ’bout that, Lindsay Dwyer. Too soon?)

Castle | Glee will meet Aiyeeee! when Romy Rosemont (aka Finn’s mom on Fox’s musical comedy, right) guest-stars in Episode 17 as Nurse Lockhart, a syrupy sweet caretaker at a mental asylum. What brings the ABC series to such a hospital? Well, when a young woman appears to have literally been scared to death after watching a “haunted” DVD, Kate and Rick delve into one of their creepiest cases yet. In fact, this particular mystery finds Castle fearing his own date with the Reaper, after he accidentally watches the “cursed” video!

New Girl | What’s the saying – “Be careful what you wish for”? Because though Nick and Jess properly locked lips in this week’s episode, many obstacles will litter their path to pursuing anything more. One such hurdle, in fact, will come in the form of Shane, a comely coworker of Nick’s at the bar (and also the boss’ daughter). Though Nick’s new gung-ho attitude at work will further stoke Jess’ interest in her roomie, that fire will be tempered some when she catches sight of his flirty, feisty colleague.

White Collar | Now that Peter has lost his boss to skeevy Senator Pratt’s machinations, it’s decision time for the stand-up G-man. “The best thing Peter can do for Neal and for ‘truth and justice’ is to take that gray area that Neal is so fond of pulling him into and really embrace it,” says series boss Jeff Eastin. To that end, Peter puts the following choice before Diana and Jones: “Do you want to risk your careers and come with me, or do you stay on the other side? For Diana, it’s a pretty simple thing — she’s going to stick with Peter,” Eastin previews. “But for Jones it’s a little more complicated. He can sneak off with Peter on the weekends, but he’s a loyal follower on the FBI side during the week.”

And now, diving into the Inside Line reader mailbag….

Could I get some scoop on The Vampire Diaries‘ Caroline Forbes? Possibly about Klaroline or Steroline? –Amy
Amy, I found you something behind Curtain A. Or, more accurately, show boss Julie Plec did. “Caroline will find herself stuck in the middle of the terrible tensions between Klaus and Tyler,” Plec says in response to your query, “leading her to put her own life on the line to try to resolve their issue.”

Did you get any more interesting Booth and Brennan teases/spoilers at the Fox TCA party? –Elena
You could say this one Bones tease will have B&B in a… lather. “In one of the upcoming episodes, a body is found in soap! A big thing of soap,” Emily Deschanel shared. “The body decomposes and the fat, combined with other things, becomes soap.” Oh, and here’s the latest scoop on a new guy who will ‘rouse Brennan’s interests… in a way. New squintern Oliver Wells (played by Brian Klugman) arrives on the scene just a few credits shy of obtaining his fifth degree, and as such, “He actually makes Brennan nervous — he’s that smart,” Tamara Taylor told me. “And I think he’ll be around for a while, because he’s very fun.”

Since NCIS has been exploring Tony’s childhood and his relationship with his father, is there any shot we might meet any of Tony’s numerous step-mothers in the near future? – Burke
“I don’t have anything like that planned for the moment,” showrunner Gary Glasberg answers. “But that’s a good question. That might be fun. Maybe we’ll save that for Season 11!” (Look at him getting all assumptive-y about renewal. See what 22 million viewers will do to a guy?)

If there’s a show you’d like the Inside Line on, email mattmtvguy@gmail.com, and maybe it’ll get some love the next time around! (With reporting by Vlada Gelman)

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Bones, Horror Story, Smash, Grey’s, NCIS, Once, Five-0 and More!

Who’s returning to Bones? Was the latest Horror Story all a hoax? What’s the bullet on Grey’s Anatomy‘s new whip- cracker? Who’s the new gal in charge on Smash? And what “big” surprise is coming to Once Upon a Time‘s diner? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

American Horror Story: Asylum | Some seem a bit confused about what the season finale’s callback to the premiere’s Jude/Lana scene meant – namely, there is speculation that perhaps Lana fabricated her asylum stay in the name of selling a book. What show boss Ryan Murphy shared after a press screening of the finale, though, puts that to rest. “Our jumping-off point for the whole season [was to have Lana] go in there, become a prisoner, do her shock-corridor tenure and then go back to tear the joint down,” he said. “That was the ending we had from the very beginning [and] I thought it was a very heroic ending for her.” Murphy also revealed that “for a split second” they considered having Bloody Face Jr. turn out to be Season 1′s Ben Harmon, “But I really like that the seasons have their own story.” Looking ahead to Season 3, Murphy teased that the story will be “more historical in nature,” include a “star-crossed-lovers-from-different-tracks thing” and perhaps not be quite as deviant as Asylum’s antics. “As a person right now,” he explained, “I do feel lighter and wanting to embrace something a little bit more fun.”

