He's played Charlie's brother in Lost and Sean's brother in Nip/Tuck and while I wasn't fussed about either character, it does seem that Neil Hopkins will be playing a character in 2011 that I will be interested in. True Blood is pretty much expanding itself anyways for it's fourth season and given that we've already met Claudine (Lara Pulver), it makes sense that Claude is finally being added into the mix - the character that Neil Hopkins will be playing. Yup, everyone's favourite gay stripper/fairy will be a recurring presence in the fourth season and given that fairies drive vampires and humans wild alike, Claude and his sister won't be short of admirers. Other casting that's been announced has been The Good Wife's Chris Butler as Emory, a shapeshifter with an agenda of his own and Hawthorne's Christina Moore will be playing Texan WASP, Suzanne McKittrick with shapeshifter abilities of her own. Season 4 is currently being filmed as we speak.Wednesday, December 08, 2010
True Blood - Season 4 Keeps Expanding
He's played Charlie's brother in Lost and Sean's brother in Nip/Tuck and while I wasn't fussed about either character, it does seem that Neil Hopkins will be playing a character in 2011 that I will be interested in. True Blood is pretty much expanding itself anyways for it's fourth season and given that we've already met Claudine (Lara Pulver), it makes sense that Claude is finally being added into the mix - the character that Neil Hopkins will be playing. Yup, everyone's favourite gay stripper/fairy will be a recurring presence in the fourth season and given that fairies drive vampires and humans wild alike, Claude and his sister won't be short of admirers. Other casting that's been announced has been The Good Wife's Chris Butler as Emory, a shapeshifter with an agenda of his own and Hawthorne's Christina Moore will be playing Texan WASP, Suzanne McKittrick with shapeshifter abilities of her own. Season 4 is currently being filmed as we speak.
Monday, December 06, 2010
It's A Fix It's A Fix
And here's a look at some of the programmes I've been watching over the last two weeks.
Misfits - Last two episodes have for me seen this show go from great TV to must see TV. I know the whole Time Traveller's Wife arc with Future Simon and Alisha is hardly the most innovative thing on TV but damn it, it worked brilliantly and it's certainly improving both characters as well. Plus episodes with powered up tattoo artists, psychotic gamers and power tranfers through heart transplants shouldn't be this good but it's nice to see this show exceeding my expectations nonetheless though. Now if only Nathan and Kelly could just see sense with each other and I actually don't mind Curtis and Nikki as a pairing.
Merlin - For the most part I've enjoyed the last two episodes and while the series has still been worth watching, it's also been horribly inconsistent in places as well. At least with this story, we've got the Knights of the Round Table, Morgana temporarily defeated, Cenred and Morgause despatched and a brief reappearance of Freya along with some actual progression with Arthur and Gwen if not as much with Merlin (though I liked the last scene a lot). Here's hoping when the shorter fourth season returns that this level of progression will sustain itself.
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here - Aww, when I got into, I actually liked this series again. Gillian provided some morbid comedy before she got the boot and I could empathise with Dom Joly's complete irritation with Kayla (what, she wasn't famous enough for the US version?) but overall it reminded me why I liked Stacey Solomon so much. The girl is utterly bonkers but so damn likeable that at the end, it only made sense for her to win the bloody thing. Maybe a certain other ITV show could take some tips.
The X Factor - Memo to Simon Cowell - this show is supposed to be decided by the public and while you and Cheryl Cole continue to prove how little you both actually know about music, someone with actual talent got sacrificed last night. I never thought for a second that Mary Byrne would win the show but she deserved to be in the final and the fact that Cher Lloyd got through after an abysmal performance of Everytime only proved two things - a) ageism is still alive in Britain today and b) Simon really needs to stop sucking to Cheryl, even if I do want Rebecca to win. I knew Mary Byrne was going but after last night, it should've been Cher. At least the Glee bit was fun.
- In news that won't shock at all, Dexter has been deservedly renewed for a sixth season. I still have to watch Season 5 but I hear I'm in for a treat.
Glee - It's that time of year again - Sectionals! Last time we had set lists revealed and Emma's wedding become a non starter. This time around you've got Emma actually marrying Carl, Sam/Quinn doing Time Of My Life (wasn't Black Eyed Peas enough?) along with Santana belting out Valerie and Rachel/Finn coming to an ending for now. Elsewhere, Kurt's beginning to realise that the Warblers aren't that great, we've got a new member in Lauren and while I'm still not invested in Artie/Brittany, I didn't mind them this week. Oh, and no Sue along with Mercedes/Tina's rendition of Dog Days Are Over along with Rachel/Kurt's Don't Cry For Me Argentina certainly hit the musical spots.
Misfits - Last two episodes have for me seen this show go from great TV to must see TV. I know the whole Time Traveller's Wife arc with Future Simon and Alisha is hardly the most innovative thing on TV but damn it, it worked brilliantly and it's certainly improving both characters as well. Plus episodes with powered up tattoo artists, psychotic gamers and power tranfers through heart transplants shouldn't be this good but it's nice to see this show exceeding my expectations nonetheless though. Now if only Nathan and Kelly could just see sense with each other and I actually don't mind Curtis and Nikki as a pairing.
