Remember When...

The current Tron: Legacy movie has hit the theaters and found success in the science fiction world. Here is the original trailer for the 1982 film, Tron.

Second Chances

As most of you already know, Christopher Nolan has announced that Anne Hathaway is going to be playing Selina Kyle/Catwoman in the upcoming Batman movie. In adition to a new and improved Catwoman, Wonder Woman is being considered as a new television show.

While Selina Kyle has been done in the past, she has not been looked at twice since Halle Berry portrayed her. Unfortunately, not only did they change her name to Patience, they re-worked the entire universe to have amlost no relation to Batman.

While it can be argued Hathaway might be a little too nice to play Catwoman, I'm still excited to see her in action. Nolan has a tendency to bring out the best in actors. Besides, it is about time we get a decent Selina Kyle since Michelle Pfeiffer.

As for Wonder Woman, the pilot has been written, and the McG has been chosen to direct it. All that is left is the actress to portray Wonder Woman.

NBC, who owns Syfy, has done some nice jobs in the past in reworking old shows, such as Battlestar Galactica. True others have not been so brilliant, such as the miniseries Bionic Woman, but there seems to be potential with this version of Wonder Woman.

The Death Of A Show

Last night my friends and I stayed up to watch all the episodes of Firefly, followed by Serenity. As we watched, we debated over why the television show failed, and what Joss Whedon was thinking when he created the infamous show.

The television breakdown:

Serenity:

The pilot was a great way to leap into the story of Firefly, setting the stage for the western drama in space. However, even we had to agree with Fox's Rupert Murdoch that it was just too long. Whedon has had far shorter and far better pilot episodes that explained just as much. It was almost as if he was trying to cram so much information of the universe into one episode. If he took his time, he probably would not have been forced into the problems he was in.

The Train Job:

After the long and slow start, Fox requested a more action-packed episode, in answer came The Train Job. To be honest, I have yet to meet a Browncoat who can even sit through this episode more than once. In fact, we tossed it to the side after the first couple of minutes. Lots of things blowing up, Jayne with his guns, and then Mal's conscience getting the better of him, seemed to be something Whedon attempted to throw together to please Fox.

To make matters worse, when the show first aired in 2002, Fox started at The Train Job and continued from there. No one had any idea what was happening.

Bushwacked:

First time we see a human become a Reaver. Well hello there classic Whedon witty dialogue and humor with the sci-fi realems, we've missed you. Thank you for joining us so late into the start of the television series.

Shindig:

Every Browncoat's favorite Kaylee episode. It showed Mal had a heart for his crew and Inara. It also furthered the class differences between the elite companions, and the low-class war veterans and smugglers.

Safe:


Dear Whedon, why do you like to accuse your main characters as witches in at least one episode and have them burned on at the stake?

It was nice to see the little Tam siblings and the struggle of River and Simon's reunion. Zac Efron as Simon Tam was interesting.

This is also where the phrase "Big Damn Heroes" comes from.

Our Mrs. Reynolds:

As much as any sci-fi person loves Christina Hendrick's work and special appearances, we were personally not the biggest fan of her as Saffron in this episode. It added a new type of con man (er...woman) that could rival Mal like Irene could rival Sherlock Holmes, however, Whedon and the writers didn't seem to get a handle of her character until Trash.

Jaynestown:

"The Hero of Canton...the man they call Jayne!"

Catchy song, good lead up, bad ending. Also, as I would not suggest making Butterbeer at home...do not attempt Mudder's Milk.

Out Of Gas:

It seemed almost as if they were trying desperately to keep what little audience they had and offer them some back story with this episode. They held on to the classic idea of "the captain goes down with his ship" to the point where they almost killed off the Captain. Though, we all know from Buffy, Whedon is not opposed to killing off his biggest character.

Ariel:

"Two by Two, hands of blue."

Almost everything is revealed about River here for the aware viewer. The aliance, and her abilities are hinted at. Another great River and Simon history episode. Also Jayne betrays Mal...again.

War Stories:

In an attempt to make The Train Job not so wasted, let's bring back the Russian mafia man to torture Wash and Mal. Did I also mention Wash is upset with Zoe because she doesn't "obey" him? Dropped the ball with this one, my friend.

Trash:

Saffron is back and has a new husband she is trying to con. Her character is well-rounded and the thief vs. thief game in the episode is entertaining. We also get to see Nathon Fillion's tattoo.

The Message:

Trash was the last episode Fox ever aired on television. The last three were lost until Syfy decided to try playing the show in order. Whedon and company knew they were finished and wrote The Message to reflect this.