Grey’s Anatomy | Seattle Grace won’t know what hit it when Constance Zimmer (Entourage) kicks off her recurring run tonight at 9/8c, playing physicians’ adviser Dr. Alana Cahill. With the hospital needing belt-tightening in the wake of the lawsuit whallop, Alana is “your total f–king nightmare,” Jessica Capshaw told me, “because she’s the person that comes in and delivers the bottom line, talking about how unnecessary people are, essentially. She talks about how everyone can function more efficiently, and that means people lose jobs. She’s the bad news bear, man!” Then speaking out of character, Capshaw declares herself “a big fan” of the new Grey’s addition, raving, “Constance is fantastic.”

Smash | With the NBC series introducing at least one other show-within-the-show, titled Hit List, during Season 2, we’re going to need a second Linda. To that end, TVLine has learned that Tony-nominated actress Montego Glover (Memphis, right) has landed the recurring role of Marissa, a stage manager who is described as “compassionate and authoritative.” Smash launches its sophomore run on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

And now, a smattering of questions from the reader mailbag…..

The Bones episode that you and Michael were talking about on Spoiler Alert!, the one dealing with Sweets’ childhood, does it have a title yet? Also related to Sweets: Is Danielle Panabaker returning anytime soon? –Ed
I’ve got a two-for-one special for you, Ed: The aforementioned semi-Sweets episode, “The Fact in the Fiction,” is tentatively scheduled to air Feb. 25. But you’ll want to also tune in Feb. 11, when Panabaker reprises her role as FBI Special Agent Olivia Sparling. (That episode, “The Shot in the Dark,” is the one in which a gunned-down Brennan “reunites” with her mother.)

Can you please give us some Once Upon A Time scoop, especially about Emma and Neal? –Shelly
I can only advise you to keep an eye out for the next episode of TVLine’s Spoiler Alert! But as a make-good, I offer an exclusive photo of the Giant sipping mead (or beer) at Granny’s in the Feb. 10 episode:

This is not really a scoop request (or maybe it is), but the press release for the NCIS episode “Canary” (Episode 10×14) seems to be lacking guest cast. –Daniel
You seem crafty, Daniel, so maybe you already dug this up. But if not, that guest cast includes Chuck alum/imminent Bones guest star Vik Sahay (playinga  computer hacker), Ethan Rains (General Hospital: Night Shift) and Geoffrey Wade (aka Don’s Mad Men dentist). Did I mention Vik Sahay?

When is Jamie Lee Curtis making her re-appearance as NCIS‘ Dr. Ryan? I thought she was perfect with Mark Harmon. –Nancy
“I actually speak to her all the time,” NCIS boss Gary Glasberg said when I ran your Q by him. “She is a huge fan of this show and of Mark Harmon, and she would love to come back. But right now, there’s just a lot of talking. Nothing to report at the moment.”

Is it too soon to ask about Awkward? – Jayna
Actually, no – because the show has just put out a Season 3 casting call for the role of Collin, a surprisingly charming classmate who will distract Jenna some, even to the point that she ignores Matty’s calls. Then again, Jenna as a whole is not quite herself when the MTV series returns. Something about not getting much sleep at home….

Do you have any scoop on Hawaii Five-0? –Dave
The scoop is that, suddenly yet surely, roller-skating is en vogue again! Because just as Bones‘ Angela is going undercover on a roller derby team in an upcoming episode, so is Five-0‘s Catherine, when one of the sport’s top draws turns up dead.

Matt’s Inside Line: Get Scoop on Criminal Minds, Good Wife, Horror Story, Once, NCIS and More

Why did Criminal Minds do it? What does Horror Story‘s final chapter look like? Will Once Upon a Time‘s Emma find herself embroiled in a fairytale romance? Will a Castle couple reconnect? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Criminal Minds | SPOILER AHEAD! This is what my emailbox looked like this morning: A huge stack of “Is Reid’s girlfriend really dead?!” I for one didn’t think that was in doubt, and it isn’t — and here’s the tale behind the tragic twist. “We pitched a story where we’d introduce a unique love interest for Dr. Reid and it would end in tragedy,” showrunner Erica Messer explains. And make no mistake, the dark wrinkle had Matthew Gray Gubler’s blessing. “Matthew agreed the only way to tell this story was if she died in the saddest way possible,” Messer says. And while Maeve’s murder — in front of the beau she’d only just set eyes on — abruptly ended this week’s hour, Reid’s reaction/mourning “will be the emotional anchor of episode 813 and it’s the arc for Reid’s character for the rest of the season.”