Merlin - For the most part I've enjoyed the last two episodes and while the series has still been worth watching, it's also been horribly inconsistent in places as well. At least with this story, we've got the Knights of the Round Table, Morgana temporarily defeated, Cenred and Morgause despatched and a brief reappearance of Freya along with some actual progression with Arthur and Gwen if not as much with Merlin (though I liked the last scene a lot). Here's hoping when the shorter fourth season returns that this level of progression will sustain itself.
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here - Aww, when I got into, I actually liked this series again. Gillian provided some morbid comedy before she got the boot and I could empathise with Dom Joly's complete irritation with Kayla (what, she wasn't famous enough for the US version?) but overall it reminded me why I liked Stacey Solomon so much. The girl is utterly bonkers but so damn likeable that at the end, it only made sense for her to win the bloody thing. Maybe a certain other ITV show could take some tips.
The X Factor - Memo to Simon Cowell - this show is supposed to be decided by the public and while you and Cheryl Cole continue to prove how little you both actually know about music, someone with actual talent got sacrificed last night. I never thought for a second that Mary Byrne would win the show but she deserved to be in the final and the fact that Cher Lloyd got through after an abysmal performance of Everytime only proved two things - a) ageism is still alive in Britain today and b) Simon really needs to stop sucking to Cheryl, even if I do want Rebecca to win. I knew Mary Byrne was going but after last night, it should've been Cher. At least the Glee bit was fun.
- In news that won't shock at all, Dexter has been deservedly renewed for a sixth season. I still have to watch Season 5 but I hear I'm in for a treat.- True Blood's third season will air on FXUK in January. Looks like they're promoting the werewolf aspect of the series as well.
- Stephan Amell is joining The Vampire Diaries for a two episode arc playing a character called Brady.
- Stephan Amell is joining The Vampire Diaries for a two episode arc playing a character called Brady.
- Expect to see the return of both Susan's mother and her aunt in Desperate Housewives soon. Also in the last episode this year, someone gets shot.
- The CW are planning a series based on DC Comics character, Raven as a replacement for Smallville.
- The CW are planning a series based on DC Comics character, Raven as a replacement for Smallville.
- Glee will be covering a Black Eyed Peas song in an upcoming episode. The Christmas one airs tomorrow on FOX.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Don't Send In The Clones - Doctor Who Series 6 Spoilers
I know two blogs on this show in a row, I should stop. Don't worry, I will have something non-Doctor Who related tomorrow night, promise.
Filming has begun on episodes 5 and 6, known as The Rebel Flesh/Gangers or the Matthew Graham two-parter if you like and if Sarah Smart (playing Jennifer Lucas in the story) wasn't good enough casting, then surely Matthew's former work buddy, Marshall Lancaster is, right? The lovely actor plays a character called Buzzer in this two-parter.
Some brief filming pictures of Karen Gillan with Matt Smith's stunt double there but the concept behind this story seems to be set in an office with some clones. At one point in the story, the Doctor himself is cloned, which if you look in The Brilliant Book explains why some of his current catchphrases are confused. Whether or not we get cloned versions of Amy and Rory remains to be seen.
Here's a picture of Caerphilly Castle, formerly used for episodes such as The End Of Time and The Vampires Of Venice. It'll be interesting to see how it's present for this one though. Matthew Graham has also said in a recent tweet that Gangers refers to both work foremen and doppelgangers as well.
This device I am not sure of - perhaps the thing that clones foremen and the Doctor alike? There's still no idea on who the main baddie for this one is as well but in recent interviews, it has been confirmed from Piers Wengers that the series split this year is for creative reasons, rather than practical ones and that Series 6 won't be bringing back any more classic monsters. Well, there are my hopes of seeing the Ice Warriors dashed but I will be surprised if we get a Dalek-less season in 2011.
First up, quick edit, because these behind the scenes pictures of the Radio Times photoshoot with Matt Smith, Michael Gambon and Katherine Jenkins are too good not to be blogged about. Link at the bottom and prepared to be amazed.
Filming has begun on episodes 5 and 6, known as The Rebel Flesh/Gangers or the Matthew Graham two-parter if you like and if Sarah Smart (playing Jennifer Lucas in the story) wasn't good enough casting, then surely Matthew's former work buddy, Marshall Lancaster is, right? The lovely actor plays a character called Buzzer in this two-parter.
Some brief filming pictures of Karen Gillan with Matt Smith's stunt double there but the concept behind this story seems to be set in an office with some clones. At one point in the story, the Doctor himself is cloned, which if you look in The Brilliant Book explains why some of his current catchphrases are confused. Whether or not we get cloned versions of Amy and Rory remains to be seen.
Here's a picture of Caerphilly Castle, formerly used for episodes such as The End Of Time and The Vampires Of Venice. It'll be interesting to see how it's present for this one though. Matthew Graham has also said in a recent tweet that Gangers refers to both work foremen and doppelgangers as well.
