Categories
Books Science Fiction Television Tie-in Merchandise

New Stargate SG-1 book: Infiltration

Infiltration book cover

Infiltration book coverDespite the fact that Stargate SG-1 ended more than ten years ago, the series is still going in the media tie-in novels. This newest book is set during the time of “The Entity”, season four, and deals with the events leading up to that episode.

Infiltration aims to explain why the Entity chose Sam Carter as its host.

STARGATE SG-1 Infiltration by Susannah Parker Sinard

Why was Major Sam Carter chosen as a host by the alien invader in the STARGATE SG-1 episode “Entity”? In this exciting adventure we discover the mission that led the entity to its fateful decision…

Captured by the Goa’uld Lugh, Carter faces a hard choice: help repair a cloaking device that would give Lugh a dangerous advantage or allow SG-1 to be handed over to the System Lords. But all is not as it seems among the Goa’uld under Lugh’s command, and SG-1 soon find themselves recruited by underground operatives possessing a rare gift that allows them to infiltrate Lugh’s inner circle. However, it is a gift that comes at a terrible price—a price that may yet cost SG-1 their lives.

Meanwhile, the alien entity continues scanning SG-1’s mission reports in its quest to preserve its own life…

I haven’t read this one, but it sounds interesting so I might pick it up for myself. I like the idea of exploring more about the Entity. I’ve always thought that episode could use a follow up.

More at Barnes & Noble: Infiltration

More Stargate SG-1 novels at scififantasies.com

Categories
Books Fantasy Television Tie-in Merchandise

A Grimm find: The Mythology of Grimm

Mythology of Grimm book cover
Mythology of Grimm book cover

Although The Mythology of Grimm was released a number of years ago, somehow I missed it. As a longtime fan of Grimm, and someone who rewatches the episodes whenever the mood strikes, it’s a nice piece to add to my fan collection.

The Mythology of Grimm by Nathan Robert Brown

NBC’s hit television series Grimm pits modern detective Nick Burkhardt of the Portland Police against a cast of terrifying villains—lifted directly from the pages of classic fairytales. In the world of the show, the classic stories are actually a document of real events, and Nick himself is descended from a long line of guardians, or Grimms, charged with defending humanity from the mythological creatures of the world.

From The Big Bad Wolf to Sleeping Beauty, The Mythology of Grimm explores the history and folkloric traditions that come into play during Nick’s incredible battles and investigations—tapping into elements of mythology that have captured our imaginations for centuries.

What I like about this kind of book is the ability gain insight into episodes and see them in a new light. It makes the old new again. :)

Click the image or the link for more information at Amazon.

More Grimm

Grimm Collection DVD and Blu-ray cover

If you’ve been missing Grimm and want to add the series to your fan collection, check out the Grimm complete collection on DVD or Blu-ray:

The Grimm Complete collection includes all six seasons and special features. A great addition to a Grimm fan’s collection. :)

There’s also the book tie-in series for Grimm that’s worth reading.

  1. The Icy Touch
  2. The Chopping Block
  3. The Killing Time

The links take you to Barnes and Noble for more information, or you can click the link above for the page on Scififantasies where you’ll find descriptions and cover images to goggle over.

For tie-in novels, Grimm has some of the best covers out there. (Most tie-in novels use a combination of promo shots of the actors and stock images and don’t always look that active, shall we say. The Grimm novels are better than most.) :)

Categories
Reviews Science Fiction Television

The Orville: A review at three episodes in

I’m not all that sure how I feel about The Orville, three episodes into its first season. It’s a fun—and funny—show, and I’ve enjoyed the first three episodes quite a lot. I’ve also spent a little too much time wondering at the derivative nature of the show. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t quite what I got.

Here’s the thing. I adored Galaxy Quest, probably because it managed to skewer Star Trek: The Original Series in a way that felt like love and yet still retain its individuality and bring plenty of original and unique content to the screen. In other words, it had something all its own, outside of the show it was parodying.

The Orville hasn’t done that. There’s nothing really original about The Orville and sometimes the show feels like it actually belongs in the universe it’s trying so hard to spoof. I can’t actually tell, because although it’s funny in places, it doesn’t really feel like parody.

On the other hand, I’m still watching, and I plan to keep watching, because there’s promise there. I like it. But my favorite episodes of Star Trek (any incarnation you want to imagine) have always tended to be the humorous ones, and the same goes for most of my other science fiction favorites like Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. Humor gets me almost every time.

That’s what The Orville feels like, instead of a straight up parody. It feels like a humorous episode of a Star Trek series that hasn’t yet been added to the universe but is coming soon. In other words, a little too close to the source material to really let me love it.

