Sunday, August 02, 2015
"I'm here, she's here, we made it."
Indeed, we have made it. It's really happening. In 4 short weeks I am headed to Chicago to meet up with loyal blog-followers Fu, Des and Jenni. I am so very excited to spend a weekend watching our favorite episodes, reminiscing about the good old days of Alias (or TV in general) and actually SEEING each other in real life.
And again, another thank you to all who made and still make this blog what it was and still is- a place for smart people, who enjoy smart TV to talk. I have a feeling that there will be a lot of that happening once I arrive in Illinois. Stay tuned!!
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«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 1810 Newer› Newest»Because too much is never enough, we can now look forward to the Hasbro Cinematic Universe hitting the big screens and using up some Bad Robot talent in the process (namely Jeff Pinkner and Akiva Goldsman).
I've already had enough of Marvel and DC sucking all the oxygen out of the room. I don't want a bunch of Hasbro movies keeping guys like Pinkner from working on the next "Alias" or "Fringe". Just stop it. Movies and TV shows about comic book superheroes are already out of control. We don't need more movies and TV shows about TOYS.
Who knows; maybe they'll do a post series episode or two someday. I downloaded this season and am editing the episodes together and burning DVD's so that each disc is like 1 5 episode long episode with no commercials. It is very cool.
Well, Nolan and JJ certainly aren't abandoning the AI story. They are, however, taking it to HBO and calling it "Westworld". They're even bringing POI's music with them, in the form of composer Ramin Djawadi.
Also on the writing staff is Nolan's wife, Lisa Joy, who wrote a few eppies of "Burn Notice" back in the day.
Of course, WW on HBO will be vastly different than POI on CBS, even if it is still centered around artificial intelligence. What I would really love to see is POI on Westworld's budget.
I've been watching Anna Torv's "Secret City" miniseries. This week she checked her phone and had 47 missed calls. Nice one.
I kind of despise "celebrity culture" and websites devoted to it, BUT I find it impossible to ignore the spark that Will and Sydney had, so I could not resist posting this fluff piece about BC and JG attending some pointless fashion show.
They'll never appear in character again, but they'll always have Paris.
This article appeared today in the Toronto Sun. It's mostly JJ Abrams chit-chatting about "Star Trek".
BUT, it's the last 2 paragraphs that are interesting to me (I put the best parts in bold):
"-With X-Files and Twin Peaks being rebooted, Abrams is getting pressure from the networks to revive earlier work. “I know that in the halls of ABC, the idea is to look at Alias again. Whether it happens remains to be seen.” There’s been some mention of Lost, he says, “but Lost feels to me like such a one-off experience, I don’t think you reboot that show.” But he adds, “I actually don’t know if I have the hammer,” on whether it gets revived.
-Don’t expect Abrams to return to the director’s chair for either a Star Trek or Star Wars film anytime soon. “The truth is I feel I’ve inadvertently made three movies that are sequels to things. I’m long overdue for something original.”
I never paid much (any) attention to "Alias" ratings back in the day, which is probably why I was so shocked when I heard it had been axed.
That said, my jaw hit the floor when I read this article showing how poorly the "Alias" finale fared against its rivals on that fateful night back in 2006.
I think the most jarring comment was that "Alias" could not hope to compete against an episode of "Two and a Half Men". Does THAT speak volumes or what? That is a sad and sorry state of affairs and speaks very poorly of American culture circa 2006. Even Donald Trump (remember him?) managed to smoke the final episodes of "Alias". What a monumental disgrace perpetrated by viewers who clearly had NO business being in charge of the remote control.
Page,
People (or me anyway) do read what you post. And I enjoy your posts. They keep me up to date on good TV fare, and in an entertaining manner. I've been very busy with work and helping settle the estate of a relative who died earlier this year.
It does seem that when I find a series I like that it ends way to soon. Makes me a little gun shy about getting too into new shows. I just realized that sounds like someone who is burned on dating because of a bad break up. :)
Uncle, it's very difficult to find that special TV show these days, particularly the traditional networks' TV shows. They tend to run into the usual traps. Most shows receive an initial 13 episode order, so that if things go south in a hurry, the networks cut their losses quickly and move on. The problem with many shows that seem to hold some promise is that they tip toe around during those early days (think case of the week) and waste the opportunity they've been given to get viewers hooked. People quickly lose interest and just at the show develops some momentum around the 10th episode, the show has already been axed.
We've seen a few shows that miraculously survived those slow starts ("Covert Affairs" and "Fringe", and even POI come to mind) and went on to become excellent shows. "Alias", on the other hand, took charge right from TBT, the way it should be, IMO.
People refer to this as the Golden Age of Television (maybe they refer to every age like that), but I believe, that for traditional network TV, the golden age came and went earlier in this century. "Alias", "Lost", "Fringe", "Burn Notice", POI, "Covert Affairs", "Nikita", "Chuck" all debuted at least 5 years ago and mostly overlapped each other at one time or another (and, granted, a couple of those shows were on cable). But what of the last 5 years? The scourge of the Comic Book show (or the Disney fantasy show) is upon us and sadly, may continue to be with us for years to come.
And, USA, which thankfully gave us "Burn Notice" and "Covert Affairs", has shifted their business model from "blue sky" to something more akin to "dark and depraved".
So, I guess we just have to keep "dating" and risk those inevitable breakups. Maybe there's a perfect match waiting just around the next pilot season. If we're lucky, well find one we can put a ring on. Although, from the previews I've seen for this coming season, I suspect we might as well pawn the ring.
Having just painted a pretty bleak picture of network TV at present, I must say that there is excellent programming available on alternative sources, whether it's cable or Netflix or other streamers.
For spy buffs, "The Americans" on FX is through 4 seasons and committed to ending after 2 more. "Homeland" on Showtime is through 5 seasons and will return for at least 1 more. Both are excellent and are of course, completely serialized storytelling.
Having seen every episode of both, I would give the nod right now to "The Americans", which just gets better every season. And, you can see for yourself why JJ's instincts had him thinking about "Felicity" in her own spy show.
JEN HAS A NEW SERIES, JEN HAS A NEW SERIES. It debuts in 2017 on Netflix.
Yes, it's true. But here's the catch. Oh, you knew there was a catch.
a) it's animated
b) it's based on some kids' books and
c) she's voicing a llama....Mama LLama to be precise.
Yawn!! I waited 10 years for this? Back to the drawing board, Jen. AND FIRE YOUR AGENT ALREADY!
I don't even know what EPIX is, but they've got a new epionage "who's-the-mole?" type of show ("Berlin Station") coming in October. Brief trailer right here. A couple of familiar faces in it.
First teency look at BN's Jeffrey Donavan's new show, "Shut Eye".
I had this lovely post (let's call it medium length) ready to go last night and Blogger ate it. Thank you once again, Blogger.
I'll reconstruct it later, but in the meantime, here's a "47" story. I went for a walk this evening after dark and as I passed by the medical clinic, which was closed for the day, I looked in the window. The clinic has one of these ticket systems where you pull a ticket, go have a seat and wait for your number to be called. The number looking back at me through the window tonight in bright red was, you guessed it, 47.
Just a thought on the Rio Olympics as I sit here staring at some late-night coverage.
Imagine a world where beach volleyball is not only a thing, but a thing that's televised live all over the world. A newbie might be forgiven for thinking that beach volleyball is an activity that takes place at, well, the beach. That newbie would be crazy, because, duh, beach volleyball is played in a stadium on a bed of trucked-in sand, (possibly from a beach).
