SPOILERS!

The John Scott character on Fringe is such a joyful enigma; maybe one of you can convince the producers to bring him back from the dead? — Susan

MICKEY: [Peeking out from behind a giant Chinese fan] You know who else is a joyful enigma, Susan? Me! When I asked my friends o' Fringe about John Scott's possible reanimation, there were rumblings and whispers and gasps before they told me that John's state of being will be a crucial topic of discussion come January. So far, Olivia has enjoyed only the benefits of her mind-meld with her dastardly former lover, but there are also drawbacks.

In case SAG members vote to strike, I need to know how many episodes Lost will have "in the can." I'm not sure I can take another abbreviated season — Eric

MATT: In some remarkable reality where George Clooney's trade-ad bitch-slap to the strike movement doesn't have the intended effect and the January vote does deliver a walk-out, Lost will have filmed at least 11 of this season's 17 episodes. (Note to Mickey and Tim: If the strike happens, you can reach me in the Bahamas.)

I know Leverage is a new show, but I'm already hooked and would love some scoop! — Candy

TIM: You're in for a treat, Candy. (Sorry — you must get that a lot.) "The Miracle Job," airing Dec. 23, offers big insights into the main characters' back stories. Case in point: The beating of a priest prompts a discussion of faith — a concept in which Nathan Ford (Timothy Hutton) proves to be surprisingly well-versed. We also learn more about the past captivity of Christian Kane's Eliot.

I'm dying to know what happens to Smallville's Chloe (Allison Mack) in the wake of Doomsday kidnapping her at her wedding! — Ms. C

MATT: I just got off the horn with Sam Witwer (aka Davis/Doomy), and he says the Jan. 15 episode picks up more or less with "the absolute aftermath" of that wedding-smashing. How will Chloe bounce back from her abduction by the abomination? "That's a good question," Witwer hedges. "Chloe has an alter ego [aka Brainiac] as well, and that plays into how she's going to progress as a character." As for critically injured Jimmy, his assailant's portrayer kindly offers, "I'm hoping the guy pulls through."

Any word yet on whether this really is the final season of Supernatural? Or will the CW come to its senses? — Erin

MATT: It's a bit early to forecast the Winchesters' future, but ask yourself this: If I'm a network that can't even program Sunday night, would I elect to enter the fall of 2009 without one of my strongest (oh, and prettiest) shows?

Can you tell me if NBC has set a premiere date for Merlin? I'm hearing good things about it from friends in the U.K. — Rhonda

TIM: So are we. NBC hasn't reserved a date yet for the British hit, which is based on the early years of King Arthur and the world's most famous wizard not named Harry, but it likely will bow by summer 2009. Notable for its color-blind casting, John Hurt's role as a dragon, and newcomers Colin Morgan and Bradley James (as Merlin and Prince Arthur), the series just conjured up a Season 2 commitment from the BBC. Watch your back, Potter.

Source: TV Guide