A war veteran's body is sent to Mal and Zoe, only to find that he is not dead. The tale of the tragic man finding a way to survive after the lost war, to the point where he does die. The sad music, and the cold, snow planet with Mal and Zoe carrying the coffin, were all to say goodbye to the show that never had a chance.

Heart of Gold:

The whorehouse. The only other episode not too many Browncoats like. It is also the episode Inara cannot wait for Mal's proclaim of love any longer. She leaves Serenity to establish her own training house for companions.

Objects In Space:

The segway into the film. The first bounty hunter we see, Jubal Early, tries to steal River from the crew. The crew is already having a difficult time controlling her, and saddened by this she considers going with Early. Luckily, she is smart and manages to create a plan to get rid of the hunter.

It is the first time we hear River is a psychic.

The film: Serenity

After Syfy aired the television shows in order, the fanbase suddenly skyrocketed, offering Whedon the chance to finish the story with a film.

There are the River Tam sessions and the comics that continue to try to bridge the gap between the show and the movie. Anything to complete the story and give the new fans what they wanted. But it was never enough.

Whedon pulled what he could together to fill in and reveal all behind the alliance and the secrets that "burned up River Tam's brain." And in his classic way, he kills off at least two characters everyone adores.

Sales soared after it was released to DVD. There has been talk of another film, but it would be difficult without the characters he killed, and all the realizations the characters went through in the movie. Although he played with the idea of it being River's dream, it seems Whedon plans to leave the mess that was Firefly/Serenity the way it is.

The show was doomed from the start. After Buffy, Fox was too eager to get another show out of Whedon. Issues rose when neither entered the filming stage with the same interpretations of how the show was to play out. A mistake made again with the creation of Dollhouse. Whedon lost almost everything after both Firefly, and then Dollhouse, failed. Now, as he gets ready to film Avengers, he tries to save what he can to make a comeback worth remembering.

Science Fiction and Fantasy at the Oscars

In years past science fiction and fantasy have been represented more than it has this year, even if it was just for the technical aspect. Sometimes the genre was not represented in the best way, such as last year's nominated "Avatar." Many of the leading science fiction writers always said, "Avatar wins, Sci-fi loses." Lucky for us, it lost best picture.

Despite that film no science fiction person aknowledges, the genre had been gaining respect in more professional circles. More and more science fiction and fantasy films are being made each year, not to mention the many comic book movies created recently. 2011 is looking at roughly seven comic turned film movies alone.

Unfortunately, this year only one science fiction film is nominated: "Inception." Fantasy was represented even less, only seen in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1."

Inception was indeed the best science fiction move of 2010, and I am more than happy to see it nominated. The idea was unique and flawless throughout the course of the film. The cast was perfect for their roles, and with Christopher Nolan to lead them, there was no surprise the film was praised everywhere.

Sure there were the usual chessy science fiction films such as "Resident Evil: Afterlife." Or possibly even "Repo Men," who, let's face it, stole the idea from "Repo! The Genetic Rock Opera." But there were a couple hidden gems last year as well.

"Tron: Legacy" was visually beautiful and offered a longer, more complex story than its 1982 counterpart had. By no means should it have been held to the same standard as "Inception" in the best film category, but it should have at least been recognized for its visual effects.

"The Book of Eli" was one of the best distopian style films to have been made in the past decade of science fiction history. Especially when we are constantly bombarded with those such as "2012."

Still, at least the genre is being represented this year at the Oscars. Perhaps we should not truly worry until there are no science fiction or fantasy films to be seen.

Friday Links

1. QMX online is a great source for lovely things from Firefly, SGU, Doctor Who, Battlestar Galactica, and more: http://www.qmxonline.com/

The link to this BSG propaganda poster specific gallery is: http://tinyurl.com/67qbodp


The link to Firefly's Blue Sun corporation propaganda poster gallery is: http://tinyurl.com/6kh9z37


2. Geek With Curves blogger, Amy Ratcliffe, put together a great post on Nathon Fillion's love for Han Solo resulting in the carbonite "Empire Strikes Back" Han Solo being placed on set and hidden in the background of some pivotal episode scenes: http://tinyurl.com/4zr5def


3. Neil Gaiman's "How To Talk To Girls At Parties," read by Neil Gaiman, is free on his website to download. It's a great story, and it is being turned into a short film: http://tinyurl.com/33n8uks

A hop and a skip across the pond.