For 2 weeks, every 4 years, beach volleyball seems to matter to a lot of people. After all, medals are at stake. Nations send their very best beach volleyball players to the Olympics, hoping they bring home the gold and prove, once and for all, that no one in the world is better at beach volleyball (played in a stadium) than they are. One assumes that the winner has to pee into a cup before beach volleyball supremacy is officially declared. After all, beach volleyballers have been known to cheat (like A-Rod).
Now, to be fair, WOMEN's beach volleyball does possess a certain charm (very fit, nicely tanned, nubile young ladies flashing plenty of homegrown, grass fed butt cheek is a charm, isn't it?).
I have to confess, that beyond the 100 meter men's final and some of the swimming races, the summer games offer up some pretty dreadful TV....but that sand is beautiful.
Yup, the "Jack Ryan" series is officially happening. Not on 'real' TV of course, but on Amazon. FWIW, I've never heard of the dude playing Jack Ryan.
Reviews like this one (for "Suicide Squad") give me hope that someday we might all be able to put the age of the superhero behind us and move on to a better class of movies and TV shows.
Let's be honest, a show like "Arrow" should NOT last longer than "Alias" or "Fringe" or "Chuck" or POI or "Burn Notice" or (insert your favourite show here) did, and yet it is poised to blow all of them out the water as the upcoming S5 rolls out.
We deserve better.
Couple of upcoming spy shows to keep an undercover eye on.
First one is a spy dramedy. So right away we're thinking the next "Chuck", right? Well, let's all hold our horses, cuz this ("Unit Zero") sounds eerily similar to rubbish. This ABC series is a case o' the week procedural, much to the delight of Francie's sister, Channing Dungey, who runs the show at ABC these days. Is it possible that Francie's sister never actually watched that great ABC series, "Alias"?
The second potential new spy show is "loosely based on" the old "I Spy" series. Details are sketchy on this one, but safe to say Bill Cosby will not be involved.
Page,
I just can't bring myself to start and get caught up with the new super-hero tv shows. But I'll take a good spy show. If they want to do a spy show and have it loosely based on the old I Spy series, I sure hope it is better than the I Spy movie!
And, if they need a good spy series with a very moderate strain of comedy, they should try The Man From U.N.C.L.E. on for size. If they make it good, there are millions of fans of the original that would tune in.
Uncle, I never got around to watching the "I Spy" movie. Doesn't sound like I should make it a priority.
BUT, having found the time to get caught up on some long overdue movie-watching recently, I did finally see "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." movie. Very entertaining, and clearly designed as a set up to future installments. I can't attest to whether or not it captured the spirit of the TV show.
The two leading ladies in the U.N.C.L.E. movie are enjoying a very good run these days. I first saw Alicia Vikander in "Ex Machina", where she played an AI robot. Of course, she is also in "Jason Bourne" and will be the new Lara Croft (yes, they're already rebooting Lara Croft).
The other actress, Elizabeth Debicki, stars with Tom Hiddleston in the excellent "The Night Manager" on AMC. She will also soon become a Bad Robotian, appearing in JJ's upcoming "God Particle", where she will join JJ's slightly-less-successful female spy actress, Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Interesting that Bad Robot ladies Keri Russell and Gugu have both had parts in JJ Abrams movies in addition to their TV roles, but Jen, not so much.
Also recently watched "The Martian" (from "Alias" scribe Drew Goddard). I thought it was very good. Jessica Chastain has been a fave of mine since I saw her in "The Debt" where she played a spy with more than a passing resemblance to Sydney Bristow.
Last, but not least, I just finished Damon Lindelof's "Tomorrowland", which was good clean fun.
Wow!!! Look at this. I made 2 timely replies!!
DON'T EVEN BOTHER with the I Spy movie!! You'll hate yourself if you do. TOTALLY not in the spirit of the series, and totally terrible even on it's own.
The Man From UNCLE movie is not without it's detractors from the original fan base. But many of us...I'd say most of us... liked it and would like so see a sequel. I also have a friend who worked on the movie. My favorite scene was when the bad guy in the electric chair was getting his while Solo and Kuryakin were talking. I laugh out loud every time I see it, and I've seen the movie at least a dozen times. (Don't know if I told the story here about seeing the IMAX version and was the only person in the theater. Quite a fun experience.)
I'll try to get up to speed on the other shows/movies you mentioned. Now, to home with me.
Yup, the networks can keep their superhero shows, their "Flash" and "Arrow" and "Legends of Tomorrow" and all the rest of them and just give me shows like this (one of my favourite scenes in 5 years of "Fringe").
End the scourge of Marvel and DC on the major networks and bring back real TV shows and don't threaten them with cancellation every 5 minutes. Put good actors and writers to better use. Go ahead, raise the bar. I'll wait right here.
While channel surfing today I caught a little of a movie with Irena D. and one with Marcus D. (hmm, both D last names). I guess Alias was on Fate's mind today.
Oh wow. Same night, I just saw Jack B on a tv show.
Double wow!! Lauren Vaughn just popped up on the same show Jack was on. This is freaky.
Uncle, Jack and Lauren on the same show must be an episode of "The Good Wife", which has provided a home away from home for a number of Bad Robotians over the years, including Walter Bishop.
Jack was also narrator for Lauren's deservedly short-lived show, "The Slap".
Meanwhile, Marshall has been busy working on a new series for Amazon, called "Goliath", co-created by John Shapiro, who was heavily involved in Jack's first post-"Alias" show, "Justice" (remember that fiasco?).
Marshall is not the only Bad Robotian working on "Goliath". Ben Linus's daughter (most recently killed in that plane crash in this season's "The Last Ship") is also in the cast.
Seems that Chuck and Agent Walker are starring in a Margaret Atwood mini-series. Just not the same one.
ZL is starring in "Alias Grace" (I love half of that title) and YS is starring in "The Handmaid's Tale"
Gotta say, I've never understood the appeal of Margaret Atwood.
Aliens pay us a visit in "Arrival", and the reviews I'm reading today are verrrrryy positive.
AND, the best part, no superheroes.
Arrival looks good. And I've always like Amy Adams.
Yeah, I'm an Amy Adams guy, too. Loved her with Clint Eastwood in "Trouble With The Curve" a few years ago.
This was where I first saw Amy Adams. I loved this song and the movie, and her. And I'm not embarrassed. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8g31VfXoXo
Ha, I've never seen "Enchanted". Let me boast emphatically, that when she sang "spoil it", I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it was going to be rhymed with "toilet". Although I'm sure I'm not alone in zeroing in on that.
I don't know if it's your kind of movie, but let me encourage you to watch it.
And then THIS happened:
"Unidentified sees Zachary Levi tackle the TV role of a CIA operative amidst action and science-fiction elements."
Let's see:
1) Zachary Levi
2) CIA
3) sci-fi elements
How about we all root for this one to pan out?
Jen's summer included adding THIS gem to her resume. That review could have been written long before the first frame was filmed.
Maybe, if Jen's movies keep getting hammered like this, she'll.......oh, who am I kidding, she'll just keep signing up for more of the same. At this stage of the game, it's all she knows.
As Donald Trump would say, "it's sad really".
