So remember that TV show about a bunch of quirky but lovable romantics living in Alaska, who approach the ups and downs of life and love with an affable sense of humor? No, I'm not talking about the long-dormant Northern Exposure; I'm talking about ABC's Men in Trees, starring Anne Heche.

Photo credit: ABC/Michael Courtney

Earlier this week, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reported that ABC has officially canceled the series, which suffered from oft-shifting time slots. It has aired on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, at various times, over the course of its two seasons since it premiered in September 2006. It was also pulled from ABC's prime-time schedule several times (once to make room for October Road, and more recently due to the WGA strike), leaving large gaps between new episodes.

Not surprisingly, ratings for the show have been uneven. I admit, Men in Trees is not the most revolutionary show on television, but I found myself liking it and liking Anne's character, Marin Frist, a big-city relationship expert (she writes self-help books) who relocates serendipitously to small-town Elmo, Alaska.

Yes, there were some annoying (and sometimes offensive) characters on the show, but overall the episodes that I saw were heart-warming and cozy, and I mean that in the best possible way. I freely admit that I have a big soft spot for romantic comedy, and Men in Trees did it pretty well. The relationship between Marin's biggest fan, Annie (Emily Bergl), and Patrick (Derek Richardson) was a little bit odd and a little bit sweet. … continue reading

This is a live blog from the bi-annual Television Critics Association conference. See more TCA live blogging here.

It's Men in Trees time on the last day of the TCA. I like this show, and my mom loves it, but I stopped watching about halfway through last season because there were just too many shows on the air and not enough time in the day to watch them all.

ABC begins the promo for last season, and the cast files out on stage. Anne Heche looks great in her pale pink dress, and I like her hair like this. She seems happy, almost giddy. I find myself instinctively rooting for her. I'm a sucker for the underdog.

I don't even recognize half of the rest of the cast, which is what I get for tuning out mid-season. But where's Sarah the prostitute? And Cynthia Stevenson? And that bartender guy?

The promo ends and Anne starts clapping and yelling "yay!" No reaction from the reporters. This is a tough crowd.

The first question is the first of many variations on the topic of why ABC is running the last five episodes from the first season with the second season? There's no good answer except that ABC wanted the space to promote other shows. Creator Jenny Bicks (seated between Anne and James, below) says they've since gone back and filmed a "bridge" episode that will be inserted before the five from last season.

The cast is waiting for the next question, but what they get is a deafening wall of silence. We're only two minutes in, and no one has a question? This is not a good sign. Although I think this has less to do with the show than with the fact that it's the last day of a very long three-week press tour, and everyone's too exhausted to think. … continue reading

Our brother site AfterElton.com has just released the first annual AfterElton.com Hot 100 List — which features the hottest men as chosen by thousands of gay and bisexual men — and the guy who topped the list? The same one who topped Malinda's list of top ten lesbian-ish men: Jake Gyllenhaal.

In fact, everyone on Malinda's list but John Cusack made AfterElton.com's list, which makes me wonder if maybe lesbians and gay men aren't that different after all. (Although, no John Cusack? That's a crime!)

But I have to confess, I don't even know who some of the guys on their list are. Like Chris Evans (No. 2), who is apparently in the Fantastic Four movies, which I've never seen. I considered seeing them briefly, for Jessica Alba, but I prefer her with dark hair. A blonde Jessica Alba just doesn't work for me — I like my Alba a little edgier. Although she is bringing on the fierce here: … continue reading

It’s nice to know that some things in life never change. The sun will rise and set each day in its never-ending loop through space and time. The tides will ebb and flow as they perform their magnetic dance with the moon. And Anne Heche will still be nuttier than a fruitcake.

In divorce papers filed this week, Heche's estranged husband Coley Laffoon claims that the former half of the world’s most famous lesbian power couple was a bad parent to their 5-year-old son, Homer, and a persistent passenger on the crazy bus.

“[Heche] has at times exhibited bizarre and delusional behavior for which she refuses to seek professional help.”

To this, the current Men in Trees star shot back with her own statement that read: … continue reading

by Sarah Warn

ABC has renewed almost its entire current schedule for next season, and unusually early. The list of shows making the cut include Grey's Anatomy, Men in Trees, Brothers and Sisters, Ugly Betty, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Bachelor, and Dancing With the Stars.

The fate of According to Jim is still up in the air. I don't know how I'll sleep tonight.

Now that Dancing with the Stars is coming back, it's time for an out lesbian contestant. Who should it be: Ellen? Rosie? Melissa? Maybe a less obvious choice, like Suze Orman? Or Sheryl Swoopes? Or, ooh, I know: Leisha Hailey! Just for kicks, they could go with Mimi from Work Out - as long as they institute a "no biting" rule. It's for everyone's safety.

In the meantime, at least we have Laili Ali...