SueTube – Let’s talk TV with critic Susan Young

Let’s chat about the best Web sites for “Lost” fans _ and if you’ve had a chance to read “Bad Twin.”

It’s not like hanging with Hurley, but at least it’s something to bide the time before “Lost” comes back on the air.

Just when you think “The Simpsons” might be running out of ideas for their opening, along comes a first: Real, live Simpsons.

For the first time ever, the opening sequence of “The Simpsons” at 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox-Channel 2 will have real people playing the animated characters.

From the Simpsons parting through the clouds to the infamous Bart writing on the chalkboard, Homer pulling the nuclear rod out of his shirt, Maggie scanned at the supermarket and the always-anticipated “couch gag” conclusion, the live-action opening mirrors each element of the animated sequence.

Said “The Simpsons” executive producer Al Jean, “I’m just amazed there are people who want to be known for looking like the Simpsons.”

Bowing to pressure from recent Federal Communication Commission fines for indecency, the WB has chosen to delete some scenes from the new series “Bedford Diaries,” about randy college students taking a class in sexuality.
But in a truly subversive move, the network will show the uncensored version where the FCC has yet to tread: on the Internet. The WB issued a statement on Thursday:

“The WB takes its responsibility as a broadcast network very seriously and we have always been mindful of the FCC’s indecency rules. While we believe that the previous uncut version of “The Bedford Diaries” is in keeping with those rules, out of an abundance of caution, we decided to make some additional minor changes to the premiere episode of the series which is set to debut next Wednesday, March 28th.
“We also decided to make the original version available on the Internet at TheWB.com which allows those interested in seeing the producer’s creative vision to do so while at the same time recognizing the special rules that apply to the broadcast medium.”

Let the streaming steamy video begin.

Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon heats up the New York fire department this summer on FX’s “Rescue Me.”

Rescue indeed.

For three episodes in the upcoming season, Sarandon plays hottie Franco’s (Daniel Sunjata) latest flame, who happens to be a rich successful older woman.

Sarandon’s character Alicia seduces Franco by teaching him that an older woman is exactly what he needs in the second episode of season three.

Currently in production, season three of “Rescue Me,” which stars Denis Leary premieres in early summer.

The Bay Area lost its only “American Idol” rep on Thursday when it was revealed that Jose “Sway” Penala was voted off the show.

The judges on Wednesday did a thumbs down on his performance. The viewers obviously agreed

More than 42 million votes cast after Tuesday and Wednesday

The Bay Area lost its only “American Idol” rep on Thursday when it was revealed that Jose “Sway” Penala was voted off the show.

The judges on Wednesday did a thumbs down on his performance. The viewers obviously agreed

More than 42 million votes cast after Tuesday and Wednesday

For years, networks have used the slot after the Super Bowl to pump up ratings for new or fledgling series.

But seldom has a network tried to bump up a series seen primarily as a chick show during the testosterone-charged event. ABC entertainment head Stephen McPherson told critics at the winter press tour that basically he believes the Super Bowl is less about rabid football fans and more about families sitting down to watch TV.

“We chose (‘Grey’s Anatomy’) because it’s one of the best shows on television, and it’s gaining momentum. It’s doing some of the most amazing work in drama that I think is being done anywhere right now. We feel like it’s an asset that is only growing, and we wanted to expose it to a larger audience and keep that momentum growing.

It’s also the first show that’s ever been shown after the Super Bowl in its regular time spot.

NBC confirms that this will be the last season for “The West Wing.”

Early reports had series creator Aaron Sorkin coming back for the final episodes, but producer John Wells says that won’t happen.

“I’ve always tried to get Aaron back, but he’s been too busy. Right now he’s working on ‘Studio 7’ for NBC, and he just doesn’t have the time,” Wells said.

Wells said series co-star John Spencer, who recently died of a heart attack, had already shot his episodes up to five days before the election storyline featured this season on the show.

Spencer’s character was a staffer turned vice president candidate.

“We knew where we were going when this happened, so it didn’t change much about what we were going to do with the series until the final few epsiodes,” Wells, who had just come from a memorial service for Spencer. “It’s difficult to think of the series and where it is going when you are still grieving for a friend.”

Could Fox make it any harder for