a tale of two brunettes

Sarah Shahi, formerly of one of my favorite shows - Life (RIP), will star in yet another new USA drama called Facing Kate. The show has been picked up for 11 episodes in a addition to a 90-minute pilot scheduled to air sometime in summer or fall. The show is paired with USA's other new female-led show Covert Affairs staring Piper Perabo.

Facing Kate features a top litigator (Shahi), who's frustrated with bureaucracy and decides to become a mediator. Other cast members listed on IMDB include Ethan Embry (so good in his recent House guest role) and Michael Trucco (Battlestar Galactica).

I really liked Shahi as Dani Reese in Life, but I worry that she really relied on Damian Lewis for chemistry in that role. It will be interesting to see how she fairs as the lead. (THR)

Speaking of chemistry, People is reporting that Mr. George Clooney's lady friend Elisabetta Canalis will have a 5-episode role in season five of Leverage, scheduled to begin this summer. If you don't watch this little heist show, you should. I swear, it's the best kept secret.

I'm not too familiar with Canalis' background, but she'll be joining a very talented bunch, so I have high hopes for her. Hopefully, this role will do more for her than that unfortunate red satin situation from Oscar night.

There's a joke about heists and Ocean's 11 and Clooney and girlfriends somewhere in there. I don't have the brain power.