Post TV columnist Lisa de Moraes was online Friday, May 2 at 1 p.m. ET to say a tearful goodbye to Syesha ... wait, no, Nanny Brooke. Sorry, the notes are a little mixed up. (Nothing to see here, move along.) So ... are you back to watching all your pre-strike shows?

The transcript follows.

Lisa Watches So You Don't Have To: "American Idol" | TV columns | On TV discussion transcripts.

De Moraes has written "The TV Column" for The Post since 1998. She served as the TV editor for the entertainment industry trade publication the "Hollywood Reporter" for almost a decade.

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"Chuck"?: Hi, Pookie! My husband and I may be the only people who care, but ... will "Chuck" be coming back? I really do miss it! Thanks!

Lisa de Moraes: Hi. You betcha! NBC announced a while ago that it was one of the freshman series it would not bring back this season and would relaunch next seasons. A bunch of frosh series are getting do-overs next season, after showing some promise this season before getting whacked by the writers strike. Others include ABC's "Pushing Daisies" and "Private Practice."

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New York: Pookie, I'm a faithful follower of your discussions and I don't think I've ever seen you comment on day time television, but here goes ... what is your opinion of Oprah? I DVRed the appearance of the "Sex and the City" ladies, as I'm a fan, and I can't figure out why Oprah is so popular. She -- like way too many interviewers in my humble opinion -- interrupts and talks over her guests and basically get in the way. Comments?

Lisa de Moraes: There are a bunch of "interviewers" who behave as though they believe they are at least as important, if not more so, than the person they are interviewing. The biggest tip-off is talking over their "guest." Asking questions that are three times as long as the answer is another clue. Wanting to have their picture taken for promos with the star's arm around them, or riding on the back of the interview subject's motorcycle, is another clue. You know who you are...

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Athens, Ga.: "Grey's Anatomy" is unwatchable and "Ugly Betty" is approaching the same state. The production values are slapdash and lame. Is it time to choose new appointment TV?

Lisa de Moraes: No, it's time to concede this as the Lost Season owing to the strike. I'm not disagreeing with your comments on the episodes we've seen, but I'm getting the feeling a lot of shows rushed with episodes to get something original back on the air. Let's all just take that time and clean out our closets instead, and take up our TV viewing habits again in the fall...

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Baltimore: If your theory about the producers seating Jason Castro early on the results show despite having the second least votes is true -- that is, they are trying to suppress votes -- then isn't the opposite true about Syesha Mercado? By putting the person with the most votes, according to DialIdol.com, in the last group left on stage (note -- I did not say "bottom two"), aren't the producers trying to gin up votes next week for Syesha?

Lisa de Moraes: I'm guessing they'd much rather see Syesha in the top two, if it comes to that, than Jason Castro ... it has been widely assumed it will get down to The Two Davids, but now I'm hearing that people think Syesha might slip in there instead. David Archuleta is getting very boring because he performs every song exactly the same. Have you notices that he always holds the microphone with his left hand (no big deal) but the right arm he always thrusts out with his palm up. And I think that whenever his right arm goes out and up, he closes his eyes. I'm thinking his father winds him up using some big key in his back before every performance...

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Springfield, Va.: Do you really believe there is an "Idol" conspiracy going on? It seems to me this is exactly where Occam's Razor applies. The most obvious answer being the correct one -- and that is that Paula is an idiot.

washingtonpost.com: Paula Abdul's Back to Normal, and 'Idol' Sees a Drop (Post, May 2)

Lisa de Moraes: You mean the "all other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best" rule? I'm feeling compassionate this morning -- think it comes from petting too many puppies this morning -- and instead will suggest we call it "fragile." Whatever, shame on the producers for making two changes to the show like that when they knew (surely by now) they were dealing with someone who's easily thrown doing live TV.

First they decide not to have judges critique Idolettes until after they'd all sung two Neil Diamond tunes. This means she will have to take notes. It appears Paula does not take notes well. Then, at the last second, they tell her they've changed their minds -- it was a stupid idea to start with, by the way -- and tell her she now has to give comments on each Idolette's first performance and "go!" Reminded me of that scene from "Bridget Jones's Diary" where Bridget is a TV reporter at the firehouse and her producer screams at her to slide down the pole and then changes his mind when she's half way down and tells her to go back up somehow. Badly done, Idol producers, for making our Paula look bad...

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Oak Park, Mich.: With Seacrest to blame for the Paula Abdul debacle this week, will the Emmy for hosting go to Tom Bergeron?

