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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SDCC trailer for "Blindspot". Give that girl a red wig already.
We're all used to seeing this flyover (or something very close to it). This one, however, is not from "Alias", but from "Stitchers", which just wrapped its first season on ABC Family.
Some actual footage of Bad Robot's HBO venture, "Westworld", from POI's Jonathan Nolan.
Note to Jen: Nannies should look like Mrs. Doubtfire.
Have no fear, POI fans. Shaw is back to stay for what looks like the final season.
We're just kicking back, waiting for our turn.
"Twin Peaks" should be back sometime next year.
"Xena: Warrior Princess" just looking for a writer, says NBC.
"The Blacklist" S3 premiere pushed back to give "Heroes: Reborn" a 2 hour debut.
"24" looks to return at some point in the not-too-distant future "without Jack Bauer.
"The Man From U.N.C.L.E"? Need I say more?
Just waiting (impatiently), for our turn. It's been 5 years since "Alias 2.0" rumours ran rampant. Meanwhile, since "Alias" faded to black, these remakes and/or continuations, and many others ("The X-Files", "Prison Break", "Arrested Development", "Nikita", "Dallas", "Charlie's Angels", to name but a few), have returned to varying degrees of success.
Just give us a chance. There's a generation of TV viewers out there who think JJ Abrams launched his career with "Lost". Let's fix that.
Looks like NBC wants to bring "Red" (remember the movies?) to the small screen.
SLOWLY working my way through my "Fringe" rewatch. I just finished 4.11 and 4.12. Thought this would be a perfect time to revisit one of the classic scenes from the pilot. Hard to believe this was 7 years ago.
"I just want to go back to before" Yeah, I posted this about 2 years ago, but guess what, I just posted it again.
Good news for "Chuck" fans. One half of Jeffster will appear on the upcoming season of "The X-Files". Sounds like a 'one and done' though.
Getting anxious for some new "Homeland". Still got a couple months to wait, unfortunately.
The Snowman is keeping busy.
Teaming up with the creator of "Burn Notice" for an action-comedy and (maybe) bringing a "high octane drama" to FOX. Maybe a call to Jen is in order for that role. Hint: nevva gonna happen.
Interesting ranking of the "Mission: Impossible" movies. Includes some "Alias" talk.
Agent Dunham posing with cast members from her upcoming six-part mini-series, "Secret City", which has begun filming down under.
Mia Maestro lands a 2nd gig on "Scandal", where she might even run into Jen's ex. The first ex, that is.
Jeff Pinkner keeping busy after his Bad Robot days, but sadly just sticking to reboots (not "Alias") and remakes and adaptations.
He and fellow Fringie Akiva Goldsman have a release date of January 2017 for Stephen King's "Dark Tower". Me, not so much a big Stephen King fan.
The 2 of them also have "Transformers 5" coming up.
Then Pinkner is writing "The Creature From The Black Lagoon", which will apparently star Scarlett Johannson.
And, of course, he currently has "Zoo".
So, busy yes, but only with 2nd hand material.
I watched "Continuum" 4.01 tonight. I gotta say, I don't appreciate a 14 month break between episodes. Makes it darned near impossible to know WTF is going on.
The trio of Robert DeNiro, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence make their 3rd movie together.
Trailer for "Joy", which is also Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence's 4th movie together in about 3 years.
For the record, I would make movies with Jennifer Lawrence. Just sayin'.
New Network shows I'll be checking out this fall include:
"Minority Report", Monday September 21 on FOX
"Blindspot", Monday September 21 on NBC (I have watched the Pilot)
"Quantico", Sunday September 27 on ABC
"Supergirl", Monday October 26 on CBS (I have watched the Pilot)
"Heroes: Reborn" (I'll try it because "Chuck" is on it) Thursday September 24 on NBC
"Limitless" Tuesday September 22 on CBS
TNT's "Legends" returns on Nov. 2nd, with the cast pretty much gutted except for Sean Bean.
TNT debuts "Agent X" on Nov. 8th
GOOD GRIEF!!!!! I get to LTA via links in emails of posts. I guess when a new post thread is started I don't get emails and so I don't know one has started. It's going to take a while to get caught up.
I'll repeat, I've seen The Man From U.N.C.L.E. twice now. There have been the same kinds of conversations in the original fandom for the TV series as there have been with Star Trek, but I have to say this movie is really good. I've seen it twice so far and enjoyed it both times. I will definitely get the DVD. The bad news is that it's not getting the attendance it needs to for a sequel and fewer theaters are hanging on to it. If you want to see it on a big screen you need to do it right away. I don't know if I posted this on the previous page, but my IMAX viewing was on a Monday afternoon on the first day of school for this term. I was the only one in the theater. I had the whole place to myself!!
Uncle, I'm surprised that "The Man From U.N.C.L.E" is not a bigger draw. I would have thought it was tailor-made for a trilogy. Of course, these days it's all about Marvel and DC. Is it the lack of a Hollywood leading man?
All alone in an IMAX? That's how Elvis would have watched it.
We can't even get "Alias" in Blu-ray, but Netflix is streaming "Breaking Bad" in 4k
BTW, I finally checked out the Netflix version of the cemetery scene in "Truth Be Told". That music is just wrong on every level. It just ruins the scene.
Yep. I had a billionaire's movie watching experience. :)
Uncle, I guess Alicia Vikander must like spy movies. I just noticed she is on board for the upcoming Bourne movie (as is Tommie Lee Jones).
I recently saw Vikander in "Ex Machina". Prior to that, I'd never heard of her. She just completed filming "Burnt" (not a spy movie) with our very own Bradley Cooper.
"Supergirl" has added "Alias" alum (okay, it's a stretch) Glenn Morshower to the cast.
Promo shot of Anna Torv and a couple of her new cast mates on the now-filming, 6-part mini-series "Secret City", the synopsis of which is:
"Beneath the placid facade of Canberra, amidst rising tension between China and America, senior political journalist Harriet Dunkley uncovers a secret city of interlocked conspiracies, putting innocent lives in danger including her own."
I'm watching through The Pretender series on DVD and just hit a 3rd season episode with guest star ... wait for it... Jennifer Garner!!!
And the man who turns out to be here real father has the last name of Vaughn.
