THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)
Since previous “Best Ofs” have already seen us shine the spotlight on the crackling chemistry that comes hand-in-hand with THE GOOD WIFE’s all-star ensemble and roster of guest stars that reads like a “Who’s Who” of Broadway, we thought we’d take this opportunity to highlight something slightly less sexy about the show that good doesn’t even begin to describe. Once thought of as the show’s achilles heel, this year saw the legal drama raise the bar on the courtroom aspect of the series thanks to sharply written and thought provoking case-of-the-weeks whose interest — unlike many shows of the same ilk — often rival that of the relationship melodrama outside of the courtroom.

GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
Complete with epic battles, copious amounts of sex and violence, and a level of storytelling so ambitious it’s almost more befitting the big screen than that of the small, HBO’s adaptation of George R.R. Martin epic fantasy series GAME OF THRONES didn’t just live up to the hype, it surpassed it. And in doing so reaffirmed HBO’s long-dormant mantra, “It’s not TV, it’s HBO.” Indeed.

PARKS AND RECREATION (NBC)
As if season after season of consistently delivering laughs thanks to an all-star ensemble and all-too-frequent phenomenal guest cast isn’t reason enough to extol the virtues of one of the best comedies you’re not watching, this season of PARKS AND RECREATION solidified its spot amongst our all-time favorites (see: FRIENDS, FRASIER) thanks to three important factors: 1) More romance (Amy Poehler and Adam Scott give adorkable NEW GIRL Zooey Deschanel a run for her money). 2) More Aziz Ansari (RIP Entertainment 7Twenty). And 3) Even more heart, culminating in the recent midseason finale that had Leslie’s entire staff pledging their allegiance to her campaign in an emotionally poignant moment reminiscent of THE WEST WING’s “I serve at the pleasure of the President.”

PARENTHOOD (NBC)
For every Showrunner and Network Executive that spent the better part of the last year losing sleep over the idea that the coming together of two popular television characters means the death of drama (Yes, we’re talking to you, fine folks involved with BONES and CASTLE), we respectively present our rebuttal in the form of the entire extended Braverman family. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll surely join us in scratching your head over why more people aren’t watching the remarkably acted and beautifully written family drama that is NBC’s PARENTHOOD.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (NBC)
After almost five seasons of near flawlessness, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ran out the clock with a win so big we’re still reeling from the emotional satisfaction that came from a beautiful football-free final montage befitting a series that was about so much more than what happened on any given Sunday. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

HOMELAND (Showtime)
If Showtime’s spy-tastic new thriller HOMELAND proved anything, well aside from the undeniable awesomeness of stars Claire Danes and Damien Lewis, it’s that less is indeed more. Not saddled with the Kiefer Sutherland thriller’s twenty-four episode per season time constraint that generally amounted to an explosive start and finish to every season marred by an extraneous middle padded with silly story lines (Think: Elisha Cuthbert and a cougar trap!), HOMELAND’s 13 episode cable-sized season was just right. And by “just right’ we of course mean jam-packed with a seemingly never-ending number of twists and turns that had us questioning motives of an ever-expanding roster of morally dubious characters up until the very moment the final episode’s credits rolled.

HAPPY ENDINGS (ABC)
Since we’ve already gone on record in heralding HAPPY ENDINGS as quite possibly the funniest series since that show about that coffee addicted gang from Central Perk, we’ll simply say this: The only thing that makes us happier than getting to revel in the misadventures of Eliza Coupe, Elisha Cuthbert, Zachary Knighton, Adam Pally, Damon Wayans Jr and Casey Wilson on a week-in-and-week-out-basis is the idea that— thanks to a surprising second season uptick in ratings — we’ll be getting to do so for many seasons to come.

PERSON OF INTEREST (CBS)
What PERSON OF INTEREST may lack in verbiage from its somewhat emotionless leading former military man that is Jim Caviezel’s mysterious John Reese, it more than makes up for thanks to showrunner Jonathan Nolan. The immensely talented storyteller (See writing credits that include: The Dark Knight, The Prestige and Memento), who in teaming up Reese with the equally mysterious multimillionaire Harold Finch (LOST’s Michael Emerson) and Cops Carter (Tarjai P. Henson) and Fusco (Kevin Chapman) has quietly created the superhero television series television genre fans so richly deserve.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (CBS)
Despite the fact that we continue to be vocal about the decisive lack of movement on the mother of all mysteries, we feel that it’s important to note when it comes to HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER that we chastise because we love. Oh, and did we mention we’re not alone? Almost unheard of in this modern 500 channel universe, our infatuation with this hilarious and heartwarming series continues to grow along with… drumroll please… the show’s audience! In other-words, co–creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas must be doing something right.

DOWNTON ABBEY (PBS)
Move over MELROSE PLACE, television scandal has a new address! The place: Victorian England. The Time: Early 20th Century. The Hook: Having recently devoured the entire first season courtesy of Netflix, we find ourselves completely enthralled in the sordid sex-filled scandal-ridden lives of the Crawley family and the staff that serves them. Seriously. You have not lived until you’ve witnesses a dressing down by family matriarch Violet (Dame Maggie Smith).

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
REVENGE (ABC): Aaron Spelling would be proud.
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO): Did you see “Palestinian Chicken”?
BONES (FOX): For giving the middle-finger to the MOONLIGHTING Curse!
HART OF DIXIE (CW): Possibly the most delightful small town since Stars Hollow.
RAISING HOPE (FOX): Living under the poverty line hasn’t been this funny since ROSEANNE.
SHAMELESS (Showtime): Thanks to the funniest collection of kids since MODERN FAMILY. Speaking of which…
MODERN FAMILY (ABC): Still undeniably the most consistently funny performer on television.
THE DAILY SHOW/COLBERT REPORT (Comedy): Also known as the silver-lining to the out-and-out insanity that the American political system.
COMMUNITY (NBC): To borrow a line from the dearly departed Steve Jobs, “Here’s to the crazy ones.”
THE MIDDLE (ABC): Now that the entirety of the critic community has jumped on the Heck bandwagon, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you all that we were there first!
Animation Domination (FOX): This season’s trifecta of Seth MacFarlane shows (FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD, CLEVELAND SHOW) and THE SIMPSONS have been so enjoyable we’re willing to forgive Fox for ALLEN GREGORY.

