This week on the Film Stories Podcast Network, our array of film and TV chats cover 1960s comedy, B-movie science fiction and more. Here’s what we’ve been up to…
Den of Ten
Sam Stokes regularly unpacks people’s favourite top ten’s in popular culture, today being joined by Geoff Owen to discuss their Top 10 Gaming Systems…
The Magic Box
A possible language barrier this week between Kurt North and guest Carl Sweeney as they discuss Lost 1×06 ‘House of the Rising Sun’…
At the Movies in the 90s
The first of a series of bonus episodes coming over the next month sees A. J. Black talk to Perry Constantine about Roger Corman’s 1990 sci-fi horror Frankenstein Unbound…
ChuckyVision
Mark Adams and Dev Elson continue their odyssey into killer doll territory, joined by Violet Hammond to discuss, err… Heartstopper Season 3. Good old tenuous links, eh?
Britcom Goes to the Movies
Not only Peter Cook,...
Den of Ten
Sam Stokes regularly unpacks people’s favourite top ten’s in popular culture, today being joined by Geoff Owen to discuss their Top 10 Gaming Systems…
The Magic Box
A possible language barrier this week between Kurt North and guest Carl Sweeney as they discuss Lost 1×06 ‘House of the Rising Sun’…
At the Movies in the 90s
The first of a series of bonus episodes coming over the next month sees A. J. Black talk to Perry Constantine about Roger Corman’s 1990 sci-fi horror Frankenstein Unbound…
ChuckyVision
Mark Adams and Dev Elson continue their odyssey into killer doll territory, joined by Violet Hammond to discuss, err… Heartstopper Season 3. Good old tenuous links, eh?
Britcom Goes to the Movies
Not only Peter Cook,...
- 10/28/2024
- by A J Black
- Film Stories
I hate you, Butler! But you’ll almost certainly love the selection of new things to listen to on the Film Stories Podcast Network. Here’s a menu:
This week on the Film Stories Podcast Network, our shows have been busy bringing you an array of film and TV conversation.
Here’s what we’ve been up to…
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Britcom Goes to the Movies
Joining the network for its third season, Rob Heath and Guy Walker are joined by Smersh Pod funny man John Rain to discuss 1971’s big screen version of On The Buses. You’ll never see Reg Varney in the same way again…
The Magic Box
One of Lost's most iconic hours is on the agenda this week as Kurt North is joined by Darren Mooney to dissect 1×04 ‘Walkabout’. Just don’t tell them what they can’t talk about…
Modern Horror Podcast
Anthology horror series V/H/S...
This week on the Film Stories Podcast Network, our shows have been busy bringing you an array of film and TV conversation.
Here’s what we’ve been up to…
–
Britcom Goes to the Movies
Joining the network for its third season, Rob Heath and Guy Walker are joined by Smersh Pod funny man John Rain to discuss 1971’s big screen version of On The Buses. You’ll never see Reg Varney in the same way again…
The Magic Box
One of Lost's most iconic hours is on the agenda this week as Kurt North is joined by Darren Mooney to dissect 1×04 ‘Walkabout’. Just don’t tell them what they can’t talk about…
Modern Horror Podcast
Anthology horror series V/H/S...
- 10/14/2024
- by A J Black
- Film Stories
Screenwriter J Michael Straczynski says that the combination of Avatar and a “miffed” studio led to the shelving of a new, James Cameron-directed Forbidden Planet sci-fi movie.
Perhaps best known for his work on TV’s Babylon 5 and Clint Eastwood’s drama Changeling, screenwriter J Michael Straczynski was once assigned to write the script for a new take on the 1956 classic, Forbidden Planet.
In the works at Warner Bros in the late 2010s, the new Forbidden Planet was being overseen by Lethal Weapon and The Matrix producer Joel Silver – though little official word ever emerged, and discussion about the film appeared to cease entirely around the year 2009. In a revealing series of posts on Twitter/X, however, Straczynski has provided what might be a new insight into the production, and writes that James Cameron was once in line to direct – a detail that, to the best of this writer’s knowledge,...
Perhaps best known for his work on TV’s Babylon 5 and Clint Eastwood’s drama Changeling, screenwriter J Michael Straczynski was once assigned to write the script for a new take on the 1956 classic, Forbidden Planet.
In the works at Warner Bros in the late 2010s, the new Forbidden Planet was being overseen by Lethal Weapon and The Matrix producer Joel Silver – though little official word ever emerged, and discussion about the film appeared to cease entirely around the year 2009. In a revealing series of posts on Twitter/X, however, Straczynski has provided what might be a new insight into the production, and writes that James Cameron was once in line to direct – a detail that, to the best of this writer’s knowledge,...
- 10/10/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Spooky season has arrived, and with it a fresh deluge of books to stock your shelves. You don't even have to trick or treat to get them, you can just roll on down to your local bookstore or favorite online retailer.
While the season of ghouls and goblins is obviously a great time to read horror, there are still plenty of fantasy and science fiction novels coming out this month as well. Some have elements that fit the season; others take readers to the depths of space, the bloody frontier of a medieval battle line, fantastical worlds, the heart of swashbuckling romance and more. We're going to run through 13 books that we think the avid Sff reader should have on their radar for this month, starting with...
Livesuit by James S.A. Corey (A Captive's War Novella). Image: Orbit. | Livesuit by James S.A. Corey (A Captive's War Novella). Image: Orbit.
While the season of ghouls and goblins is obviously a great time to read horror, there are still plenty of fantasy and science fiction novels coming out this month as well. Some have elements that fit the season; others take readers to the depths of space, the bloody frontier of a medieval battle line, fantastical worlds, the heart of swashbuckling romance and more. We're going to run through 13 books that we think the avid Sff reader should have on their radar for this month, starting with...
Livesuit by James S.A. Corey (A Captive's War Novella). Image: Orbit. | Livesuit by James S.A. Corey (A Captive's War Novella). Image: Orbit.
- 10/8/2024
- by Daniel Roman
- Winter Is Coming
There are some exciting things afoot in the science fiction and fantasy book world, specifically in the anthology space, where a few exciting projects are getting a ton of support from the reader community. On October 1st, long-running genre zine Grimdark Magazine released its 40th issue, which is also its 10th anniversary edition issue. Grimdark Magazine is always a solid read, but this issue is something extra special because the list of authors who contributed stories, essays, or other work to it is mind-blowingly insane.
Don't take my word for it. Grimdark Magazine Issue #40 features works of short fiction from Mark Lawrence, Wendy Nikel, Angela Slatter, Ben Galley, Aaron Dries, Christopher Buehlman, Andrea Stewart, Cat Rambo, Anna Smith Spark, and the first part of a brand newGentleman Bastards short story from Scott Lynch (the second part will follow in the January 2025 issue). On the essay and interview side of things,...
Don't take my word for it. Grimdark Magazine Issue #40 features works of short fiction from Mark Lawrence, Wendy Nikel, Angela Slatter, Ben Galley, Aaron Dries, Christopher Buehlman, Andrea Stewart, Cat Rambo, Anna Smith Spark, and the first part of a brand newGentleman Bastards short story from Scott Lynch (the second part will follow in the January 2025 issue). On the essay and interview side of things,...
- 10/3/2024
- by Daniel Roman
- Winter Is Coming
Let me tell you a story about Harlan…
I talk to 10 people about Harlan Ellison and that’s how almost every conversation starts. If I’d talked to a hundred, it would’ve been the same. Because everyone has a Harlan Ellison story. Everyone who knew him, worked with him, argued with him, fought with him; everyone who was friends with him or claimed to be; everyone who was taught by him, learned from him, owes some portion of their career or life to him; everyone who loved him or...
