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Sci-Fi TV Sunday: Chuck, Fringe, Heroes, Lost, Smallville, V + more November 1, 2009

by Rosario T. Calabria , Filed under: Sci-Fi , trackback

In this week’s Sci-Fi TV, we’ve got news about Smallville producers pushing for a 10th season, NBC ordering six more episodes of Chuck, cancellation rumors surrounding Heroes, V original series creator Kenneth Johnson talking about the new ABC series (and his plans for a big screen version), plus updates on Lost and more, including the latest television ratings, casting bites, images and videos.

 

GENRE TV NEWS

Leonard Nimoy’s Role on Fringe May Come To An End
Speaking with the LA Times’ Hero Complex Blog, Leonard Nimoy revealed that he has filmed three scenes for "Fringe" and may not be doing anymore, despite interest from the creative team for him to return:

"I’ve done three appearances for them," said Nimoy. "I don’t know if I will do a fourth…"

But Nimoy was clear in that his decision isn’t based on the quality of the show, but instead on the future potential of his character, William Bell:

"They’ve asked me to do more, but we have to talk about where the character is going. So far my character, William Bell, and my appearances have been used to lay in information about this alternate universe and the experience of being in this other world. And that’s OK, but I don’t know yet what plans they have for really developing a dramatic story for the character. I’m waiting for a conversation about that."

"I think they’re [J.J. Abrams, show runner Jeff Pinkner and series creators Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman] talking amongst themselves now so they can present some kind of plan, a story arc of some kind," he added.

Losing Nimoy isn’t the only potential problem for the show, ratings are down this season and TV Guide has placed the show on their "on the bubble" list:

Issues: It’s been consistently fourth in its extremely competitively timeslot (opposite Grey’s Anatomy, The Office and 30 Rock, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Supernatural), despite actually posting gains for Fox on Thursday nights over last season. But the relatively healthy Tuesday audience it used to have is shrinking. 

Promo (aired during Game 1 of the World Series)

Damon Lindelof Talks Lost: Season Six
Executive producer/writer/show runner Damon Lindelof was at Golden Apple Comics in L.A promoting the release of his "Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk" comic compilation, but took some time to answer some questions about the upcoming sixth and final season of "Lost"  .  Here are some excerpts from his interview with E! Online:

For those fans of Lost who are invested in the romance on the show, will there be anything for them this year, or is this primarily a mythology season?

Lindelof: That’s an excellent question. Our focus remains where it’s always been: on the characters. And there are significant and emotional bonds, from both the friendship and the romantic angle, that we would be remiss in not exploring; we probably won’t be exploring them in the way that you think. That’s my official answer.

OK, this might be a little esoteric, but who is the leader, and why does it matter?

Lindelof: That is very esoteric. I don’t know, you look like a Jennifer—I think what Jennifer is referring to is in some of our Lost season-six promotional materials there are some hieroglyphics. Various hieroglyphic experts—who are those guys, by the way?—have taken a crack at interpreting what these hieroglyphics translate to, and one of the popular theories that is now emerging is that they translate to this question, "Who is the leader?" So if that’s what he thinks it means, you’d have to ask him. I don’t know why we would make people work so hard just to enjoy a poster!

Really? There’s nothing about Locke versus Sawyer versus Jack versus Sayid versus Ben?

Lindelof: Nope, nothing. Who cares about leadership?

In addition to that interview, some fan questions were posed to Lindelof by USA Today while he was at the Austin Film Festival.  Here’s a selection of some of the questions (read the complete Q&A session at this link):

Is the ending you envisioned when you first created the show still in place? — adanzis

That’s a great question. Yes, the actual ending ending is exactly the same as we’d always planned on it being, except we didn’t know if we were going to get there after two seasons, four seasons or after six seasons, so the road to the ending has had to change significantly. But the ending itself? Whether people like it or not, that’s the ending we’ve had.

Are we going to return to the numbers? They obviously played a huge role in the beginning. Then we got away from them and started focusing more on the characters. Will we ever come back to them? — Tommy F.

I like Tommy’s question a lot better than the way I usually hear that question, which is, "What do the numbers mean?" I can say one of the things we’re really focused on doing this year is trying to make the entire season as satisfying as possible. We know if we wait until the very last episode of the show to give answers or revelations there’s no way it’ll be satisfying, so we’re trying to give out that stuff as we go along. And all I would say is, this is the final season of Lost. We would be enormously remiss if we were to not evaluate the numbers and their significance.

In casting news:

Set images [more here, here and here]

Smallville Producers Pushing for a 10th Season
"Smallville" executive producer Kelly Souders tells EW that she and her fellow producers “are really, really pushing for season 10,” adding “ We really hope it happens.” A few weeks back a 10th season wouldn’t have seemed like such a plausible possibility, but improved ratings — Friday’s episode drew a season-high 2.60 million viewers and a 1.2 A18-49 rating — has renewed hope in a renewal:

"I think the word still isn’t out there that we’re on Friday nights. So if people keep tuning in and telling their friends about it, I think [a 10th season] is quite likely."  