Lisa de Moraes: Seacrest wasn't to blame. He did not make the call to first have judges not give comments until after five Idolettes had sung both their Neil Diamond tunes, nor was it his decision to scrap that at the last minute and tell the judges at they last second to go ahead and critique the first round. He's just the messenger. ... I've still got my money on Seacrest to win the Very First Primetime Emmy Award for Best Reality Series Host, though I am a big Bergeron fan...

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Rockville, Md.: Is there any more fallout from "Paula-Gate"? By the way, I am a 48-year-old mom who doesn't love Jason, and I vote!

Lisa de Moraes: No. And it did not move the needle on ratings. I think this was a story that was whipped up into quite a froth by bored press. ... And, who are you voting for if not Jason?

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Arlington, Va.: I enjoy watching "Hell's Kitchen," but what does it say about television when a show about an arrogant, uber-critical master chef and his misfit wannabes gets better ratings than just about every scripted show on TV? I know it has the luxury of the "American Idol" lead-in, but I'm almost embarrassed for writers that their talents cannot top such a poorly produced reality disaster.

Lisa de Moraes: You just answered your own question. Why does it have to be better-produced if you, and millions like you, are watching and enjoying it? Me, I have a very low threshold for screamers -- they fall into my Life is Too Short Category -- and I watch as few episodes of this show as possible.

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Washington: For me, one show has survived the strike and come out better: "30 Rock." Alec Baldwin has been gold, and Tina Fey has managed not to be annoying.

Lisa de Moraes: My take too. Baldwin is brilliant and Fey has become a better actor. This show is one of few that has come back from the strike with strong episodes...

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Annandale, Va.: Hi Lisa. Thank God it's Friday, but I'm tired from staying up to watch "Lost" last night. I like to watch it "live" so I don't see any spoilers the next day. Do they get more viewers if "Lost" is on at 10 p.m.? Otherwise, why did they move a perfectly good viewing hour? Sorry, I'm cranky...

Lisa de Moraes: No way was ABC going to move "Grey's Anatomy" when it returned with original episodes, so "Lost" had to move. In theory, ABC was doing "Lost" a favor, moving it to the 10 p.m. Thursday time slot. Yes, HUT (homes using TV) levels are higher at 9 p.m., but NBC's 10 p.m. drama "ER" is a dead show walking, so so there's only CBS's "Without a Trace" to compete against in the time slot. Also, the thought was that a "Grey's Anatomy" lead-in at 9 p.m. would serve up a big crowd to "Lost" at 10 p.m. -- at 9 p.m., "Lost" had to "self-start" because its lead-in was doing a puny number. Last night "Grey's Anatomy" delivered one of its smaller numbers for an original episode -- 15 million viewers -- but that's still a whole lot bigger lead-in than "Lost" was getting at 9 p.m. "Lost" clocked about 11 million viewers, nearly 2 million behind "Without a Traces'" 10.2 million, but "Lost" handily won among 18-49 year olds, which is what ABC cares about most. I know -- way too much information.

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Washington: Any chances we'll see "Battlestar Galactica" cracking the NBC lineup this summer? Other cable shows have seen moderate success one the broadcast networks.

Lisa de Moraes: Not on NBC. Have you seen the numbers for "Monk" and "Psych" on NBC on Sundays? They're making "Dexter" look like a hit on CBS the same night...

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Upfronts and Help for the Viewers: Given your seniority as a television columnist and the influence you hopefully have with the networks, could you please, during the upfronts, mention to them that it drives viewers crazy when programs change times literally every couple of weeks? No wonder viewing is way down. Also, best writer of things television, please resume your "Grey's Anatomy" blog. Last week's show cried out for your analysis.

Lisa de Moraes: First, you are preaching to the choir re: moving time slots. Second, I'm pretty well drained by Thursday from the mental strain of blogging "American Idol" two nights. The paper is still trying to find someone to take over for me on "Grey's." Hopefully next week. But I'm sorry I'm not there for you...

[Update: The Post's Jennifer Frey blogged the most recent episode.]

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Cleveland, Tenn.: "Identical cousins"? That's retarded. What a stupid idea for a show.

Lisa de Moraes: Tell me about it!

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Rockville, Md.: Is it just me, or are next week's season finales of "30 Rock" and "Scrubs" coming earlier than usual? We're barely into May. And will "Scrubs" be coming back next year on ABC? Thanks!