This device I am not sure of - perhaps the thing that clones foremen and the Doctor alike? There's still no idea on who the main baddie for this one is as well but in recent interviews, it has been confirmed from Piers Wengers that the series split this year is for creative reasons, rather than practical ones and that Series 6 won't be bringing back any more classic monsters. Well, there are my hopes of seeing the Ice Warriors dashed but I will be surprised if we get a Dalek-less season in 2011.Thursday, December 02, 2010
Doctor Who - A Christmas Carol Promotional Pictures
Okay, here are some pictures of the upcoming BBC Interactive Game, Shadow Of The Vashta Nerada and Christmas special, A Christmas Carol as well as some synopsises for both.
Synopsis: It's the deepest part of winter, the exact midpoint, Christmas Eve – halfway out of the dark. Amy and Rory are trapped on a stricken space liner that's plummeting through banks of thick icy fog to the surface of the planet below. Only one man has the power to save them; only one man is in possession of a machine that can clear the fog and let them land safely. That man is Kazran Sardick, a rich but lonely old miser who rules Sardicktown with a sky-mast of iron. The Doctor's only chance of rescuing the ship's four thousand passengers is to save Kazran's soul and show him that life is worth living. For this he needs to go back, way back, to when Kazran was a boy with a life full of promise. But can the Doctor put a song in Kazran's heart and love in his life, in time for Christmas? Can he bring him out of the dark?
The Doctor has a good look around the place and for this special we've got some flying sharks to look forward to. Come on, they can't be as naff as Max Capricorn in Voyage Of The Damned, can they?
The Doctor, Kazran (Michael Gambon) and a little boy, who might be the youngest version of Kazran that we meet in this special. Only Steven Moffat would add a timey wimey bend to a timeless classic. Expect some more pictures (hopefully ones with Amy and Rory) to surface soon as well.
One more picture with Kazran, the Doctor and Abigail Pettigrew (Katherine Jenkins). Rumours has it the lovely Miss Jenkins will be singing in this episode but surely that was to be expected, right? Only twenty three days to go now. And below is a link to this year's Adventure Calender.
Advent Calender: http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dw/news/adventure_calendar_2010a/Adventure%20Calendar%202010
Synopsis: Kicking off immediately following the cliff-hanger ending of episode three, Shadows of the Vashta Nerada sees The Doctor and Amy materialise just south of London (and about a 1000 miles to the left) inside an aquatic sea-bed colony called Poseidon. The game features a breath-taking plot which surrounds a real-world conspiracy – and, of course, takes place at Christmas.
Synopsis: It's the deepest part of winter, the exact midpoint, Christmas Eve – halfway out of the dark. Amy and Rory are trapped on a stricken space liner that's plummeting through banks of thick icy fog to the surface of the planet below. Only one man has the power to save them; only one man is in possession of a machine that can clear the fog and let them land safely. That man is Kazran Sardick, a rich but lonely old miser who rules Sardicktown with a sky-mast of iron. The Doctor's only chance of rescuing the ship's four thousand passengers is to save Kazran's soul and show him that life is worth living. For this he needs to go back, way back, to when Kazran was a boy with a life full of promise. But can the Doctor put a song in Kazran's heart and love in his life, in time for Christmas? Can he bring him out of the dark?
The Doctor has a good look around the place and for this special we've got some flying sharks to look forward to. Come on, they can't be as naff as Max Capricorn in Voyage Of The Damned, can they?
The Doctor, Kazran (Michael Gambon) and a little boy, who might be the youngest version of Kazran that we meet in this special. Only Steven Moffat would add a timey wimey bend to a timeless classic. Expect some more pictures (hopefully ones with Amy and Rory) to surface soon as well.
One more picture with Kazran, the Doctor and Abigail Pettigrew (Katherine Jenkins). Rumours has it the lovely Miss Jenkins will be singing in this episode but surely that was to be expected, right? Only twenty three days to go now. And below is a link to this year's Adventure Calender.Advent Calender: http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dw/news/adventure_calendar_2010a/Adventure%20Calendar%202010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Being Human US - Character Profiles
It's only a month until both versions of Being Human are on our screen and SyFy have released some promo pictures and character description as well ...
Aidan has worked as a nurse in a hospital in Boston for the past several years. He likes working in a job where he can hopefully do some good and help people. He also finds comfort in laying people to rest, in helping them find the peace in death that he will never know.
Josh's bright future was hijacked when he was turned into a werewolf and forced to abandon his family and the life he once knew with no explanation. He established a lonely existence on the fringes of society, escaping to the woods each full moon for his excruciating transformation into a werewolf. Then he met Aidan, whose friendship allowed the funny, neurotic, loyal Josh to re-emerge—and with it, the prospect of a normal life. With Aidan's help, Josh secured a job as an orderly in the hospital. Though nothing close to the future he had in med school, Josh takes solace that at least he's working in the medical profession.
