Oh, and I've decided on the next (finished) tv show to check out, as recommended in this thread:
THE DRESDEN FILES.
I'll keep you updated once I get hold of it and start viewing it.
I know this thread has become somewhat of a blog with myself replying to myself, since we've either exhausted the topic or no one is as interested in this as I am, but by all means -- keep 'em coming if you know of more! I love cataloguing these things almost as much as I do watching them.
Loosely based on the story of King David, it's about a young soldier in a modern monarchy who rises to fame after a stunt involving an enemy Goliath tank and gets involved in the lives of the king and his family. The series wasn't heavily paranormal, but there is a level of "you have lost God's favor" and minor miracles and so forth. Still, it was close enough to sci-fi that you just may possibly be interested.
Loosely based on the story of King David, it's about a young soldier in a modern monarchy who rises to fame after a stunt involving an enemy Goliath tank and gets involved in the lives of the king and his family. The series wasn't heavily paranormal, but there is a level of "you have lost God's favor" and minor miracles and so forth. Still, it was close enough to sci-fi that you just may possibly be interested.
How is CARNIVALE? Does it contain paranormal elements? .
awful, for the very reason that is does contain paranormal elements. This coulda been a really cool show if it was about a real carnival traveling thru Depression era America sadly , it wasn't
Oh, and I've decided on the next (finished) tv show to check out, as recommended in this thread:
THE DRESDEN FILES.
I'll keep you updated once I get hold of it and start viewing it.
I know this thread has become somewhat of a blog with myself replying to myself, since we've either exhausted the topic or no one is as interested in this as I am, but by all means -- keep 'em coming if you know of more! I love cataloguing these things almost as much as I do watching them.
A rather interesting tv series, not really given a chance by SciFi/SyFy. Some background info about the series.
In 2005, the SciFi Channel announced that it had optioned The Dresden Files as a two-hour film and backdoor pilot. Nicolas Cage executive produces alongside Hans Beimler, Robert Hewitt Wolfe, Norm Golightly, and Morgan Gendel. It was produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Cage's Saturn Films. Production began during the Autumn of 2005. Originally, a Summer 2006 release was anticipated, but on May 23, 2006, a January 2007 airdate and 11 episode pick-up was announced on JBAnnounce, the official Jim Butcher announcement list. It was confirmed the next day by Sci-Fi.
The pilot film was made from a screenplay by television writers Hans Beimler and Robert Hewitt Wolfe, and based on Butcher's novel Storm Front. David Carson directed and shooting took place in Toronto. It was announced in November 2005 that Paul Blackthorne had been cast in the lead role. The two hour pilot was originally intended to serve as the premiere, but certain last minute developmental and casting changes delayed its completion. Episode three (in production order) was aired in its place. Along with the re-shooting of several scenes, the two hour pilot has been cut to an hour and was the eighth episode to air. The full version of the pilot was broadcast late at night on March 7, 2008 by SciFi Channel but did not adhere to later Television revised continuity.
Most notable in the re-edited version of the pilot was the fact that Bob, played by Terrance Mann in the series as a full apparition, was limited to only a disembodied voice who was centered around the familiar rune covered skull with animated lighting to symbolize the spirit within, more akin to the Bob of the novels. This re-editing was done later in the series as Mann did not join the series until after the original filming of the pilot had already been concluded. The full pilot version of "Storm Front" was not included in the original DVD release of the complete series.
Well, I thought it was so-so. Seemed very conventional with few new tricks up its sleeve (pun not intended). Also, it seemed to have some continuity problems and didn't really build up to the season finale very well. It had more potential than what was actually harvested. Too bad. Terence Mann was great as the "genie in the skull", though, and sadly underused.
So now what?
SANCTUARY, maybe? If so, should I get hold of and watch the 8 webisodes first? Or it is enough to start with the tv series proper?
I haven't actually seen it yet, or I'd have said more -- I'm trying to find a legit way to watch it in the US. It's about a private investigator from an alternate universe who gets blown into our world -- it's set in Cape Town -- by rebels in a third universe, but it's apparently not as corny as it sounds like it could be. But it was recommended by someone with good taste so I figure it's one of those one-season shows that slipped through the cracks but may still be worth checking out.
I haven't actually seen it yet, or I'd have said more -- I'm trying to find a legit way to watch it in the US. It's about a private investigator from an alternate universe who gets blown into our world -- it's set in Cape Town -- by rebels in a third universe, but it's apparently not as corny as it sounds like it could be. But it was recommended by someone with good taste so I figure it's one of those one-season shows that slipped through the cracks but may still be worth checking out.
