Sci-Fi TV Monday: Stargate Universe, Chuck, The Walking Dead, Supernatural, Smallville, True Blood + more

In Sci-Fi TV this week we have details on the Stargate Universe / Stargate Atlantis crossover episode, a first look at the LOST Blu-ray/DVD-only feature “The Man in Charge” and the cast of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Details on Dolph Lundgren’s guest spot on Chuck and details for the new seasons of Supernatural and Smallville/. We have all that plus all the new previews and more including the latest television ratings and casting bites.

GENRE TV NEWS

Stargate Universe / Stargate Atlantis crossover gets go-ahead
"Stargate Universe" producer Joseph Mallozzi has announced on his personal blog that the "Stargate Universe" / "Stargate Atlantis" crossover episode is officially a go. Mallozzi reveals a delay on the movie front, particularly for the SGA movie "Stargate: Extinction", has made it possible to move forward sooner on the project:

“With word from producer John G. Lenic that the deals have been closed on those Atlantis alums, we can now move forward on the script, secure in the knowledge that both extra-special guest stars will actually be on hand to say the dialogue written for specifically for them. Great news for fans of the old series. There was a reluctance to move ahead with an SGA crossover, particularly on my part, because the feeling was it would step on the timing of the SGA movie, Stargate: Extinction, the events of which directly proceed the Atlantis series finale, Enemy at the Gate. But given the delay on the movie front and the ideal premise pitched out by Remi Aubuchon and Brad Wright, it was decided to go ahead with the crossover. Not a big deal, but it will require some changes to the Stargate: Extinction timeline which, in turn, will beg a host of questions, some of which will be answered in episode #15, some of which won’t…at least not right away…”

First look at LOST: The New Man in Charge

As previously announced, the season six DVD/Blu-ray of "LOST" (August 24, 2010) will feature a 12-minute vignette called "The New Man in Charge". The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly [via The ODI] gives us our first look at the episode with this image of Ben. The caption reads:

…a tantalizing loook at what Hurley (Jorge Garcia) and Ben (Michael Emerson, left) do as the new island overseers, “Ben is going around Dharma installations and closing some down,” Emerson says. “There are some good surprises.” And yes, “it does answer questions.”

In other "LOST" news, ABC Publicity has confirmed auction and exhbit dates of August 21 – August 22 at Barker Hanger, Santa Monica Airport. Tickets will be made available in early August at razorgator.com.

Dolph Lundgren to guest star in Chuck season four premiere
"Chuck" co-creator Joshua Schwartz has confirmed that Dolph Lundgren will guest star in the season four premiere:

"Yes it’s true. Dolph Lundgren to try and "break" Chuck Bartowski in Season 4 premiere."

Co-creator Chris Fedak reveals that Lundgren will play the character Marko: "Is he Russian? Yes. Is he a terrifying bad guy? Yes. Will he say, lI must break youl? You’ll have to wait for the return of Chuck." In other casting news, Harry Dean Stanton will guest star in the season premiere. "Harry will play Harry Dean, the man who comes between Chuck and his search for Mom. Who is he exactly? Well, we’ll say this: Only Harry Dean Stanton could play this part," adds Fedak. "Chuck" season four premieres Monday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m. on NBC.

Season four set images [more at SpoilerTV]

Eric Kripke talks Supernatural season six spoilers
Eric Kripke, "Supernatural" creator and former showrunner — he’s stepped down and handed the reins to executive producer Sera Gamble —  spoke with EW about the upcoming sixth season (Friday, September 24 at 9:00 p.m.) of the hit CW series. Kripke set the record straight with regards to why he decided to step down as showrunner:

"We were reaching the end of this five-year story line [so] I thought the timing was right. I knew that we were closing this chapter and opening a new one. It felt like it was the right time to take a step back and focus on new projects, but still keep my grubby little mitts in the show. It was a lot about Sera and her enthusiasm and her ambition. I really think after five years of all of my crap, to have someone who has a fresh perspective and a fresh energy on these characters and this universe is healthy for the show. Supernatural has always been a show about reinvention. We try really hard not to do the same thing. I thought that Sera’s [increased] involvement really helped guarantee that this season is going to feel a little different, a little fresher. She has a different sensibility."