Growing up, Sally was often forced to be tough and, as a result, she was a young woman who didn't take a lot of flack. She thought of working at the UN, or at the very least going to grad school. While in college, she fell in love with Danny and they became engaged right after graduation. Sally and Danny moved into the townhouse now occupied by Josh, Aidan (and the ghost, Sally). In life Sally was vivacious, smart, funny and driven. In death she is much the same, though her early demise finds her floundering for answers.
Aidan has worked as a nurse in a hospital in Boston for the past several years. He likes working in a job where he can hopefully do some good and help people. He also finds comfort in laying people to rest, in helping them find the peace in death that he will never know.
Josh's bright future was hijacked when he was turned into a werewolf and forced to abandon his family and the life he once knew with no explanation. He established a lonely existence on the fringes of society, escaping to the woods each full moon for his excruciating transformation into a werewolf. Then he met Aidan, whose friendship allowed the funny, neurotic, loyal Josh to re-emerge—and with it, the prospect of a normal life. With Aidan's help, Josh secured a job as an orderly in the hospital. Though nothing close to the future he had in med school, Josh takes solace that at least he's working in the medical profession.
Growing up, Sally was often forced to be tough and, as a result, she was a young woman who didn't take a lot of flack. She thought of working at the UN, or at the very least going to grad school. While in college, she fell in love with Danny and they became engaged right after graduation. Sally and Danny moved into the townhouse now occupied by Josh, Aidan (and the ghost, Sally). In life Sally was vivacious, smart, funny and driven. In death she is much the same, though her early demise finds her floundering for answers.Thoughts?
Soaps - November Highlights
And here's another one of these soap highlights. Next one, New Year's Eve.
Coronation Street - Aww, even I felt bad seeing poor Jack Duckworth dying in a rather poignant episode and while I was initially sceptical of the use of Vera, I thought it worked brilliantly for his big send. This show has improved in months - the Nick/Leanne/Peter/Carla quadrangle is actually interesting, Charlotte's nuttiness is surprisingly making me feel bad for John and the writers have dialled down the Steve/Becky stuff. Now if Tina could go five minutes without scowling and the Molly/Kevin rubbish could come to an end, this show would be perfect.
EastEnders - Double weddings will not be the only thing that pull Kat and Ronnie together during December but it was certainly nice to see the two of them bond, amidst the chaos of their weddings to Alfie and Jack though. This month has been mixed in some ways - Phil/Shirley stealing Roxy's money was crap, Carol/Connor are crap, Glenda/Ian - just, no but I did like the Msaood's stuff with Yusef and Lauren gunning for Stacey has been more entertaining. Stacey - you think you have problems now - wait until Janine finds out that you've bumped Archie. Then you really will be up the creek without a paddle.
Emmerdale - Hell hath no fury like a Dingle scorned. While Marlon might settle for disowning both Rhona and Paddy, Chastity is less charitable. Toffee in hats and damaging USB keys might be childsplay but planning an elaborate wedding purely to humiliate both Carl and Eve definitely takes the biscuit. Who am I kidding? This plot is actually a lot of fun, more so with Aaron and Charity in on it and so far, better than Debbie's low-key return and Nathan and Natasha's respective exits. In other stuff, not sure how to take both Ella and Mia at the moment, even if it's wise to extend Declan's family but Holly's drug addiction storyline has actually gotten far better at the moment.
Fair City - Domestic violence storylines are ten a penny on soaps but fair play to this show for actually doing one where it's Suzanne who was the aggressor and Damien the victim. Even better is the fact that Suzanne is gettting her comeuppance at the moment and that her only ally is Yvonne of all people (where the fuck is Connie by the way?). Apart from that, the rest of the storylines are more or less a commentary on the recession again and given the 'bloodbath budget' we're getting in Ireland next Tuesday, I'm sure these will only intensify.
Hollyoaks - Okay, the fire was an excellent story. Pleased as I am that Amy survived (get Lee away from Leanne now), I was sad to see Steph go, even if it was obvious that Dom was stupidly responsible for the blaze. I'm not too sure on Warren's return just yet but I'll take him over Brendan, who just doesn't convince as a hardman. Nice to see Ste's storyline continuing and the teenage pregnancy plot with Amber/Finn and gender identity with Jasmine also progressing along nicely. Oh and I was sad to see Malachy die that I even felt bad for Mercedes for once.
Coronation Street - Aww, even I felt bad seeing poor Jack Duckworth dying in a rather poignant episode and while I was initially sceptical of the use of Vera, I thought it worked brilliantly for his big send. This show has improved in months - the Nick/Leanne/Peter/Carla quadrangle is actually interesting, Charlotte's nuttiness is surprisingly making me feel bad for John and the writers have dialled down the Steve/Becky stuff. Now if Tina could go five minutes without scowling and the Molly/Kevin rubbish could come to an end, this show would be perfect.
