Tuesday, June 17, 2014

"Meh" to AMC, Yay for Apes, Dr. Who World Tour, Geek News, + Cool Stuff

Over the last few years AMC has gotten a lot of press for their creative television shows--mostly good. I've been actively watching 'The Walking Dead' since its inception and I've also read all of the comics. So I'm typically excited when AMC develops a new show. As a geek and a history buff, I'm drawn to shows like 'Halt and Catch Fire' and 'Turn.' I'm also drawn to watch anything with Lee Pace or Jamie Bell. So in that regard, AMC has effectively fooled me, not once but twice this year. First with 'Turn' and now with 'Halt and Catch Fire.'

At first glance I thought that 'Turn' was going to be a smoky spy thriller set during the Revolutionary War. Instead we got 'Gossip Girl' with corsets. Scene stealers like Angus MacFadyen, Burn Gorman, and J.J. Feild were grossly underutilized. The immensely talented Jamie Bell has been reduced to a Bella Swan-like character. Will he or won't he? Does he love Anna or Mary? Seriously, if I want to watch a nighttime soap I'll tune in to ABC to watch 'Revenge' or 'Mistresses.' I watch AMC because it's different from the major networks, although it's slowly catching up in the category of mediocrity.
Via Comic Book Resources
Now on to 'Halt and Catch Fire.' Unfortunately, even Lee Pace hasn't been able to save this show for me. I watched the first episode and was pretty disappointed. I will watch two more eps before I'm out. I just don't have enough time to hate watch too many shows this year. I already have my fill of AMC shows to hate watch. I stopped hate watching 'Mad Men,' because I can only hate watch so many shows by AMC.

I'm on the fence as to whether or not I should add 'The Walking Dead' to my hate watch list. 'The Walking Dead' both infuriates and delights me...at the same time. Is that even possible? Brittani did a great post on hate watching last week. Once I get invested in a show (whether it goes downhill or not) I have to continue watching, no matter how much I hate it. I've used this analogy a few times before, once I'm on the train, I'm on the train until it hits the wall. Meaning, I'm a pig at a ham and egg breakfast. I'm all in.

via The Chive
Currently I hate watch 'True Blood.' 'Falling Skies,' 'Scandal,' 'Turn,' and 'Downton Abbey.' I started to hate watch 'Hemlock Grove,' but it was so bad even I couldn't finish it. 'True Blood' is cancelled after this year...thank goodness. Have you ever loved to hate a show so much that you watch it every week, whilst you hope it gets cancelled? So I guess I will have one hate watch slot available after 'True Blood' wraps. Any recommendations?


Trailers
New television trailer for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' has been released. The trailer really doesn't reveal anything that we don't already know. What I find interesting about the film is that it depicts the battle that led to the fall of humanity and the rise of the planet of the apes. I don't think any of the previous ape movies have ever covered that. The film is directed by 'Cloverfield' director Matt Reeves and will star Andy Serkis (of course), Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, and Keri Russell. I know there are some James Franco fans out there, but I for one am relieved that he won't be in the film. I'm a little "Franco-d" out. Meaning, I'm really tired of seeing James Franco. The film releases July 11, 2014.



News
If you haven't seen the 'Game of Thrones' Season 4 finale then you're in for it. After a hit or miss season, even I had to admit the season finale was bloody wonderful. I can't wait to read what my two favorite 'GoTs' reviewers Sati and Brittani thought of last night's episode. I much prefer their reviews to the mainstreamers. For some reason most (not all) mainstream media is so lame these days.


So in other news Jason Momoa will be Aquaman in the Justice League movie, 'Batman v's Superman: Dawn of Justice.' Mind you, I don't think Momoa is an incredible thespian, but he's so charismatic and fun to watch. He brings a great energy to the screen. I know that Aquaman is supposed to be this magnificent blonde sea king, but Khal Drogo will rock it!
Via ComicBook.com
'Doctor Who' World Tour commences on August 7, 2014. The world tour will visit the following cities: Cardiff, London, Seoul, Sydney, New York, Mexico City, and Rio de Janeiro. This is truly a world tour. I wish I could meet Peter Capaldi! I don't think there's been this much excitement over a new 'Doctor Who' in a long time. Capaldi is probably one of the most established actors to ever play the Doctor.


