What's On Now!

I really didn't extrapolate that much on my April 7th blog, so I thought that I would provide you with a bit more information.

• Season 2 of "Game of Thrones".  Do I really need to explain this one?
• "Big Bang Theory" Reruns.  This is primarily Jamie's doing.  He is trying to catch up on a series that I have enjoyed for years.   By the way, how many of you try to spot cool items in the apartment or comic book store?
• "Young Justice".  When this first started, it didn't grab my attention, but with the "Green Lantern: Animated Series" lead in, I'm starting to watch some of the new episodes.   Another question:  Have you seen the trailers for the new Batman animated series?

A host of new summer seasons are about to start, and I can't wait to "sink my teeth" into some of those.  

Yes, it's a vampire reference, and I'm not really that keen on vampires.   However, I did get to use the word "keen."

H2: Ancient Aliens

It is another season of Ancient Aliens on the History Channel. 

Actually, it is on H2, but I digress.

It is another season of Ancient Aliens on the History Channel, and we have started off with a bang.  Nazi and Cult connections, OH MY! 

Jamie views the series as History Channel's attempt to find another use for all of their videos and pictures.  Same documentary, but with ALIENS!

I corrected him, "Aliens and Giorgio!"

The show would be nothing without Giorgio and the height of his hair.   At first, I was a tad bit worried that he was gone, as I did not see him in the Nazi Aliens episode.   But alas, he was there next week for the Aztec Indians. 
  
"Ancient Aliens and Giorgio.  Only on H2!"

All Hail, Diet Mountain Dew Supernova!

The almighty, all-knowing, all-powerful gods of Mountain Dew have deemed the earth worthy and given back to us the sweet nectar of Diet Mountain Dew Supernova.  Praise your infinite wisdom and kindness.   Your generosity will be sung in the songs of legends!

Alas, I am not certain that I am as noble or sharing an individual as Mountain Dew.  As I saw the nectar, I then bought every last bottle for myself. 

But, I did not stop there.

I then quickly grabbed a cart and emptied all of the 12 packs off of the shelves.  I hoarded them all for myself!  (Less the gods of Mountain Dew deem to take the nectar away again.)  

Or is it a quest?!  Am I meant to drive to every store in my surrounding area and buy what little is shared.  The last time that Supernova was given to us, it was taken away.  When I last saw it slowly dwindling away,  I quickly bought every last drop for myself.   Should I not do it again? 

Mayhap, I should watch the new series "Doomsday Preppers" and learn something from them.  For if the world were to come to an end, this sweet ever so pleasant nectar, Diet Mountain Dew Supernova, would be worth millions!

Oh my precious.  My sweet, sweet precious.  I will share you with no one.

What I'm Watching This Month

Plenty of new geek shows to wrap your mind around, but in my opinion, not all of them are worth the trouble.  Here are a few:

• The Fades, on BBC, actually got off to a good start.  Slightly different take on the horror aspect and actually went with ghosts who eat people and become zombish.  Giving it a chance
• Lost Girl, on Syfy - I've only seen the first episode.  The ads for the other shows have turned me off.  I will probably force myself through another episode or two.  DVR a few more trys.
• Being Human - Syfy American Version - is actually picking up some speed.   The more they move away from the BBC version, the more I am enjoying it.
• Game of Thrones - HBO - Isn't on right now.  I just wanted to mention that I miss it.
• Grimm - My brother is watching it.  I've given it a few tries.  May try to DVR it again.  Same holds true for Once Upon a Time.
• Face Off - on Syfy - isn't anything spectacular, but I'm watching it.  Amazing work.
• Top Chef: Texas, on Bravo, is another round of fairly decent chefs; however, being originally from Texas, I am enjoying this one.  Usually have to catch this on one a rerun, I am usually watching Middle as a buildup to Modern Family.

I know that there are a few others, but it is a tad early for me to try to think of all of them.  Recommendations are highlighted.

Why Is Seth McFarlane Doing The Flintstones?

Why is Fox using Seth McFarlane for The Flintstones relaunch?

Maybe it makes sense. He has launched three successful animated prime time series for Fox.