EastEnders - Double weddings will not be the only thing that pull Kat and Ronnie together during December but it was certainly nice to see the two of them bond, amidst the chaos of their weddings to Alfie and Jack though. This month has been mixed in some ways - Phil/Shirley stealing Roxy's money was crap, Carol/Connor are crap, Glenda/Ian - just, no but I did like the Msaood's stuff with Yusef and Lauren gunning for Stacey has been more entertaining. Stacey - you think you have problems now - wait until Janine finds out that you've bumped Archie. Then you really will be up the creek without a paddle.
Emmerdale - Hell hath no fury like a Dingle scorned. While Marlon might settle for disowning both Rhona and Paddy, Chastity is less charitable. Toffee in hats and damaging USB keys might be childsplay but planning an elaborate wedding purely to humiliate both Carl and Eve definitely takes the biscuit. Who am I kidding? This plot is actually a lot of fun, more so with Aaron and Charity in on it and so far, better than Debbie's low-key return and Nathan and Natasha's respective exits. In other stuff, not sure how to take both Ella and Mia at the moment, even if it's wise to extend Declan's family but Holly's drug addiction storyline has actually gotten far better at the moment.
Fair City - Domestic violence storylines are ten a penny on soaps but fair play to this show for actually doing one where it's Suzanne who was the aggressor and Damien the victim. Even better is the fact that Suzanne is gettting her comeuppance at the moment and that her only ally is Yvonne of all people (where the fuck is Connie by the way?). Apart from that, the rest of the storylines are more or less a commentary on the recession again and given the 'bloodbath budget' we're getting in Ireland next Tuesday, I'm sure these will only intensify.
Hollyoaks - Okay, the fire was an excellent story. Pleased as I am that Amy survived (get Lee away from Leanne now), I was sad to see Steph go, even if it was obvious that Dom was stupidly responsible for the blaze. I'm not too sure on Warren's return just yet but I'll take him over Brendan, who just doesn't convince as a hardman. Nice to see Ste's storyline continuing and the teenage pregnancy plot with Amber/Finn and gender identity with Jasmine also progressing along nicely. Oh and I was sad to see Malachy die that I even felt bad for Mercedes for once.Sunday, November 28, 2010
The X Factor - Final Five
After weeks of much complaints, fans have finally seen that Katie Waissel and Wagner have now gone from The X Factor. Which leaves us with a much predicted final five ...
Matt Cardle - He's a likeable enough guy and certainly seems to be appealing to the female viewers, so I'm not surprised that he's in the semi-finals. I can also see him or One Direction actually winning this as well.
Mary Byrne - It's amazing to see how far she's come in this (and my sisters are big fans of her) but I'll be surprised if she's in the final three next week. She's definitely talented and more likeable than other but I don't see her winning it, though it would be interesting if she did, wouldn't it?
Cher Lloyd - I liked her at the start but over the last few weeks, I've been a little put off with her as well. If she does win this, then she's really going to have up her game in order to last as a singer because she's definitely not done much out of her comfort zone to be honest.
One Direction - The last thing the world needs is another boyband, so for that reason alone, I'd rather they didn't win but if Matt or Rebecca don't bag the prize, they certainly will. That I can be sure of.
Rebecca Ferguson - She's the only one in the competition that I would like to see win the thing and she's been the most consistent throughout the whole show as well. If she doesn't win, then I hope she's at least in the final three next week.
Matt Cardle - He's a likeable enough guy and certainly seems to be appealing to the female viewers, so I'm not surprised that he's in the semi-finals. I can also see him or One Direction actually winning this as well.
Mary Byrne - It's amazing to see how far she's come in this (and my sisters are big fans of her) but I'll be surprised if she's in the final three next week. She's definitely talented and more likeable than other but I don't see her winning it, though it would be interesting if she did, wouldn't it?
Cher Lloyd - I liked her at the start but over the last few weeks, I've been a little put off with her as well. If she does win this, then she's really going to have up her game in order to last as a singer because she's definitely not done much out of her comfort zone to be honest. 
One Direction - The last thing the world needs is another boyband, so for that reason alone, I'd rather they didn't win but if Matt or Rebecca don't bag the prize, they certainly will. That I can be sure of.Being Human US Airdate/Trailers
Okay, not an official cast shot but a rather adorable one of the three leads for the US version of Being Human and for SyFy viewers (and those who obtain this stuff via other means), you can catch the series, Mondays at 9pm from January 17th. I have next to no idea if anyone is buying it in the UK (more than likely, SyFy UK will do the deed) but I certainly plan to give it a go at least.SyFy Promo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOVJoPw85tw&feature=related
Trailer 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_0UnJbVAFs
Sam Witwer Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6yvkFRjCA0&feature=related
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Umbrella
And here's a catch up on some of the stuff I've been watching over the last few days ...
Misfits - A fantastic second episode. I wasn't exactly in love with the idea of Nathan getting a brother out of nowhere but it certainly worked in helping him and his father overcome some of their own issues when said brother also died as well. It's also interesting that the influence of drugs has some pretty bad effects on the gang's powers as well but along with the ninja guy and mystery girl, Nikki, this show is definitely building up some interesting arcs this year. Oh and excellent choice in music at the start of this episode too.
