Silence Will....

Oh, wait. Wrong season. Doctor Who part 2 begins this upcoming Holiday weekend!

So what was the cliffhanger for this season again, eh? Oh yeah the Clara Oswin Oswald (or Whoever) girl. Can I just say I really hate the way TV shows split seasons these days????

Doctors.

One Loveable Klepto

Ksensia Solo has to be one of the best actresses to play a sidekick in a television show. I love, love, love her as Kenzi, resident human on Lost Girl. She's one crazy, wig wearin', often pilfering & mooching, loveable gal. 

Lost Girl is doing great for it's third season. Wasn't too sure what direction the show would go after Bo and crew defeated the Garuda in the Season 2 finale, but so far, Season 3 is doing more character development.

My only complaint? Well, Kenzi broke up with her boyfriend Nate ( portrayed by Aaron Ashmore, twin brother to Shawn) and it looked as though a fae-human love connection was going to happen between Kenzi and Vex, but no dice. Alas, Vex left town after he safeguard Bo against the Morrigan's wishes. Damn. I was just starting to like nice Vex.

I enjoy the show and hope the show can make it. Thanks to it, the SyFy Channel is actually worth watching again!

Uhura wants Kirk cake

Nice love tap there Lieutenant!

Hmm. I wonder if this scene was after the infamous interracial kiss between Nichelle Nichols and William Shatner?  Plus, let's not discount that quirky look on Deforest Kelly's face. Yeah, the good ole doc had to stop himself short before colliding into that azz... LOL.

 Dontcha just love blooper outtakes?

In the 23rd Century....

The Inner Anakin

Doctor Who: The Musical?

Only a couple more days until the Doctor Who Christmas Special. Yay! Can't wait. Hope the plot is decent and super sappy like last year. Well, no Pond cameos this year....I love the fact that even Sesame Street recognizes the popularity of Doctor Who. Trés Cool!

Doctor Who Anniversary

It completely escaped me yesterday was Doctor Who's 48th Anniversary! Happy Belated to all the fellow Whovians out there!

Let's Kill Hitler Prequel...

Take A Guess Toddy...

Specifically for Mister English, but any of you can answer... Do you know who this "Vulcanized" brother is? First guess doesn't count. It's not me, LOL. I'll wait a few days before I give the answer. You might be surprised. Then again, maybe not.

Trekkin'

See, David Dust should have never post this "Trek Yourself" link on his blog (he's since taken it down) because I've been having fun with it all weekend. Can you tell I have nothing better to do with my time??? I promise not to get too carried away. Probably post two more after this. In the meantime....

Can you guess who this person is?

Alessandro

Thirty-first Birthday wishes go out to accomplished singer, stage actor, and current representative of gays in the Sci-Fi Universe, Alessandro Juliani.

Not long ago, someone asked me why I have the hots for Alessandro. Dumbfounded, I couldn't answer. Perhaps its that soulful look coming from his eyes? Perhaps the slight darkness to his skin? ('Sandro is part Italian, part Chinese) Maybe the way he conveys mystery yet a warm personae? Dunno. Maybe it's cause he kissed a guy in a television series? (Of course we all know what happened to Felix Gaeta in the end, so let's forget I even mentioned that.)

Born in my second favorite spot in Canada, Montréal, Alessandro has starred in a few other sci-fi projects like Stargate SG-1, done stage acting, and multiple voice overs for cartoon features. Wonder Man might find this bit o' trivia interesting, but I discovered 'Sandro provided the voice for Gambit in the X-Men: Evolution cartoon a few years back. Woulda never guessed it!

I hope now that Galactica has concluded it's run, we haven't seen the last of Alessandro. Hope some venue will open up and he'll slide back on to our television screens without missing a beat.

Meanings

For some time now, I've been mystified and intrigued by the Battlestar Galactica Intro theme music. Going with the whole space odyssey motif, the music merged perfectly with the reimagined series.

To his credit, Galactica's music composer Bear McCreary put together an insightful arrangement during the series' run. Otherworldly, awe inspiring, and soul searching, Galactica's music married perfectly with the soul of the show. It evoked feeling. McCreary borrowed from all genres, Gaelic, classic rock, classical, traditional opera, to convey a sense of searching, longing, and need... all the while reinforcing these were a people wandering through the darkness.

Mood is what made the new Battlestar Galactica work. Pinned on the spiritual hopes for survival and a new beginning, perhaps it was the musical score which cemented the creative genius behind Battlestar. Without it, the message may have been lost. One understood the notion this was humanity's best chance for peace.