I talk to 10 people about Harlan Ellison and that’s how almost every conversation starts. If I’d talked to a hundred, it would’ve been the same. Because everyone has a Harlan Ellison story. Everyone who knew him, worked with him, argued with him, fought with him; everyone who was friends with him or claimed to be; everyone who was taught by him, learned from him, owes some portion of their career or life to him; everyone who loved him or...
- 10/1/2024
- by Jason Sheehan
- Rollingstone.com
There’s a wealth of things to listen to on the Film Stories Podcast Network, from critiques of Agatha All Along to dissections of The X-Files. Here’s what’s new this week:
This week on the Film Stories Podcast Network, our shows have been busy bringing you an array of film and TV conversation. Here’s what we’ve been up to…
Podcast-616
Marvel have kicked off a brand new series in Agatha All Along, and our all-purpose MCU podcast is bringing the party to you, as hosts Hugh McStay and Ashley Thomas discuss the first two episodes. Don’t miss Hugh with guest Rob Turnbull chatting episode three too…
ChuckyVision
Sadly, Chucky the TV show was cancelled this week but our dedicated coverage of all things killer dolls will endure, as hosts Mark Adams and Dev Elson here discuss The Garbage Pail Kids Movie from 1987…
The Magic Box...
This week on the Film Stories Podcast Network, our shows have been busy bringing you an array of film and TV conversation. Here’s what we’ve been up to…
Podcast-616
Marvel have kicked off a brand new series in Agatha All Along, and our all-purpose MCU podcast is bringing the party to you, as hosts Hugh McStay and Ashley Thomas discuss the first two episodes. Don’t miss Hugh with guest Rob Turnbull chatting episode three too…
ChuckyVision
Sadly, Chucky the TV show was cancelled this week but our dedicated coverage of all things killer dolls will endure, as hosts Mark Adams and Dev Elson here discuss The Garbage Pail Kids Movie from 1987…
The Magic Box...
- 10/1/2024
- by A J Black
- Film Stories
There is a tendency in Star Trek for the names of various alien species to reflect the names of the planets (or moons) from which they hail. We have Andorians from Andoria, Betazoids from Betazed, Cardassians from Cardassia, and the list goes on. But the beings from Earth, as in real life, are known as Humans, with terms like "Terran" or "Earther/Earthling" having different connotations.
We know of a few other incongruous species-planet pairings, like Kaminar being home to the Kelpiens and Ba'ul or the Klingons and Qo'noS (Kronos). Plus, by the 32nd Century, the Vulcans and Romulans reunited and renamed Vulcan to Ni'Var. Based on the list of inhabited planets from Memory Alpha, however, these instances are few and far between.
In some ways, this naming convention makes sense. It follows the way demonyms are constructed in English to refer to people's nationalities, where someone from Italy is...
We know of a few other incongruous species-planet pairings, like Kaminar being home to the Kelpiens and Ba'ul or the Klingons and Qo'noS (Kronos). Plus, by the 32nd Century, the Vulcans and Romulans reunited and renamed Vulcan to Ni'Var. Based on the list of inhabited planets from Memory Alpha, however, these instances are few and far between.
In some ways, this naming convention makes sense. It follows the way demonyms are constructed in English to refer to people's nationalities, where someone from Italy is...
- 9/24/2024
- by Brian T. Sullivan
- Red Shirts Always Die
A new bunch of shows land on the Film Stories Podcast Network – from Lost and vampires, to horror and Red Dwarf. More here.
This week on the Film Stories Podcast Network, our shows have been busy bringing you an array of film and TV conversation. Here’s what we’ve been up to…
The Magic Box
Lost, that bonkers show we all watched relentlessly back in the day, is 20 years old this week so Kurt North fully kicks off coverage of the first season, looking at the ‘Pilot’ Part One with guest, A. J. Black…
Vampire Videos
Dan Owen and Hugh McStay continue their voyage through 100 years of vampire cinema by the 1997 adaptation of Stephen King’s The Night Flier, with guest Robert Clark…
One Rules Them All
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues apace and this week, host Luke Winch is joined by fantasy author...
This week on the Film Stories Podcast Network, our shows have been busy bringing you an array of film and TV conversation. Here’s what we’ve been up to…
The Magic Box
Lost, that bonkers show we all watched relentlessly back in the day, is 20 years old this week so Kurt North fully kicks off coverage of the first season, looking at the ‘Pilot’ Part One with guest, A. J. Black…
Vampire Videos
Dan Owen and Hugh McStay continue their voyage through 100 years of vampire cinema by the 1997 adaptation of Stephen King’s The Night Flier, with guest Robert Clark…
One Rules Them All
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues apace and this week, host Luke Winch is joined by fantasy author...
- 9/23/2024
- by A J Black
- Film Stories
The only major film role actress Robin Curtis had before 1984's "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" was playing a minor role in John Irvin's 1981 horror film "Ghost Story." By a weird coincidence, "Ghost Story" also featured actress Alice Krige, who would play a prominent role in 1996's "Star Trek: First Contact." Curtis also appeared in an episode of "Knight Rider" in 1983, and in the salacious TV movies "In Love With an Older Woman" (can a 29-year-old possibly love a 43-year-old?) and "First Affair" (Oh no! I'm in love with my professor!).
So by "The Search for Spock," Curtis was already used to being on set and acting in high-profile studio productions. "Star Trek," however, was the largest project she had worked on yet. She played the role of Saavik, taking over for Kirstie Alley in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." Saavik is a Vulcan, and...
So by "The Search for Spock," Curtis was already used to being on set and acting in high-profile studio productions. "Star Trek," however, was the largest project she had worked on yet. She played the role of Saavik, taking over for Kirstie Alley in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." Saavik is a Vulcan, and...
- 9/2/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Stars: Rickard Claeson, Emma Reinagel, Shannon Barnes, Christian Carrigan | Written by C. Courtney Joyner | Directed by Charles Band
Low-budget veteran, and all-around B-movie legend, Charles Band, makes his 400th career film in Quadrant – a tale of virtual reality, Jack the Ripper and nefarious scientist-types. At only 73 minutes long, Quadrant wastes little time in introducing us to our shady antagonists and its virtual reality “hook”. Scientists, Harry and Meg, have developed a psychological treatment in the Quadrant helmet, a virtual reality device that allows you to “live” your fears and confront them, in a seemingly safe environment. Enter Erin, a Jack the Ripper superfan, whose apartment resembles an adoring shrine to old bloody Jack. What could go wrong….?
As a premise, Quadrant stands out for its genre-hopping sci-fi/slasher leanings. Owing a debt to The Lawnmower Man, with a dash of Freddy Krueger and a sprinkling of The Matrix, I really...
Low-budget veteran, and all-around B-movie legend, Charles Band, makes his 400th career film in Quadrant – a tale of virtual reality, Jack the Ripper and nefarious scientist-types. At only 73 minutes long, Quadrant wastes little time in introducing us to our shady antagonists and its virtual reality “hook”. Scientists, Harry and Meg, have developed a psychological treatment in the Quadrant helmet, a virtual reality device that allows you to “live” your fears and confront them, in a seemingly safe environment. Enter Erin, a Jack the Ripper superfan, whose apartment resembles an adoring shrine to old bloody Jack. What could go wrong….?
As a premise, Quadrant stands out for its genre-hopping sci-fi/slasher leanings. Owing a debt to The Lawnmower Man, with a dash of Freddy Krueger and a sprinkling of The Matrix, I really...
