Last month, we told you that Battlestar Galactica star and Bionic Woman vet Katee Sackhoff would be making her way back to primetime this fall with a leading role in the new Dick Wolf (Law & Order) series, Lost and Found. She'll play Tessa, "an offbeat female LAPD detective who, after butting heads with the higher-ups, is sent (for punishment) to the basement to work on John Doe and Jane Doe cases."

In other words, Starbuck with a badge.

NBC has now announced that Sackhoff will also play a murder suspect in an upcoming episode of Law & Order, but no air date has been announced. After watching her steal the show as the malevolent Sarah Corvus in the otherwise dreadful Bionic Woman, I would strongly advise Alana De La Garza (who plays Assistant D.A. Consuela "Connie" Rubirosa on L&O) to hold onto her briefcase. Sackhoff can obviously outshine a series regular with the simple throw of a left-hook. … continue reading

If you're a fan of Katee Sackhoff and Law & Order, you'll appreciate this news doubly: The actress will be starring in a new series by L&O producer Dick Wolf called Lost and Found, which debuts on NBC this year. Of course, this means Sackhoff had to give up her role on Nip/Tuck, but I think she got the better end of the deal.

Replacing Sackhoff on Nip/Tuck will be Rose McGowan, who has played several memorable roles in films like Scream and Grindhouse, and on TV's Charmed. McGowan's will be taking over the role of Dr. Theodora "Teddy" Lowe. The two actresses are really very different so it's hard to imagine one's version of Teddy over the other's. In my opinion, Rose will make the doctor very sexualized, while Katee might have given it more of a subtle spin. But it's Nip/Tuck; is it ever really that subtle? … continue reading

We all know that Angelina Jolie can kick a lot of ass. In case anyone’s unsure of her ability to carry an action film, I submit Tomb Raider, Gone in 60 Seconds, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Wanted — need I say more?

Yet it’s notable that she may be taking on yet another rough-and-tumble action flick. Variety reports that the stunning actress is close to a deal with Columbia Pictures to play a role previously intended for Tom Cruise in the film Edwin A. Salt. According to Variety, her character is “a CIA officer who's accused by a defector of being a Russian sleeper spy and must elude capture long enough to establish her innocence.” (Does this mean Angie will sport a hot Russian accent at some point?) There’s nothing about that role that sounds intrinsically male to me, but we all know how the movies work, and it’s quite notable that a studio has opted to go with a female actor to play a role originally written with a man in mind. … continue reading

You know when you learn something about a celebrity you like that you wish you hadn’t? Like, I don’t know, they kick their dog or they call their children pigs or they vote Republican? Well, this is not one of those times. This is one of those times when you learn something about a celebrity you like that you wish you knew earlier. Like when I read this week in the Los Angeles Times about Battlestar Galactica stars Tricia Helfer and Katee Sackhoff’s love for motorcycles.

They report also includes a video of Tricia and Katee riding and talking about motorcycles. But, um, no one here would be interested in seeing the Battlestar babes decked out in tank tops and leather jackets while riding motorcycles, would you?

Wow, I’m not even that into motorcycles and that made me want to buy a Harley and unleash my inner Easy Rider. The report discussed the lack of female riders, a problem we’ve noted here before, both in real-life and the screen. … continue reading

Are you ready for Dr. Starbuck? Battlestar Galactica veteran Katee Sackhoff has signed on as a recurring character in the sixth season of Nip/Tuck. She will play Dr. Theodora “Teddy” Lowe, a new doctor who challenges Dylan Walsh’s character Sean.

Justin Stephens/Sci-Fi

"Teddy?" Well, it’s good to see she hasn’t lost her affinity for nicknames. But, once again, I fear Katee is starring in a series below her abilities. Her guest turn as the charismatic crazy/crazy charismatic Sarah Corvus was the best thing about Bionic Woman. Well, that and Michelle Ryan’s one-armed pull-ups.

Alan Zenuk/NBC

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Katee will appear in four episodes. Not much else has been released about the role. Now, I won’t lie, I’m not too fond of Nip/Tuck; I’ve tried and tried. In its earlier seasons its audacity was fun, but as the series has dragged on, it became less fun more freaking ridiculous. … continue reading

Last week's Battlestar Galactica episode, "Faith," rocked the house. This whole season, though, has been incredible, delving into complex, challenging issues such as religion, mortality and politics. This is not TV lite, therefore I rarely watch it on Friday nights at 10 p.m., since by then my brain is fried from the previous week's work and I can't concentrate with the appropriate amount of attention.

So, after watching "Faith" on DVR delay, I have a few observations to share with you about this most recent episode of BSG. (Please note: No attempt at synopsis has been made; for a synopsis, go here. This post is pure critique and conjecture.)

