Sci-Fi Storm

It looks like any other personal blog. Well, one about UFOs and such at least. It’s got links to various other sites, pictures of strange phenomenon, and articles by the author. But this is no ordinary blog – isawthelights.com is a companion site for ABC’s upcoming series Invasion, part of the “viral marketing” methods that are becoming more popular. Invasion starts Wednesday, September 21st, at 10pm ET. A trailer is available online (WMV only). Incidentally, the “Oceanic Air” advertisement links to another such site for another ABC show…

Anthology series can be tough to produce, given that the lack of a steady cast tends to prevent the mainstream audience from latching on, but it can be done – The Outer Limits was pretty good. Well, the creators of the upcoming Masters of Horror series on Showtime are now planning for a Masters of Sci-Fi series as well for Fall 2006 – although no network has picked it up yet. The plan is to adapt some of the best short stories in SF – and authors such as Ray Bradbury and Harlan Ellison will adapt their own stories. And if Ellison is signing on, he must think highly of the producers…

The BBC has confirmed that Sarah Jane Smith and K9 will appear in an episodes of the upcoming season of Doctor Who which deals with an evil race called the Krillitanes. Elisabeth Sladen, who played the doctor’s companion through two doctors and several years (and a single-episode spinoff) and John Leeson, who was the original voice of K9, will reprise their roles. Elisabeth last played Sarah Jane for the 20th anniversary episode “The Five Doctors” in 1983, except for a cameo in the short “Doctor Who: Dimensions in Time”. Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s Anthony Stewart Head also appears in the episode.

TV Guide Insider has a brief interview with James Callis, who plays Gaius Baltar in Battlestar Galactica. In it he discusses his character, his wife’s thoughts about Number Six, and where he calls home nowadays.

In what appears to be a standard event for any successful Hollywood franchise, ABC is being sued by Los Angeles writer Anthony Spinner because they misappropriated his concept for the show Lost. Spinner alleges that the original concept – and name – were developed by him in 1977 under contract to Sid and Marty Krofft (producers of many psychedelic TV shows in the 70s), and a contract with ABC promised him credits and compensation.

Battlestar Galactica co-creator and exec producer David Eick have some details on somthing Ronald D. Moore revealed at ComicCon: that the Battlestar Pegasus will make an appearance in the new show. For those that remember the original, the Pegasus under the command of the “Living Legend” Commander Cain appeared and helped destroy a Base Star. The story line will likely be different in a number of respects, as it kicks of a complex arc and will probably be in several episodes.

I probably don’t even need to post this, and would have posted earlier (stupid job getting in the way, but tonight is probably the biggest single night in SCI FI Channel’s history, with three of their biggest success premiering new seasons tonight. Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Battlestar Galactica all premiere tonight, starting at 8PM ET. I may have BOTH TiVos record (which are on UPSs), just in case…Update 7/19: SCI FI should be pleased – the returns are in, and its good – SG-1 scored 2.1, Atlantis 2.2, and Galactica did its best ever, with a 2.6 rating.

The Dalek that was stolen from Wookey Hole Caves has been found. Apparently the thieves contacted Cave owner Gerry Cottle, telling him where it was and that it was “too hot” to handle.

The BBC has announced that a third series of the new Doctor Who has already been comissioned, plus an additional Christmas special, adding 28 more episodes to the 13 already produced. The last one of the current series airs in the UK this Saturday. Also confirmed – contrary to previous reports, Billie Piper will appear throughout the second series.

Here’s something not Stargate related, although I KNOW I heard this a couple of weeks ago and could have sworn I posted it – SCI FI Channel will air all 14 episodes of Firefly – including the three never-aired episodes, and in the intended order – starting July 22nd in the 7pm time slot, prior to Stargate SG-1 – bah, so its still related 🙂