I just want to thank you all for being so patient! I had my lunch with Marc on Saturday and he answered many of your questions about "Desperate Housewives." Because of time contraints we did not get to every question but I did try to cover as much territory as possible, in some cases combining similar queries. Also, I wanted to give everyone a fair shot so some of you who answered multiple questions may not see answers to every single one. Please don't take it personally if your question isn't answered. This was the first Q&A for Season Pass and I've learned some lessons about procedures.

I've been lucky enough to get to know Marc a little bit over the last year. He's a generous soul and extremely sweet, with a razor sharp wit and a biting sense of humor. He's great fun to be around. He's also wickedly good game player although he's a bit of a taskmaster at charades. (Sorry Marc, but you know it's true!)

I read to him all of your lovely comments and he was very touched. And Julie and Karin, he was quite impressed that you made a video question. There was a little technical difficulty and he didn't get to that answer, but I'm hoping he emails it to me so I can add it later.

His favorite question was Simon's, about how the strike affected production of season 4. See below for that answer. But I'm going to start with a little video (please excuse the jiggling, I just got this flip video thing) where Marc explains his inspiration for the fast-forward device and his answer to fans and/or critics who aren't happy with that decision:

Bonus video answer (with text after in case you have trouble viewing it):

Q. What made you want to fast forward the show at a point in all the storylines when it would have been so simple to stay at the current time? — Kate

Q. I feel like we are going to be going through another upheaval again… Can’t we get a little stability? I was happy with the finale but so annoyed by the last five minutes that I at the time I never wanted to see the show again. — Jake

A. I thought it was a fascinating artistic choice and I thought it would be interesting for the gals. And I thought that really since all the storylines in some way relate to where we last left the characters I thought it would just be a fun, interesting move for the fans. I don’t think people will object once they see what we’re doing with the new season.
You know as an artist you get used to not everyone liking your art. It’s almost the definition of what it means to be an artist that some people’s ideas of what would be good will not coalesce with yours. I think that if this person tunes in to see the season premiere they’ll see how the five-year jump connects to where we left the characters. You know, what is a series anyway? You’re following the lives of characters and seeing how the respond to different situations. This five-year jump has just taken characters you’ve known and loved and just plopped them forward ahead in their lives and I think it will be just as interesting as it was if we’d stayed exactly with them. I actually think now that I’ve been writing it, it makes so much sense. I may start a trend with TV series. And, you know, I’m hoping people respond. But that being said, maybe it will turn out to be a big mistake. But I’m glad I did it because I’m having fun writing it.

And the winning question:

Q. What material was planned for the second half of the fourth season, had the writers’ strike not occurred? Did you manage to represent all the planned storylines, even if only briefly (such as Lynette finding faith in “Sunday”), or can you think of arcs that had to be scrapped entirely? Similarly, how would the season’s mystery have been expanded? This question can also apply to season three, with the mystery’s arc shortened because of Marcia Cross’ maternity leave. —Simon
A. That is a good question. We ended up using most of what we had planned and there were a couple of storyline ideas that we just pushed later. We had a storyline (that we had to let go of) involving Gabrielle and her stepfather who molested her. We’ll be revisiting him sometime in the future.
(and the second part of that question) Marcia’s twins caused me and my writers many sleepless nights. But I’m happy to say it was worth it because they’re so gorgeous and we did manage to come up with some good stories even though we had to shorten the mystery that season.

I'm mostly a drama girl. I'd say my drama to comedy ratio on my season pass list is about 8 to 1.

It's not that I'm opposed to laffers, it's just that so few of them meet my standard of, you know, elicting laughs. But CBS' "Big Bang Theory" can always be counted on for its laugh-out-loud moments.

I was a little wary before watching last night's second season opener because more than one show I've liked in the past has suffered from a serious sophomore slump. But I'm happy to report that Sheldon and the boys are back with, well, a bang.