Related:
• The Top 10 Television Shows of 2011 (A Second Opinion)

It never fails. A show is humming along perfectly and then… they walk into the room. You know who we mean. That character who just brings the show to a grinding stop. The one who gets under your skin and causes your eyes to roll. As with most things, it’s completely subjective… what causes one viewer’s skin to crawl has another purring like a kitten. But here’s our list of characters we’d love to see take a long walk off a short pier.

WHITNEY’s Mark
We like the actor and want to like the character, but he’s just so dang… well, obnoxious. It’s hard to imagine why Alex would be friends with the guy. On the plus side, Mark’s bonding with Roxanne has some potential, so perhaps there’s hope for him yet!

REVENGE’s Declan
The inexplicable accent alone is enough to give us a hate-on where this character’s concerned. It doesn’t help that we’re not particularly fond of his love interest, Charlotte, either. 

PARKS AND RECREATGION’s Chris
In a town full of charming characters we ador, Chris stands out like Donald Trump at a convention for well-coiffed dudes.

THE MIDDLE’s Bob
Every time Frankie goes to work, we cringe at the thought of spending time with Bob. If we wanted to hang out with annoying co-workers, we’d go to our own workplace.

GOSSIP GIRL’s Charlie/Ivy
How did someone so bland completely take over the show? Then again, she’s a Serena clone, and heaven knows being bland never stopped her! 

This week in Awesome: Not only did PARKS AND RECREATION have Leslie taking a page from FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS’ Coach Eric Taylor (“Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose”) in an effort to inspire the troops, the episode’s final scene that saw her hard-working staff dedicate the next few months of their lives to her election campaign was this close to having us standing up and cheer, “I serve at the pleasure of the President.”

You’re a Mean One, Mr. NBC: Indeed, nothing says cruel and unusual punishment like forcing fans to watch another exemplary episode of COMMUNITY all the while knowing full well that this may be the last time we see it on the air for God knows how long!

Most Controversial Moment: Despite the internet being fiercely divided over this week’s highly contentious episode of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER that removed the possibility of Robin ever having biological children of her very own, there is one thing anyone would be hard-pressed to argue about: Having attracted the show’s highest ratings in two years, the show’s writers must be doing something right.

The Biggest Loser: Judge Nicole Scherzinger, who after crushing the dreams of 14-year old Rachel Crow on Thursday’s edition of THE X FACTOR couldn’t muster even a word or two of an explanation. Weakest link much?

Biggest Head-scratcher: While we’re usually the first to commend those smarter-than-your-average-showrunners over at THE GOOD WIFE for sharp storytelling and believable character development, we feel the need to take them down a peg based on Sunday’s comedy of errors in which daughter Grace was presumed kidnapped having accidentally butt-dialled mother Alicia. To borrow a line from SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’s Seth and Amy, “Butt-dialing… 12 times… Really?”

From the Department of Thou Shalt Covet Objects From Thy Favorite TV Set: Is anyone else obsessed with the Victoria’s Grayson’s mesmerizing black and white chair on REVENGE? Or are you — as you should be — too busy counting down the days until the new season’s guiltiest pleasure returns?

Most Unexpected Moment: Question: When is the only acceptable time for a transgendered person to get into a fight with two grown men? Answer: On Tuesday’s hilarious RAISING HOPE, which now that BETTER OFF TED has been put to bed, is quietly solidifying itself into the funniest show you — yes YOU — aren’t watching.

Occupy Ustream: A company with far too much disposable income on their hand has apparently offered Octomom Nadya Suleman six-figures to star in her own weekly internet show to be broadcast on Ustream.

Adding Insult to Industry: Despite announcing that the incredibly unfunny MAN UP! is being yanked from their schedule, ABC has yet to throw COUGAR TOWN a bone. Deciding instead to fill the space with repeats of Tim Allen’s LAST MAN STANDING. Ouch!

And the Award for the Hardest Working Man in Show Business Goest To…: Mark Pellegrino, who following stints this year on CSI:MIAMI, BEING HUMAN, BREAK OUT KINGS, THE CLOSER, SUPERNATURAL, and LOCK & KEY will end the year by infusing a little ruthlessness into CASTLE’s 1940′s film noir episode. Speaking of which…

Funniest Moment: Five days after the fact, we’re still chuckling over Castle’s suggestion to Beckett that the only way they’re going escape being cuffed together was for her hand to be sawed off 127 Hours-style because “it’s smaller.”

So excited for tonight’s return of BONES. Even more excited for what’s rumored to be an Emmy-worthy episode for David Boreanaz. Anything you care to tease? — Nancy
The TV Addict: As much as I’d love to be able to tease the heartbreaking circumstances that come crashing down on Booth in tonight’s episode that afford David Boreanaz an opportunity to deliver one of his most emotionally impactful performances to date, we’re afraid that to do so would pretty much spoil the episode’s most shocking moment. Cue obligatory ambiguous tease that goes a little something like so: This time, it’s personal.

With all the buzz surrounding Booth, I’m curious if there is anything for us Brennan fans in tonight’s episode of BONES? — Jenn
The TV Addict: Oddly enough, tonight’s episode does an excellent job of highlighting a handful of positives as a result of Brennan’s decreased workload due to Emily Deschanel’s real-life pregnancy. One of which has to do with a hilarious anatomy lesson that Brennan gives Squintern Clark, while another is the return of the always welcome Tina Majorino as Booth’s sidekick Agent Shaw.

Any HAWAII FIVE-0 Scoop? — Jake
The TV Addict: Do you happen to be the parent of a teenager who bares a striking resemblance to a young Alex O’Loughlin? If so the Producers of HAWAII FIVE-0 want to hear from you! Okay, they don’t really want to hear from you, that said, sources have confirmed that they are searching for a young man to play a 16-year old version of McGarrett for a pivotal upcoming episode that will shed some very welcome light on McGarrett’s relationship with his super secretive father.