American Horror Story: Asylum | We’re still upset that Lana Winters turned into a bit of a B-word in this week’s episode, but the way Sarah Paulson teases next Wednesday’s season finale, we’ll forgive. “It’s really outrageous and amazing,” she says — and boasting a bunch more Sarah Paulson than Season 1′s climax. “I was barely in it last year, so it’s very different,” she notes. With Johnny Morgan aka Bloody Face Jr. angling to meet his mama here in 2013, “It’s a very emotional journey, and my character goes through a very tremendous amount of dark stuff,” Paulson says. As for how things turn out for the inmate-turned-real crime auteur, Paulson will only say, “It’s pretty spectacular what the writers did…. I think people will be pleased.”

 

The Good Wife | Not to give everyone one of you reading this a big head, but you are to credit for Kalinda’s husband Nick being nipped in the bud. As Archie Panjabi shared at the Golden Globes, “To get the reaction that [the storyline] got and to see the passion from so many journalists and the fans was just astounding. And because of that, they changed things. You realize how powerful the press, the public are.” The lack of love for Nick also touched Panjabi as an actress. “I actually feel honored to think that many people care about Kalinda and are so protective of her — three years in!”

New Girl | A new casting call reveals that Jess will look to “tackle” romance with a bona fide athlete. The Fox comedy is filling the guest-starring role of a large, handsome linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers who is game to huddle with the adorkable one when they meet through Winston. Alas, Jess’ flirtation with the jock will be cut short when he walks in on her using a _____. (Fill in the blank via comments! Love me some Match Game.)

And now, from the reader mailbag….

Do you have an Esplanie scoop for us Castle fans? –Marine
Jon Huertas has plenty to say about Kelly Hu’s imminent drop-by, which I’m saving for Monday. For now, I’ll relay his belief that it’s Lanie “who needs to put up or shut up” in that off-and-on relationship. “She’s the one who pushed Esposito away, when the whole marriage conversation came up, and she’s the one who’s all about the booty call and keeping it not so serious,” he noted. “So it’s her that needs to put up or shut up.” And if she did? “Esposito would probably say, ‘I’m down with that.’” Looking beyond Hu’s Monday visit, Huervas shared this: “There’s some stuff coming up with Lanie, that we’ll see in a different episode.”

I have tried to find out the identity of an unacknowledged actress on Castle. She was mentioned once as “Officer Johnson,” she has been in the background in most of the squad room shots, she originally had short red hair and is now a blond, and she seems to be their “go to” for reaction shots. –Susan
I love a good mystery as much as Rick himself, so I did some gumshoe detective work (meaning: sent a few emails) and came up with a prime suspect: Soaps vet Schae Harrison!

I’d love to know what’s in store for Chicago Fire‘s Casey. Between breaking up with Hallie, his family problems and a possible romance with a confused Dawson, he has a lot on his plate. –Carol
Consider that plate full for the near future, seeing as Casey’s “friendship” with Dawson will be compromised after she crosses a line by confronting someone from his recent past.

Any word on who might be playing McGee’s father on NCIS? That episode has been mentioned taking place in February. — Jeannie
There’s no casting news yet, and here’s why. “That episode is definitely happening — we are working on the script right now — but we pushed it to a bit later,” show boss Gary Glasberg told me just the other day. “It will probably happen in the spring, and it will be part of what leads us into our final arc.”

 

Now that Once Upon a Time‘s Hook is out in the open, will we get to see him interact with the other residents of Storybrooke? –Stefanie
You mean, presuming he survived getting mowed down by The Outsider, right? (Of course he lives.) Well, to perhaps – perhaps! – answer your question, I’ll offer up this scooplet. “Emma’s love life is going to get really complicated,” series cocreator Adam Horowitz told me last week. In fact, across Storybrooke at large, he said, “The permutations of romance will continue to turn as we move forward.”

