Sci-Fi Storm

Want more Stargate? Brad Wright is confident there will be plenty more, considering it is MGM’s second biggest brand, behind James Bond. Wright says that a third series, an MMORPG, and a movie are all in the works, but no details as to how far…

We haven’t heard much since November, but today Sky One gave more information on the remake of the cult classic The Prisoner. Not much to go on really, but it is to be six parts, written by Bill Gallagher (British TV series Conviction and Clocking Off) and could star former Doctor Christopher Eccleston.

Does this mean science fiction really is impinging on the mainstream audience? The SCI FI Channel announced that the Today Show anchor Matt Lauer will co-host (fellow NBC News member Natalie Morales) two Declassified specials which will attempt to separate fact from fiction regarding two well known SF themes – a catastrophe causing mass extinction, and the lost city of Atlantis. They are apparently produced in partnership with NBC News Productions, hence the heavyweight names. It wasn’t long ago that some news organizations were frowning on their talent being involved in reality programming (i.e. ABC, Anderson Cooper and The Mole – which I liked, actually), but perhaps if there is a fictional element…[Updated: Flogging myself for getting Anderson Cooper’s name wrong]

It seems spinoffs are “in” in Britain. Before the first Doctor Who spinoff, Torchwood goes into full production, another spinoff is announced – but it won’t be on the BBC, and it features one of the classic characters – K9. K9 Adventures will air on Jetix Europe, and will also feature a new look to the metallic pup – looking a bit more like a Sony design. No word on any human companions, or if John Leeson will provide the voice. In the meantime, K9 returns to Doctor Who with Sara Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) this weekend.

In a presentation to advertisers yesterday, the SCI FI Channel announced a prequel to Battlestar Galactica called Caprica to be produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, along with writer Remi Aubuchon (24). Taking place more than 50 years prior to the events of Galactica, Caprica will deal with the creation of the Cylons, and follow two families – the Graystones and the Adamas (of which one presumably very young William Adama will one day become commander of the Galactica).

The second season of Doctor Who began airing yesterday in the U.K., with the first episode titled “New Earth”. This episode sees the return of a seemingly dead enemy, and another planet – something that hadn’t happened yet with the new series. Still waiting to hear about a U.S. pickup – we’re halfway through the SFC airings, with “Dalek” just having been broadcast. Might need to go to my underground network (i.e. family) for some imports…anyone heard about ratings on SFC?

Russell T. Davies is giving a preview of what’s on tap for the eagerly awaited second season (series if you’re British). Some highlights: “The Rise of the Cybermen” two-parter; Queen Victoria and a werewolf in “Tooth and Claw”; and “School Reunion”, featuring none other than Sarah Jane Smith (played by Elizabeth Sladen, who played the role in the Third and Fourth Doctor eras) and K-9.

SCI FI Wire reported yesterday on who is involved with the new ABC anthology Masters of Science Fiction (I wonder if the name got expanded at Harlan Ellison’s request), but a few of the details were wrong, and rumors about how much J. Michael Straczynski was involved. JMS clarified it a bit in a UseNet post (not on JMS News yet). Read More for more details.

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Reports are out that the BBC will begin airing Series 2 of the new Doctor Who in April. Although I haven’t been able to confirm it from the BBC officially, multiple unconfirmed sources say Saturday, April 15th was mentioned at a press conference in Cardiff. No word on how long us Yanks need to wait though. In the meantime there is a brief press clip from the actors discussing the upcoming season…minor spoilers though.

Richard Dean Anderson, who played (now) General Jack O’Neill on Stargate SG-1 for 8 seasons, will reprise his role in the upcoming 10th season of SG-1, as well as Stargate Atlantis, notably in the former’s landmark 200th episode. Also appearing in the episode, titled “200”, will be Willie Garson, who played the alien “Martin” in a couple episodes. The episode plot seems to be related to the last episode Willie appeared in, regarding a television show that closely resembles the Stargate team. The upcoming tenth season makes Stargate SG-1 the longest running American SF TV show, passing The X-Files at 9 seasons.