Zoe Saldana is looking great as Gamora in 'Guardians of the Galaxy.' Even still, I think I'm going to wait to see the reviews for this one. There is something about the trailers that make me skeptical about this movie. Still I have to give Saldana some major cred. She's become quite the scifi darling, as Uhura from 'Star Trek,' Neyteri from 'Avatar,' and now Gamora from 'Guardians of the Galaxy.' Good for her.


Art
And lastly Happy belated Father's Day from George Takei. If you know what this picture is referring to then you really are a 'Star Trek' fan. (*Hint* here).


Dave Perillo created a very cool retro 'Buck Rogers' poster. I barely remember 'Buck Rogers,' as I was but a wee little thing in the early 80s. I kinda remember watching a few reruns in syndication, but it all runs together in a fuzzy 80s-tv haze, along with 'Manimal,' 'Greatest American Hero,' and the original 'Battlestar Galactica,'  That said, if you have ever seen Felicia Day's 'The Guild,' there are lots of 'Buck Rogers' references. So for that reason I thought this was quite cool.


ET in Zombie Apocalypse? Ok, why not.


I want that
Please note that if I put something in the "I Want" category, I never ever receive any money or credit for doing so. If I put something in this category, it's because I really want/like the product.

Who wants a 'Doctor Who' outlet sticker? I do. Why? Because bow ties are cool.


'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and the rest of the scoobies finally got Funko figurines. About time. Although, I don't think the Buffy funko is that interesting. It's kinda dishwaster dull if you ask me. They could have played her up a little bit more.

This is a very cool 'Star Wars' sculpture made of out broken skateboard decks. It seems that 'Star Wars' fandom can/will make anything 'Star Wars-y' out of anything.

This is really cool. I would love to play a Jumanji game, sans the house turning into a real-life jungle. Currently it's only available through custom order. Email Gemma Wright (who is an actual prop maker) for more information. I'm actually surprised it took so long to make this. It's too bad it hasn't been mass produced yet. I guess if Hasbro (formerly Milton Bradley) can't make an uber cheap version they just won't make it.

Cosplay
Very cool 1996 Lara Croft cosplay. This person took Lara Croft quite literally. I like it. It's a lot better than some of the trampy Lara Croft cosplay outfits I've seen.

26 comments:

  1. I was a teen when Buck Rogers was on television and I remember Erin Gray very well!
    I eventually lost interest in the Walking Dead. It rivals Game of Thrones for killing off characters.
    I did love-hate the second Battlestar Galacticia. I stuck with it just to see the damn thing end.
    I think the fourth old Apes film covered their rising and taking over of the humans. Very differently of course.
    Really looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment Alex! I'm w/ you on the new version of BSG. I started to hate watch that show too. I watched it to the bitter end though! GoTs killing off characters is primarily taken from the books, so it doesn't bother me that much.

      Delete
  2. These are hilarious Ms. Mariah so expect one (or more) links this Friday. A lot of sci-fi television is just mediocrity, but I keep watching because I love the genre. A few gems come along like "Almost Human" that get canceled. I get the Data joke and it's so sweet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Maurice! Thanks. You know I really liked 'Almost Human!' I was not a happy camper when it was cancelled.

      Delete
  3. some wonderful things here... i too am waiting for the reviews of "guardians" i find it's missing something and i can wait for the missing piece. even though i watched the cartoon "avengers assemble" and they featured the characters. the data nod from star trek, it's cute and a little sad... for many things. have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always thought that episode was so sad. It's kind of a bitter sweet picture. Yes, I'm a little skeptical about "Guardians..." I hope it's halfway decent.

      Delete
  4. If you plug something into the Doctor Who outlet does it say "I like plugs...plugs are cool!" I wish I could meet Peter Capaldi too. Funny that the closest site to me is Mexico City. Time to brush up on my Spanish! I like the Walking Dead, and I know they will drag out the boxcar as long as they can.
    Jason Momoa will be an awesome Aquaman. DC seems to be getting their act together, at least their actors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that would be perfect wouldn't it! Yes, I would love to meet Peter Capaldi. I'm hoping that some of the doctor whos eventually get together for a convention. I would love to go to a convention like that.

