‘Under Suspicion’ Viewers Hold Key To Ultimate Fate Of Cbs Series

Attention, all Sillas mourners. Now that the secret about CBS’ “Under Suspicion” is out of the bag - it was Detective Rose “Phil” Phillips (Karen Sillas) who was apparently fatally shot in last week’s season finale - many viewers want to know what can be done about bringing the show back.

Executive producer Jacqueline Zambrano says three more scripts have been authorized by the network to get a new season started, but they won’t be used unless CBS is convinced enough viewers want the show back.

Zambrano also says Sillas, the show’s star, is currently being hotly pursued by film producers eager to star her in feature films if she’s released from her five-year contract with “Under Suspicion.”

“Karen hadn’t done television before, and if ‘Under Suspicion’ isn’t picked up, you probably won’t see her doing television again,” says Zambrano. “She’s up for the creme de la creme roles in features. This woman is not long for this world (TV).”

For those who missed the season finale, Phillips was hit in the chest by a bullet intended for Detective Clarke (Paul McCrane), fired by a murder suspect seeking revenge for the shooting death of his brother by Clarke.

Moments before, Phillips had been wistfully singing “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows” after the wedding of Capt. Schwartz (Seymour Cassel).

In her last seconds before losing consciousness, she told her shocked fellow officers she could see a rainbow.

If “Under Suspicion” wins renewal, Zambrano said Phillips will survive to undergo rehabilitative therapy, perhaps meeting a new man in her life.

If not, that rainbow will be the last thing she’ll ever see.

MEMO: Viewers who want CBS to bring back Sillas and “Under Suspicion” for a second season should write to Peter Tortorici, President, CBS Entertainment, c/o CBS Television City, 7800 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.