- 8/30/2024
- by Liam McAuliffe
- Nerdly
The popular science fiction franchise Star Trek has entertained audiences for generations. Beginning in 1966, the show broke boundaries and showed us a better future for humanity, and the many worlds of outer space that we could potentially encounter beyond the stars. The franchise has had multiple shows, movies, books, comics and video games with a hardcore dedicated fanbase.
One of the series’ most recent video games is Star Trek: Fleet Command, a strategic free to play space simulator developed for mobile phones that released in 2018. Over the years the game has had multiple promotions with different iterations of the show. But now the developers have decided to go beyond and crossover with the world of Galaxy Quest.
For those unaware, Galaxy Quest was a 1999 sci-fi comedy from DreamWorks that, in essence, is a spoof of classic Star Trek shows and movies.
The film focuses on actors who played characters in...
One of the series’ most recent video games is Star Trek: Fleet Command, a strategic free to play space simulator developed for mobile phones that released in 2018. Over the years the game has had multiple promotions with different iterations of the show. But now the developers have decided to go beyond and crossover with the world of Galaxy Quest.
For those unaware, Galaxy Quest was a 1999 sci-fi comedy from DreamWorks that, in essence, is a spoof of classic Star Trek shows and movies.
The film focuses on actors who played characters in...
- 8/24/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
Watchmen Chapter 1: Where to Watch It in the US, UK and Abroad - Main Image
Warner Bros. is set to release their newest animation series for DC, Watchmen, this August, but not in the way fans think. Here's a where to watch guide for Watchmen Chapter 1 which comes out this August 13.
Where to Stream Watchmen Chapter 1 in the US, UK and Abroad
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and directed by Brandon Vietti, Watchmen: Chapter 1 centers on a group of retired heroes reuniting to investigate the mysterious death of The Comedian.
Considering that the Outlawed Vigilantes are coming out soon, where can US, UK, and Abroad fans watch the DC flick?
The two-part animated film is slated to release on August 13 on Digital. What does that mean?
DC fans have two options on how to watch Chapter 1 and that is by purchasing or renting their digital copy via Apple TV,...
Warner Bros. is set to release their newest animation series for DC, Watchmen, this August, but not in the way fans think. Here's a where to watch guide for Watchmen Chapter 1 which comes out this August 13.
Where to Stream Watchmen Chapter 1 in the US, UK and Abroad
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and directed by Brandon Vietti, Watchmen: Chapter 1 centers on a group of retired heroes reuniting to investigate the mysterious death of The Comedian.
Considering that the Outlawed Vigilantes are coming out soon, where can US, UK, and Abroad fans watch the DC flick?
The two-part animated film is slated to release on August 13 on Digital. What does that mean?
DC fans have two options on how to watch Chapter 1 and that is by purchasing or renting their digital copy via Apple TV,...
- 8/9/2024
- EpicStream
Stars: Joe Mayes, Mark Hyde, Claudia Troy, Georgia Anastasia, Ulysses E. Campbell, Julie Kashmanian | Written and Directed by Philip J. Cook
“You just push the handle, drop into T Space, and take off to destinations unknown.” With these words Max Stone introduces us to the world of Ghost Planet. A world where he, his half-brother George, and their sister Julia hunt for technology left behind by the Tesserans.
They were an alien race who mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind ships far beyond anything humans could develop. And, it looks like the trio have found a base full of them. And then a neutron star flares up, forcing them to abandon their discovery.
That was a year ago. Now George has developed some strange tumours, his insurance covers removing them, apart from the 90% deductible that is. And the loan Max took out, with one of his organs as collateral, has come due,...
“You just push the handle, drop into T Space, and take off to destinations unknown.” With these words Max Stone introduces us to the world of Ghost Planet. A world where he, his half-brother George, and their sister Julia hunt for technology left behind by the Tesserans.
They were an alien race who mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind ships far beyond anything humans could develop. And, it looks like the trio have found a base full of them. And then a neutron star flares up, forcing them to abandon their discovery.
That was a year ago. Now George has developed some strange tumours, his insurance covers removing them, apart from the 90% deductible that is. And the loan Max took out, with one of his organs as collateral, has come due,...
- 8/7/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
[Editor’s Note: this list was originally published in March 2018. It has since been updated with new entries.]
It’s easy to think of the kind of stories that get told in the comic book world as just one genre or tone, but as seen below, graphic novels, comic strips, and other sequential art have offered up an incredible range of storytelling. And these stories have been inspiring great TV shows for years, even before superhero stories dominated the box office.
There were plenty of options that nearly made the list, like the WB’s “Smallville,” which squandered its early potential after running just a few seasons too long. Because one of the most exciting things about these stories is that there’s a rich variety to choose from.
With editorial contributions from Liz Shannon Miller, Ben Travers, and Hanh Nguyen.
27. “DuckTales” ‘DuckTales’©Disney Channel/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection
Yes, really, “DuckTales” is based on a comic book. Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Hughie, Dewey, and Louie come...
It’s easy to think of the kind of stories that get told in the comic book world as just one genre or tone, but as seen below, graphic novels, comic strips, and other sequential art have offered up an incredible range of storytelling. And these stories have been inspiring great TV shows for years, even before superhero stories dominated the box office.
There were plenty of options that nearly made the list, like the WB’s “Smallville,” which squandered its early potential after running just a few seasons too long. Because one of the most exciting things about these stories is that there’s a rich variety to choose from.
With editorial contributions from Liz Shannon Miller, Ben Travers, and Hanh Nguyen.
27. “DuckTales” ‘DuckTales’©Disney Channel/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection
Yes, really, “DuckTales” is based on a comic book. Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Hughie, Dewey, and Louie come...
- 7/26/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Rorschach is back on the case.
Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”), Katee Sackhoff (“The Mandalorian”), Titus Welliver (“Lost”), Michael Cerveris (“The Gilded Age”) and Troy Baker (“The Last of Us”) are among the voice actors cast in “Watchmen Chapter I,” the new animated feature adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ seminal graphic novel. The two-part film — directed by Warner Bros. Animation veteran Brandon Vietti and adapted by comic J. Michael Straczynski — was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2023, but no details about the cast and filmmakers had been revealed until Wednesday, when the official trailer for the project first premiered.
Set in an alternative world in which costume vigilantes are real, “Watchmen” has been hailed as a masterpiece since it debuted in 1986 and challenged the nature and morality of superhero storytelling. Rhys will voice Dan Dreiberg (aka Nite Owl), Sackhoff will voice Laurie Juspeczyk (aka Silk Spectre), Welliver will...
Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”), Katee Sackhoff (“The Mandalorian”), Titus Welliver (“Lost”), Michael Cerveris (“The Gilded Age”) and Troy Baker (“The Last of Us”) are among the voice actors cast in “Watchmen Chapter I,” the new animated feature adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ seminal graphic novel. The two-part film — directed by Warner Bros. Animation veteran Brandon Vietti and adapted by comic J. Michael Straczynski — was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2023, but no details about the cast and filmmakers had been revealed until Wednesday, when the official trailer for the project first premiered.
Set in an alternative world in which costume vigilantes are real, “Watchmen” has been hailed as a masterpiece since it debuted in 1986 and challenged the nature and morality of superhero storytelling. Rhys will voice Dan Dreiberg (aka Nite Owl), Sackhoff will voice Laurie Juspeczyk (aka Silk Spectre), Welliver will...
- 7/10/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Babylon 5 podcast A Dream Given Form looks the second two episode of the show, Spider In The Web.
In the latest installment of A Dream Given Form: A Babylon-5 Podcast, hosts Luke Winch and Baz Greenland are joined by guest Pj Montgomery to discuss season 2’s ‘Spider in the Web’.