Just finished "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation" or MI5 for short. Yes, I'm wayyy behind on my movies. Gotta say, this is one of my fave MI movies, even though Bad Robot writers had nothing to do with it. I thought it was an excellent spy romp and I really liked Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa. Thankfully, she will reprise the role in the next installment (the world needs a great spy chick more than ever, IMO)
Ya know, it's clear that JJ still has a soft spot for the spy genre, it's just a shame he doesn't bring it back to TV the way I think we'd all love for him to do.
Last week (September 9th), we hit the 8th anniversary of 1.01 of "Fringe".
Coming up on September 30th, we'll celebrate the 15th anniversary of "Truth Be Told".
8 years, 15 years. Can you just believe how the years melt away?
In this week's Bad Robot news, "Roadies" gets the axe after a single, 10-eppie season. Of course, this was just a case of Bad Robot lending it's name to Cameron Crowe. No "mystery box" here.
I have no fear of "Westworld" being cancelled after 10 episodes. I suspect it will do quite well, although, being on HBO, I also suspect it won't be for the faint of heart.
I have to say that I'm ready to get on with the new TV season, always and forever hopeful of finding the next big thing (and almost always disappointed).
From all the previews I've seen, I think my 3 main hopefuls are, in no particular order, "Designated Survivor", "Frequency" and "Timeless".
Spoilertv.com posted a table showing all the new shows and predictions of their success or failure based on them having had the luxury of seeing screeners for the pilot episodes.
It's encouraging to see that 2 of my hopefuls (DS and F) score very well, and without a superhero in sight.
Trailer for "Passengers".
Send me into deep space with Jennifer Lawrence and you won't hear me complain.
Honourable mention for "Alias" on NPR this afternoon during a discussion about the Kryptos Project at Langley. Heck, they actually played a clip.
It's not a reboot this time. It's a sequel. About Magnum's daughter. How long before Jessica Fletcher makes an appearance?
Thirty years from now, it will be an "Alias" sequel about Marshall Flinkman's son. You heard it here first. And I'll be there. In the extended care facility. Watching.
A "Dynasty" reboot now? Say it ain't so. They're dancing all around us, but "Alias" must wait.
Fifteen years after TBT, Forbes gives "Alias" credit where credit is due.
"By mastering the art of the cliffhanger, Alias was able to teach people how to watch serialized television – which would then aid in the success of 24 and, yes, Lost."
And, no, that's not a typo. FIFTEEN years ago last night, Sydney's phone rang, and she answered the call. "Hello". Wow!
And, why not another 15th anniversary article? Heck, it seems like only yesterday that I was here, all by myself, posting 10th anniversary material.
"After 15 years, Sydney Bristow is still one of the best female heroes ever made"
One of the best scenes from "Covert Affairs". Scroll down to the comments to see how many other were led to this video by that episode. I miss me some Annie Walker.
Page, are you sure you got the right link in the CA post? I don't see any connection to CA.
Thanks for the 15th Anniv. article. Nice one. Boy it acted like a time machine for me.
I would love them to at least try an Alias reboot. If I think about it too long, I get depressed that Alias is gone.
I think I need to transform my Alias screenplay into a novel. It will read better, provide me a much needed creative exercise, and give me a little time with Sydney again.
Uncle, actually the CA link is just the music that accompanied the scene in 3.08 where Lena gunned down Simon and Annie. You can cue up the actual scene at the 39:25 mark here, if you can put up with the annoying popups. Sadly, USA isn't fond of allowing CA clips to reside on Youtube.
In the comments under the music clip, you can see a number of people who came there because they heard the song on CA and were curious enough to sniff out the song. That's how I found it 4 years ago.
Yeah, 15 years. Time machine indeed. Look at Victor Garber, a youthful 52 years old when TBT aired.
It is depressing to think not only is "Alias" gone, but it's been well over 10 years since in ended. Nice to see that article credit (correctly) "Alias" with teaching people how to watch serialized TV. Too many people automatically refer to "Lost" as if they were unaware that "Alias" preceded it by several years.
BTW, in a strange twist of fate, I was just watching the S3 premiere of Gillian Anderson's "The Fall" last night, and the emergency room doctor was played by none other than Richard Coyle (Simon from "Covert Affairs"). I knew he looked familiar, but it wasn't until just a few minutes ago, when I watched that CA clip, that I realized WHY he looked so familiar.
Just finished Timeless. Looks like this could be a good one.
Yeah, I watched "Timeless", too. Nice twist at the end. Reminds me of the twist in the "Frequency" sneak peek. Both about tinkering with the past and inadvertently changing the present in unexpected ways.
As far as other new shows I've taken in so far, I've seen both eppies of "Designated Survivor". It's not rocking my world. A show that has Jack Bauer and Nikita and neither of them are kicking ass just doesn't seem right.
I also watched the pilot of "Westworld". Too bad Jonathan Nolan didn't have a "Westworld" budget when he was running POI.
I saw the pilot for "MacGyver", but, too me, it's just the type of show that belongs to a different era. Saving the world with paper clips and that sort of thing.
I haven't bothered with Piper Perabo's "Notorious". Sorry, Piper.
Starz has an upcoming espionage show with a sci-fi element, which will star Olivia Williams of "Dollhouse" fame.
And, "Berlin Station" launches on October 16th on EPIX (whatever that is). Gotta tell ya, I wish EVERYTHING was on 3 or 4 networks rather than splintered in a million different directions.
"Frequency" debuted tonight on CW. Unfortunately, I can't watch this one "live" because CW parted ways with WGN last month. Ever since I've had a satellite dish, WGN has been the home of CW, but now they've hooked up with a channel I don't receive, so I have to wait for CW shows to pop up on the CW website before I can watch them (aka stream them illegally). Bummer.
I was reading this week that Benedict Cumberbatch is dropping hints that the upcoming S4 of "Sherlock" will be the last. Add to that that the upcoming season of "Doctor Who" will be Steven Moffat's last and I have to wonder just what the heck Moffat will do to keep busy once he's no longer tied up with these 2 huge shows.
Speaking of DW, the next episode will be the annual Christmas Day episode, which will be the first DW eppie since last Christmas Day. Personally, I really miss both David Tennant and Matt Smith as DW. Peter Capaldi, not so much my favourite Doctor.
I've just started rewatching Fringe. I forgot just how good it was.
I agree re: "Fringe", especially once it gets past that awkward procedural phase of season one. Sadly, there is no next "Fringe" on the horizon. Network TV is getting more disappointing with each new fall season. Networks are getting desperate. What else would account for FOX bringing "The Exorcist" to their fall schedule this year? What part of that sounds like a winning ticket?
I was a vocal critic of "Fringe" in those early freak-of-the-week episodes, but sticking with it paid off handsomely. I've linked to this Nikki Stafford blog post before, but it's worth another read. "Fringe" bled heart and soul, and unlike many shows, it upped it's game toward the end instead of going out with an embarrassing whimper. What channel do we have to turn to to find a show like that today?
I recently finished my complete "Fringe" rewatch and appreciated it even more the 2nd time around.
BTW Uncle, if you really want the best "Fringe" experience, I recommend revisiting the episodic reviews on Fringebloggers.com. Roco did superb work on the entire series. It starts out modestly and blossoms into a serious examination of each episode, ultimately attracting comments numbering in the hundreds per episode.
This link will start you off with the Pilot review. First comment, I must humbly admit, went to me on September 12, 2008. Although Roco is active daily with Seriable.com, sadly he has not found a worthy successor to "Fringe" to warrant reviewing, and there is no longer a "community" on the website, something it has in common with LTA.