The series really comes to life when Jim Parsons' Sheldon is onscreen. As my colleague Brian Cochrane put it, he's the comedic particle that gives the "Big Bang" atom its positve charge. He had several great moments last night: The laundry room scene; counting catwomen, then X-Men mutants; trying to control his ticks while keeping Penny's secret; spilling the beans after Wolowitz drugged him.

The cast of the Chuck Lorre/Bill Prady sitcom is strong across the board. Johhny Galecki as Leonard and Kaley Cuoco as Penny have a great chemistry and Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar are perfectly cast as sidekicks Wolowitz and Rajnesh. That bit where those two tried to guess what Leonard had done to push Sheldon over the edge cracked me up: "What did you do? Cook with cilantro? Touch the thermostat? Pronounce the 't' in often? Say somthing negative about trains?" But what really made that funny was that you believe everything on that list would annoy Sheldon, because Parsons has done such a fantastic job of creating this character as a neurotic, socially inept genius.

Why did it take so long for this kid to land on a hit show?

By the way, if you want a shirt-folder like Sheldon's, check eBay!

— Kathy Lyford

The weekend was devoted to the Emmy Awards, and it was a blast. Well, the show itself was awful. You can read my review of it here. But I'm not going to complain about being in the audience of TV's biggest awards show.

I'm thrilled that "Mad Men" won for best drama and writing for genuis creator Matthew Weiner. And while I've never quite gotten into "30 Rock," I'm a big Tina Fey fan and tend to root for the underdog (at least ratings wise) most of the time anyway. All in all, I don't have a quibble with any of the awards. Yes, I'd like to have seen Jon Hamm win, but Bryan Cranston is a fine, fine actor.

The "Mad Men" crew were the belles of the Governors Ball, before they all headed over to the very exclusive AMC party. And we saw the "30 Rock" folks kicking up their heels at the HBO party. All in all a great evening, including a Billy Idol performance at the ET/People party.

For all of Variety's Emmy coverage click here. And be sure to check out Cynthia Littleton's On The Air blog to read what she live-blogged from the event.

Hey DH fanatics. There has been a slight delay in the Marc Cherry Q&A. Due to the Emmy awards madness all weekend I have to reschedule my lunch with him. Working on that now. I promise to have the answers soon.

Oct. 6 update:

The season 2 finale of "Ugly Betty" left viewers hanging on a cliff and our heroine with a big choice to make. Henry proposed, which would mean moving to Arizona. But Gio wants to take her on a Roman holiday and be "the guy." Meanwhile Daniel has a son, but no job. Wow. So many questions. (Savvy fans probably already know how one of those dilemmas turns out, but I'll never tell.)

Are you a fan? Anything you’re curious about? Want to know something about one of the stars? "Betty" showrunner Silvio Horta will answer your questions here. Just hit the comment button below and ask. Silvio's favorite participant will win a season 2 DVD set.

The show's now filming in New York, so Silvio's busy traveling back and forth and will answer via email. Check back here next week for the answers.

And, on Monday I will have the results of the Marc Cherry/"Desperate Housewives" Q&A!

In the meantime, stay up to date with "Ugly Betty" news on  SoapNet.com, which covers 42 shows including "Desperate Housewives," “90210,” “Gossip Girl,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Weeds” and more.

Visit SOAPnet.com for:

• Show Recaps
• News on the hottest primetime and daytime dramas
• A fall premiere calendar
• Video interviews with your favorite TV stars, clip shows and more

— Kathy Lyford

P.S.
Check back for future Q&A opportunites for "Friday Night Lights" and others.

Hey guys,

Thanks for being so patient. I heard from Silvio Horta today regarding the Q&A and he said he's been so buried in work the last week he's barely had time to breathe. He promises to get to the answers in the next couple of days. Stay tuned. Your patience will be rewarded.

— KL

The assignment was a head-to-toe makeover for a recent college grad entering the job market. Only the mothers got their say as well.