X/Twitter: @@ADreamGivenForm / Instagram: @@adreamgivenformpod / Threads: @@adreamgivenformpod / Bluesky: @adreamgivenform.bsky.social
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Don’t forget part of the Film Stories Podcast Network community by joining our free Discord channel and connect with an array of podcasters, writers and movie loving listeners. Sign up here: https://discord.gg/TX8Y4D98df
The post Podcast | A Dream Given Form – Babylon 5 2×06 ‘Spider in the Web’ appeared first on Film Stories.
In the latest installment of A Dream Given Form: A Babylon-5 Podcast, hosts Luke Winch and Baz Greenland are joined by guest Pj Montgomery to discuss season 2’s ‘Spider in the Web’.
X/Twitter: @@ADreamGivenForm / Instagram: @@adreamgivenformpod / Threads: @@adreamgivenformpod / Bluesky: @adreamgivenform.bsky.social
–
Don’t forget part of the Film Stories Podcast Network community by joining our free Discord channel and connect with an array of podcasters, writers and movie loving listeners. Sign up here: https://discord.gg/TX8Y4D98df
The post Podcast | A Dream Given Form – Babylon 5 2×06 ‘Spider in the Web’ appeared first on Film Stories.
- 6/20/2024
- by A J Black
- Film Stories
The 1990s were a great time for television sci-fi. It was the heyday of Star Trek, with The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager all running in syndication. But, at the same time, another science fiction show, Babylon 5, pushed the envelope and arguably paved the way for loftier fare, such as the acclaimed Battlestar: Galactica reboot. What made Babylon 5 so special?
For one thing, it pioneered the idea of serialized television. Under the helm of J. Michael Straczynski, who dipped his toe into similar fare with the short-lived Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future (another Gone But Not Forgotten favourite), Babylon 5 was unique in that it told one continuous story over its five-season run. If you were a fan of the show, you really couldn’t afford to miss one episode, with so much continuity between each episode that the entry point for non-viewers was almost non-existent.
For one thing, it pioneered the idea of serialized television. Under the helm of J. Michael Straczynski, who dipped his toe into similar fare with the short-lived Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future (another Gone But Not Forgotten favourite), Babylon 5 was unique in that it told one continuous story over its five-season run. If you were a fan of the show, you really couldn’t afford to miss one episode, with so much continuity between each episode that the entry point for non-viewers was almost non-existent.
- 6/10/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
You don't have to be a connoisseur of film and television history to keep up with the fascinating story of Firefly, which happened in 2003. Then Fox ordered a sci-fi adventure series from Joss Whedon in the spirit of Star Wars, Star Trek or Babylon 5.
The future director of The Avengers filmed a space opera combining science fiction and western, but for a number of reasons, not only did the network refuse to continue the popular show, but also wasn't too eager to show the finished 14 episodes.
The indignation of fans knew no bounds, but all the viewers and creators of Firefly managed to achieve was the shooting of the feature film Serenity, a cult in narrow circles, but not very successful at the box office space action movie.
Twenty years after the movie's release, talk of canceling Firefly still rages, especially since the show's actors are still closely associated with the show's characters.
The future director of The Avengers filmed a space opera combining science fiction and western, but for a number of reasons, not only did the network refuse to continue the popular show, but also wasn't too eager to show the finished 14 episodes.
The indignation of fans knew no bounds, but all the viewers and creators of Firefly managed to achieve was the shooting of the feature film Serenity, a cult in narrow circles, but not very successful at the box office space action movie.
Twenty years after the movie's release, talk of canceling Firefly still rages, especially since the show's actors are still closely associated with the show's characters.
- 6/5/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
In the "Star Trek: Voyager" episode "In the Flesh" the U.S.S. Voyager encounters a mysterious space station that contains a perfect simulation of Starfleet Academy back on Earth. The simulation contains familiar faces from Starfleet Academy, including the friendly groundskeeper Boothby (Ray Walston). Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) is suspicious of the simulation, and some investigation finds that the "humans" she encounters inside are actually genetically altered members of Species 8472, vicious aliens from an alternate dimension full of fluid. Species 8472 is convinced that humans intend to invade their dimension and take over, and they are using simulations to better know a potential enemy.
Armed with this knowledge, Janeway enters into negotiations with Species 8472, hoping to end the hostilities between them and the Voyager. The negotiations are held with Boothby, a woman named Commander Valerie Archer (Kate Vernon), and the grumpy Admiral Bullock (Tucker Smallwood).
Tucker Smallwood will be familiar to most viewers,...
Armed with this knowledge, Janeway enters into negotiations with Species 8472, hoping to end the hostilities between them and the Voyager. The negotiations are held with Boothby, a woman named Commander Valerie Archer (Kate Vernon), and the grumpy Admiral Bullock (Tucker Smallwood).
Tucker Smallwood will be familiar to most viewers,...
- 5/27/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When television science fiction works, it can change us. However, lasting long enough to make an impact is a hell of a trick. "Star Trek," the keystone franchise for multiple generations of fans and scientists, fought for its survival more than once. In the end, the original, larger than life phenomena lasted only three seasons. In a similar vein, "Babylon 5" remains a quieter but no less impactful series for modern science fiction fans, with the "Lord of the Rings" inspired space opera struggling every year since the poorly reviews first season for more time to finish its planned five year arc -- and a reboot from its original creator is still going through similar trials.
The problem is that good science fiction is always experimental, almost always more expensive than dramas or safe sitcoms, and it relies on an audience hanging in long enough for the plot to really hit its stride.
The problem is that good science fiction is always experimental, almost always more expensive than dramas or safe sitcoms, and it relies on an audience hanging in long enough for the plot to really hit its stride.
- 5/18/2024
- by Margaret David
- Slash Film
Joseph Michael Straczynski, a screenwriter who worked on numerous films, TV series and comic books, dreamed of correcting what he saw as the main problem with sci-fi series of the 1980s and 1990s – the lack of long-term planning.
He believed that writers and directors who were forced to work from episode to episode could not tell a truly big, complex, and consistent story.
Instead of making a series in which the characters explored a new planet or uncovered an anomaly in each episode, Straczynski decided to create an epic that focused on the relationships between characters and states.
His primary source of inspiration was literature: Asimov's Foundation series, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Herbert's Dune, and other large-scale epics. And in 1994 his ambitious project was released – Babylon 5, which even after 30 years has an audience rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Babylon 5 About?
According to the plot, the...
He believed that writers and directors who were forced to work from episode to episode could not tell a truly big, complex, and consistent story.
Instead of making a series in which the characters explored a new planet or uncovered an anomaly in each episode, Straczynski decided to create an epic that focused on the relationships between characters and states.
His primary source of inspiration was literature: Asimov's Foundation series, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Herbert's Dune, and other large-scale epics. And in 1994 his ambitious project was released – Babylon 5, which even after 30 years has an audience rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Babylon 5 About?
According to the plot, the...
- 5/4/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
J. Michael Straczynski's "Babylon 5" began its life as a two-hour TV movie called "Babylon 5: The Gathering" which aired on February 22, 1993. There was some controversy about the series, however, as Straczynski pitched his space station series to Paramount as early as 1989. Paramount turned Straczynski down, and he took his series to Warner Bros., who approved. Suspiciously, only two months after Warner announced "Babylon 5," Paramount announced their own space station series, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." In a Tweet from 2018, Straczynski claimed that Paramount "put their show into high gear, spending four times what we did so they'd make it to air first." Indeed, "Deep Space Nine" first aired on January 3, 1999, beating "Babylon 5" by a month and a half. No legal action was taken against Paramount, but there has been a certain amount of bitterness ever since.
Additionally, the "Babylon 5" TV series didn't begin airing in...
Additionally, the "Babylon 5" TV series didn't begin airing in...
