Winter TV Preview: Returning Favorites

Let's begin with the word on everyone's lips: "Clexa." Clarke and Lexa's long-awaited reunion is going to be "pretty shaky," star Eliza Taylor says, "and not fun for Clarke." Following Lexa's betrayal last season, "her forgiveness would take a while — if it's going to come at all." Fortunately, Clarke will have plenty of other people with whom to distract herself, including Brenda Strong's Queen Nia — "a force to be reckoned with" — and Zach McGowan's Roan, with whom Clarke will initially find herself at odds. For at least the first half of the season, Clarke will remain separated from her fellow Arkers, which might not be such a bad thing. "Bellamy is going to be really disappointed in her," Taylor adds, "and kind of heartbroken. I don't really know how that reunion would go down."

RETURN DATE: Thursday, Jan. 21 at 9/8c (The CW)

In the wake of the ghosts' "very brutal" attack that put "a lot" of bullets in Felicity, the question becomes: "Will Oliver go back on who he's become, and become more of a Season 1-type Oliver, who's willing to kill?" in the name of seeking revenge against Damien Darhk, asks EP Wendy Mericle. "I don't know that anyone is necessarily going to be there to stop him." As for Darhk's grand plan, Mericle describes it as "megalomaniacal," seeing as he fancies himself "a new god." Elsewhere, the Dig/Andy storyline will be met with "a big wallop"; Thea's ability to fend off Darhk presents "moral questions" for her brother; and a "really cool and emotional story" brings Colton Haynes' Roy "back into the fold, at least temporarily." As for the Big Grave Mystery, expect an illuminating new flash-forward "between Episodes 10 and 15."

RETURN DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 8/7c (The CW)

When Sheldon comes down with a nasty cold in the Jan. 14 episode, the gang decides to pursue the opportunity of a lifetime — a completely Sheldon-free weekend. (We've got two words for you: The first one's "party," the second one's "bus.") Based on the exclusive image to the left, we're guessing absence makes Sheldon's heart grow fonder, sending him on something of an apology tour (complete with customized T-shirts). Looking ahead to February sweeps, viewers will finally meet Sheldon's never-before-seen "meemaw" (played by Oscar nominee June Squibb), and the sitcom will air its milestone 200th episode. Showrunner Steve Molaro recently acknowledged to TVLine that there's an "expectation" to do something special to mark the occasion. How about some long overdue baby news from Howard and Bernadette?!

RETURN DATE:: Jan. 7 (CBS)

Now that the FBI has got her cornered, Liz finds herself "in a place that is almost identical to where Red was when he was captured over two years ago," creator Jon Bokenkamp tells us, opening the door for "a really fun turn that gives us great conflict." But as Red tries desperately to clear Liz's name — a task that will involve "focusing all of his energy and all of his resources on The Director" — the NBC drama will spend upcoming episodes zeroing in on supporting players, particularly Agent Ressler. "His backstory is something that is critical in Episodes 9 and 10 in defining who he is and where he comes from and who he's going to become," Bokenkamp teases, when asked about Ressler's connection to Tommy Markin, the man who betrayed his father. "Who he was to Ressler is going to be a big plot point in this next run of episodes."

RETURN DATE: Jan. 7 (NBC)

As Kate and Rick pretend to stay broken up (for LokSat's sake) while secretly together, "There's a lot of 'lost time to make up for,' so to speak, in the bedroom. So there is some friskiness," teases co-showrunner Alexi Hawley. When not canoodling, they'll tackle a case in the word of competitive a cappella (cue Susan Sullivan and Jon Huertas showing off their pipes!), enter the courtroom (a first for the series), visit the police academy where Kate trained and get some Red Heat action, butting heads with a diplomatic security agent from Russia. Also: When Rick, Alexis and Hayley chase a case to L.A., Gerald McRaney and Summer Glau guest-star, as you know. But what you may not know is that in that episode, the mystery of Rick's missing time will be solved Once. And. For. All. Says showrunner Terence Paul Winter: "Here's a promise: We are going to conclude that. It will be done."

