Sci-Fi Storm

We knew that although CBS picked up MacGyver to series, there was a major retooling in the works. We figured it would be the not-rare practice of simply replacing characters, but it turns out they are really chucking the entire pilot episode and starting over – to the point that George Eads will play an entirely different – yet familiar – character and how things get started will change – and James Wan will direct the new premiere episode.

Whereas the pilot had followed similarly to the original – MacGyver being recruited by a clandestine organization – the new one will apparently have MacGyver (Lucas Till) creating the organization itself within the U.S. government, utilizing his skills to save others’ lives. Co-star Eads, who was to play an original character who was described as something of a conspiracy theorist, will now play maverick former CIA agent Jack Dalton, a role originated by Bruce McGill in the original series. Peter Lenkov, showrunner for Hawaii Five-0 is writing the new script and will likely act as showrunner. And James Wan, who has been shepherding the production but had conflicts and couldn’t direct the pilot, will direct the new episode.

The Flash will lead off the CW’s parade of shows this fall, starting at 8/7c on Tuesday, October 4th. It’s sibling series The Arrow picks up the following night at the same time, followed by the series premiere of Frequency, based on the 2000 movie.

Supergirl makes it’s return the following Monday at 8/7c, and will feature the on-screen appearance of Kara’s cousin Superman (with Teen Wolf‘s Tyler Hoechlin as the Man of Steel). Then Legends of Tomorrow picks up the pieces on Thursday, October 13th, at 8/7c.

It’s a bit interesting that DC/Warner Bros have had the about face on allowing the CW to use Superman, as the triumvirate of Superman, Batman and Wonder Women were considered untouchable for TV properties while WB was working on spinning up a movie universe franchise.