Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Homeland, Blacklist, SVU and More 

Got a scoop request? An anonymous tip you’re dying to share? Send any/all of the above to 

Question: Not too many weeks left I can ask this — what can you tell me about

earns its TV-MA rating. There is more nudity (female and male) and graphic sex (male-female, male-male, etc) in the first four minutes than the entire season

. There’s also an eye-popping display of violence that ranks among the show’s most gruesome

 — and that is one mighty high bar. It also happens to be this year’s strongest episode, due in no small part to one particular scene towards the end of the 90-minute installment that’s been five seasons in the making (and which does not disappoint).

Good Wife scoop on Alicia’s mock debate, but do you have anything on the actual debate? —Ken

Ausiello: It sounds like Florrick Vs. Prady will escalate the old saying “if you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen” to new (and possibly hilarious) heights. Slated as Episode 12 of the current sixth season — and penned by showrunners Robert and Michelle King (always an exciting sign, yes?) — the hour will find Alicia and David Hyde Pierce’s Frank starting (or perhaps winding down) their war of words in a hotel kitchen. There, a pair of intelligent, articulate, African-American busboys named Tim and Errol will interject their own views into the scrimmage. The episode will also introduce us to the possibly recurring character of Franny, the “smart, sophisticated” chief of staff for the mayor of Chicago, who’s described as being anywhere from 35 to 60 and wielding a set of “brass knuckles” (psychological, we hope, not literal) with which she intimidates and bullies those who get in her way. She’ll be “doing damage control for the absent mayor” — while opening a window to an aspect of Chicago’s political scene which The Good Wife has rarely visited. Bonus scoop: We’re not 100 percent certain he’ll be moderating, but producers are also casting the guest role of Jackson, a smart but self-righteous “journalist-turned-blogger” who harasses Alicia “about a personal matter” during the televised debate. (Quick! Somebody cover Grace’s eyes and ears!)

Question: Do you have any information on what chaos we can expect from the Braverman clan in the few remaining episodes of

‘s final season? — Nic Ausiello: Much like this season began with a health scare that united all of the Bravermans, the series’ final episodes will once again bring the family together over a larger issue. “Instead of being so segregated with each storyline, there’s one storyline that pulls us all in,” notes Monica Potter. “That’s the crux of the rest of the season. It’s going to be really sad, but it’s going to be really good.”

scoop! I’ll take anything at this point, though my preference is Joel and Julia. — Gabrielle

Ausiello: Despite Joel’s proclamation of love at the end of last week’s hour, he and Julia aren’t out of the woods quite yet. “Julia is still kind of dizzy from his profession,” Sam Jaeger says of the couple’s dynamic in upcoming episodes. “He really put himself out there, and we’ll see Julia struggling to figure out where she stands.”

Ausiello: My spies in South Africa — yes, my network of moles spans the globe — tell me that the show recently shot an elaborate funeral sequence at a chapel in Cape Town

to air in the season finale. I have my theories about the identity of the dearly departed, but I’m more interested in who

Ausiello: I’ve got scoop, Clay, but I’m not entirely sure you’re gonna love it — since it involves a death in the family. Indeed, Season 6, Episode 12, titled “Hecks on a Train,” finds the family headed to South Dakota for Aunt Edie’s (Jeanette Miller) funeral. (Sniffle.) The show is currently casting for a trio of colorful characters that the Hecks will encounter on their way to the somber event — including an unfriendly, unmotivated thirtysomething bartender; a rebellious 13-year-old boy who hits it off with Brick (and convinces him to pilfer a beer); and a warm, sympathetic funeral director. Nope, it appears the laugh train won’t stop in the face of family heartbreak.

to bring back Mycroft or Irene Adler/Moriarty? —Agnes Ausiello: Probably and maybe. “We would absolutely love to bring Rhys [Ifans] back as Mycroft,” executive producer Rob Doherty says of Sherlock’s bro. “It’s something we are investigating. I think it will ultimately come down to his schedule. He’s a busy guy, for good reason.” That goes double for in-demand

actress Natalie Dormer, who plays Irene Adler/Moriarty. “I was amazed that we were able to get her for even the one episode she was in [last season],” the EP notes. “So, yes, same set of circumstances. We could not love them more, and so, if we can find the right story and the time in their schedules, we would love to have them back.”