With the show nearly at the half-way point, Souders was asked whether the writers are approaching the end of the season a season finale, or a series finale and gave similiar responses to both EW and TVGuide:

"We’re just going gung-ho. We are planning to break a season finale and not a series finale. We have our fingers crossed. The fans have just been amazing. Nobody knew what was going to happen when we moved to Friday night and the fact that fans showed up and have been enjoying the show, it’s meant everything to us and I know it’s meant a lot to the studio and the network. I think that’s given us a much better chance of coming back for Season 10. We’re hopeful."

Head on over to TVGuide for more, including Souder’s thoughts on Chloe’s involvement in upcoming episodes. Rounding out the various interviews, Souders told EW that we’ll likely see Clark in the iconic Superman suit by the time the show comes to an end:

"We think Smallville from the get-go was about how a young man turns into Superman. And it’s really about the journey getting there. I can’t make any promises, but if it was ever going to happen, it would be at the very end."

Closing out this week’s "Smallville" round-up, executive producer Brian Peterson told Daemon TV that Zatanna and Martian Manhunter are heading back to the show this season in the now two-part episode "Society", penned by comic book writer Geoff Johns. The episode also marks the arrival of JLA members Hawkman, Doctor Fate and Stargirl:

"To be honest, there were so many characters and so much great story that people would’ve been robbed of some great moments if we kept it to just one hour,” says Sounders. “So now that it’s a two-parter, you won’t miss anything."

Check out the synopsis for episode eight “Idol”, airing November 13th, at SpoilerTV.

Episode seven – "Kandor" [more at OSCK]

Season nine poster [OSCK]

Promo for episode seven

Kenneth Johnson Encouraged by V’s Return to Television

Kenneth Johnson, creator of the original "V" TV series, told Variety that even if the upcoming ABC series doesn’t succeed, he’s happy to see the property back in the mainstream:

"If the show succeeds, it gives us an opportunity to go out with a one sheet that says, ‘You like the show, now see the original classic reborn,’ " Johnson says. "And if the show doesn’t do well, we can always say, ‘Here is the "V" you’ve been waiting for.’ "

Johnson didn’t retain the TV rights to the title, but he does hold the film rights and continues to have plans for a big screen version, one which he says he prefers to take the Independent route in making:

"When I discovered that I controlled the motion picture rights to ‘V,’ I suddenly had a lot of new best friends," Johnson says. "All the major studios, Fox, Paramount, MGM, Warners, wanted to buy the rights with a whole lot of money. They see it as a $200 million tentpole picture, and want to bring someone else to direct. I took a deep breath and said no."

"I got into the business to direct and do what I do," Johnson says. "So what we’ve been endeavoring to do is to set up an independent production and produce this movie for $50 million. So I can hang on to the director reins and make sure it gets done."

Meanwhile, remember that sky writing campaign we talked about last week? Well ABC is abandoning it. THR Feed is reporting that the network has decided that they would rather spend their advertising money to promote the show in a different manner. There were also potential concerns about the potential environmental risk involved, but ABC didn’t cite that as a reason for pulling the promotion. "V" premieres this Tuesday, November 3rd at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC. The show will run for four weeks before going on hiatus until March, a decision executive producer Steve Pearlman discussed with SCI FI Wire:

"From the very beginning, there was going to be a break," Pearlman said on the show’s set in Vancouver, Canada. "We were planned originally to be on starting in November, and then we were going to be off the air for about six or seven weeks and then come back on the air in January. And I think … everybody kind of realized that that would put us up against American Idol … plus the Olympics."

Pearlman says that the 13-episode season will play out in four-episode chapters and that their hopeful the multiple cliffhangers will be enough to keep the audience interested over the lengthy break between episodes four and five:

"These [first] four episodes now have been designed very carefully [that this is] basically the first three weeks of the Visitors being here. … Episodes one, two and three following the pilot, the story … becomes much more about: There is no normal anymore, which is the title of the [second] episode."

"There are quite a few cliffhanger moments for many of our characters in that episode, and things that hopefully will be big enough events and the viewers will be hooked into these characters enough that the viewers will want to come back and see what happens to them in March."

Here are a couple other highlights from SCI FI Wire’s set visit:

And lastly, ABC recently unveiled the titles and descriptions for episodes three ("A Bright New Day"–11/17/2009) and four ("It’s Only The Beginning"–11/24/2009). Head on over to VisitorSite to read the descriptions.

