Initially conceived as a webseries focusing on a the young William Adama during the Cylon War, Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome has now officially been greenlit by Syfy as a TV movie to premiere in the fourth quarter of 2011, or possibly 2012 if Syfy decides to adapt Blood & Chrome into a full fledged series.
As for the fate of Caprica, Syfy promised a decision by November 15th. Especially after this week's action packed episode I'm certainly crossing my fingers for a renewal.
For more details on production and casting click here for Maureen Ryan's exclusive report on the new project.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Premiere Week Part Deux...
Wednesday was a pretty light night, I caught the very well designed, yet underwhelming Undercovers and the conventionally funny Modern Family.
Undercovers was full of beautiful people, gorgeous set design and a clear story. Unfortunately there are so many shows (and spy shows) on TV these days that I'm not sure this show will make the cut for appointment viewing, but certainly worthy of time on the tivo or catching up on DVDs later. We'll have to see how it fares in its second week.
I was one of the few who did not watch Modern Family in its first season, so perhaps enlighten me, was the first season miles ahead of the season 2 premiere, because it was funny, but certainly didn't live up to the hype that preceded it.
Thursday
Remember when Jim finally came to his senses and asked Pam on a date on The Office. How the internet seemed to brake down under the strain of millions of fan girls and boys squeeing over message boards everywhere. That is what my brain felt like last night while trying to process the insane amount of excellent TV that returned last night.
The Big Bang Theory: It was so great to see these guys (and gal) back in action. What was so brilliant about this premiere episode is that it didn't feel like a premiere, it felt like every other episode, which is in other words, brilliantly funny. No major spectacular or welcome back, but spot on characters in situations we would only find on TBBT.
30 Rock: It's back to work of Liz, Jack and the TGS crew. The best part of insane and seemingly incompetent characters is when you see them actually function. Jenna as a brilliant cut-throat producer once the clause on her contract kicked in on season 5 was as hilarious and thankfully short lived. The heart of the show, the relationship between Jack and Liz was highlighted as they differently deal with "adult relationships" as Matt Damon guest starred and Avery (Elizabeth Banks) remained off-screen.
How long do we think until Kenneth is reinstated as a page at TGS?
The Office: I just... don't know. But I'm going to keep watching. Out of habit? On this overcrowded night The Office has made it to the bottom of the priority list. I miss when this show was great, I think I still have delusional hope that it will become great again, but with Steve Carrell leaving at the end of this season, and probably Mindy Kaling on her way out as well, my delusions are fading.
Community: I originally hated this show because it was trying so hard with the self referential crap. As season one progressed it was that same self referential, or meta and breaking of the 4th wall by Abed that I grew to love. Community is just an all out crazy fest in one of those like our worlds but a little bit off, pitch perfect.
The world of Community reminds me of the world in Scrubs at Sacred Heart. Is that a worthy comparison?
Bones: Heaatwarming, heartbreaking, and everything in between. I love Caroline being the lynch-pin personality bringing everyone together to save Cam's job. The case(s) of the week were especially backgrounded as the reconnecting characters were at the fore, it's really the most important part of the show.
I really appreciate that Brennen actually stopped to recognize how her actions affected others and changed her behaviour to accommodate that. As much as we hate the will they/wont they with Booth and Bones, the fact that he has chosen to move on rather than continue to be strung along makes a lot of sense, was true to his character and worked organically within the story. It's just how they deal with it now that they're a team again will be the test.
Of course Angela and Hodgins come back from Paris with a bun in the oven. She wants a million babies and he wants everything she does. Beautiful.
Other little things I loved: Sweets' new look; Brennan trying to hug Caroline and the literal Mastadon in the room!
LOVED: Sweets' new looks;
Fringe: I'm still processing. But pretty much, Olivia Dunham is not only the most kickass woman on television, but the most kick ass character on television. Mark of a brilliant premiere episode, I'm not only excited for the next episode because of a cliff hanger ending, I'm left excited for the entire season.
Bonus! Andre Royo (from The Wire fame) guest starring as the cab driver who gets stuck driving Olivia around the altverse.
Even more premieres this weekend. Can we say Dexter Crazy!
What shows were you most excited to return? Which was the best premiere episode this week?
Undercovers was full of beautiful people, gorgeous set design and a clear story. Unfortunately there are so many shows (and spy shows) on TV these days that I'm not sure this show will make the cut for appointment viewing, but certainly worthy of time on the tivo or catching up on DVDs later. We'll have to see how it fares in its second week.
I was one of the few who did not watch Modern Family in its first season, so perhaps enlighten me, was the first season miles ahead of the season 2 premiere, because it was funny, but certainly didn't live up to the hype that preceded it.
Thursday
Remember when Jim finally came to his senses and asked Pam on a date on The Office. How the internet seemed to brake down under the strain of millions of fan girls and boys squeeing over message boards everywhere. That is what my brain felt like last night while trying to process the insane amount of excellent TV that returned last night.
