They Aren't So Lost Anymore... Right?

"There's No Place Like Home"

A few things before I begin. 

1) This episode was awesome, even though it causes the viewer to suffer from a serious case of TV-Blue-Balls. 

2) The preview for the 2 hour finale looks like some serious shit is going to happen, which also makes me giddy.

3) BSG and LOST can now comfortably exist in cross-over land together (more on this later).

I'm not super into summarizing the episode -- you can get that from the link above, or more in depth from Lostpedia -- but I wanted to share some thoughts. Let's begin with Flashforwards.

The opening is fantastic, and, I think, something we've been waiting for since Oceanic 815 crashed onto the Island. The mood of these post-Island scenes is very different than what we've seen post-Island before, due, I think, to a sense of relief on behalf of the characters -- before shit gets bad again. Also, the Oceanic Six's minder, Karen Decker, is played by Admiral Caine from BSG herself, Michelle Forbes.

(I loved the momentum in this episode; now that rescue is so close, the Losties loyalty to each other -- to getting everyone off the Island -- is paramount. The urgency was pronounced and visceral. They are GETTING. OFF. THE ISLAND.)

Also, I love how one of the pilots clings to his lucky charm, like having the Oceanic Six on board is some sort of terrible terrible curse... That maybe bad-luck clings to them like underaged girls to Rob Lowe in 80's sex-tapes. 

And finally they land and the moment where they step onto Non-Island land, and their families are there (except for Kate's) was... magical. I especially loved Hurley dragging Sayid over to meet his family. And it's nice to know that Jack was not birthed from an egg but rather a woman who is his mother.

Oh God, there's so much I love in this episode and I want to keep it short. OK, what else -- The presentation by Decker on how the Six survived was also great and, I think, not entirely crazy -- it kind of made a smidge of sense and if we hadn't been watching what actually happened for four seasons, I might, you know, think maybe they were telling the truth. Like Jack said earlier, "They'll just think we're in shock." 

"Jack," Sun replies, "We are in shock."

Sun telling her father that she owns a controlling interest in her company, and that he's essentially responsible for Jin's death (along with another unnamed party... dun Dun DUN!) and he can go fuck himself, she's in charge. Great to see her character change, from pre-to-post Island. And I loved the look on his face when he realizes that, yeah... maybe he is completely terrible.

Thought that the stuff w/Cheech (ie. Hurley's Dad) bringing him to the car they had always wanted to fix up together -- now pristine -- was really touching. In fact, I thought so much of what happened in these flash-forwards was touching that it kind of pains me to know that something wicked this way comes. Also: Island themed party? Hurley on his mom: Yeah, she just doesn't get it. Fantastic.

I also thought that Matthew Fox was GREAT in the scene after his father's memorial service, where Claire's mom comes to tell him that his sister was on the plane... and named Claire. We, the audience, know what's up, but he just fucking loses it. When he turns to Kate and Aaron after Claire's mom leaves, the look on his face... such complete and utter devastation... was worth its weight in gold.

Also, I'm super bummed out that Sayid gets the shaft... because in pretty much every moment of this flash-forward... he's happy. Happy with Nadia. Happy at the party. Happy to be off that godforsaken Island. But we know where it all leads him... right back to Ben...

OK, to the ISLAND stuff.

Alright, an ass-load happens, and there's a lot of confusion and back-and-forth, so I won't cover it like I covered the flash-forwards (and let's not play games -- they were the highlight of the episode). But I liked it. I liked it a lot.

I like how leave-no-man behind is so real for them now that rescue is so close. When Daniel flips through his book, sees the drawing of the Orchid, and turns to Charlotte: "We need to get off this island NOW," I was stoked. Lots of running back and forth in the jungle, lots of explosives on the boat -- possibly connected to Keamy's weird arm-thingie? -- and Michael being reintroduced to everyone else... just, so much! So much! I loved every second.

Especially Ben surrendering. "How many times do I need to tell you? I always have a plan." I'm pretty excited to see what's inside the station... and what it does.

Ugh. So two weeks before we get the rest. But let me state, that not only am I super excited, but this could prove to be the most bad-ass season finale that Lost has yet had (which is tough because Seasons 2 and 3 were also bad-ass). 

Stay tuned, guys 'n gals. We're in for a bumpy ride.

(thanks to Lostpedia for pictures)

-RoboNixon

Iran Man?

