Same old Scifi; New Logo

Staff Writer: Grave Digger

July 7th and the Scifi Channel will become SyFy. What's the difference? Same old contempt for the genre, all new way of screwing up our favorite shows, novels, and movies.

Why the switch? According to the network, Scifi is so generic the name cannot be trademarked. Syfy however is unusual and can be trademarked.

To viewers the switch is a waste of money and the new logo with "Imagine Greater" is defunct. I have imagined greater, sent an email, and within six months those changes are employed. (Twice. Why am I not employed by Scifi?) Another reason why Universal, NBC, and their executives don't get the genre or the fans.

We're lucky the pencil pushers renew Ghost Hunters. Has anyone else seen Destination Truth? Neither have we. One more show disappears into the chasm known soon as the Syfy Channel.

Logo changes:







Source: The New York Times and Syfy

Abrams's Star Trek

Staff Writer: Grave Digger

3 1/2 out of 5 Shovels - Action/Adventure Movie
2 out of 5 Shovels - Star Trek Reboot

Trekkies hang on, JJ Abrams has taken off with his version of the beloved television and movie franchise. Though full of adventure and action, Abrams sticks a lot of attitude down the throats of the viewer. Kirk is a rebellious, yet genius level punk. Spock does not have control of his emotions. Uhura struts about as eye candy and Spock's love interest. No one can understand Chekov. Sulu is great with a sword. Scottie is rash and crazy. And Bones is a germ, space, and person -ophobe.

If someone who did not know the Trek universe and saw this movie, then this person would probably give the movie an above average rating. There is, however, an overabundance of danger, action, and whatever can be thrown at the audience, is, well thrown.

As a Trek lover since a very young age, I did not enjoy this film as a Star Trek movie. The departure from the original series is vast enough to leave a chasm in one's chest. Changes in the timeline left the characters scarred and stereotypical. Now Kirk is the unpredictable and hubrius laden hero. Spock will be forever be pulled in two emotional directions. Uhura will have no storyline accept what Spock does with her. Bones, Chekov, Sulu, and Scottie will remain comic relief; one-liner deliverers.

This balance isn't the same. The chemistry isn't the same. Spock is flat. Kirk is over the top. Bones is, I'm not sure what they've done to him.

Don't misunderstand, the actors did a great job bringing the nuiances of their iconic characters to life with voice, gesture, and intensity. The storyline and direction did not serve them well. Brilliant actors with little to act on. Action, danger, and suspense is great when in harmony with comedy, romance, and drama, but not in this piece. Abrams did not take liberities with the franchise he steamed rolled over it.

With a $76 million opening weekend, I doubt we have seen the last of the series. I just hope the second installment takes us back to a better movie instead of creating a live-action video game.

Caprica

Caprica
Staff Writer: Grave Digger

Prequel to Battlestar Galatica coming from Scifi, the show is called Caprica. The story revolves around the Adamas and the Greystones. When a terrorists target these two families, not everyone returns alive. Greystone then begins down a road of reanimation. Adama tries to oppose the work. The science makes way for strides in technology including the Cyclons.

The main characters will be portrayed as follows:
Esai Morales -Joseph Adama
Eric Stoltz - Daniel Graystone
Paula Malcomson - Amanda Graystone
Polly Walker - Sister Clarice Willow
Alessandra Toressani - Zoe Graystone
Sasha Roiz - Sam Adama
Avan Jogia - Ben Stark
Magda Apanowicz - Lacy Rand
Brian Markinson - Jordan Duram
Genevieve Buechner - Tamara Adama
Katie Keating - Caston
Hiro Kanagawa - Cyrus Xander
Jared Keeso - Rod Jenkins

British television may get a first look in November while Scifi might postpone U.S. delivery until early 2009. This miniseries pilot may garner a regular series for the network.

Mirabilis

Staff Writer: DL Mullan

Scifi Channel announced that a four-hour miniseries is in development. The series is a fantasy story with David James Elliot, Natassia Malthe, and Christopher Llyod.

The script is written by Sam Egan and will be produced by Reunion Pictures, RHI Entertainment and Industry Entertainment are attached.

Mirabilis is a land where knights exist. When one knight wanders into the land, the adventure begins.

Atlantis Submerged, Again

Staff Writer: DL Mullan

Scifi Channel has axed another Stargate series. SG-1 and now Atlantis are archived as of the fifth season of the latter. With a two hour end movie, Atlantis will say good-bye to us and hello to reruns.

However, the Scifi Channel offers a new Stargate: Universe. How will Universe extend the Stargate universe? We’ll have to wait for more information.

Until then, appreciate Atlantis, since the final season is upon its fans.

Fall TV Line-up

Staff Writer: Samuntha Mackenzie

A summary of genre shows ready for fans. Obviously missing are favorites: Blood Ties and Moonlight. Some shows have already started but the rest have their known start dates listed.

Sunday
None

Monday
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles – Sept 8 FOX
My Own Worse Enemy – Oct 13 FOX

Tuesday
Fringe – Sept 9 FOX
Eureka - SCIFI

Wednesday
Knight Rider – Sept 24 NBC
Bones - Sept 3 FOX
Ghost Hunters – Sept 3 SCIFI
Destination Truth - Sept 3 SCIFI

Thursday
Smallville – Sept 18 CW
Supernatural – Sept 18 CW

Friday
Ghost Whisper – Oct 3 CBS
Numbers – Oct 3 CBS
Sancutary - Oct 3 SCIFI
Ghost Adventures – Oct 17 Travel
Stargate: Atlantis - SCIFI
Battlestar Galatica – SCIFI – winter season begins later

Travel Channel has Weird Travels and other paranormal shows on Fridays from late summer to early spring.

Saturday
True Blood – Sept 7 HBO
Psychic Kids – Children of the Paranormal A&E – reruns of first season shows on the Biography Channel