Ask Amber: July 19/10

***NOTE*** Are you following Amber on Twitter yet? There is only a little over a week to go until she heads to L.A. for the 2010 Summer TV Critics Press Tour, and if you want to stay up-to-date with all the latest info and news that's where you'll hear it first.

I heard rumours that Marg Helgenberger was not signing onto CSI for the upcoming season. Is that true? —Peter

Amber: Not exactly. The actress’ contract was up at the end of last season, and when CBS didn’t extend it (or didn’t pay her what she wanted, who knows), she made a public fuss and told everyone and their mother she might not return.

A week-and-a-half ago a deal was worked out, though and Helgenberger will return. Surprisingly. As any fan of dramatic shows has surely noticed by now, the major players aren’t shy about axing female leads on aging series. A.J. Cook on Criminal Minds, Jennifer Morrison on House and Liz Vassey on CSI are recent examples of this trend. And even though I’m not personally a fan of the original CSI franchise (with the exception of last season’s finale), there are many viewers just waiting for Catherine Willows’ imminent exit.

Hi Amber, Aaron Douglas tweeted that CBS will only air seven of the 13 episodes of The Bridge, and that CBS is editing those episodes to be different than what aired on CTV. Does that mean that CTV will only re-air seven episodes and will they be the CBS versions of the episodes? —Michelle

Amber: CBS won’t officially comment on how many episodes it's airing, although CTV confirms it has scheduled only seven simulcast episodes of the series this summer, so looks like Douglas wasn’t pulling your leg. Creatively CTV isn’t aware of any changes, although there could be specific episodes CBS is opting not to air to bring that order down (the original run featured 13 episodes).

I wouldn’t bet on CBS extending that order either. The Saturday night timeslot coupled with the lukewarm ratings means nothing good for the Canadian series, which has already been renewed for a second season here, but not south of the border.

I like to read the credits at the end of a show or movie. Why is it that as soon as the credits start popping up they scrunch it into a corner and start showing commercials? Yes, I know that commercials pay for the show but don’t you think there are enough commercials during the shows — so much so that sometimes we don't get the last few seconds of a show? —Dolores

Amber: If you’re asking my personal opinion, I avoid commercials at all costs and make good use of my PVR. That’s how I manage to watch so many different things each week. As for scrunching up the credits, it’s something stations have done as long as I’ve been watching TV. Yes it’s a matter of getting that extra bit of ad dollar, but often it’s also a way for the station to promote what’s coming on next so viewers don’t change the channel. If it bugs you that much, you can always look up all that info at imdb.com afterwards. I love that site so much I’ve even downloaded the iPhone app.

Dear Amber, I used to watch Table for 12 on TLC all the time. Do you know if they have cancelled that show, or whether it will come on again, at all? Thanks. —Shelby

Amber: The series revved up again at the end of March with a big announcement it was returning, then it was pulled after one episode. It seems the network quietly aired a special on July 6, in which the family got a puppy (like they don’t have enough to do) but there is no news about any future airings. We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything.

Hi Amber, if CBS renewed Medium, have they had second thoughts about cancelling Cold Case? They are letting go of some very good shows and great actors lately. Soon there will be nothing to watch on CBS anymore. Thanks and hope you can answer me. —Laura

Amber: Cold Case is deader than the cases it showcased — there’s no hope of it returning. Medium was an exception because even though it aired on NBC, it was produced by CBS Entertainment. When CBS felt NBC mistreated the show, it opted to give the series new life and picked it up for Friday nights last season. But most networks opt for fresh shows rather than competitor’s hand-me-downs; they very rarely pay off in the end.

Hi Amber, I really love your column. I was wondering if there was a way to purchase the old TVO series Spirit Bay and Today’s Special on DVD? Also, what happened to My Big Fat Greek Life? It was a great show. Thanks. —Bobby

Amber: You can certainly try requesting either of those two series on TVO’s official site but I doubt they’ll be able to send stuff from that far back. As for My Big Fat Greek Life, it was clearly only ever meant to be a movie. Not even executive producer Tom Hanks could get viewers to tune into that one, and it was swiftly cancelled after seven episodes.

Hi Amber, do you know what the song is from the end of Would be Kings with the lyrics “doesn’t anyone know”? Thanks. —Janet

Amber: I believe you’re referring to the CTV movie from 2008? If so, I think the song you’re looking for is “Everybody” by Stabilo. Check out the video and let me know:

Hey Amber, I bought the second season of Raising the Bar and was wondering if you knew whether or not Season 3 is airing in the U.S.? Thanks. —Lynda

Amber: The series was cancelled after only two seasons so a third won’t air anywhere. Mark-Paul Gosselaar (who will forever be Zack Morris to me), already found a new gig, too: he’s appearing on the upcoming season of Weeds.

Hi Amber, what happened to Mary Murphy on SYTYCD? I feel like she quietly disappeared from the judging panel and was replaced by Mia Michaels. Is there any official or unofficial word? Thanks. —Samantha

Amber: Mary disappeared, quite quietly actually. Officially, Fox announced last May that Mia Michaels and Adam Shankman were joining Nigel Lythgoe at the judges’ table this season, but the only thing they would say about Murphy was that she had signed on to guest judge for several episodes. Unofficially, rumour has it that the hot tamale needed a break after recent bad press for her loud on-air personality and the recent revelation that she was abused by her ex-husband.

Hi Amber, could you please tell me when the new season of Sons of Anarchy will air in Canada? —Frank

Amber: I wish I could — I’m dying for it myself! Unfortunately we have to wait for Super Channel to make that call. In the U.S. the new season kicks off Sept. 7. There will be a panel at TCA so I'll try and dig up more dirt, plus actress Katey Segal is up for an Individual Achievement in Drama award at our annual TCA awards, hardware I personally think she deserves. If she does win, she'll probably make an appearance there, too.

That’s all for this week!