RETURN DATE: Monday, Feb. 1 at 10/9c (ABC)

Coming out of the midseason premiere, "The Dirty Dozen is not in play in the way it has been," show boss Erica Messer says. "But I can't say that it's entirely gone until the end of Season 11." In the meantime, it will be B.A.U. for the BAU, in successive episodes that will give you a scare about Uber-type services and evoke Aileen Wuornos, Ariel Castro and then the movie Room. As TVLine reported, Danny Glover is on hand for Episode 16, ominously titled "Derek" and thus feeding rumors that the cast will be clipped again. Messer is mum on that topic, but teases "cliffhanger moments which we don't usually do in the middle of the year," starting with Episode 15. A bit further down the pike lies the series' 250th episode, to be directed by Joe Mantegna and featuring a family annihilator who... well, the title "Sandman" should give you a strong glue. Er, clue.

RETURN DATE: Jan. 13 (CBS)

Lucious and Jamal's showdown for the American Sound Award's "Song of the Year" statuette will be a big arc when Empire returns from its winter break, says EP Ilene Chaiken. "We all know that one single award doesn't mean everything. But it certainly symbolizes to Lucious and Jamal the whole story of their relationship — the story of children surpassing their parents, of being the child of a famous and hugely successful artist." Chaiken adds that Lucious' ego makes him incapable of wanting to his see his son exceed his own success. In the wake of Camilla's takeover of Empire Entertainment, meanwhile, look for Cookie to "regroup and sieze opportunities," teases Chaiken. "Apart from wanting what's hers, wanting her family to be together has always been the driving purpose in Cookie's life."

RETURN DATE: Wednesday, March 30 at 9/8c (Fox)

"Barry decides to take the fight to Zoom" in Episode 13, which also marks the beginning of a journey to Earth-Two for the speedster and some of his team, executive producer Andrew Kreisberg previews. "There is such crazy, off-the-chart, wackadoo stuff" – more than just Caitlin and Ronnie's evil doppelgangers! – in those installments, the EP adds. Back on Earth-One, Harry and Zoom's alliance will shed light on the Big Bad's motivations, while Cisco is "going to start to learn just how powerful he really could be," which will in turn "send him on a very different hero's journey," Kreisberg teases. Back at the West homestead, Iris and Joe have to make some "tough" adjustments with regards to Wally. But after that, Iris' "journalism and her romantic life begin to move to the frontburner," Kreisberg says. Speaking of love, Caitlin will find "herself drawn ever more closer" to Jay, who is trying to get his powers back.

RETURN DATE: Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 8/7c (The CW)

"It's a very Meredith-centric storyline," reveals Sarah Drew of the Denzel Washington-directed midseason premiere, which, as revealed in that recent #TGIT promo, finds Ellen Pompeo's titular heroine brutally attacked. Caterina Scorsone says the "very, very bad" incident sends the already-off-the-wagon Amelia into a more accelerated tailspin. "Amelia tends to blame herself, so she's feeling terrible about what happened." The mounting angst adds another layer of strain to her stalled romance with Owen, who's still reeling from the arrival of newbie doc Nathan (Martin Henderson). As Scorsone notes, "He's not capable of being there for her and she's not capable of being there for him. It's a mess." Speaking of the mysterious Owen-Nathan kerfuffle — the winter finale revealed that the duo's beef somehow involves a sister we never knew Owen had — Kevin McKidd hints that the truth "starts coming out" around Episode 14. The prevailing theory? Owen's sister is dead and Nathan played a role in it. "It does appear that it's a death," concedes McKidd. "But it's more ambiguous than that. There's nothing definite about the fate of his sister."

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RETURN DATE: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 8/7c (ABC)

We won't have to wait long to learn all about Eve, say the NBC series' co-creators; in the winter premiere, Burkhardt will have a sit-down with the woman wearing his former girlfriend's face. "Finally, Nick and Eve will have a big, bold scene. We learn about what happened to her, who she is now and what she is now," executive producer David Greenwalt says. For a change of pace, the following episode, "A Reptile Dysfunction," is "funny and dark," he adds. "It's very Fargo-esque," says EP James Kouf. Meanwhile, the Wesen uprising continues to build, leading to what Greenwalt calls "a battle for the world between Hadrian's Wall and Black Claw." But don't think that there won't be time for an escalation of the Nick-Adalind relationship — though many of you thought this photo was merely her assisting him with his contacts, "It has nothing to do with contacts," Kouf says, laughing knowingly.