Yes, good article. One of the nice things about my memory, or lack thereof, is that I don't remember much at all of what she referenced in the article, or any specifics about the show. This rewatch will be close to seeing it for the first time for me. Sorry you can't experience this as I will. :)
It was much the same for me, watching the 2nd time around. There's a lot of material to cover in 100+ episodes, and much of it is as if we're watching for the first time. That's a blessing, really. The more recent stuff was obviously fresher in my mind, but there were literally 1000's of scenes that seemed as fresh as if I was watching new material.
I have to say, as beautifully as the pilot was filmed, it's clear that the characters had not found their real personalities yet. Hard to believe it was 8 years ago. I remember downloading the "pre-air" pilot, the one that was leaked prior to the official debut. Yes, I was that anxious to get a glimpse of a new project from the makers of "Alias".
I have always loved super hero movies and tv shows. But that was when it was one super hero at a time. Now there are multiple super hero shows with multiple super heroes in each one. I just can't keep up with them any more. There are too many of them on too many nights.
Yeah, the super-hero situation is ridiculous right now. Used to be there was a summer blockbuster, maybe "Man of Steel" or a Spiderman flick. I'm good with that. But then the whole Marvel Universe got into the act and the genie was officially out of the bottle. I just cannot keep up, or, more to the point, I don't want to keep up. Are we really supposed to watch an Avengers movie to understand what's going on with MAOS? And then we have to watch a Captain America movie, or again, MAOS won't make sense? This does NOT work for me.
Between super-heroes and fantasy shows (like OUAT or the upcoming "Emerald City"), there is not much room for anything else to take root. Hopefully this is a phase that will eventually pass, but there are soooooo many so-called super-heroes that I have never even heard of, that it may take a lot longer to play out than I want to contemplate.
Wanna make America great again? Forget Donald and Hillary (they could make America great again just by disappearing from public life forever).
This, on the other hand, is a ticket I could get behind.
I take my politics seriously, but I'd vote for that ticket!!
Not sure how I missed this teaser for next year's 4th season of "Sherlock". It's a wonder Cumberbatch can find the time.
Ya know what's wrong with TV?
By the time this season is over, there will be 105 episodes featuring Sydney Bristow, 100 episodes featuring Olivia Dunham, 91 episodes featuring Sarah Walker, but 115 episodes featuring Felicity Smoak (and almost certainly many more to come).
That's what's wrong with TV.
I replied to some comments above, but apparently didn't put in the right password and they got wiped out. Oh well.
I was just watching first season, episode 7 of Fringe and when looking through a report someone referred to "page 47."
I remember watching that episode "live". The Page 47 jumped right off the screen....not literally, of course (THAT would have been a Fringe event).
Alex Kurtzman bringing a suspense thriller ("Salvation") to CBS next summer. Hopefully, it will be better than that other "Alias" alumni show on CBS's summer schedule, "Zoo".
I'm watching these "old" series again:
POI, Nikita, Warehouse 13, Lois and Clark, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Fringe, and I've drawn a blank on another couple of them. And I'm watching a few current ones as well.
I remember watching "Lois and Clark" back in the day. I'm watching "Supergirl" these days, where Clark (Dean Cain) from "Lois and Clark", plays Supergirl's adoptive Dad in a not-very-often-recurring role.
I miss W13. I really enjoyed that one and I think, at a mere 64 episodes, that they simply gave it up too early. "Myka" did a stint on "Zoo" this summer, "Claudia" has her own show, "Stitchers", which was just renewed for S3. "Pete" pops up here and there, including on the aforementioned "Supergirl". And, of course, "Artie" had a bit role on POI, but I haven't seen him around much.
"Nikita" should also have hung around longer than 73 episodes. Maggie Q has steady work (for now) on "Designated Survivor", but I've found it to be pretty unsatisfying to this point. If "24" was a show which demanded that Kiefer Sutherland apologize to offended Muslims, then, so far, DS appears to be that apology.
I've watched 3 episodes of "Frequency", which is my favourite of this year's crop of time travel shows. Technically, they don't time travel, but communicate back and forth through time.
I've pretty much given up on "Scorpion", because it reaches new heights of ridiculousness each week. I dropped "Arrow" last season, because of superhero burnout. I watch MAOS, but I really don't care if it survives or not.
I just watched the pilot for "Travelers" (yup, the year of the time traveler). I liked it enough to keep watching, at least for a while. It's from Brad Wright of Stargate fame and features at least a couple of actors familiar to "Continuum" viewers. I believe it will be found on Netflix in the US.
"The Blacklist" is still on my schedule, but it's not the new "Alias" or "Fringe" or POI. There just ISN'T one of those shows on the radar right now. Sadly.
Further to my previous comment re: "The Blacklist", this piece from tvbythenumbers.com appears to back me up.
Page, the only one of the shows in the list that I watch is Blacklist. I have only see the 1st episode of Timeless, but plan to get caught up. I bailed on Blindspot toward the end of season 1. It just never seemed to go anywhere. I also just watched the first of this season's MAOS. At least it wasn't as confusing and character overpopulated as last season...so far.
I hate to say it, because it overlaps with real life, but I think "The Blacklist" got derailed when Liz (and Megan Boone) got pregnant. Now, we're chasing her baby all over the place, which I doubt is what the show's creators had in mind originally. I would like to see them wrap that story line up sooner rather than later and get back to something more compelling than the pursuit of Agnes. Right now, Mr. Kaplan's story is more interesting.
"Timeless" is verrrry procedural, with just a moment at the end of each episode driving the story forward. That irks me. I like the premise, but I hate being fed tiny portions of story line.
MAOS, to its credit, focuses more on human heroes and doesn't go overboard with superheroes. That's what keeps me watching. And with last year's spinoff cancelled before it aired, MAOS has 2 fewer team members to keep track of this season.
In other news, to me it was a no-brainer that Piper Perabo's new show ("Notorious") would have a short run and it looks like ABC has already made it official. Next move for ABC will likely be giving "Conviction" the axe. I watched a few minutes this week just to see Francie at work, but I don't see any future for it. ABC was clutching at straws when it gave both of those shows the green light.
News out today about JJ's upcoming movie, the aforementioned "God Particle". Apparently, this will be the 3rd movie in the "Cloverfield" universe.
To be honest, I'm not sure I detected an obvious common thread between the first 2 installments, and this one doesn't sound like it makes the connection any clearer. Certainly the cast has gotten more expensive since that first movie.
Page, I don't think I'm familiar with Cloverfield. Also, in watching Fringe and POI, I can see that JJ's series have a strong tie element of relationships, and especially family relationships. But then that is a big element in most TV series and movies. It is a indication of how important that is to everyone. It is what binds everyone together and is the need and thing we all having in common. He does it particularly well.
Often, particularly in a show like "Fringe", which isn't full-time action, the evolving relationship aspect is what drives the show and keeps viewers involved (as Nikki Stafford wrote, "Fringe" is really a love story).
Of course, "Alias", which was pretty much full-time action, was also very adept at the business of complicated relationships (Sydney/Jack, Sydney/Vaughn, Jack/Vaughn, Sydney/Irina, Jack/Irina). POI was 4 strangers without family ties who became their own family. And we haven't even touched on "Lost".
Joss Whedon is another one who is very good in this area, especially with BtVS and "Angel", although he's burned off a lot of the last decade playing around in the Marvel sandbox, making block-busters. Kinda like JJ in that regard.