The Flintstones was originally the 60s predecessor of such shows as The Simpsons and Family Guy. It was an animated series that was allowed to comment on the current state of home and family life.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Via Spinoff at CBR

Zimm's 2 Cents on Dr. Who - Season 5

I was finally able to catch up on the newest rendition of Dr. Who, and I have to thank Time Warner. I really like the 'on demand' feature. I was able to watch all 5 back episodes in one day - with EXTREMELLY limited advertisements. A new feature that I don't have back home.

But I digress.

I have to admit, I loved David Tennant's take on the character. He brought certain personalities, traits, and characteristics that made him one of the best Dr. Who's of all time.

Yet - when a show makes a drastic change, I give it a chance. Or at least, I try to. In this case, it was worth it. The new actor is no David Tennant, but I don't want him to be. I want something different. Yes, he does carry-on certain characteristics, but at the same time, he is still developing his own.

In one of the first episodes, he failed to stop the Daleks from escaping into the future, but he saved the human race. He could have stopped them, but he chose the human race.

And then there were "Vampires in Venice". The name alone is worth saying a couple of times.

After a day of non-stop catch-up, I like the new Dr. Who. I could have watched several more episodes, which is always a good sign. Had I not liked it, I would not have made it through the first 5 episodes in one day.

Zimm's recommendation: Watch the series, and if you haven't seen the old series, then you need to catch up.

By the way, a news special named the top 10 characters of all-time. Can you guess who was number 3? (Clue: It wasn't Dr. Who, but it was one of my ALL-TIME favorites.)

BBC: Survivors

I really can't say much about this series. I neither hate it nor love it. The only thing that really captivates me is the concept.

Since I was about 12, I have always planned and prepared for an emergency. Something that very few people have realized over the years. In high school, I carried an emergency can opener on my key chain. In college, I had my "Batman" emergency tool belt. (It included everything from a water filtration straw to a hammock.) Today, I have a 72-Hour emergency kit.

So while the BBC: Survivors series interests me, I really haven't connected with any of the characters.

While there a couple of underlining plots, the ones that I have been forced to endure include:

• The corporation that created the virus.
• The convict who is part of the "Family" and hasn't told anyone. Yet.
• The mother trying to find her son - who may or may not be dead. Yawn.
  

Positive: Villain is a mighty corporation, which supports some of my theories.

Negative: Characters. I can't latch onto any of them. Tom Price, the convict, is about the only interesting one, as you are constantly waiting for him to "show his colors".

Overall: It is scheduled on the DVR, so I will be watching it.

Ghost Hunters -- 100th Episode

I have to begin with a disclaimer.

By 8:30, I had begun reading League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and by 9:20, I was asleep.


The sleep had nothing to do with the graphic novel. The 100th episode of Ghost Hunters, on the other hand, probably led to the headache which prompted me to escape into oblivion.
Watching the first ten minutes was painful—perhaps even more so than watching Steve in high school trying to impress the head cheerleader (after she had turned him down for prom because “she was baking cookies”).

The notion of interviewing the cast and asking them softball questions is standard, overused fair. Every sitcom in the last 25 years has celebrated its success with a similar panel discussion. The problem with the premise is we don’t like the celebrities we like the characters. (Of course, they are oblivious to this-they think we love them for who they are—actors hiding behind the masks of interesting people.) This was awkwardly different. These are characters who are celebrities.

At first it seems, fresh, new, and engaging. We like these guys. These geeks. But the problem is we have liked and listened to them for 90 odd episodes. They are fun to hang with in the hunt. Sitting around a steamer trunk, their conversation falters. "What three things would you take to Alcatraz?” “A cat, a DVD, and a hamburger.” Uh, yeah.


We don’t want to sit down and chat with them—anymore than we want to take our Halo clan to work with us. Ever have to bring a conversation around after one of your Live buds has just finished explaining his last online battle? It’s painful. Your heart had to go out to Josh. But at least he was honest. SyFy foots his travel bill.

Yes, it was embarrassing. It is always painful to watch a friend make the stab at being a part of the inner circle. (Can't Buy Me Love, guys, is just a feel good movie. It is fiction.) I couldn’t take it. I was not there for them. I turned off the light, curled up, and listened as my wife channel surf to the Oxygen channel. She was smug; I could tell by the way she clicked the changer.