Does admitting to you that I’m a thirty something gal obsessed with ABC Family’s PRETTY LITTLE LIARS warrant any scoop about the show’s January return? — Brenda
The TV Addict: Indeed it does! And you’ll be happy to know that when the hit ABC Family show returns for the second half of its sizzling second season on January 2nd, it will make up for lost time by delivering an incredibly action-packed episode. Emphasis being on the physical fireworks that doesn’t just go down when Ezra and Aria decide to fess up to Aria’s not-so-receptive parents about their relationship, but also when the girls finally come face-to-face with a certain letter of the alphabet. Suffice it to say, there will be blood. There will also be a long overdue development that may finally give the girls the upper hand in the battle to bring down A!

Now that ONCE UPON A TIME has solidified itself as my favorite new show of the season, I could really use some scoop? — Brandon
The TV Addict: Us to! Unfortunately, co-creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz spent six years learning about the LOST art of secret keeping from Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse so they know a thing… or five about keeping secrets. Which means, all we have to share with you are some brief teases culled from across the internet that has Sunday offering up a very Charming episode that will see our favorite new prince be forced to choose between Mary Margaret and Kathryn. More exciting still, when ONCE closes out the first half of it’s 2011 season, it will do so on a decidedly hopeful note when another resident of StoryBrooke begins to remember his (or her!) fairytale past.

For some inexplicable reason that may-or-may-not have to do with my own insecurities, it would really help me out if you could give me some hope that THE MIDDLE’s Sue Heck will succeed at something, heck, anything this season? — Amy
The TV Addict: First, let us start off my saying that despite the fact that a guy who runs a website called theTVaddict.com should probably not be the one to judge anyone, Sue Heck most definitely should not be the barometer for which you measure your own self worth. That said, if it is, you’ll be happy to learn that your favorite member of the family Heck will be starting off 2012 on the right note when she scores her very first… wait for it… boyfriend! More exciting still, he’s a wrestler named Matt.

Why is 2 BROKE GIRLS not available On Demand? It’s, like, the ONLY show that CBS airs which isn’t. (And no jokes about “because nobody wants to see that sh*t”) — Richie
The TV Addict: Since you already read our mind by offering up a variation of Valerie Cherish’s catch Comeback catchphrase (“I didn’t need to see that”), we’ll forgo the obvious by doing something we rarely do: Offer up actual information. 2 BROKE GIRLS is not available On Demand (or iTunes for that matter) because it’s produced by Warner Bros. Television, which unlike most studios has a tendency to make their comedies appointment viewing. A strategy, which judging from their track record including THE BIG BANG THEORY, TWO AND A HALF MEN and THE MIDDLE is hard to argue with.

As a diehard Ben and Leslie “shipper” on PARKS AND RECREATION, I could really use some reassurance as to just what exactly Leslie’s former boyfriend is doing back in Pawnee? — Bill
The TV Addict: While we’re sure Producers would like you to believe that the very likeable Louis C.K. has come back to Pawnee to drive a wedge between Ben and leslie, we’re talking 47916 (Random Indiana Zip Code) not 90210. Translation: What brings C.K’s Dave Sanderson back into the fold isn’t so much to rekindle a relationship with Leslie, but a job opportunity that will have him interviewing for Pawnee’s Chief of Police.

Can THE GOOD WIFE get any better this season? — Rachel
The TV Addict: Yes. Specifically, this Sunday’s episode that features the return of the duplicitously delicious Michael J. Fox as Alicia’s legal nemesis Louis Canning (A first look of which we’ve handily posted below)

Rumor has it that tonight’s episode of GREY’S ANATOMY is one of those classic sob-fests. True or false? — Amy
The TV Addict: Short Answer: True. Long Answer: Based on tonight’s tear-jerker of a mid-season finale that features a very unexpected outcome to Meredith and Derek’s adoption woes, multiple character deaths, not to mention an ending that will leave fans on the edge of their seat as they ask themselves what on earth is going to happen next, our working theory is that Showrunner Shonda Rhimes must be some sort of secret investor in a Kleenex company. Which is our not so subtle way of saying that there will be tears… for a variety of different characters.

Having really enjoyed the way in which you broke the news last week that “Belle” would be dropping by ONCE UPON A TIME I’m hoping I might implore you to include some sort of similar tease in this week’s column? — Monica
The TV Addict: Flattery will get you everywhere, including a yes to your request… assuming of course you can decipher the following tease that has the next batch of Fairytale characters scheduled to drop by Storybrooke Maine involved with what many might consider the precursor to Willy Wonka. Read into that what you will.

Now that young Henry has successfully managed to bring Emma Swan back to town, any clue as to when the residents on ONCE UPON A TIME might start to get their memories back? — Bryan
The TV Addict: According to sources, at least one resident of Storybrooke Maine will start to regain his (or her!) memories before the show goes on its holiday hiatus.

Completely didn’t expect the return of the Ice Truck Killer on Sunday’s episode of DEXTER? Anything you can spill about what we can expect next? — Bill
The TV Addict: Much like any episode of DEXTER, there will be blood. Yet unlike just any episode, the blood that will be spilled during Sunday’s fantastic instalment of the hit Showtime series will be of the very familiar variety. Particularly if you’re a fan of the season featuring the Trinity Killer!

The only thing I’m loving more than newcomer Tessa Altman (Jane Levy) on SUBURGATORY is the obvious romance blossoming between parents George (Jeremy Sisto) and Dallas (Cheryl Hines). Am I crazy? Is there any hope for these two? — Mandi
The TV Addict: While we sure as heck aren’t about to dip into the current mental capacity of a reader addicted to television (As if we’re one to judge!), or if Tessa and Dalia will soon be living under one roof akin to some sort of bizarro version of THE BRADY BUNCH, we can tell you that the always ugly “D” word (That’s divorce, in case you were wondering) will soon be knocking on the beautifully renovated door of two unlucky SUBURGATORY residents.

Anything you can tease about tonight’s fall finale of THE SECRET CIRLCE? — Allison
The TV Addict: You mean aside from the fact that November 10th seems a wee bit early for a fall finale? How’s this: Coming to Cassie’s rescue tonight will be two men in shining armor so to speak. And while one of her heroes is somewhat predictable, the other may surprise fans as Jake’s nefarious plan comes to light. Think “black” and you’ll be probably have an inkling of an answer!

