TVSquad

FOX is giving The CW pages a run for their money -- the network's hired a bunch of, dare I say it, "Fox-y" microphone runners for the tour.

Like yesterday, they all dress in a theme of whatever panel is going on. On Sunday, they were TV reporters for Back to You; today, they're in commando fatigues for The Sarah Connor Chronicles. You get the idea.

One of pages, Cal, who used to be a cashier (and aspiring actor) at my local health food store, says hi during a break. I got a feeling back then that I'd end up seeing him at TCA one day, but I always thought he'd be on a panel for a new series.

Then, Cal tells me he actually does have a pilot that could be a mid-season on Fox next year. (Note to self: try to apply this psychic power to predict Wednesday's Super Lotto numbers.)

The first panel, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, is an exciting re-invention of The Terminator franchise.

The first question is a callback to one of yesterday's sessions. A journalist asks, "Are you familiar with the Highlander series?" -- a jab at yesterday's comparison between The Highlander and New Amsterdam made by one persistent reporter.

The inquiry (which got a big laugh from TCA members) stumps the panel -- especially since they're not hiding TSCC's association with The Terminator. "It's an in-joke," says the reporter.

Linda Hamilton got in great shape for T2. Headey's asked what she did to get buff Hamilton-like arms? "I'm training," says Lena Heady.

The British Headey's asked the most often-asked question of the tour -- what's the deal with all these actors from abroad doing TV series in the U.S.? "I think they got a deal on Visas," quips Heady. "Josh?"

"They're good," says Josh Friedman, executive producer.

Might Arnold Schwarzenegger of The Terminator fame do a guest spot? "We've talked about it, but as governor, he's incredibly busy," says one of the producers, "and as a star..."

"He's incredibly expensive," interjects executive producer David Nutter.

Cast member Richard T. Jones says he'll continue his role on Girlfriends for at least its first episode.

Cast member Thomas Dekker says that the speculated sexual ambiguity of his Heroes character Zack and his not being on that show anymore are unrelated. "This part [I have now] is the role of a lifetime," he says.

By the way, kudos to Fox for adding American Idol music from stars like Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daugherty that plays in between sessions -- at just the right level, I might add.

Next up, is Nashville -- hopeful musicians try to make their dreams come true -- kind of like Fame.

"This show may raise our celebrity but at the end of the day, we have to make great music," says song writer Matt Jenkins.

How much backstabbing and sex will there be? "There's a balance of the soap and what's going on in everyone's lives," says Julie Auerbach. "There's a lot of drama."

Is any of this staged, asks a skeptical reporter, noting that a lot of drama is conveniently captured on tape? "We do a lot of running fast," says Auerbach.

The reporter persists -- a lot of material's caught on camera. Coincidence or design?

"Nashville's a small town," says Gary Auerbach, Julie's husband and fellow executive producer, indicating that producers don't have to stage the drama that's caught on tape.

Producers are mum about any name country singers guesting on the show, but aspiring singer Rachel Bradshaw says that her dad, former pro football star/sports commentator, Terry Bradshaw will make an appearance. "He'll come," she says.

Later, Julianna Margulies returns to network television, Family Guy, Parker Posey, House and more.