- 4/29/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
On September 15, 1965, Irwin Allen whisked television viewers out of their living rooms on a journey to the outer reaches of space, where the Robinson family finds themselves marooned on a strange, not-entirely-hospitable planet thanks to the sabotage of their chief medical officer. For a nation dreaming of a seemingly impossible moon landing, "Lost in Space" was both wish fulfillment and cautionary tale; a part of us was enthralled by the notion of exploring the cosmos, but we were also terrified by the thought of aimlessly hurtling through a universe with no known end and no direction home.
Allen's series didn't dwell much on the more frightening aspects of the Robinsons' predicament. Unlike Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek" (which would debut a year later), Allen employed a fairly rigid formula that found the Robinsons and the hunky Major Don West (Mark Goddard) having to outwit the generally inept scheming of Dr.
Allen's series didn't dwell much on the more frightening aspects of the Robinsons' predicament. Unlike Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek" (which would debut a year later), Allen employed a fairly rigid formula that found the Robinsons and the hunky Major Don West (Mark Goddard) having to outwit the generally inept scheming of Dr.
- 4/22/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
We live in a golden era of sci-fi on TV, where "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" come in multiple flavors, "Stranger Things" is an event every season, and the CW recently wrapped up an entire universe of DC Comics superheroes on the small screen. Fortunately for all sci-fi fans, this is a time where the people who make such shows grew up loving them, and critics who review them were raised on the concepts and get it. This is all a relatively new phenomenon.
As recently as the '90s, TV critics weren't necessarily big on high-concept sci-fi, and the people making these shows didn't always know what they were doing either. Even if they did, producers over their heads weren't necessarily making the best decisions either. Superheroes on TV were entirely different three decades ago, and the weekly format was just discovering the notion of season-long arcs. There were growing pains to be sure,...
As recently as the '90s, TV critics weren't necessarily big on high-concept sci-fi, and the people making these shows didn't always know what they were doing either. Even if they did, producers over their heads weren't necessarily making the best decisions either. Superheroes on TV were entirely different three decades ago, and the weekly format was just discovering the notion of season-long arcs. There were growing pains to be sure,...
- 4/7/2024
- by Luke Y. Thompson
- Slash Film
Come, sit, and hear sad stories of what it was like to be a young British millennial nerd. The nineties were, in many ways, a dark age for British science fiction. Doctor Who was gone, apart from one Children in Need crossover with EastEnders – Dimensions in Time in 1993 – and an American co-produced movie simply called “Doctor Who” (which we would all pretend to hate while treasuring our VHS recording and commemorative Radio Times issue).
Over the pond, TV sci-fi was in the middle of a golden age, with three Star Trek series, Babylon 5, Farscape, The X-Files and Stargate Sg-1 only marking the tip of a science fictional iceberg. But British fans could only watch these episodes months or even years after the fact, particularly if they had only access to terrestrial television, and were forced to paw through magazines and websites for reviews and plot summaries to sate their hunger.
Over the pond, TV sci-fi was in the middle of a golden age, with three Star Trek series, Babylon 5, Farscape, The X-Files and Stargate Sg-1 only marking the tip of a science fictional iceberg. But British fans could only watch these episodes months or even years after the fact, particularly if they had only access to terrestrial television, and were forced to paw through magazines and websites for reviews and plot summaries to sate their hunger.
- 3/1/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
A lot of sci-fi films helped shape the genre into what it is today, but perhaps none of them are as underrated as the 1982 film "Tron." The original entry into a franchise that would come to span several decades was studded with soon-to-be stars like the incomparable Jeff Bridges, who would go on to earn an Academy Award.
Bridges stars in the action-adventure as Kevin Flynn, a video game developer who gets trapped inside his own software and has to interact with the programs inside his computer's main frame to escape. Digital technology was still emerging in the 1980s, and computers were relegated to those with a proclivity for science. All that is to say, the public wasn't ready for a movie filled with symbolic computer metaphors, and the film was not a success.
However, as computers began to rise in popularity, so too did "Tron." Early web users looked...
Bridges stars in the action-adventure as Kevin Flynn, a video game developer who gets trapped inside his own software and has to interact with the programs inside his computer's main frame to escape. Digital technology was still emerging in the 1980s, and computers were relegated to those with a proclivity for science. All that is to say, the public wasn't ready for a movie filled with symbolic computer metaphors, and the film was not a success.
However, as computers began to rise in popularity, so too did "Tron." Early web users looked...
- 2/19/2024
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
I have this really bad habit when I watch new shows. I am always late to the party. It happens all the time. I watch a pilot of a TV show, write it off and then years later I find out it’s an incredible piece of work. Community, Brooklyn 99, Superstore, and Babylon 5 are a few that come to mind. It’s frustrating because I miss out on so much fun, like talking to other fans about the show, conventions, and fun marketing. Sure, you can still do many of these things after the show but, like a fresh slice of pizza, it always tastes better fresh out of the oven. Fringe is another slice that I have had to microwave. The series followed a quirky scientist, an estranged criminal son, and a badass FBI agent on some dark and fascinating twists and turns. These would involve alternate dimensions,...
- 2/5/2024
- by David Arroyo
- JoBlo.com
More than 40 years ago, in 1982, director Nicholas Meyer's "The Wrath of Khan" revitalized "Star Trek," overcoming its low budget to be the shot in the arm that "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" failed to be.
This was the second time that the "Star Trek: The Original Series" cast reunited on the silver screen. With how long it has been, it's sadly unsurprising that most of the original "Star Trek" main cast is no longer with us. Spock's sacrifice and emotional last exchange with Kirk in "The Wrath of Khan" are even sadder and more poignant now with Leonard Nimoy's real-life passing in 2015.
Even most of the film's own supporting cast have passed on. Ricardo Montalbán, who delivered the performance of a lifetime as Khan Noonien Singh himself, died in 2009 at age 88. However, a select few of the movie's cast are still with us.
Read more: Celebrities You...
This was the second time that the "Star Trek: The Original Series" cast reunited on the silver screen. With how long it has been, it's sadly unsurprising that most of the original "Star Trek" main cast is no longer with us. Spock's sacrifice and emotional last exchange with Kirk in "The Wrath of Khan" are even sadder and more poignant now with Leonard Nimoy's real-life passing in 2015.
Even most of the film's own supporting cast have passed on. Ricardo Montalbán, who delivered the performance of a lifetime as Khan Noonien Singh himself, died in 2009 at age 88. However, a select few of the movie's cast are still with us.
Read more: Celebrities You...
- 1/14/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
The passing of Patrick Swayze was enough to break your heart. Has there ever really been anyone quite like him? At his best, Swayze was the type of guy who was equally at home playing romantic leads as he was dropping bad guys in action fare. Swayze’s career peaked in 1987, the year he danced his way to the top of the box office in Dirty Dancing. It made him a giant star, with him not only having one of the top-grossing movies of the year but also a huge hit song in a track off the soundtrack album, “She’s Like the Wind”.
While traditional thinking would have led to Swayze acting in a whole slew of romantic movies, he had something a little different in mind. Swayze wanted to become an action hero. The fact is, he was a natural for the genre. His dance training and general...
While traditional thinking would have led to Swayze acting in a whole slew of romantic movies, he had something a little different in mind. Swayze wanted to become an action hero. The fact is, he was a natural for the genre. His dance training and general...
- 12/31/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
At a time when syndicated science fiction was just Star Trek series, it took some guts on Warner Bros’ part to try something darker and more experimental with J. Michael Straczynski’s Babylon 5, designed to tell a sprawling epic that was more political than it was space opera. The show arrived thirty years ago and was successful enough to spawn spin-off five telefilms and a short-lived spinoff, spanning 1993-2007.
