Topic: DSig's Short List of what I'm Watching

[DSig]

8/14 - TV Shows

The Twilight Zone For the first time ever, find all 156 complete episodes of Rod Serling's groundbreaking series in one box set, packed with exciting extras. Travel to another dimension of sight and sound again and again through these stunning re-mastered high-definition film transfers using the original camera negatives and magnetic soundtracks. 087 Twilight Zone - S03E22 - A Piano in the House Fortune discovers that a piano he bought his wife for her birthday has magical properties - the music it plays makes people reveal their true essence. At the party, Fortune uses the piano to humiliate the guests - an overweight woman reveals fantasies of being thin and a playwright admits to being in love with Fortune's wife. Fortune hands his wife another roll to put in the piano, but his wife substitutes a different roll - one that enchants Fortune. He reveals himself to be nothing more than a sadistic, mean-spirited child. The guests all leave along with Fortune's wife. 3.5 Fun episode that demonstrates that payback is a bitch.  Staring Barry Morse (from "The Fugitive"), Joan Hackett ("Support Your Local Sheriff!"), Cyril Delevanti and Muriel Landers . 088 Twilight Zone - S03E23 - The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank After Jeff Myrtlebank revives at his funeral, he assures everyone he is the same person as before. However, he has several new traits, such as being a hard worker, and a skilled fighter. When the townspeople try to run him out of town, he tells them if he is Jeff Myrtlebank, they have nothing to fear, but if he is a supernatural being, then they had better be nice to him. After the townspeople leave, Jeff tells his fianceé that he really is the same person, but then he lights a match without striking it. 3.5 James Best, Sherry Jackson and Lance Fuller.  Another fun episode with less moralizing and more good script. 089 Twilight Zone - S03E24 - To Serve Man The Kanamits arrive on Earth, and immediately start helping man. They appear totally trustworthy and full of goodwill. This idea is backed up when they leave a book titled "To Serve Man" at the U.N. Michael Chambers, a decoding expert, along with thousands of other people book passage to the Kanamit's home panet. Meanwhile, Michael's assistant Pat is trying to decode the book left by the Kanamits. As Michael is boarding the Kanamit spacecraft, Pat runs up and tells Michael she has finished translating the book - it's a cookbook! Michael tries to escape, but is forced back inside by a Kanamit, and the craft leaves. 4.0 Lloyd Bochner, Richard Kiel, Joseph Ruskin and Susan Cummings star in this, possibly THE TZ episode.  Although I don't believe it to be the best (it is very good) it does appear to be *known* the most.  Much like the catch phrase for "Soylent Green" is 'Soylent Green is people!', for this episode it is "it's a cookbook!" 090 Twilight Zone - S03E25 - The Fugitive Two men are looking for Ben, an old man with the ability to change his form. Ben tells Jenny, a friend of his with a leg brace, that he is a fugitive from outer space. Before he leaves, he uses a device to fix Jenny's leg. When the men pursuing Ben arrive, they use a similar device to make Jenny ill. The trap works, and Ben returns and cures Jenny. It turns out Ben is not a criminal, but a ruler of a planet, and the men were sent to convince him to return. He agrees, but they refuse to let him take Jenny. Jenny has a plan; they ask for a moment alone to say goodbye. When the men return they find two Jennys. Unable to tell which one is real, they take both. 3.5 J. Pat O'Malley, Susan Gordon, Wesley Lau (yep .. Lt Anderson from "Perry Mason" again) and Nancy Kulp (played Jane Hathaway on "The Beverly Hillbillies").  Not their best but another fun episode. 091 Twilight Zone - S03E26 - Little Girl Lost Tina Miller rolls under her bed and disappears. Her father calls a friend, Bill, a physicist. The family dog runs under the bed and disappears also. Bill believes Tina fell through a hole into another dimension. Chris Miller puts his arm through the wall trying to grab hold of Tina. He falls forward and halfway through the hole. He sees a twisted, distorted world. He calls the dog, who then leads Tina to him. He grabs them both and Bill pulls all three back through the hole, which then closes. Bill says, "Another few seconds and half of you would have been here, and the other half...." 4.0 This one really spooked me as a kid. Charles Aidman, Robert Sampson, Sarah Marshall and Tracy Stratford (but using the voice of Rhoda Williams). 092 Twilight Zone - S03E27 - Person or Persons Unknown David Gurney wakes up to find that no one - his wife, his co-workers, his best friend, not even his own mother knows him. He is put in an asylum, but escapes and finds a picture of himself and his wife, proving who he is. When the police arrive, the picture has changed and only shows David by himself. He falls to the floor and wakes up in his bed. It was just a dream. His wife gets up and goes to the bathroom to remove some cream from her face. When she returns David is shocked to see that although she talks the same as always, she looks nothing like the wife he knows. 4.0 Richard Long, Frank Silvera, Shirley Ballard, Julie Van Zandt.  This story greatly reminds me of the book "Shatterday" by Harlan Ellison.  Not the same .. but very similar. 093 Twilight Zone - S03E28 - The Little People Fletcher and Craig set down in the canyon to repair their ship. While scouting around, Craig finds a city populated by tiny people - no bigger than ants. He begins terrorizing the population by crushing their buildings, and he proclaims himself a god. Fletcher comes to inform him the repairs are done, but Craig pulls a gun on him, and orders him to leave alone; there's no room for two gods. Fletcher leaves, and immediately another ship lands. Two spacemen, big as mountains, emerge. One of them picks Craig up and accidentally crushes him. 3.5Joe Maross, Claude Akins (always great), Michael Ford, Robert Eaton.  Simple story of id WAY too big for it's own good. 094 Twilight Zone - S03E29 - Four O'Clock Oliver Crangle is a bitter, prejudiced man. Through unknown means he intends to shrink every evil person in the world at four o'clock. When four o'clock comes around, it is he who shrinks. 4.0 Theodore Bikel plays a very little man with Moyna MacGill and Phyllis Love.  The Mindset that started the Red-scare.  There is always someone who will determine what we should and should not do 095 Twilight Zone - S03E30 - Hocus-Pocus and Frisby Aliens overhearing Frisby's tall tales, decide to take him back with them. He relaxes by playing his harmonica, and finds that this knocks the aliens out. He runs off and the aliens leave. Going back to his store, he finds a surprise birthday party waiting for him. He tries to tell everyone of his adventure, but no one will believe him. 4.0 Andy Devine (the Great), Milton Selzer and Larry Breitman in this little tale of a teller of Tall tales and the problems it causes. 096 Twilight Zone - S03E31 - The Trade-Ins John and Marie Holt visit a company that promises new bodies to the aging. They find they only have enough money for one body. John tries to turn their five thousand into ten in a local poker game, but only succeeds in losing it all. The man running the game feels sorry for him and gives his money back. In constant pain, John agrees to have the operation. He emerges young and fit, but realizes that Marie is still old. He returns to his old body knowing that they will spend what time they have left together. 4.0 Joseph Schildkraut and Alma Platt are wonderful as married couple Mr and Mrs Holt.  The great Theo Marcuse and with Noah Keen.  Great episode with great script and acting. And as Rod Serling's closing remarks say "From Kahil Gibran's The Prophet: 'Love gives not but itself and takes not from itself, love possesses not nor would it be possessed, for love is sufficient unto love.' Not a lesson, just a reminder, from all the sentimentalists in the Twilight Zone." 097 Twilight Zone - S03E32 - The Gift A human-looking alien crash lands outside a village, and accidentally kills a police officer, and is wounded by another one. He staggers to a local bar and collapses. A local doctor removes the bullets from him, and he befriends a young boy sweeping up the floor. He gives the boy, Pedro, a gift. He says he will explain it later. The alien is cornered trying to escape and he tells Pedro to show them the gift, but they grab it from him and burn it. The soldiers shoot and kill the alien. The doctor reads what's left of the gift. It says, "Greetings to the people of Earth. We come... in peace. We bring you this gift. The following chemical formula is... a vaccine against all forms of cancer..." 4.5 Geoffrey Horne, Nico Minardos and Edmund Vargas.  The problem with ignorance is that it breeds fear, which breeds hate which breeds violence.  Always down hill 098 Twilight Zone - S03E33 - The Dummy Jerry is convinced his dummy, Willy, is alive. When his act with a new dummy named Goofy Goggles goes over well, he locks Willy in a trunk, and leaves the club. But he keeps hearing Willy's voice. He rushes back to the club and takes Willy out and smashes him to bits. However, when he's finished he notices he has destroyed Goofy Goggles, not Willy. Later, Jerry and Willy perform on stage. Willy has become the ventriloquist, and Jerry is the dummy. 4.0 This one scared me when it first was on.  Cliff Robertson leads this episode showing the disintegration of a mans whit.  With Frank Sutton and George Murdock (as dummy ventriloquist).

