Battlestar Galactica: The Plan is coming out on DVD and our friends at UGO.com are giving you the opportunity to sit down to dinner with the king of gravitas, Edward James Olmos – who plays Admiral Adama in the BSG universe.

Here’s what they’re offering if you have what it takes to win:

A trip to Los Angeles to dine with Edward James Olmos. Frakkin’ awesome, right? But we’re not just going to bestow this honor on anyone. You’ll need to fill out the “Viper Pilot Application” form so that we know you qualify for consideration. You will be asked to answer 10 questions. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: 1) Knowledge of Battlestar Galactica TV series as displayed in the answers; 2) Creativity in formulation of answers; and 3) Clarity of thought in presentation of answers. So grab your gun and bring in the cat. Good hunting!

We have a couple of our own contests coming up later, but they’re not quite as awesome as this one (maybe someday we’ll “rate”, eh?).

Anyway, to enter head on over to UGO.com and give it a shot.

• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Battlestar Galactica Spinoff ‘The Plan’ Preview
• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• Sci-Fi Channel Panels At San Diego Comic-Con ‘09
• What’s Next For The Cast Of Battlestar Galactica
• Battlestar Galactica’s U.N. Panel

This past Saturday, October 17th, I attended my second year of Spike TV’s annual Scream Awards. Not only did I attend, but I had been hand-picked by the casting director to sit front row center for the show! As a fan-focused awards show, it’s much more enjoyable being seated amongst JJ Abrams, Karl Urban, Elijah Wood and Woody Harrelson. My favorite personal surprise of the evening came when the Best Science Fiction Actress nominees were being announced. I cheered (maybe a little too loudly for my girlfriend’s tastes) for Eliza Dushku when her name was announced, only to discover she was sitting right in front of me. She turned around and flashed me her lovely smile. Good thing my girlfriend isn’t the overly-jealous type.

As for the show itself, it seems as though the winners have already been leaked online, and the best surprises have been revealed, even on Spike’s own website. So keep in mind there be spoilers here.

Starting off the show was the “Most Anticipated Movie” award. I’m sure everyone there was utterly surprised by the winner. After a black and white checkerboard “red” carpet, and a Wonderland-esqe stage design, who would have guessed it would be Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland?

In all seriousness though, having Johnny Depp there was very cool. After his extremely brief appearance at the San Diego Comic Con panel this summer, I half-expected that to be his only appearance for this show. Thankfully I was wrong and he came back onstage one more time to present the Rock Immortal award to Keith Richards. Johnny was very gracious on his way up to the small center stage, shaking hands with many of us in the pit next to the stage. Keith Richards was very spry on stage, bounding up the steps to receive his award from his former on-screen “son.” Johnny reiterated the old axiom that after the End of the World, “all that will be left are cockroaches… and Keith Richards”. Take that, Nancy Reagan!

Megan Fox, as I’m sure you all have already heard around the net, was apparently trying to smooth things over with Michael Bay. Here’s her speech:

“I would like to take this moment to actually say something genuine. There have been a lot of false reports concerning how I feel about this movie and I just want to be very clear that I’ve always felt that I am a very ordinary part of an extraordinary film. These movies took me out of obscurity and they gave me a career and I am completely grateful to everyone involved with this franchise. I don’t know why you guys keep voting for me for these things. I don’t feel like I deserve them but thank you and I love you so much, thank you.”

At first, it seemed as though she was setting us up for a SNL-style gag. I thought we’d see her then jokingly refer to Jennifer’s Body, since she never once uttered the names Transformers or Michael Bay. But then, after the disappointing box-office on Jennifer’s Body, it’s no surprise she wants to be a part of Transformers 3. Her speech did sound genuine, it just sounded odd not hearing either name.

Vampires and Werewolves were very well represented this year, from stand-out series True Blood, to the new movie Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant. But judging by the cheers, it was Twilight that had the best reception. Representing the franchise was Taylor Lautner, star of the upcoming The Twilight Saga: New Moon. The footage shown to us was more behind-the-scenes than actual movie footage. After Depp and Lautner, my girlfriend had all but forgotten my earlier Dushku encounter.

Harrison Ford presented the Best Director award to JJ Abrams. It would be exceedingly cool to see these two Hollywood titans do a project together. I wonder if having Ford in the next Star Trek movie would cause some kind of mass nerd head-explosions? William Shatner was also present at the show. He practically begged JJ to be in the next movie. I would have given anything to have been a fly on the wall of that green room! Just imagining Shatner and Ford having drinks and talking shop, I’m reminded of a line from Free Enterprise. When the young character in that movie complains that a kid at school “said that Han Solo was cooler than Captain Kirk”, Shatner, playing himself, remarked “kick the little f&@ker’s @$$”. Seriously though, it would be pretty mind-blowing to see Ford play a Trek villain.

Click to continue reading “Scream Awards 2009: A Report From Front Row Center “

• Tim Burton Unveils ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Footage & Surprise Guest!
• 2009 Scream Award Nominations
• The Hottest Things To Come Out Of Comic-Con
• New Footage from The Twilight Saga: New Moon [Updated]
• ‘Kick-Ass’ Footage To Premiere at Comic-Con
• Peter Jackson To Promote ‘District 9′ At Comic-Con ‘09

Originally, Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, which is a prequel to the 4-season series of Battlestar Galactica, was slated to air this fall on Syfy… presumably around November.

The Plan shows us the beginning of the series again, but this time from the perspective of the Cylons as they deal with those pesky humans.

Now, Syfy is saying that The Plan won’t air until sometime in 2010… Yet the DVD is still slated to be released on October 27th on DVD.

I don’t get it.  OK, I might suspect it, but I’m not sure why Syfy would try and alienate us like this.

Are you kidding me?  I’m not sure how long the consumer’s memory is, but I’m still peeved that they broke up the BSG seasons into 10-episode bits so they can sell us 2 boxed sets of DVD’s for each season.

I guess they’ve been bolstered by how well Caprica may have sold on DVD being that they released it on DVD in April and is slated to air on January 22nd.

Regardless, I am looking forward to the prequel.

Are you strong enough to hold off buying the Battlestar Galactica: The Plan DVD’s until the air actually shows or will you buckle and snag it.

Source: Chicago Tribune

• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Battlestar Galactica Spinoff ‘The Plan’ Preview
• Win A Chance To Have Dinner With Admiral Adama
• Bryan Singer to Make Battlestar Galactica Movie [Updated]
• Caprica DVD – Winners!
• The Caprica Marketing Never Stops

The nominees have been announced for the fourth annual Scream Awards, held every year by Spike TV. The decisively more “fan-friendly” award ceremony (compared to the Oscars) honors films from the sci-fi, fantasy, horror and comic-book genres of movies, TV shows and comic books. The awards are described as, “the first and only global event of its kind,” to honor those genres.

The Scream 2009 nominees were chosen by the Advisory Board of Hollywood and Genre Leaders, a list which this year includes the likes of Wes Craven, Roland Emmerich, Neil Gaiman, Frank Miller, Eli Roth and Zack Snyder, plus many more. The event will be taped on Saturday, October 17th this year at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles, and will air on Spike TV ten days later on Tuesday, October 27th (check for local times).

Along with the awards, the show will also be airing some exclusive, world premiere of footage of some of the most anticipated movies of 2010! Presenters and musicians for the event are to be announced shortly.

Below is the list of a selection of the 32 categories from this year’s Scream nominations. For those of you (all of you?) who want to have YOUR say on which film should win, you’re in luck!  Public voting for the awards has opened already and will run right up to October 17th. But before you head off to vote, here are some of the nominees:

BEST FANTASY MOVIE

“Coraline”

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”

“Twilight”

“Up”

“Watchmen”

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

BEST HORROR MOVIE

“Dead Snow”

“Drag Me to Hell”

“Friday the 13th”

“Let the Right One In”

“My Bloody Valentine 3D”

“Splinter”

BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE

“Dragonball Evolution”

“Punisher: War Zone”

“The Spirit”

“Watchmen”

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

BEST VILLAIN

Eric Bana as Nero; “Star Trek”

Cam Gigandet as James; “Twilight”

Lorna Raver as Mrs. Ganush; rag Me to Hell”

Liev Schrieber as Victor Creed/Sabretooth; “X-Men”

Alexander Skarsgård as Eric Northman; “True Blood”

BEST DIRECTOR

J.J. Abrams; “Star Trek”

Tomas Alfredson; “Let the Right One In”

Michael Bay; “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”

Pete Doctor & Bob Peterson; “Up”

Duncan Jones; “Moon”

Sam Raimi; “Drag Me to Hell”

BEST TV SHOW

Battlestar Galactica

Dexter

Fringe

Lost

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

True Blood

BEST ACTOR IN A FANTASY MOVIE OR TV SHOW

Ed Asner, “Up”

Hugh Jackman, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”

Robert Pattinson, “Twilight”

Brad Pitt, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

Daniel Radcliffe, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”

Michael Sheen, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”

BEST ACTRESS IN A FANTASY MOVIE OR TV SHOW

Scarlett Johansson, “The Spirit”

Jamie King, “The Spirit”

Rhona Mitra, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”

Kristen Stewart, “Twilight”

Emma Watson, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”

For the rest of the nominees you can head over to Spike.com, where you can also cast your votes.

Although some of the awards are truly suspect (how the hell The Spirit got nominated for ANYTHING is beyond me), I still like the overall celebration of the type of sci-fi, fantasy, comic book and horror films we here at Screen Rant revel in Although I won’t go into a specific rundown of who I think should win, I’d like to throw my opinion in the ring for a few of them:

Lost should win Best TV Show (I love Dexter, but it’s no Lost); Best Horror Movie should go to Let The Right One In (I would say Drag Me To Hell, but since that’s a comedy too, Let The Right One takes it for me); Best Actor in a Fantasy Movie Or TV Show should go to Brad Pitt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; and Best Comic Book Movie should (EASILY) go to Watchmen.

But enough from me, what and who will YOU vote for? As stated, you can cast your votes over at Spike.com, and you can see if the winners match your picks when the Scream Awards 2009 air on October 27th this year on Spike TV.