The core of it, the 110 episodes from the original five-season series, have been remastered and collected on a nice Blu-ray box set from Warner Home Entertainment. Also included is the original pilot film.
Set in the 23rd century, the Earth Alliance has found its place among star-faring races, notably the Minbari and the Centauri. Some of these races are fine with humans; others wish them gone. Then there are the Vorlons, and no one knows what they want.
Babylon 5 is a gigantic,...
The core of it, the 110 episodes from the original five-season series, have been remastered and collected on a nice Blu-ray box set from Warner Home Entertainment. Also included is the original pilot film.
Set in the 23rd century, the Earth Alliance has found its place among star-faring races, notably the Minbari and the Centauri. Some of these races are fine with humans; others wish them gone. Then there are the Vorlons, and no one knows what they want.
Babylon 5 is a gigantic,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Unleashed on theaters in 1988, director Tom Holland's "Child's Play" introduced America to Chucky, a My Buddy-like doll inhabited by the soul of a foul-mouthed serial killer. Equal parts absurd and frightening, that first movie spawned six sequels, a remake, and a TV series. Of all the iconic '80s horror villains, he's the only one still written by his original creator, Don Mancini. As such, the TV series has brought back many actors and characters from throughout the franchise's history, in an increasingly complicated -- and refreshingly LGBTQ-positive -- narrative of epic proportions. A narrative that involves Devon Sawa playing multiple roles, for some reason.
Fans of the show know where some of the original film's cast members ended up, but what about the rest? Shot in Chicago, "Child's Play" made use of several local stage talents, as well as a few veteran actors and familiar faces. Can you...
Fans of the show know where some of the original film's cast members ended up, but what about the rest? Shot in Chicago, "Child's Play" made use of several local stage talents, as well as a few veteran actors and familiar faces. Can you...
- 11/18/2023
- by Luke Y. Thompson
- Slash Film
Richard Moll, the towering 6-foot-8 actor best known for playing Bull the bailiff on NBC’s original ’80s iteration of Night Court, died Thursday. He was 80.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Moll died peacefully at his home in Big Bear Lake, California. A cause of death was not immediately known.
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Moll portrayed the genteel giant Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon during all nine seasons of Night Court, which ran on NBC from 1984-92. As he told People magazine,...
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Moll died peacefully at his home in Big Bear Lake, California. A cause of death was not immediately known.
More from TVLineMatthew Perry Remembered by Co-Stars From Friends, Other Shows: 'The World Will Miss You'Matthew Perry, Friends Star, Dead at 54Shaft Star Richard Roundtree Dead at 81
Moll portrayed the genteel giant Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon during all nine seasons of Night Court, which ran on NBC from 1984-92. As he told People magazine,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Richard Moll, who played bald-headed bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon on the NBC sitcom “Night Court,” died Thursday, a family spokesman said on Friday.
The 80-year-old passed away peacefully at his home in Big Bear Lake, California.
The 6’8″ actor rose to fame on the courtroom comedy, which starred Harry Anderson and John Larroquette and ran from 1984 to 1992. He did not appear in the recent Peacock reboot.
After “Night Court,” he landed a recurring role on the NBC sitcom starring Cindy Williams. He also guested on “Babylon 5,” “Anger Management,” “Cold Case,” “Smallville,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “7th Heaven.”
He lent his impressively deep voice to several animated shows as the voice of Harvey Dent/Two-Face on the ’90s Fox series “The Adventures of Batman & Robin” and Scorpion on “Spider-Man: The Animated Series.” He also voiced the bodyguard to the title character of the syndicated series “Mighty Max,” which...
The 80-year-old passed away peacefully at his home in Big Bear Lake, California.
The 6’8″ actor rose to fame on the courtroom comedy, which starred Harry Anderson and John Larroquette and ran from 1984 to 1992. He did not appear in the recent Peacock reboot.
After “Night Court,” he landed a recurring role on the NBC sitcom starring Cindy Williams. He also guested on “Babylon 5,” “Anger Management,” “Cold Case,” “Smallville,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “7th Heaven.”
He lent his impressively deep voice to several animated shows as the voice of Harvey Dent/Two-Face on the ’90s Fox series “The Adventures of Batman & Robin” and Scorpion on “Spider-Man: The Animated Series.” He also voiced the bodyguard to the title character of the syndicated series “Mighty Max,” which...
- 10/27/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Richard Moll, best known as the towering bailiff “Bull Shannon” on the long-running NBC sitcom Night Court, died Oct. 26 at his home in Big Bear Lake, Calif. He was 80 and no cause was given by his family.
Standing 6’8″, Moll was a character actor, but worked steadily during his career. Night Court ran from 1984 to 1992, and his commanding presence, deep voice, and endearing manner drew the frequent attention of casting directors.
After Night Court, Moll landed a recurring role on the sitcom Getting By, starring Cindy Williams, before appearing in an episode of the cult sci-fi hit Babylon 5. He also voiced the bodyguard to the title character of the animated Mighty Max.
His Night Court stint also enabled him to branch out into larger films and voiceover work on animated series, where he often relished the chance to play the bad guy. Moll was...
Standing 6’8″, Moll was a character actor, but worked steadily during his career. Night Court ran from 1984 to 1992, and his commanding presence, deep voice, and endearing manner drew the frequent attention of casting directors.
After Night Court, Moll landed a recurring role on the sitcom Getting By, starring Cindy Williams, before appearing in an episode of the cult sci-fi hit Babylon 5. He also voiced the bodyguard to the title character of the animated Mighty Max.
His Night Court stint also enabled him to branch out into larger films and voiceover work on animated series, where he often relished the chance to play the bad guy. Moll was...
- 10/27/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Sad news today as it’s been announced that Richard Moll, who played Aristotle Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon on all nine seasons of Night Court, has died at the age of 80. His publicist confirmed that he died at his home in Big Bear Lake on Thursday.
Although Richard Moll is best known for his work on Night Court, he had quite a sprawling filmography. He made appearances in movies such as Cavemen, Evilspeak, The Sword and the Sorcerer, The Dungeonmaster, Night Train to Terror, House, Wicked Stepmother, Sidekicks, Loaded Weapon 1, The Flintstones, Jingle All the Way, Scary Movie 2, and more. He was also featured in episodes of Happy Days, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, T.J. Hooker, Remington Steele, The Dukes of Hazzard, The A-Team, Highlander: The Series, Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman, Hercules: The Legendary Adventures, Babylon 5, Baywatch, Married… with Children, Smallville, and more.
Moll...
Although Richard Moll is best known for his work on Night Court, he had quite a sprawling filmography. He made appearances in movies such as Cavemen, Evilspeak, The Sword and the Sorcerer, The Dungeonmaster, Night Train to Terror, House, Wicked Stepmother, Sidekicks, Loaded Weapon 1, The Flintstones, Jingle All the Way, Scary Movie 2, and more. He was also featured in episodes of Happy Days, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, T.J. Hooker, Remington Steele, The Dukes of Hazzard, The A-Team, Highlander: The Series, Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman, Hercules: The Legendary Adventures, Babylon 5, Baywatch, Married… with Children, Smallville, and more.
Moll...
- 10/27/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Richard Moll, the fun-loving actor who portrayed the towering and tenderhearted bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon on all nine seasons of the popular NBC sitcom Night Court during its original run, has died. He was 80.
Moll died peacefully Thursday at his home in Big Bear Lake, California, his publicist announced.
Suitable for his 6-foot-8 frame, Moll played an abominable snowman alongside Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach in the comedy feature Caveman (1981), and he was a scary, decomposing Vietnam veteran in the horror film House (1986).
