So Who is the Fifth Cylon?
It is driving all of the “Battlestar Galactica” fans crazy? Just about the time we think we have it figured out, something happens that casts doubt on our theory. I personally don’t have the foggiest idea who the fifth Cylon is. If I had to bet, I would say Felix Gaeta, but I wouldn’t put much more than a dollar or so on that bet. I just don’t know.
I did find an interesting analysis of the whole fifth Cylon situation, done much in the spirit of “The DaVinci Code.” I don’t know if it will be worth anything at the end of the series, but it sure makes for an interesting read.
The Battlestar Galactica Code: The Last Cylon
Stargate Continuum - July 2008
Catching Up: The First Three Years of Battlestar Galactica
If you haven’t watched all three seasons, this is the perfect way to catch up. And if you have? Watch it anyway. It is a great recap of the past three years. My favorite line? “Bun in the toaster,” is a definite classic!
Battlestar Galactica Returns This Week
This week it’s all about “Battlestar Galactica.” Season four, the final season of the popular science fiction series, premieres Friday, April 4th, at 10pm EDT. And with all of the questions to answer in the upcoming season, this week is sure to be one of speculation, possible (and unreliable) spoilers, and general all around anticipation. After all,
- Starbuck was dead, but she is back… or is she?
- Four people found out they were actually Cylons
- One last Cylon has yet to be identified
- And of course, the search for Earth is not complete
There are other stories to tie up as well of course. President Roslin’s cancer, the half-Cylon half-human baby (well there is more than one now!), Admiral Adama’s relationship with his son Lee, and various marriages being somewhat rocky are just some of the problems season four has to tie up for the ever-shrinking fleet of humans.
And of course, the question of what is the relationship between the Cylons and the humans really is needs to be solved. I can’t quite think it is so simple as a “them vs. us” storyline and I am waiting to see what happens when they all find Earth, because I don’t see it going any other way than all of them reaching Earth together.
Lucy Lawless, who plays the Cylon Deanna, says that the true fans of “Battlestar Galactica” don’t need season four spoilers. In a recent interview, she stated that she believed people are drawn in because of the intelligence of the show.
“You know, everyone’s drawing political parallels, because the show deals with universal themes about humanity, including its more negative aspects like xenophobia and ethnic cleansing,” Lawless said. “I’m that’s intended by [executive producer] Ron Moore, but I’m not smart enough to see it. I’m not really seeing it as a political statement because I’m an outsider, but certainly, the current war [in Iraq] is nourishing Ron’s storytelling.”
Edward James Olmos said in an interview that the show will continue with its dark and pessimistic style of storytelling. Olmos believes that the show is “accurately chart(ing) today’s political climate through science-fiction.”
While it may be true we don’t need actual spoilers, previews are a lot of fun. The SciFi Channel has released one preview to whet your appetite if you aren’t already anxious enough for the series to start up again.
Galactica Admiral Predicts Total Genocide
Jericho Axed, But…
maybe not for good. It gone forever from CBS though, at least after the March 25th episode. I never completely thought of “Jericho” as scifi; frighteningly, the scenarios in the post-bomb world are fairly realistic. (Maybe “Farscape” is realistic too - who is to say what is and isn’t possible?)
It is hoped by the show’s creators that “Jericho” will find a second life on another network, possibly cable. However, considering the high budget of the program, it may be a long shot.
The last episode was filmed with two different endings; one that would be a season cliff hanger and one that would tie up some loose ends for some sense of closure; obviously the latter version will be the one we see on Tuesday night.
The March 25th episode of Jericho will be the series finale. Without question, there are passionate viewers watching this program; we simply wish there were more. We thank an engaged and spirited fan base for keeping the show alive this long, and an outstanding team of producers, cast and crew that went through creative hoops to deliver a compelling, high quality second season. We have no regrets bringing the show back for a second try. We listened to our viewers, gave the series an opportunity to grow, and the producers put a great story on the screen. We’re proud of everyone’s efforts.
CBS
It has been a great show and I’ll miss it. I do hope it comes back. In the meantime, check out Amazon Unbox and iTunes to buy all the episodes. I bought mine and I know they will be enjoyed for a long time to come.
CBS Drops Bomb on Jericho Again
SciFi Channel and Jericho - Previous Reporting
The Last Episode (3-25-07)
Beyond The Mirror: ‘Jericho’ Not Cancelled Here
‘Jericho’ Ending Leaves Door Open
Review: ‘Jericho’ - Patriots And Tyrants
Roy Scheider Dead at 75
Roy Scheider, possibly best known for his role in the movies “Jaws,” passed away yesterday. But for many science fiction fans, Scheider was the leader of the American expedition in “2010.” As Dr. Heywood Floyd, he brought the Arthur C. Clarke book to life and starred in a film considered a science fiction classic.
Scheider was 75. The cause of death has not been released as of yet but he had been treated in the past for multiple myeloma. A unique, and extremely versatile actor, Scheider’s star will be missed.
Roy Scheider Obituary at Yahoo
Video - Remembering Roy Scheider
Mr. Woolsey Heads Up Atlantis Expedition
I do promise we will get back to “Farscape,” but in the meantime this whole “Stargate Atlantis,” thing with Amanda Tapping leaving, has the science fiction world in a bit of an uproar. Today the news is:
Mr. Woolsey will be taking over for Colonel Carter and heading up the Atlantis Expedition!!