• New Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince International Trailer
• ‘Half-Blood Prince’ Advance Tickets Outselling ‘Twilight’
• Happy Harry Potter Day Muggles!
• Awesome New Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince Trailer
• Even More New Harry Potter 6 Posters
• Four New TV Spots for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Today we got news for you on a former Deadwood actor whose getting Lost this season; the gang at 24 are wondering if their eighth day will be their last; Syfy will be re-opening the doors to Warehouse 13 next season; Heroes has a new poster; Apollo plays in the Dollhouse; Star Wars will soon be on TV; and ABC gets room at Clive Barker’s Hotel.

All that, and we bid farewell to a TV News Legend (see above). Let’s get to it:

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LOST

Lost will be adding a new cast member to its sixth and final season. Deadwood’s John Hawkes (he played Jewish entrepreneur Sol Star) will join the Lost crew as Lennon, a ““Scruffy, edgy, charismatic, and slightly stir-crazy…spokesperson/translator for the president of a foreign corporation. He’s a wily negotiator, and far more powerful than his lowly position would seem to indicate.”

Hmmm… Could he be working for the nefarious Charles Widmore? Or perhaps the mysterious Hanso Corporation?

Guess we’ll find out for (semi-)sure when Lost returns next year.

Source: THR

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24

Apparently, the 24 cast and crew are preparing Jack Bauer’s next day out to POSSIBLY be his last. In the event that Fox chooses to ax the show after its eighth season, the producers are filming several alternate season-enders that will either tie off the saga of Jack Bauer for good, or leave room for the show to live to fight another day.

Said producer Evan Katz: “We’re flexible. We have a scenario that would work well if the show ends. But we also have scenarios where it could go on.”

Hmmm… when DOES Jack Bauer start to overstay his welcome? If this upcoming season is as good as the last one, maybe it would be a good idea to go out on a high note. Judging from his nervous behavior at the Comic-Con 24 panel, star Kiefer Sutherland may be ready to move on…

24 returns in January.

Source: IMDB via Slash Film

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Warehouse 13

Syfy’s Summer series Warehouse 13 has been something of a hit: after debuting in July to 3.5 million viewers, the cable series has managed to steadily however around the 3.7 million viewers mark every week.

Those strong numbers have made it a no-brainer for Syfy to order an additional 13 episodes of the show; Warehouse 13 season two will premiere next summer.

Sorry W13 fans, I know that’s a long time to wait – but you got to give the rest of us time to catch up / catch on!

Source: TV Squad

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Heroes

We’ve already posted a preview trailer and a super-speed fight clip from Heroes’ upcoming fifth volume, “Redemption”, in the hopes that at least SOME OF YOU out there are still on board for this show [cue crickets]…

Well, to add to your “Heroes Mania” (sarcasm alert!) here is a THRILLING new promo poster that lets you know all about Heroes:Redemption:

[Volume on crickets increases...]

Season 4 (Volume 5) of Heroes debuts with a 2-hour premiere Monday, September 21st on NBC.

Source: TV Squad & UGO Movie Blog

• Can Heroes Redeem Itself From a Ratings Landslide?
• New Season Of Heroes To Bring ‘Redemption?’
• Heroes Premiere Discussion: What Did You Think?
• Offiicial Preview of Heroes: Redemption
• FOX To Air All 13 Episodes of Dollhouse
• Heroes Volume 5 Video: Ray Park vs. Peter Petrelli

[Update: It's confirmed that Bryan Singer WILL helm the Battlestar Galactica movie. See Bottom of the post.]

Drew McWeeny at HitFix has the exclusive on some very interesting developments on the Universal Pictures feature film adaptation of Battlestar Galactica.

The amazing television series brought to us by Ron Moore and David Eick gave fans new and old, a more realistic take on the classic series from the late seventies. Their show stood strong to complete its story on their own schedule, and after four full seasons, they’re now in the midst of launching the spinoff series, Caprica, that has already had its pilot released on DVD.

According to Drew, his sources have informed him that Bryan Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns, The Usual Suspects) is being brought in by Universal to produce the project. It’s possible he’ll be directing the film but there’s no word on that yet.

For those who don’t know, Bryan Singer and Tom De Santo actually had a plan for a new Battlestar Galactica television series years ago that would have been set up as a sequel of sorts, based 20 years after the classic series. That project was canned as the terrible events of 9/11 unfolded due to the introduction of the storyline being based on an all-our surprise attack, not a good idea around that time period.

Sadly, a lot of work was put into that and a bunch of CG animation had been worked on as they were only months away from shooting when they had to stop. The story of Singer’s series would follow the human survivors as they live on a colony after voting to abandon their search for Earth.

To read more details on that and see some concept work, head over to io9.

Back in February, we first learned that Universal’s new movie would be taking us back to the original Battlestar Galatica series and would still have the key characters of Adama, Starbuck and Baltar in it. They’d just have nothing to do with the Moore’s recent incarnation which is still pushing forward with a movie titled The Plan on its way as well as the Caprica series mentioned above.

We also learned at that time that creator and writer, Glen A. Larson, was in negotiations with Universal to work on a new BSG feature film.

So, are Larson and Singer working together on this and will it follow the original series, new series or be an entirely new take?

Since most mainstream audiences aren’t aware of the history of the Cylons, and since we know it’ll be separate from Ronald D. Moore’s vision, it would have to be an origin films of sorts and yet another different take on the franchise as we know it.

A concern for me is the story and how it could be told in two hours. There’s so much more to it than that and it’d be have to structured as a franchise set of films, likely as a trilogy.

If someone’s got to be chosen for this, Singer is the right choice. He has the sci-fi/fantasy roots with his Superhero film background, he’s a big name in the industry, and he already has worked on Battlestar Galactica before.

UPDATE: Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that Singer is onboard to helm the BSG movie, and that the film will be a complete re-imagining of the original 70s lore created by Glen Larson. Go here for details.

What do you think of Singer being involved and what would you like to see of a big budget BSG feature film?

Source: HitFix.com, io9

Update Source: Entertainment Weekly

• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Caprica DVD – Winners!
• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• Sci-Fi Channel Panels At San Diego Comic-Con ‘09
• Caprica DVD Review
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – February 26th, 2009

Wow, Comic-Con 2009 is already less than three weeks away. Seems like only a couple of months ago since we were there. Last year was a ton of work but also a blast (click here for our wrap up of the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con), and this year we’ll be providing even more extensive coverage for you with additional staff to cover the event.

Unfortunately if you want to attend this year and don’t already have tickets you’re probably out of luck as it’s been sold out for a while. But fear not, we’ll try to give you all the goods here on the site over the course of the event. It starts with preview night on Wednesday, July 22nd and runs through Sunday July 26th.

Included among the movies and TV shows that will be covered this year are:

• James Cameron’s Avatar (with 3D (rumored) footage from the film)
• The upcoming Sci-Fi alien invasion flick with a twist: District 9 (including an appearance by Peter Jackson).
• Mike Judge will be on hand to promote his new comedy Extract.
• The premiere of Mystery Team.
• Where the Wild Things Are.
• Tron
• Sherlock Holmes
• Jonah Hex
• 2012
• Thirst
• Ninja Assassin
• Lost
• The pilot for the TV series remake V.
• Doctor Who (with an appearance by David Tennant)
• FlashForward
• Caprica & Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

Oh, and of course Iron Man 2, for which I’m sure director Jon Favreau has something very special planned.

Also, this year Screen Rant has been invited to participate in the “Masters of the Web” panel (shocking, I know – I certainly didn’t expect it!). The panel will be moderated by director Kevin Munroe and will include an appearance by Brandon Routh and Sam Huntington, along with a preview of their upcoming film Dead of Night.

Here is the list of panelists:

• Robert Sanchez (IESB.net)
• Ryan Rotten (ShockTilYouDrop.com)
• Mike Sampson (JoBlo.com)
• Jeremy Smith (AintItCool.com)
• Brad Miska (Bloody-Disgusting.com)
• Drew McWeeny (HitFix.com)
• Devin Faraci (CHUD.com)
• Paul Christensen (MovieWeb.com)
• Wilson Morales (BlackFilm.com/AOL Black Voices)
• George Roush (LatinoReview.com)
• and me, Vic Holtreman (ScreenRant.com)

It will be held Thursday, July 23rd at 3pm – 4pm in Room 32AB.

Robert Sanchez of IESB.net organizes the panel and puts together what is arguably the most awesome party every year at Comic-Con: The Wrath of Con party (one of my highlights of Comic-Con).

Last year at the Masters of the Web panel tickets to the party were given away to some lucky winners. Here’s my favorite pic from last year’s party.

Doug Nagy, Alex Billington and me with the beauties from the movie 'Bitch Slap': Erin Cummings, America Olivo and Julia Voth.

As Comic-Con approaches, keep up to date with our San Diego Comic-Con updates (check the logo on the right) here on Screen Rant and on Twitter.com by searching for #sdcc or #cc09. I’ll be there along with SR writers Kofi Outlaw, Bruce Simmons, Rob Keyes (and maybe) Paul Young. We’ll be doing live-blogging, panel summaries and hopefully we’ll get you an exclusive or two.

We may try to schedule an impromptu dinner, probably on Sunday night, where we’ll get together to decompress after the whole thing. If you’re around downtown San Diego maybe you can join us. We’ll firm this up as we get closer to the actual date.

Anyway, we’re all looking forward to it and we hope you are, too.

• Masters Of The Web Panel – Comic-Con 2009
• Comic-Con is On
• 4-Day + Preview Passes for Comic-Con 2010 Sold Out
• WB Comic-Con Lineup, Featuring Green Lantern: First Flight
• 3D Avatar Footage to Premiere at Comic-Con
• Doctor Who & Torchwood Panels At 2009 Comic-Con

We originally reported on the television panels at San Diego Comic-Con ‘09, we knew about the Sci-Fi panels that were going to be present, we did not have specific times.

Now we do.

As would be expected, We’ll be seeing cast and crew from Stargate Universe, Caprica, Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, Eureka, Sanctuary and Warehouse 13.