Personally, I never gave the Intro much thought. Assumed McCreary's creative processes again were falling in tune with Ron D. Moore's and David Eick's vision for the new Battlestar. But in the end, I made the classical error when it comes to assumptions. The premise of the last 10 episodes was "You will Know The Truth." After watching the Finale, I discovered one more revelation, one more "truth," Battlestar Galactica had to impart.

Comparing fan finale opinions on the BSG message boards, one fan posted lyrics to the Intro composition. I was surprised, then my astonishment gave way to hearty laughter. Moore and company pulled another fast one on us. Cheeky monkeys! Under the notion the Intro was inspired by some Polynesian theme, in truth, the song is fashioned after an old tranditional Sanskrit mantra. Reading the lyrical translation, I understood, finally, how poignant its meaning was for the series.

I've included the Sanskrit and translation below for observation. For other Battlestar fans, were you aware of the significance of the theme song? What's your opinion now?

Gayatri Mantra (BSG theme):

~Aum Bhur Bhuvah Svah~
~Tat~
~Savitur Varenyam~
~Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi~
~Dhiyo Yonah:~
~*Prachodayat*

Translation from Sanskrit:
Throughout all realms of experience,
'That'
essential nature illuminating existence,
is the adorable
One.
May all beings perceive through
subtle and meditative intellect,
the magnificent brilliance
of enlightened awareness

Another BSG Double Standard?

So far the final 10 episodes of Battlestar Galactica was been disapointing and most annoying. The big hype, You will know the truth..blah, blah, blah. Yawn already. More explanations! More drama! More Cylons!!! With the exception of last week's episode, five of the six aired episodes have been fairly predictable.

With four eps remaining, the writers have many answers to cram into the show. Why does Baltar/Caprica Six see the "head" Six/Baltar? Who or what the frak is Starbuck? What is the significance of the Opera House, all those damn visions, and Hera, the hybrid child? Best of all, why do we never, EVER, see the sexy Black guy Cylon Simon?!?! (You knew I had to go there!)

Last night, with the return of the Fifth Cylon to the Colonial Fleet, was just so damn slow. Plus a few points in the storyline jumped the shark in my opinion. Um, Head Six? Whasupwitchu? Where have you been the last couple episodes? Um, Galen? Why your vote when you just helped Galactica get her overhaul? Tory...well no real question for you. You're still in character, but I thought you couldn't become even more a bitch than last night. I can't stand your character!!! Um Roslin and Adama? Why are you trusting Baltar? Again!. Um, Final Cylon of the Final Five? Why last week were you the benevolent, surprisingly delightful, creator, only to return to the fleet to return to vapid, scornful, trite "human" you were before you left in the first place? I suppose hell hath no fury afterall..."little girl." Little girl indeed. See, watch yo' mouth. Now your little girl got issues, all cause of you! Guess your spite backfired?

Ugh. For better or worse, I'm sucked in.

For fellow bloggers, Wonder Man, Andy Caldwell, and Nude In DC, or anyone else who watches the series....what did you make of the big break down scene with Colonel Tigh and Admiral Adama? Curious. Thinking back to a post Wonder Man (read it and my comments here) wrote concerning the footnote admission onFelix Gaeta's sexuality and how Ron D. Moore handle the situation. Undermining it by only implying it in episodes and make the clear distinction in webisodes, something most viewers would not see. At first, I agreed with BSG creators and how underscoring Gaeta's sexuality would actually villify him more. Given what happens to Gaeta this season, the LGBT community would cry foul for RDM creating a negative homo-stereotype. However, Friday's episode went the over direction and has me now wondering.

You remember the scene... Our good Colonel shows up at Adama's state room, "britzing" (PA Dutch term) his head off, all pathetic, and dispondent because Liam died. Ah yes, the big ole break down. A sad moment until Tigh falls apart in Adama arms, broken man, lovingly looking for comfort, but CLEARLY has to insert "its not like that you know..." And the Fifth Cylon, moments before, got their jab in, pushing the point that Tigh loves no one else in the Universe more than Bill Adama. So of course, Tigh has to defend his manhood, even in the depth of misery. I ain't no homo!

Haven't read anything on the blogsphere yet. Have yet to surf over to the BSG message boards, but I'll be surprised if nobody makes a stink about this. Here you have them sweeping the issue of Gaeta's homosexuality under the rug, while going out of their way to prove Tigh's heterosexuality. Fair? Or discrimination? You tell me.

