We hadn't expected to hear very much from the second season of Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' this early on (notwithstanding that Nicholas D'Agosto joined 'HIMYM' spinoff 'How I Met Your Dad), but color us purple with the latest bit of casting. Following the failure of NBC's 'The Michael J. Fox Show,' 'Breaking Bad''s Betsy Brandt will next join the Showtime period drama in an important new role.

Via The Hollywood Reporter, the former Marie Schrader will join 'Masters of Sex' season 2 in the recurring role of Barbara, the newest secretary to Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen). The role had previously been filled by 'Justified' Emmy-winner Margo Martindale (before her 'Millers' departure), and subsequently Lizzy Caplan's Virginia, and Caitlin Fitzgerald's Libby.

Elsewhere, Nicholas D'Agosto's 'How I Met Your Dad' casting supposedly won't gravely impact his role in 'Masters of Sex' season 2 (which would shoot before 'Dad' was taken to series), while 'Akeelah and the Bee' star Keke Palmer has joined in a regular role as the Masters' new nanny. Brandt's casting is actually the second 'Michael J. Fox' show regular to land on Showtime after cancellation, following Wendell Pierce's addition to 'Ray Donovan' season 2.

We certainly enjoyed the first season of Showtime's 'Masters of Sex,' but what do you think? Is Betsy Brandt's (presumably purple) presence a worthwhile reason to check out the second season this fall?

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