Friday, July 24th:

Stargate Universe in Ballroom 20 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Those attending the panel will be Robert Carlyle, Brian J. Smith, Elyse Levesque, David Blue, Alaina Huffman, Jamil Walker Smith and Ming-Na.  Co-creators Brad Wright and Robert Cooper will also be present.

Caprica / Battlestar Galactica: The Plan in Ballroom 20, from 11:45 a..m. to 12:45 p.m..

Ronald D. Moore, David Eick and Jane Espenson will be there, along with Esai Morales (Joseph Adama) and Edward James Olmos (Admiral William Adama) as they chat about these two new additions to the Battlestar Galactica mythos.

Eureka in room 6BCF from 3:15 to 4:15 pm.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Erica Cerra, Neil Grayston and Jaime Paglia (executive producer/co-creator) will be there to interact with the panel session.

Special Screenings from 8:30 to 10:30 pm:

In room 6DE, the newest episodes of Warehouse 13 and Eureka will be aired and there will also be some clips from Ghost Hunters.

Saturday, July 25th

Sanctuary can be found in the Bayside Hilton Indigo Room from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.

Amanda Tapping and Robin Dunne along with executive producers Martin Wood and Damian Kindler will be there for this session.

Warehouse 13 in Room 6A from 2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

Eddie McClintock (Pete Lattimer), Joanne Kelly (Myka Bering), Saul Rubinek (Artie Nielsen) and Allison Scagliotti (Claudia Donovan) will be there, as well as Jack Kenny (executive producer/show runner) and David Simkins (executive producer).

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These panels should keep you focused on their products, though I am still super curious about why I’m not seeing any Ghost Hunters panels scheduled for SDCC09?  I’ve dropped a line with SyFy in hopes of getting an answer.  I’ll let you know what they say.

Bonus Note:

The 5th in a series of DVD series releases for Green Lantern, titled Green Lantern: First Flight will have its world premiere at San Diego Comic-Con in Ballroom 20 at 8 p.m. on July 23rd.

That’s 5 days before it’s released to DVD!

This information will be added to my original article on the myriad of TV panels at Comic-Con.

Now you know!

Sources:  Sci Fi Wire, Sci Fi Wire

• Warehouse 13 Comic-Con 2009 Panel
• The Television Presence At San Diego Comic-Con 2009
• Heroes’ Odd Off-Site Comic-Con Panel
• WB Comic-Con Lineup, Featuring Green Lantern: First Flight
• Sci-Fi’s New Show: Warehouse 13
• Syfy Announces Premiere Dates For Stargate Universe & Others

The Plan is a spinoff movie from Battlestar Galactica.

If you remember the opening monologue from each Battlestar Galactica (BSG) episode, we always heard that “The Cylons are created by man, there are many of them, and some of them don’t know that they are Cylons. And they have a plan.”

This movie is that plan, The Plan. All stories have two sides.  Right?

The Plan is a different look at the beginning of all the problems that humanity encountered.  We find ourselves following the destruction of the human Colonies from the perspective of the Cylons.

This will give us a new look, an inside look at the attacks.

The Plan is more than likely coming out on DVD and then premiering in the fall on the Sci-Fi Channel and will be directed by and star Edward James Olmos.  Jane Espenson wrote the screenplay.

The Plan will also star Michael Trucco, Aaron Douglas, Dean Stockwell, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, Rick Worthy, Matthew Bennett, Callum Keith Rennie, Michael Hogan and Rekha Sharma.

Sources:  Sci Fi Wire, Sci Fi Wire

• Sci-Fi Channel Panels At San Diego Comic-Con ‘09
• What’s Next For The Cast Of Battlestar Galactica
• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• Win A Chance To Have Dinner With Admiral Adama
• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Battlestar Galactica: Some Disappointment & Final Opinions

Back in January we told you about the first BSG props and costumes auction that took place, and last weekend, the 2^nd Battlestar Galactica Props and Costumes Auction took place.  And lucky for you we had a spy lurking about and snapping some intelligence pics for Screen Rant!  (Here’s a shout out to that spy, regular Screen Rant reader “790″!  Thanks bud.)

The auction took place at the Pasadena Expo Hall, May 8th through 10^th, presented by Propworx.

Adama’s Bunk

The auction had some awesome static props for your eyes to gaze upon and I wish that:

A. I was there.

B. I had more cash and space for some of these things.

It’s always good to have a Centurion stand guard

Amongst the props was Starbuck’s Viper Mark II, a Cylon Raider, the Blackbird Stealth Fighter,  a full size Cylon and a skin job resurrection chamber – just to name a few.

Cylon Raider, ready to take up space in your garage!

If you were so inclined, the costumes were numerous and affordable.

Various hangar deck signs and props.  Anyone need a drone?

Aside from the upcoming Battlestar Galactica TV movie titled The Plan, this might be the last time we see these goodies.

Lurking above, getting a nice picture of the parked vehicles

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Cylon rebirth chamber for those damn dirty ap…  oh, wrong movie.

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Starbuck’s Viper (photo by 790)

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Starbuck’s Viper – many a Cylon have been trashed from those guns!

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Cool view of Thrace’s Viper

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Anyone wanna take a spin?

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Do you think they drove it there in one piece?

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The Stealth Viper, christened Laura

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Character autographs on the stealth ship

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Yea, the dress looks better when being worn, but there ya have it.  Starbucks art also included.

And there ya have it.

Auction administration and 2 of the image sources: BattlestarProps

• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• Win A Chance To Have Dinner With Admiral Adama
• What’s Next For The Cast Of Battlestar Galactica
• Battlestar Galactica Spinoff ‘The Plan’ Preview
• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Bryan Singer to Make Battlestar Galactica Movie [Updated]

Here are the lucky winners of our Caprica DVD contest:

• Joseph Allgren – Youngstown, OH
• Miguel Lopez – Miami, FL
• D. Jappsen – Spruce Grove, Canada

Thanks to everyone who entered and keep an eye out for our next giveaway!

Lucky you, it’s time for another Screen Rant giveaway. Caprica is premiering 04/21/09 on DVD & Digital Download, and we’re giving away three (3) copies of the series that is the prequel to the wildly popular, but now gone Battlestar Galactica.

Here’s the official description of Caprica on DVD:

An astonishing breakthrough is taking shape on the planet Caprica. The rapidly evolving spheres of human and mechanical engineering have collided, along with the fates of two families. Joined by tragedy in an explosive instant of terror, two rival clans led by powerful patriarchs, Joseph Adama (Esai Morales, Jericho) and Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz, The Butterfly Effect) duel in an era of questionable ethics, corporate machinations and unbridled personal ambition as the final war for humanity looms. The latest phenomenon from the executive producers of Battlestar Galactica (Ronald D. Moore and David Eick), set in a time over 50 years earlier, Caprica is entirely its own world – provocative, thrilling and startling relevant to our own.

Three (3!) lucky winners will receive the Caprica DVD which includes the following Bonus Features:

• Commentary with Director Jeffrey Reiner, Executive Producer/Writer Ronald D. Moore and Executive Producer David Eik
• Deleted scenes
• Video blogs

Our own Bruce Simmons wrote a spoiler-free Caprica review, and he rained praise upon it. Here is an excerpt:

“If you enjoy true character driven stories, you won’t be disappointed. It’s like Moore and Eick practiced with Battlestar Galactica and used their honed skills on Caprica. It’s believable and if you’re inclined to purchase this gem of a DVD, I think you will be pleased with this product.”

“It’s dark and desperate, on a completely different level than BSG was. Where society was running for its life in Battlestar Galactica, these Caprica families desperately pursue misguided dreams that make society what it will be.”

From the Executive Producers of Battlestar Galactica

Click Here to Unlock Exclusive clips from Caprica: DiscoverCaprica.com

To learn more about the this Battlestar Galactica prequel visit CapricaDVD.com.

Good luck!

• Caprica DVD Review
• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Sci-Fi Channel Panels At San Diego Comic-Con ‘09
• Bryan Singer to Make Battlestar Galactica Movie [Updated]
• Battlestar Galactica’s U.N. Panel
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – February 26th, 2009

It is Thursday yet again. How’s your week been so far? We’re doing good here at Screen Rant.

Today we’re chatting a little about CBS’s season finales, also  A Game Of Thrones, Supernatural, Fringe, Burn Notice, BSG, Dexter, Kings, and a bit on Ugly Betty.  We’ve also got a video preview of True Blood season two, and a few other bits and pieces.  Oh, and of course, I touch on some ratings from the week that was.

Game Of Thrones

The HBO pilot for George R. R. Martin’s A Game Of Thrones will begin filming in Northern Ireland in the 3rd quarter of 2009.

Economically speaking, Northern Ireland is excited about the production coming their way.  Emotionally speaking, this is great news for the fans of the book series.

The First Minister Peter D. Robinson said: “This is the first time that a TV production of such vast size and scale has been filmed in Northern Ireland.”

Source: Northern Ireland Executive

Supernatural

Supernatural is all new this week. With the new set of episodes comes the much-heralded meeting between Dean, Sam and their younger brother! Yep. The younger winchester brother I hinted at way back in February, will be played by Jake Abel (Threshold).

And for one more detail to keep in mind, the season finale of Supernatural takes place on May 14th!

Fringe

Everyone is presuming that Fringe will be getting a second season even though it hasn’t been officially announced yet. With that second season will come an interesting move of filming locations.

Fringe has been filming in New York City, but due to something or other about poor tax breaks for television productions, they’re moving to Vancouver.

So the big question is, can they make Vancouver look anything like Boston? I presume so. I’m betting if they actually said they were in New York City, things might have been different, being how cities love to be talked about. They claim it draws tourism.

Source: TV Guide

Prison Break

Prison Break kicked it back in gear last week. Was it me, or did it just not pull you in? I guess it could be that it’s been so long since Fox actually gave up on showed it that I forgot everything. It pulled me back in at about the halfway mark.

But that still doesn’t detract from the 32% ratings drop in viewers on… oh, wait, another show slapped into Friday night! I’m shocked. The show pulled in only 3.3 million viewers. Fox must not care since it’s ending in a few weeks.