Bayard Sartoris

Heroes

Is anyone still watching Heroes? Monday's episode was the first I've watched in weeks. Sadly little progress has been made in the storylines.

The Sylar/Matt Parkman situation was, for me, the most interesting part of the whole episode.

I did like how they tied back to season 1 by Sylar taking Matt back to Midland, TX, to the diner where Charlie worked.

Otherwise, it wasn't really very interesting.

One thing I don't understand is why they keep tweaking the various characters' powers, especially Peter Petrelli. It doesn't add anything of interest to the story for me.

Anyone with a different opinion?

What Am I Watching On TV These Days?

The short answer is, not much.

The longer, better answer is:

Grown up TV:

1. House – He’s back and brought his A game. This may be the best season ever. House is off his Vicodin and realizes that life has a purpose. And did I mention he’s not in charge of the team? It’s making for very interesting television. (Fox)
2. Stargate Universe – This one’s not as great. I’m drudging through the first three hours. My wife was complaining that they took out the funny. She doesn’t even like Stargate and she can see what’s wrong with the show. Also, it’s too much like Star Trek Voyager. More on this later. (Syfy)
3. Heroes – Watching is a strong word. It’s on because the DVR is recording Heroes and House at the same time and I don’t like watching House while the kids are up. (NBC)

Cartoons:

1. Batman: The Brave and the Bold: it’s good. It’s Batman that is not dumbed down for kids, but even my 2 year old can appreciate the stories. (CN)
2. Ben 10 Alien Force – When there’s absolutely nothing else on. I loved the original series, but the relaunch has left me (and my kids) more than a little cold. I am, however, looking forward to the new live action movie coming out in November (and on DVD in December), Ben 10 Alien Swarm. (CN)

What am I not watching that I should be watching?:

1. Lie To Me – The problem for me is the House formula only works with House so far. (Fox)
2. Dexter – Just haven’t gotten to it yet. I can’t keep up with when they’re playing new episodes and when reruns are on. Yes, I need to watch it on the On Demand. (SHO)
3. Marvel Super Hero Squad – Zimm keeps telling me how good this series is. I just have to find what time it’s on and set the DVR to record it. (CN)
4. Big Bang Theory - This is another show Zimm keeps suggesting I should watch. Lot's of geek references. (I forgot this one and added it later. 10/15/09 12:03 am) (Fox?)
   

What am I looking forward to later:

1. Lost – It’s season six. The final season. This is the one where we find out if they really did know what they were doing to just screwing with us all along. (ABC)
2. 24 – I can’t believe this show is still on for an eighth season. I like it a lot. It’s not great television, but it’s decent and they pack a lot into a season. Some seasons are better than others for sure. Season seven was much better than season six. I know it’s supposed to be 24 hours, but for me, I tend to think of each season as three days to two weeks of real time. (Fox)
3. The Mentalist – I’ve only seen a few episodes of the first season, but I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen. It’s a bit too CBS for me, but still enjoyable. (CBS)

That’s a pretty sad list, especially when you consider what I pay for cable each month. I’m frequently a TV addict. Lately the addiction has been curbed, between fighting with my kids and wife for control of the TVs, transporting the kids to activities, being busy with work, and various other time wasting activities. I guess it helps that there isn’t that much good TV at the moment.

Am I missing anything? Let me know what TV you recommend in the comments. Or if you have comments about what I’m watching, that’s OK too.

The Super Hero Squad Show TV Clip - Show Intro

IGN Video: The Super Hero Squad Show TV Clip - Show Intro



I have DVR'd the first 3 episodes of the show and am going to definitely find some time to watch the series. It looks to be fun and an easy way to connect younger kids to the Marvel Universe. Something that I will definitely be pushing off, with corresponding toys. Hmmm....do I hear cross-sell?

Not everything could be about cross-sell, up-sell or marketing? No, not everything. Somethings are just meant to be fun. Like the Super Hero Squad. Hmmmmm.....I don't remember if I have the Falcon.

Everything I Needed to Know About Life, I learned from He-Man

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Season 1 is now playing on hulu.com.