"Cloverfield" (the 2008 original) was a shaky-camera monster movie with an unknown cast. Very underwhelming, IMO.
This summer's "10 Cloverfield Lane" was the 2nd installment, starring John Goodman and the girl from this summer's "Brain Dead" series on CBS (Bradley Cooper does a phone call cameo as her husband).
Much better than the first movie, although seemingly unrelated....UNLESS you're completely fixated on the Cloverfield universe that Bad Robot has created (and I'm not the least bit fixated on it, BTW). If you ARE completely fixated, then there are Easter Eggs and explanations galore, found in videos like this one. This sort of thing might be awesome for "Alias", but for "Cloverfield", I'm not really feeling it.
Bottom line, JJ is (was) very good at using relationships, and unlikely ones at that, to get us hooked on his shows. How I wish he would get back to TV and do some more of that. Not likely, but sill.
In 2001, Bad Robot brought us "Alias". Then came "Lost". In 2008 it was "Fringe", and then POI.
Fast forward to 2016, and it seems that Bad Robot has expanded it's horizons to now include the controversial "4 minute orgy" ("Westworld"). I'm not sure that this is progress.
Still don't know who is going to win tonight, but it sure is fun watching Hillary's Hollyweird shills lose their poop on Twitter.
:) :) :) :) I don't know yet either, but I'm less tense about it than I was late last night. It's headed the best direction I could have hoped for, given the roller coaster this political season has been.
Clinton did get 47% in Florida...hmmmm. :)
Ha! There's that number again.
It's shocking how tone-deaf the entertainment industry.
Francie's new show, "Conviction" axed already. No surprise. Perhaps she should have a talk with her sister regarding ABC's crappy new programming.
New shows for Agent Annie Walker ("Notorious") and Agent Carter ("Conviction") both done and dusted after a combined 23 episodes. I had no interest in either so won't miss them.
While Jen does credit card commercials and movies that play in empty theaters, JJ's other spy chick, Gugu Mbatha-Raw is showing up in a string of "real" movies like "Miss Sloane", "Beauty and the Beast", "God Particle", "A Wrinkle in Time", and even stars alongside JJ's one-off spy chick, Keri Russell, in "Free State of Jones".
Gugu has travelled with The Doctor and spent a season on the excellent spy show, "Spooks" (aka "MI-5").
So, Jen, what's in your wallet?
Pretty much exactly what this guy says: "Just Entertain Us". Or, in the case of Jay Z, just buzz off.
Tonight's episode of "Supergirl":
Supergirl's sister discovers she's gay and an alien mutant organism wages war on climate change deniers.
Seriously?
Cat Stevens' "The Wind". We "Alias" types thought we owned that song, but tonight's episode of "This Is Us" ended with that very same tune. And, frankly, it just wasn't the same. Just sayin'.
BTW, Blogger is pissing me off with that "Error 400" message every time I try to post something.
"Just entertain us!" Yep! We don't care about what you have to say. In that arena you are just a stranger on the street.
I bailed on Supergirl in 1st season.
Leave our Alias music alone!! :) :)
Yup, "Supergirl" is gonna have to go. Not-very-subtle propaganda disguised as entertainment.
"Just Entertain Us", don't try to groom us.
First clip from the one and only "Doctor Who" episode this year.
Wow!! A whole episode. At least it's a Christmas episode.
New series ("The Arrangement") for Vartan coming next year. Sorry, Michael, looks like total rubbish. Better luck next time.
Grunberg lands a recurring role on "The Flash". Sorry, Greg, I won't be watching.
Pilot episode of Damon and Affleck's SYFY project, "Incorporated", available on Youtube.
2016, the year that has 1 episode of "Sherlock", 1 episode of "Doctor Who", and NO episodes of "Homeland".
2017, the year that corrects all of the above, including the January return of "Homeland". Looking forward to Carrie Mathison taking care of biz like only she can.
"Live well, love Rory. Bye-bye Pond".
Can't believe it's been more than 6 years. I just spent a couple of hours aboard the TARDIS, watching "The Pandorica Opens" and "The Big Bang", the 2-part season finale of Matt Smith's first season as The Doctor. Brilliant writing. I don't DW has met or surpassed that season yet.
I miss the 10th Doctor and Amy Pond (aka "the girl who waited").
Page,
He was my first Dr. and I don't know that I have seen even one complete season since that one. It has been long enough now that I can go back and watch all of that Dr. and it will seem fresh. Though my sister tells me I need to go back and watch one of the earlier ones, whom she says is the best one. I don't know. I miss Amy P as well.
Uncle, I like both of the previous modern era Doctors (Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant).
Eccleston was the first, but only hung around for the 2005 season, a grand total of 13 eppies. Your sister is probably referring to David Tennant, who was around for about the same number of eppies as Matt Smith. I would rate him as my 2nd fave, behind Smith (who I referred to last night as the Tenth Doctor, but who was actually the Eleventh).
Tennant, along with Catherine Tate (who played companion Donna) recently reprised their roles in a series of DW audiobooks. Tennant returned in 2013, after a 3 year absence, to appear alongside Matt Smith in the DW 50th anniversary show, "The Day of The Doctor".
Steven Moffat took over the show with Matt Smith's debut. The Tennant and Eccleston years belonged to Russell T. Davies. This upcoming season will be Moffat's last year of DW. Possibly his last year of "Sherlock" as well, since I it's unclear whether it will be back for a 5th season.
I have to say that Peter Capaldi, the current Doctor, is my least favourite of the lot. And, of course, this year he gets another companion.
This appeared a few weeks ago. The last line is the only one of interest to me.
Well, that IS interesting!!
Yup, that IS interesting, though I fear it may just be the same reboot rumour that's been floating around since 2010. Can you believe it's already been more than 6 years since the "Alias" 2.0 story surfaced?
Considering the current state of ABC's dismal programming lineup, I'm not sure that I wouldn't prefer to see 2.0 head for Netflix, which would result in fewer episodes, but hopefully a more satisfying product, and would at least get production off of the ABC studio lot.
First trailer for the Alex Kurtzman (and Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe) version of "The Mummy"
I just finished my series rewatch of POI. Took a couple of months. The last episode is a grueling, gut-wrenching one. I never really liked Root, but I missed her when she died and was just the voice of the machine. And for John to have to die, even though it was a noble death...At least Samaritan (add Arts to that and you have my business name, which I began using in 1980) didn't survive. What to start watching now...
Yeah, what to start watching now? Isn't that the $47 question? I just started watching "Shooter" on USA on Tuesday nights. It's based on the movie of the same name. The movie was decent so I'm hopeful that the series will amount to something.
I still can't decide which series on dvd to watch next, so I'm watching a dvd of Looney Tunes in hopes that the radical change will help me decide, or at least be a distraction away from my indecision.
Too much Looney Tunes and your "Alias" quotes will start sounding like "Who do you work for, you pwiddy widdle girl?"
Nice article marking the end of Will Tippin's time as a regular on "Alias". Contains a couple of video clips sure to bring back great memories. And, the first photo is quite appropriate for this current (16 month old) blog post.
Gotta love it when people look back with fondness at "Alias".
BTW, I just the "Bad Request, Error 400" message that accompanies EVERY attempt to publish a comment from 'preview' mode. It's been going on for about 2 months now.
Brief trailer for the upcoming "Taken" prequel TV series on NBC. Note the "Scala and Kolacny Brothers" cover of REM's "The One I Love". These ladies just keep getting their cover songs heard in trailers and TV shows. It's like they're on a mission.