It goes without saying that England has some of the best science fiction and fantasy creators and support at their disposal. Neil Gaiman and Diana Wynne Jones both came from England. Two of the most renowned science fiction magazines are based out of England. And, of course, who can forget "Doctor Who?" That fantastic show about a Time Lord, a companion, and a Police Call Box on the air since the 1960s. Therefore, it should come to no surprise when America's Syfy decides to pick up a show from England and recreate it for audiences here.

Yet as always, I am surprised and I find myself a tad nervous during the days leading up to the premiere.

The current science-fiction, with some horror, Syfy chose to recreate is: "Being Human." The famed British show was originally not supposed to be of the science fiction/horror genre. It was just three housemates: one agoraphobic, one with anger issues, and one with addiction problems. However, as creator Toby Whithouse developed the idea further, he found the characters becoming a ghost, a werewolf, and a vampire. In the two seasons, and third on the way, BBC has had, allowed the show to analyze aspects of life, death, and the things that can get in the way.

The three characters have a chemistry only a committed show can offer. They each have their own lives, and the mythology and tough times they encounter make the story a universe, allowing the viewer to become completely drawn in.

Syfy has been forced to deal with the recent cancellation of the "Battlestar Galactica" spinoff "Caprica," rejected a proposed show by Buffy's James Marsters, and yet still hang on to their many "Ghost Hunter" shows and "Sharkoctopus." "Being Human" has potential for them, but with the bar set high already, it's difficult for Syfy to even be compared.

The first episode aired this past Monday, and although it had its good sides, there were areas that seem to be a little rocky for the new show. Josh (Syfy's George) constantly argued with Sally (Annie) as to why she just doesn't leave the house. Aiden (named after the actor who played Mitchell in BBC's version) has special vampire powers that are reminiscent of "Twilight." With Mark Pellegrino (Lucifer on "Supernatural", and Jacob on "Lost") cast as Bishop (Herrick), there does seem to be potential for the main antagonist in the season. However, the cause established seems to be building a bit slower than in its British counterpart. Not to mention, Josh runs into his sister?

Call it purist if you will. However, I am willing to give Syfy's version of "Being Human" the benefit of the doubt, and continue watching to see how it decides to progress. Both shows decided to take a different route in establishing the relationship between the trio, and both are going about the main conflict in different, and very similar, beginnings. Yet, the show is not without its potential. It may provide the channel with a substantial story and fanbase.

Syfy's "Being Human" is on Mondays at 9pm

A Slayer's Birthday

Happy 30th Birthday, Buffy Summers.


It almost doesn't feel like fourteen years have come and gone since Joss Whedon's hit television show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer first hit the air. Praised as number six on the list of the greatest Science-fiction and Fantasy television shows by Total Sci-fi (http://tinyurl.com/26u9uvy ) Buffy's influence can still be felt today. It even, to many fan's dismay, will be made into a new feature film to come out to theaters next year. Unfortunately without Joss Whedon.

Whedon had stated from the very beginning that every monster Buffy and her friends face, is a metaphor relating back to the very real things teenagers have to face in life. But of course it isn't always tough and depressing. The show's witty dialogue and willingness to go to great lengths and explore themes most television shows shy away from these days, is what makes Buffy so special and still in everyone's minds today.

Sure past birthdays for Buffy have been difficult. Who can forget her long-time boyfriend, Angel, turning evil or her slayer powers being taken away to test her inner strength? But this year, Dark Horse Comics is turning Buffy's 30th into something good.



Since the show's ending at season 7, due to Sarah Michelle Geller's choice of moving on and coming to a full circle with her titular character, Dark Horse has picked up the show in comic form. The comic series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, has Buffy and Xander in charge, based out of a citadel in Scotland. Today, Dark Horse is releasing Season 8 of Buffy on Blue Ray and DvD for all to enjoy.

"So, our endless season ends. We've laughed, we've cried, we've thrown up a little in our mouths, but most of all we've learned," writes Whedon in a letter to the fans.

Although the four-year season is coming to a close. Whedon is not letting up on his beloved character, planning to move forward with a ninth season.

"Every season Buffy had a different intent, and a different set of challenges, from which to build," Whedon writes, "...Some adjustment had to be made along the way, particularly when I completely changed my plan for Season 9...no matter how interesting the world stage or mystical dimensions can be, Buffy's best when she's walking that alley, dusting vamps, and nursing a pouty heart. We're not going back to square one, but our square will definitely have a oneishness to it."


Read Joss Whedon's full letter: http://tinyurl.com/4c8j36c