Kripke will stay on board in a supervisory role but will also write at least one episode next season along with directing an episode in February. Here’s what Kripke had to say about the season six storyline:

"One of the first things Sera and Bob [Singer] talked to me about was that the angel thing is rightfully exhausted, so where do you go from there? Not to say that angels and demons won’t be a part of the story line, because they will. Castiel will be there. Crowley will be there. The beloved characters will be threading into the story. But the great undiscovered country of Supernatural is kind of right in front of our face: creatures and monsters. We have had so many creature episodes but we haven’t actually explained where they came from—[similar] to the way we have explored angels and demons. How do they feel about the situations they are in? Are they from here? Where did the first ones come from? How did werewolves and vampires and shape-shifters all begin anyway? I thought that was a really smart notion on [Sera and Bob’s] part, just exploring the history of that, because that was something that we never investigated on the show."

Writing credits revealed for Frank Darabont’s 6-episode Walking Dead + Cast image

Here’s a cast shot of Frank Darabont’s upcoming AMC adaptation of the Robert Kirkman comic "The Walking Dead". In related news, Darabont has revealed the list of directors and writers for all six episodes of season one (note: the "Me" refers to Darbont):

The directors for the first six are:

1) Me.
2) Michelle MacLaren (Breaking Bad, X-Files)
3) Gwyneth Horder-Payton (The Shield, BSG)
4) Johan Renck (Breaking Bad)
5) Ernest Dickerson (The Wire, Dexter)
6) Guy Ferland (The Shield, Sons of Anarchy)

The writers for the first six are:

1) Me
2) Me
3) Me, Chic Eglee, Jack LoGuidice. (Chic: The Shield, Dexter. Jack: Sons of Anarchy)
4) Robert Kirkman (wrote some comics I think)
5) Glen Mazzara (The Shield, Hawthorne)
6) Adam Fierro (The Shield, Dexter, 24)

In addition to directing and writing the pilot Darabont had a hand in crafting episodes two and three. It’s also worth noting that Kirkman is credited with the fourth episode. "The Walking Dead" airs this fall on AMC.

Smallville season 10 details revealed
Several new details have been revealed about the upcoming 10th season of The CW’s "Smallville". First up, according to KryptonSite the episode featuring the return of Laura Vandervoort (titled "Supergirl) will not be the 200th episode as previously reported. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but "Supergirl" will be either episode three or episode five of the new season. Episode four, the 200th, will be called "Homecoming". The title for episode two has also been revealed: "Shield". Here are some details for that episode [again courtesy KryptonSite]:

A really annoying-seeming character named "Nancie" who has a son is in this episode. She comes to work at the Daily Planet, and she seems to be filling in while Lois is… where? We don’t know. At one point she listens on the radio to someone named "Godfrey," which could be a reference to Glorious Godfrey of Darkseid lore. The radio "Godfrey" has a thing against "the hero menace," much like he did in the 1980’s Legends comic book series.

A character from the comics who works at the Daily Planet and at one point had a young son is Cat Grant. Could "Nancie" be a "Cassie/Zatanna, Melissa/Maxima" like diversion?

The episode also includes a modern day cowboy named Liam who’s gunning after Clark Kent – and a woman with the ability to teleport.

….

It seems they might be casting the role of "Shayera" aka Hawkgirl for this episode, though this has not been confirmed by the studio, nor are we 100% sure this is for "Shield." Read the speculation at Rumorville.

The new character additions were confirmed by SpoilerTV, although that site reported they would show up for the season premiere. KryptonSite also revealed some new details for the season premiere "Lazarus", reporting that "chances are good" we’ll find out whether or not Lois found out Clark’s "other identity" and that an enemy from Clark’s past will factor heavily into the story. Full details here. "Smallvillle" season 10 premieres Friday, September 24 on The CW.

Descriptions released for August episodes of True Blood
HBO has released descriptions for the five "True Blood" episodes scheduled to air this August [via EW]:

Episode #7: "Hitting the Ground"
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 1 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Imperiled by Lorena (Mariana Klaveno), Sookie (Anna Paquin) goes to extremes in her attempt to save Bill (Stephen Moyer) – with unforeseen consequences. Sam (Sam Trammell) infiltrates a dogfighting ring to extricate Tommy (Marshall Allman) from his parents’ (J. Smith Cameron, Cooper Huckabee) greedy influence. Jason (Ryan Kwanten) heads to jail to uncover the truth about Crystal (Lindsay Pulsipher); Summer (Melissa Rauch) makes a home-cooked play for Hoyt’s (Jim Parrack) affections; Debbie (Brit Morgan) vows revenge on Alcide (Joe Manganiello); Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) uses Hadley (Lindsey Haun) as bait to get information from Sophie-Anne (Evan Rachel Wood); Russell (Denis O’Hare) turns his back on the Authority, and on the Magister (Zeljko Ivanek).
Written by Brian Buckner; directed by John Dahl.