The finale is scheduled for a double-episode that airs on May 8th. As far as that stand-alone, 2-hour episode that’s been filmed, no one knows what Fox plans to do with it yet. If it doesn’t air, it better be on the DVD.

The 2-hour movie takes place in a 4-year flash-forward.

Source: TV Guide, TV Guide

Burn Notice

Here’s a confusing note: Burn Notice is going to have a guest star in a season 3 episode.

The actor guest starring will be Michael Weston, from House and Six Feet Under. Weston (The actor) will play a character named Spencer who’s a little imbalanced.

He’s an MIT grad who uncovers a plan to sell the names of spies. Aside from the seriousness of the issue, he believes aliens are behind it. Hmm, they do say imbalanced.

Source: EW.com

Battlestar Galactica

If you’ve been waiting for the chance to purchase season 4.5 of Battlestar Galactica on DVD or Blu-ray, it became available for pre-order. It will be shipping on July 28th.

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Dexter

Since I’m chatting up DVD’s, let’s talk Dexter. Season 3 of Dexter is available for pre-order, but oddly, no date has been set yet for its delivery. Thought you’d like to know.

Kings

We were asked by a reader if we knew anything about NBC’s Kings. Well, of course we do!

Kings had started out to what NBC considered to be dismal ratings, despite the hoopla they tried to generate about the show. Of course, being originally scheduled for Thursdays, then airing on Sunday’s didn’t help. Then moving it to Saturday, where in theory it was going to do better amongst the world of repeats on Saturday’s, it still didn’t seem to take with the hoped-for audience.

If you were wondering what’s up about the season being finished out, NBC is going to do just that. They’re looking to finish the rest of the season of Kings Starting Saturday, June 13th and running on through to July 25th.

Source: THR

True Blood

For the upcoming second season of HBO’s True Blood, Evan Rachel Wood has been cast as the Louisiana vampire Queen, Sophie-Ann. She’ll be in two episodes near the end of season two and if they go to a third season, she should have a more prevalent role.

Below is a preview of the upcoming 2nd season of True Blood. We already talked a little bit about True Blood’s 2nd season, now let’s show you something about it.

Source: EW.com

CBS Season Finales

The following are season finale dates announced by CBS

Ugly Betty

The season finale of Ugly Betty is due to air on May 21st. Guest stars lined up are Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. They’ll be playing themselves, as View hosts when Daniel is a guest of the show (in the show, not for real. I think I just hurt my brain). I’m sure you’ve heard of the View. It’s the show where the hostess’s get into big rip roaring arguments every 3 to 4 weeks to generate media, and try to pump up their ratings.

One other note: Ugly Betty is coming back on April 30th. That’s one week earlier than it was originally scheduled.

Source: EW.com

Last Week’s Ratings:

I hate repeating myself, so I won’t.  When you get to the chart, you’ll see who dominated the top 2 spots.  CSI moved into 4th with their Science Fiction Convention-based episode, where we saw some guest appearances by several Battlestar Galactica alumni.  Did you catch everyone that was on the show?  There were more than just Moore…

From Last Week

CSI had fewer viewers, but moved up from 7th to 4th.  Mathematically, that confuses me.  Fringe moves up 1 spot to 21st, while the ratings got murdered on Harper’s Island,  and it tumbled from 20th to 34th on the list.  Meanwhile, Heroes pushed up from 48th to 43rd as it approached its season finale.  I included Miss USA 2009…  having to be as thorough as I can, and, um, checking the quality of the programming content for our viewers.  Yeah, that’s it.   Coming in 64th on the list isn’t surprising considering how mundane = the outline they presently have is.  Of course, this year, Ms. California seems to have generated the most notoriety I’ve ever seen for a runner-up (1st loser).  Dudette, move on already.

We had one premiere, Sit Down Shut up, on Fox that debuted in 60th.  Meanwhile, repeat episodes like the perennial performer NCIS still kept the top-20 mixed up.  NCIS just hits all the right buttons.  The appeal of the police drama, combined with the mystery of the top-secret world of the military and the mix of cast / characters is just the perfect hit for viewers.  Good job CBS.

Best Performing Show For Each Network

Fox had American Idol as their bread winner, while ABC’s Dancing with the Stars was their best hit of the week.  Considering the eye-candy, I’m not surprised. (I’ve been told one of the dancers, LT’s partner, Edyta Sliwinska, looks like my wife.)  CBS hit 4th on the chart with their best performing show, CSI.  NBC’s best hit, (on this list) is Southland, hitting 25th on the charts.  The CW shows up near the bottom with their best performer, America’s Next Top Model.

Considering how much we love Smallville and Supernatural, I’m surprised at the numbers of these shows.  Thank god they’re on the CW.  Fox would have taken out their shovel and put them on Friday nights and buried them.  Oops, did I just say that?  Damn keyboard malfunctions all the time.

This is a selected 60 out 92 shows rated.

The “I Hope You Haven’t Eaten Yet” Section

I was entertaining the idea of adding ratings from cable networks to accent my basic network table, but after seeing what constituted the top-10 shows on the cable networks, I don’t think I want to irritate myself:

Just in case you really don’t know, WWE is “wrestling”.  I’m not showing spots 3, 4, 7, 8 or 10 because they’re different episodes or air dates of the same things already noted. I’m not sure what to say about SpongeBob giving WWE a run for its money in spots 1-4.  I can only root for the sea-faring sponge.  Go Bob! Go!  Huh, I’ve never rooted for a sponge before.

I think I will digress on the issue and not pursue this!

Personal Thought

I’m straying off the beaten path of my known realm of TV but I have to say that after I saw the short film that the upcoming Tim Burton-produced film, 9, is based on, I was moved at how much could be conveyed in a 10-minute, silent animated short.  We are shown back story, present plight and future hopes all in 10 minutes.

I think 9 creator Shane Acker is abso-freakin-lutely genius and I can’t wait for more from him.

If you haven’t checked it out, this link will show you Kofi and Ross’s articles written about 9. Even if you don’t think that silent animated skits are your thing, maybe you can join the “Totally Surprised” section I’m sitting in right now.

I’m Done, I’m Shutting Up

If anyone has anything to add, help or have questions – you can leave a comment and we’ll do our best to answer them in the subsequent weekly article.

Thanks for coming by.

• Weekly TV Wrap Up – August 13th, 2009
• Are Smallville And Supernatural Ending Next Season?
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – March 19th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – April 30th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 23rd, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 2nd 2009

The series finale of Battlestar Galactica (BSG) has come and gone. The fact that I’m going to talk about it means this article may contain SPOILERS for the seriously time-delayed viewer.

I’m sad. BSG was my favorite show and I really enjoyed writing about it and exchanging thoughts with all of you. Depending on your expectations and philosophies, the series finale either thrilled you or flat-lined your experience. For some, it did both.

Going into the finale I already had my conjectures and was looking for answers. We were told repeatedly that we would “know the truth.” Yet we were left hanging with non-answers when all was said and done. Between the network setting us up for “knowing the truth” and Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore planning on an ambiguous ending, we the viewers were caught in the middle of a writer’s vision and a newtwork advertising ploy.

When I wrote a post reviewing the finale of Battlestar Galactica, some of the reader comments ranged from fantastic perspectives to rather pragmatic thoughts, and the resulting conversation was pretty engaging. The finale had massive potential to confound and dissuade viewers but what I found it did is leave some viewers feeling empty.

I wanted to see if I could clear up or clarify some points, and to further that end I dug up some interesting things from the interviews various publications conducted with Ronald D. Moore in the last few years. Let’s get on with looking at those tidbits.

Our Promised Ending

Back in 2007, Ronald D. Moore indicated that Battlestar Galactica had a built-in ending. He said they made a promise to the audience of finding Earth and the creative staff was duty-bound to deliver.

Personally, I felt that the finale’s approach (finding a random planet and having Admiral Adama call it Earth because that “was the dream they were chasing,“) seemed to fulfill that purpose. Yet it felt fluffy. They had already found Earth and it was charred. The dream was (literally) fried. Try a new name!

This was so-so. I can live with this.

Daniel And The Rabbit Hole

The extra Cylon, Daniel, turned out to be a rabbit hole.

The intent behind the Daniel model was to create a polar opposite to Cavil. Instead, they drew us into another line of curiosity as we started wondering about Daniel.

I was definitely pulled into the premise of a Daniel model. Even to the point of noticing that there’s a Daniel in the prequel, Caprica. What gives people? So much energy was put into the final 5 that this Daniel model just seemed to be an extension of the premise of there being mystery Cylons.

Having a polar opposite to Cavil might have worked if they were in conflict with each other for our viewing pleasure. Cripes, that might have given us another Cylon to root for.

Quit doing that to us, Mr. Moore. Oh wait, the show is over.  In that case: I didn’t like this rabbit hole.

Other Rabbit Holes?

One other rabbit hole Moore admitted to was in a scene where Head Six physically lifted Baltar off the ground. I was completely sucked in by that scene (It happened, I believe, back in April of ‘08), and I waited for this new contingency to develop.

But, it seems that it was some oops on the part of the show’s creators and they never wanted to go anywhere with it.

So why the heck show us something like that? Why are we getting these few, but HUGE mistakes from this seasoned staff of creators?

I didn’t like being led on and that was exactly what that was.

Not Holes, But Loose Strings

Egads, loose strings? Whole coils of rope is more like it!

Other Battlestar story details that were left dangling in the wind:

• Why Roslin was in mental projections with the Cylons.
• Why Roslin almost fainted when 4 of the final 5 became self aware of themselves.
• Why didn’t they give Roslin more of Hera’s blood?

Sheesh, if I dwell on this, the list would go on and on (and I do add a couple later on).

I didn’t enjoy not having answers when I was told I was going to. Plain and simple.

What Happened To The Colony?

In case you’re wondering, everyone (Cavils, Simons and Dorals) on board the colony ship died.

At least that’s what Moore’s intent was. He wrote it so that when Racetrack hit the Colony ship with his nukes, the Colony ship gets knocked out of its precipitous orbital location near the singularity and the Colony ship gets pulled down into the black hole. SWEET!