I've just started the second season of SANCTUARY, and it's actually pretty good. Not terribly original, but you gotta love the mix of familiar elements (a little bit of LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN there, a little bit of PRIMEVAL there, a little bit of....well, anything, really). A slight annoyance is the fact that they can't make their minds up if it's taking place in the "real world" (with all the real-world references) or more of a fantasy universe. The city where the Sanctuary is situated seems to be some kind of fictional Gotham-type city, for example.
One series you might want to look up is Strange, a BBC show from 2002/2003. Sadly, only one series was made by the BBC, which consists of the pilot and six episodes. A second series was planned, but the BBC decided not to renew it. As far as I know the series has not received a DVD release in the UK. The episodes have been repeated on the Chiller channel in the U.S. but in an edited format. As a short-lived show, it's quite fun. Andrew-Lee Potts is almost playing the same character he plays in Primeval.
The series follows former priest John Strange (Richard Coyle), dismissed from the clergy under mysterious circumstances. He was implicated in a number of gruesome murders, murders that he says were done by demons. Now he seeks those responsible and to clear his name. To help him in his hunt for demons, John has Toby (Bryan Dick in the pilot, Andrew-Lee Potts in the series), a technological expert who is in charge of the equipment John uses to sense the presence of demons, and Kevin (Timmy Lang). Kevin has Down's syndrome, which appears to enable him to sense the presence of demons and is often an early warning that something supernatural is about to happen in the area. Jude (Samantha Janus), a former scientist who works as a nurse, is interested because she found out that her partner Rich was a demon. With Rich dead, her main concern is that the son they had together, Joey (William Tomlin), could also be a demon. John's mission is hampered by Canon Black (Ian Richardson), who is intent on denying the presence of dark forces.
Just picked up the first season of "Haven" on blu-ray today. Loosely based on Stephen King's "The Colorado Kid", it's about a town with supernatural powers, a cute FBI chick is the lead. Finished two episodes and not getting the 'feel' of the show yet; it seems to want to go twin peaks at times but barely manages to level x-files territory... perhaps it'll get better as the episodes progress, I'm glad there's a second season so that's at least promising.
Just picked up the first season of "Haven" on blu-ray today. Loosely based on Stephen King's "The Colorado Kid", it's about a town with supernatural powers, a cute FBI chick is the lead. Finished two episodes and not getting the 'feel' of the show yet; it seems to want to go twin peaks at times but barely manages to level x-files territory... perhaps it'll get better as the episodes progress, I'm glad there's a second season so that's at least promising.
Yeah, you know I tried that show (I think I talk about it earlier in the thread), but it didn't really grab me. Was a bit boring, to be honest. Maybe I should have stuck with it for a few more episodes. Maybe I'll revisit it down the road.
Right now, I'm nearing the end of the third season of SANCTUARY, which a GREAT show. The first season wasn't that hot, but then a few episodes into the second season, it really picks up its steam. Now it's one of those "must watch one more episode! Just one more" thing. Can't believe there has been no talk about it whatsoever on this board. I'm also very happy that they've made a fourth season, which is about to premiere in a couple of weeks.
I've added TERRA NOVA to the list, as I assume that qualifies.
By the way, after finishing SANCTUARY (including the webisodes), I've now started the BBC series JEKYLL written by Stephen Moffat. I'm no fan of Moffat (I dislike his Who material, for example), but I'll give it a chance.
Just picked up the first season of "Haven" on blu-ray today. Loosely based on Stephen King's "The Colorado Kid", it's about a town with supernatural powers, a cute FBI chick is the lead. Finished two episodes and not getting the 'feel' of the show yet; it seems to want to go twin peaks at times but barely manages to level x-files territory... perhaps it'll get better as the episodes progress, I'm glad there's a second season so that's at least promising.
Yeah, you know I tried that show (I think I talk about it earlier in the thread), but it didn't really grab me. Was a bit boring, to be honest. Maybe I should have stuck with it for a few more episodes. Maybe I'll revisit it down the road.
I just finished disc 2 of Haven (episode 5-8) and I have to say that it was a complete contrast with the first 4 episodes which had little suspense or bodycount. The later episodes (mainly standalone stories) definitely work better as 'Stephen King' / X-files horror themed shows, with the main characters in peril, some nice kills and a sexy french accent lady added to the cast. The show's starting to grow on me, Maine isn't that boring after all
I've added TERRA NOVA to the list, as I assume that qualifies.
By the way, after finishing SANCTUARY (including the webisodes), I've now started the BBC series JEKYLL written by Stephen Moffat. I'm no fan of Moffat (I dislike his Who material, for example), but I'll give it a chance.
Speaking of Moffatt, have you seen the series Coupling? Kind of Seinfeld meets Friends - but funny.