Episode #8: "Night on the Sun"
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Shaken and disillusioned, Sookie rethinks her relationship with Bill. Sophie-Anne takes up a new residence as Russell plots his next move. Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) and Bill reconcile; Jason throws down the gauntlet in hopes of saving Crystal; Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) gets a surprise visit from his mom, Ruby Jean (Alfre Woodard); Sam tries to keep Tommy in check; Merlotte’s gets a new waitress; Eric proves the depth of his allegiance to Russell. Sookie finds herself in a vulnerable position when Alcide needs to deal with a family emergency.
Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.

Episode #9: "Everything Is Broken"
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 15 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

With the ratification of the Vampire Rights Amendment at hand, Nan Flanagan (Jessica Tuck) detours to Fangtasia to confront Eric about the Magister’s disappearance. A grief-stricken Russell vows revenge against his foes, vampire and human. Awaking from a slumber, Bill uncovers the truth about Sookie’s true identity. Jason gets unexpected help as he goes up against Felton (James Harvey Ward) and Calvin (Gregory Sporleder). Sam is distressed by Tommy’s attitude; Tara (Rutina Wesley) encounters a new ally and an old tormentor; Hadley introduces Sookie to a new family member; Arlene (Carrie Preston) despairs about her future; Hoyt confronts his true feelings.
Written by Alexander Woo; directed by Scott Winant.

Episode #10: "I Smell a Rat"
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 22 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

A reluctant Bill warns Sookie about the dangers she will face. Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) is intrigued by the mysterious qualities of V. Sam’s recent fit of rage triggers dark memories. Eric takes precautions and fulfills a wish; Arlene turns to Holly (Lauren Bowles) for help with a pressing problem; Jason deals with the unexpected, both with Tara and Crystal; Jessica is torn between Tommy and Hoyt. After communing with Talbot (Theo Alexander), Russell promises to extract vengeance on his enemies.
Written by Kate Barnow & Elisabeth R. Finch; directed by Michael Lehmann.

Episode #11: "Fresh Blood"
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 29 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Bill tries to earn back Sookie’s trust, but ends up bringing her face-to-face with fresh dangers. Knowing he’s no physical match for the King, Eric tempts Russell with the "ultimate vampire dream." Jason tries to wrap his head around Crystal’s revelation. Sam embraces his dark side, alienating everyone except Tara. Hoyt and Jessica take their romance to the next level; with Holly’s help, Arlene puts her future in the hands of a goddess; post V-trip, Lafayette struggles with new demons
Written by Nancy Oliver; directed by Daniel Minahan.

Meanwhile, executive producer/creator Alan Ball reveals that the season finale will have a "lot of Bill-Sookie-Eric stuff", adding "It involves blood, it involves trust, and it does not go where we expect it to go." In other news, HBO is reportedly shopping the show for off-network syndication and seeking about $800,000 per episode. "True Blood" airs Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.

PREVIEW Videos & Images

The Cape

Promotional still [KSiteTV]

Eureka

Sneak peek at episode 4×03 – "All the Rage" [Syfy]

Falling Skies

Promotional stills [more at KSiteTV]

Fringe

Behind the scenes images [more at SpoilerTV, (2), (3), (4)]

Set video [YouTube via SpoilerTV]

Watch more set videos here and here

Haven

Promotional stills from episode 1×04 – "Ball and Chain" [more at SpoilerTV]

Nikita

Short teaser trailer [YouTube]

Sneak peek from the premiere [YouTube]

Watch another clip here

No Ordinary Family

Promotional stills [more at Pizquita]

The Vampire Diaries

Set images video [YouTube via SpoilerTV]

Warehouse 13

Sneak peek from episode 2×03 – "Beyond Our Control" [Syfy]