And does this song appear in Alias too? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyixUDk0Cv8
Uncle, "Someone To Watch Over Me" from "Alias" 1.11
Good catch.
I'm watching an episode of Chuck that I missed in my recent series rewatch -- Season 4 episode 7. Someone mentioned that they love the series Alias.
WIRED has this binge-watching guide to "The Americans". Honourable mention to "Alias" and "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." as well as other members of the spy genre.
Unfortunately, they don't seem to have a binge-watching guide to "Alias".
Oh, for the days when we were watching "Chuck" live. I used to love to read Jace Lacob's episode reviews on televisionaryblog. Many are still available here, but sadly he moved on before the series finale. I would have liked to have read his take on that.
Televisionary also did a lot of episode reviews of "Fringe" and, of course, he also wrote extensively about "Lost"
Unfortunately, as I've mentioned before, "Alias" was too early for social media to really grab hold of, so while televisionary was all over a couple of Bad Robot shows, "Alias" was not really on the list.
Clearly a JJ Abrams fan, he penned an article in 2010, asking "Is JJ Abrams Too Big for TV?", which laments the fact that he seems to be washed up as far as network TV is concerned (and that article was before flops like "Believe" and "Alcatraz" even debuted). With this likely to be the final season of POI, the broadcast networks may see the last of JJ Abrams for the foreseeable future.
I Liked your recent post Page.
Just finished a season 3 Pretender. They used the song "In The Arms Of The Angels" twice related to the female lead losing her potential husband to murder. Another thing Alias "borrowed" from this series.
Uncle, Sarah McLachlan was a mainstay of TV soundtracks in those days, with songs appearing on several JJ Abrams series, including "Felicity", "Alias" and "Lost".
Nowadays, not so much.
I gave a couple of SyFy's new shows a whirl this summer: "Killjoys" and "Dark Matter".
I dropped "Killjoys" (it stars Jinksy from "Warehouse 13") after about 3 episodes, but I stuck with "Dark Matter", which comes from the people who wrote much of the "Stargate: Universe" series. DM was decent, but not on a par with SGU.
This summer, I also finished "Falling Skies", which ended after 5 seasons. A good "summer show", but ultimately just filler until the real TV season arrives.
I also watched S1 of "Humans", a collaboration between AMC and Britain's Channel 4. If you ever saw "Merlin", he (Colin Morgan) was a key player in "Humans". I thought it was quite good.
I recently polished off S1 of "Mr. Robot". It represents a complete about-face for USA Network. It was good, but it was certainly "out there". From a network that we came to know for "Burn Notice" and "Covert Affairs", this felt like something from another planet. And, to be honest, I would have preferred another season of CA.
Itsy, bitsy teaser for S2 of "Legends"
Just watched the movie "Survivor", starring Pierce Brosnan among others.
Reference was made to the fictional Oceanic Airlines, well known to fans of "Lost", and also appearing in "Alias", "Fringe", "Chuck" and who knows how many other shows and movies.
New season of "Doctor Who" kicks off Sept. 19th. A little "prologue" to set the mood.
In my The Pretender series rewatch a final season episode has a character who has to be the pre-Chuck Morgan Grimes character. You'd swear they copied him to use in Chuck.
I just ran across the disastrous I spy movie. After 2 minutes I HAD to turn the TV off.
I haven't seen "I Spy" (although I vaguely remember the TV show). Sounds like I won't be in any hurry to dial up the movie, though. Two minutes, huh? Yikes!
Of course, we're all used to the annual "Doctor Who" Christmas special. This year we can look forward to the "Sherlock" Christmas special. As this clip shows, it is a Victorian version of the current show. Come to think of it, the Doctor has done that, too.
Watching next to last episode of The Pretender. Guest stars include Kevin Weisman and Melinda Clark, both prior to Alias and Nikita.
Uncle, I noticed that 'Michael Weston' appears in several episodes as well. Speaking of Jeffrey Donovan, he has a movie ("Sicario") coming out next month, which also has Victor Garber in it.
Near as I can tell, the trailer doesn't show either of them.
With the first season of "Zoo" wrapping up tonight, my one word review would be: "meh".
"Alias" personnel should be able to find better things to do with their time.
Long time Bad Robot writer, Alison Shapker, looking to return to ABC with a Shonda Rhimes show about nuns trying to keep their Bronx convent open.
The same article mentions Grunberg teaming up with Jen's first ex for a 1/2 hour comedy.
So, summing up.....don't care and don't care. Wake me when you get back to making spy shows.
While we wait patiently for an "Alias" reboot, it looks like "Charlie's Angels" is getting its THIRD reboot in the last 15 years.
Surely not another CA!
I finished the bonus material on The Pretender. I don't know if I saw the end of the series when it aired, but I don't remember that they ended 4th season not knowing they were being cancelled.
Uncle, I think one area in which TV has smartened up in the last decade is that writers have built potential series-ending scearios into their season finales (and even mid-season finales), just in case the cancellation bear comes calling unexpectedly. That way, if they get the axe, viewers have at least some sort of closure.
One glaring example of failure to do that was the 13th episode of "Alcatraz", where we left our main character flat-lining on a gurney. Ooops!
NBC and Luc Besson are teaming up to bring us a small screen "Taken" prequel.
I'm not sure how the title will play unless his extended family gets kidnapped one by one over the course of the season.
Soooo, a new TV season is finally upon us. Kicking things off in about 30 minutes is S9 of "Doctor Who".
This season promises to have one thing in common with every TV season before it. Everyone tries to air EVERYTHING on Monday night. "Scorpion" (which returns tomorrow night), "Minority Report", "Blindspot", and eventually "Supergirl" will all be on Monday night. How about spreading it out, people? C'mon!
I read an "advance preview" of Orci/Kurtzman/Cooper's "Limitless", which was not encouraging, suggesting that it was pretty much straight procedural. Mind you, "Fringe" and POI both started out heavily case-of-the-week, and both saw the light for those patient enough to stick with them. Maybe this will go the same route. Hope springs eternal.
"Alias" alum, Balthazar Getty (where's he been lately?) is back for the reboot.......of "Twin Peaks".
Not sure how many articles I read about tonight's debut of "Limitless", and NO ONE mentioned Arvin Sloane was in it, as the main characters Pops.
