Tag: News

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Fantasy Science Fiction Television

Sanctuary Returns

Tonight, Sanctuary returned after a long mid-season break with a resolution to the mid-season cliffhanger ending in which it appeared Magnus, Will, Kate, and Henry had been executed. [Oops, I orignally said Tesla, but when I watched to episode I realized I was getting confused…]

Sanctuary TV Series on Syfy

(Easiest way to watch missed episodes is at Amazon – Click here.)

I haven’t actually watched yet though, because I’ll be getting to that tomorrow. Gotta love that DVR. Tonight I watched DVR’d episodes of Merlin from the latest season that I hadn’t had a chance to catch up on yet.

Should I be in a hurry to catch up with the Sanctuary team? I hope so! As I’ve said before, the hollow Earth story hasn’t been that thrilling for me. I’m hoping the season gets a lot better in the back half.

Not to say I didn’t enjoy specific episodes or the show in general this season (season 3), just that I’m not sure the hollow Earth story is something that I find appealing. I’d rather it went away in favor of something better…

Support the shows you love. You can buy Sanctuary episodes cheap at Amazon. They cost around $2 each. You can watch 4 episodes for the price of a paperback these days. And you don’t have to sit through any commercials.

Categories
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.

Categories
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

Merlin Season 2 DVD Shipping from Amazon

I know this because my copy of the Merlin Season 2 DVD just shipped. I’m excited to know Merlin is on its way to my home! I preordered the DVD set a few months ago and I get two day shipping so I expect to have it Tuesday (or Monday if I’m lucky).

Merlin’s season two was excellent.

Although some people have claimed it’s too modern, I disagree. I think the fact that Merlin isn’t stuck too firmly “in period” keeps the show relatable and is one reason my entire family enjoys the show.

There’s a great combination of drama, humor, and angst to keep everyone entertained. Merlin and Arthur both have a way a grow over the course of the series and it’s exciting to watch them wrestle with the issues that will eventually shape and mold the characters of each.

Merlin is my find of the year (since I had no clue what I was missing until early October of this year when I caught the first season on Netflix).

If you haven’t seen an episode yet, you should definitely check out this family friendly, medieval fantasy series. It’s a great TV show from BBC and it’s currently airing season 3 at the moment on Syfy.

The season 2 DVD has 5 discs and contains special features, including:

  • cast and crew introduction to season two
  • cast and crew audio commentaries
  • Behind the Scenes
  • The Making of Merlin
  • a photo gallery
  • wallpapers

The episodes in season 2 of Merlin are:

  1. The Curse of Cornelius Sigan
  2. The Once and Future Queen
  3. The Nightmare Begins
  4. Lancelot and Guinevere
  5. Beauty and the Beast, Part One
  6. Beauty and the Beast, Part Two
  7. The Witchfinder
  8. The Sins of the Father
  9. The Lady of the Lake
  10. Sweet Dreams
  11. The Witch’s Quickening
  12. The Fires of Idirsholas
  13. The Last Dragonlord
Categories
Science Fiction Television

Tesla returns on tonight’s Sanctuary!

Okay, he’s one of my favorite recurring characters. Who am I talking about? Nikola Tesla, that’s who.

Nikola Tesla is just villainous enough to seriously intrigue me, and yet he still has enough redeeming qualities to keep me rooting for him. These types of characters always, always, keep me interested. (For example, I still adore Todd the Wraith, even though he’s one of the big baddies from the sorely missed Stargate Atlantis.)

In fact, now that I think about it, the actor portraying Nikola Tesla had a small role in a few episodes of Stargate Atlantis. Although somewhat forgettable in that show, he’s really proven himself with the role of Tesla. I should probably do a little research and find out what his name is… :-) If you know, why don’t you leave a comment for me so I don’t have to go looking? I’d sure appreciate it!

I’m just about to start watching tonight’s episode, but I thought I’d make this quick post first, but now it seems as if I’ve run out of time. See ya!

Categories
Science Fiction Television

What’s Coming to Sanctuary this Fall?

Sanctuary returns in a few months, so I thought I would catch up with the only two episodes of season two I hadn’t yet seen. Kali Part 1 and Kali Part 2 were a pair of episodes well worth watching back to back. I wish I had waited just a little longer though because the cliffhanger means I have to wait until the show returns before I find out what happens!

Syfy's Header for Sanctuary - Does it mean Ashley is returning? I have several questions about the new season.

Are we going to see Ashley again? That’s the main question on my mind after seeing this image on the Syfy’s Sanctuary website. Otherwise, what’s the purpose of this promo for the new Fall 2010 season having Ashley Magnus on it, but to tease and taunt us fans?