Ausiello: We know a bit about why Ichabod was chosen to become a Witness, but not much about why Abbie got picked for the job. Next week’s episode, “Mama” — in which Aunjanue Ellis debuts as Abbie and Jenny’s mom — fills in some of those holes. And according to someone in the know, Lyndie Greenwood and Nicole Beharie are amazing in the very emotional hour.

Ausiello: NBC is looking to add a little A-list action to the Super-powered hour. A casting notice just went out seeking “star names” to play Jasper, the fiftysomething Director of the National Clandestine Services. Jasper’s in charge of the multi-national group that runs the worlds’ most powerful figures. He’ll also be around beyond Feb. 1, since the role is recurring.

Question: Heard a rumor that Matthew Goode is going to be on the Christmas episode of

. Is he staying on for Season 6 — and, if so — does that mean he’s leaving

Ausiello: While it’s true Goode will appear in

‘s annual Xmas episode — aka the Season 5 finale — it’s my understanding that, as of now, it was just a one-off guest stint. But I hear

producers are interested in having him back for Season 6 in some capacity. His

gig is in first position, which, loosely translated, means if

picks up his contract option for Season 7, he pretty much has to return to

. (BTW, buzz that he’s playing a love interest for Lady Mary on

is apparently true. Girlfriend’s dance card overfloweth!)

just wants to give us little nuggets of information about Annie’s health issues. Can you give us anything more than that? —Jenna

Ausiello: Not much more, but executive producer Chris Ord tells us that Annie’s heart condition “will still be a big part of what she needs to deal with going forward” this season. EP Matt Corman, meanwhile, hints that said health issue will “take on new complexities.”

Ausiello: The show’s Christmas episode — titled “Humbug” — will introduce us to Sam’s teenage son Isaac. Described as all-American and physically fit (chip off the old block!), Isaac is home for the holidays (on break from the military school he’s attending). Casting is underway!

crossover stunt will feature some entertaining first meetings, none more so than Wednesday’s inaugural collaboration between

executive producer Matt Olmstead calls the duo’s “by turns adversarial and collegial” dynamic “the most impactful pairing” of the three-episode event, adding, “It was like a long-awaited title fight between two undefeated champions.” Adds

EP Warren Leight: “The moment Benson confronts Voight about his interrogation ‘techniques’ is one of my favorites. They go right at each other.” (BTW, Part 1 starts tonight on

? These past couple of episodes have been intense! — Julius

Ausiello: “Intense” is putting it mildly, Julius, and you’ll be happy to know that Season 4 isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, we’re about to meet another shadow from Louise’s past — and not an imaginary one this time.

is introducing her brother Lyman, a manipulative politician who uses his Southern charm to mask his true intentions.

Question: Believe it or not, I was in Paris for a few days on vacation and I was walking down the street when I saw this Smurf display (photo, right). It was actually in the window of a real estate agent’s office! And I knew – I just knew – that I needed to take pictures for you. Not even asking for any scoop in return! (Although I do love

Ausiello: That is one sad Smurf display, but I love that it made you think of me, so I owe you a 

Ausiello: Silas Weir Mitchell kept mum on that topic when TVLine recently asked him, but he was happy to talk about the trouble the newlyweds are about to run into, starting this week. The fact that they are intermarried Wesen who’ve befriended a Grimm will earn them some haters in the supernatural community. “Once that’s out in the world, the genie is out of the bottle, and we’re in trouble,” he said, adding that the hatred will eventually make the blutbad or his wife — or both! — fear for their lives.

That’s a wrap! Please send questions, comments, and anonymous tips to askausiello@tvline.com. (

Additional reporting by Vlada Gelman, Rebecca Iannucci and Kim Roots

um ok so… there are only like 2 episodes left, when is there time for all of that Parenthood stuff!

There are 6 episodes left. There are two left before the midseason finale and then the rest will play out next year.

oooo , phew i was going in to like panic attack mode cause we all know someone is going to pass. I was like um… 2 epis seriously how is this going to work

There’s 13 episodes this season, so there’s still time. November 20th is just the fall finale.

