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« Ausiello Report

Scoop: Is CBS' Men Targeting Cybill Shepherd for Murder?

080402cybillshepherd.jpg
Cybill Shepherd by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage.com
Holy crap! They're actually going through with it!

As we previously reported, the writers of Two and a Half Men and CSI are switching teams for an episode of each others' series to air this May. Well, for the funnymen's CSI installment, it appears that they're sticking with their original plan and killing off their old boss, Cybill Shepherd!

If you'll recall, Two and a Half's main Men, Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn, used to exec-produce the laffer Cybill, where their leading lady was said to be, to put it mildly, difficult. Now, according to an early outline of the episode obtained by yours truly, as payback, in the CSI titled "Two and a Half Deaths," the scribes have created an ill-fated sitcom ball-buster named Annabelle Bundt who never met a back she wouldn't stab.

As if the fact that Annabelle's show is named after her isn't enough evidence of the correlation we are supposed to make, the guys have also given their she-devil an even-tempered and "infinitely more talented" on-screen sidekick, Megan Kupowski. Christine Baranski, anyone?

On the other hand, way back when, Lorre's rep called his planned she-devil character "an amalgamation of all the different divas that he's worked with." And given that Lorre also paid his dues behind the scenes at Roseanne and has created a supporting player in his CSI who bears more than a passing resemblance to the domestic goddess' ex, Tom Arnold, she may also have been, at least in part, his muse.

So what do you think, folks? I wouldn't miss this for the world. And I have a feeling neither would Cybill, Christine, Roseanne or Laurie Metcalfe! — Additional reporting by Ben Katner


Posted by Michael Ausiello
Apr 3, 2008 12:21 AM
Here's the trick... I have great confidence in Lorre and team pulling off one heck of a CSI. But the flipside? I'm worried...
Posted by jeffofhearts
Apr 3, 2008 2:45 AM
Who is the CSI supporting player who bears more than a passing resemblance to Tom Arnold?
Posted by Lionors
Apr 3, 2008 7:45 AM
Sounds like fun. I'm there people.
Posted by MattW
Apr 3, 2008 8:34 AM
"Who is the CSI supporting player who bears more than a passing resemblance to Tom Arnold?"

I'm blanking on the actor's name, but I think it's the guy who plays Brass?
Posted by Geets226
Apr 3, 2008 10:45 AM
Sounds like MUST SEE TV. For me, anyway! WOW. If - should say WHEN - you find out what's going to happen with the CSI's scribes bit for 2 1/2 Men I'll be anxiously awaiting the report!
Posted by Dorjean
Apr 3, 2008 10:51 AM
I lost interest in the CSI franchise some time ago, but I will definitely tune in for this ep. Anything Chuck Lorre does has to be worth watching.
Posted by aramena
Apr 3, 2008 11:35 AM
I believe Michael was saying they created this CSI character resembling Tom Arnold so I assume it is not one of the current CSI cast, but someone who is in this one episode who was created by Lorre and company.
Posted by teri22
Apr 3, 2008 11:47 AM
They should cast Brett Butler. She's sobered up, is very candid about her troubles and would be hilariously spot-on.
Posted by JaySix
Apr 3, 2008 12:37 PM
I have been waiting for this episode since the rumor started!

I actually really enjoyed Cybil's sidekick on her show.. so I a really looking forward to how it all plays out.

I wonder what the 2 and half men idea will be??
Posted by indy500
Apr 3, 2008 12:37 PM
:-D Please let me know when this event is scheduled so that I may tune in.
Posted by sunnycc
Apr 3, 2008 2:41 PM
I am sooooo there!! Not that I wouldn't be anyway, since CSI is one of my never-miss shows; but I'm really looking forward to this. I'd love to see Christine Baranski cast as Annabelle's sidekick, although I like JaySix's suggestion of Brett Butler too.
Posted by Marci
Apr 3, 2008 10:20 PM
I've got three words "Jump the Shark".

The idea looks great on paper...but seriously in reality I think it is a very bad idea for CSI.

Are the writers out of ideas? Shouldn't be since the writers had most of this season off. Prove to us that writers are worth it.

--
Edited by Pennagirl at 04/04/2008 9:12 AM
Posted by Lori Fugate
Apr 4, 2008 12:10 PM
So we are getting an unoriginal plot (overbearing female boss gets the gruesome end she deserves) that will also serve as a score settling flip off? Wow, talk about holding a grudge. Lorre and Aronsohn earned great reputations and lots of money because of those two "divas" and still they feel the need to put the knife in--so childish. And airing their resentment on a legitimate drama will not cover the stench of sour grapes.
Posted by 8madatcha
Apr 4, 2008 2:31 PM
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