Keri Russell: The Girl Most Likely

On this morning, WB publicity VP Janine Jones preps team Felicity for press-conference pitfalls. "We have journalists from all over the country downstairs," she begins. "There are transcribers writing every word you say, every um and cough. Not to put any pressure on you ... "

Pressure? The fidgety cast and producers line up backstage, waiting for their cue. "I'm horrified," says Russell. "Absolutely horrified." Foley seconds that: "F--- yeah ... I mean, 'Oh, yeah.'"

The inquisition starts. Questions can be rough; at this year's tour, various shows have prompted charges of racism, sexism, and gay stereotyping. But the reporters throw softballs; the toughest question for the producers: Are you an Ally rip-off? ("People compare things they don't know to things that are familiar," offers Abrams. "They're both shows about intelligent young women.") When the 45-minute session ends, reporters immediately descend upon Russell. You can almost hear them composing the rising-star profiles in their heads.

THE PREMIERE Felicity will debut, at last, on Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. Cast and creators await the ratings verdict. "I'm nervous, exhausted, tired, tired, tired," says Russell. "And excited." Abrams is philosophical: "Even if we succeed beyond anyone's wildest dreams," he says, "even if we just do okay, or even if we fail, it's no longer going to be that gift-wrapped box.'' As for Reeves, "If the question is 'Are we s---ting in our pants?' the answer is 'Yes!'"