Sci-Fi Storm

Finally…the BBC has finally nailed down the broadcast day and time of the next Doctor Who special episode – now dubbed the Easter Special, but titled “Planet Of The Dead” – on BBC One and BBC HD on Saturday, April 11th at 6:45pm BST. No idea on a U.S. broadcast at this time.

Liam Neeson (in his first signing since the death of his actress wife, Natasha Richardson) will play Zeus, and Ralph Fiennes will play Hades in the upcoming remake of Clash Of The Titans. Hades did not appear in the original movie, but in this one he plots to take over Olympus…

Joss Whedon’s fans were probably already a little leery about doing another show with Fox…and there may be reason. With the ratings seemingly on the increase, Fox will apparently not air the 13th episode, already shot and titled “Omega”, instead ending the season on May 8th with the 12th episode, “Epitaph One”. Various theories are in play, and everyone seems to be insisting that the show has not been canceled – but networks don’t seem to like saying that word even when its true…Update 4/10: Consulting producer Tim Minear clarifies a bit – Fox’s TV order ended with the 12th episode, because the original pilot was scrapped. However, a 13th episode was required for DVD contract fulfillment, so “Epitaph One” was filmed as a standalone episode for the DVD. Don’t know why Fox wouldn’t air that at some point as well – but I can also see holding it until AFTER the DVD release…

D&D co-creator Dave Arneson, who along with Gary Gygax (who passed away 13 months ago) created Dungeons and Dragons, passed away Tuesday peacefully. Another d20 roll in his honor.