And the main character's Moms is Nina Sharp. Holy Bad Robot, Batman.
"Chuck" makes his debut on "Heroes: Reborn" tonight. I'll keep watching until it gets too stupid for words like I did with the original. We all know it's coming. Heck, it might even be tonight.
The latest remake in the works is a new TV version of "The A-Team". And, still we wait.
Jen apparently preggers again. So much for a last ditch effort at rebooting her career.....unless we count the movie she's making about the guy who gets trapped in a cat's body. What can I do but throw up my hands?
If you Google "Quantico", which debuts tonight on ABC, you will find, among other articles, one that says "why Quantico is the season's best new show" and another that says "Priyanka Chopra Scores in Silly Spy Drama" and another that describes it as a cross between "Homeland" and "Grey's Anatomy" (apparently ABC's description).
So basically, who knows what we'll get, but it hasn't been a very impressive week of pilots so far, so, if you've got fingers, now would be the time to cross them.
S2 of "Legends" kicks off on November 2 and won't look much like S1, with only 1 returning cast member, aside from Sean Bean.
Marshall Flinkman action on "Scorpion" tonight. Third time KW has worked with Orci/Kurtzman. "Alias", "Fringe", "Scorpion".
"The Truth Is Still Out There"
Bad Robot back in the Spy Biz?
Well........sorta....in a way. Carlton Cuse ("Lost") and Graham Roland ("Lost", "Fringe") are in charge of an upcoming series based on the well known CIA operative, Jack Ryan.
That's the good news. The bad news is the series is coming to Amazon (cuz there aren't enough ways to separate TV viewers from their money already).
Well, Flinkman made a 60 second appearance at the end of Scorpion last night. Don't know if he is going to become a regular, or if he really needed some cash and someone had pity on him.
And I'm looking forward to the X-Files and to investigating some of the upcoming new shows. What is Page's recommended list?
Uncle, KW is on board for a "recurring role". Maybe 90 seconds next time?
Uncle, having watched the pilots so far, it's been disappointing (isn't it usually?).
I would say "Blindspot" is my fave of the current batch.
I want to like "Limitless" cuz Orci/Kurtzman/Cooper/, not to mention Arvin Sloane and Nina Sharp in minor roles, BUT I find the tone of the show (not to mention the main character) a little annoying, especially the 2nd episode, where they actually used onscreen labels to identify certain characters.
I was hoping for more from "Quantico", but despite the online love for the pilot, I just didn't feel it. It ticked every available politically correct box you can think of (religious, racial, and sexual diversity), but as far as I'm concerned, it just lacked intensity. You would think a terrorist attack in the middle of downtown would not lack for intensity.
"Heroes: Reborn" just reminded me why I quit watching the original after a couple of seasons. Even Chuck couldn't rescue this one.
I'm undecided about "Minority Report". I'm just about to watch the 2nd episode.
Thanks for the run down Page. I'll take a look at them this week and give my reactions. I've been spending most of my TV time watching DVDs of old series, even back into the 60's.
I wish they had done a "previously on The Blacklist" tonight, cuz I'm struggling to remember the deets of last season's finale.
For the record: the first 47 of the new season took 3 minutes.
I'll catch TBL tomorrow. Looking forward to it. I almost always need a refresher before starting a new season, but I seldom take one.
Uncle, it was a good eppie, setting up a game-changer season. Like you, I could always use a refresher, but seldom take one. They should really do a "previously on" for folks like us, although, in fairness, there was a kind of recap special that aired a couple weeks ago.
Here's a decent recap of the S2 finale. I should have read that first.
I'm on board for those "Chuck" movies, Zachary. Put me down for "yes".
We're just (im)patiently awaiting our turn. This time, "MacGyver" is the one making a comeback.
Anybody missing "Covert Affairs"?
We should be starting the back half of S6 right about now. A screen cap from probably my favourite scene in the series. Annie sailing out of Hong Kong harbour (the way one does).
Looking forward to S5 of "Homeland", kicking off later today. Oh yeah, this is happening.
I don't think I've watched any of Homeland yet. What is it like?
"Homeland" is basically the story of CIA agent, Carrie Mathison. It's a spy show for grownups (i.e. bad words), starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin. It's often riveting television. Early seasons feature Agent Ressler from "The Blacklist".
I highly recommend it. It sometimes gets bogged down in questionable storylines, but I consider it to be one of the best shows around, especially for spy freaks like us.
It is produced by (among others) Howard Gordon, who has been involved in many watchable shows such as "Legends", "24", "The Inside" (which starred Rachel Nichols of "Alias" fame and Adam Baldwin of "Chuck" and "The Last Ship" fame), as well as Buffy, "Angel" and "The X-Files".
Oh, this talk of "Chuck" movies has me watching the series finale. I miss this show.
BTW, speaking of "Chuck", I see that Part 2 of "Legends of Tomorrow" pilot (Victor Garber's new show) is written by Chris Fedak, creator of "Chuck"
Sarah Lancaster, aka Ellie Bartowski tweet re: 8th anniversary of "Chuck" debut which was September 24
After tonight's eppie of "Madam Secretary", we should update our list of the number of prime time TV drama appearances since May 2006:
Morgan Freeman (1)
Jennifer Garner (0)
Thus concludeth our update.
Tonight on "Scorpion": Marshall adopts an 'alias' and goes into a prison undercover. Only thing missing was a bolo tie. Kinda makes me long for the day.
Seriously? They couldn't have started at 47 Million?
Yes. 47 mil would have been appropriate. I guess Jen has really forgotten Rambaldi. I bet you could build a home like that here for well under 1/2 that. Jen, bring your half of the money to Texas and get your whole house back.
Yeah, I think Jen has looooooooooooooog since forgotten about Rambaldi. I'm guessing sometime in mid-to-late May of 2006.
She was born in Texas, so it would be like a homecoming of sorts, although I don't know if she remembers much about it. For all she's doing with her career in California, she might as well start packing tonight.
Page,
If you here she's headed to Texas let me know. I'll throw her a welcome back party.
New trailer for S2 of "12 Monkeys". Now all we have to do is wait until April. So there's that.
Series finale of "Continuum" starts right............now.
