So ... don't be surprised if Betty doesn't end up in a longterm romance with Gio, either. (Reportedly, Rodriguez has a busy film schedule and won't be available to do many episodes of "Betty.")

And even though Val Emmich is coming aboard as another romantic interest for Betty, his character probably won't end up walking down the aisle with Betty. At least not anytime soon.

CHECKING INTO THE "ER": In its 15th and final season, "ER" will turn into something of a family affair.

Angela Bassett, who is joining the cast as the new head of the emergency department, will be joined by her husband, Courtney B. Vance.

Vance, who spent five seasons on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," will be doing a multiepisode arc as Russell Banfield, the husband of Dr. Cate Banfield (Bassett).

No hints about the plotline were released — just that this is the first time the husband-and-wife actors have acted together.

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com