The Vampire Diaries - One has to feel a little for Pearl. She's all about trying to start over in Mystic Falls and when she isn't having to deal with Anna's interest in Jeremy, she's got rebellious minions torturing the crap out of Stefan for fun as well. I suppose being emtombed for 145 years will do that to you though. On a serious note, these last two episodes have been good but not as good as previous ones, even if I do like Alaric being utilised into Stefan's rescue this week.
Desperate Housewives - Another two episodes which were interesting to varying degrees. Gabby's obsession with Grace is naturally causing problems with Carlos and Juanita but there were some amusing moments when Carlos and Bob hung out more and the latter reunited with Lee. Lynette and Tom's story with the latter's mum was far more affecting than Susan having to become babysitter after Paul made sure she was fired and I'm not sure if the casting was right for Keith's parents but I do like that him and Bree deepened a little more before going their seperate ways. Renee's still not working for me and Beth is only slightly more interesting than when she started. I knew she was a plant.
- Jessica Tuck has been promoted to series regular for Season 4 of True Blood. Janina Gavankar will play shapeshifter/school teacher Luna while Alexandria Breckinridge will play witch Daisy and Vedette Lim will play cage fighter Naomi.
Glee - The last two episodes have certainly been interesting. The first one with Gwyneth Paltrow's Holly Holliday was a lot of fun and to be honest, auto-tuned or not, I did enjoy the mash-up of Umbrella/Singing In The Rain as well as Sue's pretty ruthless attempts of becoming principal, only to jack it in protest of Kurt being victimised by Karofsky in the next episode. It's nice that in the midst of Burt and Carole's wedding that the Glee club, Will and Sue finally stepped in trying to deal with Karofsky, even it backfired somehow. As for Sue's own wedding - um, weird but I did like seeing her mother and while it's nice to see more of Blaine and have Kurt transferred to Dalton, I only hope that Mercedes is due a storyline soon because protesting about tator tots is not good enough to be honest.
Merlin - I love this show, I honestly do and while I loved this episode, this show really needs to step up a gear. Tournaments aren't that exciting anymore and apart from the fact that Gilli wasn't a baddie and made some perceptive comments to Merlin about concealing his magic, this wasn't an episode that progressed much to be honest. Still though, the finale starts this weekend and that does look genuinely exciting.
Misfits - A fantastic second episode. I wasn't exactly in love with the idea of Nathan getting a brother out of nowhere but it certainly worked in helping him and his father overcome some of their own issues when said brother also died as well. It's also interesting that the influence of drugs has some pretty bad effects on the gang's powers as well but along with the ninja guy and mystery girl, Nikki, this show is definitely building up some interesting arcs this year. Oh and excellent choice in music at the start of this episode too.
The Vampire Diaries - One has to feel a little for Pearl. She's all about trying to start over in Mystic Falls and when she isn't having to deal with Anna's interest in Jeremy, she's got rebellious minions torturing the crap out of Stefan for fun as well. I suppose being emtombed for 145 years will do that to you though. On a serious note, these last two episodes have been good but not as good as previous ones, even if I do like Alaric being utilised into Stefan's rescue this week.
Desperate Housewives - Another two episodes which were interesting to varying degrees. Gabby's obsession with Grace is naturally causing problems with Carlos and Juanita but there were some amusing moments when Carlos and Bob hung out more and the latter reunited with Lee. Lynette and Tom's story with the latter's mum was far more affecting than Susan having to become babysitter after Paul made sure she was fired and I'm not sure if the casting was right for Keith's parents but I do like that him and Bree deepened a little more before going their seperate ways. Renee's still not working for me and Beth is only slightly more interesting than when she started. I knew she was a plant.
- Jessica Tuck has been promoted to series regular for Season 4 of True Blood. Janina Gavankar will play shapeshifter/school teacher Luna while Alexandria Breckinridge will play witch Daisy and Vedette Lim will play cage fighter Naomi.- Grey's Anatomy are planning a musical episode in the second half of the seventh season.
- Calista Flockhart will not appear in the series 100th episode of Brothers And Sisters. Damn.
- Lucas Grabeel will be reprising his role as a teenage Lex Luthor in an upcoming episode of Smallville.
- Calista Flockhart will not appear in the series 100th episode of Brothers And Sisters. Damn.
- Lucas Grabeel will be reprising his role as a teenage Lex Luthor in an upcoming episode of Smallville.
- Being Human US starts on Syfy from January 17th at 9pm. I'll be doing more spoiler blogs on it in the next month.
- The cast of Glee will appear at the semi-final of The X Factor next month. The series will also return in February after the last two episodes air in December.