The Big Bang Theory: It was so great to see these guys (and gal) back in action. What was so brilliant about this premiere episode is that it didn't feel like a premiere, it felt like every other episode, which is in other words, brilliantly funny. No major spectacular or welcome back, but spot on characters in situations we would only find on TBBT.
30 Rock: It's back to work of Liz, Jack and the TGS crew. The best part of insane and seemingly incompetent characters is when you see them actually function. Jenna as a brilliant cut-throat producer once the clause on her contract kicked in on season 5 was as hilarious and thankfully short lived. The heart of the show, the relationship between Jack and Liz was highlighted as they differently deal with "adult relationships" as Matt Damon guest starred and Avery (Elizabeth Banks) remained off-screen.
How long do we think until Kenneth is reinstated as a page at TGS?
The Office: I just... don't know. But I'm going to keep watching. Out of habit? On this overcrowded night The Office has made it to the bottom of the priority list. I miss when this show was great, I think I still have delusional hope that it will become great again, but with Steve Carrell leaving at the end of this season, and probably Mindy Kaling on her way out as well, my delusions are fading.
Community: I originally hated this show because it was trying so hard with the self referential crap. As season one progressed it was that same self referential, or meta and breaking of the 4th wall by Abed that I grew to love. Community is just an all out crazy fest in one of those like our worlds but a little bit off, pitch perfect.
The world of Community reminds me of the world in Scrubs at Sacred Heart. Is that a worthy comparison?
Bones: Heaatwarming, heartbreaking, and everything in between. I love Caroline being the lynch-pin personality bringing everyone together to save Cam's job. The case(s) of the week were especially backgrounded as the reconnecting characters were at the fore, it's really the most important part of the show.
I really appreciate that Brennen actually stopped to recognize how her actions affected others and changed her behaviour to accommodate that. As much as we hate the will they/wont they with Booth and Bones, the fact that he has chosen to move on rather than continue to be strung along makes a lot of sense, was true to his character and worked organically within the story. It's just how they deal with it now that they're a team again will be the test.
Of course Angela and Hodgins come back from Paris with a bun in the oven. She wants a million babies and he wants everything she does. Beautiful.
Other little things I loved: Sweets' new look; Brennan trying to hug Caroline and the literal Mastadon in the room!
LOVED: Sweets' new looks;
Fringe: I'm still processing. But pretty much, Olivia Dunham is not only the most kickass woman on television, but the most kick ass character on television. Mark of a brilliant premiere episode, I'm not only excited for the next episode because of a cliff hanger ending, I'm left excited for the entire season.
Bonus! Andre Royo (from The Wire fame) guest starring as the cab driver who gets stuck driving Olivia around the altverse.
Even more premieres this weekend. Can we say Dexter Crazy!
What shows were you most excited to return? Which was the best premiere episode this week?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Big Bang Theory TONIGHT!
Nerds rejoice! The Big Bang Theory is back for its' third season finding itself a new home on Thursday nights!
To celebrate the return of The Big Bang Theory, the cast took over Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show last night. Missed it? Here's a taste:
Still antsy for tonight? Check out this great interview GeekChicDaily posted with Jim Parsons!
The Big Bang Theory airs Thursday nights at 8pm on CBS.
To celebrate the return of The Big Bang Theory, the cast took over Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show last night. Missed it? Here's a taste:
Still antsy for tonight? Check out this great interview GeekChicDaily posted with Jim Parsons!
The Big Bang Theory airs Thursday nights at 8pm on CBS.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Terry O'Quinn, Michael Emerson and J.J. Abrams walk into a bar...
Talk of a new TV show being shopped around by former LOST cast mates Michael Emerson and Terry O'Quinn isn't news. Both actors enjoyed working together on the set of LOST and have been bouncing around the idea of a new show in which the pair would co-star about hit-men in suburbia. The ideas kept changing and seemed abstract, was it a joke?Recently J.J. Abrams joined the actors in their quest to make this idea a reality. Today NBC announced that they would be signing on for a pilot. Originally pitched with the title "Odd Jobs", the project is currently untitled and will be a comedic drama about two former black-ops agents.
I can't wait to see what this pilot looks like, both actors are incredibly charismatic and play off each other extremely well. Are you still interested these castaways now that they've left the island? Does this concept sound silly or hilarious? I'm feeling optimistic!
Premiere Week!
I love premiere week, this is like the 12 Days of Christmas, or 8 Days of Hannukah. Continued goodness and excitement for a week or two in September!
Sunday:
I sat through the 2 hour long premiere of Law & Order: SVU's 12th season. L&O: SVU this is an impressive run, especially considering that the core team has been together for at least 10 seasons and Benson & Stabler have been at the heart of the show since it's inception in 1999.
What made the premiere extra awesome? A guest star in our love of Lostie island. Henry Ian Cusak. He really knocked it out of the park, and it was great to have him on the small screen again.
