Cheers for Fears

Image credit: Lake Bell Photograph by Roberto D'Este

SURFACE
NBC, MONDAYS, 8 P.M.
Why her show is the scariest thing on TV ''Our objective isn't to scare the crap out of you,'' says Bell, 26, who plays a marine biologist tracking a colossal new breed of killer aquatic mammal. ''It's to make you think — and the unknown is scary.''

Who is scarier to work with: Surface's sea creature or James Spader? ''Oh my God!'' laughs the Boston Legal alum. ''James is very similar to the sea creature in that they're both strange and wonderful at the same time.''

Most mortifying Halloween costume ''I was a country-music singer with my friend. We wore exactly the same thing: acid-washed jean skirts, stilettos, bleach blond wigs. The problem was maintaining the accents.''

Favorite horror film ''Well, Jaws. If that's considered a horror film. Because, Jesus, it's scary.''

Boldly going where she's never gone before ''I called [Legal costar] William Shatner and was like, 'Do you have any advice, because I'm delving into science fiction?' He was like [imitating him], 'I see. I think you should. Make. Lots of faces. Of awe and. Wonderment.'''

Spooky show secrets ''These global issues you've been introduced to are just the tip of an iceberg. Really expect the unexpected.'' Not so unexpected: more bikini scenes for Bell. ''I'm impressed that it's only happened once. I have another thing coming up, but that's sort of...I'm in my underwear. Long story how I get there [giggles], but, um, sweeps!'' --Nisha Gopalan