- Teri Hatcher has denied reports that she's set to leave Desperate Housewives. Rumours did surface that she was due to quit her role in the series.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Buffy Movie Without Joss Whedon
Last summer it was announced that another movie version of Buffy The Vampire Slayer was to be made without creator Joss Whedon having any involvement. As the months passed, I began to assume that this was no longer going to happen but it's just been announced that Warner Brothers are going ahead with a movie version by newcomer Whit Anderson and sans the Joss man after all. To be honest, I'm not really sure how I feel about this. On one hand, nothing literally is sacred anymore and an issue such as being creator of an iconic show doesn't seem to matter but given how Whedon's Season Eight comics have become rather disjointed, dare I actually suggest that perhaps someone else's vision of Buffy Summers may or may not be a good thing? I guess time will only tell on this one.Guardian Article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2010/nov/23/joss-whedon-buffy-vampire-slayer
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Love Letter To America - Doctor Who Series 6 Spoilers
Well, hasn't it been an interesting last few days? When we haven't been getting trailers for A Christmas Carol, we've been getting some lovely filming pictures for the first two parter of Series 6 as the cast were filming in Utah last week.
This season has also had a few more details revealed in other areas too. Neil Gaiman's character Idris in the third episode is at the end of her life but doesn't die, Mark Gatiss's story is suburbia based, episodes 5 and 6 will be a two parter by Matthew Graham and are rumoured to be titled The Rebel Flesh and Gangers, featuring Sarah Smart (At Home With The Braithwaites) while Steven Moffat will scribe episodes 7 and 8 with a break in between them as the second half of the season will air in Autumn 2011.
It's also being heavily rumoured that River's true identity will be revealed around the seventh episode and also that Amy learns her secret (or a secret) beforehand and is urged not to tell the Doctor whilst rumours are that Rory will make an almighty blunder as well. Matt Smith also revealed in a recent interview that something is going on with Amy as well in the upcoming series, so make of that what you will. More pictures of the Utah filming can be seen in the link below.
Notice in the first picture two very interesting things - one that Amy is fleeing from the FBI and two, that she's got some interesting marks on her arms not that dissimilar to the ones that River had been branding on hers for earlier shots of this story. According to Piers Wenger, this story is going to be something of a love letter to America and while the filming was in place in Utah, expect scenes in New York, San Francisco and Washington as well.
The Doctor, Rory and River in a particular scene together and it's nice to see that if Amy's wearing plaid, then Rory's wearing some shorts as exchange. I guess with the FBI look, River might be working for Canton (Mark Shephard) and his cronies again. Other casting for this two parter includes Dtuart Milligan, Marnix van den Broeke, Chuk Iwuji, Mark Griffin, Kerry Shale, Glenn Wrage, Jeff Mash, Sydney Wade, Tommy Campbell, Peter Banks, Nancy Baldwin, Kieran O'Connor, Alex Giannini, Adam Napier, Henrietta Clemett, Paul Critoph, Ricky Fearon and Emilio Aquino, according to DWM.
This season has also had a few more details revealed in other areas too. Neil Gaiman's character Idris in the third episode is at the end of her life but doesn't die, Mark Gatiss's story is suburbia based, episodes 5 and 6 will be a two parter by Matthew Graham and are rumoured to be titled The Rebel Flesh and Gangers, featuring Sarah Smart (At Home With The Braithwaites) while Steven Moffat will scribe episodes 7 and 8 with a break in between them as the second half of the season will air in Autumn 2011.
It's also being heavily rumoured that River's true identity will be revealed around the seventh episode and also that Amy learns her secret (or a secret) beforehand and is urged not to tell the Doctor whilst rumours are that Rory will make an almighty blunder as well. Matt Smith also revealed in a recent interview that something is going on with Amy as well in the upcoming series, so make of that what you will. More pictures of the Utah filming can be seen in the link below.Sunday, November 21, 2010
A Bit Of A Huge Roundup
This is going to be a little short but over the last two weeks, there have been some good shows to watch over.
Merlin - what is it with Uther trying to crush other people's love interests? First, he ended up banishing Gaius's one, Alice after it was revealed that her hand was being forced by a Manticore and thanks to Morgana's scheming, he almost ended up having Gwen executed as well. I have to admit to enjoying Merlin using a disguse in order to save Gwen and give both Uther and Arthur a piece of his mind. Now, I need to go and catch with last night's episode.
Thorne - I really enjoyed the last two episodes of this series but I'm hoping for a little more of an oomph if we get a next series. Thorne's guardianship over Charlie and his scenes with his father, Phil and Ruth were fantastic but Sandra Oh was surprisingly disappointing as Sarah Chen and I wasn't too sad to see her killed by Martin. Overall, a worthwhile addition to Sky1's staple.
Accused - Christopher Eccleston and his gritty dramas, eh? He certainly seems to enjoy them and the start of this six-parter from Jimmy McGovern was a decent stab at something for Monday nights. Each week sees a court case and this week saw Eccleston's character steal money to pay for his daughter's wedding and ending up getting six years as well as having his affair quietly revealed in the background. Certainly not a good day for Willy.
The X Factor - Well, in the last three weeks, we've had TreyC, Aiden and Paije all fall to the sides whilst Katie Waissel and Wagner have triumphed yet again. Having weeks dedicated to both Elton John and the Beatles certainly has been telling but at this point, I just know that either Matt Cardle or One Direction are going to win this, so it doesn't matter what controversy Katie generates, though to her credit, she did a cracking version of Help.
