TVSquad

There are many reasons why the networks tell us that the "early previews" of their fall pilots that they send us are not for review: the editing hasn't been completed, musical elements haven't been finalized, and the whole package isn't quite in ready-for-prime-time form yet.

But my guess is that the main reason for the admonishment is because of all the cast changes that take place before the pilot airs (or between the pilot and the first "real" epiosde). Case in point: the new ABC drama series Brothers & Sisters, which stars Calista Flockhart, has cast two-time Oscar winner Sally Field in the role of Nora, the matriarch of the family that is explored in the series. Field replaces Betty Buckley (remember stepmom Abby from Eight is Enough?), who played Nora in the pilot.

Of course, Field's no stranger to TV; she started her career in the series Gidget and The Flying Nun, and most recently played a recurring role on ER.

[via Mediabistro]