Category: Television

Science fiction and fantasy television from a fan’s perspective.

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Science Fiction Television

Fringe Renewed for a Season Four

If you loved the show, why not buy it on DVD? Fringe: The Complete First Season and Fringe: The Complete Second Season.

The news is out that Fringe has been renewed for a set of 22 episodes, making it a full season renewal for the show. Many fans were worried Fox wouldn’t choose to renew the series for a half-season, so this full season pick up for Fringe is good news for lots of people.

TV by the Numbers asks if DVR viewing helped save Fringe from cancellation. In a nutshell, I think the post answers: very little.

I love DVR viewing. In fact, that’s how I watch almost every show I watch on TV, and I do mean EVERY. I even record the news and watch it later. So this is sad news to me. But unfortunately, I’m not willing to give up my time any more than I already do for any of the shows I watch (which frankly feels like too much time a lot of the time anyway!)

I’m a huge fan of television series. I prefer TV over movies hands down and would love to support these shows better, but like many people, the only reason I’m able to watch the television I do watch these days is because of DVDs, DVRs, and services like Netflix, where I’m able to condense an hour of television time down to about 40 minutes.

I wrote a bunch of stuff here that went off on a tangent about ads and television, and how I don’t think ads have to ruin a show. I made it into its own post though because it was quite off the subject of Fringe’s season renewal. I hope you take the time to read it here.

I haven’t watched Fringe for a while, after losing interest in this particular television series early on because of air time conflicts. However, I’ve heard good things about it from the fans who love it, so the day will probably come when I’ll catch up and watch, as long as the Fringe writers don’t do anything stupid and ruin Fringe in the end.

Some series that I loved but will not be buying on DVD or watching again EVER for that very reason: Syfy’s Battlestar Galactica, Quantum Leap, Farscape. Many people don’t find a television series ruined by a single bad episode or two at the end of a show–or a single bad wrap up movie. I’m not one of those people.

For all the fans who care, here’s hoping Fringe has a few more great seasons ahead of it.

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Television

How to Keep DVR Viewers Watching Ads

I’m a DVR fanatic. I use it to record almost everything I watch. Seriously. I even record the news and watch it later so I can cut out the commercials (interruptions) and get to the stuff I want to see.

This is a problem though, because of this (quoted from TV by the Numbers – excellent site if you’ve never visited TVbtN:

That’s not surprising given that all DVR users skip some of the commercials some of the time, with many skipping most of the commercials most of the time.

TV Commercials are Interruptions but They Shouldn’t Be

Yep. I skip them every time, unless I forget or something catches my eye as I’m skipping and I skip back to watch. I’m pretty sure most people can imagine how often that doesn’t happen.

In the end, I think the best idea for product placement is in the show itself. A closer relationship between the advertiser and the television series creators can bring us fun ads that fit right into the series itself. I know it’s harder in science-fiction and fantasy television, but not impossible. I still think the Degree/Eureka partnership was a great example of how it can work. I remember those “ads” that were really just part of the episodes. And it didn’t bother me that they were there. I can imagine it working for many of the shows I love.

I don’t have a problem with advertisements and television. I have a problem with interruptions. Ads don’t have to be interruptions… I’m just saying…

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Science Fiction Television

Eureka to Return in July

“EurekaWriters: Hear ye, hear ye! @Syfy has spoken: #Eureka is back with Season 4.5 in July, folks! http://bit.ly/fXcfwM” (link)

Eureka

Finally, a return date for Eureka. Everyone knows I have a real soft spot for this show. I run a Eureka fan site after all, and there’s not greater show of love for a series than to spend too many hours building a site just to showcase one’s appreciation for it.

Season 4.5 has been a long time coming, and I’m excited to know that it won’t be much longer before I can revisit my favorite weird little town of Eureka.

There’s also been news that Eureka has been renewed for a 5th season.

So, I’m marking my calendar for July and will be keeping an eye out for the return of one of my favorite television shows.

Long live Eureka.

You can catch the last 5 episodes aired on the Syfy website, or just go to Amazon and watch any that you’ve missed.

If you’re a fellow fan, check out the Eureka books too…

Categories
Fantasy Science Fiction Television

Being Human Renewed

Being Human has been renewed for a second season. The announcement came several days ago, which I happened to see on Syfy’s Twitter account.