Monday:
This is when things started to get hairy. The premiere of four shows; two are strongly appointment viewing, and two that my fingers were crossed for a rebound from the mess that was their previous season, you suss that one out.
Chuck: First a few Highlights: Casey has feelings (of love & caring, I think I saw a tear); Harry Dean Stanton as the Repo Man; Sex Writing; General Beckman live and in person (and tiny!); and an awesome baby on the way!
Very pleased with the return of this show, in it's third season the plot has become more complicated and this premiere did a good job of recapping what the show is about for new viewers while keeping the plot moving forward for us loyal viewers.
Castle: I actually think this show may have revolutionized television is some scary way, screw 3D and smell-o-vision, this was like emote-o-vision. I could actually feel the love from the cast/characters emanating through my television screen into my living room. Who knew that a show containing so much grizzly violence could leave its' audience with an epic case of the warm and fuzzies. Great to see the Castle crew back in action both in the squad room and at home with the fam.
House: Mixed feelings on this premiere episode in terms of what it means for the rest of the season. I found it to be an enjoyable hour of television and if I ignore the part where Cuddy seemed to totally forget/not care about her daughter, the totally isolated getting wrapped up in a relationship without thinking it through thing felt eerily real and familiar. It is exactly that kind of relationship that is perfect in a bubble but is then subject to the complications of... real life.
Bonus highlight: Chase going for it with Thirteen, you have a zero percent chance of scoring if you don't take the shot.
How I Met Your Mother : This week's HIMYM felt like it was really back on track, we're sort of getting to the mother, in the round about way this show goes it seems like real headway was made by reintroducing her roommate. Barney's sleaze was funny instead of forced, and the emotional root of the show, the group's dynamic was back to what we remembered from earlier seasons.
Tuesday:
Glee: This was the show that I loved to hate over the summer. I relished in ignoring it's inordinate amount of press releases despite claims of secrecy for the upcoming season. It's smugness was a huge turn off.
However, last night's premiere really brought the show to it's first half of it's first season glory. Perfect comedic timing, quick pacing and most importantly, incorporating the fantastic music into the story rather than letting it become a weird separate entity.
Bonus! Exciting, eccentric new characters introduced. I'm most excited for Cheyenne Jackson as the new vocal adrenaline coach. This canuk was hilarious on 30 Rock last season and even showed off his pipes for a brief moment there before Jenna was threatened and he had to put 'em away. I'm sure Glee will allow him to sing more.
Coming up...
Tonight: Undercovers, Modern Family
Tomorrow: Big Bang Theory on it's new night, 30 Rock, The Office, Community, Bones, Fringe...
Sunday:
I sat through the 2 hour long premiere of Law & Order: SVU's 12th season. L&O: SVU this is an impressive run, especially considering that the core team has been together for at least 10 seasons and Benson & Stabler have been at the heart of the show since it's inception in 1999.
What made the premiere extra awesome? A guest star in our love of Lostie island. Henry Ian Cusak. He really knocked it out of the park, and it was great to have him on the small screen again.
Monday:
This is when things started to get hairy. The premiere of four shows; two are strongly appointment viewing, and two that my fingers were crossed for a rebound from the mess that was their previous season, you suss that one out.
Chuck: First a few Highlights: Casey has feelings (of love & caring, I think I saw a tear); Harry Dean Stanton as the Repo Man; Sex Writing; General Beckman live and in person (and tiny!); and an awesome baby on the way!
Very pleased with the return of this show, in it's third season the plot has become more complicated and this premiere did a good job of recapping what the show is about for new viewers while keeping the plot moving forward for us loyal viewers.
Castle: I actually think this show may have revolutionized television is some scary way, screw 3D and smell-o-vision, this was like emote-o-vision. I could actually feel the love from the cast/characters emanating through my television screen into my living room. Who knew that a show containing so much grizzly violence could leave its' audience with an epic case of the warm and fuzzies. Great to see the Castle crew back in action both in the squad room and at home with the fam.
House: Mixed feelings on this premiere episode in terms of what it means for the rest of the season. I found it to be an enjoyable hour of television and if I ignore the part where Cuddy seemed to totally forget/not care about her daughter, the totally isolated getting wrapped up in a relationship without thinking it through thing felt eerily real and familiar. It is exactly that kind of relationship that is perfect in a bubble but is then subject to the complications of... real life.
Bonus highlight: Chase going for it with Thirteen, you have a zero percent chance of scoring if you don't take the shot.
How I Met Your Mother : This week's HIMYM felt like it was really back on track, we're sort of getting to the mother, in the round about way this show goes it seems like real headway was made by reintroducing her roommate. Barney's sleaze was funny instead of forced, and the emotional root of the show, the group's dynamic was back to what we remembered from earlier seasons.
Tuesday:
Glee: This was the show that I loved to hate over the summer. I relished in ignoring it's inordinate amount of press releases despite claims of secrecy for the upcoming season. It's smugness was a huge turn off.