Taken is definitely a show I will try out!
Well, after watching the Will video I may just have to start another rewatch of Alias. Might as well, since I just did that with POI.
Just finished the 'fall finale' for "Designated Survivor". It's turning into a pretty good conspiracy story, although I would prefer to see Maggie Q kicking ass like we know she can.
The first couple of episodes contained some moments of quease-inducing lefty messaging, which were off-putting, but it seems to have 'left' that behind (for now anyway).
I'm also 4 episodes into "Shooter", which pretty good so far. My concern with shows like this (and the whole "Taken" franchise) is how do you sustain a show like this. How long can a guy be on the run, trying to prove his innocence in an assassination, coming within a hair's breadth of being captured or killed each week before it just stretches credulity beyond repair? It's the old "Prison Break" scenario.
Great shows, like "Alias" or "Fringe" completely re-invented themselves at times in order to keep it fresh and plausible (or as plausible as shows like those can be).
Also, I've seen enough episodes now of "Travelers" to know that I'll continue watching it. Decent sci-fi.
While we wait in vain for an "Alias" reboot, CBS has decided it's time for a "The Honeymooners" reboot.
Apparently, destroying a classic is on CBS's bucket list. And, make no mistake, 2017 Hollywood will absolutely demolish "The Honeymooners" with their politically correct BS.
Just when we'd forgotten all about "Sleepy Hollow", it's back. And, oh yeah, Abby is dead...and, oh yeah, they're not in Sleepy Hollow anymore.
I'm wary of getting involved in another fantasy show, but I think I'll check out the pilot of "Emerald City" (based on "The Wizard of Oz"). Uncle, if you've just finished a re-watch of POI, you may recognize Dorothy.
I will check out Emerald City. And I gave up on Sleepy Hollow months ago. I don't even know what season it was. It was getting all mixed up, kind of like the show with all the live action Disney female cartoon characters living in the same town. They seemed to add a new regular character every week and no story line conflict ever gets resolved.
Yeah, Sleepy was a lost cause 2 seasons ago. I'm not sure why FOX is so keen on bringing it back when they had "Fringe" hanging by a thread every single season.
OUAT (I think that's the one you're referring to) is shockingly going to reach 126 episodes with the upcoming season 6. I don't get that at all. Why do people keep coming back?
I think OUAT must be made for the female audience.
Just about an hour away from The Doctor's only appearance of 2016 (not counting a cameo in the spinoff, which I haven't been watching). Hope it's a good one. One thing about this time of year: if you're a TV fan, there isn't much to look forward to.
Speaking of The Doctor, we now have a peak into the upcoming season.
So, DW tonight and "Sherlock" next Sunday night. Go ahead, Mr. Moffat, knock my socks off.
Carrie Fisher owns the internet today. "Star Wars" has been out for 40 years, but I have to confess that I've yet to see it or any of the sequels or prequels. Maybe someday.
CF's death was a bit of a shocker. She was younger I am. I still need to see the just out SW movie. And yes, you need to binge watch the entire series of SW movies! Get with it P48!
I know. I'm pitifully out of the SW loop. Every year, Space TV (I'm talking Canada here) runs the "Star Trek" movie marathon during the Christmas holidays (it's on as we speak). I don't think SW is ever on TV. I may have to resort to less passive methods.
I watched "Truth Be Told" tonight. Only the 3rd time I've watched it in its entirety, and the first time I've done so in 10 years. I like to watch the good stuff sparingly so it doesn't become stale. A lot of fresh faces in TBT and I gotta say I miss them.
I don't remember what it was for, but I saw JG in a commercial tonight. She looked really good. better than I've seen her in years. We need to see if anyone put it on Youtube.
I saw her a couple of weeks ago in a credit card commercial with her Dad, where he got to say "What's in your wallet?".
I'd like to see her aim a little higher. Clock's ticking.
Well, after the fiasco of last New Year's Day eppie of "Sherlock", and the nearly 2 year absence prior to that, it was a welcome relief to get back to business tonight. As per usual with "Sherlock", every ounce of a viewer's attention was required. I gave it my best shot and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.
This comment kicks off my 12th consecutive calendar year of posting my special brand of meaningless drivel on LTA. 2016 was the first year written and performed exclusively by Uncle111 and Page 48, with all other players having left the sandbox for greener pastures. Me? I'm sticking around.
Just watched the S1 season finale of "Travelers". Very good. The usual time travel mind-warping stuff, but sets up well for S2 (hopefully there will be one).
I'm sticking around too Page. And happy longevity anniversary to you!
I saw the other night that Jen and Ben are getting back together.
I'll give Travelers a look.
Uncle, "Travelers" is a 12 eppie season, so it doesn't take long to burn through. Although time travel is central to the story, the first season (at least) all takes place in the present day.
And, of course, you were pounding out the keystrokes on LTA before I was, so in blogger terms, we're geezers.
Page, I'm on the cusp of being geezer in real life. :)
Sounds like Hollyweird needs a few more Mark Wahlbergs.
Aside from the ramifications for an "Alias" reboot, I think this is excellent news. JJ swearing off of reboots and looking forward to getting back to original material is something to celebrate, IMO.
Because spies!
BBC and AMC are teaming up again (if you haven't watched their collaboration on "The Night Manager", I highly recommend it). This time they're getting together to bring us John le Carre's "The Man Who Came In From The Cold".
While I'm not a big fan of period pieces ("The Americans" aside), I do appreciate the quality that the BBC brings to these endeavours.
New (and shortish) clip from the upcoming (Feb. 27th) "Taken".
I really want to thank PBS for the surprise 7:00 p.m. start time for the season finale of "Sherlock". Now I have to wait and watch it another day. A pox on your house, PBS.
So, are we ready for a spy thriller featuring a parallel dimension?
Not thrilled that it's on STARZ, though. How about something decent on network television?
Walter Bishop walked into the future and saved the world from the Observers, 4 years ago last night.
Seriously, am I the only schmuck that went to work today?
Page,
You made me laugh again!! No, I went to work too. And I couldn't believe how many people I know and who have moved away who posted pictures of themselves at the Inauguration on Facebook. I knew they had come up in the world, I just didn't realize how far. "High diddel-e dee..."
Uncle, you sure Photoshop wasn't involved? After all, your avatar has you standing right next to Sydney Bristow.
Page,
I wish it was photoshop. Maybe then I wouldn't feel so left behind.
Just finished the season finale of "Shooter". Pretty good first season. Not sure if it's been renewed yet.
Uncle, I read some of the exploits of the people I grew up with and I'm embarrassed at how poorly I measure up. And, I have to admit that I didn't see it in them back in the day when we were all slogging it out in English class.
I mentioned the "Fringe" series finale the other day. I recently watched the "Farewell to Fringe" video on Youtube and it makes me wish we were just starting at the beginning again. Amazing how fast these things come and go.
There's also this great piece on the casting of "Fringe", which I've never watched before. Broyles auditioned for Charlie's part, Charlie read for Peter's part. It's crazy.
Just found episodes of "The Inside" on Youtube. This was a FOX show from 2005 that should have lasted more than the 13 episodes it received. I watched it a number of years ago. A lot of Joss Whedon's people behind the scenes. Stars Rachel Nichols (just pre-"Alias") and Adam Baldwin (pre-"Chuck").