Promo: "Five Days Left"

Clip: "You Even Get a Uniform"

Watch more clips here

Music video (set to Muse’s new single "Uprising") [via EW]

Will This Be The Final Season of Heroes?
Season four may well be the last we see of NBC’s "Heroes". Airlock Alpha is reporting that NBC executives will ask "Heroes" producers to draw up an end plan for the series, with a possible overall series finale to air by May of next year.

“There isn’t much happening with this show in terms of audience, and giving it a ‘final chapter’ feel is something the network is considering to help allow the show to go out with a bang,” said the source, who asked not to be identified.

“To keep a show like this going despite its numbers requires some nostalgic connection to it, and while there are a lot of people here who were part of bringing ‘Heroes’ to the air, they are not in the decision-making capacities,” the source said.

Airlock Alpha notes, however, that a final decision hasn’t been made yet and likely won’t be made until closer to mid-season. Meanwhile, in casting news, SpoilerTV has a casting call for episode 14 "Let It Bleed" for a character named Mr. Nozawa: "50-60 Male. Japanese. Must speak fluent Japanese. Wise, dedicated restaurateur in DC. Sushi chef and owner is persuaded to close his doors for a loyal customer." And lastly, here’s a brief description for episode nine "Brother’s Keeper":

Episode eight – "Once Upon A Time In Texas" [CBR]

Promo for episode eight – "Once Upon A Time In Texas"

Episode eight sneak peek

NBC Orders Six More Episodes of Chuck
The news continues to get better for fans of the NBC’s "Chuck". Earlier in the week, multiple sources reported that NBC had ordered an additional six episodes for the third season, pushing the season total to 19.  The order has now been confirmed by Christopher Lawrence (Big Mike) who posted the following message on his Twitter account:

It is official! The announcement was made today on set. Chuck gets 6 more episodes! Thank you Chuck fans!!!

The episode order boost is yet indication that it’ll return early (perhaps in January paired with new episodes of "Heroes").   More "Chuck" news below:

NEW IMAGES

The Sarah Jane Adventures

Episodes 5-6 – "The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith" [more at Blogtor Who]

Supernatural

Episode nine – "The Real Ghostbusters" [more at SpoilerTV]

CASTING BITES


NEW VIDEOS

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

Edward James Olmos Directs

More behind-the-scenes videos here and here

Doctor Who

Preview clip from "Waters of Mars"

Eastwick

Promo for episode seven – "Red Ants and Black Widows"

FlashForward

Promo for episode seven – "The Gift"

Episode seven sneak peek

Ghost Whisperer

Promo for episode seven – "Devil’s Bargain"

Legend of the Seeker

Featurette: "Season 2 Secrets"

Medium

Promo for episode seven – "New Terrain"

Sanctuary

Promo for episode five – "Pavor Nocturnus"

Episode five sneak peek


 

The Sarah Jane Adventures

Trailer for episodes 5-6 – "The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith"

Stargate Universe

Promo for episode seven – "Earth"

Supernatural

Promo for episode eight – "Changing Channels"

Clip from episode eight

The Vampire Diaries

Promo for episode eight – "162 Candles"

TV BITES

SCI FI TV RATINGS [Based on final national numbers]

Monday

"Heroes" drew 5.72 million viewers and a 2.5 A18-49 rating.  That was even from the week prior in total viewers, and up a slight 4% among adults 18-49.

Wednesday

"Eastwick" remains weak overall — 5.02 million viewers and a 1.8 A18-49 rating — however the show rebounded from series lows last week (+5% in viewers and +13% in A18-49 rating).

Thursday

After a nearly 10 million viewer showing last week, "FlashForward" took a hit this week (perhaps because of Baseball on Fox).  The show dropped nearly 1 million viewers to 8.92 million (-10%) and shed 13% in A18-49 rating (to a 2.7).  We’ll see what happens in subsequent weeks — and when DVR data is revealed — but that drop in A18-49 rating is concerning.  Over on The CW, "The Vampire Diaries" returned after a one-week hiatus and posted its strongest numbers since its series premiere, with 4.18 million viewers (+8%) and a 2.0 A18-49 rating (+11%).  The increase transferred to lead-out "Supernatural" which grew to 2.92 million viewers (+13%) and a 1.4 A18-49 rating (+17%).  Note: "Fringe" was on hiatus this week.

Friday [Oct. 30th episode numbers are based on preliminary fast affiliate data]

"Ghost Whisperer" (8.28 million viewers and a 2.0 A18-49 rating) and "Medium" (7.69 million viewers and a 1.8 A18-49 rating) led CBS to another easy victory Friday night, however both shows were off from their week-ago numbers (-4% and -5% for "Ghost Whisperer", and -9% and -14% for "Medium").  Over on The CW, meanwhile, "Smallville" appears to be gaining some momentum.  Last night’s episode drew 2.60 million viewers and a 1.2 A18-49 rating–both season highs (+5% in viewers and +9% in A18-49 rating from the week prior).  After hitting a series low with the October 2nd episode (2.24 million viewers and a 0.9 A18-49 rating), "Smallville" has rebounded a solid 16% in viewers and +33% in A18-49 rating. Note: "Dollhouse" was on hiatus this week.