However, last night's premiere really brought the show to it's first half of it's first season glory. Perfect comedic timing, quick pacing and most importantly, incorporating the fantastic music into the story rather than letting it become a weird separate entity.
Bonus! Exciting, eccentric new characters introduced. I'm most excited for Cheyenne Jackson as the new vocal adrenaline coach. This canuk was hilarious on 30 Rock last season and even showed off his pipes for a brief moment there before Jenna was threatened and he had to put 'em away. I'm sure Glee will allow him to sing more.
Coming up...
Tonight: Undercovers, Modern Family
Tomorrow: Big Bang Theory on it's new night, 30 Rock, The Office, Community, Bones, Fringe...
Caprica Returns October 5th
Love it, hate it, note sure? Following up Battlestar Galactica with well, anything is a tough job.Caprica played it smart by being something completely different than it's predecessor but playing within the same universe.
Syfy put together a 4 minute and 43 second recap of the first season. If you missed the first half of the season or just need a refresher, check it out so you can jump right back in for Caprica's October 5th return.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
FOX to Showcase it's Musical Talent (and we're not just talking Glee)
From April 29th to May 5th many of FOX's top shows including; Bones, House, and Fringe will be revamping their style to take on a musical format!
To celebrate this week of musical madness TV Squad has compiled a top ten list of best musical moments in television. It's worth noting that this list features actors who are slated to appear on Glee. Kristen Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies) will be appearing on Glee tonight. Neil Patrick Harris finds himself on the list twice for How I Met Your Mother and Batman: The Brave and Bold. He will be guesting in a few weeks along side guest director and #1 on this list Joss Whedon!
Check out the list below, tell me your favourite musical moments on TV in the comments!
10. 'That '70s Show': 'That 70s Musical.' Even curmudgeon Red catches the fever on the show's 100th episode in season four, when Fez dreams up song-and-dance numbers while prepping for a high school concert. This love letter to the 1970s features characters belting out famous 70s tunes.
9. 'Pushing Daisies': 'Dummy.' Any time Kristin Chenoweth gets to flex the golden pipes, I'm a happy camper. 'Pushing Daisies' often featured musical numbers, and here's one of my favorites, 'Hopelessly Devoted to You,' from the second episode in season one.
8. 'Northern Exposure': 'Old Tree.' Pregnant Shelly wakes up one day to discover she's in her own little musical. She can't stop singing, and she's worried she'll never be able to stop. The best part of this tune is when her beloved Holling joins in with a sweet duet in this episode from season four.
7. 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold': 'Mayhem of the Music Meister.' The talented Neil Patrick Harris gets to show off his chops in this episode from season one, where the Music Meister uses his singing voice to hypnotize everyone within hearing range into obeying him.
6. 'Mad Men': 'My Old Kentucky Home.' I'm stretching it here, because this isn't a musical episode from start to finish. 'Mad Men' is way too cool for that. But this episode from season three featured the characters engaging in music in a believable way for that era. We got Joan playing an accordion while crooning 'C'est Magnifique,' Roger (in black face!) singing to his fiance, and Pete and his wife dancing a lively Charleston.
5. 'South Park': 'Chef Aid.' When Cartman comes to school singing the new hit song, 'Stinky Britches,' Chef realizes that the song he wrote 20 years earlier has been stolen. An expensive lawsuit, attorney Johnny Cochrane, a charity concert, and a bunch of famous singers all come together in a musical montage from season two.
4. 'The Simpsons': 'A Fish Called Selma.' Can anything be turned into a Broadway musical? Yes, and Troy McClure proves it in this musical episode from season 7, where 'Planet of the Apes' takes to the stage.
3. 'Scrubs': 'My Musical.' When a patient with a brain disorder hallucinates everyone in the hospital singing, it gave us the classic 'Guy Love,' in which Turk and J.D. sing about their, uh, friendship in season 6. Nothing gay about it.
2. 'How I Met Your Mother': 'Girls vs. Suits.' The show's 100th episode in season five creates a tough choice for our beloved Barney -- menswear or a sexy bartender? He gets some help from backup singers and dancers -- in suits, of course.
1. 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer': 'Once More, With Feeling.' Joss Whedon's essential episode from season six finds our Sunnydale friends bursting into song for no apparent reason, revealing their innermost secrets in the process. Could it be demons? Witches? Ghosts? Anya has another idea -- bunnies.
To celebrate this week of musical madness TV Squad has compiled a top ten list of best musical moments in television. It's worth noting that this list features actors who are slated to appear on Glee. Kristen Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies) will be appearing on Glee tonight. Neil Patrick Harris finds himself on the list twice for How I Met Your Mother and Batman: The Brave and Bold. He will be guesting in a few weeks along side guest director and #1 on this list Joss Whedon!
Check out the list below, tell me your favourite musical moments on TV in the comments!