Some New York Comic Con footage from the upcoming (probably final) season of POI.
I trust this wasn't the good stuff.
A 12 minute preview for the aforementioned TNT spy show, "Agent X", which debuts on November 8.
Hopefully, this will be a better bet for Gerald McRaney than his last spy show, none other than JJ's epic failure, "Undercovers".
Episode 8 is written by veteran "Alias" scribe, Jesse Alexander.
"The Walking Dead" returns tonight to kick off S6. That in itself is excellent news, but even better news is that it looks like Lennie James is on board for the whole season.
A spy movie getting some rave reviews these days is "Bridge of Spies" with Tom Hanks.
'Dixon' gets a recurring gig on "Chicago Med".
For the record, I won't be watching "Chicago Med", cuz, ya know..."Chicago Med". Pretty much says all I need to know.
I'm a couple of weeks late in posting this, but, yeah, what he says.
Teaser for JJ's upcoming show, "Roadies".
This is another one of those shows that is Bad Robot in name only. I see no reason to get involved in this one.
Ken Taylor was portrayed by Victor Garber in "Argo".
Thanks to Ben Affleck's interesting spin on history, millions of movie-goers probably have no idea who he was.
"Star Spangled Banner", Chuck Bartowski style, at last night's Dodgers/Mets game in LA.
No sign of Jefster.
Chuck then returned to his seat and took in the game with Agent Walker.
"Supergirl" panel at New York Comic Con. Fast forward to 20 minute mark for "Alias"/Buffy love.
First footage of Agent Dunham in "Secret City" contained in this interview with one of her co-stars.
Trailer for JJ's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
I'll be honest here, I have never watched the original SW, and I have no idea what it's about. That said, I'll no doubt watch this just because of JJ' involvement. And, maybe I still won't know what it's about.
S2 of "Legends" kicks off on Youtube ahead of its TV debut next month.
On the heels of Netflix's "Daredevil", comes "Jessica Jones".
You'll recall that ABC was supposed to develop "AKA Jessica Jones" back in 2010, but it never materialized. Now, with the same people behind it, it rolls out on Netflix on November 20th.
Jessica runs "Alias Investigations", but what's in a name anyway?
Trailer for the old-timey "Sherlock" special coming up on New Year's Day.
A welcome alternative to Rose Parade and Bowl Games.
Continuing the trend of former Bad Robot types who seem bereft of new ideas, Pinkner is now linked to a remake of the Robin Williams movie, "Jumanji".
Seriously, this needed a remake? No, it didn't. No.
Supergirl and Sydney Bristow. Well, not exactly, more like Supergirl and Shauna Duggans.
"The Peanuts Movie". Now that looks cool.
"The X-Files" out with another teaser.
Kurtzman (w/o Orci) is going to bring a new "Star Trek" series to CBS's streaming service, beginning in 2017.
Hate to break it to you Alex, but I won't be paying up to watch this. Put it on the main network or just fuhgettaboutit.
Is it just me or is "Sleepy Hollow" a lost cause? I feel like I'm watching a completely different show than I started watching 2 seasons ago. And frankly, I'm getting nothing out of S3. I would be shocked if it was renewed for a 4th season.
Classic moment from the later days of "Fringe", when Peter recognizes his daughter Etta, who freed him from amber after 20 years.
"Agent X" gets going tomorrow with a 2 hour premiere. Almost every advance preview I've read so far (like this one) indicates it's a loser.
From the clips I've seen, I have little faith that the reviews are mistaken.
My one-word review of "Agent X"? Crap.
I didn't even bother with the 2nd hour.
The aforementioned Etta to become the 2nd "Fringe" actor to appear on "Limitless", tying "Alias", which has already had 2 actors appear.
If only the show was better.
Re: tonight's "The Blacklist"
Written by Brian Studler.
Who the hell is Brian Studler, you ask? On 12 episodes of "Alias", he was the assistant to producer, Sarah Caplan.
Who the hell is Sarah Caplan, you ask? She was the producer on 88 episodes of "Alias", and, incidentally, "47" episodes of "Lost".
Brian Studler has no writing credits on any Bad Robot shows.
Lizzie 2 seasons ahead of Sydney in the untimely preggers department.
Page 47.
"Blindspot" goes there, joining "Alias" and "Fringe".
Sorry I've been MIA. This time of year is a time hole sucking away all the time that exists in my dimension.
I'm glad I get emails of postings so I can keep up with Page's updates and witty remarks.
Here's wishing everyone a wonderful, warm and meaningful Christmas!!!!!
"a time hole sucking away all the time that exists in my dimension"
Uncle, I think that's the theme of this year's "Doctor Who" Christmas special.
I'll have remember to catch that DW. And now, at 4AM, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.:)
Just polished off the finale of the most excellent S5 of "Homeland", the 2nd season in a row which actually spent precious little time IN the homeland.
Now settling in for The Doctor. I'm told I'll need a hanky for this one. I also read a comment that it was the best DW Christmas special ever. I'll know in an hour and fifteen minutes.
It was a green Christmas here in the Great White North. Beats shoveling as we like to say.
Page, I never did check into Homeland. I'll have to read about it.I also haven't followed any of the latest version of DW. I'll check out the Christmas special though. Hope you had a good Christmas!!
Oh yeah, we're supposed to get 12" of snow here in Texas on Sunday.
Uncle, I was surprised that the DW Christmas special actually had nothing to do with Christmas this year.
As someone who watches DW regularly, but doesn't delve deeply into the history and mythology of the show, I find it essential to seek out and read detailed reviews of the episodes. After reading the comments of people who really know their DW stuff, I can better appreciate the efforts of the writers to layer in story lines that have been years in the making. For instance, a refresher on The Singing Towers is essential to understanding the significance of the ending of the Christmas special.
I did recognize River's diary, though. The diary that Amy's teardrop landed on from the now ancient Amy/Rory wedding episode. "Raggedy Man, I remember you and you are late for my wedding!". Where DOES the time go?
Did JJ Abrams make Sydney Bristow the star of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"?
Everything I've read so far about Daisy Ridley's "Rey" (including this) makes me think JJ had some "Alias" on his mind as he sat down to pen this movie.
Someday, I'll see SWTFA, soley because of JJ's involvement. I've never seen anything "Star Wars" before, so this will be my introduction to the franchise.
2016's one and only episode of "Sherlock" airs on New Year's night.
I'm about ready for the return of "The X-Files". January 24th is sneaking up on us.
As I near the end of my "Fringe" rewatch (yes, it's taking me a long time, but you can see from my updated avatar that I'm getting close), I remember the inevitable comparison of "Fringe" to "The X-Files" during the former's first season. Now "Fringe" has been gone for 3 years and "The X-Files" is returning, though only for 6 episodes.
Page,
I've been struggling to get caught up on the new X-Files, and watch at least a little of the final season of Fringe, and I am in the middle of the 1st episode of the recent season of Sherlock. I am really liking this episode of Sherlock!!!
More soon, I hope.
Have you seen the Man From U.N.C.L.E. movie? I saw it a couple of times in the theater and have the DVD and Blu-ray. I'm also perfecting my copy of Kuryakin's shoulder holster from the movie to go with my copy of the one from the original TV series (which I have sold a lot of). I also know several people who worked on the movie and I hope to make a replica of one of the guns used in the movie.
Now, a few more minutes of Sherlock and then back to some jewelry repair.
Uncle, my unofficial New Year's resolution was to give the first LTA comment of 2016 to someone other than me. With that out of the way, now I can release the hounds.
That last season (let's face it, calling 3 eppies a season is a stretch) of "Sherlock" was excellent. I remember, during the first episode, wondering if this was going anywhere, but then Sherlock brought it home like only he can.
I found the New Year's episode, "The Abominable Bride", a little difficult, since the previous episode was sooooooooooo long ago that I barely remembered the storyline. To be honest, I had to turn to Nikki over at Nik at Nite for a more focused interpretation of what it all meant. She actually has a new book out about the series and clearly knows the subject matter better than I do. She's also penned companion books on "Alias" and "Lost".
I saw a great article a couple of days ago about "Phase One". Just the title of the piece speaks volumes about what an under-appreciated show our "Alias" was. It was long after the series finale before I even knew this was a post-Super Bowl event. I probably caught it on a different night in my neck of the woods. But it was unforgettable TV. Nice to know that other people are on the same page.
There is now a trailer for the AMC/BBC adaptation of John le Carre's "The Night Manager". I'll definitely be tuning in for that.
Glad to have "The X-Files" back. I really wish, when they only have 6 episodes this year, that they had decided not to throw in a couple of standalones. I had a couple of beefs with the opening episode. They felt compelled to drop names (Uber, Edward Snowden, Obamacare) just to let us know they were up on current affairs, but I just found it kind of annoying. The other beef I had was with Mulder's massive infodump monologue at Sveta's (Nina from "The Americans") house. Those are all just signs (to me) that they were having trouble easing back into the show. The 2nd (standalone) episode was much more like old-school X-Files and even featured 1/2 of everyone's favourite singing duo, Jeffster.
I've been putting off watching the "Fringe" two-part series finale, cuz once it's over, it's over. Gotta wait for the right moment.
I haven't seen TMFU movie.....YET, but it's obviously on my to-do list.
A few thoughts on the current TV season. First of all, it's getting really difficult to get a handle on everything that's out there due to the ever-expanding universe of streamers getting in on original content. For instance, I'd like to see "Man in the High Castle" on Amazon and "Jessica Jones" on Netflix, JJ's new series on Hulu, etc...but I don't want to have to subscribe to EVERYTHING.
But, that's the streamers. As far as conventional TV is concerned, it hasn't been a very impressive new season, IMO. I've just started watching "Colony" from USA network. I gave "The Expanse" a few episodes to thrill me but I wasn't feeling it and now I'm 3 episodes behind and not likely to catch up.
"Limitless" is a show I was hoping would be good, what with Will Tippin, Orci/Kurtzman, Arvin Sloane and Nina Sharp. The point where I thought it might actually become a good show was the episode when Etta Bishop showed up. She's only been in one eppie so far, but I'm hoping she'll bring a much needed conspiracy angle to the show.
"Supergirl" has a certain charm to it, but I wanted something more, considering it's "Chuck" DNA. Maybe what I want just isn't available from any comic book character. And, frankly, I think it's time that TV moved on from superheros. I'm ready to move on and I'd like to see TV do the same. I'm glad to hear Joss Whedon is walking away from the Marvel movies. TV needs creative guys like him and JJ.
"The Blacklist" is still going strong. Did you catch "the moment", Uncle? Oh yeah, you know what I'm talking about if you saw it. I'm talking about TB having it's "So It Begins" moment when Red showed Lizzie the map of the Cabal's worldwide network, dashing any misconceptions she may have had about the Cabal being defeated. The only thing missing was the Red Cross van.
Sadly, it sounds like we're waiting till summer for what's left of POI.
On the comeback trail: "Gilmore Girls" is now officially revived at Netflix. "24" is coming back with a new cast including a black Jack, "The X-Files" is already here, "Longmire" has been rescued by Netflix. Is there no hope for "Alias" to come back in some form? Is that just too much to ask?
Page, I need to get caught up on your posts. I don't think I've been getting notices of postings, or else there haven't been any in a while. I noticed in your post above your TBL comment. YES I did spot that!
Did you see this about JG? I'm happy about it, but not surprised. http://www.charismanews.com/us/55822-jennifer-garner-miracles-from-heaven-inspired-me-to-go-back-to-church
Uncle, I don't think you've missed too many of my posts. This is only my 3rd of 2016.
Here's the usual "Alias reboot speculation video" from this year's Oscars. To sum up, for those with attention deficit disorder (in other words, all of us): not gonna happen.
Francie's sister named "Entertainment President" at ABC.
I've been streaming "The Night Manager" from BBC's website. Five eppies done, one to go. Very good spy show. Not sure when it airs on AMC. Talks are under way for S2. Hopefully they will find a way to return next year.
"The Americans" is back for S4, and will return for a 5th and possibly a 6th season, so life is good on that front.
Anna Torv coming to Netflix next year in "Mind Hunter", a series based on a book about an FBI profiler. Her character will be based on psychologist Ann Wolbert Burgess.
Are you ready for Sarah Shahi as Nancy Drew? I'm not sure about that one. Gimme some for seasons of POI anyday.
Unfortunately, POI is officially done after we burn off the remaining 13 episodes beginning on May 3rd. Thereafter, it will run twice a week (Mon.& Tues) until finished. That will mark the end of Bad Robot on broadcast TV, barring a miracle comeback.
Uncle, I think Jen should probably drag Ben off to church with her (but not the nanny). One thing I wish they would all do is stop airing their dirty laundry in the media.
Page,
Been busy with work, and my father-in-law died a couple of weeks ago. 4 children and their spouses are now having to cooperate and settle the estate. As if I didn't have enough to do already. But, that's life...and death. And he did leave us some nice things. But we'll miss him.
The end of POI is like the end of another era. It has been my favorite show, and I hate to see it end. You know, been there done that. I'll check out the other shows coming up. And yes Jen should drag Ben to church, but I think he'd put up quite a fight. I saw her on Dr. Oz's show recently and she sure seems like a nice average person hiding a fair amount of intelligence.
Uncle, I'm sorry to hear about your FIA. It's tough watching the senior members of the family getting old and losing the battle, ESPECIALLY when they're just one generation in front of us. Heck, I look in the mirror now and see it happening to me. Yikes.
I noticed that "Blindspot", a show that has already pulled a 'Page 47' earlier in the season, also dipped into the murky world of "Joey's Pizza" a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, Joey's Pizza didn't sell pizzas, if you catch my drift.
Page, I am behind on BS. I backed off from it because it just didn't really seem to be going anywhere. I'll try to remember where I was in it (something that is getting harder and harder to do:))and take a look.
Uncle, it's getting harder to get excited about network shows. I finally gave up on "Arrow" a few months ago. I just found myself staring at the screen wondering why I was watching. Couldn't come up with a good reason, so I jettisoned it.
Finished off "The Night Manager" which was excellent. Currently watching S3 of "Line of Duty" on the BBC2 website. Haven't got around to "Jessica Jones" or S2 of "Daredevil" yet, but they're on the list.
Just noticed my previous post. Obviously FIA should be FIL. I had 3 letters to type and still screwed it up.
BTW, this is happening. Why wasn't there an "Alias" spinoff announced half way through S3? Just thinking out loud here.
Good thing TV execs don't get to make ALL the decisions.
Whilst we wait in vain for an "Alias" reboot, at least Jason Bourne is back.
Nice little video of Jen telling us that Sydney Bristow is "the best" character she'll ever get to play, which has always been obvious to the rest of us. Nice to hear her speak of it so fondly.
Kevin Weisman recently guested on Melissa George's latest new show, "Heartbeat". I saw about 5 minutes of a later episode, and the word "crap" came to mind.
If we tune in to the big American networks, it looks like TV is a withering wasteland. Even the respectable shows ("The Blacklist", "Limitless", "Blindspot", etc...) fight like cats and dogs to remain 95% procedural, with a light dusting of serial elements to give us some kind of reason to come back. The rest is all tedious comic book franchise stuff.
However, TV is far from a wasteland. I've already soaked up a number of excellent shows this year. From the BBC alone, I've just finished the excellent "The Night Manager", the always riveting "Line of Duty" and next week I hope to finish off "Undercover". Mind you, the 3 series combined only amounted to 18 episodes.
Still, that's British TV. The good stuff on this side of the pond seems to reside safely behind the proverbial paywall. "The Americans", "The Walking Dead", "Homeland", "Daredevil" and shows of similar quality are only available to subscribers of various providers. Even Bad Robot, who made an indelible mark on network TV for a dozen years, will soon vanish from mainstream television (perhaps never to return?).
It's a sorry state of affairs for traditional TV. It seems a long time ago that we witnessed the birth of shows like "Chuck" and "Alias" and "Fringe" and "Lost" and POI and "Nikita", that we could watch (legally) without whipping out our credit cards.
Last episode of POI: May 5, 2015
Next episode of POI: 45 minutes
Page,
Thanks for the updates. I'm about 1/2 way through POI's first for the season. Pretty dark.
SpoilerTV poll: Who's your favourite "Alias" character?
Always nice to see some enthusiasm for "Alias"
Anna Torv tells me what I want to hear about her upcoming Aussie miniseries, "Secret City". Says she: "Secret City is inspired by the books. There was a big push to emphasis the thriller element from the books, which were a lot lighter in tone."
I had read reviews of the books that suggested a comedic tone. I'll gladly take thriller over comedy anytime.
Of course, I'm assuming I'll find somewhere to watch it.
Two 47's which won't stand long:
1) POI's Root (Amy Acker) has 47 acting credits on her IMDB page.
2) "The Americans", which, incidentally, is killing it again in S4 (none of this self-contained S4 stuff that ABC jammed down our throats with "Alias") just aired episode 47. Note to ABC: watch and learn.
EW has a detailed look at next season's network pilots.
A number of our faves are hoping to return to the small screen, albeit not in the roles (or even the types of roles) we'd like to see them in.
First off, the ladies of "Alias":
1) Francie teams up with Agent Carter for "Conviction about wrongful convictions.
2) Ana Espinoza plays the title character in "The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez". Wake me when this one's over.
3) Irina Derevko appears in "Spark", a 'genre-soap' set in an alternate history.
4) Will Tippin's Jenny plays Nancy in "Drew"
"Alias" veterans Jeff Pinkner, Andre Nemec, and Josh Applebaum are behind "Transylvania" Whaaaaattt???
"Alias" veteran Monica Owusu-Breen is writing for "Midnight, Texas"
-Nikita and Jack Bauer team up in "Designated Survivor".
-Etta Bishop stars in the yet to be named Mars Project
Agent Annie Walker joins "Notorious".
Annie Walker's spy-buddy Eyal will be in MAOS spinoff "Marvel's Most Wanted"
So, there it is. How many of these will make it past the pilot stage is anyone's guess. How many of these actors and writers will impact us the way they did in days gone by is also anyone's guess, but frankly, there's not much here to give me hope.
Nice work by PBS, snagging S1 of "The Tunnel", beginning June 19th.
Better than 99% of what's on the main networks, and it's FREE.
