Britney’s breakdown: Is playing lawyer next?

Courtney Hazlett The Scoop

Just hours after Britney Spears was admitted to the hospital after an ugly custody dispute, a friend of Spears’ told me, “Every time you think it can’t get any worse, it does.”

It didn't take long for “worse” to become a reality when Spears was released from Cedars-Sinai Hospital early Jan. 6, a move friends and family found deeply unsettling. “No one can reach her anymore. Even though it was horrible to watch, it seemed like this might be the time she actually gets help,” said the friend.

And, because no story about Spears is complete without a surprise ending, it was reported that Oprah darling Dr. Phil McGraw “escorted” Spears from the hospital, although TMZ reports that Cedars-Sinai claims McGraw “blindsided” Spears with the visit and just followed her out.

Since leaving the hospital, Spears has been mostly in seclusion. Her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, is caring for their two sons in his Tarzana, Calif., home, and OK! Magazine reports that Federline has beefed up security around his house in case Spears tries to take the kids. “Kevin is so worried that Britney will rush his house and try to grab the boys, just like she tried to do last February,” a source told the mag. (Spears attacked a paparazzo’s car with an umbrella. She later said the “attack” was part of prep for a film role that she never got.)

Slide show   Britney Spears’ troubles drawn out A Daryl Cagle editorial cartoon roundup examining the country’s fascination with the pop princess. MSNBC

And as if things couldn’t get worse, some close to Spears are worried that when the dust settles, Spears might actually try to represent herself in her ongoing custody case. “She’s had it with lawyers — she doesn’t think anyone knows what they’re doing. She actually toys with the idea that she will take this over herself,” said a friend of Spears.

Attorneys for the pop star last week filed paperwork asking to be removed from the case. The judge has yet to make a decision as to whether they will be allowed to. “Britney has moments where she truly thinks that she can handle everything — kids, job, even her divorce,” said the friend. “Those moments are almost as scary as when she’s falling apart.”

Stars, dramas and talk shows back on air
Despite the ongoing writer’s strike, the television lineup for Jan. 7 is a worthy one. Starting in the morning, catch Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s return to “The View.” Word is she’ll have her newborn, Taylor Thomas, with her.

“Dancing With the Stars” junkies can get their fix with the series premiere of “Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann,” and NBC’s “Medium” kicks off its fourth season Monday night. Good news: They managed to film nine episodes before the strike. (MSNBC.com is a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

Also, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart both bring their shows back to the airwaves.

Celeb spotting
In South Beach, Christina Milian and Sophia Bush shopped at the Armani Exchange store; Adrien Grenier took his mom and Honey Brothers bandmates to dinner at the new Kobe Club.

Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon filmed scenes for an upcoming movie at Smart House in Venice Beach, Calif. In Manhattan, “30 Rock” star Jane Krakowski was spotted at the Samsonite Black Label store, as was stage star Cicely Tyson.

Back in her home state of Texas, Jessica Simpson picked up some clothes for her beau, Tony Romo, at Dallas’ Intermix store. Finally, John Legend celebrated his 29^th birthday with his girlfriend, Christine Teigen, at The Bank Nightclub at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Weekend box office
This isn’t how I envisioned my first box office prediction of the 2008, so I’ll keep it short and sweet. I was so wrong. Again. “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” three-peated in the No. 1 slot, and this time, the take was more than $20 million. In three weeks, the film has earned more than $171 million. Little Kal-el Cage’s trust fund remains flush. My pick, “Atonement,” came in 10th. Oh well, there’s always next week.

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Tiny carp nibble your toes in fishy pedicure When the Dumpster is also the pantry Tune in to the joy of TV's guilty pleasures Is the truth out there? Real-life 'X-Files' Coming to America — for a great currency rate

MORE FROM THE SCOOP

The Scoop Section Front

Mariah pushing hubby to get a real job Multi-tasking mom J. Lo trains for triathalon McConaughey’s dance through labor Miley might be gunning for racy film role Ashley Olsen has found a beau her own age Video: Baby naming gone wild Tabloid Tidbits front The Scoop Section Front   Add The Scoop headlines to your news reader: