Roll on the new season
One of the pleasures I look forward to every year is browsing through the Sci Fi Channel Magazine's Fall TV Special, which gives a full rundown of all the new shows being launched. It's like a game, picking out the ones you like, poking fun at the ones you don't, and trying to predict which ones will be left standing at the end of the season. Here are my highly subjective opinions.
Fringe
Magazine summary: "The creators of Lost craft a new conspiracy theory series that aims to be a new generation's X-Files."
My verdict: I'm wary of any show that claims to be the new X-Files. Over the years, many shows have attempted to don that mantle and none of them have succeeded - otherwise, we would all be talking about "the new Dark Skies" or "the new Invasion" instead. But I'm inclined to give Fringe a chance, mostly because two of the three main cast are Aussies - Anna Torv (who I'm unfamiliar with) and John Noble (Denethor!) who star alongside Joshua Jackson (some guy from Dawson's Creek). I don't know about in the US, but over here the promos have been plastered everywhere, and Channel Nine is fast-tracking this one. (Hah, we shall see how long that lasts.)
Knight Rider
Magazine summary: "A new Michael teams up with a new K.I.T.T. for some fast and curious high-octane entertainment."
My verdict: I watched the original, back in the day. I feel no need to revisit it. Besides, it's just not the same without The Hoff.
Eleventh Hour
Magazine summary: "Jerry Bruckheimer's newest crime drama takes today's science 30 seconds into the future."
My verdict: Like many people, I find cutting edge science really cool, and the idea of a show that uses some new discovery for each mystery of the week is very alluring. I'm also quite keen to see Rufus Sewell, the eternal villain/rival/dastard, play the hero for once.
Life On Mars
Magazine summary: "When a cop finds himself trapped in the past, there's only one thing to do to get home. Solve the case."
My verdict: If that summary sounds at all intriguing to you, then I implore you to hunt down the original Life On Mars, made in the UK, starring the brilliant John Simm and the impressive Philip Glenister, lauded by critics and worshipped by fans. You will not be sorry. On the other hand, if you watch this remake instead, I can take no responsibility for the consequences.
Sanctuary
Magazine summary: "Amanda Tapping achieves immortality while reinventing herself for Sci Fi's virtual series."
My verdict: Not a particularly enlightening summary. I've never watched Stargate, so Tapping's presence doesn't mean anything to me either way. Further reading reveals that she plays Dr Helen Magnus, an immortal scientist who runs a secret clinic and hunts down abnormal unclassified life forms. I'm not hugely compelled but I guess if it airs here I'll take a look.
The Ex-List
Magazine summary: "When a psychic makes an unusual prediction, a woman takes on destiny to find her soulmate."
My verdict: I am not at all sure why this show has been lumped in here. It sounds like any number of romantic comedies, with only the most tenuous of speculative elements.
True Blood
Magazine summary: "Executive producer Alan Ball brings life to Charlaine Harris' southern vampire mystery series on HBO."
My verdict: I was going to start my comments with "I'm a sucker for vampire stories" but then someone would probably smack me. Instead, I will talk about how I've heard favourable things about the original novels, and also. Alan Ball. HBO. Vampires.
Wizard's First Rule
Magazine summary: "Producer Sam Raimi roars back into syndication with his latest magical epic fantasy series."
My verdict: On the other hand, I have heard nothing but terrible things about the novels this show is based so. Even the lure of a new fantasy show - rare as unicorns these days - isn't enough to overcome my reservations. Pass.
Dollhouse
Magazine summary: "Executive producer Joss Whedon returns to Fox with a new series and Buffy's Eliza Dushku."
My verdict: As others have pointed out, the premise could be very dodgy in the wrong hands. But this is Joss, so he gets his chance, and more importantly, there is Eliza Dushku.
Kings
Magazine summary: "Thrust into a modern-day kingdom, a young soldier becomes the man who would be king."
My verdict: I adore retellings, and the idea of a modern-day retelling of the story of King David is a fascinating one. My sister has already decided to pass on this show, judging that it will be full of glorified military conquests and empty of significant female characters. From my knowledge of the original story, I cannot say her assessment is wrong. And yet I will probably be checking it out anyway.