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, usually series end their season run further into May, but this season all the "usually's" got tossed out the window owing to the three-month writers strike. And yes, "Scrubs" is returning, on ABC. NBC decided to pass on another season, and because the show is produced over at Disney, which owns ABC, and the guy who actually developed the show back when is now in charge of the entertainment division at ABC, this one's a no-brainer.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Why does Oprah talk so much? Because she's one of the biggest stars in the world and people tune in to hear her, not her guest. The guests are necessary to keep the show interesting on a daily basis, but Oprah is the person that they tune in for. If you're a third-rate talk show host, you need to advertise today's guest: "Today on Lisa we talk to Diane Keaton." This is basically how the Orioles try to sell tickets these days.

Lisa de Moraes: Ooooh snap! Sorry Pookie, I've got skin like an elephant -- you'll have to do a lot better than a "third-rate talk show host" line. But I agree there is a Cult of Oprah out there.

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Wilmington, N.C.: At the end of last night's "Scrubs" they actually had a preview for next week's episode and dubbed it the "Scrubs Finale." Is it a done deal that ABC will be taking it over, or could it indeed be the final episode?

Lisa de Moraes: It's the NBC finale. In fairness, you can't expect NBC to run a promo saying "The Final Scrubs Before It Moves to ABC."...

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"Identical Cousins": What about the Patty Duke show!

Lisa de Moraes: I know, that's what we were talking about. At least I think the chatter was, because I had made a reference to it in my Idol blog this week -- on results night, Paula was dressed up as Patty Duke. You shoulda seen it. It was brilliant.

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Re: Dead show walking: According to the ads, there was an armed assailant in the ER last night. So, it's not like they're out of ideas or anything.

Lisa de Moraes: LOL!

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Whipped into a froth: You are quite right. This is a non event, Paula is a dope (or is on dope). I only worry it might impact Seacrest's Emmy. He could/should have jumped in, I think. And given it was the week Bergeron was so droll about Def Leppard performing in the ballroom, Bergeron might have a slight edge. That man is fast and funny on his feet.

Lisa de Moraes: It's true, Bergeron is the best realty TV host on TV, but I'm thinking his humor is so dry and subtle it will be lost on TV Academy voters. I'm still going with Seacrest to win...

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Washington: Did I read correctly somewhere that there is a "24" TV movie that will air in the fall? The movie is supposed to bridge the gap between the most recent season and the next season, which has been halfway in the can since before the strike.

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, yes and yes. And yes. I think I've covered everything here.

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Long Beach, Calif.: And then there is "Moonlight," which -- after a four month hiatus between new episodes -- got back it's core audience and then some! The "Moonlight" fans are rabid and love their show. Vampire solidarity! Rah rah rah (and all that)!

Lisa de Moraes: Scary Sci Fi people...

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Philadelphia: Syesha now has been in the bottom group six times without going home, passing Nikki McKibbin's record. What will it take for her to survive this week against three guys with a total of one bottom group appearance between them, and what are you hearing about this week's theme?

Lisa de Moraes: Ah, but Seacrest never actually said last week she was in the bottom two -- he just brought out the two chicks and said one of them was going home. It was noticeable that he did not use the words "bottom two" or "two with the least votes." As I said in my column, or blog, or in my sleep, this is the time of year when DialIdol gets really accurate. According to DialIdol, Jason Castro had the second fewest votes and Syesha had the most. I'm guessing they did not want the prepubescent girls who vote for Castro to learn he got the second fewest number of votes, lest they rally and send him through into the very last competition. So they brought out Jason and told him he was "safe," which was true. And then they brought out Syesha and Nanny Brooke and said something like "one of you is going home." In my conspiracy theory, the producers have decided they'd rather have Syesha as one of the final three -- and possibly even final two -- than Jason ... I love conspiracy theories...

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Re: "Monk" and "Psych": These shows are awesome, but I watched these episodes back when they were on USA. If the NBC gig doesn't work out, will USA continue to air original episodes?

Lisa de Moraes: The runs of these shows on NBC has nothing to do with their performances on USA -- it's about trying to fill time slots with original programming after shows got shut down for three months by the strike. So you need not worry about their fate...

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Sweeps to March: What will be the impact of February sweeps moving to March because of the analog-to-digital transition. Will that February be a TV dead zone? Do they really expect a lot of people to not have caught up by then? I think I see three commercials a day about dtv2009.

Lisa de Moraes: The biggest impact is that the Super Bowl will not air in the sweep, which is bad news for NBC. NBC actually stood a chance of winning a sweep derby for the first time in years because it had the Super Bowl. I feel bad for NBC -- they just can't get a break.