[DSig]

8/15 - TV Shows

The Twilight Zone For the first time ever, find all 156 complete episodes of Rod Serling's groundbreaking series in one box set, packed with exciting extras. Travel to another dimension of sight and sound again and again through these stunning re-mastered high-definition film transfers using the original camera negatives and magnetic soundtracks. 099 Twilight Zone - S03E34 - Young Man's Fancy Alex is overcome with memories from the past after arriving at the house. Virginia believes the spirit of his mother is to blame. Alex decides not to sell the house, then his mother appears on the stairs and confronts Virginia. She then learns it is not his mother's, but his wish to return to the past. Alex then becomes a little boy again, and tells Virginia to get out. 3.5 Phyllis Thaxter, Alex Nicol, Rickey Kelman (playing Alex at age 10) star in the great episode of a mother's love gone wrong.  Or is it a boys love .. 100 Twilight Zone - S03E35 - I Sing the Body Electric A widower buys a robot grandmother for his three children. Two of the children take to her immediately, but one, Anne, doesn't. The robot reminds her too much of her mother. A woman she hates for leaving her. When Anne accidentally walks in front of an oncoming van, the grandmother throws herself in front of it. Anne, seeing the grandmother is unhurt, realizes she can never leave her like her mother, and she finally accepts her. Years later, the children are all grown up and leaving for college. The grandmother tells them she is going back to Facsimile, Limited. She knows her job here is finished. 4.0 Written by Ray Bradbury and the basis for his "I Sing the Body Electric" novella, Josephine Hutchinson, a young Veronica Cartwright (was great as the bible thumping crazy lady in "The Witches of Eastwick"), David White (probably best known as the boss on "Bewitched") star in this episode that blurs the lines of love. 101 Twilight Zone - S03E36 - Cavender Is Coming Cavender, an angel trying to win his wings, tries to help down-on-her-luck Agnes, who has just been fired. He sets her up in a mansion, with a fortune. However, none of her friends from her old neighborhood remember her. She decides she would rather have friends than money. She asks to be returned to her old life. Cavender's boss is furious, until he notices that Agnes is extremely happy. He decides maybe other people could use Cavender's help. 3.0 An early Carol Burnett, very funny Jesse White star in this somewhat funny episode about an inept angel and a inept accident prone girl.  I think this is the only episode i gave a 3.0.