Ugh. What a bunch of ugly outfits.

Designs I loved: None

Designs I thought were OK: Jerell's top, although I didn't care for the skirt. (But why did he have birds nesting on his head?); Korto's jacket, which would look hot with jeans, and her dress, which was cute on its own. Didn't like them together. Leanne's dress/jacket ensemble was OK, but kind of the same thing she always does. And, personally, I didn't think Suede's dress was that bad. The jacket was horrific, but the dress with OK, although inappropriate for a photographer.

Designs I hated: Joe's martronly, poorly made suit. I don't think even that poor girl's mother would be caught dead in that thing. Also, and here's where I differed with the judges again, Kenley's dress was godawful. The print was like grandma's sofa. The vest looked cheap. The belt looked cheaper. The width of the skirt added unnecessary girth to the girl. Ugh all around. And yet, the judges seemed to like it. What do I know? And what do you think?

Michael Kors' best line: Regarding Joe's creation, "It's Faux Becky home ec-y." Heh.

Most annoying designer: Oh, that's so easy. Kenley with the inappropriate tears and laughter, the pouting and the disdain for advice ("I never listen to Tim"). She's like a giant toddler with bright red lipstick.

Front-runner: Korto still with Jerrel hot on her tail. Leanne will fade, I think.

Joe is "outsie daisy," as his daughter says. He was always a gentleman and didn't deserve to be mocked by Kenley.

— Kathy Lyford

Saw this promo on DirecTV the other night for "Friday Night Lights" and was beside myself with excitement.

All I can say is: I. Can't. Wait.

Enjoy. This should tide you over til Oct. 1. And if you don't have DirecTV, I'd consider getting it.

— Kathy Lyford

Back in May 2004 when Daily Variety first broke the news about NBC’s planned weight-loss reality show “The Biggest Loser” I remember thinking it would just be a cheap way to make fun of overweight folks, despite producer J.D. Roth’s assertion that “You’ll see a bigger transformation of the person from the inside out rather than the outside in.” I chose not to watch.

Well, the show was a hit for the Peacock. The sixth season of the competition bowed last night. The trainers, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper have become celebrities in their own right. And countless contestants have slimmed down and reportedly kept it off.

I waded into the show slowly last season (“Biggest Loser: Couples”), usually tuning in for just the last 10 minutes (the weigh-in and elimination) and I became hooked. I found it touching, inspiring and, at times, heart-wrenching. They really do teach people a healthier approach to eating, instill in them an appreciation for exercise and, in the process, change lives. Roth was right.

So I’ve set a season pass for this season’s edition — “The Biggest Loser: Families” — where Bob shepherds spouses and Jillian oversees teams comprised of a parent and adult offspring.

(At left, host Alison Sweeney, Bob and Jillian)

Hey all you "Mad Men" fanatics, head on over to my colleague Cynthia Littleton's blog for my recap of last night's "Mad Men." It's very long, but there was so much to say! This show continues to amaze me.

Cynthia's thoughts follow mine.

Yet-to-bow CBS series "The Ex List" has already seen a major defection. Diane Ruggiero has quit as showrunner of the hourlong dramedy, which stars Elizabeth Reaser as Bella, a single woman who's told by a psychic that she's already met and dated her soulmate — and that they have a year to reconnect if she ever wishes to wed.

Executive producer Rick Eid will take over Ruggiero's duties. Variety's TV editor Michael Schneider has the whole story here.

The show received decidedly mixed reviews from our Season Pass panel, with the women sparking to it a whole lot more than the guys.

The exit of a top producer this early on rarely bodes well for a new show but I, for one, am hoping it doesn't spell disaster for what I thought was a flawed, but promising, concept.

— Kathy Lyford

I got a bit annoyed while reading the latest issue of People magazine wherein the editors compare the "skinny" girls of the "90210" to the "curvy" young women of "Gossip Girl."