It's anyone's guess as to when these shows will be coming to Australia, but I suppose soon enough we'll be hearing the buzz from overseas and get a better idea of which of them are worth chasing down.
Fringe
Magazine summary: "The creators of Lost craft a new conspiracy theory series that aims to be a new generation's X-Files."
My verdict: I'm wary of any show that claims to be the new X-Files. Over the years, many shows have attempted to don that mantle and none of them have succeeded - otherwise, we would all be talking about "the new Dark Skies" or "the new Invasion" instead. But I'm inclined to give Fringe a chance, mostly because two of the three main cast are Aussies - Anna Torv (who I'm unfamiliar with) and John Noble (Denethor!) who star alongside Joshua Jackson (some guy from Dawson's Creek). I don't know about in the US, but over here the promos have been plastered everywhere, and Channel Nine is fast-tracking this one. (Hah, we shall see how long that lasts.)
Knight Rider
Magazine summary: "A new Michael teams up with a new K.I.T.T. for some fast and curious high-octane entertainment."
My verdict: I watched the original, back in the day. I feel no need to revisit it. Besides, it's just not the same without The Hoff.
Eleventh Hour
Magazine summary: "Jerry Bruckheimer's newest crime drama takes today's science 30 seconds into the future."
My verdict: Like many people, I find cutting edge science really cool, and the idea of a show that uses some new discovery for each mystery of the week is very alluring. I'm also quite keen to see Rufus Sewell, the eternal villain/rival/dastard, play the hero for once.
Life On Mars
Magazine summary: "When a cop finds himself trapped in the past, there's only one thing to do to get home. Solve the case."
My verdict: If that summary sounds at all intriguing to you, then I implore you to hunt down the original Life On Mars, made in the UK, starring the brilliant John Simm and the impressive Philip Glenister, lauded by critics and worshipped by fans. You will not be sorry. On the other hand, if you watch this remake instead, I can take no responsibility for the consequences.
Sanctuary
Magazine summary: "Amanda Tapping achieves immortality while reinventing herself for Sci Fi's virtual series."
My verdict: Not a particularly enlightening summary. I've never watched Stargate, so Tapping's presence doesn't mean anything to me either way. Further reading reveals that she plays Dr Helen Magnus, an immortal scientist who runs a secret clinic and hunts down abnormal unclassified life forms. I'm not hugely compelled but I guess if it airs here I'll take a look.
The Ex-List
Magazine summary: "When a psychic makes an unusual prediction, a woman takes on destiny to find her soulmate."
My verdict: I am not at all sure why this show has been lumped in here. It sounds like any number of romantic comedies, with only the most tenuous of speculative elements.
True Blood
Magazine summary: "Executive producer Alan Ball brings life to Charlaine Harris' southern vampire mystery series on HBO."
My verdict: I was going to start my comments with "I'm a sucker for vampire stories" but then someone would probably smack me. Instead, I will talk about how I've heard favourable things about the original novels, and also. Alan Ball. HBO. Vampires.
Wizard's First Rule
Magazine summary: "Producer Sam Raimi roars back into syndication with his latest magical epic fantasy series."
My verdict: On the other hand, I have heard nothing but terrible things about the novels this show is based so. Even the lure of a new fantasy show - rare as unicorns these days - isn't enough to overcome my reservations. Pass.
Dollhouse
Magazine summary: "Executive producer Joss Whedon returns to Fox with a new series and Buffy's Eliza Dushku."
My verdict: As others have pointed out, the premise could be very dodgy in the wrong hands. But this is Joss, so he gets his chance, and more importantly, there is Eliza Dushku.
Kings
Magazine summary: "Thrust into a modern-day kingdom, a young soldier becomes the man who would be king."
My verdict: I adore retellings, and the idea of a modern-day retelling of the story of King David is a fascinating one. My sister has already decided to pass on this show, judging that it will be full of glorified military conquests and empty of significant female characters. From my knowledge of the original story, I cannot say her assessment is wrong. And yet I will probably be checking it out anyway.
It's anyone's guess as to when these shows will be coming to Australia, but I suppose soon enough we'll be hearing the buzz from overseas and get a better idea of which of them are worth chasing down.