But that scene was cut from the episode. Who was that editor? This feels like another rank amateur mistake on what could have been a piece of serious closure to that part of the show.

I’m not happy left having to scour for interviews to learn these things.

Cavil Offing Himself

Cavil offing himself was Dean Stockwell’s Idea.

Originally, Moore had Col Tigh and Cavil fighting. The scuffle was going to end with with Tigh throwing Cavil over the railing in the CIC and Cavil would die. Stockwell talked to Moore and said that he felt it more in line with the character if he took this escapist route out of the situation. Moore okayed that.

I would have liked to have seen Tigh kick someone’s ass… But that’s just me. Cavil’s method of situation extraction was, to some extent, perfect for him. Kudos to Stockwell.

• Battlestar Galactica Finale Review
• What’s Next For The Cast Of Battlestar Galactica
• Bryan Singer to Make Battlestar Galactica Movie [Updated]
• Win A Chance To Have Dinner With Admiral Adama
• Battlestar Galactica’s U.N. Panel
• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel

The short non-spoiler take: Holy crap! My take on the Battlestar Galactica series finale was that it was 99% incredibly satisfying and delivered beyond what I was hoping for. In the end, it seems destiny will be what it will be, much like fighting gravity.

The finale was heart pounding. I did not need coffee to stay up for this one. The advertising for this final episode spouted endlessly that we will know the truth. Indeed. The ending was satisfying, sad, fulfilling and the truth of it all confused me.

Sure, there were a few loopholes or discontinuities but I chose to focus on where they were going, not what they were missing or glazing over. They had to get somewhere without being so verbose that it distracted from the end game.

DVR / DVD SPOILERS LAY AHEAD BEYOND THIS POINT – Come back after you’ve bought or watched it and add your thoughts then!

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I sat down and committed my household to Battlestar Galactica (BSG) all night long. I started focusing on it during the replay of the special from Monday evening when Ronald D. Moore quipped about the phrase on how it “all happened before and it will all happen again” came about from a scene he saw in Peter Pan where they said that.

I don’t remember anyone in BSG thinking happy thoughts, or flying… except out of airlocks!

A Nagging Theme Or Two

The one theme that has been present since the very first episode was No 6 in Baltar’s head telling him “Trust in God’s plan for you.” This was presented to us time and time again throughout the 4 (or was it 6?) seasons!

The other nagging theme that always lurked below the surface of my tortured mind was a point made midway through the series, and that was the ability that Cylons had to project themselves into fantasy worlds that they build in their heads.

Why? Because of the visions that some of the humans had throughout the show. Baltar with his hot No. 6, in his head. Lucky Bastard. But there were the shared visions between Baltar, Caprica, Hera, Athena and Laura had of the opera house. That always had me suspicious, period.

And Starbuck? She didn’t have visions. But her artistic tendencies to draw symbols from mankind’s destiny and being called the harbinger of death kind of makes you wonder about her. Then coming back from death but not being a Cylon? WTH was that? But more on all this later. Or will there be? Maybe I’ll just stop typing… and call it God’s plan.

The Finale Delivers In Bucket Loads

Watching scenes of our favored characters in Caprica city, “Before the Fall” really drove home their lives as they were developing before it all happened. The back story was great to see. Pondering the label, “Before the Fall“: I have to look back and wonder, was that past tense, or future tense, since this all going to happen again?

Watching the preparations on the Galactica to head off to get Hera back hit home with some good emotional anchors:

• Adama turning over command of the fleet,
• Anders tank being hooked up into the CiC.*
• Lee Adama making Romo Lampkin President, in his absence.
• Or the surreal scene of a squad of Centurions in the flight deck, preparing for battle.

*Tigh telling Adama it wasn’t too late to shove all the Cylons in the CiC out the airlock and Adama saying it would take too much time. – was frakking hilarious and poignant to me. The Cylon TIgh, looking to jettison Cylons, staying true to the humanity, the commander and the ship he grew to love.

Action Stations

When the Galactica jumped in on top of this freaky new looking Cylon ship that reminded me a bit of the Shadow ships from Babylon 5, the ensuing firefight left me wondering if the Galactica would survive.

Then the Galactica ramming into the hull of Cavil’s ship, making their own airlock with the ship and ground teams dispersing into the Cylon ship, looking for Hera. Now that’s how you make an entrance!

Watching new and old style Centurions in battle was surreal. Even if the CGI seemed a little bit funny with the old Centurions. Did you notice that?

A Momentary Truce

The humans get Hera, but Cavil snags her back. Finally, Gaius, for all his chitter chatter, finally hits his stride and serves his purpose in this entire mythos as he talks Cavil into a truce.

It’s here that Gaius says that he tells Cavil that he sees angels (The In-the-head Caprica and Gaius) and that there are other forces at work via puzzles deciphered in prophecy, by dreams given to a chosen few.

I was on edge waiting for that other shoe to drop from Cavil’s side, and boy, did it. Tyrol interrupts a data stream when he discovers that Tory was who killed Cally and in his rage, Tyrol kills Tory, which ends the cease-fire everyone had. So much for peace.

Destiny Takes Its Path

Chaos ensued and Adama yells at Starbuck to jump them out of there but she has no coordinates. Instead she inputs the numbers that she’s associated with the song that Hera drew out and gave her.

Plop. Kara’s coordinates put them right on top of the moon, our moon, with our Earth in sight. I actually never expected to see this. Despite being teased us at times when we could see constellations in the background we recognize, like Orion, but I just thought they were messing with my mind. (It’s not that hard sometimes!)

After scoping out the planet and its spear carrying human species, they decide to stay and blend in. But how they do it confused me. Or more in-line with the show, took a leap of faith to follow their actions.

What’s left of humanity shuns technology and blends with the natives… our ancestors.

Adama makes the decision to have Anders drive the ships of the fleet and all its technology into the Sun, and live out their years with the natives, without their technology. Technology has been their curse. They’re done with it. No one seems to argue.

William Adama tells Laura that he calls this Earth because Earth is a dream they’ve been chasing for a long time.

Tough And Touching Moments

Starbuck saying goodbye to Anders in his tank, who pulls through his Cylon induced fog to tell her that he’ll see her on the other side. Eh?

Watching William Adama being the last person to leave the Galactica in his old Viper, looking over the fleet one last time.

Watching William Adama bid farewell to Lee and flies off into the distance with Laura in the Raptor with him, who dies in-flight. Bill builds a little home and talks to her grave, updating her on what’s up.

Not a surprise, Tyrol has had it with people and goes off to his own island.

Gaius and Caprica together with no trauma going on in the background finally. For possibly for the first time, Gaius can have a grieving moment for his father. They then head off to do what Gaius knows… farming.

My “What the Frak” Moment

Lee and Kara are talking about what they’re going to do, now that everyone is off doing what they’re gonna do. Kara says that she is leaving. She’s done here and has completed her journey and just vanishes in mid conversation. That’s it.

Backtrack: Remember when Baltar announced to the assembled crowd that his study of Kara’s blood proved that Kara was 100% human? If you paid attention, Gaius said that the blood on the pendant that came from the corpse is 100% human. I got caught up with everything the first time and missed that. I thought he was proving Kara was human, but I noticed this the 2nd time through, he proved the dead pilot back on the burnt out Earth was human.

The Future Happens Anyway

150,000 years into the future, we see downtown New York. We learn that humanity has discovered the mitochondrial Eve, the woman to whom all of humanity can be traced to. Hera. We also see humanity starting to build bipedal robots and what not… here we go again!

The Big Reveal

Looking over Ronald D. Moore’s shoulder in his cameo appearance in one of the final scenes, stands the in-their-heads versions of Gaius and Caprica. WTF? They make note of the fact that Eve was discovered in Tanzania and how Eve was found alongside her Human and Cylon parents.

Caprica said something about how even though it happened before, that mathematically speaking, there’s a chance it won’t happen again. Then they mention god, and Gaius reminds her that he doesn’t like being called that. Eh? The Matrix?

I got confused here. Is society pretty much Cylon at this point? Are these two really angels, or Cylons? Has this just been a big master plan, a tale from god that we’ve watched all along? Are we being being set up for a sequel in case they decide to go with that?

My Take

The finale was a big payoff.

I really enjoyed just about every single second of it. There was tons of satisfying action. That final jump by the Galactica was way awesome! As it popped out of FTL flight near Earth, it flexed, wobbled and rippled – pieces and parts being flung off in the aftermath. I thought it was going to end right there.

Yet once everyone is on the planet, everyone seemed agreeable to give up technology for spears. I get it… yet really, would you? NO! I want my microwave and cell phone and laptop damnit. Hmm… that would mean building the internet all over again.

It was a very fairy tale ending in this rag tag fleet of humans just seeming to go along with this decision, so I had a little bit of a problem with this. Yet, like I said at the front of this article, suspending disbelief to allow for the story to be moved along.

Kara
What in blue blazes was Kara Thrace? A ghost that EVERYONE saw? Another angel? An ascended being from Stargate. (She’s in a lot of trouble if that’s the case)

Was Kara something that everyone wanted, or needed to see? It’s been said that Moore said she can be whatever we wanted her to be. That feels like a cop out. Why, after delivering so many answers, do we get this grey answer to one of the biggest developments in the mythos? I’d like to have had Kara explained. Plain and simple. Especially since everyone saw and interacted with her. Especially since she had a life she lived which fed to this point in time.

As far as we can tell, even she didn’t know until that very last moment. Come on, Moore. I would have liked you do give more than this to us.

Angels?

So if we go back to literally day one of this whole thing, angels have been guiding Gaius and later, Caprica on their paths? Has this really been their story all along? Have the humans been nothing but pawns in this entire series?

If so, the sufferance of humanity seems cheapened by this new wrinkle. Well, at least it didn’t end on a Holodeck, but it sure felt close to that.

I’m not unhappy

The entire series broached a whole new kind of entertainment. The kind that deals with our fears and hopes and realities of what is and what could be. It dealt with how we do have control of our destiny. But we can only control our destinies just so far until they intertwine with others. Then the group destiny that we become a part of, no matter what else we do is what dictates our end game. That’s what I took away from the series.