In cable ratings news, the October 23rd episode of "Stargate Universe" drew 2.01M viewers and a 0.8 A18-49 rating (-4% in viewers and -11% in A18-49 rating), while "Sanctuary" drew 1.69M viewers and a 0.5 A18-49 rating (-5% in viewers (-17%) in A18-49 rating).  Note: Ratings for last night’s episodes of both series will be known next week. Meanwhile, Syfy’s Wednesday night pairing of "Ghost Hunters" and "Destination Truth" continues to outperform Syfy’s Friday night lineup. Wednesday’s (Oct. 28) episode of "Ghost Hunters" drew 3.06 million viewers and a 1.4 A18-49 rating (-0% in viewers, n/c in A18-49 rating), while "Destination Truth" drew 2.14 million viewers and a 0.9 A18-49 rating (+7% in viewers and n/c in A18-49 rating). 

CHART (10/19/2009 to 10/25/2009)


Follow Russ on his blog: Your Entertainment Now and on Twitter: Twitter.com/YourEntNow.

Comments»

1. duke - November 1, 2009

this is really good news. I see it now that heroes should decide to end running in the current state.

2. CmdrR - November 1, 2009

Can’t wait for “The Plan.”

Have stuck with Lost and am ready for whatever the ending is. I’m a little numb from all the filler and distracting minor characters who’ve shown up only to be killed. Ah well.

Heroes? What the hell happened? Dunno. Don’t know whether I care anymore.

Doc Who should be great fun. It’ll be tough to follow David Tenant.

Anyway… some good weeks of TV ahead.

3. Admiral Shatner - November 1, 2009

NOOOOOO Heroes is awesome. Already having to say goodbye to 24, but I can see that there running low on ideas. But Heroes is definitely not, it would be like when TOS was cancelled.

4. Blake Powers - November 1, 2009

I’m really excited about V. Kinda looks like Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke

5. Hat Rick - November 1, 2009

I wish they would just tell us what the deal is with the flash forward thing already. Don’t make us wait to see entire seasons of the show complete with cliffhangers — I’m ready to see the series finale NOW.

6. Montreal Paul - November 1, 2009

Why cancel Heroes? It is doing better than shows like Dollhouse, Vampire Diaries, Smallville and Supernatural. This season the writing is back up to snuff. I say stick with it.. let it go another season or two before bowing out on a natural progression.

7. SupremeDalekOnTheBridge - November 1, 2009

I can’t help but notice that only an American airdate for Doctor Who: The Water of Mars is mentioned in the article.

Does the the November 15th at 7 pm on BBC One and BBC HD Channel in the UK and Ireland not warrant a mention?

*starts chant*

It’ll be better then Planet of the Dead
It’ll be better then Planet of the Dead
It’ll be better then Planet of the Dead
It’ll be better then Planet of the Dead
It’ll be better then Planet of the Dead
It’ll be better then Planet of the Dead

8. Captain Jack Bauer - November 1, 2009

I fully support Heroes ending this year. The show is beyond saving. They’d basically have to create a whole new show to fix it. Granted, it has improved this year but not enough.

Fringe needs to move back to Tuesdays. It can’t compete with CSI and Grey’s.

9. Hat Rick - November 1, 2009

Why they cancel shows I haven’t had a chance to see yet I’ll never know. Aren’t they aware of my personal needs? Pshaw!

A few comments on Smallville: I have no clue what the program is up to now, but when it first ran, it struck me as a show for the younger set, so I never really got into it. That is, for the same demographic as Lone Tree Hill, or whatever you call it. But now that I feel certain they’re incorporating some actual otherworldly elements of the traditional Supes mythos (Supe’s origins, his finding the Fortress of Solitude, etc.), I’d be interested in knowing how it’s going to go. (Yes, I know they’ve probably incorporated such elements before, but I’ve always missed those.)

A few comments about V: I like it. That is, I like the idea of it. I’ve kinda been pushing the idea in my mind. I saw the original NBC version back in the 1980’s, with Jane Badler, which is now good campy fun, and I must say this new one should knock it out of the park. Here’s hoping. Here’s hoping, as well, that it will incorporate lots of Trek references — just because.

A few comments about Doctor Who: Not all that available for viewing on my schedule, but the theme music alone is worth the cost of admission.

Finally, don’t know much about Dollhouse. Also, FlashForward irks me for the reasons I implied above. For some reason, I want it to end already, and it may be because of some comment by some producer or something that said that FlashForward ain’t sci-fi. Well, if you say so.