Stephen King's Bag of Bones Based on the award-winning novel by Stephen King, STEPHEN KING'S BAG OF BONES is an unforgettable psychological thriller. Two time Golden Globe® Award nominee Pierce Brosnan (Die Another Day) stars as Mike Noonan, a novelist who suffers from writer's block after the death of his wife, Jo (Annabeth Gish, TV's "Pretty Little Liars"). A dream inspires him to return to the couple's lakeside retreat hoping to fine answers about his wife's sudden death – but he is plagued by ever-escalating nightmares and mysterious ghostly visitations from Sara Tidwell (Anika Noni Rose, Dreamgirls), a blues singer whose spirit lingers in the house. As the inhabitants of Dark Score Lake haunt him, Mike comes to realize that his late wife still has something to tell him. Jason Priestley (TV's "Beverly Hills, 90210"), Melissa George (30 Days of Night) and William Schallert (TV's "True Blood") also star in this haunting thriller.

[DSig]

8/18 and 8/19 - TV Shows

The Twilight Zone For the first time ever, find all 156 complete episodes of Rod Serling's groundbreaking series in one box set, packed with exciting extras. Travel to another dimension of sight and sound again and again through these stunning re-mastered high-definition film transfers using the original camera negatives and magnetic soundtracks. 102 Twilight Zone - S03E37 - The Changing of the Guard After fifty-one years of teaching, Professor Ellis Fowler is informed he is to be forcibly retired. He decides his teaching has never made a difference, he takes a pistol to the school and plans to shoot himself. Inside the school he hears a bell, and enters a classroom. There he sees ghosts of some of his now-deceased students. They convince him that he did make a difference in their lives. He returns home knowing that he did make a difference, and ready to accept retirement. 4.0 Donald Pleasance plays the roll brilliantly .. with a shade of Shakespearean flair, with Liam Sullivan and Philippa Bevans.  Great episode with a nice life lesson. South Park - S11E01 - With Apologies to Jesse Jackson Randy faces public ridicule for using the "N" word on live TV. Back at South Park Elementary, Stan tries to understand Tokens feelings about what Randy said and, Cartman fights a midget. 4.5 This is an excellent episode where Randy, Stan's father, uses the "N" work on national TV.  Oh my another episode where nothing is sacred South Park - S11E02 - Cartman Sucks When another one of Cartmans practical jokes puts Butters in a compromising position, his dad is determined to straighten him out. Now Butters has to go to a special camp where they Pray the Gay Away 4.0 Very funny episode with Carman being the perverse little dude he is. South Park - S11E03 - Lice Capades An infestation of head lice plagues South Park Elementary. When Mrs. Garrison refuses to name names, Cartman finds a way to detect who has lice so they can make fun of the unfortunate kid. Meanwhile, we follow a family of lice within the offending colony on their epic journey for survival -- to a new homeland, if necessary. 3.5 Although this isn't one of my favorites it is still a very good episode and very creative .. who knows, maybe that is the life of Lice. South Park - S11E04 - The Snuke When a new Muslim student joins the class, Cartman immediately suspects him of being a terrorist. After finding out that Hillary Clinton is scheduled to campaign in town that day, he informs the CIA and does some research. The CIA shows up and detects the scent of a bomb deep within Mrs. Clinton. Through complex networking and investigating, the source of the bomb is found and the day is saved. 4.0 A great episode with more sacred cows being destoryed. South Park - S11E08 - Le Petite Tourette Cartman discovers the joys of having Tourette's syndrome. Drunk with the power of saying whatever he wants without getting in trouble for it, Cartman lines up an appearance with Chris Hansen on "Dateline NBC" to take advantage of his new life with no filters. But what happens when Cartman actually loses control over what he can and can't say? 4.0 What could possibly make "Tourette's syndrome" funny ?? Cartman can. South Park - S11E09 - More Crap Stan's dad Randy becomes South Park's hometown hero when the guys down at the local bar see the size of his most recent crap. Thinking his masterpiece would definitely be a contender, Randy contacts the organization that keeps track of the world record, the European Fecal Standards and Measurements Office in Zurich. All that stands in Randy's way of finally winning something is a certain rock star/humanitarian. 4.0 This time it is the sacred cow Bono who gets tortured.

