We weren't kidding about that Kathy Bates thing.

On this Monday's new episode of Two and a Half Men (titled "Why We Gave Up Women"), Alan will suffer a mild heart attack and, as a result, be visited by a vision of late roommate Charlie Harper... who will be played by the Harry's Law star and former Oscar winner.

Inspired casting? Odd casting? Desperate-for-ratings casting? All of the above? Get your first look at Bates in this unusual role now:

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.