RETURN DATE: Friday, Jan. 29 at 9/8c (NBC)

Carol Burnett returns Jan. 15 for a "really sweet, really emotional" episode in which Aunt Deb returns to spread the ashes of her husband Leonard, says showrunner Peter M. Lenkov. "Carol's amazing in it." Then, Mykelti Williamson returns as Grover's old friend Clay, who last time around got away with offing his wife. "It almost feels like a stage play, taking place all in [Clay's] house in Chicago," Lenkov raves of the "intense" confrontation. A Valentine's Day-themed hour uses an "unconventional" format to flash back to awful dates for Steve/Lynn, Danny/Amber, Chin/Abby, Kono/Adam and even Jerry, Kamekona and their respective admirers. Also ahead: Steve enlists Odell Martin to defend Sang Min in a My Cousin Vinny-esque trial; Adam might not be in prison the next time you see him; and a carjacking (somehow!) spins into a "fun" story for Danny, Charlie and Grace.

RETURN DATE: Jan. 8 (CBS)

So... about those promos that show Annalise Keating holding an adorable baby and screaming, "No, I can't!"? We asked showrunner Pete Nowalk if that's a fantasy, a nightmare or an actual moment where Viola Davis' anti-hero gets asked to babysit. "It's a really big part of our premiere," Nowalk teases. "It's an extremely emotional idea that Viola had pitched at the beginning of the season. We've set up a lot of mysteries about how Annalise knows Wes, what their past is, why she feels so maternal toward him. All of that will be elaborated on in our back six episodes, and the baby is really important." Speaking of Wes (AKA Christophe), we'll see flashbacks to his childhood — and connection to Annalise and Eve (Famke Janssen) for the remainder of Season 2.

RETURN DATE: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 10/9c (ABC)

Following their split, Liv and Major are "resigned to being friends." And what's more, she "will find someone that she is interested in," executive producer Rob Thomas reveals. (Hint: The lucky fella is a recently created zombie we've already met!) As far as Liv's professional life, "Fortunately for her, very quickly there's going to be a case where Clive needs her expertise," the EP previews. "She's going to have a couple of chances to get back in his good graces." Meanwhile, Ravi's discovery that the cure is not permanent means "the clock starts ticking much faster [for Major and Blaine] in these final episodes," Thomas shares. "They will follow a very similar path as the rat." Elsewhere, Peyton returns and makes "a professional mistake" that has her seeking comfort from her pal Liv.

RETURN DATE: Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 9/8c (The CW)

As the show builds to Jane's wedding this season, expect "some pretty definitive moves pretty soon" in the love department, executive producer Jennie Urman promises. "We have some big romantic developments coming [up]. Without saying who it's between, it's going to definitely resonate between [Jane and Rafael] as parents and also in terms of where they are in their relationship." Another couple at a "real crossroads": Xo and Rogelio, who will star in a Forrest Gump-esque, time-traveling telenovela called Tiago in Time. Meanwhile, Petra – who will give birth around Episode 14 – has to find her way out of the pickle her mother Magda has landed her in. And from one crazy mom to another... Luisa's discovery about Mutter/Mia "will lead to something surprising that will circle back in with our main group of characters and will have lasting repercussions," Urman teases.

RETURN DATE: Monday, Jan. 25 at 9/8c (The CW)

"It's not like Ward is dead. But that version of Ward that we hopefully fell in love with is no longer," Brett Dalton makes clear of the fall finale's final twist. With the Maveth creature having changed corporeal residence, showrunner Maurissa Tancharoen says, "It will be interesting to see Grant Ward 'alive' with that wriggly thing underneath his skin." Maveth's other returnees, Fitz and especially Coulson, will face "many emotional consequences" because of what went down on the planet. "Coulson acted on an impulse" in snuffing Ward, says Clark Gregg. "And he's pretty messed up about it." For the team as a whole, life is "far from normal," Ming-Na Wen states, reminding that HYDRA, Lash and myriad Inhumans are still in the mix. But on the lighter side, with the series picking up three months later, might FitzSimmons finally be a thing? "Uhhhh, I cannot confirm!" says Elizabeth Henstridge, adding: "Jemma's feelings haven't changed; they've only gotten stronger."

RETURN DATE: Tuesday, March 8 at 8/7c (ABC)

The Season 5B theme, "Unfinished Business," becomes evident in the premiere (aka Episode 100) as Emma, Rumple et al encounter foes and family — Cora and Peter Pan included — in the Underworld, which in small part "looks like a screwed-up version of Storybrooke," says co-creator Adam Horowitz. And though our heroes embarked to save Hook, "That impetus is the tip of the iceberg," Horowitz makes clear. "That's just our entry way to another world and a wealth of stories that impact all our characters." As the saga unspools, Emma "comes to terms with the fact that her role as Savior is just beginning," the Charmings realize there are "consequences to their headstrong jump to the Underworld, leaving a child behind," and Regina and her mom have an "interesting" reunion, given Cora's dying words — all while Hades (Greg Germann) lords over his domain, harboring an "important," non-familial tie to someone. Though left behind in Storybrooke, Belle "becomes very involved" in the main arc (as does Oz-tracized Zelena), while Ruby and Mulan resurface (with a third party?) in Episode 18.