Just today, I watched the latest episode, Dog Eat Dog, and cannot begin to express how fascinating I’m finding the relationships between Aidan, Bishop, Josh, Sally, and Rebecca. My favorite is the power plays going on inside the vampire culture. (And I don’t even like vampires!)

There are three full episodes online at Syfy for viewing, but your best bet is to catch reruns on the Syfy channel or buy episodes at Amazon or from the iTunes store.

I think the second season renewal is great news and hope the show continues to be so interesting.

What do you think of it?

Categories
Fantasy Television

Sanctuary to Return in April

On April 15, we’ll finally get an ending to the cliffhanger we were given at the end of the first half of the 3rd season.

Sanctuary TV Series on Syfy

(FYI: Easiest way to watch missed episodes is at Amazon.) Who knows what kind of ending that will turn out to be, but at least we’ll find out if anyone died. My bet is on “No.” I don’t have any inside information about that, though, so maybe I’m wrong.

What would I think of Sanctuary if another character died? What do I already think of it?

I’m not sure I would continue to watch, even though I do enjoy the show overall. The fact is, I haven’t felt quite the same about the series since Ashley was killed off, and Druitt went missing for all those episodes, nearly the entirety of the first half of season 3. I did love having Tesla in so many episodes but I have to say in all honesty, I haven’t found the whole “hollow earth” story line to be inspiring or exciting. Kind of dull, in fact. Which is really too bad, because there are some great characters in this show and the actors are wonderful. I guess this is entirely a problem with the writing, since the writers are in charge of plot.

Early in season three of Sanctuary, there was a great set up for a future story that had to do with the death of Big Guy’s priest friend, and then the story was brought to an abrupt and unfulfilling end. Why? Am I the only one who found that disconcerting? I have to think something happened to interfere with Sanctuary’s writers’ ability to pursue that story line to a better conclusion… but I might be stretching it to think there’s something behind it other than bad writing.

I still like the series though and imagine I’ll stick with it as long as Henry, Will, Kate, Helen, Big Guy, Druitt, and Tesla make it out of the season alive. After Ashley, though, I find I have a very low tolerance for character death on this show.

So be warned writers. I’m instigating a zero tolerance policy for crap writing this season. Too many good shows, too little time.

Anyone with me? (Or not?)

Categories
Science Fiction Television

Syfy Series Renewed: Eureka, Warehouse 13, Haven

A recent Syfy tweet announced “And before we start…#Warehouse13, #Eureka & #Haven have all been renewed & we are working on new seasons, airdates TBA” (link)

So there we go.

Warehouse 13 renewed for a season 3.

Eureka renewed for a season 5.

Haven renewed for a season 2.

Categories
Fantasy Television

Being Human (Paranormal TV Series, Syfy)

Although I had never intended to watch Being Human, I’ve found I really like this television show. It’s darker than I usually enjoy but there’s something very appealing about it. Aidan tries hard to be normal while Josh just seems so earnest and Sally is sympathetic. The characters work, the setting works, the villains work: the show works.

If you haven’t watched, check it out. Being Human airs on Mondays at 8 pm central time on Syfy.

Categories
Science Fiction Television

Too Many TV Options

Imagine my surprise when I logged into my Amazon account this morning and discovered that as an Amazon Prime member I can now watch movies and TV shows on my computer at no additional cost!

Here’s just a bit of what I found that was available as unlimited instant video for Amazon Prime subscribers. I think all of these are also on Netflix.

  • Primeval
  • Doctor Who
  • Torchwood
  • Farscape
  • NOVA
  • The Planets
  • Survivors
  • Tin Man
  • Red Dwarf
  • Highlander

There are other instant streaming science fiction and fantasy TV shows at Amazon if you want to see it all: prime eligible sci-fi and fantasty TV at Amazon.

I’m a Netflix member and I have it set up through my WII, but I hadn’t imagined having even more television viewing options through my Amazon Prime membership. It’s a little overwhelming.

{Seriously. I might now have too many TV options to allow me to get any work done around the house or to spend time with my family. I am being bombarded by TV from places I would have never imagined.}

Of course–I like it! I’m getting more value for my money. Although, I will have to look around to see if there are actually any benefits to having TV shows available through Amazon.

I don’t know if any of the freely available TV shows on Amazon are shows that I can’t also get on Netflix. And of course, with Netflix hooked up to my television, I prefer to watch TV shows on Netflix instead of on the computer when I can.