Oh, People, cut it out! Why must you play this game and make women feel bad about their bodies? There are so many other ways you could have compared and contrasted the two CW teen dramas: Funky N.Y. style vs. casual L.A. style; school uniforms vs. wear what you want; catching a cab vs. driving a BMW. There must be others, I just frankly am tired of hearing the shows compared.

Please indulge me while I jump on my soapbox for a minute. Women's bodies are beautiful, in all their various shapes and forms — thin, curvy, voluptuous, athletic, you name it. As long as she is healthy and has a modicum of self-esteem, a woman should be proud, regardless of size. Perpetuating the notion that there is but one standard for female beauty is dangerous and insulting. There, I'm done.

Yes, the lovely "90210" gals (right) are thin. But the ladies of "Gossip Girl," gorgeous though they may be (there on the left), could hardly be called "curvy" — at least not outside the confines of Hollywood.

I would urge the folks over at People to spend a little more time with their televisions if they want to find shapely small-screen stars.

These, my friends, are curves:

To reiterate, this is curvy...

There. I feel better now that I've gotten that off my chest.

— Kathy Lyford

Did anyone notice Kenley without makeup? She looked like a different person. Still pretty, but totally different. Anyway, the designers gather to hear their assignment and … What on God’s green earth is Blayne wearing?! (Red skinny jeans, hot pink sweatshirt? Oh my).

Heidi brings out some “special guests” and, guess what?, it’s all of the eliminated designers. They really are into the Old Home Week theme this season aren’t they? The challenge is to pair up with an eliminated designer to create an avant-garde look based on one of the team member’s zodiac signs. My immediate thoughts are: 1) Please don’t pair up Leanne with the other mousy girl; it will only confuse me and 2) I don’t like avant-garde and could care less about zodiac signs. This will be one long hour.

After a day and a half of work wherein it quickly became apparent why the eliminated designers had already been sent home, the designers are summoned to the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the Museum of Natural History to show off their designs to some former “PR” contestants. It’s nice to see some of them (Kara Janx, Daniel, Allison) but I could have lived without seeing others (Carmen and Christian – enough already with him!). I’m neutral on Jay and Robert. Those folks will pick the winner. Our regular panel of judges, plus Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa, will decide which two designers are going home. That’s right, two.

When last we left Wisteria Lane, the ladies’ lives had been fast-forwarded five years. If you’re a fan of “Desperate Housewives,” I’m sure you have questions.

Well, here’s your chance to ask them. I will be having lunch with “Housewives” boss Marc Cherry on Sept. 20, where I will present him with the best questions submitted. On Monday, Sept. 22 I will post the answers.

Anything you’re curious about? Have a query about one of the stars? Just hit the comment button below and ask. The person who submits the question Marc deems the most interesting will receive season 4 of “DH” on DVD. I’ll even see if I can persuade Marc to sign it for you.

And SoapNet.com has generously offered to award some other lucky participants t-shirts emblazoned with “My Life is So Like TV.”

In the meantime, you can catch up on “Housewives’ gossip or refresh your memory on last season’s episodes at the re-launched SoapNet.com. The site covers 42 shows including “90210,” “Gossip Girl,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Weeds” and more.

Visit SOAPnet.com for:

• Show Recaps
• News on the hottest primetime and daytime dramas
• A fall premiere calendar
• Video interviews with your favorite TV stars, clip shows and more

— Kathy Lyford

P.S.
Check back for future Q&A opportunites for “Ugly Betty” and “Mad Men.” I’m also working on “Lost” and “Friday Night Lights.”

UPDATE:

Lunch has been rescheduled for Saturday! Answers will be posted Monday. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Fox's "Fringe" got off to a modest start last night. CW's "90210" hangs in OK in its second outing, while CW's well-reviewed newcomer "Privileged" looks strong in its debut. Variety ratings guru Rick Kissell has all the details right here.