This is pretty cool! Back in the days before Cartoon Network, back in the days before I had access to cable at all, we only had one weekday afternoon cartoon to watch. For years it was Scooby Doo in one flavor or another, until He-Man premiered.

He-Man, Battlecat, Man-At-Arms, Skeletor, Teela, Orko and the whole crew kept us company from 3:00 until 3:30 every afternoon for three years. And of course there was the obligatory life lesson at the end of each episode.

I'm going to have to set things up so I can watch this with my kids.

Zimm's Two Cents: He-Man? Really? Reeeaallly? I never got into He-Man.

Nicktoon's Fantastic Four

October 2009. I'm there....are you?

Serenity Little Damn Heroes Mal Animated Maquette

Produced By Quantum Mechanix
Size 4 1/2" tall
Type Statue
Edition Size 1,000
Release Date January 2009 (Available Now)
Price $54.95 ($49.95 here)

Robert's Two Cents
I like this one. It's not really my type of collectible, but it's smart. It really represents the character of Mal from the show Firefly/film Serenity. He's here. He's smirking and his gun is drawn ready to deal with whatever comes or make a swift retreat.

Points in Favor

• Size. At 4 1/2" I can keep it on my desk without having to worry about rearranging it or keep it on a shelf with another statue.
  
• Price. It's probably a little expensive for the size, but it's still affordable. Also, the print run of 1,000 isn't too bad. At least you know there are a limited number available.
  
• It will probably be available at a discount shortly. Let's face it I'm a Firefly/Serenity fan, but there just aren't that many of us. We're just raving fanatics.
  

Points Against

• Size. It's small. For someone who wants a showcase piece, this ain't it.
  
• He looks a little too happy. Mal's not Mal if he's not miserable.
  

Recommendation: Buy If you liked the show or the film, this is a nice piece of memorabilia and it won't break your pocket book or take up half the house. You probably wouldn't need to move it if you replace all of the flooring in your house. You might if you paint the inside of your house.

Sci Fi is dead. Long Live SyFy!

What? According to the New York Times, the Sci Fi Channel is changing their name to SyFy with the new tagline "Imagine Greater".

I guess, first, the good news. Sci Fi isn't going to do like the Cartoon Network and MTV and change their brand and keep their branding. I mean Cartoon Network now plays live action movies on Saturday night and MTV doesn't play music videos any more.

The bad news. Sci Fi is changing their overall brand to encompass even more than Sci Fi has in the past. Part of the rebranding has to do with trademarking. They can't trademark the term Sci Fi, but they can Syfy. Actually, I dont' think they're going to change what the channel has been doing over recent years. They're just finally being more upfront about it. They're also trying to move away from the "stigma" that the Sci Fi genre carries with it. Personally, the science fiction part of the channel was the best part they had. I dislike Ghost Hunters and most of the non genre shows/movies they release. YMMV.

I miss the old Sci Fi channel as it is. I mean where else could you go to see all of those old bad (and some good) science fiction shows and movies from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. I was there when Sci Fi was born. I watched the original Star Wars Trilogy on Thanksgiving 1992. Sigh!

Sci Fi is dead! Long live SyFy!

The new brand image begins on air and online July 7, featuring the premiere of the new scripted drama, Warehouse 13, and the return of Eureka.

For more info, click here.

Land of the Lost: The Movie

The classic Sid & Marty Krofft TV show from the 70s has been remade into a full length feature film starring Will Farrell due to be released June 9, 2009. When I first heard about this film being made, my reaction, was "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!", then I heard Will Farrell was attached, so then my reaction became "NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!".

Now, for those who don't know me, I'm not a Will Farrell fan. I'm actually an anti-Will Farrell fan. If it comes down to watching a Will Farrell movie or watching the Lifetime channel, I'll usually choose Lifetime. The only truly good, funny thing he ever did (in my opinion) was that short YouTube video with the 2 year old yelling and cussing at him (and I only watched that because Robin Meade said I should). So, I'm going to qualify my opinion of this.

The Land of the Lost was a TV series (for more info click here)by those crazy Kroffts. It was about a family who got lost and ended up in a hollow Earth land where stop motion dinosaurs still roamed the Earth and there were reptilian humanoids called Sleestaks and all kinds of 70s drug induced strangeness.

