Billy Zane (pictured) has done some TV over the years -- Twin Peaks, Boston Public, and Charmed, for example -- but I think of him more as a movie star. In fact, he has four movies in the works right now -- 4Chosen; Mama, I Want to Sing!; The Hessen Affair; and Love N' Dancing.

But hold the phone, because like so many other movies stars, Zane has signed on for a TV pilot. He'll star opposite Teri Polo in ABC's Finnegan. The show revolves around the organized crime/vice unit in Los Angeles, led by a tough female detective named Finnegan (Polo). Zane will play Deputy D.A. Brian Clark. Because, you know, we don't have enough crime drama shows on the air right now.

Teri Polo, meanwhile, has also done plenty of TV and movies. You might remember her from Northern Exposure, Felicity, The Practice and The West Wing. Upcoming movies include Two:Thirteen, Material Lies, The Beacon and Little Fockers (the third installment of the Focker franchise).

Just like writers, I guess it's good for actors to diversify and not have all their eggs in one basket. Gigs come and go, and the acting world is one heck of a fickle business.

There was more pilot news percolating out of ABC yesterday, including three dramas and a sitcom. On the funny side, writer/producers Jennifer Konner and Alexandra Rushfield are working on Bad Mother's Handbook. It follows the life of a busy, thirtysomething mom dealing with the needs/wants/desires of her teenaged daughter and 48-year old mother. Hmm, sounds like a close knit family! You think they're all under one roof? The sitcom will be a single-camera affair, half-hour laugh fest (or so we hope). I vote for Jamie Lee Curtis as the 48-year old mom. She can still play 48; yes, she can. She looks great on those yogurt commercials!