1. Saul after a failed rescue attempt. Sad, hopefully not the case.

2. Quinn, after successfully rescuing Saul and sacrificing himself. Would pick this option over option #1, but hopefully not the case either.

4. Lockhart; once he’s dead, Saul will be offered to take his place.

5. The ambassador is a badass, so I could see her dying (oh, the irony..).

Hope Saul survives if he’s going to make it to the end before Season Four of Homeland is done and Lockhart is the one character people love to hate. As for The Blacklist in its post Super Bowl episode, why not have some great action scenes a la 24.

i don’t know if i can live in a world without sons of anarchy.

I expect to do a whole lot of weeping come series finale night.

In the 5 minutes I’ve been trying to read this article, I’ve been redirected to the iTunes App Store 6 times. I give up.

i bet Amber loses the baby and that’s what brings everyone together. I’m disappointed with the lack of Haddie though.

Elaborate funeral service on Homeland….hmmmm….okay, the first name that comes to mind is Saul. (Oh please don’t let it be true)….however, on second thought, I don’t think Saul would have a funeral service at a chapel-it would be a synagogue, but perhaps the chapel was used as a synagogue. This obviously will be a major player….Carrie, Quinn, Sen. Lott….OR, could it be a dream sequence, with Carrie envisioning Brody at his funeral…I wish I hadn’t read this….

I meant Lockhart….my head is spinning with possibilities…..

Could the funeral be for Carrie’s father, since the actor did pass away in real life?

This^^ I would put the odds at it being Carrie’s dad at 99% since Cape Town is doubling as Washington DC as well as Pakistan this season.

Hopeful about the hype for tonight’s SOA but I feel like I’ll be disappointed like the rest of the season. Hope I’m wrong (but I don’t think I am)

So, my money is on Quinn just because its that kind of a tv season…. :/

Is there new news about Revenge in 2015? Will Amanda Clarke and her father Dave Clarke ever get their act together?

The secrets are starting to come out on SOA and judging by the description of next weeks episode I wonder which one will be first.

Homeland: I am looking forward to the ambassadors husband being caught and HUNG as a traitor!

Louise is getting entirely too much air time on Revenge.

If they kill off Peter on Homeland, I’m going to be pissed. He’s my favorite character next to Carrie and I just love their relationship together, it’s the best of the show. Praying the show doesn’t kill of Peter Quinn, please don’t I beg you lol.

I would probably be more interested in Sam’s kid if for once we could get some decent backstory on Deeks. Deeks is the reason I watch the show, and while I like some of the other characters, particularly Sam and Granger, I’m losing patience, sitting thru the episodes for every other character than the one that I tune in to see.

That Sons of Anarchy scoop has me nervous and anxious! I don’t think I’m ready.

No show (especially in its final season) has given me such anxiety as SOA. Despite the kid’s acting, the Abel/Gemma scenes make me a nervous wreck. I’m just waiting for one moment where he’s like “Can I have some macaroni and cheese…oh by the way Grandma killed mom.” I’m going to lose it.

I wouldn’t think Quinn or Saul would have an elaborate funeral, let alone one in Capetown. Don’t know why Hagani would have a funeral in Capetown. So my bet is the ambassador.

So, Regarding The Blacklist casting for a fifty something NSA director, I’m thinking Adam Baldwin from Chuck would fit that role nicely (and it would be awesome if he kept his character, Col. John Casey, from Chuck…stunt casting and all that type of stuff would be great.)

Zoboomafoo Lemur Jovian Dead at 20; Co-Star Remembers Him as \'Gentle\'

Sons of Anarchy Recap: Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Homeland, Sons of Anarchy, Downton, Revenge, Grimm, Blacklist, SVU and More

Carol Ann Susi, Voice Behind Big Bang Theory\'s Mrs. Wolowitz, Dead at 62

Supernatural Recap: Something to Sing About? -- Plus: [Spoiler] Returns!

1Castle Post Mortem: Stana Katic Talks Wedded Twists, \'Dress\' No. 3…197

5The Walking Dead Recap: Road Warrior97

Mindy Project Recap: I Feel the Need, the Need to…