RETURN DATE: Sunday, March 6 at 8/7c (ABC)

Following Aurora's (ambiguously fatal) attack on Cami, "Klaus is obviously incensed and is going to demand some major revenge," executive producer Michael Narducci says, which will lead to Klaus and Elijah "wreaking the kind of havoc the Mikaelson brothers are known for." (FYI: It'll take "a while" for Klaus to find out that Elijah agreed to secretly dagger Rebekah, so enjoy the brothers' partnership while it lasts.) Meanwhile, Hayley and Jackson will continue the fight to "save" their marriage against mounting obstacles, courtesy of the Mikaelson family, and Davina will once again — more successfully this time — reach out to Kol. "Will that be Nathaniel Buzolic?" Narducci asks. "Will it be Daniel Sharman? That's going to be a fun story with major repercussions for the show."

RETURN DATE: Friday, Jan. 29 at 9/8c (The CW)

Given the good possibility that some of the ABC drama's key players are pink mist following that fall finale explosion, it's difficult for executive producers Joshua Safran and Jake Coburn to talk about the winter premiere without giving too much away. "I can tell you that 32 people are not going to make it out of that building alive," Safran previews. And when you consider that Caleb, Shelby, Clayton, Claire and a host of others were on the premises... let's just say the back half of Quantico's first season could look quite different from what we've seen. The EPs add that we'll get a lot more of Eliza Coupe's Hannah ("You will see her primarily in the future storyline," Coburn teases), that the previously announced new NATs will be from the class ahead of Alex & Co., and that there's way more to demure Ms. Raina than we thought. "While it may appear that Raina has sidelined herself, there's actually a purpose for it," Safran says, "and it's going to become apparent soon."

RETURN DATE: Sunday, March 6 at 10/9c (ABC)

Shonda Rhimes' political pot-boiler picks up several months after the 'Olitz' breakup heard 'round the world, and finds Fitz in the unusual and uncomfortable position of being single. "Fitz is terrible at being alone," notes his estranged FLOTUS, Bellamy Young. "He needs a sounding board, and he doesn't have Mellie, he doesn't have Olivia and he doesn't have Cyrus, because he doesn't trust him anymore." His newfound isolation ends up "transforming" his relationship with press-sec Abby because "he needs someone," Young teases. Mellie, meanwhile, is singularly focused on snagging the Oval Office for herself, even if that means making nice with her arch nemesis. "Mellie wants to be president, and she knows that the best person to help her achieve that goal is Olivia Pope," Young shares. "It's going to take a little convincing and conniving and elbow grease, but she definitely wants Olivia as her ally. And she doesn't take no for an answer."

RETURN DATE: Thursday, Feb. 11, at 9/8c

Walter's New Year's resolution to make more friends won't be abandoned anytime soon. On the contrary, that endeavor is "the backbone of the remaining episodes," according to executive producer Nick Wootton, and it will lead Walter to pursue romantic interests outside of Paige — "which has, at least in one instance, pretty disastrous consequences." Meanwhile, Toby and Happy will have a bit more luck in the love department. In fact, it sounds like Toby might want to put a ring on his lady sooner rather than later. EP Nick Santora cryptically tells us "their romance will be moving forward in a very real way... and Toby's going to want to take it to a substantial next level that may include jewelry."

RETURN DATE: Jan. 4 (CBS)

You've been waiting months to find out if Abbie is truly gone and, thanks to a time jump in the supernatural drama, so has Ichabod. "We wanted the midseason finale to resonate, not just with the audience but with our characters in somewhat of real time, so we were all on pins and needles together," says showrunner Clifton Campbell. In Abbie's absence, "Jenny and Joe become much, much closer," the EP adds, and Pandora and The Hidden One try to get back on track after Ab's disappearing act. "It throws a very big wrench in their plans," Campbell says. We know, we know: You're dying to find out if Agent Mills will be back with her fellow Witness anytime in the near future. Of course Campbell wouldn't confirm or deny, saying only, "Things change dramatically once you take one of the key components out of the dynamic between Crane and Abbie. A lot of questions and a lot of need and desire comes to the surface, and it comes together in a very nice way."