TV Line has published a lengthy article marking the 10th anniversary of the series finale of "Alias", which as everyone (aka Uncle and me) knows, will occur later this month.
Last episode of "Wallander": September 23, 2012
Next episode of "Wallander": 20 minutes
As usual I need to get caught up with Page's comments. But till I do I want to make this 47 sighting report. Car tags have been a big source of sightings of late. Besides the normal plates that have a 47 somewhere in the plate number I recently saw a vanity plate that read 4747. I just now watching Goldfinger and noticed the plate number on Bond's Astin Martin was 4711-EA-62.
The title of tomorrow night's episode of POI?????
"TRUTH BE TOLD".
It might have been more fitting if they had saved that title for the series finale. Since the end of POI will mark the end of Bad Robot on mainstream TV (at least for now), having TBT as the first and last episode titles of the Robot's 15 year reign would have been most appropriate, IMO.
More clippage from the upcoming "Jason Bourne".
NBC is going to bring us a "Taken" prequel. I'm not sure how this will work when no one is actually 'taken' yet, but surely worth checking out.
I've noticed a certain nostalgia for "Alias" making the rounds lately. Maybe it's just because of the 10th anniversary thing approaching. This article suggests 5 shows that are worthy of a reboot. I completely agree with 2 of them: "Alias" and "Veronica Mars".
Years ago, right here on LTA, I laid out the case that "Alias" and VM (along with BtVS) are essentially different takes on the same story.
This quote ("I do feel like I would like to do a physical role and I feel like I can still do it at this point in my life, and that cast is still like a family so it would be great to get the gang back on set.”) is attributed to Jen in this RECENT article, although I see know other source to back it up.
Yes JG, you should take on a 'physical role' before it's too late and, hey, if it just happens to be Sydney Bristow, I'm okay with that. That said, you've wasted 10 years already, so get after it already.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw starred in 13 episodes of JJ's crappy spy-show, "Undercovers" and now she's on board the Bad Robot sci-fi flick, "God Particle".
Jen starred in 105 episodes of JJ's awesome spy-show, "Alias", and has never worked with Bad Robot since.
#makebetterchoices
Did I mention Melissa George's new show, "Heartbeat" was crap (rhetorical question, cuz yes I did)?
Took NBC all of 8 episodes to plow this one under.
Trailer for Anna Torv's miniseries, "Secret City".
Teaser for Piper Perabo's "Notorious".
Teaser for "Designated Survivor", starring Kiefer and Maggie Q.
Teaser for Hayley Atwell (and Merrin Dungey's) "Conviction".
It's great seeing Piper back on TV, but as a "top TV producer". Seriously, just give me more "Covert Affairs" and I'm a happy camper.
Choppy waters today for "Alias" chicks.
1) Melissa George's new show lasted 8 eppies before being axed. That matched her 8 episode outing of 2015 ("The Slap").
2) Sarah Shahi's show, "Drew", dropped before 1st episode goes public. "Drew" lost out to a show, "Doubt", sporting a "transgender" actor...ess. All drinks are on GLAAD tonight. Not that the idea of a grown up Nancy Drew held a lot of appeal for me.
Will the "Alias" men, Ron Rifkin and Bradley Cooper fare any better? CBS isn't exactly stepping up to give "Limitless" unwavering support.
Is there light at the end of the comic book tunnel?
ABC, in addition to ditching "Agent Carter", has axed MAOS spinoff, "Marvel's Most Wanted" before it's first episode. Has ABC realized that we don't need ANY more comic book shows, that maybe it's time to get back to more interesting material?
I wanted to like "Agent Carter", cuz we're dying for a Sydney substitute. AC was "okay", but nothing more. MAOS has always been "okay", but nothing more, and certainly doesn't deserve a spinoff.
Netflix has proven that they can handle Marvel material, but network TV is spewing comic book pablum and the sooner it ends, IMO, the better.
NBC's "Timeless" might be worth checking out.
The networks are rolling out their "first look" trailers for next season.
1) "Designated Survivor" - featuring Jack Bauer and Nikita
2) "Conviction" - featuring Agent Carter and Francie
3) "Notorious" - featuring Agent Annie Walker
4) "Timelss"
5) "24:Legacy"
My first impressions?
"Designated Survivor" and "Timeless" look like the most likely to be interesting.
"Conviction" could work on a night when there isn't much else on.
"24:Legacy" looks like "24" with a different cast.
Sorry, Piper, but "Notorious" looks like rubbish.
Couldn't help but notice POI threw in a bonus "all the time in the world" last night, to go with last week's "Truth Be Told".
I was going to make a POI post about that too. I'll have to catch tonight's final episode tomorrow.
Uncle, still 8 episodes to go after tonight.
Page,
That's great to know. Somewhere along the way I thought I heard there were only going to be 5 episodes, which would have placed a big burden on episode 5 to wrap it up!
Thinking out loud about the passage of time and the end (or at least the interruption) of the Bad Robot era on network telly, which will occur in June when POI wraps up:
Tonight, Amy Acker was playing Root. Ten years ago tonight, she was playing the evil Peyton in "No Hard Feelings", aka "Alias" 5.15.
She (like Michael Emerson and Sarah Shahi), is about to polish off her 2nd Bad Robot show. She was a late comer to both "Alias" and POI but managed to be on board for the end of both. Prior to "Alias", she pulled off the same feat in "Angel". A great track record for being in the right place at the right time in 3 memorable shows.
I believe that Acker, Emerson and Shahi are the only 'significant' Bad Robot actors to appear in Bad Robot shows separated by more than 10 years.
Michael Emerson is already miles ahead of any other actor in terms of Bad Robot episodes under his belt. He will finish in June with a combined 181 episodes under the Bad Robot label (78 "Lost" and 103 POI). For the record, I would love to see Jen top that some day, but I will not be holding my breath.
Just checked out CBS's trailers for the fall season. Absolutely awful.
CBS = Can't Be Serious
CW's "Frequency" might be worth a look.
A mere 2 days before the 10th anniversary of "All The Time In The World", EW has an article featuring the reminiscences of Victor Garber and Jeff Pinkner about the end of "Alias"
Then there's this blast from the past, from the always excellent (yet no longer blogging?) Televisionary. This is from April 2006 and it's about why he quit watching "Alias". Hint (as if one is needed): It had to do with the unraveling we witnessed in Season Four.