One episode guest-starred a pre-"Lost" and POI Michael Emerson.
I like this article A LOT. I haven't heard Vartan weigh in on an "Alias" reboot, but sounds like he's ready, willing, and able (maybe even keen).
Keepin' the dream alive...Michael Vartan.
He was only The Doctor for one episode, but I'll mostly remember John Hurt as the voice of the dragon in "Merlin" (as well as the intro)
There seems to be a lot of hate on the interwebs for "Emerald City", but, 5 episodes in, I kind of enjoy it. There's a LOT of crap on network TV right now, stuff that shouldn't be surviving, let alone thriving, and I think EC is a refreshing break from much of it.
An a separate note, I'm actually enjoying the retooled "Sleepy Hollow" more than I expected to. A change of scenery, and a new supporting cast has breathed some new life into what was becoming a tedious slog the last couple of seasons.
Seems it's already time for The Doctor to regenerate. New Doctor, new showrunner, new companion. That's a lot of change in a short period of time.
Bad Robot splinter group, Midnight Radio (Pinkner, Nemec, and Applebaum, along with Scott Rosenberg), are (potentially) returning to ABC with "Salamander", based on (because everything is 'based on' these days) a Belgian series of the same name. That's the good news. The bad news is that these are the guys who bring us "Zoo".
Another pilot ABC has ordered is "Unit Zero", a spy-dramedy (we can only hope for another "Chuck", but let's not hold our breath here). Sadly, Francie's sister was quoted last summer as suggesting that this will be a case-o-the-week procedural (cuz she apparently adores that sort of thing).
Even this kind of "Alias" love is good in 2017.
Surely this is a hopeful sign. This year's ATX Television Festival is featuring an "Alias Writers' Room Reunion".
In this age of Comic Cons and Paleyfests, etc..., I've NEVER seen an "Alias" panel on any of them, so this is welcome news. Maybe this will get some people thinking. Or not.
Page,
Let's hope so!!!!!!!!!!!
Alicia Vikander (TMFU, "Jason Bourne", "Ex Machina", etc...) on set as the new Lara Croft.
Girl's on a roll.
So, Elizabeth Keen's father-in-law is Bad Robot's very own Terry O'Quinn.
Fingers crossed for Sarah Shahi to get back in the sci-fi game. Gotta be better than that Nancy Drew thing she had lined up last year.
I didn't know it 8 1/2 years ago, when this pilot aired, but I can officially say today that Olivia Dunham owns me. "You're the only one that speaks Walter".
Where do the years go?
Some more info about the aforementioned "Unit Zero" spy-dramedy coming to ABC. We'll have to wait and see, of course, but this preview makes it sound a bit too silly for my taste.
The one positive from this article was that it is described as a procedural with strong serialized elements. I would hope so.
More details about Sarah Shari's new show, "Reverie".
Just another reboot that ISN'T "Alias".
From Chris Fedak, the maker of "Chuck", comes "Deception". Let's see how it goes.
Bad Robot teaming up with Stephen King for Hulu's "Castle Rock".
Gotta say, I've never been a rabid Stephen King fan, but eventually I'll have to tackle "The Dark Tower" due to the involvement of Fringies Pinkner and Goldsman in that project.
Actual video of Michael Vartan (he does look older) speaking longingly about the good old days of "Alias".
Hey, his career is nowhere (as near as I can tell) and he sounds like he genuinely misses "Alias". Maybe he's our best advocate right now.
Can you believe we just passed the 5th anniversary of the last (for now) chapter in the story of "Chuck"?
I say "for now" because the cast still reunites, not just at dimly lit restaurant tables, but publicly at things like Comic-Con and Nerd HQ. Just a matter of time, IMO, till "Chuck" comes back in one form or another.
Excellent episode of MAOS tonight. It's not often I can say that. I find MAOS to be pretty so-so 90% of the time.
Buffalo discovers "Alias". And, guess what? They think we should be watching.
Sarah Shahi is in "good hands" as the Allstate man himself (Dennis Haysbert) joins her new show. Also signed up is "Covert Affairs" casualty, Sendhil Ramamurthy.
The best 50 minutes of Shakira's career, IMO. I love this 1999 "Unplugged" show (although I don't understand a word), but it's been all downhill ever since. Bigger and blonder isn't always better, that's always been my motto.
Remember 2007's "Viva Laughlin", CBS's exercise in bad judgment that was cancelled after 2 (yup, 2) episodes?
Perhaps in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the demise of "Viva Laughlin", CBS has now cancelled the just unveiled "Doubt" after 2 (yup, 2) episodes.
The aging cynic in me says that surely the execs at CBS thought placing a "transgender" actor in a leading role would guarantee at least 10 seasons (maybe 20), but now that it's crashed and burned after 96 minutes, they're taking some heat from the same trans-fans they were courting in the first place. Some saying the cancellation is "cruel and ill-timed" for trans visibility and calling CBS "tone deaf".
Maybe CBS should devote some of their time to coming up with the next great TV drama, rather than allowing themselves to get tripped up in the PC nonsense of the day.
The debut of "Taken" at 10:00 p.m. tomorrow night.
I scanned one of those meaningless lists that come out from time to time. This one was "Hollywood's 50 Favourite Female Characters"
Notable to me was that Sydney Bristow didn't crack the top 50, but if you watch the video, she did get to cast the first vote.
Strangely, Sydney clones Veronica Mars (#30) and Buffy Summers (#3) DID make the list. I recall laying out the case on LTA, back in 2010 (when there was actually 4 of us on the blog), that Sydney, Buffy and Veronica are essentially 3 versions of the same story.
But, I guess there's hardly room to drop kick your way into the Top 50 when every single female character from "Game of Thrones" appears somewhere on the list.
Season 5 of "The Americans" kicks off tonight. Not a stretch to say one of the best shows around for the past several years.
So I hear today is something called "A Day Without a Woman".
Not sure what the big deal is, this is something like day 584 without a woman here at LTA. We got this!
Page,
I'm behind on comments, but I just saw your latest and had to let you know it cracked me up. Now, back to catching up on work after way too much time goofing off!!!
I'm sitting here watching "The Blacklist: Redemption" doing their version of "Welcome to Liberty Village". Considering the "Alias" personnel involved, is this just a coincidence? I think not.
Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the debut of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". The internet lit up in anticipation of the big moment. I was not there on March 10, 1997 to see "Welcome to the Hellmouth". In fact, I didn't see it until 2009, some 12 years after the fact.
But since then, I've seen the entire series twice, joining "Alias" and "Fringe" as the only other shows that I've watched wire to wire more than once. I've never watched a show 3 times.
BtVS logged 145 episodes over 7 seasons and spawned one spinoff, "Angel", which ran for another 111 episodes. Both were excellent television and featured many actors that we've come to love in subsequent series (Adam Baldwin, Kevin Weisman, Gina Torres, Amy Acker, Nathan Fillion....)
David Boreanaz was probably the biggest beneficiary of the franchise, appearing as Angel in 59 episodes of BtVS and all 111 eppies of "Angel" for an impressive total of 170 episodes. A master of longevity, he is just about to wrap up a 245 episode run as Seeley Booth on "Bones" (with an additional appearance as Booth on "Sleepy Hollow"). I've never watched a full episode of "Bones", with the exception of the "Sleepy Hollow" crossover.