Sorry for the title. Somehow my friends and I were caught playing charades last night. One of the members of the other team proceeded to act out "Iranian Man" to which no person guessed. He was attempting Iron Man. Why you could guess that with Iranian Man as your clues is beyond me. Luckily, my team fared better, though my charades for "Citizen Kane" were confusing. Evidently most don't think of beating as the primary purpose of a cane (2nd word, sounds like). My B.

So along with $99,999,988 worth of other people's ticket sales, I too saw Iron Man this weekend. There's not a whole lot I can say about it that hasn't been said by others. Reviews here, here, and here summarize, nearly to the T, my feeling on the film. I had a great time. I might see it again. I'll recommend it. Various RoboFriends' reaction was positive, with merely an exception or two.

If you haven't seen it yet, do. Odds are in favor of you enjoying the overall experience.

Next up on the docket: Thoughts on Friday's BSG. Prepare for the worst.

(Thanks to Variety, Wall Street Journal, and Hollywood Reporter) 

-RoboNixon

BSG Goodness

io9 has a good little piece on who Baltar actually is. Here's a hint: it's not Jesus, and rhymes with "Broseph Thmith." 

I have to say, they bring up some good points. It also ties into one of my theories -- that, possibly, the original Battlestar Galactica series exists in the same universe as the revamp. That's right, you heard me.

You see, the original series is loosely based on Mormon mythology/ideology. Which would make sense, then, that Baltar is Broseph Thmith.

Key in this belief is the repetition of the idea that "this has happened before and will happen again." 

So, my thinking, especially in light of this information, is that the original Battlestar Galactica series happened thousands upon thousands of years earlier in the same universe. They got to Earth, lived there (either in our past or future), then when they went off into space again, the cycle repeated. This also might help explain the "origin" of the Final Five... as well as possible hints as to what to expect for the rest of the season.

But then again, I could be wrong. I'm just waiting for them to explain "All Along the Watchtower."

Discuss.

-RoboNixon

More TV Good News*

*Though this time NOT involving Ron Moore.

That's Louis C.K. and Pamela Adlon, who "have inked a deal to co-create and co-write a multicamera comedy for CBS and CBS Paramount Network TV." Goods news all around, as the two are hilarious. Louis C.K. is one of the funniest stand up comedians I've ever seen, and Pamela Adlon is one of the high points of the otherwise inconsistent Californication. 

I am also one of the very, very few people who found pleasure in "Lucky Louis" the HBO sitcom both previously starred in. I mean, sure, I may not necessarily enjoy seeing Louis C.K.'s dick all the time, but otherwise, I think it was a good reflection of C.K.'s stand up -- middle-aged and angry. Here's to their new show. The whole story is here (thanks Hollywood Reporter).

In other news, David Eick, executive producer of BSG (just can't escape the BSG here...), signed a two-year deal with NBC. This despite the horrible, horrible failure of Bionic Woman this past season. That show was like an open sore on the genitals of TV. Just bad all over.

But, for the whole David Eick story, you can click here (thanks Variety). 

And, for your amusement, I present you Ron Moore and David Eick abusing each other endlessly.

Over and Out.

-RoboNixon

Even MORE Moore!

In preparation for tonight's episode of BSG, I give you Ron Moore fans good news.

"Battlestar Galactica" showrunner Ronald D. Moore is making a major move to the bigscreen, signing with United Artists to create and write a sci-fi trilogy.
UA's keeping details of the project under wraps.

The whole thing is here (thanks Variety).

So what does this mean? Well, for one, Ron Moore can write sweet and accessible big-screen sci-fi. Moore wrote the best of the Next Generation Star Trek movies, First Contact. And I say this as a decidedly anti-Star Trek viewer. The show was always hampered by the "utopian society" that the Galactic Federation provided. But First Contact was open to all audiences, regardless of familiarity with the Star Trek universe (though it helps to know what a Borg is), and with sweet set-pieces, James Cromwell, good special effects, and constant action, it is my second favorite Star Trek film, joining Wrath of Khan as the only other entry into the series that was worth watching.

I mean, there's one where they have to save the world with whales. Really.

So let's keep our fingers crossed. I met Ron Moore before the premiere of Season 3 of BSG and got to spend a hefty amount of time picking his brain. He's a really, really bright guy (with beautiful hair...), and he understands that science fiction only works as a genre when it's accessible to everyone and speaks to something greater than robots and aliens.