Despite the fact that her high school horrors are a little too reminiscent of my own, I love Sue Heck. Which is why I was hoping you might be able to share a detail or two on one is coming up next for my favorite fictional character? — Jessica
The TV Addict: As self-proclaimed president of the Sue Heck fan club, we’ve got some very good news for you. Sue will very-soon become Captain of a cheerleading squad. Unfortunately, in typical Sue Heck fashion, the Wrestlerettes will be a cheerleading squad she’s concocted for the specific purpose of cheering on her latest crush!

Any chance you have some scoop on the comings and goings in my favorite TV town of Pawnee. — David
The TV Addict: Always the giver, PARKS AND RECREATION’s Valentine’s Day-themed episode will find Leslie Knope putting her considerable political muscle behind yet another worthy cause. That cause? Finding best friend Ann Perkins a boyfriend at the first annual Parks Department Single’s Dance. Cue hilarity that may-or-may-not end with Ron Swanson dressed as a real-life Cupid and an unexpected romantic spark between to staffers fans never in a million years would have put together.

Not a question, but more of a statement. This week has been slightly less funny with MODERN FAMILY on hiatus. — Rachel
The TV Addict: Agreed! Which is why we thought we’d try out best to help turn your frown upside-down by offering up a first look at the show’s November 23 episode that will see current Book of Mormon Broadway star Josh Gad drop by as an old friend of Phils. Bonus points for any reader who takes to the comments below to name the show in which Ty Burrell and Josh Gad starred in together prior to their current successes.

Additional Reporting By Tiffany Vogt

Absolutely loved Kristin Bauer’s guest appearance as Maleficent on Sunday’s ONCE UPON A TIME. That being said, any word on what other iconic Disney character fans might expect to see? — Amy
The TV Addict: Forget words, we’ve got lyrics! And if you can place where the following ones come from you’ll have a pretty good idea as to what iconic fairytale character may-or-may-not be soon popping up on ONCE UPON A TIME next: “Little town, it’s a quiet village…” Oh, and on the off chance you were able to crack our not-so-challenging code, feel free to head to the comments below and share your casting suggestions. At the top of our list would be MODERN FAMILY’s Sarah Hyland!

Is Mos Def’s Brother Sam really dead on DEXTER? — Dave
The TV Addict: Much like Brother Sam, on the subject of his fate, we’re a man of few words. Except to say that what does-or-doesn’t-happen to Brother Sam has some seriously spooky implications for poor Dexter. In fact, one might even go as far to say that last Sunday’s shooting sets into motion a horrific story that will haunt America’s favorite serial killer for episodes to come. Need we say more? We hope not, because if you have failed to pick up on our not-so-subtle nod to AMERICAN HORROR STORY yet, it’s possible you’ve been watching a little too much television.

Any idea as to the sex of Booth and Brennan’s baby on BONES? — Michelle
The TV Addict: Ummm… yes. But since we sure as heck aren’t going to be the ones to risk the wrath of Hart “Crazy Canuck” Hanson by spoiling the surprise, we’ll simply say that the manner in which the sex is revealed in the show’s second episode back will come as just as a surprise to Booth.

As someone who is still grieving over the loss of Vincent Nigel-Murray I was wondering if you could prepare me for the newest Squintern on the block? — Becca
The TV Addict: Fans of BONES’ revolving door of Squinterns will be happy to know that the Jeffersonian’s winning streak of winning Squinterns continues with the arrival of Mr. Abernathy. Who, not only does a bang up job of injecting his own unique voice to the show (literally!), but brings with him a touch of Kitsch, Taylor Kitsch that is.

As a staunch supporter of Zoe and George I was hoping you might have some positive news for me on the HART OF DIXIE front? — Abby
The TV Addict: Well, the first thing you need to know about Zoe and George is that we’re totally on Team Wade! That said, according to sources, George and Lemon’s road to the alter will hit yet another speed-bump in an upcoming episode when George gets a peek into his future courtesy of rival lawyer’s strained marriage. Suffice it to say, marrying Bluebell royalty may not be all that it’s cracked up to be.

Any word on the fate of Tom now that FALLING SKIES has begun shooting its second season? — Frank
The TV Addict: Since the show probably isn’t going to go ahead and kill the star of the series, it probably won’t come as much of a surprise that the aliens don’t have their way with Noah Wyle’s Tom Mason. That said, what sure might come as a surprise is newcomer Avery Churchill. A female aviator akin to Amelia Earhart who brings the ragtag Second Massachusetts an incredible story, and more importantly, hope the future in the war against the Skitters.

Any scoop on THE BIG BANG THEORY’s fantastic four? — Frank
The TV Addict: If you promise not to shoot the messenger, we do have some somewhat worrisome scoop with regards to the relationship of one of your favorite gang members. Which is to say, expect someone to change their Facebook status to “It’s Complicated” thanks to an upcoming episode that will have a certain someone going on a date with the luckiest comic book shop owner in the world. Seriously, on what planet does Stuart continue to be such a catch?

Is there any hope at all for Leslie and Ben on PARKS AND RECREATION? There lack of love connection is the only thing I’m not loving about this phenomenal season. — Ricky
The TV Addict: Leslie and Ben shippers will be pleased to discover that not even a highly-charged race for office will keep the star-crossed lovers apart. That’s the good news. The bad news is that an upcoming episode will see the fate of Ben’s job hanging in the balance when he comes to the defense of Leslie in what is probably not the most politically correct manner.

Love the NEW GIRL, hate the new guy. Will the show ever give Winston something funny to do? — Brandon
The TV Addict: If former Latvian basketball star turned “Manny” (That’s Male Nanny in case you were wondering) makes you chuckle, well, than yes, Winston will indeed be given something funny to do. Stay tuned…

In anticipation of tongiht’s much-anticipated fourth season premiere of PARKS AND RECREATION, theTVaddict.com thought now might be as good a time as any to run our brief one-one-one that was hilarious interrupted by Pawnee’s own Aziz Ansari at the recent Television Critics Association Press Tour in Los Angeles. So just what did Schur have to say about Ben’s backstory, Leslie’s political aspirations and the single biggest thing he’s excited about fans seeing on the upcoming fourth season of the hit NBC comedy. Find out for yourself, after the jump.