Amazon didn’t send me any kind of notification of this change, though. It would’ve been nice if they’d sent me an email.

Categories
Science Fiction Television

Goblin’s Gold – Review

Merlin

Goblin’s Gold

I’d summarize this episode as: Merlin accidently releases a mischievous goblin, which then causes all kinds of hilarious trouble for Merlin, Gaius, Uther, and Arthur. Things get out of hand, and Merlin must stop the goblin before it gets Gaius–and Merlin–killed.

Goblin’s Gold (Syfy recap – major spoilers) is the kind of episode that lightens things up while still maintaining the tension established in The Tears of Uther Pendragon. Events conspire to create possible future conflicts with Morgana and Gaius, while Arthur proves he’s not yet ready to accept Merlin as a Sorcerer.

There were a few inconsistencies of character in the story, but nothing so drastic that the episode didn’t hold together. Uther proved a bit too forgiving; Morgana didn’t take full advantage of the situation; Arthur accepted Merlin’s guilt a little too passively.

But after seeing last week’s previews of what this episode had in store, I wasn’t disappointed. Goblin’s Gold was a hilarious and fun diversion after the more serious two-part season opener, The Tears of Uther Pendragon. What did you think?

Buy Merlin Season 1 DVD box set or Merlin Season 2 DVD box set at Amazon

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Click images above for each current Merlin DVD set price

If you’ve missed any episodes from the first or second season of Merlin, now’s a good time to catch up. Although most episodes are stand-alone, the show has been on long enough now that missing too many episodes means you might not understand the implications of everything that happens. The animosity between Morgana and Merlin, the developing relationship between Arthur and Gwen…all these things are building on previous episodes at this point.

Merlin episodes aren’t available on Amazon on Demand. So, buying the Merlin DVD sets is the best way to support the show and watch some excellent fantasy TV.

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Books Television Tie-in Merchandise

Merlin Book Series – List of Currently Available Books

Here’s a list of the books in the Merlin book series. These are the YA books from Bantam and most are also available as ebooks.

(UPDATE: Most of these books are out of print now, but you can occasionally still find used copies. Just check your favorite online used book store.)

  • The Dragon’s Call
  • Valiant
  • The Mark of Nimueh
  • The Poisoned Chalice
  • A Fighting Chance
  • The Sorcerer’s Curse
  • Dangerous Quests
  • The Last Dragonlord
  • The Nightmare Begins
  • The Adventures of Merlin: The Complete Guide
  • The Adventures of Merlin: Villains Guide
  • The Adventures of Merlin: Heroes Guide

If you find yourself wanting a deeper look at the Merlin television series, these books give you the chance to get into the heads of your favorite characters in a way you can’t do through the TV.

Keep reading for more descriptions of the books and images of the book covers. They’re nice enough to want to add to anyone’s Merlin collection.

Merlin Books Series (BBC TV Series)

Merlin: The Dragon’s Call

Merlin Book 1 - The Dragon's Call bookcover

Merlin arrives in bustling Camelot eager to make his way in the world and with a sense that some greater destiny is calling to him. But he soon finds that amidst the excitement there is a darker side to Camelot. Magic is outlawed here, so Merlin must keep his unique magical talents a closely guarded secret…

Merlin: Valiant

Merlin Book 2 Valiant bookcover

A mysterious new knight arrives in Camelot for the sword tournament. His fighting skills are impressive but Merlin suspects that dark magic is involved. With Prince Arthur next in line to fight, time is running out for Merlin to prove that evil is afoot…

Merlin: The Mark of Nimueh

The Mark of Nimueh book cover

A deadly plague is rife in Camelot and Gwen is suspected of witchcraft. Merlin must help Gaius find a cure and save his friend from execution…

Merlin: The Poisoned Chalice

The Poisoned Chalice book cover

Merlin is poisoned by the sorceress Nimueh and Arthur seeks the only antidote that can save him – but the prince is walking into a trap…

Merlin: A Fighting Chance

A Fighting Chance book cover

Merlin wants to help his new friend, Lancelot, become a Knight of Camelot – but it’s not as easy as he hopes. Then the Lady Morgana is struck down by a mystery illness. Gaius is baffled and a new physician arrives to help. He seems to have all the answers, but Merlin suspects that there’s something sinister going on. With a graphic novel element to bring the text to life, this book covers two TV episodes (#5 and #6 from the first season)…