Now we have to watch this whole series all over again, and watch it from the angels point of view as they guide our hapless characters along their sordid way.

The Sad

But for now, there will be no more new episodes. Sure, we’ll have a few movies that take place during the series time frame. Sure, we’ll have the prequel, Caprica. But the end of the show has been laid before us. Battlestar Galactica, the journey, has found its goal.

It’s time to say farewell to the journeys of William Adama, Laura Roslin, Kara Thrace, Lee Adama, Gaius Baltar, Saul Tigh, Doc Cottle, Helo Agathon, Galen Tyrol, Ellen Tigh, Felix Gaeta, Sharon Valerii, Caprica Six, Tom Zarek, Romo Lampkin, Cavil, Sam Anders and the coolest, new Centurions.

My Question To You

For you, what character really made the show. What event really hit home in the series that resonated with you?

Update: 3/29/09:  I’ve added some perspectives on some of Moore’s approach to the Battlestar Galactica series in a new article we’ve published.

• Battlestar Galactica: Some Disappointment & Final Opinions
• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• What’s Next For The Cast Of Battlestar Galactica
• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• Bryan Singer to Make Battlestar Galactica Movie [Updated]
• Battlestar Galactica Spinoff ‘The Plan’ Preview

It’s another week and another Wrap Up article. I have a lot going on this week, so scroll slowly and keep your eye out for your favorite show! There is a cast note on Burn Notice, that I don’t believe is a spoiler, but now that I’m shell shocked, well, there you have it! Let’s get the ball rolling, shall we?

Battlestar Galactica

This week is the finale for Battlestar Galactica. The series finale that is. It’s been quite the journey and I believe, if all the hype is correct, a fruitful ending. We shall see.

The finale is a 2-hour episode. Prior to that, last weeks episode airs and The Sci-Fi Channel advertised a Battlestar Galactica Marathon for Friday.

Two And A Half Men & Big Bang

Both Two and Half Men and The Big Bang Theory were renewed. The big thing about that is that they were both renewed for multiple seasons. Two and Half Men is renewed through to 2012, and Big Bang, until 2011. That, is a lot of faith!

Source: TV Guide

Friday Night Lights

NBC is in what they call active negotiations with DirectTV.

In case you didn’t know, the deal with DirectTV is that Friday Night Lights season airs on DirectTV first, then it airs on NBC. Both have a shot at showing the series and they share in costs of the show. Almost a win/win, especially with a show that has a decent following.

The uber-cool news is that the negotiations may be for a multiple season contract renewal! Sweet! Yes, I like Friday Night Lights.

Source: EW.com

Fringe

In case you’re worried, Fringe is not gone. It is on a break until April 7th, giving the much touted American Idol room to breath.  Because we all know how much you all love American Idol.  Actually it was pretty funny when they let a 13th contestant into the semi’s, then the phone number they put for that person turned out to be some phone sex line.  American Idol, indeed!

Leverage

if you were watching Leverage, and wondering how well it did, wonder no more. It did well enough to at least be coming back for a 2nd season.  I saw the ads.  They looked cool!  I hope to catch reruns and have a thought about the show.

Source: TV Guide

Alex O’Loughlin

Wait! That’s not a show! That’s a vampire!  Or was.

In the comment section of last weeks weekly, I noted that O’Loughlin is contracted to CBS.  I have proof!

Just in case we have a few fans of Alex O’Loughlin, I’d like to let you know that he has signed up for a new CBS show called Three Rivers. Well, at least for a pilot. Three Rivers is an interesting sounding concept, dealing with organ transplants and the scenarios therein, as seen through the eyes of the doctors, the donors and the recipients.

Yet as interesting as it sounds, it also sounds like it may be a little too cerebral for Bruce… I hope not. That way the Moonlight fans can get their dose of O’Loughlin for a little more screen time.

Source: THR

Burn Notice (POSSIBLE DVR / DVD / CAST SPOILER – Avert thine eyes!)

I’m going to try to say this with letting as little out of the bag as possible… I’m in enough trouble with everyone as it is: The role that Jennifer Esposito introduced at the end of season two of Burn Notice is being taken over by Journeyman’s Moon Bloodgood.

Esposito had to step down due to health issues, which, at the time of my writing this, I did not have any further details on.

No – I wasn’t traumatized by my other slips over the last few weeks.

Source: EW.com

Lily Cast News

The Gossip Girl spin-off, Lily, has cast Andrew McCarthy as Rick, a music business executive who is the father of our teenage Lily Rhodes.

Lily will be played by Brittany Snow. (American Dreams)

Matt Barr will be playing Keith van der Woodsen. A love interest of Lily’s.

Source: TV Guide

ABC Season Finales

ABC has taken it upon themselves to announce the air dates for their season finales.

Better Off Ted: Wednesday, April 29, 8:30 p.m. ET
In the Motherhood: Thursday, April 30, 8 p.m. ET
Samantha Who?: Thursday, April 30, 8:30 p.m. ET
Private Practice: Thursday, April 30, 10 p.m. ET
Wife Swap: Friday, May 1, 8 p.m. ET
Supernanny: Friday, May 1, 9 p.m. ET
Scrubs: Wednesday, May 6, 8 p.m. ET
Brothers and Sisters: Sunday, May 10, 10 p.m. ET
Castle: Monday, May 11, 10 p.m. ET
Cupid: Tuesday, May 12, 10 p.m. ET
Lost: Wednesday, May 13, 9 p.m. ET
Grey’s Anatomy: Thursday, May 14, 9 p.m. ET
Desperate Housewives: Sunday, May 17, 9 p.m. ET (two hours)
Dancing With the Stars: Tuesday, May 19, 9 p.m. ET (two hours)
Ugly Betty: Thursday, May 21, 8 p.m. ET (two hours)

Top 30 TV Shows Last Week

If you were curious as to what shows are dominating the tube, here’s a list. Not surprisingly, reality shows dominated in the top 3 spots. The numbers are in total viewers across all age brackets:

1. American Idol – Tuesday (Fox): 25.77 million,
2. American Idol – Wednesday (Fox): 25.55,
3. Dancing With the Stars (ABC, season premiere): 22.83,
4. CSI (CBS): 17.13,
5. Desperate Housewives (ABC): 14.60,
6. Criminal Minds (CBS): 14.34,
7. The Mentalist R (CBS): 14.32,
8. CSI: Miami (CBS): 14.21,
9. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC): 13.64,
10. CSI: NY (CBS): 13.63,

Outside the top-10 were:

NCIS R (CBS): 13.52, Two and a Half Men (CBS): 13.44, Cold Case (CBS): 13.02, 60 Minutes (CBS); 12.87, Survivor: Tocantins (CBS): 12.82, House (Fox): 12.38, Eleventh Hour (CBS): 11.61, 24 (Fox): 11.37, Lie to Me (Fox): 11.25, Law & Order: SVU (NBC): 11.07, The Unit (CBS): 10.87, ER (NBC): 10.86, Castle (ABC, series premiere): 10.76, Ghost Whisperer (CBS): 10.57, Brothers & Sisters (ABC): 10.43, The Amazing Race (CBS): 10.33, Without a Trace R (CBS): 10.22, Rules of Engagement (CBS): 9.95, Bones (Fox): 9.67, Numb3rs (CBS): 9.51

Speaking Of Numbers

If you were wondering how some of the new midseason shows might be doing with regards to the number of viewers they’re getting, (This excludes repeats)

1. Lie to Me (Fox) – Wednesday 8 p.m. (new time period) 11.25 million
2. Castle (ABC) – Monday 10 p.m. (series premiere) 10.76 million
3. Kings (NBC) – Sunday 8 p.m. (series premiere, two hours) 6.08 million
4. Homeland Security USA (ABC) – Tuesday 8 p.m.; 5.14 million
5. Dollhouse (Fox) – Friday 9 p.m.; 4.26 million
6. Howie Do It (NBC) – Friday 8 p.m.; 4.08 million
7. The Chopping Block (NBC) – Wednesday 8 p.m. (series premiere); 3.77 million

I guess it’s no lie when the ads say Lie to Me is the season’s hot new show. At least for the new midseason shows. Though folks told me Castle wasn’t that great, more than I expected tuned in to check it out! If they’re not careful, NBC is going to have to put the cooking reality show, The Chopping Block, well, on the chopping block if it doesn’t pick up. So much for pitching a show hosted by a man who made Gordon Ramsey cry.

Whacky Note: Television Show Trading Cards

Came across an odd entity of an article the other day: Television shows that have had trading cards made after the show! There’s some real classics in this list… as in old shows, not wow, I have to watch again shows! Though, there are some of those too!

• American Idol,
• The Addams Family,
• Alias,
• American Bandstand,
• The Andy Griffith Show,
• Angel,
• The Avengers,
• Babylon 5,
• Batman,
• Battlestar Galactica,
• The Bionic Woman,
• The Brady Bunch,
• Buffy, the Vampire Slayer,
• Charlie’s Angels,
• Charmed,
• Chips,
• Combat,
• CSI,
• Dallas,
• Flipper,
• Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,
• The Gong Show,
• Growing Pains,
• Gunsmoke,
• Happy Days,
• I Love Lucy,
• The Incredible Hulk,
• JAG,
• Lost,
• The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,
• Mork & Mindy,
• The Prisoner,
• Roswell,
• The Six Million Dollar Man,
• Saturday Night Live,
• Space 1999,
• Star Trek,
• Three’s Company,
• 24,
• Twin Peaks and
• Welcome Back, Kotter.

That’s it for this week!

Source: Media Week

• Upcoming 2009 TV Season Finales
• Fox Fall TV Premiere Dates & Times
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – April 30th, 2009
• Weekly TV Update – April 23rd, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – February 26th, 2009
• 2009 CBS Fall TV Line Up: No ‘Eleventh Hour’

Yes, you read that right.

Just how many shows do you watch that make such a statement on social issues that a United Nations panel is convened to talk about those very issues?  As far as I can tell, just one.  Battlestar Galactica.