10. 'That '70s Show': 'That 70s Musical.' Even curmudgeon Red catches the fever on the show's 100th episode in season four, when Fez dreams up song-and-dance numbers while prepping for a high school concert. This love letter to the 1970s features characters belting out famous 70s tunes.
9. 'Pushing Daisies': 'Dummy.' Any time Kristin Chenoweth gets to flex the golden pipes, I'm a happy camper. 'Pushing Daisies' often featured musical numbers, and here's one of my favorites, 'Hopelessly Devoted to You,' from the second episode in season one.
8. 'Northern Exposure': 'Old Tree.' Pregnant Shelly wakes up one day to discover she's in her own little musical. She can't stop singing, and she's worried she'll never be able to stop. The best part of this tune is when her beloved Holling joins in with a sweet duet in this episode from season four.
7. 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold': 'Mayhem of the Music Meister.' The talented Neil Patrick Harris gets to show off his chops in this episode from season one, where the Music Meister uses his singing voice to hypnotize everyone within hearing range into obeying him.
6. 'Mad Men': 'My Old Kentucky Home.' I'm stretching it here, because this isn't a musical episode from start to finish. 'Mad Men' is way too cool for that. But this episode from season three featured the characters engaging in music in a believable way for that era. We got Joan playing an accordion while crooning 'C'est Magnifique,' Roger (in black face!) singing to his fiance, and Pete and his wife dancing a lively Charleston.
5. 'South Park': 'Chef Aid.' When Cartman comes to school singing the new hit song, 'Stinky Britches,' Chef realizes that the song he wrote 20 years earlier has been stolen. An expensive lawsuit, attorney Johnny Cochrane, a charity concert, and a bunch of famous singers all come together in a musical montage from season two.
4. 'The Simpsons': 'A Fish Called Selma.' Can anything be turned into a Broadway musical? Yes, and Troy McClure proves it in this musical episode from season 7, where 'Planet of the Apes' takes to the stage.
3. 'Scrubs': 'My Musical.' When a patient with a brain disorder hallucinates everyone in the hospital singing, it gave us the classic 'Guy Love,' in which Turk and J.D. sing about their, uh, friendship in season 6. Nothing gay about it.
2. 'How I Met Your Mother': 'Girls vs. Suits.' The show's 100th episode in season five creates a tough choice for our beloved Barney -- menswear or a sexy bartender? He gets some help from backup singers and dancers -- in suits, of course.
1. 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer': 'Once More, With Feeling.' Joss Whedon's essential episode from season six finds our Sunnydale friends bursting into song for no apparent reason, revealing their innermost secrets in the process. Could it be demons? Witches? Ghosts? Anya has another idea -- bunnies.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
TV News Round Up
Excited for tonight's new episode of Chuck? Get ready by reading an interview with Co-Creater Chris Fedek about season 3.2!
FOX did something smart? There's a first time for everything. The network decided to nix the order on an American adaptation of the British Doctor Who spin off Torchwood! Yes, this is a good thing, even if it turned out alright, the chances of it staying on the air more than a couple episodes were close to nil.
NPH will be appearing on Celebrity Jeopardy May 5, playing for charity, Food on Foot a Los Angeles non-profit "dedicated to providing the poor and homeless of Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing, and assistance in the transition to employment and life off the streets."
Also, NPH talks about his role on Glee:
FOX did something smart? There's a first time for everything. The network decided to nix the order on an American adaptation of the British Doctor Who spin off Torchwood! Yes, this is a good thing, even if it turned out alright, the chances of it staying on the air more than a couple episodes were close to nil.
NPH will be appearing on Celebrity Jeopardy May 5, playing for charity, Food on Foot a Los Angeles non-profit "dedicated to providing the poor and homeless of Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing, and assistance in the transition to employment and life off the streets."
Also, NPH talks about his role on Glee:
Saturday, April 17, 2010
First look of Neil Patrick Harris on 'Glee'
Producers have remained tight lipped about the upcoming episode entitled "Dream On" which will feature guest star, Neil Patrick Harris, but have recently divulged a choice details (and two photos!!!) for the rabid NPH fan and the Gleeks who well, just can't get enough.Producer, Brian Falchuk, explained that the part of Bryan Adam, a former Glee Club rival of Will Schuester, and a member of anti-arts-funding board at McKinley High, was written with him in mind. He added that Neil Patrick Harris was everything they could have wanted and more. The producers are keeping their options open to have the character appear again later on in the series.
Co-producer Ian Brennan added, "I'm really excited to see the cut of that episode, because I think it's gonna be really, really good and really funny."
source here
Oh wait, could it get any better? This guest appearance by Neil Patrick Harris just happens to coincide with Joss Whedon taking the director's chair. Yeah I know, this is old news but every time I hear it, it feels like the first time.