In honour of Buffy's 20th, this is probably my favourite scene from my favourite episode, the S5 season finale, "The Gift", where Buffy sacrifices herself to save her sister and, of course, the world (to a beautiful Christophe Beck score). This particular episode featured 2 "Alias" alums (Marshall and Sloane-Clone).
As an aside, a close 2nd (on certain occasions, maybe a tie) fave scene, also from S5 is this one, from the episode "Family", where the gang helps Tara stand up to her abusive family. This scene, at one point features a rare frame including the entire cast in one shot.
Currently enjoying the excellent 2nd season of "Colony", from Carlton Cuse of "Lost" fame and starring Sawyer, also of "Lost" fame.
Speaking of Amy Acker, she has a new gig working for Matt Nix, who has bounced around since his "Burn Notice" days. Unfortunately, Nix's new show is about "X-Men"-type mutant teens. Also on board for this one is Coby Bell, who played Jesse on "Burn Notice".
I'm pretty much X-menned out. I don't think I've seen the last couple of movies, I have no interest in seeing "Logan", and really the whole Marvel/DC thing has gone way beyond the saturation point, IMO. So, yes, I will likely check it out, but will I get hooked? I seriously doubt it.
Looks like JJ has Daisy Ridley on retainer:
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
"Kolma"
"A Woman of No Importance"
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
Pity he couldn't find some work for Jen.
Speaking of JJ, a little trivia. Last hour of television penned by JJ himself? "Undercovers" 1.03, airing on October 6, 2010. What a way to flame out.
Hard to believe it's already 6 years since "Hanna" (the movie). Apparently now it's time for "Hanna" (the series).
Post-POI rundown:
1. Shaw has a new job (see somewhere above).
2. Root has a new job (see not far above)
3. Now Reese has a new job
4. Finch and Bear are still looking.
Some Dropkick Murphys because..................St. Patrick's Day.
"Super Mission from U.N.C.L.E.".....or something like that. Henry Cavill on board for the next "Mission: Impossible".
Someone is thinking about the 5 greatest spy shows from the 2000-2010 period. Can't argue with the choices, though I think they might just be in the wrong order.
I haven't seen 24 or Spooks. But I'm certain they haven't seen The Man From U.N.C.L.E. because other than the disastrous 3rd season where they were trying to compete with Batman for ratings, there was only typical occasional lightheartedness. I say this as an original fan of MFU who has also watched the entire series several times since the DVDs came out (and who has credits on the DVD's)and who makes exact replicas of the gun used on the show and has customers for them in about 10 countries. And yes, I said this in my head in a single breath before I typed it here.
I've seen a few episodes of "Spooks", which I believe was called "MI-5" when it aired on PBS. It was on for 11 seasons, but only had 86 episodes. The Brits don't believe in 22 eppies per year. As I recall, it was a pretty humourless affair and a fair amount of cast turnover (hey, people get killed in the spy biz).
This particular article only draws from shows airing post Y2K, so MFU wasn't up for consideration, although they did skip over "The Americans", possibly because it's on cable.
I remember, as a kid, I used to drive my Dad insane, wanting to watch "Batman". He was NOT a fan. Seeing it now, I totally get how it could have that effect on anyone over the age of 10 (which my Dad was at the time).
Just answered my own question: "The Americans" doesn't fall in that time frame, either, having started in 2013.
So, basically, are there any spy shows in that decade that ISN'T on the list? "Undercovers" and "Covert Affairs" both debuted in 2010.
Post-post POI rundown:
A couple of days ago, Reese had a new job. Now, not so much. Jim Caviezel and CBS had some issues, so he's been replaced by David Boreanaz of BtVS, "Angel" and Bones" fame.
Apparently, Boreanaz likes doing TV wayyyyyy more than Jen does. He debuted on BtVS in 1997 and has been on the small screen ever since.
Bit of a longish piece on how "The Americans" became the best show on television.
"Alias" turns 20 in 4 years. I wonder if we'll see anything like this marking Sydney's 20th anniversary.
Short answer? Nope.
Kevin Weisman joins the Marvel Universe (cuz apparently, there is NO end to the Marvel Universe). "Runaways" is coming to HULU in 2018. Is there a reason to watch? Hmmmmm, don't think so.
Is broadcast TV finished, kaput, DOA? It may not be officially dead, but I think it's quickly becoming irrelevant.
I've gone over the main networks' programming and I've concluded that I don't care if any CBS, FOX, ABC, or NBC gets cancelled or renewed. Sure, I still watch MAOS and "The Blacklist" and a few others, but do I love them or even care if they come back next season? No. They just aren't good enough to lose any sleep over.
I recently checked out the list of CBS shows renewed and pending renewal and I realized that I don't watch ANYTHING on CBS. "Person of Interest" was the last CBS show that mattered to me and it's toast.
How about NBC? Well, yes I still watch "The Blacklist", but is it something I can't live without? No. It's just a lot of repetition, week after week. Yes, I still watch "Blindspot", but I don't care if this is the last season or not.
ABC, what have you done for me lately? Nothing. I still watch MAOS every week, but I don't care if you're with me next season or not.
Quality TV has abandoned network TV. There is no "Alias", no "Fringe", no POI, no "Lost" and no indication that a suitable replacement for any of these shows is on the horizon.
Traditional TV is dead meat. Abandoned by the people who used to bring us shows like "Alias" and "The X-Files". Those people can now be found on Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu. If we're not prepared to pay up, there just isn't anything worth getting excited about, IMO. We're stuck with the dreadful procedurals like Chicago This and NCIS That and the never-ending "Grey's Anatomy". It's like some sort of cruel punishment.
God help us all.
I can't think of anything less interesting or more disgusting than a RuPaul anything. I'm staying caught up with my few regulars like H5-0, Blacklist, Scorpion, Timeless, The Americans, Grimm (which had a great series finale. I'll miss it). I'm watching through The Mentalist, Monk, and something else for the first time, and rewatching Myth Busters, The Unit, Burn Notice, and a few others that slip my mind at the moment. My wife and I are rewatching Lois and Clark, All Creatures Great and Small and another one or two I can't recall at this late hour.
Uncle, "Grimm" is one I need to catch up on. I started watching it when it first came on, but got sidetracked long ago and never went back. Creator David Greenwalt was also the co-creator of "Angel" along with Whedon, so he has the chops for this type of show. At 123 eppies, it had a decent run. I'm gonna find a way to squeeze it in.
Yup, RuPaul is bad enough, but Bad Robot getting involved? Seriously?
He needs to stop blaming the robot for the bad and man up to the fact that he is the bad one.
Finally got around to watching "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" last night. I read a few articles saying that I simply HAD to watch all previous "Star Wars" films before watching this one, lest I should miss an inside joke or a reference to earlier work. Others claimed that I would be so moved by this film, that I would immediately want to get caught up on previous films and would inevitably be disappointed with the outdated special effects of yesteryear.
Fortunately, that was all nonsense. SWTFA was an entertaining movie, but nothing special. I only watched it because it was a JJ effort. I have never felt the lure of the "Star Wars" franchise, and after watching SWTFA, I'm no closer to feeling that lure.
"Star Wars" and I just weren't meant to be together forever. Last night was more like a one night stand.
Peter Capaldi begins his final season as The Doctor tonight. Next Doctor will be this guy.
Kinda wish they would just go back and start over with David Tennant. I don't like breaking in new guys all the time.
Another awesome role for Jen.
Jen, just FIRE YOUR AGENT!!!
Oh, Jen. Tell me it ain't so!!
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