-RoboNixon

More Moore

The news, as it has been reported elsewhere, is that Ron Moore, show-runner of BSG, will be executive producing a new sci-fi television show for Fox. "Virtuality" -- which is perhaps the lamest show title since Seaquest DSV -- will start as a two hour pilot-movie, and you can read the summary at previous link.

Most interesting about this -for me- are the possible director of the pilot and a unique approach to synergy. Martin Campbell, of Goldeneye and Casino Royale fame (and let's not forget this) looks close to signing to direct, which could give the project an interesting -- and certainly uber-slick -- flavor. 

The other thing to catch my attention was this-- 

"Virtuality" also comes with a hefty online component: As part of the plot, the space voyage is funded by a reality show that features the trip being streamed back to Earth. That "reality show" will be produced as webisodes, featuring the same cast members.

I hate synergistic stuff. I had to train myself to sit through the (admittedly watchable) webisodes before Season 3 of BSG, and I don't think I can recall watching anything else serialized over the internet ever. I also have a ridiculously awesome TV in my apartment, which may explain why watching things on my 15" laptop screen pales in comparison to my rocktacular 50" plasma TV with surround sound.

But, at the same time, it could prove to be something really cool that adds to the television experience in a new and unique way.

At the same time, it's Fox. So don't expect the show to run long before being ingloriously cancelled after eight episodes.

It could be cool, and here's to hopin' that Ron Moore can keep the fates in line to deliver us another show that will be critically acclaimed, with a devoted audience, but ignored by the masses. 

Fingers crossed!

And thanks, Variety.

-RoboNixon

Get Your BSG On

Battlestar Galactica is my favorite television show of all time. Period. And yet, whenever I recommend it to someone, they get this look on their face, like they just farted and they can't wait to leave the area. 

"Ew, a show named 'Battlestar Galactica?' What's it about? Aliens? And space-ships? And "Battlestars?" 

When I met my RoboGirlfriend, we started talking about TV. She was a fan of S&theC and Emo Doctors, all of which I nodded my head at, blank stare focused somewhere near the coffee machine behind her. 

"Robo? Robo?" I snapped out of my zone. It was time to reveal my list of fave TV shows. I rattled off some of the regulars: LOST, Weeds, Dexter, and so forth. Then, I mentioned, my favorite show was Battlestar Galactica.

Her face screwed up. Someone farted.

At least, that's what it looked like. 

"Battlestar Galactica? That sounds like the kind of show my dad watches..." Great. Lumped in with the father. I haven't even met the guy yet, but when it's the first date and you're lumped in with the father, it's over. 

Luckily, I survived the most harrowing of what I like to call BSG INCIDENTS. As such, the time has come to educate the masses.

Battlestar Galactica isn't for nerds, though nerds watch it. It's an intelligent show, with high production values, a (mostly) top-notch cast, and (nearly-always) great writing.

But I'll let Time Magazine, which ranked Battlestar Galactica as one of the best 100 TV shows ever, do the talking: 

Like Rod Serling did with The Twilight Zone, Ronald D. Moore and David Eick use science fiction to write about current events, in this case, viewing the facts on the ground in the war on terror and the war in Iraq from the perspective of deep space. As in the campy 1970s series it remade, a distant civilization of humans has nearly been eradicated by the sentient robots, called Cylons, that they created. Here, many of the Cylons appear human, adding a layer of sleeper-cell paranoia and moral questions. The Cylons' evolved status raises philosophical questions -- what does it mean to be human? -- and complicates things morally when the human military waterboards Cylon captives and stages suicide bombings to end an occupation. A stark, well-imagined story of a war in a galaxy far, far away, yet too close for comfort.

Wow. Hrm. Doesn't sound too nerdy for me. I mean, heck, they do say, "deep space" and "Cylon" -- wtf is a Cylon? Isn't that what makes pans non-stick? -- and "galaxy" and "sentient robots," but hell, I mean, they also say it's sophisticated! So why not give it a chance? Right?

No. You are wrong. No one gives it a chance, because the show is named Battlestar Galactica.

Even though Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell have, among them, three Oscar nominations. Even though the show is so stylish that even Iron Man is duplicating some of its technique. Even though the show won the Peabody Award. It was even nominated for two Emmys this past year, for writing and directing -- not too shabby for a show no one gives a chance. 

But you will. You will because I am telling you to. Read this, and catch up, and then watch BSG's final season, on the Sci-Fi Network, on Fridays at 10pm.

Oh, and to really catch up: 

-RoboNixon