It's pretty clear that Glee's strength is its musical performances (and not so much the storylines), which is why it's a perfect show for celebrity guest appearances. What are your thoughts on NPH's guest stint? Who do you think should appear next in this long line of fantastic guest stars?
Back in October 2009 when Glee was in it's early infancy I wished to see my absolute favourite (and musically inclined) actor appear on the show. I made a few guesses as to how he could appear. My wish has been granted that NPH will appear on Glee, see my earlier post to see how far off my suggestions were for his guest role.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Casting News: Michael Trucco heats up on Castle
Relationships on ABC's Castle are never stagnant. Fantastic Canadian co-stars Nathan Fillion (Castle) and Stana Katic (Beckett) bring the heat to their partnership week after week, but it certainly isn't exclusive.The latest love interest for Beckett will be none other than Michael Trucco, the sexy Battlestar Galactica alum fresh off of a guest appearance on V. He will be kicking off a multi-episode arc on Monday's episode "Den of Thieves"as Detective Tom Demming.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Across the Atlantic
American networks are constantly revamping well made British programming to make it more easy to digest for American consumption. Occasionally this works out, The Office being the best example of this. More often than not, in the process of translation the show loses its original appeal and falls flat with audiences all around. Slate's Seth Stevenson talks about why most re-makes don't take off after translation. Stevenson specifically cites the complete failure of the American take on the brilliant U.K. series Life on Mars.
He attributes the success of the American Office to the simple formula worked out by the producers of just adding 10% more hope. Where the utterly dismal outlook of drained zombie-like employees at Wernham Hogg's Slough, England, branch fit in with British television, 10% more hope, a glimmer of optimism without going too far and losing touch with the whole point of the show made the show both palatable and successful on American television.
The failure of Life on Mars (U.S) can be attributed to the skewing of the formula. The American producers seem to not trust their audiences to accept characters who aren't the right definition of beautiful, aren't politically correct and don't fit into the mold of what is typically seen on American television. The American producers added "10 percent more hope, 30 percent more schmaltz, 50 percent more glamour, and 700 percent better production values." In this transformation the show lost its heart and its charm. Gene Hunt isn't nearly as gruff, tough and offensive enough to fill the shoes of his U.K counterpart. Sam is too tall and good looking to create the right kind of tension between his boss, and his love interest is too beautiful but without the sweetness.
Life on Mars (U.S) & Life on Mars (U.K.) Can you spot the differences?
The most offensive move on the part of the U.S. production was its strange attempts to provide closure once the series had been canceled. With no regard to the original concept the producers create a scenario that really sounds like a bad joke. Sam wakes up in 2035 on board a spaceship, the whole life in the 1970s had been a virtual reality hallucination to pass the time on his journey. This basically breaks the entire premise invalidates all the uncertainties (is Sam in a coma? is he dead?)The U.K. series comes to a solid end after two series carefully solving the dilemma. The U.S. series jacked the finale full of crazy and let it set out to sea.
With news breaking of the latest U.K. to U.S. remake of Torchwood on FOX, which way do you think the show will go?
Click here to read the full article on Slate.com.
He attributes the success of the American Office to the simple formula worked out by the producers of just adding 10% more hope. Where the utterly dismal outlook of drained zombie-like employees at Wernham Hogg's Slough, England, branch fit in with British television, 10% more hope, a glimmer of optimism without going too far and losing touch with the whole point of the show made the show both palatable and successful on American television.
The failure of Life on Mars (U.S) can be attributed to the skewing of the formula. The American producers seem to not trust their audiences to accept characters who aren't the right definition of beautiful, aren't politically correct and don't fit into the mold of what is typically seen on American television. The American producers added "10 percent more hope, 30 percent more schmaltz, 50 percent more glamour, and 700 percent better production values." In this transformation the show lost its heart and its charm. Gene Hunt isn't nearly as gruff, tough and offensive enough to fill the shoes of his U.K counterpart. Sam is too tall and good looking to create the right kind of tension between his boss, and his love interest is too beautiful but without the sweetness.
Life on Mars (U.S) & Life on Mars (U.K.) Can you spot the differences?
The most offensive move on the part of the U.S. production was its strange attempts to provide closure once the series had been canceled. With no regard to the original concept the producers create a scenario that really sounds like a bad joke. Sam wakes up in 2035 on board a spaceship, the whole life in the 1970s had been a virtual reality hallucination to pass the time on his journey. This basically breaks the entire premise invalidates all the uncertainties (is Sam in a coma? is he dead?)The U.K. series comes to a solid end after two series carefully solving the dilemma. The U.S. series jacked the finale full of crazy and let it set out to sea.
With news breaking of the latest U.K. to U.S. remake of Torchwood on FOX, which way do you think the show will go?