RETURN DATE: Friday, Feb. 5 at 8/7c (Fox)

Mike's arrest is only the beginning of Pearson Specter Litt's troubles. AUSA Anita Gibbs' (24's Leslie Hope) quest to put the faux lawyer behind bars for good is "an investigation into everybody," star Sarah Rafferty previews. "Everybody's life is on the line, and everybody could go to jail. It strains relations," including Donna and Rachel's friendship. The redhead's dad (Derek McGrath) also gets dragged into the mix because "he has a previous relationship with Harvey," Rafferty describes. "It puts Donna in a horrible position. Anita Gibbs will stop at nothing to expose Mike. She'll do anything to get everybody to turn on everybody else." As for the secretary's own relationship with her former boss, "It progresses, but I can't say it progresses in a way that 'Darvey' fans want or non-'Darvey' fans want," the actress says.

RETURN DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 10/9c (USA Network)

Just because Astra and Non are (temporarily) out of the picture doesn't mean Kara catches a break anytime soon. Upcoming episodes will find Supergirl going up against such DC Comics villains as Bizarro (played by Hope Lauren), Master Jailer (Y&R's Jeff Branson), Indigo (Smallville's Laura Vandervoort) and the Toyman (Revenge's Henry Czerny). There's also a take on the Alan Moore Superman comic "For the Man Who Has Everything," which mysteriously deposits Kara back on an intact Krypton. Her personal life will also be shaken up with the arrival of Adam Foster, to be played by Glee alum/Melissa Benoist's real-life hubby Blake Jenner — but what does that mean for the Kara/James/Winn love triangle? "By the time that [Adam] shows up, a lot has happened with the other men," Benoist teases. "When she meets Adam, that's definitely a wrench in the machine of her life, and there's a mystery about him."

RETURN DATE: Jan. 4 (CBS)

Executive producer Jeremy Carver promises "some fairly shocking turns right from the jump" when the series returns. While Sam seriously ponders Lucifer's offer to be his vessel, Dean will struggle with the question of whether he has "the strength to admit to himself the hold that [Amara] has on him and admit this to others," Carver previews. "Him doing that is going to lead to some pretty interesting results." Castiel, who seems to have fallen into a showhole, will return "in new and unexpected ways," and his quest to repair his mojo will lead to "startling consequences" for all. As for that other MIA figure, "the idea of God and, 'Where is God? Will God show himself?'...will be heavily debated," Carver shares. Also on tap: Bobby/Rufus flashbacks, a case within the world of professional wrestling and the show's version of Das Boot.

RETURN DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 9/8c (The CW)

As the viewers are sucked into Damon's personal hell, executive producer Caroline Dries promises a "really fun ride" with the wayward Salvatore, whose experience will have "huge ramifications" on the overall story — and might just trigger the return of a certain Lockwood. Stefan's trip to hell will also have major consequences, though "his hellscape will be shown differently from the way we see Damon's." Back in reality, we'll see Alaric and Caroline's relationship "evolve as these babies bring them together. She's not necessarily falling hard out of love with Stefan. It's in no way a natural progression for a love story." And there's more trouble on the horizon: "Enzo will be our eyes and ears into a new universe we're setting up for the rest of the season. He's looking for a place to fit, and he finds it." (Hint: It has something to do with Matt.)

RETURN DATE: Friday, Jan. 29 at 8/7c (The CW)

When we rejoin Rick & Co., we may be crying out for our mommies right along with Sam. Not only has Alexandria fallen, not only are the woods full of Wolves, but we're about to meet the comic books' most infamous villain, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). "He's not nuts," showrunner Scott M. Gimple recently told TVLine. "He just kills, and it doesn't bother him." Will Glenn be among his victims (as he is in the comics)? Gimple said only that the Big Bad's arrival "is not going to mean great stuff for Rick's group." Two more characters from Robert Kirkman's comic series make their first appearances in Season 6B: Gregory (24 vet Xander Berkeley), the lily-livered leader of the Hilltop Colony, and Jesus (Luck's Tom Payne), an upstanding Hilltop denizen. Besides Negan's reign of terror, expect to see mom-to-be Maggie fill the void left by Deanna's demise, plus the Morgan/Carol conflict could resolve in a (potentially) non-fatal way. "They have a lot more in common than it would seem," Kirkman hinted. 

RETURN DATE: Sunday, Feb. 14, at 9/8c (AMC)