Merlin: The Sorcerer’s Curse

The Sorcerer's Curse book cover

A treasure trove is discovered deep beneath Camelot but when the spirit of an evil sorcerer is unwittingly unleashed, Merlin quickly discovers that all that glitters is not gold. Meanwhile, a deadly assassin has arrived in Camelot. His aim? To kill Arthur. Will Merlin be able to save the prince from the killer’s lethal blade. This book covers two TV episodes (#1 and #2 from the second season)…

Merlin: Dangerous Quests

Dangerous Quests book cover

When Arthur kills a unicorn, Merlin knows that terrible consequences lie in store for Camelot and its people. And things are set to get worse. After a hunting trip in the forest, Arthur is fatally attacked by a savage beast. As the Crown Prince lies dying, Gauis knows that dark magic is at work and Merlin is the only one who can save him – but at what cost? With a graphic novel element that brings the text to life, this book covers two TV episodes (#11 and #13 from the first season)…

Merlin: The Last Dragonlord

The Last Dragonlord book cover

This is a spellbinding, action-packed book covering three exciting episodes of Merlin. The powerful enchantress Morgause arrives in Camelot. Set on destroying the bond between Uther and his son, she revives the seven deadly Knights of Medhir. While Arthur and Merlin ride out to face the Knights, everyone in Camelot is plunged into a deep and impenetrable sleep – everyone but Morgana. Desperate for a cure, Merlin is forced to beg for the Great Dragon’s help, but it comes at a price: the Dragon’s freedom. Why has Morgana escaped the effects of this powerful magic? And once free, will the Great Dragon wreak it’s vengeance on Camelot once and for all?

Merlin: The Nightmare Begins

The Nightmare Begins book cover

When Morgana’s nightmares spill into waking hours she becomes terrified that she has magic. Gaius is determined to keep her in the dark for her own good but Merlin won’t stand by and watch his friend suffer. He knows exactly what she’s going through and he knows she needs the truth. Is Merlin about to reveal his secret at last? Willfully disobeying Gaius, Merlin risks everything to help Morgana, little guessing what the far reaching consequences might be. Lives are put in danger, loyalties are tested, and Morgana is reunited with the strange young druid boy Mordred, who the Dragon predicted would one day kill Arthur…

The Adventures of Merlin: The Complete Guide

Merlin, The Complete Guide book cover

This guide contains all you need to know about the world of Merlin. Explore Merlin’s world and find out all there is to know about the characters and their secrets. Contains facts and great imagery of all the cast, locations, and props. Discover the lore and legend of Merlin. Looks at each character and their various relationships as well as exploring the baddies and the monsters that lurk in Camelot. Never seen before footage as well as maps and spells from the spell book finish this complete guide. Welcome to Camelot! Enter the magical world of Merlin. Uncover secrets about the characters and delve into the murky history of some of Camelot’s mysterious visitors. Meet villains and heroes, deadly beasts and ethereal creatures in this must-have guide for all Merlin fans. Discover: Secrets about each character. Pages from Merlin’s Book of Spells. A must have for any Merlin fan!

…

The Adventures of Merlin: Villains Guide

Villain's Guide book cover

This the official guide contains facts and profiles from the hit TV show. In a land of myth and a time of magic there is a constant battle to maintain the balance of the world. Evil forces are at work to destabilize the kingdom. Meet the villains out to destroy Camelot in this official guide. Filled with tales of dreadful deeds, fascinating facts and fun activities this is the must-have guide for all “Merlin” fans…

The Adventures of Merlin: Heroes Guide

Heroes Guide book cover

This the official guide contains facts and profiles from the hit TV show. Enter the magical world of Merlin! In a land of myth and a time of magic the world is in need of heroes. Meet the brave champions of Camelot in this official guide. Filled with tales of bravery, fascinating facts and fun activities this is the must-have guide for all “Merlin” fans…

These Merlin books are available in print or as ebooks

To read the ebooks all you need is one of the free ebook readers available for download on Google Play or the Apple store then you can read these books right on your mobile device.

Of course, many fans prefer to have the print copies on their shelves. If that’s the case, most of these are available through third-party sellers. I’ve bought SGA books through third-party sellers before and had no problems receiving any of them.