I wanted to start off by asking about Adam Scott’s wonderkid Ben Wyatt. Seeing how much you yourself have accomplished in your relatively short time, I’m curious if the character of Ben was at all inspired by your success in the industry?
Mike Schur: Oh God No! The Adam Scott character was modelled on that story every five years where a guy gets elected mayor at 18. Actually, it was an early candidate for what Leslie’s backstory might be, when Greg [Daniels] and I were developing the show one of the ideas we had was that Leslie was the mayor of the town and had failed and was trying to build herself back up. But we got rid of that idea because it was a little too high concept, but for a new character like Ben [Adam Scott] we though that works perfectly.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Ben’s character is the town that Ben left, do you think we’ll ever get to see his former place of residence?
Mike Schur: Well, we’ve talked about that, like a weird road trip back to his town where he screwed up so badly but I’m not sure. There is something to be said for that just being part of Be’s mythology or backstory. He didn’t drop a bomb on the town, we’re not talking post-apocalyptic deer roaming in the streets, that didn’t happen, but I don’t know maybe, season 21.

The phrase ‘live action version of THE SIMPSONS’ seems to be popping up more and more in the media in terms of characterizing PARKS AND RECREATION’s ever-expanding character base. What is your reaction to such high praise and was creating a real world around the Parks and Rec department always part of your original plan?
Mike Schur: I wouldn’t say that we ever said out loud, we should make a live action version of THE SIMPSONS, but as we were talking about the idea, the idea became more and more about creating an entire town with a government, a media, citizen committees, personalities, local celebrities, Springfield is the obvious analog, but you never, you’d be crazy at any point to say out loud the words “We’re going to create a live action Springfield,” that’s a lunatic idea. That show is doing its 500th episodes, it’s animated and they’ve have been building that city up for 20 years so that was never our goal. But, I have to say anytime anyone says it to me I get completely overwhelmed with joy and an thrilled that anyone would think that because to me that’s the most important comedy show maybe ever and being mentioned in the same idea, sentence or paragraph of THE SIMPSONS is incredibly fulfilling.

Heading into this season Leslie has a huge decision to make in terms of running for office or maintaining a relationship with Ben. Is it a challenge writings characters that have big hopes, dreams and aspirations, yet at the same time having to keep them tied down to this quiet little town?
Mike Schur: My thinking is that if you introduce a character who has big dreams, you kind of have to have them pursue their dreams. If you have a character you dreams big, like that guy right there.

[Mike Schur points to Aziz Ansari, who very quickly commandeers our interview]

Aziz Ansari: A couple of question, tell me what can we expect in Season 4 of PARKS AND RECREATION?
Mike Schur:Tom Haverford played by Aziz Ansari is revealed to be gay. He dates a very very large man, like a really large man, who’s very nice, they have a great relationship, but they’re very demonstrative. That’s kind of one of the early stories.

Aziz Ansari: I heard a rumor that he’s going to be played by Michael Clarke Duncan, is that true?
Mike Schur: Spoiler Alert! Yes Michael Clarke Duncan is Tom’s boyfriend and he’s amazing.

[Aziz Ansari exits]

Continues Mike Schur: The point is, is that I think if you have a character like Tom who dreams very big if you don’t have him pursue his dreams he starts to become sad. He’s a sad sack, he just sits around like The Iceman Cometh. I don’t want to do The Iceman Cometh the TV show. So you kind of owe it to the characters who have goals and dreams to let them pursue them and naturally play out where that goes and find ways to keep them in the world of that show without making them seem sad. So we kind of say, what’s the reality of this guy who wants to literally be Diddy, he lives in a small town, it’s probably not going to happen, but at least he’s got to try. So this season is at least in part about him trying and making his run with that dream.

And finally, is there any one single thing you’re most excited about having the fans see this season?
Mike Schur: I don’t know, I think we have a really good plan in terms of the long term arcs of the show and I think that very very big dramatic things are going to happen fairly frequently and we’re doing a lot of good topical episodes that are kind of about things that happened in the country recently. We’re weirdly breaking our Christmas episode and it’s going to be a really big Christmas episode so I just want people to watch it. I don’t have any one thing, i just want people to watch it. make them tune in.

PARKS AND RECREATION airs Thursdays at 8:30PM on NBC (CityTV in Canada) and stars Amy Poehler, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe. Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

Any word on how Colin Hanks is going to fit into the new season of DEXTER? — Dave
The TV Addict: Words, we’ve got plenty. What’s more, they’re not just a random collection of ambiguous ones strung together in a desperate attempt to leave readers with the impression we know far more about the upcoming sixth season of DEXTER than we actually do. Rather, they’re from the former good guy himself, Colin Hanks, who was kind enough to make up for interrupting our one-on-one with HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER’s Jason Segel during last week’s CBS/CW/Showtime Party by dropping a few hints about what fans can expect from his character. “Here’s the problem. So much of the show is a secret that they’ve sort of engrained in me to not ruin the secret and when you sign a legal binding document it sort of makes you not want to do that. What I can say is that my character Travis restores ancient artifacts and he has a relationship with a Professor Gellar that’s played by Eddie Olmos,” said Hanks, of his character who is sprinkled in throughout the season. “It’s amazing and I want to tell the world about it but I can’t. Here’s the one thing I can say, there are a few instances this season where we are doing things that the show has never done before that will make all the DEXTER-heads flip out!”

Is there any truth to the rumor that GLEE is going back to its first season roots this year? — Drew
The TV Addict: Indeed there is. So much so that fans will be thrilled to discover that when GLEE does return for its much-anticipated third season this Tuesday September 20th at 8PM on FOX (Global TV in Canada), it will do so in a very familiar fashion. Teased star Lea Michele during last week’s FOX TCA Party, “This is the only top secret information that I can give you. I was really hoping that in this upcoming season I would get no slushies, no mess and whatever and then… like page two of script one I’m already a mess! Obviously they’re doing it on the first script because we’re coming back from the break happy and well rested. Had they put that in mid season we all would definitely have said no, I’m not looking forward to that.”