Films

	The 'Burbs Tom Hanks portrays suburbanite Ray Peterson, whose plans for a peaceful vacation are disturbed by a creepy new family on the block, in this outrageous suspense-comedy directed by Joe Dante. To the disappointment of his wife Carol (Carrie Fisher), Ray decides to spend a relaxing week at home, and soon gets into trouble with his neighbors - a hefty busybody (Rick Ducommun), a freaked-out ex-soldier (Bruce Dern), and a spacey teenager (Corey Feldman) - as they observe the strange happenings next door at the Klopek's bizarre residence. When the neighborhood grouch suddenly disappears, the men are convinced the ramshackle house hides some hideous clues. Armed with assault rifles, high-powered binoculars and a shovel, they decide to see for themselves exactly what is going on in the Klopek place, Set in an average neighborhood that is anything but average, THE 'BURBS blends slapstick comedy and spine-thrilling mystery with the type of witty humor that has made Tom Hanks one of today's most popular stars. 4.0 Very funny with Tom Hanks just coming off "Big" and "Turner & Hooch".  Loved the writing and acting in this one
	Shaft Who delivers ten times out of ten? Samuel L. Jackson is Shaft, the man and the movie. John Singleton (Boyz 'N' The Hood), directs this gritty action packed thriller. With Uncle John Shaft (Richard Roundtree reprising his original role) as mentor, it's no surprise that today's Shaft is the coolest dude and the hottest action around. To stop a racist killer (Christian Bale) Shaft's got to track down the only eyewitness that can put him behind bars (Toni Colette). As Shaft closes in, so does the danger. Armed with attitude and up against corrupt cops and venomous druglords he's out to make crime pay up. 3.5 Though somewhat generic I always like watching this.  Good entertainment.
	Whiteout The wind hammers at 100 MPH. The temperature plummets to -120°F. Nature doesn't intend for people at Amundsen-Scott Research Station to survive Antarctica. Neither does a mysterious killer who has committed the first-ever murder on that most remote of continents...and who will certainly kill again. Underworld's Kate Beckinsale plays a U.S. Marshal plunged into shocking mystery and racing to solve it before being stranded with six months of winter darkness - and a murderer - closing in. Dominic Sena (Swordfish) directs a talented cast including Gabriel Macht, Tom Skerritt and Alex O'Loughlin in Dark Castle Entertainment's action-packed thriller. Another key player is the stunning, wind-whipped ice scape. One way or another, it will take your breath away. 4.0 Very good action drama/thriller
	The Gift Oscar®-nominee* and Golden Globe Winner** Cate Blanchett leads an incredible all-star cast including Academy Award®-winner*** Hilary Swank (Boys Don't Cry), Keanu Reeves (The Matrix), Katie Holmes (Wonder Boys), Giovanni Ribisi (Saving Private Ryan), and Oscar®-nominee**** Greg Kinnear (As Good As It Gets) in this stylishly filmed mystery that's as eerie as a backwoods swamp with a dark secret beneath its even darker surface. Widow and mother of three, Annie Wilson (Blanchett), makes her living by foretelling others' futures...though her own has become cloudier than even she can see. Threatened by client's violently jealous husband (Reeves) and plagues by visions of a missing town-girl (Holmes), Annie is unwittingly pulled into a thicket of lies and deception in which her extraordinary gift could be used against her...and get her killed. Written by Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade) and Tom Epperson (A Family Thing), and directed by Sam Raimi (A Simple Plan), The Gift is a gripping tale of supernatural intrigue...and chilling terror. * 1999 Best Actress, Elizabeth ** 1999 Best Actress, Elizabeth *** 2000 Best Actress, Boys Don't Cry **** 1998 Best Supporting Actor, As Good As It Gets
	Cleaner Single father and former cop Tom Carver (Samuel L. Jackson) has an unusual vocation – he cleans up crime scenes. But when he's called in to sterilize a wealthy suburban residence after a brutal shooting, Carver is shocked to learn he may have unknowingly erased crucial evidence, entangling himself in a dirty criminal cover up. Directed by Renny Harlin and co-starring Eva Mendes, Ed Harris, Keke Palmer, and Luis Guzmán, Cleaner is a dark, gritty crime thriller that proves cleaning up is the dirtiest job there is. 4.0 Good thriller with Samuel L. Jackson up to his hips in trouble.
	Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest The laughs come full "Force" when the Griffin clan puts a freakin' sweet spin on the greatest sci-fi saga ever told! With Peter playing the swashbuckling Han Solo, Lois as the sexy Princess Leia, Chris as an adolescent Luke Skywalker, Brian as a well-spoken Chewbacca and Stewie finally embracing his dark side as Darth Vader, who knows what will happen? Filled with outrageous gags, spaced-out droids and more intergalactic satire than you can shake a lightsaber at, this epic spoof is a must-own for every fan of Family Guy! 4.5 I like most things Family Guy, and this does not let me down .. ever.  Great rip on "Star Wars IV: A New Hope" .. from killing Danny Elfman to strutting through the deathstar with the music of Cab Calloway and "Minnie the Moocher".
	The Others Screen sensation Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge, Eyes Wide Shut) delivers an utterly unforgettable performance in this scary and stylish suspense thriller! While awaiting her husband's return from war, Grace (Kidman) and her two young children live an unusually isolated existence behind the locked doors and drawn curtains of a secluded island mansion. Then, after three mysterious servants arrive and it becomes chillingly clear that there is far more to this house than can be seen, Grace finds herself in a terrifying fight to save her children and keep her sanity! Acclaimed by critics everywhere, the unpredictable twists and turns of this compelling hit will keep you guessing as it keeps you riveted to the edge of your seat! 4.0 As usual, Nicole Kidman gives a steller performance in this horror/thriller.  And Christopher Eccleston is brilliant although his part is very short.
	Robot Chicken: Star Wars STAR WARS. The most revered franchise in movie history. $141.8 quadrillion worldwide gross. Seven billion fans, spanning the entire globe. The pinnacle of cinema. ROBOT CHICKEN. A rinky-dink cable show where toys crash into each other and fall down. College students sometimes glance at it in between keg stands and laugh beer through their noses. TOGETHER AT LAST! Witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational half-hour special, as the nerds behind ADULT SWIM's stop-motion train wreck thoroughly violate the Star Wars universe! Wow. If someone wasn't fired for this, it's like a freaking miracle.
	Robot Chicken: Star Wars: Episode II LAUGH IT UP, FUZZBALL! STAR WARS and ROBOT CHICKEN are together again...like the twisted dream of a feverish nerd who's taken too much cold medicine!  That's right, the stop-motion pajama party from ADULT SWIM collides with the most revered fantasy film franchise of all time in a BRAND-NEW SPECIAL with all the subtlety of a diarrhea-suffering Wookiee pounding on your bathroom door!  We're talking AT-AT races!  The Galactic Empire's Take-Your-Daughter-to-Work-Day!  And more grisly Ewok violence than you can shake a gaffi stick at!  And since Boba Fett increases the sales of any Star Wars product by 800 percent, let us add: BOBA FETT IS ON THIS DVD!  BOBA BOBA BOBA!  FETT FETT FETT!  (Ka-ching!) ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS EPISODE II.  If there's a bright center to the entertainment universe, this is the DVD that's farthest from it.