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here - Maybe it's a form of twisted karma but for a woman who examines other people's poo for a living, Gillian McKeith certainly has managed to become a figure of fun and scorn for the general voting public and her fellow teammates. Personally, while I'm not glued to this series, I am finding the excess picking on Gillian a tad too mean and I don't even like the woman.
The Apprentice UK/Irish Versions - Mmm, I'm watching the Irish more and actually enjoying it more. We've lost misery guts Tara and moronic Dave (while still being lumbered with patronising git, Jamie) and with any luck, Will will develop a personality and Michelle will win the bloody thing. As for the UK versions, I wasn't too sad to see the departures of either Alex or Sandeesh to be honest.
Lip Service - Pretty interesting finale. I'm not gonna lie that I didn't see Cat/Frankie happening because it was pretty obvious that was going to go there and it'll be interesting to see if Cat does choose her ex-girlfriend over Sam. I did also like Frankie's mystery being resolved and it was nice to see Tess sort out her friendship with Ed, get a good acting gig and spark up a relationship with Finn. Pun intended. Hoping this series returns for a second run.
Merlin - what is it with Uther trying to crush other people's love interests? First, he ended up banishing Gaius's one, Alice after it was revealed that her hand was being forced by a Manticore and thanks to Morgana's scheming, he almost ended up having Gwen executed as well. I have to admit to enjoying Merlin using a disguse in order to save Gwen and give both Uther and Arthur a piece of his mind. Now, I need to go and catch with last night's episode.
Thorne - I really enjoyed the last two episodes of this series but I'm hoping for a little more of an oomph if we get a next series. Thorne's guardianship over Charlie and his scenes with his father, Phil and Ruth were fantastic but Sandra Oh was surprisingly disappointing as Sarah Chen and I wasn't too sad to see her killed by Martin. Overall, a worthwhile addition to Sky1's staple.
Accused - Christopher Eccleston and his gritty dramas, eh? He certainly seems to enjoy them and the start of this six-parter from Jimmy McGovern was a decent stab at something for Monday nights. Each week sees a court case and this week saw Eccleston's character steal money to pay for his daughter's wedding and ending up getting six years as well as having his affair quietly revealed in the background. Certainly not a good day for Willy.
The X Factor - Well, in the last three weeks, we've had TreyC, Aiden and Paije all fall to the sides whilst Katie Waissel and Wagner have triumphed yet again. Having weeks dedicated to both Elton John and the Beatles certainly has been telling but at this point, I just know that either Matt Cardle or One Direction are going to win this, so it doesn't matter what controversy Katie generates, though to her credit, she did a cracking version of Help.
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here - Maybe it's a form of twisted karma but for a woman who examines other people's poo for a living, Gillian McKeith certainly has managed to become a figure of fun and scorn for the general voting public and her fellow teammates. Personally, while I'm not glued to this series, I am finding the excess picking on Gillian a tad too mean and I don't even like the woman.
The Apprentice UK/Irish Versions - Mmm, I'm watching the Irish more and actually enjoying it more. We've lost misery guts Tara and moronic Dave (while still being lumbered with patronising git, Jamie) and with any luck, Will will develop a personality and Michelle will win the bloody thing. As for the UK versions, I wasn't too sad to see the departures of either Alex or Sandeesh to be honest.Friday, November 19, 2010
Doctor Who - Children In Need/A Christmas Carol Trailer
Children In Need only comes once a year and since 2005, Doctor Who's had something of a presence. We've had exclusive scenes, previews for Christmas specials and the odd concert here and there in the past but this year's edition with Matt and Karen giving a tea party to two lucky kids certainly took the biscuit - in a very good way of course.
Along with the scene, we also got a rather sumptious trailer for A Christmas Carol, the sixth Christmas special we've had since the show's return. Highlights include watching the Doctor descend from the chimney as Michael Gambom's character warned him that he wasn't the charitable sort. This is also a character who we see at three different points of his life whilst Katherine Jenkins plays one of his version lost love as well.
The most interesting thing about this trailer apart from Amy talking about time being rewritten was seeing her in her kissogram outfit along with Roman Rory (Arthur Darvill) once again. Amy and Rory are mostly seperated from the Doctor in this story as they have their own mission to keep everyone alive on a spaceship whilst enjoying their honeymoon.
Another noteworthy aspect of the special is that while it might look like another Victorian piece, it's not even set on Earth this year but it's certainly taking liberties with the novel that it's inspired from though. And with another 36 days to go, I for one are sure as hell anticipating this beauty all the freaking more. Oh and look out for those sharks in the trailer as well. I'm not sure what to make of them just yet.A Christmas Carol Trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xfp2ux_doctor-who-christmas-special-preview-children-in-need-2010_shortfilms
A Christmas Carol airs on Christmas Day on BBC1.
A Christmas Carol airs on Christmas Day on BBC1.
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