This DEGRASSI addict needs to know if HIGHLAND GARDENS is coming to the United States? — Cindy
The TV Addict: According to our highly placed — and we should mention on the off chance he or she is reading this — super awesome source at Epitome Pictures (The company behind both DEGRASSI and HIGHLAND GARDENS) no deal has yet been struck for a US Network to carry the Canadian series. As such, we feel that now is as good a time as any — again, on the off chance our highly placed source is reading this — to humbly suggest that Epitome look towards the CW, a channel which is in desperate need for some addictive, not to mention, affordable summer programming come 2012.

Any idea what Dan Scott is doing back in ONE TREE HILL? — Stephanie
The TV Addict: Not really. Of course if we were a betting man, which by the way we’re not, we’d be putting down a sizeable junk of our non-existent blogging riches on Dan Scott not surviving the season. Don’t forget, you heard that here first.

Any clue as to how Marshall and Lilly will deal with being expectant parents on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER this season? — Bianca
The TV Addict: Since Marshall and Lilly’s baby isn’t scheduled to arrive until May sweeps, we’re not gonna lie, we got nothing. Except to reveal how Marshall’s portrayer Jason Segel feels about the matter. “The thing I’m most nervous about are these poor actor babies who are going to have to be on set with me because I’m not good with kids at all,” said Segel. “Babies are terrified of me, I’m gigantic and kids are really scared!”

From the sex of the baby, to whether or not Booth and Brennan are going to live together, November 3rd is far too long to wait for BONES to return. Help me TV Addict, you’re my only hope! — Allie
The TV Addict: Okay, here’s the thing. Knowing full well how desperate BONES fans are for even the teensiest morsel of information with regards to their favorite couple (Yes, we said it, actual, honest-to-goodness couple. Finally!) our number one mission at the recent FOX TCA Party was to corner anyone even remotely related to BONES and pepper them with questions. That’s the good news. The bad news is that creator Hart Hanson has his cast trained incredibly well, to the point that the only thing the usually talkative Michaela Conlin (Angela) would spill is that Booth and Brennan’s living situation will be made abundantly clear in the show’s first episode back. What’s more, she knows the sex but isn’t clear on the name and jokingly referred to the baby by the famous androgynous fictional SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE character, “Pat,” when asked what name she’d give the baby if given the choice!

BONES scoop please!!! — Melissa
The TV Addict: Are you a fan of cryptic messages that could mean practically anything? If so, you’re really going to appreciate the incredibly ambiguous tease that creator Hart Hanson gave us as he held court amidst a gaggle of reporters during the recent Fox TCA Party, “The first scene shot is going to amaze people, the show looks different.” Read into that what you will.

Although much has been made about Sarah’s personal life when it comes to the new season of PARENTHOOD, very little has been discussed with regards to her professional one. Is it safe to assume that her career as a writer will continue? — Raquel
The TV Addict: While it is in fact safe to assume that Sarah’s success as a scribe will continue… it will do so at a glacial pace. According to Lauren Graham during a recent one-on-one with the TV Addict. “I’m interested in kind of the process and seeing Sarah grow but because it’s an artistic thing it shouldn’t have any giant leaps and bounds.”

Literally cannot wait for the return of PARKS AND RECREATION, any scoop? — Michael
The TV Addict: Assuming of course you’re a fan of Rob Lowe’s character Chris, prepare for your jaw to quite literally (see how we did that) hit the floor. Why you ask? Well, in a nutshell, Chris Traeger is about to make his ideal love connection. Now, where the shocking part comes in is said aforementioned connection will be made by none other than the soon-to-be introduced daughter of a government worker we’ve come to know and love.

Any hint as to who April might lose her virginity to on GREY’S ANATOMY this season? — Amy
The TV Addict: Funnily enough, we posed that very question to April’s portrayer, the delightful Sarah Drew at ABC’s recent TCA Cocktail Party. And while she was, not surprisingly thank-you-very-much spoiler Nazi Shonda Rhimes, incredibly tight-lipped on who, when and even if it will even happen this season, the glowing mother-to-be did let us in on one little secret: Just who she’d like to see April lose it to! “It would be interesting to have the bad boy Alex and the good girl April and kind of see how that worked out,” admitted Sarah Drew after jokingly pointing out how awkward it was to talk about this very touchy subject matter with her real-life husband sitting right next to her. “But at the same time I would kind of find that hard to believe. I think April needs to find someone who has a similar kind of mentality and outlook on life. Although it would probably make for an interesting storyline, total opposites finding their way to one another, but I don’t know.”

Pleased don’t judge me but I’m still watching ONE TREE HILL. Any chance you can reward my loyalty with some scoop on Dan Scott’s return? — Brianna
The TV Addict: Judge, who us? Surely you jest! After-all, despite threatening to drop the show on more than one occasion, we’re still watching DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. Which is why we’re going to acquiesce to your request for scoop and fill you in on a little secret: Dan Scott may have actually turned over a new leaf, or at least that’s what sources are telling us with regards to early episodes of the season that see Scott transform himself into somewhat of a slightly older and more out of shape version of the Caped Crusader, protecting his family from drug dealers and other slightly-less-than-upstanding Tree Hill citizens.

Any word on how the rejiggered FINDER is shaping up? — Madison
The TV Addict: Have you heard the one about the orphan who walks into a bar? Rest assured, you will! Because it’s not the start of a really bad joke, but rather the title of THE FINDER’s first episode back (“An Orphan Walks into a Bar”). Oh, and on the off chance you’re wondering as to just why an orphan walks into a bar, well, he has a job for the titular finder Walter Sherman (Geoff Stults)… one that, surprise, surprise, involves the hiring of Sherman to investigate just why he’s an orphan.