[DSig]

8/20 - TV Shows

Films -

A Knight's Tale The 14th century takes a rocking new twist in A KNIGHT'S TALE, a stylish, exciting, action-packed adventure starring Heath Ledger (The Patriot, 10 Things I Hate About You) from acclaimed director Brian Helgeland (Payback). With heroic performances from Mark Addy (The Full Monty, Down to Earth), Rufus Sewell (Dangerous Beauty, Dark City) and Alan Tudyk (28 Days, Wonder Boys) and introducing sensational newcomer Shannyn Sossamon. Heath Ledger is William Thatcher, a peasant squire who breaks all the rules when he passes himself off as a nobleman and takes the jousting world by storm. The only thing that stands between William and his dream of becoming the world champion of the extremest of sports is the bad boy of the sport Count Adhemar. And when the two rivals go lance to head at the world finals to determine who will be named the ultimate champion, you better arm yourself and hang on tight for the thrill ride of your life! 4.0 Although he was very good in "The Patriot", the film just before this one, I think this is his break-through performance.  Of course with the great Alan Tudyk (I am a leaf on the wind .. ) and who can be badder than Rufus Sewell?  All characters are great in this film and I always enjoy watching this.

Sleepy Hollow Master storyteller Tim Burton (Batman, Edward Scissorhands) weaves an eerie, enchanting version of this classic tale of horror. Johnny Depp is Ichabod Crane, an eccentric investigator determined to stop the murderous Headless Horseman. Christina Ricci is Katrina Van Tassel, the beautiful and mysterious girl with secret ties to the supernatural terror. 4.0 This is another one that I really like.  I think that Johnny Depp and Tim Burton make an incredible pair .. Great re-imagined version of the great Washington Irving story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".  I remember seeing the Disney presentation of this as a little kid and getting facinated.  Got the book from the library etc.  Great job

[DSig]

8/21 - TV Shows


Films -

Sherlock Holmes The game is afoot. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law put memorable imprints on the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in a bold reimagining that makes the famed sleuth a daring man of action as well as a peerless man of intellect. Director Guy Ritchie helms the excitement, reintroducing the great detective to the world. Meet the new Sherlock Holmes! 4.0 A great film with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.  I like the filming and interpretation of the Holmes characters.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the world's most famous detective, and Jude Law returns as his friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room...until now. Criminal mastermind at large Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris) is not only Holmes' intellectual equal, but he has a capacity for evil that may give him a deadly advamtage. Now, as a rash of murder and mahem breaks out accross the globe, only Holmes and Watson can stop the cunning Moriarty from completing his ominous plan and altering the course of history. 4.0 Another great film and a very good follow-up to the 2010 "Sherlock Holmes".  with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.  I like the filming and interpretation of the Holmes characters.

[DSig]

8/22 - TV Shows

Films -

	The Animal He might not look like much, but it's what's inside that counts. Comic genius Rob Schneider (Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, Big Daddy), TV's "Survivor" Colleen Haskell, John C. McGinley (Any Given Sunday, The Rock) and Edward Asner (The Bachelor, JFK) star in the most outrageous and hysterical comedy of the year. When evidence clerk Marvin Mange (Schneider) answers a 911 call of a burglary in progress, his dream of one day becoming a cop seems to be coming true. But a freak car accident en route to the crime leaves Marvin and his dream a shattered mess. When Marvin awakens a week later, he finds that a deranged scientist secretly used animal organs to rebuild his broken body. Energized by his new and improved parts, Marvin achieves instant fame as a super cop until his animal instincts start taking over his body at all the wrong times. And when he finds himself falling for the lovely and sexy Rianna (Haskell), it's animal magnetism at its craziest in the funniest and wildest comedy of the year! 3.5 I like this one every time i watch it.  I am not a BIG Schneider/Sandler/Macdonald fan.  But sometimes stupid humor IS fun.  Sometimes it is the easiest thing to watch/listen to.
	Assassins Robert Rath is the best hitman around, but the code and sense of duty that once were a part of his deadly career are lost in a post-Cold War world of free-lance guns. He wants out. Not so Miguel Bain, a driven killer who knows how to claim the top spot of his shadowy profession: eliminate Rath. The action hits hard and fast when Sylvester Stallone as Rath and Antonio Banderas as Bain square off as Assassins. Julianne Moore plays the wily hacker swept into the duo's fierce running battle. Director Richard Donner infuses this tale with exciting action riffs plunging you into a world where what counts is not making the first move, but surviving the last. 3.5 Good 'standard' action film from Sylvester Stallone.  Not a big Antonio Banderas fan but like him in this one .. little over the top acting but fits the part.  Love Julianne Moore in this one .. of course usually do.
	The Last Boy Scout Written by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon) and directed by Tony Scott (Top Gun), The Last Boy Scout is the Super Bowl of action movies, a flat-out blitz of excitement, blow-you-away special effects and hilarious gimme-five humor set against the world of pro football. Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans star as a seedy detective and a disgraced quarterback, teaming to dodge ambushes, fire off one-liners and bust chops. When the going gets tough, they get tougher. And funnier. They came to play. And to settle a score in this raging fireball where bigger is better, hits are harder and bad guys end up deader. 3.5 One of my favorite Bruce Willis films and Daymon Wyans is pretty good in this one.  Bruce is at his best .. wise-crackin and getting the shit beat out of him .. yeow you would think the boy would learn
	The Mummy Returns One of the greatest action-adventure movies of all time is back with a vengeance in The Mummy Returns 2-Disc Deluxe Edition! Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz reunite with director Stephen Sommers (producer of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor) in this thrilling sequel. Now the fate of mankind is at stake: the mummy has been resurrected with an even more powerful force, the Scorpion King (The Rock). Bursting with exciting bonus features and a digitally restored picture, this bold epic is "breathlessly action-packed" (New York Daily News). 3.5 A great follow-up to "The Mummy".  Fun story line with good characters and the acting is not all that bad.  Who would have thought 'The Rock' could pull it off.  Brandon Fraser and Rachel Weisz paired well together again.  This one is always a hoot to watch