Will we see more of Ravi? I really enjoyed him and the flirty moments between him and Kate. They could have something much more interesting than Kate has had so far with any of the other guys on the show. I’m still waiting for Henry to find a girl I like, but if Ashley came back… that’s the girl I’d want for Will. Don’t know why I like them as a couple, but I certainly think each has something to teach the other. Of course, I have not heard a word about that happening, so it’s probably just wishful thinking on my part.

Back to Kali. Paul McGillion looked horrible in the episode. His makeup was not good, nor was his character. ;-) I liked his character though because his kind always make good villains. The makeup however, I never liked. I did like the way he moved his head. I thought those jerky little movements made him seem quite unhuman-like.

I liked the way the episodes went, and I thought it was interesting to watch Magnus squirm. Terrance was completely correct in that she would not have stood for any other Sanctuary leader to do as she did. I also think she might be realizing finally what she’s set in motion by not maintaining some kind of ultimate authority over the other Sanctuaries. One or two power hungry people and you end up with a mutiny on your hands!

All in all, I’m getting excited about the return of the series. Can hardly wait. :) What about you?

Categories
Science Fiction Television

Syfy Pilot Alphas to be Directed by Jack Bender, Lost‘s Director/Executive Producer

(Press Release Below; My Comments Below That)

SYFY PILOT ALPHAS TO BE DIRECTED BY LOST DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JACK BENDER

First Project For Acclaimed Director After Wrapping LOST Series Finale

New York, New York – May 24, 2010 – Syfy has inked award winning director/executive producer Jack Bender as director/executive producer for the action-adventure 90-minute pilot, Alphas (working title) from writers Zak Penn (X-Men: The Last Stand, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk) and Michael Karnow, it was announced today by Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, Syfy and Co-Head of Content for Universal Cable Productions, which is the studio for the project.  Bender just wrapped six seasons as an executive producer and director on the critically acclaimed series LOST, and directed Sunday’s much anticipated series finale. Alphas is executive produced by Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun for BermanBraun Television and is slated to commence production in Toronto this summer.

Alphas follows a team of ordinary citizens who possess extraordinary and unusual mental skills.  Using physical feats and uniquely advanced mental abilities, this unlikely team takes the law into their own hands and uncovers what the CIA, FBI and Pentagon have not been able or willing to solve.  These gifted individuals must balance their quirky personalities and disparate backgrounds with their not always visible powers as they work to solve crimes, stop the ticking time bomb and catch the enemy.

“We are very excited that Jack has chosen to be part of ‘Alphas,’” said Stern. “His vision and expertise are perfectly suited to this project, and will truly elevate it.”

Bender is a film director, actor, television producer and screenwriter who was most recently a producer and lead director on the hit Emmy Award-winning series LOST. He has also directed popular shows such as The Sopranos, Carnivale, Alias and Boston Public. He is also an accomplished painter, sculptor and mixed media artist.  Bender is represented by the United Talent Agency and Bob Myman at Myman, Abell, Fineman, Greenspan and Light.

About BermanBraun

BermanBraun is an independent media company whose three divisions — television, feature film and digital media — create and exploit entertainment content and advertising solutions throughout the world. The Santa Monica, Calif.-based company, founded by principals Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun in January 2007, has separate strategic global alliances with NBC and Microsoft to create and distribute creative content across all platforms. In February 2009, BermanBraun launched WONDERWALL — the primary celebrity destination on the MSN Network, ranking ahead of TMZ.com and People.com in traffic, with number one user engagement in the celebrity news space.  In April 2010, partners BermanBraun, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (HFM U.S.) and MSN launched GLO, a lifestyle destination site.  BermanBraun is currently producing THE CAPE for NBC’s 2010/2011 television season.  They are also producing DECODED for the History Channel for Fall 2010.   BermanBraun also produces SWORDS for The Discovery Channel and IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM? on MTV.

About Universal Cable Studios

Universal Cable Productions creates quality content across multiple media platforms for USA, Syfy and other networks. A leader in innovative and critically acclaimed programming, UCP is the studio behind USA’s Royal Pains, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Psych, In Plain Sight, Covert Affairs and Facing Kate, along with Syfy’s Eureka, Warehouse 13 and Caprica. The studio also produced both long-running series Monk and Battlestar Galactica. UCP is a division of NBC Universal.

About Syfy

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in 95 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

The short summary in this press release isn’t quite enough to pique my interest in this show, and I don’t find myself excited in any way by the premise. Would you watch?

Sci-fi fantasies