1. Starbuck has a fan base in the BSG world, too.

When Jean Barolay (Alisen Down) volunteered to go with Starbuck, Anders and Athena to the Cylon base ship to talk to the Hybrid, Starbuck told her she wasn't looking for volunteers. Jean countered that yes, Starbuck had asked for volunteers back on the Galactica, that Starbuck had been a super-hot badass leader since forever, and Jean would like nothing less than to be ordered around by Kara "Lesbian Icon" Thrace. (OK, maybe I'm paraphrasing a little, but didn't Jean seem to have a little crush on Starbuck? Too bad that crush got her killed.)

Jean Barolay (Alisen Down) in Episode 3.11, "Rapture"

Photo credit: Sci Fi/Eike Schroter

2. Six kisses Six.

After the Six who accidentally killed Jean Barolay was shot by Natalie, she confessed to Natalie that she had not been able to deal with the trauma of being killed by Jean on New Caprica. Natalie called her "sister" and kissed her before she died. I saw this as a grand, poetic statement of blood calling to blood, as well as a reflection of the fact that each Cylon model is so closely linked — closer than family, even — to the others of their model. Here's hoping most folks didn't see it as gratuitous girl-on-girl action starring hottie Tricia Helfer in a fantasy twin lesbians scenario. … continue reading

It seems as though the Law & Order franchise is having a hard time keeping its actors these days. The Criminal Intent series has had three different female detective counterparts for Chris Noth's character since 2005, and last spring the original series lost Fred Thompson to his failed (phew!) presidential campaign. Then, in late February, RENT alum Jesse L. Martin announced that he was also leaving the series after eight seasons. Now, TVGuide.com is reporting that Diane Neal, who plays Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will be stepping down at season's end.

Photo credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Citing "new opportunities," Neal will be leaving her post as the second ADA on SVU after five seasons. She came onto the show in 2003 following the staged death of Stephanie March's character, Alexandra Cabot. It has not yet been revealed how Novak will be written off the show, but I sincerely hope she isn't killed off. If I am denied the possibility of her coming back — even for one episode — I will be one very unhappy lesbian.

When thinking of Neal's character, one particular episode from season 7, "Blinded" comes to mind. While prosecuting a schizophrenic rapist, Novak's hard exterior softens because of the history with her former fiancé's schizophrenia. Near the end of the episode, Det. Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) realizes what she has done and confronts her; Novak shows no remorse. … continue reading

If you've been anywhere online lately, you have probably encountered what seem like unending commercials and promotions for tonight's premiere of Season 4 of Battlestar Galactica. I don't blame the show's producers for the overkill — the show is critically acclaimed and has a ravenous fan base, but has never been a huge ratings blockbuster. Hopefully people who tune in tonight after the barrage of advertising won't be completely confused by what has happened in the previous three seasons of BSG and will return for more.

Anyway, I digress. I could deliver my theories about what might happen this season, but thelinster already did that on Monday. So instead, I'll just give you some eye candy to whet your appetite. First up are some stills from tonight's episode, "He That Believeth in Me." They've been out for a couple of weeks, but they may still be new to you:

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You can always count on AfterEllen.com to keep you informed about Battlestar Galactica , especially now that the last season is at hand (April 4 at 10 p.m. EST on Sci Fi). Can I get an “oh, frak?”

You also can count on Malinda to share new BSG promotional photos when she finds them. If the women of Galactica don't make you squirm, get thee to the doctor.

Speculation about how the series will end is in high gear, even though we may not see the final 10 episodes until 2009. In an interview with Sci Fi Wire last week, Edward James Olmos (Admiral Adama) said the most appropriate finale for such an innovative show is for the whole crew to die. “If it's true to form, no one makes it,” he said. This Season 4 poster does little to dispel that notion.

And I may be reading too much into it, but this trailer certainly seems apocalyptic.

Stick a fork in her: The Bionic Woman is done. What? She’s bionic; she’ll heal fast. Rumors of the show’s demise persisted for months, but its status remained in seemingly eternal limbo, thanks to the writers' strike. While NBC has yet to officially pronounce the show DOA, last week Bionic co-executive producer David Eick confirmed the cancellation to Sci Fi Wire, dashing the hopes of its dozens and dozens of remaining fans.

Now, I realize this news is probably, well, duh to anyone who watched even a couple of episodes. The incredible hype surrounding the freshman series fizzled to a barely audible meh as the season progressed. Eick attributes the failure to the show never coming together as hoped:

“I just felt that the process was so frustrating, and the conditions under which we were making that show never really came to fruition in such a way that I felt like we could make the show well. The actress (Michelle Ryan) we found was wonderful. Some of the writing was good.”

Wonderful? Well, her abs were wonderful. And some of the writing was good? That must mean some was bad. Which, of course, it was. Bionic Woman had that killer combo of uninspired dialogue, unintelligible storylines and an underwhelming lead. Also, God, how boring was her boyfriend? Snore. If he’s a secret agent, than he must be 00Zzzz.

