Tonight I was talking with some show business buddies who have relocated to LA, and they work in television. Anyway, our conversation confirmed my most cynical observations in recent weeks and then some. In the main, about how meticulously planned the media campaigns are for television shows, and the photos being released when they are being calculated by the show/network/whatever. And that if a magazine like Entertainment Weekly runs a picture along with an interview with the show's creator, they all know exactly what they are doing. We also talked about RSL renewing his contract or not, and Doris Egan's conceivable new deal(s). Since this was pure speculation (albeit with a lot of financial details), I'm not going to repeat that part in any detail. On the one hand, it was sort of like having cold water thrown in my face. On the other hand, it reminded me how much this is a business first and foremost, and how little we are privy to.

As an FYI, the Television Critics Association tour is underway now. Fox is up on Monday, I believe, and so expect any House related items and party photos then. Also as an fyi if you want to know what happens in those tours, here is Alan Sepinwall's take behind the scenes. It's from Jan. 2009, but still appropriate. The Press Conference: The staple of the tour. Each day features eight or more of them, ranging from 30-60 minutes. The cast and creators of a show are led onto a stage so brightly lit that they can't see anyone in the audience, and reporters fight for the microphone to ask questions -- some smart, some dumb, some inexplicable. ("Your sons, they're both boys?")

A recent Alan Sepinwall tweet says "Rockford Files" is not dead. Seems original lead actor is out. Not sure what, if anything, will come of it.

Alan Sepinwall posted the FOX TCA schedule for today. Unfortunately, there is no House panel during the day as he explained in a tweet that the panels are mostly for new shows, but some cast members are expected to be at the Santa Monica Pier party tonight.

Seems the TCA event took place tonight and everyone but Hugh was there. Even RSL showed up. Ausiello said Hugh was not there because he was sick.

This is the preview version of the Japanese CM for House Season 4 dvds that have just come out. (BTW, Season 5 has just started airing in July. We're way so behind...) I don't think anybody here knows "Black Jack", a Japanese animation in 60s by Osamu Tezuka, but when I first heard about "House md", that's what it remined me of. They are both genius, both anti-social, both wounded physically and emotionally. As Black Jack is still popular in Japan, this "House/ Black Jack collabo" seems to me a good idea for the dvd promotion. If you're wondering what they are saying in Japanese, here's my translation. (sorry, it's not a good one.) C: Have you heard about the new member of House's team? F: Black Jack, a genius surgeon with no license, isn't he? C: Not only that. His assistant is a small kid called Pinoko. H: Team up with the guy? Cu: Yes. We paid billions to have him here. This is imperative. H: OK, what's his desease? Have no idea? P: Noo telling yuu. B: He needs an emergency operation. Let's begin. Pinoko, hand me the scalpel. P: Here it isss. H: Did I make you wait? B: Don't interrupt. I don't need you. H: Hey, be honest. You've been curious about me, haven't you? B: Well, yes, in fact, I think you are the man of great promise, oyaji (old man). H: Um, don't call me Oyaji. The voice over is done by the dubbers of the drama. You Tube link is here. I alreday saw one short CM of House & Black Jack on FOX Japan tonight. There might come some more versions from now on.

Congrats to KJ, who I think is one talented woman though I am getting a tad concerned that some prominent ones on the show seem to be lining up different projects--DS-Rockford Files; DE-new writer on "Torchwood" and now KJ: 'House' showrunner signs with Fox, Universal Media Studios The two-year, seven-figure agreement -- which spans two congloms (News Corp., NBC Universal) -- will allow Jacobs to stick with "House" while also developing projects for Fox. That's why U, which produces "House," is in the mix, signing Jacobs to a new production pact. But Jacobs' future development will be targeted for Fox, through sister studio 20th. "It's been a mutually beneficial relationship over the past couple of years," Jacobs said of the network and studio. Deal is a solo one for Jacobs, as her longtime production partner, Paul Attanasio, with whom she ran Heel and Toe Prods., is focusing on films. Jacobs and Attanasio previously held a first-look deal at the Fox network; before that, they were set up at Universal, where "House" first came into fruition, created by scribe David Shore. This is Jacobs' first major network/studio deal in seven years. Having focused most of her attention on "House" in those years, Jacobs said she wasn't looking for a new pact -- until now. As part of the deal, Jacobs also has a blind pilot directing commitment at Fox, which, if all goes as planned, would be for her own development. Jacobs has directed several episodes of "House," including last season's two-hour premiere, "Broken." "Katie is one of the most talented producers in the business," said Fox Networks Group entertainment prexy Peter Rice. "We love the fantastic job she's done for us with 'House.'" Jacobs praised Fox for allowing her to "stretch the boundaries" of "House" -- such as when she told the network she wanted the dram to produce exclusive content for a mobile app, or when she asked Fox to include new behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and crew to wrap around "House" repeats. "My working relationship with (Fox's Kevin Reilly and Peter Rice) is what really inspired me to settle down and work closely with a network," Jacobs said. The producer said she also continues to be grateful that Fox kept "House" on the air despite its initial basement-dwelling ratings. That patience eventually paid off, and "House" is now Fox's flagship drama. "Trying something new is something this network does well," Jacobs said. " 'Glee,' 'Fringe,' 'House' all own their own space. I want to develop more shows for a network that allows that." Production has already begun on season seven of "House," which is now working on its fourth and fifth episodes for this fall. The show picks up where it left off in season six, dealing with House (Hugh Laurie) and his sobriety issues. "This season we explore whether he can be in an adult, mature relationship," said Jacobs, alluding to House's relationship with Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein). Jacobs has worked on numerous films and skeins, including "Gideon's Crossing" and "Century City" (with Attanasio) and "A Cool Dry Place." Source: http://www.variety.com

Look to the Stars is a website about celebrity involvement in charities. Hugh, Lisa, Olivia, Jesse and Kal are all listed. They got Hugh's main charity wrong -- I think of mental illness as being the show's primary focus. His is Save the Children. But it's still a nice thing. RSL should be there -- there's the new PSA for Loma Linda, the one for the ASPCA, Broadway Cares, etc. if anyone has enough detail to write to them.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, once House starts up again, www.politedissent.com is a terrific site for reviews of each episode, particularly for the medical portion of the show. But he also rates the soap opera! The comments are generally intelligent and informative. The site also reviews other programs, particularly sci-fi, like Fringe.

21 high resolution behind-the-scenes photos from the Appisode shootings are here on the official fox site. And for anyone who hasn't heard yet... the Nurse Jeffrey appisodes are now available officially on the web there as well, not just for apple product users. Even though, thanks to the fabulous marykir, we really weren't all that desperate anymore, were we? :blushing:

Are those of you outside the US able to play the appisodes from the website?

The apps are all on utube now. I viewed all of them yesterday. Just google nurse jeffrey! They are pretty funny.