Click here to read the full article on Slate.com.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
TV News Round-Up: Tons of Exciting Casting News & More
Glee-ful Casting News Well did I call it or did I call it? Really, I think we all saw this coming (or had our fingers crossed that it would). Pending approval from CBS, Neil Patrick Harris will be scheduled for a guest appearance on Glee in a role written specifically for him! This episode will also reunite NPH with Joss Whedon, who worked together on the internet sensation Dr. Horrible. Whedon will be taking over directorial duties on this episode.
In equally exciting guest star news, creator Ryan Murphy is in talks with Jennifer Lopez who would be taking on the role of lunch lady. Plus, a certain one-named pop super star may make a cameo in an the episode dedicated to her catalog. Click here for more details.
Mad for Liz: Jon Hamm will be reprising his role as Liz's ex Drew on 30 Rock's Valentine's Day episode. Michael Sheen will also be doing a guest stint on 30 Rock attempting to woo good ol' Liz. Between sleeping with James Franco and hooking up with Danny, the new cast member, Liz has been getting some serious action this season!
Chuck Scoop- Our favourite converse-clad spy will have his Dad back in the picture. Scott Bakula will be returning as part of a major story-line towards the end of the third season.
Back for More? At the TCA press tour president of the network John Landgraf mentioned a lunch he has scheduled with Joss Whedon. This doesn't mean that a Whedon-produced show is in the works, although FX seems to be courting Whedon to produce a show for the network in the next year or two. Given the track record Whedon has with FOX with his prematurely canceled Firefly and recently axed Dollhouse, do you think Whedon will go back to do more work with FX? Or will he be given a chance this time before shuttling him off to a Friday night slot.
Caprica Countdown - The two-hour television premiere of Battlestar Galactica's prequel, Caprica will air this Friday night. In preparation for the event, Caprica star Alessandra Torresani, a self professed sci-fi nerd, talks about her role in the new show and the importance of the support of BSG fans to the new show. "We're a completely different show and we're a different style of show" she says. It wont contain the same kind of action, but it's based in the same mythology of its predecessor.
Rebuilding Torchwood Stateside In a bid to produce more sci-fi programming that they can shift to Friday nights and cancel, FOX will be producing an American version of Torchwood. There are some hopeful points in this production. The creator of the original, Russel T. Davies will remain on board, and John Barrowman may be staying on in the role of Captain Jack Harkness. I doubt anyone could carry the role like he does, Captain Jack is all about his sexuality and Barrowman has chemistry will anything (man, woman, alien) he shares a scene with.
I'm doubtful that the U.S. incarnation will carry the adult subject matter and daring edge that defines Torchwood as a program. Do you think this re-make will make it?
Click here to see TWOP's pros and cons of an American Torchwood.
Friday, January 15, 2010
TV News Round-Up: The Office, Doctor Who, Lost and more!
After a significant slowdown during the holidays there is plenty to report in TVland.
On the Doctor Who front is it old news that Steven Moffat will be taking over the show moving forward. Here is a video of former Doctor David Tennant interviewing Moffat about his new gig.
Speaking of ex-Doctors, Christopher Eccelson will be portraying John Lennon in a BBC movie Lennon Naked. Someone must have had their head in the Who-verse on casting day because Naoko Mori (Torchwood) will be playing Yoko Ono.
The Office may have a long awaited guest appearance by the one and only Ricky Gervais, hot off his gig hosting the Golden Globes, and promoting his new HBO series, recently hinted that David Brent (his character from The Office UK) may make an appearance on the American series.
Now that NBC has come to its senses and kicked Leno's late-night-butt out of prime-time, NBC has announced its post-Olympic prime time schedule, one that makes room for more scripted television. Yay!
The new season of 24 starts tonight airing two hours of its two day, 4 hour event. In honour of Starbuck finding her place in the work of Jack Bauer she sits down for an interview with BuzzSugar about her new role...and more importantly, about what it's like to have been a part of something as fantastic as BSG, and her love of sci-fi.
The LOST premiere is fast approaching and there seems to be a steady stream of information that really doesn't reveal a whole lot. Here's the latest. LOST's TCA panel revealed some returning cast members, and that Emilie DeRavine was very, very confused by the script for the first episode. hmm...
In other news, LOST producers claim that for LOST the end will really be the end. No sequels, spin offs or the like. Do you believe them?
On the Doctor Who front is it old news that Steven Moffat will be taking over the show moving forward. Here is a video of former Doctor David Tennant interviewing Moffat about his new gig.
Speaking of ex-Doctors, Christopher Eccelson will be portraying John Lennon in a BBC movie Lennon Naked. Someone must have had their head in the Who-verse on casting day because Naoko Mori (Torchwood) will be playing Yoko Ono.
The Office may have a long awaited guest appearance by the one and only Ricky Gervais, hot off his gig hosting the Golden Globes, and promoting his new HBO series, recently hinted that David Brent (his character from The Office UK) may make an appearance on the American series.
Now that NBC has come to its senses and kicked Leno's late-night-butt out of prime-time, NBC has announced its post-Olympic prime time schedule, one that makes room for more scripted television. Yay!