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Bones, Castle, Grey’s, NCIS, a Criminal Wedding and More

What Momsense is Bones up to? Where is Castle boldly going? Which Grey’s romance is about to flatline? How will NCIS‘ Ziva react to tragedy? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Castle | Valentine’s Day may star Cupid, but a different baby is on Detective Ryan’s mind as the holiday rolls around. Seamus Dever tells us, “There are some very romantic things going on with the rest of the precinct… and some very non-romantic things going on with the Ryans, because he’s got to rush home because Jenny’s temperature is the correct time and she’s ovulating… all those sorts of things. Ryan is actively being a participant in the child-making process!” The following week, Castle launches its annual two-parter, which guest-stars Dylan Walsh as an FBI agent. What more can Dever add? Not much – and yet plenty. “I’m not allowed to say anything, but it goes to a place we’ve never been allowed to go,” he teased. “[Show boss] Andrew Marlowe said we can only do this once, so we’re going to do it now. It’s very bold, what he’s doing.”

Bones | Before you start seeking Season 9 scoop, know there’s plenty of fun stuff still on tap for this winter/spring. For one, Emily Deschanel told me, there’s an episode in which Brennan uncovers the remains of a caveman – but don’t you dare call it a “caveman” in her presence. There’s also a case that deals with time travel (?). But the episode Deschanel described as emotionally “sweet” is the one where Bones meets her maker — and/or meets her maker — in “The Shot in the Dark,” airing mid-February. “Brennan gets shot, and she either hallucinates and sees her [late] mother, or she goes to Heaven and has an encounter with her mother (played by Brooke Langston), but she doesn’t believe it.” What do the women talk about after so much time “apart”? “There are emotions as we discuss things [including] what my life is like now, the baby,” Deschanel shared. “It’s really sweet.”

Grey’s Anatomy | It looks like Bailey’s runaway bride act — although for ostensibly a noble reason – will also send her man running in the other direction, and perhaps for good. Jason George, who was at the Television Critics Association press tour today to promote his ABC summer series Mistresses, gave me this ominous preview: “The reason when Ben and Bailey are together is because he isn’t a chump, he doesn’t take stuff lying down. And it’s safe to say he’s not the kind of guy who just gets left standing at the altar. So… we’re going to ‘have a conversation.’ He’s a man of action —I’ll put it that way!”

Arrow | We met up with Stephen Amell at the People’s Choice Awards, and he set the table for the CW hit’s next new episode, airing Wednesday. “It’s six weeks later, and we’re finding Oliver in a very different spot than he was before. A very, very different spot,” he shared. How so? “We haven’t seen him hesitate, and we haven’t seen him be down a bit on himself or lack confidence. And all those things are on display.” Of course, the Dark Archer – aka Malcolm Merlyn’s own alter ego – is responsible for knocking Arrow down a peg or two in the winter finale, so expect to get backstory on that baddie. “We learn a bit more about his character soon,” Amell previewed, “about why he’s doing what he’s doing.”

Revenge | Another mystery is on its way to the ABC drama… in the form of a casting call. The sophomore sudser is looking to fill the role of Eli, an African-American or Latino male in his early-to-mid 20s who is described as “charismatic,””witty” and (duh) “handsome.” Hitting the Hamptons under mysterious circumstances, Eli quickly charms his way into the good graces of the local elite. Hit comments with your casting suggestions!

But wait, there is so, so much more. Like, reader mail!

This week’s NCIS was heartbreaking! Any scoop on what’s ahead for Ziva? –Daniel
Coming soon, I’ll have a big ol’ deep-dive piece previewing the aftermath of this week’s double whammy. But for now I’ll let slip this morsel from showrunner Gary Glasberg: “There’s a part of Ziva’s that’s wounded, and broken, and Tony is there for her — as a friend, and as a coworker.” Specifically, in the next episode, “We end up back in Tony’s apartment, and there’s some really lovely, emotional stuff that happens.”

You know that picture of Matthew Gray Gubler on the set of Criminal Minds, in a tux and in a church? Who’s getting married? It’s killing me! –Makayla
I actually didn’t know the photo of which you spoke, but tracked it down — and then procured this teaselet from Breen Frazier, who wrote Episode 12. “You’ll find out [all your answers] in the first scene,” he allowed.