The CW has done it again. Last season our group of 30- and 40-somethings surprised even ourselves by giving high ratings to both of the CW’s new offerings — “Aliens in America,” which lasted just one strike-shortened season and “Reaper,” which will return for a second season on the netlet.

This year two of our three highest rated shows are the overly hyped “90210” and the lesser known but far more charming “Privileged” — both, again, on the kid-skewing CW.

“Privileged” is the superior drama of the pair, with a lead in JoAnna Garcia who exudes an Amy Adams-like charm, young stars who actually look like teens and the ever-classy Anne Archer as the resident grown-up.

Co-stars Michael Cassidy and Brian Hallisay, as Garcia’s potential love interests, and Allan Louis as the family’s chef, all add their own appeal.

So, while I may tune into “90210” occasionally, I have set a season pass for “Privileged” and am in for the long haul.

Let’s just hope that more folks outside the Clearsil demo start realizing the lure of the CW.

— Kathy Lyford

Between Nina Tassler's tantalizing promise that CBS would "push the envelope" and the Parents Television Council's early condemnation of the program as "one of the most sexually indulgent shows we've seen on broadcast television in a long time," you'd had thought "Swingtown" was the Sodom and Gomorrah of summer television, wall to wall with hot bodies and steamy sex.

Ironically, the PTC actually oversold the show's salaciousness. And a wary CBS seems to have undersold the sizzle it did have.

But apart from Lana Parrilla's eye-catching retro swimwear and the recurring nods to amorous air crews, "Swingtown" turned out to be a compelling family drama -- not exactly for the family, but about the family.

While its opening credits breezily flipped through the iconic images of the decade (from Jimmy Carter campaign buttons to Farrah Fawcett's famous poster) "Swingtown" at its core has been all about reflective pauses: a suburban couple who married early and wonder about the roads not taken; a pair of wedded traditionals buffeted by the changes in society and their own gender roles; teens looking to find their own path while their parents veered from the traditional one. Adding further irony -- given all the hype about the show's presumed assault on mainstream morality -- even the show's swinging adventurers, Tom and Trina, ended up heading down the road toward conventionality as they pondered the responsibility of having a child.

The designers are told they’ll be designing for a “fashion legend” and are taken on a field trip to meet said legend.

Blaine, being the ninny that he is, is convinced the fashion legend is Mary-Kate Olsen. Yeah, right.

In the Meatpacking District, the designers are met by the incomparable Diane von Furstenberg! (I worship Diane von Furstenberg.) The designers are overwhelmed… except for Blaine who really wanted it to be Mary-Kate. I wonder who explained to him who Diane von Furstenberg is. I’m guessing it was Kenley who was absolutely verklempt at the idea of designing for the fashion queen.

Diane’s challenge: Design a look inspired by her fall 2008 collection, A Foreign Affair, inspired by Marlene Dietrich’s 1948 film in which she portrays an actress/singer/spy in Berlin who escapes to Shanghai and then moves on New York. Lots of options there. And a 40s themed challenge? That's right in Kenley's wheelhouse.

Oufits I loved: Kenley’s lovely simple dress (even though it was just one piece); Korto’s dramatic black and white gown with just the right pop of bright yellow; and (at left) Leanne’s sexy dress with the surprising ruffles at the back (although the jacket was just so-so).

Not so much: Joe’s poorly tailored ensemble; Suede’s muumuu; Terri’s ill-fitting pants; Blaine’s riding get-up and Jerrel’s stewardess uniform. And, yes, Stella deserved to go home for her boring garb that did not even attempt to follow the extremely generous guidelines.

Front-runner: Still Korto, although Leanne is starting to win me over.

Most annoying: Blaine. No explanation necessary.

Shameless plug: American Express

Huh?: The American Express ad that ran right before the winner was announced featured a dress that looked an awful lot like Korto's, leading me to believe Korto had won. What a surprise to see Leanne win after that.

Note: I'm sure glad Nina is back next week. Two weeks without her was too much.

— Kathy Lyford