Say, WHAT???? Did I hear that right? Wasn’t he the guy who freaked out over the Replicators when Jack O’Neill had to save Woolsey from himself? Wasn’t Woolsey the guy who wanted to blast the Wraith out of the sky when the more conservative approach had them blast themselves to kingdom come?
He promised to not interfere! (Now I am whining!) Personally I am still miffed at how he treated General Hammond during the mission in which Dr. Frasier was killed. He was intolerable! Now he has mellowed and even become a bit comic. And he isn’t that far off of our beloved holographic doctor in “Star Trek Voyager.” But to head the Atlantis team? I hope they give Shepherd some serious tranquilizers or at least earplugs!!
It was a good choice of the writers to make him more human and more likable over the past few years. As Mr. Woolsey in “SG-1″ it would have been intolerable; as Mr. Woolsey as we have seen him in “Atlantis,” he is just a good guy who is a wee bit over his head. At least he doesn’t have to deal with The Borg!
All kidding aside, Robert Picardo, the actor who portrays Mr. Woolsey is a wonderful actor who will undoubtedly bring a lot to the “Stargate Atlantis” show. He will without a doubt play off the characters of Ronon and McKay in a way that will bring a whole new way of looking at the Pegasus Galaxy.
Interview with Robert Picardo - This is an interview done in the ninth season of SG-1
Breaking News in SciFi - Amanda Tapping, SGA and Sanctuary
Today it was announced that the SciFi Channel has picked up the series “Sanctuary,” and has ordered 13 episodes. This is a move from the Webisode series that broke new ground with its own Web site and subscribers. The move of this outstanding scifi series to a major network will without a doubt have an influence on the production of future television series and how they are marketed to networks.
“Sanctuary is a side project from the Stargate SG-1 trio of star Amanda Tapping, writer-producer Damian Kindler and producer-director Martin Wood. They are executive-producing the series with Sam Egan. Kindler created Sanctuary and Wood directed the webisodes starring Tapping. Sanctuary, which features 90 percent CGI sets, will be retooled for its transition to television. A new two-hour premiere episode will be produced for the network, with expanded roles for some of the characters, although the cast will remain intact. Much of the CGI footage from the Web series will be enhanced and incorporated into the show.”
The SciFi Channel
With this move, and with Amanda Tapping being an executive producer on “Sanctuary,” Tapping has also announced she will be leaving “Stargate Atlantis,” at the end of the current season. Future seasons will have her guest starring as her time allows.
Sanctuary - Official Site Announcement
iTunes Makes Frelling Good Choice
Bet you haven’t heard that word in awhile! If you don’t already own the entire DVD set of “Farscape,” this is your chance to get it. iTunes is placing all four seasons plus the concluding movie, “The Peacekeeper Wars,” available through their store for $1.99 an episode. For a considerable savings, buy the seasons all at once.
Right now, season one is available and the others will follow. No word yet on Amazon Unbox carrying the series, but they do have for download “The Peacekeeper Wars,” for less than $10.00.
I hope you will take a look at this series if you haven’t already. It is one of the most creative and thoughtful science fiction shows that has ever been done. It is an Australian production, which may explain the freshness and radical ideas that are presented at times; unfortunately scifi in American media has become a bit too predictable. “Farscape” is anything but!
The release of “Farscape,” on iTunes is undoubtedly part of a promotion because of the upcoming Webisodes based on the television series. Sign up for their newsletter so you will know when the Webisodes become available.
And if you haven’t seen “Farscape,” my next posting will tell you why you should. It goes on the top of the “not to be missed” list and may likely end up being your favorite science fiction series of all time!
Farscape: Jim Henson Productions
SciFi Channel and Jericho
I don’t get the SciFi channel. Well, that’s not true. I get it a little better when I remember that NBC/Universal owns the SciFi channel and NBC has historically ruined every science fiction show they have ever had on, with the exception of “Heroes,” which is probably just a matter of time. Of course this is an opinion but remember “Star Trek?” And NBC by extension with the SciFi channel and a little show called, “Stargate: SG-1?” One recent casualty was “Journeyman,” which I was really starting to enjoy.
Anyway SciFi, and therefore NBC/Universal, has bought “Jericho,” for all the rebroadcast rights. So while the second season of “Jericho,” will be starting on February 12th at 10pm Eastern Time on CBS, SciFi will be doing the 
reruns of season one. SciFi will begin showing the post-nuclear blast series February 11th and will air the first four episodes starting at 7pm Eastern Time. SciFi has been given the rights for the first and second season and will air subsequent episodes on Monday nights at 10pm Eastern Time.
Whether CBS will order a third season of “Jericho,” is unknown, but ironically when other television series are up-in-the-air with no scripts, “Jericho” will be coming back with fresh episodes. Having less competition could be good for the quasi-science fiction show and hopefully it will have a third season.
Carol Barbee, Executive Producer of “Jericho” said, “If there’s any good that comes out of the writers’ strike, I’m hoping, besides a good deal, I’m hoping it’s in the favor of Jericho.”
Remember watching a show you like is important at the time it is on. In other words, buying the episodes on iTunes or Amazon Unbox is fine. And I recommend it for those shows you love. And turning the TiVo on is pretty handy too. But those purchases or delayed viewings don’t count for the ratings. Even if you can’t watch the show because you are at work or feeding the baby or it is just a bad time for you, have the television on, mute it to avoid spoilers if you are home, and watch it later. But have that television set on because it is the number of viewers that are watching when a show airs that determines whether or not further episodes are ordered.