Are Duffy and Limehouse going to be part of Justified this season? –Scott
Wynn Duffy (played by Jere Burns) resurfaces in Episode 2, in a darkly amusing scene involving one of his stooges and (of course) Raylan holding a gun. (Expect Duffy to ultimately get deeply involved in this season’s arc.) And yes, I learned the other day that Mykelti Williamson will return as Noble’s Holler overlord Limehouse, after series boss Graham Yost found a way to meaningfully weave him into Season 4′s narrative.

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on White Collar, Castle, Once Upon a Time, NCIS, Parks & Rec and More!

What giant plans does Once Upon a Time have? Will White Collar‘s Neal leap a tall building in the name of love? Will Castle fans meet Rick’s father anytime soon? Is Xena staying put in Pawnee? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Christmas is right around the corner, so this week I’ve chosen to simply “unwrap” some questions from the Inside Line mailbag….

Seeing as how Sara (played by Hilarie Burton) is (supposedly) going to be in half of this season’s remaining White Collar episodes, can we take that as a sign that she and Neal will be getting back together before the season ends? Please, say yes! Those two belong together! –Michelle
We have a full-on Season 4b preview coming your way soon, but in the meantime I can offer you five not-so-randomly chosen words from our chat with series creator Jeff Eastin, pertaining to the aformentioned duo: “Empire State Building… fantastic moment.” (I can also reveal that the Neal/Sara smooch spied in the new promo takes place in an episode during which they’re kidnapped.)

Is there any news about Once Upon a Time‘s Hook and Emma? I’m so hoping they hook up cause they make a good pair. –Jennifer
For starters, the wordplay whore in me will forgive and even applaud your use of “hook up” in this context. Secondly, I will tell you that I have a full-blown Q&A with Colin O’Donoghue posting closer to the show’s Jan. 6 return that will address this and other hot topics. (Something to keep in mind: Will Charming let this scoundrel anywhere near his daughter?) And lastly, here’s a random other scooplet: Sources confirm that the “Tiny” Episode 13 I told you about last week will in fact feature the return of Jorge Garcia and unspool “a story/backstory that touches many core characters in a surprising way.”

Is Lucy Lawless sticking around on Parks and Recreation? I’d hate to see Ron’s bacon-loving heart get broken. –Suzanne
The NBC comedy just shot another episode with Lawless as Diane last week, and there could be more. A lot more. As show boss Mike Schur explains, “The idea was that through the first four seasons we’ve seen Ron in one or two OK relationships and several entirely disastrous, miserable ones. So… this was a big thing we wanted to check off, to give him a lady friend who was significant and important in his life. We certainly have a lot of plans for [Lucy] through the rest of the season — and hopefully beyond.”

Any word on who will play Castle‘s dad? –Alana
Not yet, and for good reason: Contrary to one published report, this season’s February two-parter might not necessarily tackle that tale. “It’s certainly something that we’re thinking about seriously and trying to find the right angle in on,” show boss Andrew Marlowe explained to me. But as of a few days ago, it’s “not definitely” going to happen by sweeps. Instead, he says the Castle team is mulling an alternate storyline that promises the annual allotment of “big tension,” “personal stakes” and ” fun twists and turns.”

Do you have any scoop on NCIS‘ two-part January episodes about Ziva? –Marla
Only that Eli David is Rick Castle’s father! No, I kid. (Too much eggnog.) When I said to showrunner Gary Glasberg that Eli’s appearances seldom bring good tidings, he countered, “You might be surprised. There are a lot of layers to what we’re going to try do this time around, and Michael Nouri was totally willing and had fun with it. I think people are going to be excited by what they see.” He also clarified that the Ziva twist I’ve been telling you about does not coincide with Eli’s latest encore. “He definitely plays a part in it, but the Ziva stuff will continue all the way through the season.”

Can you give us something on when Nashville‘s Rayna tells Deacon her first child is his? –Maggie
You apparently missed our midseason post mortem/preview, so allow me to regurgitate this quote from exec producer Callie Khouri: “Like all these family situations, [what Lamar teased in the pilot] is more complicated than I can tell you. Soon these things will start to be revealed.”

Any scoop on my favorite new comedy, The Mindy Project? –Noreen
Get ready to meet Ms. Lahiri’s brother Rishi, to be played by Pitch Perfect‘s Utkarsh Ambudkar in Episode 11. Alas, it’s not a warm reunion, as Mindy’s bro has decided to take a break from college and pursue a career as a rapper.

