How does Providence star Mike Farrell — who plays papa to heroine Melina Kanakaredes — feel about returning for a fifth season? "I'm delighted," he tells TV Guide Online, "in spite of the hiccup where NBC said, 'We're not sure if you're coming back' — and we had to hold our breath and wait. I was thrilled on Friday, when we got the word."

Given the family drama's great ratings, why was its renewal even in question? "I don't know why," he sighs. "Some straightforward conversation from NBC — to those of us who are part of the show — would have been in order. The fact that they chose to play it close to the vest suggests there is not the kind of relationship they like to pretend we have. And that's frustrating, but one learns not to look for a lot of gratitude and loyalty when you're dealing with business people."

Farrell adores his co-stars, though, and he's equally candid in expressing the cast's fondest wish: To resume telling more "family-oriented" stories, "like in our first three years." Recently, Providence has favored bizarre plot twists — Farrell's gentle veterinarian has been shot in the head, while Kanakaredes is battling the show's second psychotic stalker!

Meanwhile, he looks forward to Fox's two-hour M*A*S*H reunion — airing Friday at 8 pm/ET — which he co-produced. (Coincidentally, it airs opposite Providence.) Aside from a clip show, Farrell promises "all the remaining living cast members" will reassemble to reminisce on a set decorated to look just like the 4077 encampment. "It's wonderful," he says. "They created the 'Swamp,' the compound, the post-op."