Sci-Fi Storm

OK, this isn’t really SF, but I thought there would be interest…after its spectacular debut and just-as-fast disappearance from television over 5 years ago, Battlebots, the remote-controlled gladiatorial competition, will return to TV this summer, with a deal on ESPNU and ESPN2. The focus will be a “middleweight” collegiate competition, but the also hope to have a heavyweight “Pro” competition as well that will be taped at the same time. They don’t want old, beat-up robots either – they seem to have an eye at marketing toys. And “wedges” need not apply – they want visually – and physically – striking robots, since excitement == ratings…

Next up this weekend for the “remastered” episodes of the original Star Trek is “By Any Other Name”, where the Enterprise is hijacked by the Kelvans, and wish to take the ship to their home in the Andromeda Galaxy. We’ve got a couple of nice images from the updates, plus a synopsis.

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It’s been a while since I reviewed the first two series of Blake’s 7, but I’ve finally picked up where I left off and watched Series 3, which represents a departure – in more than one way – from the first two series, including the loss of the title character…alas, I still await a formal DVD release for Region 1…my piles of VHS tapes take too much room.

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Anonymous Coward writes “Dinosaurs: Return to Life? is airing again Discovery Channel Saturday March 1 at 9 pm and Sunday March 2 at 11 am.” Alert for those who missed it the first time…

David Grauberger writes ”
Press Release – It was only a matter of time…Launch of Torchwood: The Official Magazine

Critically acclaimed sci-fi drama Torchwood has become the biggest hit in the history of BBC AMERICA with over 1.6million viewers watching the first episode alone. Following on that success, Titan Magazines presents Torchwood: The Official Magazine ? the essential guide to the adrenalin-fuelled exploits of Captain Jack Harkness and his team of investigators who use alien technology to solve crime.”

Read More for the rest of the release. Looks like the magazine is as of yesterday available in the United States as well.

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The new Knight Rider telefilm got the best demographics for a TV movie in nearly three years, scoring a 5.0/12 overall and showing a broad demographic. Looks like we will be seeing more of the new K.I.T.T. – but will we see more of the Hoff, or will they try and let the series stand on its own?

The Thunder Child writes “If you’ve missed the first few episodes of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, you can read synopses and reviews at http://thethunderchild.com/Sourcebooks/TerminatorS ourcebook.html. Meantime, our new reviewer Greg Gregoire has done retro reviews of William Gibson’s classic novel Neuromancer at http://thethunderchild.com/Reviews/GabeGregoire/Ne uromancer.html, and of Ursula K. LeGuin’s classic A Wizard of Earthsea at http://thethunderchild.com/Reviews/GabeGregoire/Wi zardofEarthsea.html. Greg will also be our first comic book reviewer, so bookmark his Contributor’s page so you can be sure to see all his writing for The Thunder Child. Other new book reviews are available at our Table of Contents page at http://thethunderchild.com/TableofContents.html.”

Apparently I’ve been missing some news regarding Stargate Atlantis for some reason, so here is a rundown, with the full details available at GateWorld: Amanda Tapping will be leaving the show at the end of the current season (after having taken command this season), to work with her new show Sanctuary, which is going from web to TV on the SCI FI Channel; Robert Picardo (Richard Woolsey) is joining to replace her; Jewel Staite (Dr. Jennifer Keller) is now a full-time cast member; Paul McGillion, despite the fact that his character, Dr. Carson Beckett, is dead, will return for 5 episodes next season; Michael Shanks will make at least one guest appearance; Torri Higginson (Dr. Elizabeth Weir), despite previous reports, will not appear in Season 5; and Leela Savasta (who will appear in several episodes of Battlestar Galactica when it returns in April) will join as Captain Alicia Vega.

Variety has a rundown of network shows and how they will be handled when production picks back up. Notably for NBC, “Shows not expected to resume production include “Bionic Woman” and “Journeyman”; both are currently considered canceled.” But Chuck and Heroes is likely to come back later this year. On ABC, details are being worked on regarding Lost, which had a 16 episode order for next year but may get extended if this year’s order can’t be completed.

CBS’ Jericho, the series that fans helped bring back from cancellation, will pick up as a mid-season replacement starting Tuesday night at 10pm ET, picking up right where it left off with the townfolk about to get in a major firefight.