-Ian

You Will Know The Truth

After a year long hiatus, Battlestar Galactica fans have just a few more hours to go before we get the final ten episodes to our current science fiction addiction. Man and what a year it's been. I had to stop reading the message boards long ago to keep from the insanity. I admit, I just wanna know the ending now.

Speculation to the identity of the final Cylon is rampant and I've removed and put back suspects on my personal list a dozen and one times. I simply don't know. I have my top picks, but no one makes a perfect fit. I doubt fans will get their answer tonight. Tonight's episode will be a teaser episode to lure the fans back into the show, while ultimately giving nothing away. And the clues from Sci Fi Channel's "You Will Know The Truth" website were just enough to have you think you know, only to have you eventually throw everything you thought out the damn window! Oh I bet Eick and Moore are loving this.

What's more, I've been banned by Queen Hester discussing any results of the show, because she hasn't watched Season 4.0 yet. Merde! So, I can't post anything about it once I do get some answers. At least I know some of you will be blogging about it. I'll leave comments on your blog on my excitement/disappointment for you other BSG geeks, like me.

My top picks for who the final Cylon might be? Well, after careful consideration, sorting through conjecture and bullshit speculation, my rap sheet includes Felix Gaeta, Laura Roslin, Ellen Tigh, Romo Lampkin, and Kara "Starbuck" Thrace. All these people have been off the list, on the list, at one point or another. The creators of the show have total mind twist going on with the clues and its just a matter of we'll have to wait and see. For the longest time, my bet was they were gonna make Felix the final Cylon, but after watching the webisodes, I don't think so. I just don't know....

My consolation prize, no matter who the final Cylon is revealed to be, is the writers finally outed Alessandro Juiliani's character Felix Gaeta, although they coulda hooked him up with better eye candy than Officier Louis Hoshi. Eww. But at least there's one more homo in outer space. So let's not complain too much here Ian. Thanks Ron and David.

Happy 45th Anniversary

Lending a moment to let my inner nerd side have air time, I send out a proper Happy 45th Anniversary to BBC television series Doctor Who! The show has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. My stepfather introduced me to the show back in the 70s and I've been hooked ever since.

Oh sure, Doctor Who was always ultra cheesy and campy, but it's been so much fun along the way! Generally, I love the old version that aired on PBS stations more than the current re-imagined vision on BBC America and Sci Fi Channel. My complaint with the newer program ("programme" for my British readers) is stories seem to wrap up too quickly. Back it the day, it wasn't unusual for Tom Baker's Doctor or even Colin Baker's Doctor to have a 12-arc episode storyline. Now? Eccleston's and Tennant's Doctors are lucky to have a two episode arcs. Rush, rush, rush. Plots are on a mad dash to the finish line and resolve themselves lickety split, oh so sloppily, leaving room for continuity errors!

An additional gripe, the newer incarnation has so much death! Before Colin Baker's Doctor, the Davidson, Tom Baker, Pertwee, Troughton, and Hartnell Doctors were able to minimalize casualties, or least leave it implied, never directly shown. With the 2000s' series, never get too attached to any character long, they just might be dead 10 seconds later! The Doctor's companions are no except to the rule either.

Suffering from, "Oh God, while I love traveling in time and space, I really have to get home to pick the lint out of my laundry" syndrome, no current Doctor's companion seems to last longer than half a season or so. What happened to the old days when companions stayed through several incarnations of the Doctor? I miss my Jo Grants, my Sarah Janes, my Leelas, my Tegans...hell, I'd settle for an Adric, a Romana (albeit regenerated) or even an annoying Perpigilliam Brown! Companions always brought a bridge through the series; in-between transitions, when an "old" Doc became "new." And while I'm ever so thankful Sarah Jane has come back to the fold, what about long lost characters I've always wondered about? Like Susan, the Doctor's granddaughter, Tegan the feisty ex-airline flight attendant (back in the day they called her a stewardess, but that would be a trifle sexiest today!), or Ace, the crazy wild girl from Perivale? What became of thee????

Yeah, see I told you I was a geek!

My praise for the newer Doctor Who, though, is episodes have finally inserted characters, regular, reoccurring ones, who are People of Color. With the introduction of Mickey Smith (Noel Clarke) and Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), Doctor Who finally stepped out of the shadows of de facto segregation, and into the 21st century' idea of equality. Hell, there's even a rumor on the Internet the next Doctor may be Black British actor Pateron Joseph. Hmm. I don't recall any Black Timelords on Gallifrey? Maybe he's from the Southside Branch, LOL.