[DSig]

8/23 - TV Shows

	Alphas Brought together to form one extraordinary team of "Alphas" – people whose unique brain anomalies imbue them with superhuman mental and physical abilities – five seemingly ordinary citizens must take the law into their own hands while working within the government to investigate a new brand of baffling crime. An action-packed thriller starring an electrifying cast led by Primetime Emmy® Award winner and Academy Award® nominee* David Strathairn (The Bourne Ultimatum) and guest starring sci-fi icons Lindsay Wagner (The Bionic Woman), Summer Glau (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) and Brent Spiner (Star Trek: The Next Generation), discover a new breed of superheroes in Alphas. *2004: Best Actor, Good Night and Good Luck. 001 - Alphas - S01E01 - Pilot A team of people who exhibit special abilities (known as Alphas), who belong to a secret department attached to the CIA, are sent to investigate an impossible murder of a CIA Witness who was shot through the head in a sealed jail cell. They soon uncover the shooter, who is also an Alpha, and realize he is being controlled by yet another Alpha working for a rogue outfit. They break his conditioning, and he joins the team and helps to eradicate the mind controller. 3.5 This is a good first episode.  With David Strathairn leading the actors basically unknown except for possibly Ryan Cartwright who was on "Bones" for many episodes.  Also has Callum Keith Rennie with a re-occuring role of a FBI agent.  To me he is best known for playing the 2nd Ray in "Due South". 002 - Alphas - S01E02 - Cause & Effect After the attack on Dr. Rosen, the team is forced to relocate their base of operations while trying to adapt to changes in their personal lives. Rosen tries to cope with his Department of Defense liaison and a former Alpha patient who escapes from the Binghamton Mental Hospital and wants him dead. The FBI attempts to rein in this patient, but as the body count climbs, it is decided that he will be killed instead. Just before they do, he warns Dr. Rosen of a coming war between normal people and Alphas. 3.5 Another good episode.  Fun script and well acted 003 - Alphas - S01E03 - Anger Management A runaway teenage Alpha sets off riots up and down the East Coast, the team struggles to stop him and send him to the Binghamton Mental Hospital for treatment. When they find that they have this man inside their base, the Alpha sends off the pheromones and this causes Rachel, who was on the phone with her mother, to shout at her mother, that she hated her and was moving out, later in the episode, Nina offers Rachel her home to stay in for a while, and this strengthens the friendship of the two. In a subplot, Gary finds it hard to concentrate on his abilities when a satellite antenna across the street starts humming, and at the end of the episode, Gary complains that no one has helped him, and then Cameron, using his "hyperkinesis" throws a baseball and disables the antenna, which strengthens his companionship with Gary. 3.0 Good chase episode .. not easily figured out.
	Doctor Who: The Complete First Series Oh Boy .. "Doctor Who" starts again early September .. better re-watch as much of the "new" series as I can before then .. 157 - Doctor Who - S01E01 - Rose "Rose" is the first episode of the first series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The episode was written by show runner Russell T Davies and directed by Keith Boak. It was first broadcast on 26 March 2005. In the episode, Rose Tyler meets a mysterious man called the Doctor in the department store where she works, while being attacked by shop window dummies called Autons. She then starts to investigate him and together they uncover an alien plot by the Nestene Consciousness to take over the Earth. Rose and the Doctor manage to beat the invasion together and she accepts his offer to travel through time and space with him in the TARDIS. This episode marked the debut of Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor and Billie Piper as companion Rose Tyler. This episode was the first Doctor Who episode since the last series in 1989 and was also the first since the television movie in 1996. It was seen by 10.81 million viewers in the UK and received positive reviews from critics. 3.5 158 - Doctor Who - S01E02 - The End Of The World [i"The End of the World" is the second episode of Series One of the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who. Written by show runner Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn, the episode was first broadcast on 2 April 2005. In the episode, alien time traveler the Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) takes his new companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) on her first trip through time and space in the TARDIS to the year five billion where many rich alien delegates have gathered on a space station called Platform One to watch the Sun expand and destroy the Earth, but one of these guests is plotting to profit from the event by killing them all.][/i] 3.5 Great episode .. wow I think this is the episode that made me into a Billie Piper fan.  Christopher Eccleston is again much fun as the new Doctor.  And Miranda .. no one would cry for her 159 - Doctor Who - S01E03 - The Unquiet Dead "The Unquiet Dead" is the third episode of the first series of the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who, first broadcast on 9 April 2005 on BBC One. It was written by Mark Gatiss and directed by Euros Lyn. In the episode, alien time traveler the Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and his companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) travel to Victorian Cardiff in 1869 where there have been sightings of strange gas-like creatures. The Doctor and Rose team up with Charles Dickens (Simon Callow) to investigate Mr Sneed (Alan David), a man who runs a funeral parlor where it seems that corpses have come to life. "The Unquiet Dead" is the first episode of the revival to be set in the past. It features a guest appearance by actress Eve Myles; Myles would go on to play Gwen Cooper in the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood from 2006. "The Unquiet Dead" was seen by 8.86 million viewers in the United Kingdom. 3.5 Another fun episode .. this time with Charles Dickens and Zombies .. oh my.  And Gwyneth (Eve Myles) who came later in "Torchwood".  Name the same .. different character 160 - Doctor Who - S01E04 - Aliens Of London Part 1 "Aliens of London" is the fourth episode of the first series of the British science fiction television show Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 16 April 2005. The Doctor takes Rose back to 21st century London, just in time to witness a spaceship crashing into the River Thames, triggering a worldwide state of alert and the closing off of the city. As the Doctor investigates the survivor of the crash, Rose finds problems closer to home. It is the first of a two-part story. The concluding episode, "World War Three", was broadcast on 23 April. 3.5 This builds on the return of Rose to London 12 months after leaving with the Doctor.  Films -