TV BITES

• Would you like another sign that points to the proposed "Heroes" TV movie probably not happening? Well, how about news that NBC’s contractual hold on the cast expired on June 30? [EW]
• There will be two signinng opportunites with the cast and crew of "V" at Comic-Con. The first will be Friday from 5:15-6:00 p.m. with Elizabeth Mitchell followed Saturday from 1:00-1:45 p.m. with Scott Rosenbaum, Steve Pearlman, Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Logan Huffman, Laura Vandervoort and Scott Wolf… [The WB]
• The trailer for the new "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 Motion Comic" has been released. Check it out on iTunes.
• …In other news, writer David Rambo has left "CSI" and is now is now working on the second season of "V". [SpoilerTV]
• BBC Worldwide has sold 85% of their ownership of BBC Audiobooks to AudioGo. BBC Audiobooks currently publish "Doctor Who" titles including the new Tom Baker series "Demon Quest"… [Doctor Who News Page]
• …BBC will air the "Doctor Who Prom" live on BBC Radio Three Saturday, July 24 from 7:30-9:45 p.m. U.K. time and also will be available worldwide through the BBC iPlayer: "Doctor Who (Matt Smith) and his assistant, Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), join the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the London Philharmonic Choir for an action-packed evening. Monsters from the current run of the hugely successful BBC series threaten to disrupt proceedings. Only the Doctor – ably assisted by conductors Ben Foster and Grant Llewellyn – can save the day…" [BBC]
• …The fifth season of "Doctor Who" will hit Blu-ray and DVD on November 9 but most excitingly, the set will contain a new extra available only on home video: two newly filmed sequences written by Steven Moffat. The new sequences are called "Meanwhile, in the TARDIS…" and are meant to show what happens between episodes. One more "Doctor Who" bite below… [LA Times’ Hero Complex blog]

CASTING BITES

• …A British tabloid is reporting that Matt Smith is planning to leave "Doctor Who" after he completes filming season six. The reason for his depature? To focus on movies, says the report. [The Sun]
• Clifton Collins ("Star Trek") has joined the cast of NBC’s sci-fi conspiracy thriller "The Event". Collins will play Thomas, "a key player in the show’s secret conspiracy who will come into conflict with the president of the United States (played by Blair Underwood)." [THR Live Feed]
• Josh Stewart ("Criminal Minds") has been cast in the ABC superhero drama "No Ordinary Family" in a recurring role. [EW]
• Paula Garces ("Defying Gravity") and Nolan Gerard Funk ("Drake & Josh") have been added to the cast of Syfy’s "Warehouse 13". Garces will play the recurring role of "spunky ‘Univille’ veterinarian Kelly, the first to witness the strange events manifesting in town. Always on the lookout for a pretty girl, Pete (Eddie McClintock) quickly catches her eye. Funk will play fellow Univille resident Todd, who "Claudia (Allison Scagliotti) immediately recognizes as a kindred spirit. Phillip Winchester will also guest star in a multi-character role of a Marine, cowboy, gladiator and mad scientist in an upcoming episode. [Syfy]
• Sebastian Roché (Thomas Jerome Newton) revealed that he starts shooting for "Fringe" next week. [via FringeWatch]
• The new season of "Torchwood", airing on Starz, is looking to cast a new series regular: "Rex Matheson, a wickedly funny (operative word: wicked) CIA agent born to make waves." The new season will also feature recurring characters Esther Katusi, "a CIA grunt in her early 20s who learns what she’s really made of only when she’s forced to", and Oswald Jones, "a convicted murderer and pedophile who will be as shocked as anyone to learn how easily infamy and fame can be exchanged for one another." [EW]

SCI-FI RATINGS (Based on final national numbers unless otherwise noted) [@TravisYanan]

"Futurama" managed slight growth for its fifth episode as it increased to 2.20 million viewers (+9%) and a 1.1 A18-49 rating (+10%). That’s a positive sign, but the show still remains down 25 and 31 percent in viewers and A18-49 rating, respectively, from its season premiere. The current season is averaging 2.41 million viewers and a 1.3 A18-49 rating.

After a solid return for its season two premiere, "Warehouse 13" took a big hit in week two. "Mild Mannered" drew 2.33 million viewers and a 0.7 A18-49 rating. That was down 21% in viewers and a hefty 30% in A18-49 rating from the premiere. Through two episodes the show is averaging 2.65 million viewers and a 0.9 A18-49 rating.

CHART (7/5/2010 to 7/11/2010)

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