If you want to watch (and I recommend you do give it a try).

Other: FOX’s website for The Orville. (Might be free viewing available.)

Categories
Television

Some Grimm Speculation

**Spoilers ahead for those of you who are behind the times.**

Although it’s been months since I watched that jaw dropping season finale, I’m still not sure how I feel about the last season of Grimm. There were definitely some episodes and story lines that I thought were inspired. I actually loved the Adalind Shade story and the twist that ended with Adalind apparently carrying Nick’s baby. It was a great continuation and consequence of the spell she used to slip into Juliette’s place and take advantage of Nick. I had already lost a lot of sympathy for Juliette after that particular episode. I despised the way she appeared to blame Nick for what had happened. Then with all the changes that happened with Juliette in this past season, I just never regained any appreciation for her character.

Which is a shame, because I used to like Juliette.

Because of all that, Juliette’s apparent death didn’t hit me that hard. I was much more upset by the decapitation of Nick’s mother. Juliette’s betrayal killed any wish I have for her to return even if it’s as her former self. I would be quite happy to see her move on to the afterlife and stay there.

On the other hand, I’m not hoping Nick and Adalind will suddenly find themselves in romance-land. I don’t see that as a real option, and if it goes that way, it had better be a damned good story line.

Some sources say Juliette is gone for good. It might be best if that’s true.

Some sources say the show will be darker in season 5 than in previous seasons. I was already missing the lighter moments in season 4. I’m not sure it’s a good idea for Grimm to get too dark. The show’s appeal has never come from the strength of the plots; it’s always been the characters. Grim characters are dull when there aren’t enough of the lighter moments.

Some sources say there’s going to be tension between Monroe and Rosalee because Rosalee’s past is going to come back into play. I don’t know. I’d like to see that, but I’m already a little tired of Rosalee these days. Maybe this will help; maybe it will hurt. Too soon to tell. Monroe has been terribly neglected on the show and I would love to see him helping Nick and Hank more and having fewer of the separate story lines with Rosalee. They just divide up the episodes into two less compelling parts.

Some sources say Hank will finally get some romance! Please let this be true. Hank is the most neglected character on the series and he has so much potential. I do hope they use him more this season. And honestly, I want to see more of his past. The dude supposedly has four ex-wives. Shouldn’t we have at least seen one already?

Right now, those are the big points of speculation as far as I’m concerned.

I might add to this post later as I come across more information about the upcoming season. Feel free to share what you know, or think you know, in the comments. Speculation is fun.

Categories
Television

Missed It the First Time Round-up

Recently I’ve had to opportunity to catch some science fiction and fantasy television I missed the first time around. A few of these have been very popular shows, but I just never got around to watching for one reason or another. Here’s a short summary of what I tried and my thoughts.

True Blood

I wasn’t as excited by this as I thought I’d be. Although I watched about 4 episodes, I never did get into the story enough to want to keep going. I finally went to an online source, read a bunch of spoilers and then decided this one just wasn’t for me. I fall much more to the science fiction side of SFF television.

Wolf Blood

I know, it’s a show aimed at a younger audience. But you know what? I really like it. I haven’t finished the first season yet, but I know that when I get in the right mood, I’ll be revisiting this one.

The Originals

I’ve watched almost half a season of this show, but I think I’m done. I’m not sure what it is, but maybe it’s the excessive drama. I’m not a fan.

Bitten

I liked the first season of Bitten, a lot! But something happened over the break and now that I have access to the second season, I’m not finding myself so interested in continuing. I started the first episodes of season two and bailed within ten minutes. Something about the opening just turned me off in a major way and at this time, I don’t know that I’ll ever bother to watch more.

The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

It’s hard to define my reaction to this one. I’ve liked what I’ve seen of the first season, but I haven’t found myself tempted to watch more. I don’t think I’m done with this show, but I also don’t feel any sort of compulsion to keep watching. I think… and this is just my gut feeling… I just don’t like the main female lead, Skye. I don’t know, but since I’m only through four episodes, I’m going to say I’ll probably watch more, eventually, when the right mood hits me.

And that’s it for this summary. I’m always looking for that next big obsession when it comes to the television shows I watch. It turns out none of these are that for me, but maybe in the next batch!

Categories
Television

Quick Reviews: Grimm Season 4 Episodes

Here I’m posting some quick thoughts on the episodes of season 4 of Grimm. I haven’t gotten to all of the episodes I’ve watched just yet, but eventually I’ll catch up! :) Links at the bottom of the post give you places to watch the show. Also, I’m not good at avoiding spoilers so don’t read past the descriptions if you’re worried about being spoiled! Descriptions are first after the episode titles.

