Thursday’s FRINGE was seriously off the hook! How long will we have to wait for Peter to learn the truth about his origins? — Mandy
The TV Addict: Based on a recent conference call with actor John Noble, who promised that when Peter finds out “we literally tumble into these extraordinary last two or three episodes,” we’re going to go out on a limb and calculate that Thursday May 6th is precisely when Peter will learn the truth. Of course if we were any good at math, we probably wouldn’t be sitting in our pyjamas blogging on a Monday! Just sayin’

The photos you posted last week have me very excited for the arrival of Michael Trucco on CASTLE. Any word on the “really hot scene” Michael Ausiello teased that sparks their attraction. — Felicia
The TV Addict: If by word you mean a really hot photo depicting said really hot scene, well, enjoy!

I’m worried about poor Castle! How is he going to cope with Beckett and Tom (Michael Trucco) off doing who knows what for the rest of the season? — Jim
The TV Addict: Somehow, we have a feeling Castle will be okay. Particularly during the April 12th episode when a Hollywood Hottie (played to perfection by NIP/TUCK’s Kelly Carlson) drops by and does her best to nail the leading role in the upcoming big screen adaptation of Nikki Heat. Operative word here being ‘nail.’

Huge fan of Alyssa Milano, what’s the buzz on ROMANTICALLY CHALLENGED? — Paul
The TV Addict: As much as our inner tween is yelling at us to not answer this question, let’s just say that those worried that CHALLENGED co-star Kyle Bornheimer won’t be in a position to star in the yet untitled CBS pilot from HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Carter Bays, Craig Rhomas, Kourtney Kang and Joe Kelly next season… Well, you can stop worrying now.

Anything on tonight’s CHUCK? — Daniel
The TV Addict: Not being located on the west coast and lacking the access to a private jet that we so desperately deserve need, we were sadly unable to attend the CHUCK panel at this past weekend’s WonderCon in San Francisco. Fortunately, what we’re lacking in riches, we more than make up for with our capability to stalk fellow TV Addicts via twitter. TV Addicts such as @hitfixdaniel who had this to say about tonight’s episode, “Monday’s CHUCK is the season’s best episode by a wide margin…” High praise from @hitfixdaniel, trust us!

Do you think CHUCK has a shot at a fourth season? — Michele
The TV Addict: Up until this weekend we did. But judging from today’s heightened twittertivity (Twitter + Activity) by co-execitive producer @JoshScwartz76, we can’t help but feel as though he’s genuinely worried for the show’s future. So why not do him, alongside fans of quality television everywhere a favour and tune in live tonight at 8PM on NBC. Operative word here being ‘live,’ especially if you’re a Nielsen family!

Can you please shed some light on the secret of Narrow Lake? This loyal BROTHERS & SISTERS fan is losing her patience! — Allison
The TV Addict: As it turns out, you’re not the only one. Which is probably why on the April 11 two-hour instalment of BROTHERS & SISTERS, the Walker clan will flash back to their high school days in an effort to uncover just why Nora is so desperate to sell Ojai to William’s nemesis, Dennis York. As for just what will be revealed, hey, we’re not about to spoil the fun here except to say we genuinely didn’t see it coming, an unrequited love may play into the equation, and one Walker’s life will more than likely never be the same again.

I love UNITED STATES OF TARA, any scoop? — Jay
The TV Addict: The sixth episode of the season will bring with it a disaster that will make the productions designers on Wisteria Lane look really bad.

Only two episodes left of LIFE UNEXPECTED remain. Please tell me Cate and Ryan get their happily ever after? — Sandy
The TV Addict: In truth, we can’t. What we can say is that the season finale does end with a wedding. Unfortunately, it may-or-may-not end up with an “I Do!” Alas, those pesky CW publicity folks are smarter than the average TV Addict, only going as far as to send us a leaked photo of Cate walking down the aisle, but not to whom! Ryan? Baze? Heck, with an episode titled “”Love Unexpected,” it could be anyone! Translation: There’s still hope for Math to get lucky!