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, Arrow, Liars, Homeland and More

Why is Supernatural role-playing around? Will Once Upon a Time‘s nogoodnik captain find a friend in Maine? What has the Liars acting extra-paranoid? And why is Seth Gabel so “high” on Arrow? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.

Supernatural | As previously reported, geek goddess Felicia Day will reprise her role of Charlie in an episode titled “LARP and the Real Girl.” Um, can someone explain…? “That is our live-action role-playing episode,” show boss Jeremy Carver shares. “We will discover that young Charlie Bradbury, in running from her past life, has found herself a new life in a new community. Basically, [she] has fallen into the welcoming arms of a community of LARPers.” Watch for Day’s return to air in mid-January.

Once Upon a Time | You may think that once he drops anchor in Storybrooke, Hook might not have any friends in town. But thing again. Remember, the henchman Belle’s florist father hired was no less than Smee (played by Eureka‘s Christopher Gauthier), who is due to return after the holiday hiatus. “Smee will definitely play a part in Hook’s plans,” Colin O’Donoghue assured me. Speaking of the sidekick’s previous target, could Belle land in Hook’s hooks, as a way of getting back at his mortal foe Rumplestiltskin? “Belle is such a huge part of Rumple’s life…,” O’Donoghue agreed. “She might figure into the equation.”

Homeland | To the surprise of some, Jessica recently “reconnected” (so to speak) with old flame Mike, and seems to have no regrets about it. “I think she is allowing herself to go there, not knowing what is going to happen – and that is OK,” Morena Baccarin told us of her character’s mindset. “She’s been depleted for so long in her relationship with Brody that she is just finally getting something for herself.” Though that something may seem newly messy now, with Brody appropriately suspicious of the rekindled affair, Baccarin promises that by the season finale airing Dec. 16, “There will be resolution” one way or another.
Pretty Little Liars | We checked out the season opener airing Jan. 8, and paranoia is all the rage as Emily’s dad installs a home security system (can you blame him after all that’s happened?) and Mona returns to school but not before paying a nighttime visit to one of the girls. Meanwhile, Aria’s trying really hard to defend her dad against her friends’ suspicions, but a disturbing confrontation may force her to look at him in a new light. And if you, like the foursome, think you know who Aria stabbed during Halloween, prepare for a big twist! Lastly, two words: Cow brains.

Arrow | While working the red carpet at Fringe‘s 100th Episode party, I had the chance to ask Lincoln Lee Seth Gabel about his upcoming run of villainy on Arrow. As the CW hit’s incarnation of the DC baddie Vertigo, he’s playing The Count, a “street thug drug kingpin” whose No. 1 product is dubbed Vertigo. If taken orally, the drug makes the user feel as if “walking on air,” Gabel shared. But if injected… that’s when bad things happen – drawing the interest of one hooded vigilante. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had,” said Gabel, who described his alter ego’s look as “very street,in a flamboyant, theatrical, grounded way,” with spiky hair, fingerless gloves and “a lot of black.” Does Oliver have his work cut out for him? Sure sounds like it. “I basically rule the street, so he’s got a long way to go up the chain to get to me,” Gabel warns.

Closing with a few reader questions….

Matt, why is CSI: NY ending their season so soon? I LOVE this show! Does this mean there will not be another season? –Grace
Actually, it was always the plan for CSI: NY Season 9 to have a shorter run, of 17 episodes — and the season-ender set for Feb. 22 is Episode 17. As for renewal talk, we’re months away from that.

Do you have any scoop on USA’s underrated gem, Suits? –Holly
We recently bumped into the omnipresent, always-working Rachael Harris, and she teased her upcoming encore as Harvard rep Sheila Sazs. “I have a bunch of fun stuff to do with Rick Hoffman,” who plays Louis Litt, she told us. “Let’s just say Rick needs a favor from Sheila!” (Suits returns Jan.17.)

I’ve been watching Revolution and find their crossbow interesting. I would like to know if it’s more than a prop, and is it available online. If so, where? –Walt
I asked around, Walt, and, alas, that bad boy is pretty much a custom job. “It was a crossbow purchased by the prop department for the pilot, then they had the original butt cut off to make it shorter. All the leather was added, and it was repainted as well,” a production rep tells me. Just as well, man – it’s all fun and games ’til someone loses an eye.

Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Once Upon a Time, Castle, The Mentalist, S.H.I.E.L.D. and More

For Once Upon a Time‘s Prince Charming, what’s in a name? Has The Mentalist‘s Lisbon met her match? Is Castle‘s Christmas episode a gift to fans? Which two Sons (barely) endured a faux fight? Read on for answers to those questions plus teases from other shows.
Once Upon a Time | The bad news for fans of Prince Charming is that, of course, he is now trapped in a sleeping spell, since Snow wasn’t able to physically connect with him in the netherworld for a reviving smooch. But as he lingers in that limbo, I have this good news to share: New flashbacks to The Fairytale Land That Was are on the horizon, filling some blanks in the prince’s backstory. “There’s a lot more to explore,” Josh Dallas assured me during my visit to Vancouver, where Once films. For example, “Charming had a twin that was never fully realized – we only had a glimpse of him — so maybe there’ll be a chance to explore more of who that brother was.” Of course, it was actually said sibling who was named James, and to date we have yet to learn Charming’s own name. So…? “We will find out. We will find out,” Dallas promises. And in the way of hints, he says, “It’s surprising… and it’s obvious.” (Once‘s midseason finale airs Sunday.)

The Mentalist | Dipping into the reader mailbag, Charlie asked for “something about Henry Ian Cusick’s character on The Mentalist. His first appearance was fantastic, and he has been so evil!” Not surprisingly, series boss Bruno Heller shares your enthusiasm for Lisbon’s own Red John. “It’s fun to take Lisbon down a path that Jane knows so well,” Heller shares with us. “She’s usually the voice of reason, keeping Jane in check when his Red John obsession goes too far, but in this case Lisbon is the one with the obsession. She feels responsible for the death of a woman that Volker killed and she’s determined to bring him down.” As for giving Cusick the choice role, Heller says the Lost alum has been “a revelation as Volker. He plays a titan of industry, a powerful figure who fancies himself untouchable due to his wealth and connections. Cusick has found a nice balance with the character, playing both the charm and the darkness underneath.”

Castle | Ausiello in recent weeks has been taunting you with one of his patented asterisk quizzes, about a four-letter word that threatens to keep Rick and Kate apart on Christmas. Now that I have screened Monday’s episode – aka the ABC drama’s first such Yuletide outing – I can say that although many (OK, most?) of you have since solved the asterisk quiz, you do not know the very interesting reason why Beckett’s “*ork” comes into play. I can also tell you the episode features one of the (faint praise alert!) more amusing subplots for Captain Gates; you won’t ever guess with whom Javy spends the holiday; Beckett has very specific instructions about her gift from Castle; and, yes, a “sexy Santa” costume is part of someone’s itinerary. There’s also a fun line where Rick invites Kate over for “a Christmas movie marathon… or some other kind of marathon that makes life wonderful.” The “dead’ Santa” case itself is a bit clunky, but the close of the hour IMO makes up for it. P.S. Did we know that Leslie Hope was a guest star?

Sons of Anarchy | You may know, from a recent Entertainment Weekly interview, that Charlie Hunnam this season gave castmate Ron Perlman the big chill off camera as well as on, to help get into Jax’s mindset. Thing is, he didn’t alert Perlman to his Method-y madness. “I don’t mind saying it was a bit uncomfortable,” Clay’s portrayer tells us with a laugh. “I’ve loved him since we first started working together five years ago, so it was weird [wondering] if I pissed him off.” Especially since the two men have other projects they’re working on together and had to promote at this summer’s Comic-Con. “I was on my way there when I realized, ‘Holy s–t! I’m not just going to be with Charlie on the Sons of Anarchy panel; I’m going to be with him talking about Pacific Rim and Frankie Go Boom…. I’m going to have to manufacture some sort of bon ami.’ So when we were immediately thrown into a panel [for Pacific Rim], I just threw my arms around him and gave him a kiss and all this love.” And that thawed things… a little. “For the rest of the season after that, it was never as light and loose as it used to be,” Perlman reports, “but a lot of the tension had gotten removed — which was fine with me.”

Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. | It’s early yet, as this Marvel-ous pilot continues with casting, but four words out of ABC president Paul Lee’s mouth are perhaps all you need to hear. “It’s very Joss Whedon,” Lee told TVLine at the Saban Free Clinic Gala (at which he was honored). As such, “We’re optimistic, because Joss is a genius and we love the idea and we love what we’ve seen,” Lee added. “But it’s early days, and it’s a long way to go between now and a successful series. But we are very excited about it.”