Yes, that’s pretty cool, and that is what is going to happen on March 17th at 7 p.m. in the United Nations in New York.

After 4 harrowing seasons of Battlestar Galactica, the show has touched on many social issues that can be considered some of the grittier, darker issues of humanity.  Along the way, Ronald D. Moore and David Eick touched on some of our basic fears, hopes and visions we may all secretly hold somewhere deep down inside.

Aside from all the angles the show looked at, more specifically, the UN panel will be talking about war, faith and morality and how they’ve been presented in the show.

The show has handled these issues in a dark and depressing fashion, and yet delivered the plot in such a way that made it interesting and riveting…  a part of which I think is why the show has been such a hit.

The “Battlestar” U.N. panel will consist of executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, with cast members Mary McDonnell (Laura Roslin) and Edward James Olmos (Admiral William Adama).

With the creative personnel of the show, other panel members include UN representatives Radhika Coomaraswamy, special rep of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; Craig Mokhiber, deputy director of the New York office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Robert Orr, assistant secretary-general for policy planning, executive office of the Secretary-General.

Of all folks that could possibly host this event, the moderator will be one of the biggest fan-persons of sci-fi, Whoopi Goldberg. She always manages to squeeze in on the big sci-fi shows of the time.  I wish I had that kind of pull with the shows I like!

If you must, it’s being reported that there will be a transcript of the panel available on Sci-Fi when it becomes publicly available.  There was no date noted for that release.

Side note:  I get a kick out of a small reference as to how the 4 seasons of BSG started 6 years ago…  what a subtle snarky statement about how Sci-Fi handled one of its flagship shows.

Source: Chicago Tribune

• Caprica DVD – Winners!
• Sci-Fi Channel Panels At San Diego Comic-Con ‘09
• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Bryan Singer to Make Battlestar Galactica Movie [Updated]
• Battlestar Galactica: Some Disappointment & Final Opinions

We’ve had some complaints about opening this post with the fifth Cylon reveal, so we’ll go ahead and put in some space, although I don’t know how technically something that already happened on the show can be considered a spoiler.

If you haven’t seen ANY episodes of BSG this season, there is a big spoiler below that was revealed in the first episode of the current season (it’s already happened, so if you’re caught up on the show, you’re fine.

BTW, Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father. I hope that doesn’t ruin a 30 year old Star Wars movie for anyone.

BEGIN SPOILER THAT ALREADY HAPPENED

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Well, it was something to behold when Ellen Tigh, the 5th and final Cylon, was revealed on Battlestar Galactica.  Though I initially did not like that it was Ellen Tigh (played by Kate Vernon), I think they really made it work with all the back story she was able to provide.

I was blown away by the fact that Vernon knew she was the final Cylon 2 years ago!  Now that’s some serious secret keeping!

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END SPOILER THAT ALREADY HAPPENED

And if you look at that Last Supper picture that everyone was beating themselves up with, dang, how frakkin’ obvious can it be!  I didn’t really ponder too much on the image because I took off with my own theory that was generated by the behavior of a single Centurion after the Cylon civil war was started… but that’s neither here nor there now.

All that conjecture was fun though, wasn’t it?

So with the end of the show in sight, I have to wonder if we wanted to follow some of the cast, just where they are headed off to?  (Remember, this isn’t a post about the projects themselves.  I’m just touching on where everyone is headed!)

Jamie Bamber (Lee “Apollo” Adama), had a role in a project called Pulse 2: Afterlife…  don’t ask.  But he will be off to play Detective Matt Devlin in an overseas installment of Dick Wolf’s Law & Order franchise, Law & Order: London.  I think seems right to me.  He’s make a great cop.

James Callis (Dr. Gaius Baltar) has a project in post-production called Merlin and the Book of Beasts.  Not surprisingly, he played Merlin.

Aaron Douglas (Chief Galen Tyrol) has headed to a cop show called The Bridge that will be debuting on CBS this fall.  Another project he appeared in is called Blood: A Butcher’s Tale.

Tricia Helfer (Caprica Six) has been playing a regular role on Burn Notice, which just wrapped up its second season. She just filmed a FOX pilot titled Inseparable, in which she plays a psychiatrist that evaluates suspects for a police department. There’s also a rumor she’s filming a movie titled Hidden Crimes.

The surprising development for me is that despite a rather riveting and compelling performance by Michael Hogan who played Col. Saul Tigh, Hogan has nothing lined up besides the Battlestar Galactica: The Plan movie.  Nothing!  That surprises me.

Alessandro Juliani (Felix Geata) had a part in Smallville and a part in Watchmen.  He’s also in another project that’s completed called Traveling.

Kandyse McClure (Anastasia Dualla) has been in a few episodes of Reaper and three other projects.  One titled Cole, the Children of the Corn, and she is presently filming a project called Broken Kingdom.  She has herself a great agent!

Mary McDonnell (President Laura Roslin) has already been in a  recurring role as Dr. Virginia Dixon on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy.  Dixon is a doctor with a few mental issues in how she deals with people.  It’s funny to watch her…  yes, I am forced to watch GA when my wife turns it on…  no questions asked.  Really, none.

Edward James Olmos (Amdiral William Adama) has gone on to another BSG project.  The movie called Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, is reported to be in post-production.

Grace Park (Sharon “Boomer” Valeri) has just wrapped up filming the first season of A&E’s The Cleaner, co starring with Benjamin Bratt, and season 2 premieres later this year.  She’s also starred in the CBC show called The Border.  Another project that’s in pre-production is called Punctured.

Tahmoh Penikett (Karl “Helo” Agathon), as we all know, has slid over into what is probably a doomed effort on FOX in the Friday night series, Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse.  I hope he looks around at other stuff…  I’d like to see him branch out, if he can.

Donnelly Rhodes, who played the ever grumpy and wonderfully pragmatic Dr. Cottle doesn’t seem to be slated for anything.  But I’d love to see him play some more snarky grumpy roles.  He was a blast.

Katee Sackhoff (Kara “Starbuck” Thrace) has popped up in FX’s Nip/Tuck.  More notably, NBC has picked up a pilot she shot called Lost and Found, where she plays a police detective who’s been demoted to the department that pursues the John Doe cases.  Have you noticed that she tends to get the real head case characters?  She does play them rather well.

Michael Trucco, (Samual Anders or Mr. Starbuck) only has the Battlestar Galactica: The Plan noted as projects he’s involved in.  I’m sure there are many of you out there that would like to see him in other quality projects.

Kate Vernon, (Ellen Tigh) only has BSG: The Plan on her docket for the time being.  Dang, you’d think the final Cylon could get a job after 2,000 years of experience!

And there you have it – the full lowdown on where all your favorite Battlestar Galactica actors are heading.

Sources: Access Hollywood, IMDB

• Win A Chance To Have Dinner With Admiral Adama
• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• Battlestar Galactica Spinoff ‘The Plan’ Preview
• Awesome Battlestar Galactica Prop Auction Pics
• Battlestar Galactica Finale Review

Ronald D. Moore took the older sci-fi show Battlestar Galactica and turned it into a riveting adult drama that is slowly and quietly coming to a close. I’m rather traumatized by the idea of this emotionally cutting-edged show coming to a close, but it’s going out with quite a bang. Thank you Mr. Moore.

In my mind, once this is done and we get to the prequel Caprica and a few BSG movies, we should be good – right? Well it seems Universal is not the the same page we are. As a matter of fact I’m wondering if they’re even reading the same book!

In what I think is one of the most boneheaded pieces of news I have come across in recent times, it’s been rumored that Universal has been in negotiations with Glen A. Larson to do a Battlestar Galactica movie.

Great news you say? Not so fast.

The concept is NOT a movie with Ronald D. Moore and his gritty view on the politics of war and the dirty edge of humanity. Instead, Universal is looking to bring back a version reminiscent of the original series.  A lighter version that Larson’s camp would like to see make a comeback.  This version will have absolutely nothing to do with the present series, but will still have the characters of Adama, Starbuck and Baltar in it.

Glen A. Larson helmed the original late 70’s version that the current Battlestar Galactica is based on.

Frack me! Leave it alone already. It sounds like they’re trying to ride the wave of attention that the Sci-Fi Channel and Moore’s version have created. As far as I’m concerned it isn’t going to be anywhere near the same and will probably only come off as a cheap effort to Xerox a book that’s already been Xeroxed… again.

On the other hand, for those who don’t like the life-like dark version of humanity on the run may just go for it.

What is this story going to be?  Yet another origin?  Or an extension of some other angle?  If this actually does come to fruition, they should at least give it a bit of time before they even try to grace the airwaves or silver screen or whatever medium they’re targeting with this idea.  Really, the only thing I can think of that might be viable is a cartoon.  Star Wars: The Clone Wars is doing pretty well in its animated format on TV.  Why not?  But that’s if it comes together at all.

Remember… wait long enough for us to have forgotten about this most excellent version of Battlestar Galactica that’s on today.

That’s my take.

Sources- Story: THR, Adama Images: Galicticabbs

• Bryan Singer to Make Battlestar Galactica Movie [Updated]
• Caprica DVD – Winners!
• Battlestar Galactica’s U.N. Panel
• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Win A Chance To Have Dinner With Admiral Adama
• Battlestar Galactica: Some Disappointment & Final Opinions

As we all know, ratings weren’t too hot for Dollhouse and Sarah Connor Chronicles. Dollhouse did better than expected, while The Sarah Connor Chronicles did suffer the consequences of the dreaded Friday night time slot. That’s an ouch. But I also touch a little on what I saw on Battlestar Galactica, have a bit of Smallville cast news and more cast has been hired for the NCIS spin-off that everyone waiting for. And a few other tidbits & dribbles along the way.

Dollhouse

I think we need to chalk up ratings to a very narrowly focused group of people. With the blinders on, the advertisers trust in them pretty blindly considering how the viewing technology has changed. Why am I yet again (like I always seem to do), bashing the ratings system? Because even though Dollhouse underperformed in its Friday night time slot, it has found its way to the #1 spot of TV episodes on iTunes. When it first hit iTunes, it was 19th but it quietly made its way to the top. So the Nielsen families missed the point, in fact many of us did. But the Whedon fans have made their statement. They have shown their faith. (Oh my, that wasn’t supposed to be a pun!)