10. AJ - November 1, 2009

One of the big stories is Jay Leno’s 10pm show’s massive tank to below “Top Chef.” He has fewer viewers now than ENT did at the end, if I am not mistaken.

Headlines ask “Is NBC dead?” I think most people don’t care.

11. Gorn - November 1, 2009

Heroes should have been a season long TV series. The first season was pure gold and was simply amazing. The second season was okay for what os was in trying to wrap up some loose ends from the first season. The third season was totally unnecessary and went the way of The Dark Knight and made everything very disturbing and depressing. The fourth season… Nothing has happened yet and I am board as hell with it. I’ve seen every episode of Heroes and I really wanted it to end during the first season finale. Oh well..

As for FlashForward, I’m happy that a new and interesting show is on the air. It’s an interesting concept. I just don’t hope it goes on for ever and gets boring and repetitive. I givve this show a season (two, if it’s lucky enough) before it goes down hill drastically.

Being a HUGE comic book fan, Smallville should had ended a long time ago. At this point they are totally milking the franchise to death. I stopped watching it after the fifth season and I thought it could had ended there. I think the ninth season should defiantly be its last.

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan looks like a great conclusion to the epic TV series. I can not wait for Caprica to begin!

I saw the original 1983 TV miniseries V and thought it was a cool idea, however I thought they went about it very poorly. I hope the new version can hold its ground.

All in all, I think it will be a decent season for science fiction TV shows.

12. That One Guy - November 1, 2009

Fringe needs to stay around.

13. Paul-Fitz - November 1, 2009

Ah alas, Heroes was amazing, but the major hiccup that was season 2 derailed the show so much it became mundane and forgettable. . .

V looks really cool, though I have a weird Earth : Final Conflict feeling about it, dunno hope it aint so.

My dirty little secret for this TV year is Eastwick, I say this in full anticipation of being ridiculed, but I dont’ care, I like it.

14. Hat Rick - November 1, 2009

Eastwick? Bah, it’s not the same without the Jackster in it. Get Nicholson to do a cameo, and then maybe we’ll talk. :-)

Incidentally, apparently there’s been a sequel written about the lives of the Eastwick girls after Nicholson’s character bit the big one (or did he?). Wonder if the series is based on that, or what.

15. Paul-Fitz - November 1, 2009

#14, Its not, The Widows of Eastwick is a sequel to the original book, its not very good. . . imho

16. JohnWA - November 1, 2009

It is a shame that television shows aren’t allowed to have a bad season anymore. I’m glad Heroes didn’t get the axe. It had a lot of potential and I think it still does.

Season One of TNG was pretty lousy. There were the horribly racist episodes (Code of Honor, Justice); sexist episodes (Angel One, Haven); and the just plain condescending episodes (The Neutral Zone; Symbiosis) where Picard 1.0 preaches the gospel of saying no to drugs, country music, and Wall Street.

In today’s competitive environment, TNG probably wouldn’t have made it pass the starting gate. Yet, the show didn’t really come into its own until Season Three or so.

17. duke - November 1, 2009

lets be honest here. TNG only survived because it was Star Trek in name only. Eastwick can run circles around it. Easwick=great. TNG=crap

18. Paul-Fitz - November 1, 2009

For its time TNG was ok, there was very littke sci-fi in the late 80’s. And when it came into its stride, it was one of the best.
I get really annoyed that shows get cancelled in America before they get a chance anywhere else, or worse, a great show that gets the chop due to an “executive decision” despite its popularity. Yet the plague of reality TV is sweeping the globe at a depressing rate, leaving little or no room for creative television.

Wonderfalls, Dead Like Me (oh how i miss thee)

19. Kirk's Revenge - November 1, 2009

I like this site, but I never will understand the TNG haters on here.

20. Enterprise - November 1, 2009

Heroes is awful. Why is it on? And to the loser who says Eastwick is better than TNG, why are you at a Trek site and not at a Eastwick site?

21. Enterprise - November 1, 2009

Also, TNG wasn’t on a network, it was syndicated.

22. duke - November 1, 2009

Sorry buddy, face the music……TNG catered to a small but loyal fanbase. This is why the show failed as a motion picture series. It just is not that great. Trek 09 got it right…….Bravo Kirk, Spock, and McCoy.
Eastwick rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

23. Jim Nightshade - November 1, 2009

hey i loved earth final conflict-i think that was a great series ahead if its time-i think the wraith from stargate atlantis were a ripoff from efc…

24. Harry Ballz - November 1, 2009

10 years of Smallville?? Tom Welling will be on a walker by that point!

25. Paul-Fitz - November 1, 2009

# 20
I am not a hater, so dont even try that crap with me. I just think its true that 20 or so years ago it was the norm for a show to develop over its initial seasons to become great, now greatness is demanded immediatly, and odd decisions are made. Some series get picked up for 20 episodes before a pilot is seen, others get a dear john after a dozen. . .