[DSig]

8/24 - TV Shows

Doctor Who: The Complete First Series 160 - Doctor Who - S01E05 World War Three Part 2 "World War Three" is the fifth episode of the first series in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 23 April 2005. It is the second of a two-part story. The first part, "Aliens of London", was broadcast on 16 April. As the Doctor, Rose Tyler and their new friend Harriet Jones battle the murderous Slitheen while trapped in 10 Downing Street, the Doctor realises that the fate of the Earth rests on Rose's boyfriend, Mickey. 3.5 Penelope Wilton did a great job as Harriet Jones MP, reporter a future PM 161 - Doctor Who - S01E06 - Dalek "Dalek" is the sixth episode of the first series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who that was first broadcast on 30 April 2005. It should not be confused with the first Dalek serial, The Daleks. This episode is the first appearance of the Daleks in the 21st century revival of Doctor Who; it also marks the first appearance of Bruno Langley as companion Adam Mitchell. The episode is set in Utah in the year 2012, in the underground bunker owned by Henry van Statten, a rich collector of alien artifacts. The Doctor encounters his one living exhibit: a creature called "the Metaltron", which the Doctor is horrified to discover is a surviving Dalek. When the Dalek escapes, the Doctor races against time to stop it from getting to the surface and wreaking havoc on humanity. 4.0 Exterminate! Yeow .. the Dalek's are back .. with a vengence.  This is a great episode. 162 - Doctor Who - S01E07 - The Long Game "The Long Game" is seventh episode of the first series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who that was first broadcast on May 7, 2005. Along with new companion Adam, the TARDIS deposits the Doctor and Rose on Satellite 5, a space station that broadcasts across the entire human empire. However, the Doctor senses things wrong on the station: there are no aliens, and those who are promoted to Floor 500 simply disappear. 3.5 Not my favorite of Series 1 but good.  The writing and filming are getting better....  Loved Simon Pegg in this one 163 - Doctor Who - S01E08 - Father's Day "Father's Day" is the eighth episode in series one of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The episode was first broadcast on 14 May 2005. The Doctor brings Rose to 1987 to comfort her father as he was dying, but when she prevents his death from happening, the monstrous Reapers are unleashed upon the Earth. This episode marks the first appearance of Rose Tyler's father Pete Tyler, played by Shaun Dingwall, who would later reprise his role in the 2006 series as a Pete from a parallel universe. 3.5 This is a fun one with a good twist on what happens if you go back in time and change something. 164 - Doctor Who - S01E09 - The Empty Child Part 1 "The Empty Child" is the ninth episode of the first series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast on 21 May 2005. It was written by Steven Moffat and directed by James Hawes. "The Empty Child" is the first of a two-part story, which concluded with "The Doctor Dances", on 28 May. In the episode, alien time traveller the Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and his companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) arrive in 1941 during the London Blitz, where they find that the city has been terrorised by a strange child in a gas mask repeatedly asking for his mother. The episode marks the first appearance of John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, who would become a recurring companion and star in the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood. "The Empty Child" was watched by 7.11 million viewers in the UK. The two-part story has been cited by critics amongst the best of the show, and it won the 2006 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form in 2006. 4.0 Love this one as it really starts the "Torchwood" bits and introduces us to Capt. Jack Harkness (be sure to see the John Barrowman page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Harkness) 164 - Doctor Who - S01E10 - The Doctor Dances Part 2 "The Doctor Dances" is the tenth episode of the first series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast on 28 May 2005. It is the second of a two-part story and saw Jack Harkness, played by John Barrowman, join the Doctor as a companion. The first part, "The Empty Child", was broadcast on 21 May. Together with "The Empty Child", the episodes won the 2006 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form.[1] 4.0 Another great episode and finely completes the 2 part saga.  Mommy .. 165 - Doctor Who - S01E11 - Boom Town "Boom Town" is the eleventh episode of the first series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast on 4 June 2005. The Doctor, Rose and Jack travel to modern-day Cardiff and meet up with Rose's boyfriend, Mickey. There, they discover that a recent enemy is very much alive, and is willing to destroy the planet to ensure her freedom 3.5 Good episode .. but not great.  Return of a Slitheen starts the Doctor on a new adventure.  Captain Jack is in this one also 166 - Doctor Who - S01E12 - Bad Wolf Part 1 "Bad Wolf" is the twelfth episode of the first series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast on June 11, 2005. The TARDIS crew find themselves trapped in the Gamestation, also known as Satellite 5, where they must battle to survive the cruel games. However, when Rose is taken away, the Doctor realizes his deadliest enemies have returned en masse. It is the first of a two-part story. The concluding episode, "The Parting of the Ways", was first broadcast on 18 June. 4.0 Great first part of the ending of Series 1 and the end of Christopher Eccleston.  Good by Doctor Who 166 - Doctor Who - S01E13 - The Parting Of The Ways Part 2 "The Parting of the Ways" is the thirteenth and final episode of the first series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast on 18 June 2005. It was the second episode of the two-part story that featured Christopher Eccleston making his last appearance as the Ninth Doctor. The first part, "Bad Wolf", was broadcast on 11 June. 4.0 Excellent conclusion to Series 1 and the arrival of Doctor Who # 10 (David Tennant).

