Ask Amber: July 26/10

***NOTE*** Are you following Amber on Twitter yet? She's headed 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.

Hi Amber, do we know if Charlaine Harris has done a cameo on True Blood?  And how many other authors have popped up on their series (like Jim Butcher did on The Dresden Files)? Thanks. —Ryan

Amber: Sure do — Harris “popped up” on the Season 2 finale of True Blood last September, in a scene at Merlotte’s with Sam Trammell. The official character billing was “Woman at Merlotte’s.”

As for other authors, there have been tons. Kathy Reichs appeared on a 2006 episode of Bones as Prof. Constance Wright; Jeff Lindsay played Jeffries on a 2008 episode of Dexter; Eric Haney was on an episode of The Unit as Col. Cap Powler; and Homicide: Life on the Street scribe David Simon played a suspect in 1998. To name a few, of course.

Hi Amber, I was wondering if the new season of Rescue Me was going to air in Canada? I haven't missed any yet and I hear it will be the last one. Thanks. —Mark

Amber: Sort of — Rescue Me shot 19 more episodes in 2009, but the intent is that they will be split into two seasons so the show can wrap in 2011 to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of 9-11. After all, that monumental event is what inspired the show to being with. Showcase will air the first of those two final seasons beginning Sept. 1.

I’m hooked on NBC’s Persons Unknown. The show is apparently only so many episodes and then all will be revealed. But after missing a couple of shows I discovered it is now on Saturdays at 8 p.m.! Of course I missed a couple because the change was not advertised, and the videos are only available in the U.S. Any suggestions where I can catch a missing episode or what we Canadians are supposed to do in cases like this? Love your column. —Sonja

Amber: Sad, right? Personally I was turned off the show after I saw the whole camera looking like an eyeball thing, but my colleague Denette Wilford was totally hooked, too, and also upset when NBC shifted it to Saturday nights. Unfortunately, because no Canadian affiliates have picked up the series you have to either wait for a DVD release to catch up, pray for repeats on the Peacock, or use an illegal download site. Hey, maybe if this whole Netflix thing pans out in the fall, Persons Unknown will be available there for a small fee. Better than nothing, I guess.

Is anyone in Canada showing TNT's new Rizzoli & Isles? —Ralf

Amber: Yes, finally! I’ve confirmed that Super Channel will air the series beginning Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. ET. But, if you’re following me on Twitter, you already knew that.

Hi Amber, OK, so I just read that Damages has been picked up for two more seasons by DirecTV. What does that mean for Canadians? Will our only viewing ability be to wait until the seasons become available on DVD? I am confident you will get to the bottom of this! Thanks sista! —Annette

Amber: Yo sista, what up? I love it — that made my morning. I feel like I’ve made it through some initiation or something. Anyhow, what I don’t love is that Damages has been picked up by DirecTV, because there’s no second-run window on FX, which makes the chances of Showcase picking it up slim. That’s not to say it couldn’t happen, since Sony Television is ultimately still behind the show, but Canwest hasn’t announced plans yet. My suggestion is to write the station and make your opinion heard now while you still have the opportunity.

Hi Amber, what was the name of the song and artist that was played on the series finale of Chuck? Thanks. —Marg

Amber: It’s easier when you’re a bit more specific when asking these questions, since there are usually a handful of songs that accompany each episode. In the Season 3 finale (the show’s not done, btw — Season 4 kicks off on Sept. 20), the following titles were used: “On My Way Back Home,” Band of Horses; “Sundial,” Wolfmother; “Blaze of Glory,” Bon Jovi; “Blue Beard,” Band of Horses; and “Don’t Hide Away,” Bishop Allen.

Hi Amber, I heard that the Ghost Whisperer was cancelled. Is that correct? Thanks. —Brian

Amber: It is. For a time ABC considered saving the series but in the end the network passed and the show is now officially in the can. If you want more of series star Jennifer Love Hewitt, she just wrote a book, The Day I Shot Cupid, and recently wrapped a made-for-TV movie, The Client List, in which she plays a financially strapped mother who turns to high-end prostitution to make ends meet.

Hi Amber, have you heard anything beyond the first season of Malcolm in the Middle being released on DVD? I don't understand why Fox would only have the first season and then stop. Also, do you know if the second season of Huff will ever be released? Thanks. —Mac

Amber: It isn’t that Fox is holding back on releasing the second season of Malcolm; they’ve run into problems with the release because back in the day music rights for DVD releases weren’t worked into contracts, and now it’s a bitch to try and get them. As for Huff, there are still no plans for a second season release.

Hi Amber, do you know when or if ABC will release the second season of Better Off Ted on DVD? Will it include the last two episodes that never aired? I was so sad to see it cancelled and can’t wait to have all the episodes. Thanks. —Martha

Amber: You’re in good company — I was downright devastated when ABC yanked Better off Ted. I’ll never understand why networks shell out big bucks for shows, then put them in the worst possible time slot with terrible premiere dates. All I’m interested in watching as we approach Christmas is The Grinch, not the second season premiere of Ted. Anyhow, now that I’m all hot and bothered, I should tell you that the second season doesn’t have a release date yet but if and when it hits shelves, the final two episodes will definitely be included.
 
Hi Amber, any chances that the show Sue Thomas FBEye will ever air again? It was abruptly terminated but it was not due to lack of viewers! The last episode (unfortunately aired a while ago now) let us believe that it might come back one day. Any hopes? Thanks! —Sue

Amber: Sorry, Sue, the series has been dead and gone since 2005 and it ain’t coming back.

Hi Amber, I look forward to your column very week. I am also enjoying the new format for SYTYCD this season. I was wondering if the same will apply to our Canadian season. Thanks. —Josie

Amber: It’s funny, I’ve been reality free this summer (I broke up with Hell’s Kitchen once Fox started airing weekly back-to-back episodes), and I find myself a lot less angry nowadays. So while I can’t agree with your view on Dance, I do share your enthusiasm for the Canadian version. Hey, I can’t help but root for homegrown content, whatever form it’s packaged in.

Our production is still keeping mum on most of the details, but I don’t foresee too many format changes for a few reasons. One, we don’t have the same financial backing as the Fox version; two, the auditions took place almost immediately following Season 2, so the U.S. changes hadn’t even been announced and footage has already been shot; and three, we haven’t had as many past seasons to draw talent from the way the American version has.

Hi Amber, You have a great column — lots of great information. I would like to know where I can get the ring tone used in The Good Wife, the one that says, “Mom pick up the phone, Mom pick up the phone!” What a perfect ring tone for mothers! Thanks. —Janice

Amber: Depending on your phone and your provider there are tons and tons and tons of similar ringtones you can download, or you can record your own to use, as Alicia’s daughter (or Makenzie Vega, the actress who plays her) did on The Good Wife. Mind you, she also downloaded The Twilight Zone theme song to her phone as her mother-in-law’s ring, and you always want to be careful who hears that.

Hi Amber, was Romantically Challenged cancelled? I was watching it and started to like it and then it was gone. Thanks for looking for me. —Daniela

Amber: Yes — terrible ratings and weak storylines were the cause of death, which is a shame because it did feature a terrific cast. One of my faves ever since Worst Week, Kyle Bornheimer, has already signed onto Perfect Couple. Unfortunately that new NBC midseason series sounds an awful lot like Challenged, and I have a feeling it will suffer a similar fate.

That’s all for this week!