Moll also did lots of voiceover work, with a regular gig as the immortal bodyguard Norman on the syndicated series Mighty Max and turns as Harvey Dent/Two-Face for three Batman cartoons.
Moll had a shaved head — he did that to play the warrior Hurok in the sci-fi film Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983) — when he auditioned for the role of Shannon on Night Court, created by Reinhold Weege.
Moll died peacefully Thursday at his home in Big Bear Lake, California, his publicist announced.
Suitable for his 6-foot-8 frame, Moll played an abominable snowman alongside Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach in the comedy feature Caveman (1981), and he was a scary, decomposing Vietnam veteran in the horror film House (1986).
Moll also did lots of voiceover work, with a regular gig as the immortal bodyguard Norman on the syndicated series Mighty Max and turns as Harvey Dent/Two-Face for three Batman cartoons.
Moll had a shaved head — he did that to play the warrior Hurok in the sci-fi film Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983) — when he auditioned for the role of Shannon on Night Court, created by Reinhold Weege.
- 10/27/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
You never knew exactly what you would get when "The Twilight Zone" began. The series — produced and largely written by celebrated Emmy-winning writer Rod Serling — was a loose collection of fantastical tales. Some were supernatural, some were science fiction. Some were comedies, and some were scary as hell.
It should come as little surprise that the "scary as hell" episodes are among the most memorable installments of the series. William Shatner's desperate screaming that there's a man on the wing of the plane in "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" was instantly iconic, and repeatedly remade. Agnes Moorehead silently fighting off an invading force of tiny homicidal aliens in "The Invaders" was strange and shocking, and seemingly set the stage for future "tiny monster" horror movies like "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" and "Gremlins."
But perhaps no "Twilight Zone" episode is more overwhelmingly terrifying than the one about a little kid with godlike powers.
It should come as little surprise that the "scary as hell" episodes are among the most memorable installments of the series. William Shatner's desperate screaming that there's a man on the wing of the plane in "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" was instantly iconic, and repeatedly remade. Agnes Moorehead silently fighting off an invading force of tiny homicidal aliens in "The Invaders" was strange and shocking, and seemingly set the stage for future "tiny monster" horror movies like "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" and "Gremlins."
But perhaps no "Twilight Zone" episode is more overwhelmingly terrifying than the one about a little kid with godlike powers.
- 10/15/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
This article appears in the new issue of Den Of Geek magazine. Get your copy here.
The 1980s was a golden era for TV animation. It was the decade of Thundercats, Inspector Gadget, Transformers, Ducktales, The Smurfs, He-Man and The Masters of the Universe, Care Bears, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Yet arguably, the best of them all was The Real Ghostbusters.
The show arrived at a time when studios were eager to translate box office gold into something palatable for younger audiences. It didn’t always quite go to plan, of course, as short-lived and ill-advised animated incarnations of everything from Rambo to The Karate Kid can attest.
But The Real Ghostbusters was different, running for 140 episodes across seven seasons.
It was a little different from the film. For one thing, the title had to be tweaked due to a dispute with Filmation, who was making an animated version...
The 1980s was a golden era for TV animation. It was the decade of Thundercats, Inspector Gadget, Transformers, Ducktales, The Smurfs, He-Man and The Masters of the Universe, Care Bears, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Yet arguably, the best of them all was The Real Ghostbusters.
The show arrived at a time when studios were eager to translate box office gold into something palatable for younger audiences. It didn’t always quite go to plan, of course, as short-lived and ill-advised animated incarnations of everything from Rambo to The Karate Kid can attest.
But The Real Ghostbusters was different, running for 140 episodes across seven seasons.
It was a little different from the film. For one thing, the title had to be tweaked due to a dispute with Filmation, who was making an animated version...
- 10/14/2023
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
Sad news to report as it was announced that David McCallum died this morning at New York Presbyterian Hospital at the age of 90. The actor was best known for playing Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS, as well as Ilya Kuryakin on The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
David McCallum’s son, Peter, released a statement on behalf of the family.
He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.
He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of...
David McCallum’s son, Peter, released a statement on behalf of the family.
He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.
He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of...
- 9/25/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
There are a handful of shows in the history of television that make an impact so large that it shapes TV for decades. Mash, Cheers, Babylon 5, and Buffy are a few that come to mind. But one the most memorable, was a series about people stranded on a desert island no, not Gilligan’s island and no, I am not talking about survivor either.It was of course Lost. This series was not a silly TV show, it was a game-changer. It wasn’t focused on storylines but rather a perfect combination of characters and mysteries. Lost is one of those series that still sparks strong emotions from people. Many people love it or hate it. But is the hate for this show misplaced? Is it really that bad or could Lost be one of the greatest TV shows of all time? Let’s explore the Island in this...
- 9/18/2023
- by David Arroyo
- JoBlo.com
"Babylon 5: The Road Home", directed by Matt Peters, is a new animated feature film, from creator J. Michael Straczynski, with a new story about the iconic 'Babylon 5' space station and its inhabitants as they take a journey through the past to determine their future, now available for Digital, 4K Ultra HD & Blu-Ray:
"...travel across the galaxy with 'John Sheridan' as he unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines...
"...and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home.
"Along the way he reunites with some familiar faces, while discovering cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose, and meaning of the Universe..."
The film features the original voice cast from the 30-year old TV series, including Bruce Boxleitner as 'John Sheridan', Claudia Christian as 'Susan Ivanova', Peter Jurasik as 'Londo Mollari', Bill Mumy as 'Lennier', Tracy Scoggins as 'Elizabeth Lochley' and Patricia Tallman as' Lyta Alexander'.
"...travel across the galaxy with 'John Sheridan' as he unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines...
"...and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home.
"Along the way he reunites with some familiar faces, while discovering cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose, and meaning of the Universe..."
The film features the original voice cast from the 30-year old TV series, including Bruce Boxleitner as 'John Sheridan', Claudia Christian as 'Susan Ivanova', Peter Jurasik as 'Londo Mollari', Bill Mumy as 'Lennier', Tracy Scoggins as 'Elizabeth Lochley' and Patricia Tallman as' Lyta Alexander'.
- 8/30/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
J. Michael Straczynski is back with a new installment in his imaginative Babylon 5 series. The difference this time is that it’s a 76-minute animated feature film, released this week from Warner Home Entertainment.
B5 launched into syndicated television sixteen years ago, featuring a somewhat darker, more nuanced approach to the future. It was filled before and behind the camera with people well-versed in the Sf tropes, but used that to twist things and keep them fresh.
Here, Babylon 5 The Road Home, feels far more familiar. We’re set in the time after the Shadow War as we focus on President John Sheridan (Bruce Boxleitner) and his wife Delenn (Rebecca Riedy) adjusting to running the 12-world Interstellar Alliance. Just as he leaves, he’s caught in the tried and true time warp allowing him to visit various parallel realities as we revisit more familiar characters and settings.
Familiarity, in this case,...
B5 launched into syndicated television sixteen years ago, featuring a somewhat darker, more nuanced approach to the future. It was filled before and behind the camera with people well-versed in the Sf tropes, but used that to twist things and keep them fresh.
Here, Babylon 5 The Road Home, feels far more familiar. We’re set in the time after the Shadow War as we focus on President John Sheridan (Bruce Boxleitner) and his wife Delenn (Rebecca Riedy) adjusting to running the 12-world Interstellar Alliance. Just as he leaves, he’s caught in the tried and true time warp allowing him to visit various parallel realities as we revisit more familiar characters and settings.
Familiarity, in this case,...
- 8/17/2023
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
This Babylon 5 article contains spoilers.