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Annapolis, Md.: Speaking of "Hell's Kitchen" and the American "Kitchen Nightmares," why is it that Fox insists on only showing Ramsey's nasty side? On the BBC "Kitchen Nightmares" and other shows, he is much more human, compassionate and particularly charismatic, almost none of which Fox allows us to see. While I enjoy "Hell's Kitchen," I think the other Ramsey is much more interesting and entertaining.

Lisa de Moraes: Two words: Mike Darnell...

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Annandale, Va.: Speaking of "interviewers" and their egos, Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford are doing a bang up job of talking over guests. Five words seem to be the maximum allowed response for guests. Also, whenever I see Hoda Kotb's name, I patiently wait for Vanna White to turn over the remaining letters so I can solve the puzzle. But she never does.

Lisa de Moraes: I can't watch them with sharp objects around. Too afraid I'll gouge out my eyes...

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Washington: Is "Heroes" done for the season?

Lisa de Moraes: Correct...

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Archuleta's palm: You're not the only one to notice this. Rolling Stone had an amusing contest to put stuff in his hand. The hilarious results.

Lisa de Moraes: I saw that. It's hilarious...

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Rockville, Md.: Older mom again -- we (my two 17-year-old daughters, too) voted for David Cook the past few weeks. I actually look forward to seeing what he will do, where the others stay the same. We started voting after getting mad about Nanny, horse girl and dread boy staying around too long.

Lisa de Moraes: Let's face it, Carly should have won had this been an actual talent competition. She needs to work on the off-putting facial ticks when she performs -- particularly the Bride of Frankenstein thing she would do with her eyes -- but she had a gorgeous voice and knew how to use it...

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Washington: Were you at the Correspondents Dinner Saturday night? If so, any gossip?

washingtonpost.com: Craig Ferguson, Digesting His Correspondents' Dinner (Post, April 29)

Lisa de Moraes: I was there. I have no gossip you haven't already heard, but I'm fed up to the gills with how rude the audience is when the early speakers are up on stage handing out awards to the audiences' colleagues. I was thrilled when Craig Ferguson made a comment about it on his show two nights later -- his first night back on the air...

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Re: NBC/Super Bowl/Sweeps: ... but would that really count? I wouldn't think you could charge advertisers a premium by saying "look at our ginormous sweeps ratings" if the ratings are based on a once-every-four-years special event boosting a bunch of ho-hum shows.

Lisa de Moraes: You have just described perfectly the Paradox of the Sweeps. It's true networks care less about sweeps now that there are people meters in more local markets -- sweeps are used to help local markets set ad rates -- but winning a sweep is also a morale booster for a network and poor NBC could use a shot in the arm...

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DTV: Hi Pookie, FCC here. Are you going to change your design of the TV on The TV Column Web site? You know, the rabbit antenna will not work after February. ... We urge you to visit our Web site and see how you can continue to watch TV so that we don't have to. February is the midst of the next "American Idol" season, you know, and we need you.

Lisa de Moraes: Don't get me started on that ridiculous rabbit-eared TV set on my column on the Web site. It makes me nuts. I am not responsible for the back-to-the-50s look of that graphic...

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New Brunswick, N.J.: The viewing numbers seem way down for all first-run episodes this rating period. To what do you attribute that downturn? Are viewers strike-burned and just turned off to TV now? Also, what do you think of the move to put "House" on Mondays for the remainder of this season? I loved seeing Hugh Laurie on my screen again after a three-month absence, but the Monday time slot just felt weird somehow.

Lisa de Moraes: Three things happened: the strike, the strike and then the strike. People got out of the habit and aren't feeling motivated enough to get back in. The networks are of course hoping it's a bump and things will be back to "normal" in the fall.

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Washington: You're giving way too much credit to MCs. Bergeron and Seacrest have no right winning the first Reality Host Emmy. You've got to give that award to Jeff Probst or Phil Keoghan (host of the only reality show to win a Primetime Emmy, "The Amazing Race"). Bergeron needs help to move the show along, and Seacrest's ... act ... is ... ... tiring! Stick with radio, and stop trying to be Dick Clark!

Lisa de Moraes: Hey, it's tough to do live TV and Seacrest definitely has the knack. So does Bergeron. Yes, "Dancing" is slower-paced but I think it's kinda nice that way -- very camptastic show..

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There are a bunch of "interviewers" who behave as though they believe they are at least as important, if not more so, than the person they are interviewing.: Another tip-off -- having a monthly magazine named after yourself in which you talk about yourself and in which there are tons of photos of yourself.