While "tuning out" was never going to be an option for anyone at LTA, I think we all acutely felt his pain at the time.
He played one of the scariest characters on "Alias". Somehow, I didn't notice that Angus Scrim (aka "McCullough) died in January at the ripe old age of 89.
RIP McCullough. Thank you for scaring the crap out of me.
"Five Incredible Years" ended ten years ago tonight.
EW pays tribute to the Tenth Anniversary with a "Top 10 List" of crazy-ass "Alias" twists.
I seriously can't believe it's been 10 years!!!
Uncle, I can't believe it either.
I wonder if Girlscout remembers penning this tribute piece from May 22, 2006.
Another article marking the 10th anniversary of The End, although I take exception to this guy's assertion that no one remembers how Sydney's journey ended. Obviously, we ALL remember.
Never gonna happen, but I like that Jen is included in this list of potential James Bond successors.
When there's nothing left of the Bad Robot we used to know and love, what we end up is junk like the upcoming "Roadies".
I guess I'm getting old enough that I am more and more resistant to change, and tending to look back more and more. What am I going to do without POI, having already lost Alias, Human Target, and the long list of other fine series over the last 15+ years, and whatever else is next to expire?
Good question. CBS ditched "Limitless" (arguably the most Bad Robotish show out there right now due to the number of "Alias" and "Fringe" personel on board) after 1 season. They also ditched POI. And what did they clear their schedule for? Check out those pilot sneak peeks, they look like rubbish. A reboot of MacGyver (which looks awful, BTW).
The only potentially interesting offering they have is the new "Star Trek" installment (and I don't really need that) and, even then, after the pilot airs, they're shifting the show to CBS All Access.
TV is splintered. Hulu, cable, Netflix, Amazon. You have to be a detective to sniff out good shows. I have this nagging feeling that we're nowhere near the end of the DC/Marvel spinoff shows that litter mainstream TV these days. I'm tired of all that.
The last several fall seasons have produced very little for those of us craving the next "Alias", "Lost", "Fringe". The core Bad Robot team is scattered in the wind. JJ is renting out his name to (seemingly) all comers the way Spielberg does these days. No doubt lucrative, but not always satisfying to viewers.
Shows that show promise are on a very short lease and unlikely to survive unless ratings are through the roof. And, on that note, I am shocked that FOX has renewed "Sleepy Hollow" long after it ceased to be interesting.
At least "The Americans" is back for 2 more seasons before the curtain drops for good on one of the best shows around right now.
2001 to 2010 was the sweet spot for people like us. "Alias", "Lost", "Fringe", "Burn Notice", "Covert Affairs", "Person of Interest", "Human Target". Since then, network TV has lost a lot of ground to the streamers, who, in fairness, produce some compelling shows.
I preferred simpler choices, but I'm afraid It doesn't get any easier from here.
The final episode count for the 4 main Bad Robot offerings of the 21st Century will shake out like this:
"Lost": 117 over 6 seasons on ABC
"Alias": 105 over 5 seasons on ABC
POI: 103 over 5 seasons on CBS
"Fringe": 100 over 5 seasons on FOX
All original story ideas. No comic book adaptations, no superheroes. No shows designed to tie in with movie franchises. Just science-fictiony character drama of the highest order.
Sadly, I believe that it will be a long time before another Robot show crashes the 100 episode party.
POI: I see dead people.
Here's a great article on Buzzfeed that deals the sleazy way that CBS dispatched POI, thumbing its nose not only at fans, but at the creators of the show. No wonder the shows we love never get past 5 seasons. Meanwhile, the networks struggle mightily to find suitable replacements.
I haven't read the article yet, but I know I am going to have to watch the final episode again to make sure I understand the end and where that leaves us.
Uncle, I notice that from now on it's only 1 eppie per week beginning next Tuesday. I kinda liked watching those multiple episodes per week.
Pretty good recap of last night's POI from TV Guide (they're still around?).
Well, at least she still has some atheltic abiities. (I actually find this movie entertaining.)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_dideF5qvk
If you're going to do comedy, you might as well do comedy with Steve Carell. I laughed till I cried a couple of times watching his version of Maxwell Smart.
I need to watch his Get Smart again. It was very funny.
While we just marked the 10th anniversary of the demise of "Alias", it's very close to the 8th anniversary of the debut of "Fringe". It may be obvious by tonight's avatar that I've been watching the "Fringe" pilot again.
One of the first questions posed in "Fringe" (by the dying John Scott) is one that was never addressed again, let alone answered: Why did Broyles send Olivia to the storage facility?
"The Last Ship" returns on Sunday night. An interview with Adam Baldwin about S3.
Of course, I'd still prefer to see him as John Casey in S7 of "Chuck", but what can ya do?
"Alias" meets "Burn Notice"?
Yeah, not really, but Jeffrey Donovan has a new show, "Shut Eye", coming in August, which co-stars Isabella Rosselini.
RIP POI!
Some closing thoughts from Nolan and Plageman as POI fades to black.
For the first time since LTA's humble beginnings, Bad Robot will leave the playground of broadcast TV and seek the creative freedom found only on cable and streaming platforms. And, while there's no doubt that the most compelling programming today is to be found hiding behind a paywall near you, I'll be disappointed if we never see another great Bad Robot show the likes of "Alias", "Lost", "Fringe", or POI on one of the mainstream networks.
Apparently, Nolan and Plageman are not getting much rest this week. Here's another interview covering the finale and the series a a whole. This one actually speculates about a spinoff with Shaw. I doubt that it will ever see the light of day, but Sarah Shahi's Nancy Drew show won't be happening, so she might be interested in the steady paycheque.
And here's an actual (completely spoilery) review of the finale (with autoplay video so you've been warned). Dude rated it a perfect "10". I think he liked it.
It's SAD to see POI end. Why do we have to keep experiencing this kind of thing??? At least they weren't ALL killed off. Very slight consolation that; and that Samaritan was killed.
Yeah, they weren't ALL killed off, but the body count was high in the last 3 or 4 episodes. Althoughhhhhhhhhh, Reese kind of did a Jack Bristow 'implied' death. Heck, we saw Vaughn survive worse than that.
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