For you fellow Whovians wondering, "A Black Doctor? Really?!?!" Yep. If the rumors are to be believed, this would be a first! What a daring move on the part of the producers. It'll spice up the show, ruffle some feathers if a Joseph Doctor does comes to pass. There may be backlash, but you know what? Get over it! Black folk are coming to the forefront. We exist. We're not invisible. Get used to us. We don't bite.

Slowly, the outdated concepts of the old Who are leaving and the show is coming into the modern. Equally exciting as the introduction of prominent Black characters, was the debut of character Captain Jack Harkness. The good Captain, a sometimes gay, sometimes bisexual, Lothario is played by pseudo-American actor John Barrowman. John, who actually hails from Scotland, but spent significant time here in the States, truly defines the role. He's a dashing actor! His greatest appeal, for me, is Barrowman happens to be gay in real life!

I'm glad producers got a gay man to play a gay character. In my own personal viewpoint, it's disrespectful to have a non-gay actor play a gay character. I dunno, perhaps I just equate it up there with a non Person of Color playing a Black role? It's just my opinion, you don't have to agree with me.

Captain Jack added such dimension to the Doctor Who Universe. The first man-on-man kiss in DoctorWho? Whoo-hoo! Musta riled up some folks' nerves/ My response? In similar fashion to the thought of prominent Black characters on Who, "We're Queer, Get Used to Us!"!

All in all, good or bad, Doctor Who has endured through trial and tribulation. With the exception of a few breaks in programming over the years, it's the longest running television program in history. So Happy Anniversary to one of my favorite television programs. Here's hoping the Doctor outlives his prescribed 13 regenerations and the show lasts another 45 years or more!

OK, I'm putting the geek back in the bottle again!

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!
-Darktomahawk

Tahmoh

Ah, Tahmoh.

Tahmoh Penikett is another reason in a growing list to move to Canada. There's more than one actor from our neighbors to the North who tickle my fancy, and definitely, he's one!

Besides his wonderfully unique name, I tend to gush over this guy watching Battlestar Galactica each week just because he is uber-handsome. No one ever said I was consistent with my tastes, did they? Nope.

Now for all you Galactica fans out there, I have safely removed "Helo" from my shortlist of potential characters to be the named the final Cylon.

Nah, couldn't be possible since he's married to one of the Number Eight Models, Sharon "Athena" Valerii-Agathon (actress Gracie Park, who I also think is damn sexy!) and have a hybrid child. I'm pretty sure I know the identity of the 12th Cylon, but I'm not saying until the show finally reveals it.

I'll go on record that I don't think it's Giaus Baltar either (that would be too easy). My question though is why do he and Caprica Six keep seeing versions of the other in their heads? Even Baltar saw himself in a recent vision. It would imply there's some connection to the Cylons, but I'm not sure he is one. Besides, do the math. Either Cylon culture is extremely misogynistic or just plain homosexual. Thus far we have seven male Cylon models and only four female models. Hmm, does this mean the 12th Cylon could be a woman? Logically speaking, it should. But...

Anyway, here's to Tahmoh's 33rd birthday. Hope he had a good one.

Starbuck! Where've You Been?!?

I probably won't get to watch it until the wee hours this morning, but finally, at long last, after over a year waiting, Battlestar Galactica is back! Thank the Lords of Kobol! I think if I had to wait one more day, I was gonna start spouting Cylon algorithms and sci-fi technobabble! Unfortunately, as I mentioned, I won't be able to see the season premiere until later this evening because I'm going out.

Never fear though, I'll TiVo it and run through it when I get home. Expect a blog about it later if it's really exciting. I can't imagine what the creators have in store for the final season. I have my speculations as to what's up with Kara "Starbuck" Thrace and who the final Cylon is. I purposely avoided all the spoiler websites this time, unlike I did last year when I was dying to find out what happened to Harry Potter and company in "The Deathly Hallows."

Yes, I'm a bit square at times. This is what keeps my spirit lighthearted. Doesn't everyone need to touch base with their inner child every now and again? Yeah. The adult me will be back later with more adult issues. I have a few things I wish to run by y'all with some controversial topics I read in this weeks' Advocate. Not sure how that post will go over, I just want some opinion on it.

For fellow fans of BSG, enjoy the premiere tonight. Email me with your thoughts if you feel like it.

DT

Razor and Torches

So I had every intention of coming home last night and blogging about my evening, but no, yesterday had to be the culmination of every television program I watch or needed to be watched. Sheesh. OK, so instead of blogging, or going to bed, I ended up watching TV until the wee hours. It was a little after 4 AM before I crawled between the sheets. Surprisingly, I'm wide awake this morning....