Lisa de Moraes: That too...

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Maybe I'm just a raging feminist: I've been having a hard time with "Grey's Anatomy" and the spin-off this year. A close friend had an abortion last summer, and I've heard from her that watching these shows is just one big cringe. Why oh why can't a character on TV have an abortion and have others acknowledge that, while a difficult choice, it happens -- and that it's still frigging legal in the U.S.

I swear, Shonda Rimes sets feminism back 40 years every time there's a show that hints at terminating a pregnancy. Well okay, she does that anyway with the romance/histrionics, etc., so maybe I can't complain that much. Is it just absolutely taboo for a woman to have an abortion on TV and not suffer huge consequences and have doctors disapprove, etc.? This is really bugging me.

Lisa de Moraes: On a commercial broadcast network? Yes, taboo. Like condom ads...

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More on "Idol": You know, as much as Jason Castro makes it look like we interrupted his nap or partying -- there is something about him that is more compelling than the other contestants. Raw talent, perhaps? The fact that not every song he does sounds the same and that he can play instruments? Something about the laid-backness of him and his different sound makes me really pull for him ... even though he really appears to not be trying sometimes. Oh ... and I'm in my early 40s.

Lisa de Moraes: But you have to admit, he has the most beautiful eyes of any guy in the history of American Idol. ... I too like his laid-backness style, but sometimes I wish he'd at least drink one cup of coffee before performing. Earth to Jason: It's off-putting to viewers, Pookie, when we see you yawning during the show...

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Washington: What!? I love Paula! She is by far the most entertaining part of the show. Randy is stale, the singers are dreadful, Simon is overrated, and Seacrest is bland. But my dear, sweet, beautiful Paula is completely unpredictable -- and for that, I lover her.

Lisa de Moraes: I'm with you. I'd been kind of disappointed how normal she was acting this season. But this week's show made it all better. She's a true professional in her timing -- made us wait for months, and then wham! ... another brilliant Paula moment.

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Paula Land: I really enjoy your first online discussion today. I do wish to add that I think your second discussion was not up to par as much as your first and that you continue to fail to show your full potential.

Lisa de Moraes: It's true -- I've seen my second discussion, and it's not nearly as good. I suggest you give it a pass...

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Crofton, Md.: I think the two best series so far this year have been "The Wire" and "John Adams." When Emmy time comes around, will they both be in the same category? I've been waiting for "The Wire" to get some love, but Paul Giamatti is going to be hard to beat in any category.

Lisa de Moraes: I'm guessing "John Adams" is going to fall under "miniseries." It's strange with that one -- people seem to either love it or hate it. I'm not hearing much in-between...

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Re: Hoda Kotb: What a coincidence! I got those exact letters playing scrabble the other week, and I couldn't spell a damn thing out of them.

washingtonpost.com: Adobo, bhoot, booth, hooka, taboo.

Lisa de Moraes: Someone in the Style section came across an anagram Web site the other day and sent link to the entire section. Work came to a screeching halt for the rest of the day as we all put in our names to see what our anagrams were. I can't remember what mine were, but I kept myself amused for hours with the site. Don't tell my editor...

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Or let us buy another vowel, maybe?: Annandale is right on about Hoda Kotb. Ditto about Gordon Ramsey, who is both smoking hot and seems like the kind of guy you'd want to have a pint with at a pub.

Lisa de Moraes: Gordon Ramsey, smoking hot? Really?

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Washington: Hi Lisa. Are you a "Medium" fan? I love that show, mainly because it's never the same format each week. Creative. Contrast with "Without a Trace," which seems to follow a standard plot template. "Medium" portrays marriage realistically -- two people who love each other completely, but still disappoint each other and fight from time to time, but get through it. If the writers make Jake have an affair, I will be so ticked off!

Lisa de Moraes: You can't have it both ways -- the show either can portray marriage realistically or he can't have an affair. Honestly, you can't blame a guy who's married to a woman who wakes up with a jolt in the middle of the night every single night of his life for getting a little fed up and maybe shopping around a bit to see if he can do better, can you? It's gotta be tough enough just being married to a psychic, much less one who interrupts your sleep every night with her visions ... poor guy must be exhausted...

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Silver Spring, Md. -- abortion in primetime: It has been approached before, in the 1970s on "All in the Family." Plus I think there was an abortion on some sitcom with Bernadette Peters that was short-lived, also in the '70s

Lisa de Moraes: A lifetime, and a culture, ago ... advertisers these days are total wimps. I'm out of time, bye.

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