The Mel Gibson Connection?

Britney Spears Getting Help – From Mel Gibson?

After one of her court supervised dates with Preston and Jayden, Britney headed out to a local restaurant Saturday - and it was a lot nicer than hitting up a 7-11!

Brit met up with Mel Gibson and his wife Robin at the swanky Russian themed Romanov restaurant in Studio City. The three were part of a larger group and enjoyed a relaxed dinner before heading out separately.

TMZ reports that this isn't the first time the pop wreck has met with Mel, and rumor has it that the Gibsons are trying to help Brit to learn how to deal with paparazzi pressure.

Britney Spears: Photo Credit: Michael Wright/ WENN

"We heard they hit it off and that Britney seemed excited." A source told People magazine. Another observer called the meeting "a success."

Any kind of success is good news for Spears right now - while relying on her parents' judgment seems to be helping her to get back to normal, she'll eventually need pillars of support outside the family. And while it's unusual for a woman in her 20s to befriend an older couple, with all their experience with Mel's bad press (especially his controversial alcoholic episodes) the Gibsons could be great mentors for Britney.

Or maybe there's a movie role on the way? Brit hasn't let her mental health stand in the way of her music career, so maybe she's planning a big return to acting.

Personal or professional...we're glad to see Gibson giving our girl a hand up!