Well that about wraps it up folks for this edition of “Ask the Addict.” if you’ve got a question for the TV Addict, you can email me directly at info@thetvaddict.com or follow me on twitter at twitter.com/thetvaddict.

Question: TV Addict, I’ve got 50 bones riding on a bet with my bestie that Booth and Brennan will be the much-talked-about couple to head down the aisle later this season. Please tell me I will not be $50 dollars poorer in the not-to-distant-future! — Jayson
The TV Addict: To my fellow BONES addicts who insist on inundating my email box with variations of the exact same question, I’ve got some bad news for you. I for one will not be responsible for ruining the super-adorable proposal that may be coming sooner than you think.

Question: As excited as I am for BONES 100th episode, this week marks the 99th. Any big surprises? — Luke
The TV Addict: Yes, as a matter of fact there is a surprise. A fairly substantial one for Angela.

Question: When we last saw Father Jack (Joel Gretsch) he was left to die in a pool of blood. Please tell me he’ll be okay when V return on Tuesday? — Jessica
The TV Addict: I would imagine that if you’re reading a website called theTVaddict.com, odds are fairly good that you’re well-versed enough in the concept of a cliffhanger to realize that the odds of Gretsch’s Father Jack not-surviving a near fatal stabbing are about as good as Beckett not escaping from last week’s shocking apartment explosion on CASTLE. But since you seem awfully concerned, here’s a photo from the upcoming April 6th episode showing (spoiler alert) the good father alive and well. Phew!

Question: Are we ever going to revisit the Fairview strangler. It’s really the only reason I’m sticking with this disappointing season of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. — Jennifer
The TV Addict: Hoping to inject some much needed excitement into a story that seems to have fallen off the face of Wisteria Lane, the Fairview strangler will be back in a big way this April 25 courtesy of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES go-to plot device: The flashback! Entitled “Ephiphany,” the episode will not only show fans that the Fairview strangler been… wait for it… living among the women of Wisteria Lane all season long, but that he once caught Gaby and Carlos during an intimate moment; Bree offered him a job and some dating advice; Susan encouraged his passion for art; and Lynette will show him some kindness and generosity.

Question: Tonight marks the season finale of GREEK, good news for Casey and Cappie? — Mark
The TV Addict: If by good news you mean that the show will get another 10 episodes to properly wrap up the story, well, then yes. But if you mean good news on the relationship front for Casey and Cappie, two words: Bring kleenex.

Question: With the creepiness factor being off the charts, there is only so much more of Jasper I can take on 90210. Any Ideas as to when he’ll be out of Annie’s life? — Renee
The TV Addict: Coincidentally enough, it’s a question I posed to actor Trevor Donovan in an interview last week. Who, after agreeing with me that his character Teddy could totally take Jasper in a fight, revealed that, “it doesn’t come to blows so much, but Annie will be all-right. I think, in the end, Jasper ends up hurting himself more than anybody else.”

Question: If ratings are any indication, I am MELROSE PLACE’s only fan. What are the chances of it being renewed? — Lacy
The TV Addict: Put it this way, when new episodes of FLY GIRLS and HIGH SOCIETY, the CW’s latest reality offerings net more eyeballs, I think it’s safe to say MELROSE PLACE is the one show Heather Locklear couldn’t save.

Question: UNITED STATES OF TARA is the reason I subscribe to Showtime, got any scoop for me? — Adam
The TV Addict: Something will happen with Marshall that may soon find his membership to the “Gayble” revoked.

Question: Things have been quiet on the HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER front as of late. Any intel on some upcoming plot-lines that don’t involve my least favorite aspects of the show: Ted and ‘the mother.’ — Madison
The TV Addict: When the show returns from an NCAA March Madness induced hiatus on April 12, it will be Lily who goes a little mad when she decides she wants to get a gun for protection after Marshall gets mugged.

Question: Titled “Peter” I can’t help but wonder if FRINGE’s return on Thursday involved Peter finding out the truth about his true origins? — Jonathan
The TV Addict: Rest assured, by season’s end, Peter will find out the truth about his origins. Just not on Thursday. That said, please don’t let that detract you from tuning into the episode, because I am not exaggerating when I say that FRINGE’s April 1st return — complete with visits to the alternative universe, the introduction of the Walternate, and a decision that will quite literally change everything — marks the series best episode to date.

Question: Like you, I’m still finding it hard to find a reason to jump onto the HUMAN TARGET bandwagon, any reason that might change this week? — Dave
The TV Addict: It might change if you’re into the parade of really good looking actresses that continue to cross Chance’s path. This week, following in the footsteps of THE OC’s Autumn Reeser and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA’s Tricia Helfer and Grace Park is Terminator Salvation’s Moon Bloodgood, who drops by as a super-hot super-smart doctor on the verge of uncovering a corporate conspiracy who Chance must save in the Alaskan Wilderness.

Question: 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU is back tonight, is the show worth catching up on? — April
The TV Addict: Whether or not it’s worth catching up on this harmless half-hour ABC Family series is debatable. That said, what’s not up for debate is whether or not you should download the first 10 episode on iTunes. Which for what is surely only for a limited time are all available for FREE on iTunes.

Well that about wraps it up folks for this edition of “Ask the Addict.” if you’ve got a question for the TV Addict, you can email me directly at info@thetvaddict.com or follow me on twitter at twitter.com/thetvaddict.

Photo credits: Greg Gayne/FOX and Jack Rowand/ABC

For a show that prides itself on planning ahead (See: The Wedding Bride), there was something oddly anti-climactic about the lack of clues one (okay, we) could decipher the fab five’s flash forward (pictured above) during the final scene of Monday’s HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER. Assuming of course Lily’s giant flower dress wasn’t simply a ploy to distract us from an impending baby bump, and it was mere coincidence that Ted didn’t bring a skank…. err, we mean potential “mother” to Lori’s Lily’s 42nd 32nd birthday party, did we missing something? Or did creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas finally learn a lesson from “the goat” and intentionally avoid painting writing themselves into a corner this time?

News Showtime probably doesn’t want to hear. Our increased enjoyment of Monday’s second season premiere of the UNITED STATES OF TARA was predicated on the fact that for the most part, the episode completelyy lacked Tara’s other states. Is it wrong? Are we crazy? Or is there something to be said for the satisfaction one gets from a straight up family dramedy from the always entertaining mind of Diablo (Yup, we’re still laughing at the term ‘Gayble’) Cody? 

Aside from the fun we had thinking back to our own addiction to The Sims (Ahhh…. Memories of Malenopolis), there was very little to laugh about during Monday night’s instalment of THE BIG BANG THEORY. Seriously. Consider our flag firmly planted with the woefully underused Wolowitz, who so accurately pointed out that Sheldon’s life is a non-stop performance. Thus, to craft a plot entirely around his fear of public speaking was completely out of character. If anything, Sheldon would relish the opportunity to get up in front of a group of his peers to accept an award that reinforces his superiority and intelligence. Well, at least that’s our theory and we’re sticking to it.

Now don’t get us wrong, after three plus seasons spent scratching our head over the deal with Richard Alpert, last night’s for-your-Emmy-consideration-how-to by actor Nester Carbonell didn’t disappoint. With the exception of one tiny little thing, which at the risk of incurring the wrath of JOpinionated we’re just gonna go ahead and say: There is something slightly off-putting with regards to the realization that the characters we’ve invested five years of our lives in may be nothing more that human chess pieces so that Jacob may prove a point. We’re just sayin’

After another night of incredibly painful AMERICAN IDOL performances, can we all just agree that this season was a disaster of epic proportions, name Crystal Bowersox (aka. the only performer who had an iota of talent) the winner, and call it day. Please?

