Level Orange

Reports are in that ABC has cancelled Life on Mars after only one season. However, in a bit of an unprecedented move, the network will let the show wrap up and bring its main storyline–how detective Sam Tyler found himself transported back in time to 1973–to a fitting conclusion. Apparently ABC was pleased the show’s creative spin, but couldn’t continue to back its falling ratings, so perhaps allowing a series finale is a move to reward those viewers that stuck with the show.

Frankly, I’m surprised that more viewers didn’t get into Life on Mars. While it’s yet another British remake and was hampered by a complete revamp before even airing (including reshoots and recasting), I thought there was enough great writing and performances to keep viewers engaged. And while the show revolves around a central mystery, it never went so far into LOST territory that new viewers couldn’t check in and still enjoy it. Maybe that was a mistake on ABC’s part. After all, the show had excellent production quality (and exceptional music selections), but it was nothing like LOST, and perhaps aligning the two shows worked against Life on Mars. Either way, I thought it was a great run and will be happy to see things wrap up.

LINK

Something you can never really count on these days is for a television show to get it right. With the networks cranking out reality TV shows, the same ol’ standard hour-long procedurals and only a smattering of sitcoms over the past several years, the odds of a television network putting together a quality scripted program are at an all-time low. Sure, I enjoy all of those from time to time, but there are only a few shows that I simply cannot go without watching every week. It’s a rare thing that I find something on TV that I will essentially schedule my life around, even in the days of DVRs and online viewing.

It’s only fitting, of course, that the two shows that I’ve been looking forward to the most, LOST and Battlestar Galactica, are also in the final stretch of their respective stories. I knew they would have to end some day. I was just hoping that day would be much later. Then again, I’d rather have quality over quanity anyday.

If you have any interest in seeing these shows and/or maybe aren’t caught up yet, consider yourself warned, there be spoilers ahead.

(more…)

“Caprica” will star Eric Stoltz, Esai Morales, Paula Malcomson and Polly Walker, and will be set 50 years prior to “Galactica’s” seminal attack on human civilization by those dreaded ‘droids the Cylons. Family-drama-themed series will focus on the Earthlike planet of Caprica as two rival families deal with, among other topical issues, the broader implications of their society’s emerging artificial intelligence technology sector.

LINK

Fresh off the wave of hits over the past few years and the recent release of Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Seth Rogen may be going back to TV with his new project for Showtime.

Rogen and production partner Evan Goldberg are developing a comedy series for the pay cabler about three twentysomethings who learn about life and love while running a pornography shop.

LINK

I’m usually not one for bothering with awards shows, but I noticed that the People’s Choice Awards are now accepting votes from the public. Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably all voted out after the crazy election that just went down a couple of weeks ago. Totally understandable, but there are some great shows nominated for some awards and it’d be pretty awesome to see them get some recognition before they get canned (as new shows do these days). That and some great movies that are shoo-ins for the win (or are they?).

That said, feel free to use the handy links below to help your decision making process or just go to www.pcavote.com

Good news, Lost fanatics! ABC announces the return of Lost, with a new timeslot on Wednesdays at 9pm EST. The debut on January 21 will be a full night of Lost programming, including a 1-hour recap and two full episodes.

LINK

Jack’s back and it looks like Fox got the hint after the downright abysmal sixth season of “24″. I’m expecting more action, more suspense and finally, a new location for Jack Bauer’s bad-assery.

YouTube – NEW 24 Season 7 Trailer

Sounds like this could actually be good news for NBC's dwindling series.

Pretty awesome announcement from Internet Movie Database today that users can now watch over 6,000 movies and TV shows for free at imdb.com. The selection includes episodes of shows like 24, Heroes, CSI, The Office, Star Trek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and movies like Master and Commander: Far Side of the World, Raising Arizona and Some Like It Hot. Check out the action at imdb.com.

Here are some new details about LOST kubricks coming to the US soon, including cast members Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Hurley, Locke, Sayid, Desmond, Charlie and Ben. Time to start saving up!