Tube News: Joss Whedon, Dawson returns to TV, Veronica Mars, Dancing with the Stars and more

Joss Whedon directing "The Office"
Perhaps everyone else in the free world already knows this, but I just found out that television-genius Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel) is directing an episode of The Office. This is an example of the things you learn from reading actors’ blogs. Jenna Fischer (Pam, The Office) talks about working with Whedon at her MySpace blog. The Whedon episode is scheduled to air in late February, according to Entertainment Weekly. If that’s not enough to entice you to read Fischer’s blog, she has some cute photos of John Krasinski posted there, too.

Veronica Mars not filming series final
The word out of the CW winter press tour is that Veronica Mars will not be filming a “series finale episode” this season. That means the writers won’t be wrapping up all the storylines in a nice, neat package, since they’re under the assumption that the show will continue on next season. That’s the good news. The bad news is that beginning March 6, the plucky detective goes on hiatus for eight weeks to make room for the CW’s new Pussycat Dolls reality show, where contestants compete to be the next Pussycat Doll. No, that wasn’t a joke. I wish.

Felicity is cover girl and pregnant, too
Felicity Porter, I knew you when. Imagine my surprise when I opened up the January issue of Cosmopolitan to find Felicity, or should I say the gorgeous Keri Russell, staring out at me in full-page color in a Cover Girl makeup ad. She looks incredible, peddling lip-gloss. Somewhere, Noel Crane is eating his heart out. In related news, TV Guide is reporting that Russell is expecting her first child with fiancée Shane Deary. Somewhere, Noel Crane is eating his heart out. That joke never gets old.

James Van Der Beek to guest star on "Criminal Minds"
Those of you wondering what happened to Dawson Leery, wonder no more. James Van Der Beek is guest starring on the CBS show Criminal Minds in the post Super Bowl episode. Van Der Beek is allegedly playing a seriously deranged sociopath. I don’t know about you, but I blame Joey Potter for this.

Brothers and Sisters casts "Everwood" alumnus
TV Guide is reporting that Emily VanCamp is joining Brothers & Sisters. VanCamp won the role of Rebecca, the illegitimate daughter of the show’s deceased patriarch. Everwood fans everywhere, rejoice.

The O.C. not picked up by the CW
I’ve received plenty of mail from you about your desire to keep The O.C. on the air and continue the adventures of Taylor and Ryan and the rest of the Cohens. I hear you, folks, but sadly this is a battle we can’t win. The CW did not pick up the show, as many of you had hoped. Yes, I agree it would have been an excellent fit for the network. But, apparently, the important people in charge of these decisions don’t agree. The O.C. series finale will air on Thursday, Feb. 22. Send tissues, Tubers.

"Dancing with the Stars" returns in March
Move over Emmitt Smith. Dancing with the Stars will return Monday, March 19, with a two-hour premiere. No word yet on which celebrities will be shaking and shimmying this spring.

Show pick ups for "Scrubs," "Earl," "The Office" and more
Scrubs will be back for a seventh and final season. Yay! Some of my other favorite NBC shows that are getting another season include The Office, My Name is Earl and Heroes. And over on The CW, everybody will go on hating Chris next year. Everybody Hates Chris was picked up for a third season.

Watch CW shows for free online
The CW network is offering viewers free TV at its Web site. Veronica Mars, One Tree Hill, Supernatural, Everybody Hates Chris, Beauty and the Geek, All of Us, Girlfriends, and The Game can be watched for up to four weeks after their initial on-air telecast. Unfortunately, Smallville isn’t among the shows included in the online viewing package at www.CWTV.com. I just know Lex Luthor had something to do with this.

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