26. Kirk's Revenge - November 1, 2009

#22

I have to admit I haven’t seen Eastwick, so I’m not going to bash it. However, it would probably be best for you to wait until the show has finished its seventh season before comparing it to TNG.

27. Sloan47 - November 1, 2009

#17 & #22: Duke, while you are certainly entitled to your opinion, I have to adamantly disagree that Eastwick is better than TNG. Eastwick has that odd “Desperate Housewives” feel I can’t shake.

As a TV show, TNG was an absolute success and I would actually argue that there are more TNG fans than TOS fans. (Excluding the demographic of this website.)

28. Enterprise - November 1, 2009

22 Small but loyal fan base? LOL! Star Trek fans were the fan base! Apparently you fogot all those movies, books, TV episodes, and the fact that it helped DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise to get made? Hilarious.

29. Zebonka - November 2, 2009

Back up a bit – people actually WATCH 30 Rock??

30. ProperTrekkieUK - November 2, 2009

I love Fringe, best SciFi on telly in my opinion…much better then anything, even SG:U, though I am giving it a chance

31. ProperTrekkieUK - November 2, 2009

Oh and Doctor Who…November 15th…aaactually can’t wait!

32. davidfuchs - November 2, 2009

@17, 22: While people will endlessly argue about which Starfleet captain is the best and which television show is the greatest, there’s no way anyone can say TNG sucked. It’s just boggling. You sound like a looney in the face of its high ratings (remember, it was direct to syndication too) and critical praise.

#27 has it right. Fact is TNG connected with a younger audience; the fact was that the people who had grown up with Kirk and Spock were getting old, and pretty much every review of the TOS movies threw in a geriatric joke or two. They simply couldn’t be taken seriously any more. At some point a refresh is required. The TNG movies for the most part bombed because of poor marketing and fundamental story flaws (whoever though the moral dilemma in Insurrection would be difficult? Whoever thought Kirk getting shot in the back would be a great ending?)

33. Shadowcat - November 2, 2009

I am looking so forward to Waters of Mars on November 15th in the UK. The promos look very good. I enjoyed Planet of the Dead.

SG.U is okay but nothing special. I plan to keep watching and give it a chance. I am a huge SG.A fan. I want it to succeed.

A little off topic, but the Sara Jane Adventures are fantastic this season. I loved the Dr. Who cameo in the Sara Jane’s wedding episode. Hopefully it will be shown on SyFy or BBCA later on for those in the US.

34. Trek Nerd Central - November 2, 2009

“Lost” rocks.

35. Lore - November 2, 2009

A little off topic but: “Terminater: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” fans. The Terminater franchise is up for sale. I just read it on AOL and there was no mention of TSCC. The rights to the name are for sale, the first two movies are not.

36. Lore - November 2, 2009

#24 Harry Harry Harry, again with the Smallville hate talk. What, nothing negative to say about Erica Durance? Are you really John Glover?

37. SerenityActual - November 2, 2009

Looking forward to V. Loving Heroes, in fact I think that this is the best season so far. Smallville I’ll see on dvd, Doctor Who I think I might have to finally torrent after all three specials are out, don’t think I can wait til Feb.

38. Dr. Image - November 2, 2009

Yes! TSCC needs to be brought back.
KEEP Dollhouse on hiatus.

39. Lore - November 2, 2009

#11 Gorn: I can agree Smallville isn’t the sparkling show on a hill that it was in 2001, but if you stopped watching after season 5, you missed a great season 6 & 7. Season 8 was weak, season 9 is plodding along. You have to give props to Tom Welling. He plays the charactor better than ever. He does not give that “Oh I wish I wasn’t here ” type performance we got from Avery Brooks the last two seasons of DS9.

40. frederick von fronkensteen - November 2, 2009

Funny how they won’t do what all the fans want to see, and what would make the show a whole lot better, until the last episode. Probably be one shot of him in the suit as he flies off and they end with what they should have had a lot soon.

41. Harry Ballz - November 2, 2009

#36 Lore, Lore, Lore, as I told you before, I LIKE Smallville, but, hey, when is this particular “kid” going to finally leave home and fly on his own?

p.s. and, oh, yes, Durance still stinks! :>)

42. Holger - November 2, 2009

Heroes has become terribly formulaic and un-original after the second season. It’s time to end the show.

43. The Lensman - November 2, 2009

While I’ve never been a “fan” of the Stargate series (oh, I enjoy the show enough to watch if I’m channel surfing and it catches my attention) I actually really enjoyed Stargate Universe. Sadly, I’ve only seen the pilot so I don’t know how it’s been progressing. While I initially thought of it as “Stargate does Voyager \ Lost In Space” I think it’s really more of “Stargate does Space:1999″. Both shows featured crews with no way to get home stuck on a “vehicle” that they had no control over. Since I loved the atmospheric moodiness of S1 of 1999, and the general concept of a crew on a journey that they have no control over….I’d like to see more.