Like Billy Pilgrim before him, John Sheridan has become unstuck in time. Again!
On May 13, 1996, Babylon 5 aired the first part of a two-parter epic called “War Without End.” In it, the crew of the White Star are tasked with stealing the space station Babylon 4 and sending it back in time 1,000 years to defeat the Shadows in a previous war, all so the Shadows are weaker in the present. But, if they fail, another, much darker parallel universe will unfold. And while we’ve only seen glimpses of that universe before, in the new Babylon 5 animated movie, The Road Home, this specific alternate timeline is explored in a way that calls back not just to “War Without End,” but to the season 1 banger, “Babylon Squared,” too.
In The Road Home, John Sheridan leaves Babylon 5 in 2262, but finds himself slipping between timeframes and...
Like Billy Pilgrim before him, John Sheridan has become unstuck in time. Again!
On May 13, 1996, Babylon 5 aired the first part of a two-parter epic called “War Without End.” In it, the crew of the White Star are tasked with stealing the space station Babylon 4 and sending it back in time 1,000 years to defeat the Shadows in a previous war, all so the Shadows are weaker in the present. But, if they fail, another, much darker parallel universe will unfold. And while we’ve only seen glimpses of that universe before, in the new Babylon 5 animated movie, The Road Home, this specific alternate timeline is explored in a way that calls back not just to “War Without End,” but to the season 1 banger, “Babylon Squared,” too.
In The Road Home, John Sheridan leaves Babylon 5 in 2262, but finds himself slipping between timeframes and...
- 8/16/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Babylon 5: The Road Home is the continuation of the epic interstellar saga, being released by Warner Home Entertainment next week. Travel across the galaxy with John Sheridan as he unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home. Along the way, he reunites with some familiar faces while discovering cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose, and meaning of the Universe.
In anticipation of the all-new original animated movie, a never-before-seen clip from the film titled “Standing In The Shadows” has just been released. John Sheridan (voiced by Bruce Boxleitner) expresses his second thoughts about leaving Babylon 5 to his wife, Delenn (voiced by Rebecca Reidy).
Special Features Include:
Babylon 5 Forever (New Featurette) – join the cast and filmmakers as they reveal the process behind creating the first state-of-the-art, animated adaption of Babylon 5.
Audio Commentary with creator/writer/executive producer J. Michael Straczynski,...
In anticipation of the all-new original animated movie, a never-before-seen clip from the film titled “Standing In The Shadows” has just been released. John Sheridan (voiced by Bruce Boxleitner) expresses his second thoughts about leaving Babylon 5 to his wife, Delenn (voiced by Rebecca Reidy).
Special Features Include:
Babylon 5 Forever (New Featurette) – join the cast and filmmakers as they reveal the process behind creating the first state-of-the-art, animated adaption of Babylon 5.
Audio Commentary with creator/writer/executive producer J. Michael Straczynski,...
- 8/7/2023
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment is releasing the groundbreaking original sci-fi TV series Babylon 5 on Blu-ray for the first time ever! On December 5, just in time for holiday gift giving, Babylon 5: The Complete Series will be available at online retailers with all 110 original episodes fully remastered in HD. The highly anticipated release is one fans don’t want to miss! Babylon 5 is an American space opera television series created by writer and producer J. Michael Straczynski that ran for five seasons from 1994–1998. The critically acclaimed franchise debuted in 1993 with the pilot film The Gathering. The series ... Read more...
- 7/31/2023
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
Babylon 5 is headed to Blu-Ray soon with an animated reunion movie. J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of the sci-fi series, recently revealed why the characters had not returned sooner.
Starring Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, Peter Jurasik, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, and Patricia Tallman, the series follows the staff of a space station in the 23rd century. The series aired for five seasons and had five follow-up TV films.
Read More…...
Starring Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, Peter Jurasik, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, and Patricia Tallman, the series follows the staff of a space station in the 23rd century. The series aired for five seasons and had five follow-up TV films.
Read More…...
- 7/27/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
J. Michael Straczynski is getting into business with Dark Horse Comics. Straczynski will launch various creator-owned work with the publisher that will span graphic novels, miniseries and ongoing series.
Straczynski is a veteran of the genre space. On TV, he created Babylon 5 and co-created Netflix’s Sense8 with The Wachowskis. In comics, he has penned runs on The Amazing Spider-Man, Superman and Captain America. And in the feature film space, he has worked on World War Z, Thor and Changeling.
According to Straczynski, Dark Horse boss Mike Richardson has given him the mandate to write whatever he wants.
“First up will be an international, geopolitical thriller that blends science fiction with the superhero genre in a way we really haven’t seen before. It’s going to be a huge story with massive global and personal stakes,” Straczynski in a statement. “This will be balanced by individual character stories...
Straczynski is a veteran of the genre space. On TV, he created Babylon 5 and co-created Netflix’s Sense8 with The Wachowskis. In comics, he has penned runs on The Amazing Spider-Man, Superman and Captain America. And in the feature film space, he has worked on World War Z, Thor and Changeling.
According to Straczynski, Dark Horse boss Mike Richardson has given him the mandate to write whatever he wants.
“First up will be an international, geopolitical thriller that blends science fiction with the superhero genre in a way we really haven’t seen before. It’s going to be a huge story with massive global and personal stakes,” Straczynski in a statement. “This will be balanced by individual character stories...
- 7/21/2023
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It may have taken a long time to get here, but Babylon 5 is finally making the leap to Blu-ray. Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment announced today that all five seasons of the iconic sci-fi series will be released on Blu-ray on December 5th.
Babylon 5 has previously only been available on DVD and the image quality wasn’t always the best, so fans have been waiting for this moment for quite some time. You can check out the official box art for Babylon 5: The Complete Series below, which strangely doesn’t feature the titular space station.
All five seasons of Babylon 5 were scanned and remastered from the original camera negative in 4K, with a colour correction and the cleaning of dirt and scratches as well. The many CGI shots of the series have been digitally upscaled to HD, and short of a complete remaster, that’s probably...
Babylon 5 has previously only been available on DVD and the image quality wasn’t always the best, so fans have been waiting for this moment for quite some time. You can check out the official box art for Babylon 5: The Complete Series below, which strangely doesn’t feature the titular space station.
All five seasons of Babylon 5 were scanned and remastered from the original camera negative in 4K, with a colour correction and the cleaning of dirt and scratches as well. The many CGI shots of the series have been digitally upscaled to HD, and short of a complete remaster, that’s probably...
- 7/18/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Burbank, CA – In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment is releasing the groundbreaking original sci-fi TV series Babylon 5 on Blu-ray for the first time ever! On December 5, just in time for holiday gift giving, Babylon 5: The Complete Series will be available at online retailers with all 110 original episodes fully remastered in HD. The highly anticipated release is one fans don’t want to miss!
Babylon 5 is an American space opera television series created by writer and producer J. Michael Straczynski that ran for five seasons from 1994–1998. The critically acclaimed franchise debuted in 1993 with the pilot film The Gathering. The series then launched a year later and ran for five seasons and 110 additional episodes. A future-history story covering the years 2257–2262, with each year corresponding to one season, Babylon 5 was the first series to introduce viewers to the concept of a five-year arc, with a defined beginning,...
Babylon 5 is an American space opera television series created by writer and producer J. Michael Straczynski that ran for five seasons from 1994–1998. The critically acclaimed franchise debuted in 1993 with the pilot film The Gathering. The series then launched a year later and ran for five seasons and 110 additional episodes. A future-history story covering the years 2257–2262, with each year corresponding to one season, Babylon 5 was the first series to introduce viewers to the concept of a five-year arc, with a defined beginning,...
- 7/18/2023
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
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