Joe Mantegna reports that since his "Criminal Minds" series returned from its strike-induced production break, the team has been putting in extra hours, including Saturdays, "to put us back on track. We're under the gun, but it's a good thing. To tell you the truth, I don't mind it. I like this pace. There's a saying that we work for free and they pay us to wait. For every minute you're on camera, you spend 59 waiting. That's not the case here. There's not a lot of waiting, which I appreciate, especially coming from theater."

The show returns with seven new episodes beginning April 2. And, according to Mantegna, the show has "been picked up already for the next season. That's the game plan, let's say. We'll take a short hiatus and do extra episodes to catch up."

The well-liked star came aboard the show partway into the current season, replacing Mandy Patinkin, who asked to be released from his series commitment. As far as concerns about "Criminal Minds" running out of steam, Mantegna says, "There's always that unknown factor, and you just hope for the best." He felt right at home on the drama about FBI profilers, however, since series producer Peter Schindler had previously worked on Mantegna's "Joan of Arcadia."

"When he went to do this new show called 'Criminal Minds,' I didn't realize they took half of our show's crew with them. The first day I joined up on this set, there were literally half the guys and girls from 'Joan of Arcadia' — transportation and all these other departments. Thomas Gibson I knew from charity golf tournaments. It's a great group. Honest to God, I couldn't be happier. I feel I've hit the jackpot."

THE VIDEOLAND VIEW: "The Biggest Loser" is coming into the home stretch, but host Alison Sweeney says it's still anybody's game. "We're gearing up for the live finale on April 15, but we don't have a clear winner," reports Sweeney. "There are a lot of people who could really win this, so many have had such great successes. You're going to see some amazing transformations even before they go home."

Sweeney says after the finale, they'll start right up on "the beginning of next season. We're actually casting now for Season 6. We're asking individuals who are interested to come apply because we really want to get you out there." The current season featured couples vying to lose weight together, but Sweeney says for next season, "it's still in discussion, so we want both (couples and individuals).

We want everybody to come and apply, let us know them and their needs, and we'll figure out what's best for the next season. If you need to lose 90 pounds or more, that'll get you on the show." To apply, she says, "go to www.nbc.com, then find the 'Biggest Loser' homepage."

SOMETHING ENTIRELY DIFFERENT: "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" star Vincent D'Onofrio is getting ready to direct a yet-untitled Western movie this summer — and "Medium" actor Jake Weber is happy to report he's signed on to the project. "It's a fantastic script and a fantastic part — a very tough Texan who comes in to help the sheriff with the growth of this town when the railroad goes through it. That's what I always did before 'Medium,' played heavies — a lot of bad guys — so it's kind of nice to get back to something with a little bite." Referring to his "Medium" role as the husband of Patricia Aquette's psychically endowed crime solver, he adds, "Not that Joe DuBois isn't fun to play. I like him. He's a kind soul."

Weber also tells us that returning to work on "Medium" after having been strike-bound for so long, "everyone's nice and juiced. The break was fortuitous in a way because people get tired after four years. Now there's a lot of energy."

A CHANGE OF PACE: "Phineas and Ferb" voice regular Alyson Stoner is hoping her big-screen dramedy "Alice Upside Down" with Luke Perry, Penny Marshall and Lucas Grabeel will become a film franchise for her. "It was based on an award-winning series of books by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, and I got cast to be the main character, which was a great opportunity to try something more dramatic," says Stoner, who plays neighbor Isabella, the leader of the Fireside Girls in the Disney Channel hit "Phineas and Ferb." She says "Alice Upside Down" "follows a girl through her teen years growing up without a mom. It's a great cast. Lucas Grabeel plays my brother, Luke Perry my father and Penny Marshall my teacher. We just went to a film festival and it got a comedy award, but the stretch for me was just going more dramatic, for kids and everyone to see that I have a little bit more range."

With reports by Stephanie DuBois and Emily Feimster.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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