Other than that…..the only show in this list that I watch is Dr. Who. And I’m really stoked for the end of Tennants run. It was a great run, but I’m looking forward to the new Doctor, companion, Tardis, and well……everything! The way this show is set up is quite simply, pure genius. There is no other show that can have the kind of “jump on point for new viewers” that Dr. Who can. This is about the only show I’m stoked for these days. Well that and Season Four of The Venture Brothers.

44. Lore - November 2, 2009

#41 But have we unmasked you as a disgruntled “JOHN GLOVER”?

45. Lore - November 2, 2009

Harry, if you actually watched you’d know. Jor El told him he still thinks of himself as a human, and flying is un-natural to a human, and as we learned in season 3, he’s afraid of heights.

46. Lore - November 2, 2009

BTW Erica Durance is HOT! When did a women require anything else to be on Smallville. Even the producers (On DVD comentary) stated that as long as the lighting is right, the hair and make-up is done right, and they have their beautiful young cast, Smallville works. Obviously much more is required to make the show work, but without those key elements they know there would be no show.

Let me throw this rock out there. How about Erica Durance to play SARAH PALIN in the movie.

47. Picard's Barber - November 2, 2009

That Smallville season 9 poster looks like amateur nonsense.

48. Dom - November 2, 2009

32. davidfuchs

TNG died partly for the same reason as the TOS films: the cast were too old. They should never have gone to movies with TNG anyway, as it wasn’t a style of show suited to the cinema.

Trek movies needed fresh blood even back then, as in a return for Kirk, Spock and McCoy to their youth, not a bunch of actors jaded from a seven-year run on TV. I mean, where else would you make films in a a sci-fi action-adventure franchise where the cast are all heading into their 50s and 60s?

TOS got away with it because of its strong cast and iconic characters. TNG was a talkier show, completely out of its depth when pretending to be an action movie series. Looking back, rather than cancelling TNG, they should have kept it running on TV, with various regular characters moving on, becoming occasional guest stars and new ones joining, perhaps bringing in the Enterprise-E, the Dominion War and even marooning the Enterprise in the Delta Quadrant for a time!

Problem with TNG, VOY and ENT was that they were all really the same show. It would have been better to call them all TNG, keep them in the same time period and have done with it.

49. Harry Ballz - November 2, 2009

#44-46

Lore, Do I SOUND like John Glover?

“Erica Durance is HOT!”

Bah! If you go to Malibu Beach and throw a stick, you hit a dozen of THAT!

Can’t the women be HOT and have SOME acting talent?

50. Mazzer - November 2, 2009

So, the producers of Smallville think that due to better viewership this season, they might get to “reward” us with a tenth season? Don’t they know that we’re watching in the HOPE that it’ll finally wrap up instead of going on forever?

So I guess we have to stop watching it in order for them to bring this sucker to a close, then view it on DVD afterwards. I wish they had the same quality ethics as the Lost producers, but clearly not.

51. earl - November 2, 2009

TNG was a waste for the four years it was on NBC

52. Captain Dunsel - November 2, 2009

This is one of the most entertaining sites on the web. I simply ADORE reading all the expert opinions from everyone who, if they only had the chance, could immediately produce the best programming for the entire world on every outlet imaginable!

I kinda think a few folks ought to familiarize themselves with the difference between personal opinion and royal decree.

53. Enterprise - November 2, 2009

51. TNG was syndicated. NBC affiliates may have picked it up, but it was never official on the network.

54. Harry Ballz - November 2, 2009

52

Captain Dunsel, thanks for finally recognizing our inestimable talent! :>)

55. duke - November 2, 2009

TNG popular? I think not. I believe that it was cancelled by NBC after only three seasons. It would not last two months today!!!!

56. Chaya - November 2, 2009

Gattaca is one of my personal favorites and I don’t know how it’ll will do as a police procedural, I mean the film was about a guy with a genetic defect hoping to go into space. It was all about discrimination, existentialism, and human determinism.

57. Kirk's Revenge - November 2, 2009

Duke.

Please step away from Trek and go back to your reality TV programs.

58. Magic_Al - November 2, 2009

I understand there were always some legal barriers to Tom Welling being “Superboy” but come on, put him in the suit already! The guy is 32 and can’t possibly be more ready. Why can’t they just reboot this series as Superman? I’d watch that.

59. J M Enterprise - November 2, 2009

Why is it that that the US never give a show a chance to get off the ground before cancellation or moving it to Friday nights to die a horrible death?

I live in the UK and think that some of the Tv that’s come out of the States in the last few years has been the best ever. Infact way better than the the dribble we’ve had to put up with at the theatres recently, (Star Trek excluded).