BROTHERS & SISTERS (9PM ABC)
In an effort to single-handedly prop up the California wine industry, tonight’s two-hour installment promises double the surprises (A Walker health crisis!? A Walker exit!?) and assuredly, double the alcohol consumption.

UNITED STATES OF TARA (9PM Showtime)
While you’ll tune in for Toni Collette’s Emmy worthy performance, you’ll stick around for the equally unique, hilarious and touching supporting cast of characters including Keir Gilchrist, Nathan Corddry and Rosemarie DeWitt. The latter of whom delivered one of the funniest monologues in recent memory during last week’s very NSFW episode.

BIG LOVE (9PM HBO, 10 HBO Canada)
In what is shaping up to be a phenomenal third season, BIG LOVE continues to give us BIG reasons to keep shelling out the BIG bucks for HBO.

NEW & NOTABLE:
THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (9PM NBC, E! in Canada)
For continuing to milk this tired an unentertaining franchise, we’re going to borrow a line from Mr. Trump himself and say Ben Silverman: You’re Fired. Or at the very least, you should be.

UNITED STATES OF TARA opens to the title character looking somber and peeved. And in the next scene, she’s T, a rowdy, horny, and suggestive teenager who proudly wears her thong outside her jeans isn’t afraid of thrusting her hips in the air while supporting herself on the kitchen counter.

Sometimes she becomes Buck, a gun-slinging, beer-chugging redneck – and a man. And when she needs an extra-feminine touch, she’s Alice, prim-and-proper ’50s mother with perfectly sculpted hair and impeccable baking skills. These personality transitions are done entirely without any explanation other than that we already know that Tara (played brilliantly by Toni Collette) has dissociative identity disorder, or as it was previously known, multiple personality disorder.

But she’s mostly just Tara Gregson, a Kansas mother who paints murals for the wasp set, struggles to figure out her teenage kids (Brie Larson and Keir Gilchrist), and looks to her astoundingly patient husband (John Corbett) to get her through the madness of everyday life.

So a mom – just with multiple personalities, or “alters.” It’s a family dynamic that’s strange, but works. We don’t see family dinners, but living room meetings where Tara takes record of everything an alter has done while she was away (she can’t remember anything any of the alters do while they are manifested), asking them what Alice baked or if Buck bought porn or – while still buzzing – if T did any drugs.

At the face of this is Toni Collete, whom without TARA would never work: while her character changes clothing to signify a personality change, we can see in Collete’s seamless change of expression who she’s become. All of the alters, though blatant clichéd stereotypes, are complete characters in their own, synced together convincingly. A feat worthy of an, ahem, award. And praise John Corbett, who plays Tara’s saintly, understanding husband Max. Their relationship grounds so much of the theatrical behavior of the alters with its organic, knowing conversations, rife with adoration and sarcasm.

While a fun, tender, clever, and sometimes hilarious half-hour, UNITED STATES OF TARA at the same time feels bigger than its pay-cable premise: if you didn’t have this projected metaphor for the roles women have to play, it would actually be better than it is.

Thank creator Diablo Cody for all of this, who in creating a strong family ensemble, also created a premise that seems to only truly exist to draw attention to itself. And like her pregnancy dramedy JUNO, she makes the kids so hipper-than-thou that they seem wittier than they actually should be – like making the pregnant teen call an abortion clinic on a hamburger phone, it sometimes tries a little too hard to prove just how nonchalant it can sound.

The upshot with a Cody production is that it always gets the reactions and behaviors just right: however outlandish Tara’s alter can sometimes be, the way both Tara and her family respond, be it in horror of being embarrassed, frustrated with her conscious disappearances, or enraptured by its peculiarity, everyone behaves (though not always speak) in real, human ways.

Hopefully like in Cody’s JUNO, if we can handle the first 15 minutes worth of stabilizing (or in this case the first four episodes), then we continue on through to the end, charmed by its heart and oversize brain.

UNITED STATES OF TARA premieres Sunday January 18 at 10PM (est) on Showtime