      Delete
  5. I used to watch Buck Rodgers loyally, too. Nowadays Erin Gray and the robot is all I really remember. That Star Wars sculpture is very cool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, yes.. Erin Gray is still beautiful. She did a guest star bit in "The Guild." They had lots of Buck Rogers references.

      Delete
  6. At a Norwescon in Seattle, I saw a woman dressed as Lara Croft from Tomb Raiders: The Cradle of Life. It was the same kind of skin-tight silver suit and black straps. This wasn't just for the Masquerade. She walked around all day like that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, yes there's something about Lara Croft that brings out the trampy outfits! That's why I really liked this one. I thought it was pretty inventive.

      Delete
  7. Buffy the Vampire Slayer had a lot of great reviews among my friends and family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I concur. I loved loved that show. Watched every episode!

      Delete
  8. Thanks for the multiple links! I fully support you in adding TWD to your hate watch list, because season 4 was awful and Scott Gimple should not be encouraged to do that shit again.

    I laughed pretty hard at Momoa getting cast as Aquaman. I just picture him as Khal Drogo 24/7.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, yes. Unfortunately TWD has earned a place on my hate watch list! Gimple needs to be replaced.

      I think Momoa as Aquaman is pretty funny, but in some weird way I can kinda picture it!

      Delete
  9. Watch Orange is the New Black. Off topic, but, DO IT!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tom! Thanks. I actually have started watching the first few eps of season 1. I think I'm on ep 6 or 7. Great show.

      Delete
  10. What a freaking awesome post. I used to hate watch True Blood, but it got too absurd. And I cannot WAIT to watch the seaso finale of Game of Thrones. I'm actually watching the last two episodes tonight. What a great shot. Your blog rocks BTW. Methinks I shall follow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Optimistic-- Thanks for your kind words. True Blood is completely absurd and ridiculous. Thanks for the follow. I will go to your blog and follow as well!

      Delete
  11. I'm not gonna lie I love the Walking Dead but those memes are so true. But as much as those memes are true, I think that show handles balances out storylines as well as possible to let it run for thirteen episodes a season. Scandal had eighteen episodes for S3 and that was absolutely atrocious; especially for long it took only for the pilot to come full circle with the season finale.

    Uh oh, Downton Abbey is turning out bad...noooo, there goes the hype for the past three years. lol

    That Jumanji game is to die for. I used to have the plastic version growing up and I was so disappointed when animals didn't come out of it and that the box was just like any other board game.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Katy! yes, I agree. TWD memes become truer each time! I almost wish the show had a shorter season that was truly just 13 episodes. I think the show actually has 20 episodes per year that they split into one year. If the show were just 13 episodes it might actually have a better story arch because they wouldn't have as much time to mess around. I think that's part of the problem. the show has too much time on its hands, so it adds too much filler and filler characters.

      Downton Abbey was actually decent this year. Although I did still hate watch it. It's just so silly. It really is so soapy, but they made tremendous improvements this past season. The first episode was dreadfully long though.

      I would totally love a Jumanji game!

      Delete
  12. Thank you for the link! I wanted to see that new Lee Pace's show but I have so many shows to watch - 24, Vikings, Master of Sex - and this one doesn't even look that interesting, I just really like Pace.

    Every TWD meme I see is so funny. I want to start watching just to hatewatch it with all of you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sati, you're welcome! You should totally hate watch TWD with us. It's actually therapeutic. I love Lee Pace too. So I wanted to watch it, but I've been so busy I haven't been able to. I can only hate watch so many shows.

      Delete
  13. I like the outlet sticker. Gave me a little laugh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that too! Unfortunately, my little baby who loves to pull stickers off of everything would be tempted to put her hand near the outlet!

      Delete

Comments are now moderated because of spammers. If you post a comment with a spammy link in it, it will be deleted. There's no point to post your backlinks here. Try to build your backlinks the right way.

For everyone else--please feel free to leave your comments. I respond to each and every one of them, even when people disagree with me! If I happen to miss one, send me a tweet at @aspaceblogyssey. Please note this blog does not receive anonymous comments. You have to be registered with a service to comment here (i.e. Google, Wordpress, or OpenID). Also, I reserve the right to delete your comment if you troll me. I have no problem with someone who disagrees with me, but trolling comments will be deleted without response. No trolls will be fed here.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...