Here are some notable highlights from the recent Ask Ausiello column:

Question: Is it true that Daniel Eric Gold who plays Matt on Ugly Betty will only be appearing in four more episodes after the Bahamas episodes and then he’s gone? —Hannah
Ausiello: I can confirm that Matt will be making a departure in early 2010. Beyond that, my lips are sealed.
MARS SAYS: Matt won’t be that huge a loss. He’s been mostly a jerk to Betty in the early part of the season. I would like to see Amanda and Matt get together, though. Amanda deserves a love story arc.

Question: You’ve been really slacking on the Gossip Girl scoop, any exciting news? – JLa
Ausiello: Also in next Monday’s episode, someone finds out they’re pregnant. That’s considered “exciting news,” right?
MARS SAYS: Maybe Lily?

Question: I need Gossip Girl info. —Jude
Ausiello: Hey, Jude, here’s what I got: You know the letter from Serena’s dad that Lily has been hiding? It’s going to fall into the wrong hands. (Hint: Said wrong hands belong to *a****n.)
MARS SAYS: Not really interested in what happens next… really.

Question: Thanks for all of the great news about Chuck and Lost. All of this plus you appreciate Santa Barbara, Smurfs, and constantly give incredible scoop. Thanks so much for being you. Any chance you have White Collar scoop? —Jennifer
Ausiello: After all that ass-kissing you just did? You bet I do. In the upcoming Dec. 4 midseason finale, our partners in crime-solving are called onto the case of a missing diamond, only to find Neal at the top of the list of suspects. The winsome swindler tries to clear his name and, in a shocking reveal, finds out he’s not the only one that’s been good at lying. Now tell me what else you like about me.
MARS SAYS: I’m liking White Collar. It’s got some light comedy, a little mystery and a lot of Matt Bomer (Bryce Larkin from Chuck). It’s not really a can’t-miss-a-single-episode type of show; but I like it and the characters enough to tune in week after week.

Question: I need Glee scoops! I’m hungry for some info on upcoming couples! —Connor
Ausiello: Brace yourself, ’cause Mark Salling (a.k.a. Puck) says he’s heard “talk” of some surprising romantic pairings. “I have read posts and stories about all kinds of pairings fans are hoping will happen on the show,” he says. “For instance, people have been asking for a Mercedes-Puck hookup. I hear people want Puck and Artie because they want to Partie. And Finn and Puck. I think that one is pretty popular in certain neighborhoods. I can’t say never, but Puck is such a dude that I am not sure how that one would ever come to pass. Maybe a dream sequence of Kurt’s?” Of those options, I think I’m kind of loving the idea of a Partie. Anyone want to join me?
MARS SAYS: I’m on the fence between Quinn/Puck and Rachel/Puck. We didn’t get much of the latter when it was explored. Tina/Artie is okay; but it ended before it even started. Other than that, Mr. Schu should just get rid of his wife and get it on with Emma.

Question: Now that it’s returning in January, Chuck me, spoiler God! —Scott
Ausiello: Chuck co-creator Chris Fedak confirms that Anna Wu will be MIA during season 3’s first 13 episodes, but there’s a chance she could pop up in the last six. “We’re still [writing the last] six episodes, so I don’t have anything first on that,” he says. “But I would love for Anna to come back.” Fedak adds that Julia’s absence at Buy More will be referenced early in the season.

Question: There’s a $5 tuna foot-long with you and Mister Scooch’s names on it if you can give me any Chuck updates. —Jen
Ausiello: Can you make my half a veggie? If so, you’ve got a deal. Chris Fedak says the six additional episodes that NBC recently tacked on to Chuck’s season 3 total created an interesting storytelling challenge. “[We were faced with] the problem of either expanding the story we’re telling or taking the story and telling it more slowly. And what we essentially decided to do was tell more story. So we’re looking at the six episodes that have been added on as Chuck season 3.2.”
MARS SAYS: I’m just so excited to watch an all-new Chuck. Based on the previews, there will be a 2-hour premiere on January 10; and another episode on January 11. That’s 3 episodes in 2 days! I just hope the show is promoted enough so people will tune in. This is a great show and season 3 is looking more awesome than ever.

Question: Darling, you’re viciously ignoring a fabulous show — Dexter! Care to redeem your fabulous self and dish? —Tina
Ausiello: Are you channeling Miss Piggy or Alexis Carrington? Either way, I like it! Re: Dexter, I hear there’s a big breakup coming.
MARS SAYS: People are saying Rita/Dexter or Batista/LaGuerta. Honestly can’t say.

Question: Count me among those fans not happy about the Barney-Robin split on How I Met Your Mother. Is Barney just going to return to his old womanizing ways? —Gerald
Ausiello: Exec producer Carter Bays insists Barney is a changed man as a result of his short-lived romance with Robin — just don’t expect to notice any of those changes right away. “Barney’s a lot like the economy,” he says. “You can pass a stimulus package, but it will take a while to take effect. But he’s definitely affected by it. It’s definitely changed him.” Any hints as to what those changes will look like? “I probably shouldn’t say,” he hedges. “But in the second half of the season, there will be some events coming up that sort of bring that to light.”
MARS SAYS: I wasn’t that happy with the short-lived relationship Barney and Robin had. So far, it looks like Barney is back to his old ways; but I’ll wait and see where they’re taking this before making any kind of judgment.