Is Leslie Knope really going to leave her post in the Pawnee Government to run for office on PARKS AND RECREATION? — Christopher
The TV Addict: While sources close to Ms. Knope have been uncharacteristically tight-lipped with regards to her intentions to declare her candidacy, we do know that — in a brilliant attempt to boost ratings — the PARKS AND RECREATION writers will be taking a page from any one of Primetime’s countless police procedurals. Which is to say, expect early episodes of the season to be “ripped from the headlines” as Leslie not only finds herself embroiled in a birth certificate-related scandal as she prepares herself for the possibility of running for office, a handful of Pawnee’s male staffers will be lectured on what is and is not appropriate text etiquette (Think: Weiner-Gate)

So excited to see Heylia James return at the end of last week’s episode of WEEDS! Does the show have any more surprises up its sleeve? — Rob
The TV Addict: Indeed there are. Suffice it to say, Heylia isn’t the only familiar face you’ll see on upcoming episodes of WEEDS as creator Jenji Kohan brings yet another familiar face back into the fold.

Any chance you can offer up a glimmer of hope for this PARENTHOOD fan, specifically on the Jasmine and Crosby front? — Raquel
The TV Addict: Hope, there’s always hope. We for one are still holding out hope for a VERONICA MARS movie and for the WB’s short-lived albeit brilliant-but-cancelled series JACK & BOBBY to get a DVD release. But enough about our hopes and dreams, on to yours. Will Jasmine and Crosby reconcile? We’re going to go out on a limb and say yes. Of course, this being PARENTHOOD — the show where nothing is ever as simple as it sounds — it’s going to be a long and windy road to happily ever after. Particularly after a communication break down in an early season 3 episode on behalf of Crosby sees Max and Jabbar end up in the Principal’s office. Da… Da… Duh…

Any idea as to who Oceanside Wellness will replace Naomi with on PRIVATE PRACTICE? — Jill
The TV Addict: No, although we do know that interviews for Naomi’s replacement will take place in the second episode of PRIVATE PRACTICE’s fifth season. What’s more, they won’t go well.

Getting slightly frustrated with the lack of answers on FALLING SKIES, any chance the show will remedy this during Sunday’s episode? — Michael
The TV Addict: Short Answer: Yes. In Sunday’s can’t miss episode fans will learn a pivotal detail about why the aliens invaded earth. That’s the good news. Unfortunately the bad news is that the aforementioned intel uncovered by Dr. Glass (Moon Bloodgood) will have some horrifying repercussions for the community and more specifically, those poor harnessed kids. Double… Da… Da… Duh…

If Emmys were given out for Outstanding Interview Subject, PARKS AND RECREATION star Nick Offerman — better known to viewers as meat-lovin’, tough-talkin’, man’s man Ron Swanson — would be a shoe-in. No, really. Having spent the past four years interviewing the Who’s Who of the television world, we here at theTVaddict.com are usually fairly-well prepared for anything an interviewee might throw at us. Yet, Offerman actually did something no other subject has managed to do: make us want to be a better person. Whether praising his colleagues (calling the show’s writers room “the best in the biz”) or speaking wistfully about wife Megan Mullally and their pups, one can’t help but be struck by the eloquence and sincerity of his words. And every now and then, he also manages to completely surprise you, as when Pawnee’s gruffest resident admits, “When I get around my family, I am the sissy!” So get ready, because if, based on Ron, you think you know Offerman, you’re in for a surprise. And trust us, it’s going to be a pleasant one.

Having spent the better part of your 15 year career as a working actor, one imagines that the success and notoriety that comes with playing a character like Ron Swanson on PARKS AND RECREATION must come as a bit of a surprise?
Nick Offerman: I always had a lot of confidence in my work and the unique flavor I like to bring to my characters, but you know I’m not a huge dreamer. And so once I got to Los Angeles and sort of got the lay of the land you quickly learn to survive you have to be much more of a realist. Having gone through most of WILL & GRACE by Megan’s side, I was aware at what an incredible… I’m not kidding — getting a part like Karen Walker or Ron Swanson — the odds are better to win the New Jersey Powerball lottery. I had to move to Los Angeles from Illinois to learn that my dream life was actually not like a David Lee Roth video. And once I sort of woke up to that I was like, okay, here’s what I want: I want to have a happy life with my wife and my home and our poodles and my wood shop. And I want to get to work as an actor, hopefully on good material with people who aren’t assholes. And so, Megan and I both made those sort of rules, work with people we like, on material we think is good and we’ve had really good luck at finding those situations. But I never dreamed that it could be as good as PARKS AND RECREATION.

Have you given much thought as to why Ron Swanson resonates so much with the audience?
No I haven’t given it a lot of thought because when you’re the clown you can’t spend a lot of time wondering why those kids are crying over there. But I really love the analogy of the human in that great movie WALL-E. You had those fat docile humans floating around in those robot chairs and being fed everything by milkshake and you know they had lost the ability to do anything for themselves and I think that in a looser sense that’s happening to our civilization. The more amazing technology and luxury we provide ourselves the less able we would be able to survive if we needed to chop or own firewood, or kill our own beast, and so maybe they can see something incredibly magnificent in Ron Swanson. I’ve always felt this way because when I get around my family I am the sissy. My dad, my uncles and my grandfathers when they were alive, these guys are “Ron Swanson” all day long and the reason they are is simply because they get their hands dirty.

Ron Swanson really is a man’s man, which some might argue is a nice change of pace from the proliferation of pretty boys on television!
I’m going to get a little waxy on you now, this is coming from my my favorite agrarian writer Wendell Berry, I’m pulling a lot of this from his philosophy, when the industrial revolution hit and advertising became big, we were sold a bill of goods that you deserve to put your feet up, you shouldn’t get your hands dirty, that’s beneath you. You should buy our vacuum cleaner, our electric typewriter, whatever it is. You should have all this luxury so that you no longer have to perform menial labour and everybody bought it hook line and sinker and we’re still buying it. And what we’ve lost sight of is that performing manual labor with your hands is one of the most incredibly satisfying and positive things you can do. Anybody who does something like doing a really good job of mowing your grass with a push mower, or washing your car, things that still exist in our world, you know that feeling of satisfaction. Or you know what a great one is, changing your tire. For the small percentage of people who will still change their own tire because they’re wearing high heels or they don’t want to get their Dockers muddy, there’ a very Ron Swanson feeling of I need to rely on nobody to sustain my life.