Season 4 Episodes

Episode 1: Thanks for the Memories

Grimm S4 E1 Truble and Juliette

After the events at Monroe’s and Rosalee’s wedding, Nick is faced with losing his identity as a Grimm. Hank and Juliette join Nick as they try to figure out how to deal with Trubel as she faces the consequences of a heinous murder she committed. Meanwhile, when Wu arrives at the scene, his discoveries bring back images of his traumatic encounter. A new threat arrives in Portland to steal the memories of its victims, leaving them in a state of dementia. Elsewhere, Captain Renard’s life hangs in the balance and Adalind falls into Prince Viktor’s trap as she desperately searches for her baby.

Picks up where the season ender for season 3 left us hanging. Captain Renard is rushed to the hospital, Nick has to face losing his abilities, Trubel makes herself useful (I’m so glad she’s back), Wu gets curious, Juliette eases up, and Hank shines.

I particularly liked Trubel in these first two episodes of the season and I definitely hope they keep her around.

This was a great episode, but watch out for the nasty cliffhanger!

 Episode 2: Octopus Head

Grimm Hank and Nick

As Nick and Hank turn their attention to a string of attacks where victims are left without their memories, Nick weighs whether or not he should regain his Grimm abilities. Trubel joins the investigation and puts herself in harms way. In Vienna, Adalind is being held captive and learns that she is more connected than ever to Nick. Meanwhile, Captain Renard continues to fight for his life as a mysterious visitor arrives to help him.

Picks up the cliffhanger from “Thanks for the Memories” and runs with it. This episode has a lot of Trubel (Teresa Rubel) in it, but I didn’t mind. I’m loving this character more and more all the time. I’m just left wondering if the actress playing her character is a bit better than David Guintoli with action scenes because my mind boggles at how much better her action scenes are than his!

But the episode did really well balancing that out in the end, and it made me wonder if the writers have noticed the same issue. They seemed to be making the point by the end of the episode that although Trubel has the skills, she’s lacking the experience Nick has and that Nick is still a better Grimm even without his abilities. I was glad to see that.

But again, watch out for the cliffhanger at the end of the episode! It was mild compared to the premiere’s cliffhanger but I’m still waiting anxiously for the next episode.

Episode 3: Last Fight

After Nick has a bizarre, unsettling vision, he and Hank find themselves on a case that takes them into the world of boxing. Trubel finds herself under the watchful eye of Agent Chavez before jumping into the ring to help with Nick’s investigation. Meanwhile, Monroe and Rosalee get some unexpected help in figuring out a way to restore Nick’s Grimm abilities. Elsewhere, Adalind encounters a mysterious visitor in her dungeon cell.

Oh, Juliette. I think it’s obvious she’s a problem these days. I know she wants a normal life, but I have to say I don’t have a lot of respect for her after what she told Monroe and Rosalee. I’m enjoying Trubel, but I want Nick to get his Grimm vision and abilities back. The sooner the better. I also want him to have that talk with Wu. Basically, this episode was a bit of filler to drag out all the different story arcs that are going on, and the little forward progress involved Adalind’s story. Oh, and there’s a subplot involving Trubel now that I’m not that happy about.

Episode 4: Dyin’ on a Prayer

Episode 5: Cry Luison

Episode 6: Highway of Tears

Episode 7: The Grimm Who Stole Christmas

This … had a plot hole that even I had trouble letting slide. I mean, it was huge. The good news was that I didn’t really notice it until the episode was over, but then it hit me and yeah, I … don’t know what the writers were thinking with this one. :o

Episode 8: Chupacabra

This episode almost made me cry! (Really.)

Episode 9: Wesenrein

Episode 10: Tribunal

Episode 11: Death Do Us Part

These episode titles came from Wikipedia and hadn’t aired at the time I made this list. If something changes, I’ll fix it. :)

Links:

Watch season 4 of Grimm at the NBC website

Categories
Books Fantasy Television

The Grimm Novels

Although there are a lot of book tie-ins for Grimm, this updated list is for the Grimm novels.

Don’t these look fantastic? So far the series includes 3 books: The Icy Touch, The Chopping Block, & The Killing Time.