The new season of 24 starts tonight airing two hours of its two day, 4 hour event. In honour of Starbuck finding her place in the work of Jack Bauer she sits down for an interview with BuzzSugar about her new role...and more importantly, about what it's like to have been a part of something as fantastic as BSG, and her love of sci-fi.
The LOST premiere is fast approaching and there seems to be a steady stream of information that really doesn't reveal a whole lot. Here's the latest. LOST's TCA panel revealed some returning cast members, and that Emilie DeRavine was very, very confused by the script for the first episode. hmm...
In other news, LOST producers claim that for LOST the end will really be the end. No sequels, spin offs or the like. Do you believe them?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Hitting the right note: Best musical moments in TV
Tonight How I Met Your Mother will celebrate it's 100th episode with at least one full musical number. It promises to be a hit with professional song and dance man Neil Patrick Harris rounding out the talented cast.
The show has already dipped into the genre on several occasions while exploring Robin's past as Canadian teen pop star Robin Sparkles. Jason Segal has also had a few chances to express himself via song including a very moving ode to slaps.
In honour of this very special musical episode of How I Met Your Mother both Slate and TWOP have composed lists of some great musical television moments.
Slate's video slide show "How I Serenaded Your Mother" provides four examples of television musicals at their best. One the list is; Oz, That 70s Show, Scrubs and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Click here to see the video and find out why these are the best.
TWOP lists their favourite TV musical moments to prep for tonight's How I Met Your Mother. Click here to find out their favourites and how they stood out from the many, many musical numbers to choose from.
Check out these lists then watch How I Met Your Mother's musical 100th episode tonight at 8pm on CBS and see how it stacks up!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Lost vs. The White House
In recent news, U.S. president Barack Obama appeases LOST fans everywhere as he promises not to schedule his State of the Union Address on February 2, the premier date for the season premiere of the final season of LOST on ABC.
LOST fans were rabid after rumours that the State of the Union Address that is traditionally held in late January may be moved to February 2nd.
LOST producer Carlton Cuse responsed to the White House's promise to not interfere with LOST's return date via twitter with a promise to reveal to the president any secrets of the island that he wants to know.
Since February 2nd is still a ways away here are a few tidbits to keep you satisfied:
LOST: First five Seasons in 8:15
This is not the first time The Last Supper has been used as a template for art for television shows in their finale season (Sopranos, BSG). This unorigional yet apparently clue ridden poster art is our latest insight into the next and final season. (click for larger view)
And
Friday, January 1, 2010
January Mid-Season Return Dates
I relish in the yearly tradition of Christmas specials and TV marathons over the winter holidays, after a few weeks of indulging in some fluff (I'm talking marathons of Top Chef, House Hunters, Real Housewives and the like) and some more nerd indulgent marathons like the one's offered by SPACE like all 5 hours of Torchwood's Children of the Earth special all in one go, and the next day a consecutive run of the final 5 Doctor Who specials that featured David Tennant as our Doctor. I'm about ready to toss all that aside andget back to our regularly scheduled programming!
Here's a list of some shows premiering mid-season, and ones simply returning after the holiday break in January:
Friday, January 8th
Dollhouse (FOX, 9pm) - Kicking off the final three episodes of Dollhouse's run.
Sunday, January 10th
Chuck (NBC 9 - 11pm) Kicking off season three with a two hour block, then beginning January 11 will air on Mondays at 8
Monday, January 11th
How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 8pm) is back with it's 100th episode "Girls versus Suits" in full musical form!
Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9:30pm)
Castle (ABC, 10pm) Alyssa Milano guest stars in this week's episode
Sunday, January 17th
24 (FOX 8 pm)- Part 1 of a two part season premiere, part two airs January 18, 8pm. I might actually check this out to see Katee Sackoff and Freddie Prinze Jr. in their new roles.
Friday, January 22nd
Caprica (Space, 9pm) Season premiere of the highly anticipated sequel to sci-fi hit Battlestar Galactica
Here's a list of some shows premiering mid-season, and ones simply returning after the holiday break in January:
Friday, January 8th
Dollhouse (FOX, 9pm) - Kicking off the final three episodes of Dollhouse's run.
Sunday, January 10th
Chuck (NBC 9 - 11pm) Kicking off season three with a two hour block, then beginning January 11 will air on Mondays at 8
Monday, January 11th
How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 8pm) is back with it's 100th episode "Girls versus Suits" in full musical form!
Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9:30pm)
Castle (ABC, 10pm) Alyssa Milano guest stars in this week's episode
Sunday, January 17th
24 (FOX 8 pm)- Part 1 of a two part season premiere, part two airs January 18, 8pm. I might actually check this out to see Katee Sackoff and Freddie Prinze Jr. in their new roles.
Friday, January 22nd
Caprica (Space, 9pm) Season premiere of the highly anticipated sequel to sci-fi hit Battlestar Galactica
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