Following up on that, your credibility really is off the charts. Have you been approached with any interesting endorsement offers? Will Nick Offerman soon be putting his stamp of approval on a chainsaw, steak sauce or line of power tools?
You know I haven’t really had anything yet. It has occurred to me and my representation once Ron Swanson sort of hit the way he did in the zeitgeist we all said that would be hilarious, if Nick Offerman became the spokesman of a chainsaw company or tractor firm but I haven’t really fielded any offers yet. I did do this one thing though, Sunday was World Environment Day, a United Nations conservation holiday and I did this sort of feel good thing where I teamed up with Budweiser, they have this great program where they try and get men to stop shaving because you use an average of 5 gallons of water overtime you shave. They did this thing on their Facebook page called “Grow one save a million” and I teamed up with them to be one of the spokesman for it and that I felt really good about it because they got a hold of me because I have become known for my ability to grow whiskers. So that kind of fits into the category, but no, no one has contacted me to get behind their brand of sledgehammer.

From your love of steak to your passion for woodworking, the PARKS AND RECREATION writers have done a remarkable job of mining your personal life for stories. Are there any character traits or passions that they have yet to uncover that you’d like to see incorporated into future storylines?
I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some easter eggs remaining somewhere about, but whatever they may be I probably am not aware of them because although I do bring the bacon and sawdust and what have you, it’s our incredibly genius writers who have the ability to pick and choose which attributes of our personalities they’re going to focus on with all the characters. And so while it’s easy for the viewer to think that was pretty sharp of Nick Offerman to decide this love of bacon and woodworking but it’s not me, I’m just the vessel. In my opinion we’ve got easily the greatest group of writers working in TV and I’ve seen a lot of great writers room. But these fellas and ladies are so smart and funny it’s one of the things that make my job such a dream.

When WILL & GRACE became the hit it did, your wife Megan was catapulted to an entirely different level in terms of fame. Did getting to experience that alongside her help you in dealing with the popularity of Ron Swanson?
Well Megan is about 11 years older than me, and interestingly she got WILL & GRACE right about at the same age that I got PARKS AND RECREATION and it’s been one of the great blessings of our marriage, having gone through all these lessons on Megan’s arm, sort of learning vicariously how to deal when all of these new pressures come into our lives. Of course, the difference between us is that Megan is so brimming with talent that her whole life, even though she didn’t get her “big break” until WILL & GRACE, her whole life her talent was being recognized — either on the Broadway stage or as a young women in Chicago — she was by far the young ingenue of Chicago musical theatre in the early to mid 80′s. In fact, William Morris snatched her up and there was a moment she was going to have Rebecca De Mornay’s part in Risky Business but then they changed producers and re-cast things. You know, she’s had moments. She has a scene in About Last Night where she’s the girl that Rob Lowe makes out with her where Demi Moore decides to try and dump him. Everyone has known she was a knock out star and it is a testament to how hard the business is that it took Megan Mullally to the age of 38 to break out on a national level. If you ever see her in a broadway musical you’d be like what is the f*ck going on? She’s a tiny beautiful elfin women and she walks on stage and everything you ever heard of Ethel Merman comes to mind. Just a light explodes from behind her and her voice just knocks you over… can you tell I’m a fan?

Yes, and to be perfectly honest, it’s ridiculously sweet.
We feel very lucky in that regard. I can’t sing like Megan, so I always say that she’s like an incredible chocolate cake and I’m like a pint of Guinness. We’re both delicious, but mine is a much more acquired taste. Maybe it’s a bigger astonishment to me that I got a part like this than it was to Megan, but I certainly am so much better prepared for a lot of the new parts of my life being in the limelight to the extent that I am from watching Megan go through it first.

Does recognition in the form of Emmys mean anything to you, or is it simply as Ron Swanson might put it the icing on the cake the steak sauce on the steak?
Again watching Megan going through a serious Emmy run, I think Megan had 7 nominations in a row and she won the first and last which is pretty cool. Going through that with her you see it’s not a meritocracy, there are too many shows, too many amazing performers and so it’s not like a foot race where I hope I can outrun Chris Colfer in the 100 meter dash. But that’s how it sort of plays out. It brings a sort of sporting analogy, like we’re going to give a trophy to the champion of comedy, by the way I would love to sees a foot race between Neil Patrick Harris and Chris Colfer. Last year for example we felt like we could have got a nomination for a show but the thing is there are so many networks. For example, Showtime has these great shows that are a different breed than traditional comedies. I think Laura Linney is going to be up for a best female in comedy and you’re like well obviously Laura Linney is a great actor of our generation, she’s not in the same file drawer as Steve Carell and Alec Baldwin when you think of comedy. So when you look at all those really disparate factors you can’t really get invested in what it means or if the Emmys bestow any meaning beyond a pat on the back. 

Having said that I love a pat on the back as much as the next guy and my answer to this question is always with a great Robin Williams quote I read years ago in an interview. He said, “For an actor getting a job is a job and when you get a job that’s your vacation.” And it couldn’t be more true because all we’re ever trying to do is get a stage, get a platform so that an audience  can see what we love to do. Ever since i started theatre I’ve likened it to giving people medicine because that’s what it feels like when you have 300 people laughing in a live theatre. So if getting a job is your vacation, getting this job on PARKS AND RECREATION is the best critics award I could ever receive. 

Any Emmy or any other award is a wonderful pat on the back and of course it would be great to get that pat on the back but I’m much more invested in Mike Schur and the show winning some trophies and Amy [Poehler] because I’m the lucky kid who showed up and got the part of Ron  Swanson, but Mike Schur and Greg Daniels, these guys have been turning out some of the greatest heartfelt comedy that we’ve all been enjoying from SNL to THE SIMPSONS to KING OF THE HILL and THE OFFICE to this. I would rather see Mike Schur win three Emmys then me even get an invitation because if I win a trophy or if anybody else on our show does, a large slice of that deserves to go to Mike Schur.

What would Ron Swanson say about all the hullabaloo surrounding the Emmys?
Ron Swanson wouldn’t have even taken your phone call. He wouldn’t have anything to say because he’d have been outside fashioning a bow from Osage Orange to get rid of a few of the pesky blackbirds around his house.