TNT’s entertaining caper show comes back for its winter run, but without Gina Bellman, who’s on maternity leave. While you’re waiting for her return, enjoy her temporary replacement, Jeri Ryan.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Leverage MID-SEASON PREMIERE Wednesday (1/13), 10/9c, TNT

JERI DUTY

The con is back on as Nate (Timothy Hutton) and his crew of do-gooding thieves return for six more episodes, with a new twist: Jeri Ryan’s scammer Tara is filling in for Gina Bellma’s Sophie, who’s on sabbatical. (In real life, Bellman is on maternity leave.) “It’s a perfect job as an actor,” says Ryan. “You get to play so many different people.” In tonight’s episode, she’ll pose as an Italian fashion designer—and on the February 3 show, she’ll channel her inner Miss Cleo, pretending to be a psychic to bring down a swindler (Luke Perry!). But playing Tara herself may be the most fun for the ex-Shark star. “I’ve been a lot of ball-buster lawyers and suit-wearing women—Tara’s a ball-buster in a very different way,” says Ryan. “She’s smart, tough and has that sarcastic sense of humor—you don’t get to see that side of me very much.” And how about her romantic side—will we see that come out, perhaps with Nate? “I don’t want to give anything away,” she says “But there are things there to make people wonder.” Sounds like a long grift.—Megan Walsh-Boyle

Popularity: 1% [?]

Popularity: 1% [?]

Leverage Soundtrack now Available

Presenting the original music score to the hit TNT television series Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton. Emmy winning composer Joseph LoDuca (Legend Of The Seeker, The Librarian, Xena, Evil Dead Trilogy) creates a wonderful listening experience with a jazz and pop-tinged music score that captures all the mystery, action and flat-out fun of this popular TV series. Currently airing on TNT in its second season, the first season of Leverage is available on DVD in stores everywhere. Second season hits DVD in 2010.

Click here to order!

Popularity: 1% [?]