To make a long story shorter, this was a series that I have great fondness for, even though I barely remember it. I mostly watched it in reruns in the later 70s and early 80s. So with so many programs I remember from the early part of my life, whenever they've announced a movie/new series was being made, it turned out to be horrible (Brady Bunch, Dukes of Hazzard, Wild, Wild West, Knight Rider, Bionic Woman, etc.). Please, don't misunderestimate my meaning here, the show wasn't good. Most of the shows I love from my childhood weren't. They just create these movies hoping that we'll go see them out of nostalgia. Hollywood is just playing with our emotions (although, I am looking forward to the GI Joe movie).

A big part of the show were the cheesy special effects and even cheesier Sleestak costumes and plotlines. Also, while the show was funny, it wasn't exactly comedic. I just can't imagine a Land of the Lost film starring Will Farrell, and I don't want to. It was what it was, a Sid and Marty Krofft production.

Recommendation: I normally don't like making these calls without seeing a film, but I'm going to make an exception. If a friend suggest going to see this, unless he/she is HOT and you have half a chance of it leading somewhere, run away as fast as you can.

Battlestar Galactica Prop Auction

Speaking of props and replicas:

The SciFi Channel is auctioning of pieces of the Battlestar Galactica series, and for any of you true fans of the series, you may want to chime in and pick-up a few of these. Beginning with the Jan. 23, each remaining Battlestar Galactica show will include a weekly eBay auction featuring props from that episode.

This past week's auction was "Planet Earth", so you may want to check out what they are offering at the end of each episode.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Album

For a limited time the album, Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More With Feeling, is available for $5.00 from AmazonMP3.com.

See the link below:

Star Trek Barbie Dolls

Ummm.... yeah.

First let me say, this isn't the first time Star Trek Barbie Dolls have been release. Back in 1996, Mattel release a Ken and Barbie Star Trek gift set (seen here). And being more of a Star Wars fan than a Star Trek fan, I had already forgotten they were released.

I'm curious who Mattel is targeting with these? Clearly collectors, but which collectors? They are ostensibly appropriate for children 6 and up. And before you get up in arms about it, yes, I realize some Barbie collectors are trekkers (or is it back to trekkies?). But personally, I've only known one that would admit it. I'm pretty certain my daughter, who does like dolls and sci fi (smart for almost 5 isn't she?) might like them, but she doesn't have $43.19 to spend on a single Barbie doll. It looks like they're primarily targeting Wal-mart, walmart.com, and barbiecollector.com retailers for distribution, which again makes me question the price point. I guess, personally, I see Star Trek collectors possibly buying these, but not too many other people.

Release Date: April 20, 2009
Price: $43.19
Type: Barbie Dolls

Robert's Two Cents:

Points in Favor:

• Look pretty decent.
• Likenesses look pretty good for the cheap plastics used to make Barbie dolls.
• Costumes are well made.
  

Points Against:

• Price, I don't know about you, but I'm saving my Star Trek merchandise money for the Captain's chair (kidding).
  
• They're Star Trek Barbie dolls.
  

Recommendation: Pass, go buy the Huntress Ame Comi (Zimm, what has your niece said about her shoes) instead here. Maybe I'll get these for Zimm for Christ..don't throw that statue, Zimm.

Doctor Who: 11th Doctor Named

Or is it technically 12th? Isn't David Tennant technically both the 10th and 11th Doctors? But I digress..

Anyway, the new Doctor has been named and as expect...wait, who is this? Matt Smith? Hmm....

Interesting looking chap. At 26, Smith is the youngest to ever play the Doctor. Filming to begin this summer and airing to begin in 2010.

He's an interesting looking guy. I'll definitely be there to see what he does with the character. While some of the previously mentioned hopefuls/possibles were very appealing to me, this different direction could prove interesting.

Smith will have big shoes to fill as David Tennant is one of the most, if not the most, loved Doctors of all time.

David Tennant still has four specials to be released over the next year, so we're not done with him yet.

For more info click here.

Updated to add one stupid note: Since Mr. Smith is one of the aliases the Doctor has used over the years, he could be the first actor to play the Doctor using his own name.