Grimm The Icy Touch - John Shirley Grimm The Chopping Block - John Passarella Grimm The Killing Time - Tim Waggoner

The Icy Touch (Grimm, Book #1)

Back in the 19th century a Wesen and a Grimm fight to the death. The Grimm wins, but the Wesen’s son escapes and vows revenge. In the present day, Captain Renard sends Nick and Hank to investigate an international crime cartel named Le Touche Givre (The Icy Touch). They discover this deadly gang is run by Wesen, and is involved in various illegal activities, including forced prostitution and drug pushing. As they close in on the gang, Nick begins to realize that their charismatic and dangerous leader is just as intent on tracking him down…

Grimm Book #1: The Icy Touch

The Chopping Block (Grimm, Book #2)

A cache of bones is found in a shallow grave in local woods… Meanwhile missing persons cases in Portland seem to be on the increase. As more bones are discovered, Portland homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt and his partner Hank Griffin investigate – but there seems to be no connection between the victims… A brand-new original story set in the Grimm universe.

Grimm Book #2: The Chopping Block

The Killing Time (Grimm, Book #3)

A mysterious creature stalks the streets of Portland, looking for a new identity. With one touch it can dissolve its victims, assuming their appearance, personality, and memories. When Portland homicide detectives Nick Burkhardt and Hank Griffin are called in to track down a missing person, Nick comes face to face with the changeling, but its powers have an unexpected effect on the Grimm, unleashing a deadly Wesen plague and untold chaos.

Grimm Book #3: The Killing Time

Categories
Books Television

Newest Grimm book! Grimm: The Killing Time

There’s a new Grimm book that I somehow missed when it was released by Titan Books on September 30, 2014. The cover is seriously appealing to me right now. I couldn’t bring myself to post a tiny version, so here it is in a size we can appreciate. :)

Grimm The Killing Time - Tim Waggoner

Grimm: The Killing Time by Tim Waggoner

A mysterious creature stalks the streets of Portland, looking for a new identity. With one touch it can dissolve its victims, assuming their appearance, personality, and memories. When Portland homicide detectives Nick Burkhardt and Hank Griffin are called in to track down a missing person, Nick comes face to face with the changeling, but its powers have an unexpected effect on the Grimm, unleashing a deadly Wesen plague and untold chaos.

The highly positive reviews for this one say it’s a great addition to the series. I’ve already sent the sample to my Kindle and can’t wait to read it! If I like, I’ll be picking up the paperback to add to my collection of TV tie-in novels. Right now it’s overrun with books for Stargate Atlantis, Psych, and Castle.

Wikia says this 272 page book falls between “A Dish Best Served Cold” and “One Night Stand” in the show’s chronology / timeline. “One Night Stand” is the episode with the mermaid like creatures and “A Dish Best Served Cold” had the chef who was killing Blutbaden with his food.

You can find a paperback or ebook edition of Grimm: The Killing Time at most online book stores.

Categories
Fantasy Television

The Almighty Johnsons

The Almighty Johnsons

One of my favorite new shows is The Almighty Johnsons. The series is TV-MA so don’t go into it thinking it’s family friendly fare (although to be honest, I wouldn’t have a problem with my teens watching—it’s certainly better than them watching people dying at every turn a la The Walking Dead). Then again, the series is airing on Syfy too, I believe, and that version might be (probably is) edited so you can catch it there if you want.

What I like most about the show is the humor. I’ve watched the first three episodes and figure I’ll end up binge watching the rest because it’s just that irresistible. :D It’s laugh out loud funny in places and I love it.

Set in New Zealand, The Almighty Johnsons is a series about norse gods with very limited powers living among humans and Axl’s (Odin’s) quest to reunite with the goddess Frigg so they can regain their full powers and … well … not die. ;)

Can’t wait to see where this show goes.

Update! I finished out season one and I loved it. This is a great show. Seriously. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend you give it a shot.

Links:

Watch The Almighty Johnsons Season 1 on Amazon Instant Video (US/Canada)

Buy The Almighty Johnsons Season 1 on DVD or Blu-Ray (US/Canada)

The official The Almighty Johnsons website, which indicates there are already 3 seasons (series in Kiwi terms) of the show

Categories
Television

Should I give Scorpion another try?

ScorpionI have the pilot episode of Scorpion waiting in my Amazon Instant Video queue. I didn’t make it fifteen minutes into the show before I bailed, deciding instead to watch something else with a little more life in it.

I can’t really drum up the interest in revisiting the show, but there’s a part of me that hates knowing I bought this episode and haven’t watched it.

So… does the show get better? Would it be worth my time to revisit?

Update! I finished the episode and … eh. I think I’ll pass. It was definitely a more crime oriented series than science fiction-ish, so I probably shouldn’t have even included this here. Ah well. If it gets significantly better after the first episode, though, feel free to let me know.

Sci-fi fantasies