Battlestar Galactica alum Tricia Helfer will guest-star on a Season 3 episode of the Lie to Me, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.

Helfer will play Naomi, who’s attracted to Lightman (Tim Roth) despite being frustrated by the inability to hide anything from him. But when she calls on Lightman for protection from a violent ex-boyfriend, it’s Lightman who begins to wonder if her beauty has impaired his lie-detecting skills.

Best known as Cylon Number Six on Battlestar, Helfer, 36, currently stars opposite Dylan McDermott on TNT’s Dark Blue. She also recently guest-starred on USA’s Burn Notice and the series premiere of Fox’s Human Target.

Helfer joins a slate of Lie to Me Season 3 guest-stars that includes Breaking Bad’s Anna Gunn and Shoshannah Stern. The airdate for Helfer’s episode hasn’t been scheduled.

Lie to Me wraps its second season Monday, Sept. 13 at 8/7c.

It returns for Season 3 Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 9/8c.

So here we are again… back in that familiar territory known as “Lie to Me’s pickup limbo”. This is now the fourth time “Lie to Me” fans have had to face this. It started back in season one, when a second season pickup came in the 11th hour. That pickup, it should be specified, was only for 13 episodes. Come to waiting game two: “Will ‘Lie to Me’ be picked up for a full second season?” That was the question on many a fan’s mind. The answer, fortunately, was yes. Of course, this too was in the 11th hour. Fast forward to the more recent decision to renew “Lie to Me” for a third season. But, wait for it… it’s only for 13 episodes. Not this again! So, that brings us now to waiting game number four: Will “Lie to Me” be picked up for a full third season?

Why It Should Be
Starting in more recent history: “Lie to Me” is the highest rated scripted show of the summer. It’s performed very solidly over the summer, never losing the audience in the second half hour of its slot, but, instead, gaining viewers. “Lie to Me” has really proven to be a tough show. It endured several time slot changes in its first season alone. I don’t know about you, but spreading a show’s mere 13 episodes over several time slots is a bit confusing. Despite that, “Lie to Me” miraculously managed to build a solid, if somewhat small, fan base. However, it has, for the most part, held onto that fan base, even amidst some extremely tough time slot competition. (Add to this the 6 month long hiatus… don’t even get me started on that!) Much like the airing of its episodes, however, “Lie to Me” has built on what it started with. Its fan base has continued to grow over time.

Now, a brief case study: A somewhat humorous pickup occurred recently on the cable channel TBS: they picked up the show “Are We There Yet?” for 90 more episodes. That’s right: 90. Clearly this network sees something in the show that works, and that they feel can work for them. So why won’t Fox do the same? The fans aren’t even asking for 90 episodes… just 9… to start.

Another important reason Fox needs to water “Lie to Me” and help it grow is their own stable of shows has diminished. Fox has one long time action drama that’s ended (24), another drama that’s aging (House), and not too much hope of anything big in the very near future. But what they also have is a solid drama with a solid fan base that’s proven, not only are they loyal, but there’s huge room for growth among them.

I hesitate to say something negative about Fox. After all, they have a track record of being a very patient network. And, truth be told, they could’ve pulled the plug on “Lie to Me” long ago. But, I dare say they also could’ve been promoting it… long ago. All that being said, however, it’s important for everyone to keep in mind that promotion, while certainly helpful, isn’t in and of itself a guarantee. (Case in point: “The Good Guys”, another Fox drama.) And, Fox has been very careful about where they place “Lie to Me”. Up until now they’ve managed to avoid relegating it to Friday or Saturday night. I do feel Fox has some faith in the show… or else it wouldn’t be on. But what we’re asking for now, Fox, is to show that faith. Pick up “Lie to Me” for a full third season. And, while you’re at it, promote it… even a little. It’s a solid bet. Honest.

Now for the fun part… If you would like to see “Lie to Me” picked up for a full third season, leave your name below. Also feel free to share why you think it should stay on the air, how long you’ve watched, and whatever else you feel is relevant. (Only one entry per e-mail address, please. It will be monitored, and duplicates removed.) Be heard, “Lie to Me” fans!!!

Also, if you’re on Twitter, join the act.ly petition for @FoxBroadcasting. Follow the icon/link below…

What do you think about the change?

LIGHTMAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH REYNOLDS AND THE FBI IS TESTED ON THE SUMMER FINALE OF “LIE TO ME” MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, ON FOX

Season Three Premieres Wednesday, November 10

The Lightman Group investigates the murder of a journalist friend of Lightman’s who was exposing a corrupt politician, a case that tests Lightman’s relationship with Reynolds and the FBI. Meanwhile, Emily’s newfound interest in dating makes her father uncomfortable in “Black and White,” the summer finale episode of LIE TO ME, airing Monday, Sept. 13 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (LTM-222) (TV-14 D, L, V)

Cast: Tim Roth as Cal Lightman; Kelli Williams as Gillian Foster; Brendan Hines as Eli Loker; Monica Raymund as Ria Torres; Mekhi Phifer as Ben Reynolds; Hayley McFarland as Emily Lightman.

Guest Cast: Conor O’Farrell as Asac Dillon; Carter Jenkins as Rick; Brian Goodman as Dale Anslinger; Lee Tergesen as Gordon Cook; Jennifer Marsala as Anna; Jennifer Christopher as Julie Kinell; Giancarlo Esposito as Beau Hackman; Monique Gabriela Curnen as Sharon Wallowski; Michael Dempsey as Herman Farr; Bryce Lenon as Harry Ford