You could count me among some of the most excited pre-fans as I eagerly awaited its arrival last fall. Heck, I think I even drooled a little. But once the dream became a reality, oh, how the wheels came off. Granted, I stuck with it so much longer than I should have. The potential of Sarah Corvus was that strong. Still, even I didn’t bother to watch the show’s final pre-strike (and now, ever) episode. I have only so many hours in my life; why waste one more? … continue reading

Are you looking forward to the return of Battlestar Galactica? If so, you might want to set your DVR for The Late Show With David Letterman tonight. Ten BSG stars will read the Top Ten list. Yes, that includes Katee Sackhoff, Mary McDonnell, Grace Park, Tricia Helfer and Lucy Lawless.

And if that's not enough to tide you over, there are BSG articles everywhere this week:

1. The Los Angeles Times previews the season in an article called "Battlestar Galactica gears up for a fight to the finish." It includes this choice quote:

"I think there will be closure for Starbuck," Sackhoff said. "But I can't see her happy, in love and with babies. She's the happiest when she's alone, feeling pain and stress. She's tremendously flawed, but out of everyone she's the most human."

2. The Chicago Tribune blog The Watcher has a season preview too, and notes that Joss Whedon wanted to direct a BSG episode but is too busy with Welcome to the Dollhouse. Bummer. … continue reading

Is there such a thing as entertainment gaydar? Recently I came across an old friend on Facebook, whom I hadn’t seen in over a decade. Over the years, I’d wondered if perhaps she was gay — and once she had added me as a friend, I'll admit that I clicked over to her profile, curious to see if there would be anything about her sexual orientation there. While there wasn’t anything explicitly stated, I did see with interest that she listed The L Word as one of her favorite shows, and Brokeback Mountain and Chasing Amy as two of her favorite movies.

Now, entertainment gaydar, like any other gaydar, is based on stereotypes — and thus is bound to be somewhat unreliable. After all, there are plenty of straight people who like both The L Word and Brokeback Mountain. (And, actually, I think disliking Chasing Amy is probably a clearer sign of being a lesbian than liking it.) Nevertheless, this whole episode got me thinking about what a person’s tastes in entertainment may or may not say about her sexual orientation. And, using the popular AfterEllen.com forum thread "I’m so gay/I’m so not gay" as an inspiration, I decided to see how my tastes would stack up in the “stereotypically lesbianish” department.

To start off with the “I’m so not gay” category (hey, I may as well get the bit that will make me unpopular out of the way first):

1. I'll admit it — I don’t totally get the Tina Fey thing.

The fact that scribegrrrl, Dorothy Snarker, and Sarah Warn are all fans is enough to convince me that I must be missing something here — and who knows, maybe one day I will see the light. But I’ve seen 30 Rock, and the thing that amused me most about it was Alec Baldwin. (Who, whatever else he may or may not be, is definitively not lesbianish.)

2. I don’t watch The L Word.

The women on The L Word may be gay, but I’ve discovered that that, in and of itself, isn’t enough to make me identify with or deeply care about them. A little good writing goes an awfully long way.

3. I think Desert Hearts is a snooze-fest. … continue reading

One of life’s great shared injustices is the yearbook photo. We all had to get them. And — unless they’ve somehow magically found a cure for awkwardness, geekiness and general dorkitude since I was a teenager — most of us dreaded them. For whatever reason, be it bad skin, bad clothes or the steadfast yet ultimately misguided belief in the transformative properties of big bangs, many of us look back at our school pictures and cringe. Or, at the very least, giggle. But you know what? Celebrities had to get them too, just like us mere mortals. Now that is what I call justice.

So, let’s play a little game called Name That Teenager. It’ll be fun; like being back in high school, but already knowing what everyone will look like at the class reunion. Let the games begin:

Among them you have a Rock star, an Alien hunter, an alphaBette and the possible next president of the United States of America.

Give up? … continue reading

Today NBC released a slew of brand-new promo photos for Season 4 (the last! sob!) of Battlestar Galactica, which premieres on Friday, April 4, at 10 p.m. ET on Sci Fi. Here's some eye candy for you:

Katee Sackhoff as Starbuck

Lucy Lawless as D'Anna Biers

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I'm a geek worshipper. It's really a form of positive self-esteem, since I am kind of a geek myself. I always love to find women in entertainment who seem to be geeks, not only in the characters they play, but also in real life. GeekSugar.com shares that sentiment and has kicked off a poll of the most popular female geeks of 2007.

First candidate: Mary Lynn Rajskub, Chloe O'Brian on 24.

The pictures are from her spread in Geek Monthly earlier this year. Although Chloe is an übergeek on 24, always able to hack into secret data just in time to save Jack's life, Rajskub herself is not too technically savvy. But in my opinion, she has geek cred because she does things like appear as a troubadour on Gilmore Girls and volunteer for the Young Storytellers Program. I do have one geekish issue with Chloe & company, though. Are we really supposed to believe that a government agency is smart enough to use Macs? … continue reading