Source: TV By The Numbers

Battlestar Galactica

Is it getting crazy or what? They’ve presented a lot of background in these last few weeks but now Adama has to begrudgingly have the Galactica repaired with living Cylon ship material? I just have to wonder how that is going to play out in the remaining episodes. I am at least being surprised with Ellen as the final Cylon, and their letting on there was a 6th and 7th model!! And who is this Daniel Cylon model that had to be boxed? Wow, they are just pouring out the revelations as we continue to wonder about Starbuck.

Smallville

Want to hear some wacky news? As of last week, Tom Welling has yet to sign a contract for the 9th season of Smallville. I gotta wonder what’s up? Does he have them by the whats, knowing the show can’t go on without him?

Source: EW.com

NCIS

Spin-off news: A few more roles have been cast for the upcoming NCIS spin-off! Louise Lombard (CSI-Sofia Curtis character) will be playing Clara, the female lead. Clara used to be a major in the MP force and has become an investigator. Peter Cambor (Notes from the Underbelly) will be playing psychologist with a quick wit. A newcomer to the American scene, Daniela Ruah is playing Kensi, a young investigator.

Source: TV Guide

Rescue Me

Despite not starting its 5th season yet, Rescue Me with Denis Leary has been renewed by FX for a sixth season.  FX is very impressed with the upcoming 5th season episodes that much.  Rescue Me premieres April 7th on FX.  I saw the funniest ad for the show the other week.  One of the firefighters is sitting on the can in a house thats burning down, and the posse comes up and says dang, even with the house burning down he still stinks it up!  If you see this ad, get ready to hold your ribs.

Source: TV Guide

The Oscars

Sadly… OK… not – the Academy Awards lost their biggest advertiser last week. L’Oréal Paris pulled out, leaving the Academy to scramble for a new cash cow. General Motors also pulled out, but that’s understandable. Hyundai and Audi took GM’s place, but it’s being rumored that the Oscars are still missing 12% of their advertising time. Oh goody, more ABC show ads. Personally, I kind of got tired of Hollywood patting itself in its own back.

Source: Media Week

Miscellaneous Tidbits

This is so not TV or Movie related, but: SIRIUS XM had an investor bail them out of a situation that would have put them in bankruptcy last Tuesday. Liberty Media Corp. gave them a $530 million loan, for a 40% equity interest in the company. I don’t get why anyone would want to try and bail out a company that on top of last week’s debt, still owes $1 billion in debt due later this year and $3 billion in debt due in the coming years.

Source: Media Week

Hugh Laurie of FOX’s House will be serving as the Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway on Feb. 22. (Fontana, CA.) All this means is he gets to yell into the microphone, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” I’ve seen some good ones, and I’ve seen some lame ones. I hope he pulls it out. While NASCAR is in town they rub shoulders with as much Hollywood as they can, and with that in mind the Band from TV are scheduled to rock the California FanZone Stage at the track. This band Band from TV includes well known actors like: Greg Grunberg (drums) and Adrian Pasdar (guitar) both from Heroes; James Denton (guitar), from Desperate Housewives; Bob Guiney (vocals), who appeared on The Bachelor and Jesse Spencer (violin) currently starring in House. Source: NASCAR Media

And that’s all for now gang!

• Weekly TV Wrap Up – March 12th, 2009
• Friday Night Ratings: Dollhouse & Smallville
• Ratings: ‘Smallville’ Flying High, ‘FlashForward’ Losing Viewers
• TV Renewal And Cancellation Notes To Date
• Might Smallville Make It To Season 10?
• Fox Is Letting Dollhouse Go

Last Week on Battlestar Galactica
Friday night’s (Jan 23), episode No. 414 of Battlestar Galactica, written and directed by Ronald D. Moore, continued the dark path that humanity is spiraling down. This was Moore’s directorial debut.

Adm. Adama is hoping to form a permanent alliance with the Cylons – the alliance would benefit both sides. Humans would be able to infuse the superior technology of the Cylons, while the Cylons would have Adama’s protection when Cavil’s splintered faction attacks. However there’s dissent amongst the humans about the alliance and Tom Zarek is stirring that pot of angry emotion.

Gaeta is incredibly angry at all Cylons and is looking to Zarek for help with a mutiny… A mutiny that looks to be very ugly indeed.

Yet another shocker: Galen Tyrol finds out he’s not the father of his child. Cally knew that, but didn’t tell him. This means Nicholas is not a hyrbid, removing that curiosity from our minds!  That never even crossed my mind.

From what I see, the old relationship between Adama and Tigh has survived the revelation of Tigh’s true nature – it’s good to see that amongst all the trauma that humanity is going through, the underlying past between these two seems to have survived.

Speaking of surviving! Tigh and No. 6 seem to be happy, proud parents of a developing fetus within No. 6. It is definitely weird to see Tigh beaming. It’s eerie, even.

Speaking of eerie, we see that Adama and Roslin “tapped” it as we’re shown them in bed afterward. For these two, it’s about time, but oh my, this is like seeing your parents in bed… ack!

Next Week
The next episode it titled “The Oath.” The idea of a permanent alliance with the Cylons brings out the worst in people as the issue becomes one of violence.

A Thought About Caprica
Here’s something to swirl around in your head: The prequel Caprica takes place 50 years ago, when the Cylons are developed. If that is so, then isn’t it really a sequel of sorts since Cylons lived 2000 years ago on the fabled Earth. My mind is twinning! (twisted + spinning)

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TIDBITS AND NEWS

Anastasia “Dee” Dualla suicide
With Dualla’s suicide, I’m sure you were as shocked as I was – it was completely out of the blue and yet what a powerful representation of the despair in the fleet. It turns out that the actress who plays Dualla, Kandyse McClure, knew something was up early on, but not what.

She had a clue something was up during her contract negotiations for the last season. The last season had 20 episodes, yet she was in negotiations for only 13 of them. She didn’t know exactly what was up until she got the final script for her character.

After seeing what happens, McClure did some research to find the best way for her character, Dee, to approach the moment. McClure thought that for Dee, “… it was the ultimate act of surrender and the final act of control over her own life. She really wanted to find some kind of peace.”

McClure is bummed to not finish out the series with the rest of the crew and she even missed the wrap party. OK, now that is a bummer, I like wrap parties. I’ve been to a few and everyone blows some serious steam at them.

Kate Vernon on being Ellen Tigh, the “Final Cylon
First off, Kate Vernon had been on the set of the Battlestar Galactica filming for the last season and we will be seeing Ellen Tigh in seven of the final nine episodes. So knowing she was alongside everyone else while filming for season 4.5 has definitely been one of the best kept secrets I’ve seen in a long time.

A lot of people were totally surprised at who the final Cylon turned out to be… It was almost a let down to see it wasn’t someone already in the middle of the focal point of attention. It would have been very satisfying to see any number of characters turn out to be the final Cylon, almost poetic for some of the possible choices. But it seems Ronald D. Moore didn’t want to go the easy route.

Ellen, the final Cylon is coming back. As Ron Moore puts it, “she would return as a dark vision of her husband’s tortured mind.” A centerpiece presence. Dark? Great. Like he needs a critic going off in his head right now.

In the early days of BSG, Ellen was originally written into a four episode arc, but her character really hit it off and, well, you know the rest there.

But seriously, why shouldn’t she come back with a vengeance? Saul killed her in the third-season episode “Exodus, Part II,” by poisoning her for giving up information on the alliance on New Caprica. All I know is that Moore and Eick better really pull this one out of the hat to stifle our air of disappointment that Boxey wasn’t the last Cylon.

As Moore put it regarding why he’s bringing Ellen back: “There were layers and depths that I felt were really fascinating, about guilt and blame and memory and responsibility, and I just really liked the way that all tied together.”

Moore said if it was anyone else, it would have taken something away from this entire journey everyone has been on. In a closing statement in an interview on Sci-Fi Wire, he said

“The trick is that from now until the end of the series it’s pretty much one continuous story. And so we don’t want to give any of the building blocks away, because then you’ll kind of know where the current story arcs to. So we’re just trying to be as opaque about what’s left as we can.”

Keeping Secrets
Speaking of keeping secrets, Kate Vernon has known she was the last Cylon for the last two years. How would you have liked to carry that around with you for two years?

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan
In July of ‘08, we told you about the possibilities of three BSG movies movies on the table and if/when they happened, they’d cover events that happened during the series. It would not further the story line, just add to it. I mean how can they further it? Oh, never mind… we can’t spill anything. In regards to a movie, Ronald D. Moore tossed out that the movie Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, is in the can with a lot of post production work to do. Battlestar Galactica: The Plan is an original movie written by Jane Espenson and directed by series regular Edward James Olmos.

If you remember, back in August we filled you in on this flick, but back then it didn’t have a title. The outline of the film is that it will take place just before the nuclear attack on the human race, with the Cylons dealing with the one thing they did not anticipate: Human survivors.  Humans…  We are so pesky!

If they stick to their original plan, you need to NOT miss it when it airs on TV. Like Battlestar Galactica: Razor, it will air on Sci-Fi then go direct to DVD, which will be distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment. It sucks when you miss the tight air-to-TV window. I had to borrow Razor from someone because I was going crazy hearing about it in different venues.

At the moment, no air-date has been set, but you know the moment I find out, you will find out!

This is your Battlestar Galactica reporter signing off!

Sources: Sci-Fi Wire, LA Times, LA Times, Sci-Fi Wire, Sci-Fi Wire, images: nbcuni

• Caprica / BSG: The Plan – San Diego Comic-Con Panel
• Caprica DVD – Winners!
• Bryan Singer to Make Battlestar Galactica Movie [Updated]
• BSG ‘The Plan’ Air Date Delayed
• What’s Next For The Cast Of Battlestar Galactica
• Battlestar Galactica Spinoff ‘The Plan’ Preview