My two Number 1 shows have to be FLASH FORWARD and FRINGE. Simply brilliant. Why some are looking for Flash Forward to end already is beyond a joke. Story, acting, stars are all marvelous.

Why Fringe was moved to Thursdays in the US is also beyond a joke. With such strong shows from other networks, was it not obvious that Fringe was going to take a massive hit moving it to Thursdays. Do the networks just not want Strong shows to be successful, and have a long life.

Maybe the networks should take a leaf out of SKY Tv in the UK which boasts a different Top Show every night of the week, giving us an even spread of great Tv throughout the week!

60. Jim Nightshade - November 3, 2009

erica durance is gorgeous and i think she is a better lois than the one in the superman returns movie but noone can beat margot kidder-she was so perfect with reeves–personally chloe is my fave on smallville-losing lex and lexs dad they lost the two best actors on smallville-but chloe is great and akways has been-i cant believe they killed jimmy olsen either! They have veered so far away from the normal supes mythos i dunno how they can merge the two-

61. Lore - November 3, 2009

#60 It was revieled that dead Jimmy’s little brother will end up being the “Superman’s Pal” charactor in the future, during the season 8 finale. They killed Jimmy so Clark could realize the consequinces of his mistake, he asked Jimmy to trust him, and it cost Jimmy his life. Clark thought once Davis was separated from the Beast, he would be a good guy, but Davis was a serial killer and that did not change once he was separated, and he killed Jimmy after Clark told Jimmy to make sure Davis and Chloe were safe.

62. Harry Ballz - November 3, 2009

60

Yeah, the actress playing Chloe (Allison Mack) has talent. What you call “acting chops”. The poor girl must secretly cringe every time she has to play a scene with Durance. It would be like playing a game of tennis with a horrible player! You bring your game and get NOTHING in return!

63. Enterprise - November 3, 2009

All this arguing over Smallville? It’s boring.

64. Jef - November 3, 2009

Gotta save Fringe. It’s the best thing on TV.

65. Harry Ballz - November 3, 2009

63

This thread is ABOUT Smallville, Fringe, etc.

Go argue about the size of the Enterprise’s nacelles somewhere else!

66. Dom - November 3, 2009

59. J M Enterprise: ‘Why Fringe was moved to Thursdays in the US is also beyond a joke. With such strong shows from other networks, was it not obvious that Fringe was going to take a massive hit moving it to Thursdays. Do the networks just not want Strong shows to be successful, and have a long life.’

There seems to be a bizarre belief in networks that a show that does well in one slot will take its audience to an otherwise moribund slot. It’s an idiotic idea and has caused many a decent show to be cancelled. Also, there appear to be straaaange internal politics, loyalties and peculiar practices in the higher echelons of US TV networks (there’s always some weirdness in TV but the US takes the biscuit!) meaning a show can be cancelled for as bizarre as a new network boss not liking a showrunner’s brother following an argument at a dinner party while they were at university together!

67. captain_neill - November 4, 2009

the next time someone says TNG is CRAP I Will scream bloody murder

68. captain_neill - November 4, 2009

Good news source on this site but you know what I do hate about this site. The TNG haters. I happen to love all Trek shows and I do not want to hear one of my all time fav sci fi shows being crapped upon in this site.

I am tired at this and I actually find it sick

On this site its all about how past Trek is crap and new movie is the best ever, God cant we love it all

No offence but thats what I get and it is sick

69. captain_neill - November 4, 2009

TNG was extremely successful and it was a very popular show.

At its peak it had 15 million viewers.

SO TNG WAS VERY POPULAR

70. captain_neill - November 4, 2009

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH is all I can respond with to some comments

71. Harry Ballz - November 4, 2009

67

captain_neill

I noticed, in your post defending TNG, you capitalized the “W” on the word will, thereby calling Wheaton out by his first name. Maybe a “Freudian slip” in acknowledging the one CRAP part of TNG?

Just kiddin’, it was a great show and series! :>)

72. Lord Ravenwood - November 4, 2009

Post # 43

Lensman:

I agree with you about “Doctor Who” and “The Venture Brothers!”

I certainly do hope FOX will give “Fringe” a longer run. It’s the BEST thing that JJ Abrams, Orci and Kurtzman have come up with in years!

73. Dom - November 5, 2009

67. captain_neill

TNG is CRAP!!!! :p

Reaching for my ear muffs!! ;)

74. Olley Olley Olley - November 6, 2009

Heroes is def getting better, and teh return of Charlie is an interesting twist.

btw BSG THE PLAN?

its a huge disappointment.
Its basically Cavil return the original 5 to a human state so they would hate humanity and love him.
The plan failed when Cavil realises that the original 5 love humanity and that he will never get the attention and affection that he craves.


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