For all the fans of the 2000s inspired version of Battlestar Galactica, all I have to say is Oh! My! God! Did you watch Battlestar Galatica Razor last night?!?! I had been hemming and hawing about watching a flashback episode. I wasn't really interested in the Pegasus crew's view of the attack on the 12 colonies and chalked it up to being just a bunch of rehashed clips with a cheesy plot to tide viewers over until January. Fortunately, I was mistaken. Oh, and did I mention the 70s original "toaster" model Cylons return in this episode? Woo-Hoo!

Razor kicked ass! Major ass! Admiral Helena Cain was such a bad ass bitch and Razor widens the view on why she took certain actions after the destruction of the Colonies. Forgotten was the scene where her first officer questions her orders and she offs him in the head! Even though you knew it was coming from how they told it episodes prior, I still found myself saying "Dayyuuum Bitch!"

"All is fair in love and war," which Helena proves fairly quickly.

It was bothering me who portrayed Admiral Cain. I Googled and discovered she's the actress who portrayed Ensign Ro, the Enterprise's Bajoran Bridge Officer from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Michelle Forbes. OK, excellent usage between my favorite sci-fi genres! I must not have paid attention with Cain's first story arc. Once I relaxed, put my faith in Ms. Forbes superior acting talent, I sat back and enjoyed Cain. Oh and she's Family!!! I loved it! Admiral Cain was a Lesbian! The writers don't just suggest her relationship with Gina (Tricia Helfer's number Six Cylon character), they hit you over the head with it intimate touching and kissing. Until now the new series hadn't addressed homosexuality, although its implied Lieutenant Gaeta (Alessandro Juliani's character) may be gay.

"This has all happened before and it will happen again....and again, and again, and again, and again, and again..."

Razor's biggest disappointment was not even in the show, but during a commercial sneak peak. New episodes of Battlestar Galactica won't be returning until March. March?!?! I've been waiting a whole frackin' year for BSG's return. It was supposed to be airing new episodes this January. March? March?? Maaaaaaaaarch!??? ¡Ah Dios Mio! Frackin' writers strike!!!! LOL.

Overall, as indicated by many blogs, Razor definitely wasn't for the uninitiated, anyone who hasn't been watching the series. I loved it. I loved it oh-so-much more than Torchwood's latest episode.

Despite the heavy homosexual soldier love angst, I really wasn't too impressed with Torchwood this week.

Torchwood seems to run hot and cold with me. Some weeks the episodes are edge of your seat and then other weeks are why-did-I-waste-the-last hour-on-this-shit episodes. Last night was an "iffy" episode. While I admit the man on man kiss between Captain Jack and the real Captain Jack was heartfelt and moving, the overall story worked my nerves. Just when I thought I knew and understood Jack (John Barrowman) you discover he's not really Captain Harkness at all!

Also not withstanding was Owen's actions. I won't get started. Owen regularly works my nerves, but last night Ianto did for the first time. Ianto? Yes, Ianto. I digress. I'll have to re-watch the episode. Maybe I'm being a little too harsh. Perhaps because the American censors are editing content for commercials' sake, we're not getting the full presentation. Queen Hester and I have sworn to get the DVDs when they're released to catch all the important scenes we've missed.

Next week is the season finale. I'm hoping it will keep my interest a while longer in Torchwood. Well at least I found out Gareth David-Lloyd (Ianto) in real life is dating a black woman. In fact, its the actress from the "Cyberwoman" episode. He scores mega points in my book! Now if we could only get him to switch teams...

"Countrycide"

This week's episode of Torchwood scared me so bad, I don't want to talk about it! It was perhaps the worst of the series so far. Watching in bed, I had the blankets pulled over my head more than a few times. It was creepy. Yeah, I'm a puss. I hate scary shit and suspense has never been my favorite genre.

The one redeeming factor with tonight's episode was Ianto actually went on a mission with the team. My man Gareth David-Lloyd (Ianto's portrayer) was working those blue jeans! Everybody is all hot and bothered by John Barrrowman (Jack), but don't discount Ianto! Besides, who knows what extraterrestial STD you might catch from Jack? Ewww!

I loved the exchange between Jack and Ianto at the camp fire site. Oh the smoldering love! Poor Ianto turned away; couldn't stare our boy Jack in the face for long. The story hasn't addressed (yet) if Ianto was aware for that in-depth mouth-to-mouth snog...um resuscitation, I mean, or not. I know, kinda, what happens, just not the intricate details of how if all falls into place. But if John Barrowman gave me mouth-to-mouth like he did Ianto in the "Cyberwoman" episode, I'd sure know...whoa! Hotness!