Doctor Who: The Complete Second Series 167 - Doctor Who - S02E00 - Christmas Invasion - Christmas Special 1 "The Christmas Invasion" is a 60-minute special episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is Christmas, but there is little cause for celebration as planet Earth is invaded by aliens known as the Sycorax. It's up to Rose and the newly-regenerated Doctor to save humanity, with a bit of help from her boyfriend Mickey and her mother Jackie. It began production in July 2005, and was broadcast on Christmas Day 2005 in the United Kingdom and on Boxing Day 2005 in Canada. This is the first full episode in which David Tennant appears as the Doctor, and also the first specially produced Christmas special in the series' history. 4.5 Earth is being attacked and the recently regenerated Doctor (David Tennant) is asleep.  What to do.  Harriet Jones tells the US president to buzz off and things get complicated.

[DSig]

8/26 - Films

- TV Shows

Neverland Step into a realm beyond the edge of imagination in Neverland, a wondrous prequel chronicling the origins of some of the most memorable characters of the timeless classic, Peter Pan. Follow Peter (Charlie Rowe) and his gang of misfits as they are mysteriously transported into a parallel world overrun by ruthless pirates, magical tree spirits and the deceitful man who will someday become the infamous Captain Hook. Starring Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and featuring the voice of Keira Knightley as Tinker Bell, Neverland is a sweeping, epic that takes you back to where it all began. 2.5 This is an *interesting* film.  I don't quite get it .. and have to admit that I probably wont watch this very often.  It jumps around a lot .. hard to follow a thread with this one.  Some interesting bits and some good cinematography.

The Day of the Triffids In this electrifying thriller, social order collapses as humanity confronts a double catastrophe. The majority of people have been blinded in a freak solar storm leaving them at the mercy of opportunists who still have their sight. Meanwhile the Triffids are evolving and advancing on the towns in search of human prey. In the face of total human annihilation, it is down to a select few to take a stand against mankind's deadliest adversary, a foe with a fatal sting and an unquenchable taste for human flesh. 4.0 I have not read the book "Day of the Triffids" by John Wyndham.  I only remember the original movie I saw as a kid in early 1960's.  This does not follow that movie at all .. so at first it was a little put off.  But watching more i really like this inturpretation.  Like a said I don't know if it is true to the book but is is well done.  Dougray Scott and Joely Richardson (she was funny as the Princess in "King Ralph") did a good job carrying this story.  And with Eddie Izzard has a role in this that makes him real evil.

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

8/26 - Films

- TV Shows

Neverland Step into a realm beyond the edge of imagination in Neverland, a wondrous prequel chronicling the origins of some of the most memorable characters of the timeless classic, Peter Pan. Follow Peter (Charlie Rowe) and his gang of misfits as they are mysteriously transported into a parallel world overrun by ruthless pirates, magical tree spirits and the deceitful man who will someday become the infamous Captain Hook. Starring Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and featuring the voice of Keira Knightley as Tinker Bell, Neverland is a sweeping, epic that takes you back to where it all began. 2.5 This is an *interesting* film.  I don't quite get it .. and have to admit that I probably wont watch this very often.  It jumps around a lot .. hard to follow a thread with this one.  Some interesting bits and some good cinematography.

This was aired on German TV the other day.
Stopped watching it after about 30 minutes.

[DSig]

Yeah .. it was really strange.  I did watch it to the end and there were some pretty good bits in the last 1/4 of the film .. but the first 1/2 was .. someone must have been on acid

[DSig]

8/27 - TV Shows

Note: edited 8/28 to put the right image for Season 2

Doctor Who: The Complete Second Series 168 - Doctor Who - S02E01 - New Earth Complete Info "New Earth" is the first episode of the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, first broadcast on 15 April 2006. It is a sequel to the first series episode "The End of the World", and brings back its villain who was thought to be destroyed, Lady Cassandra, as well as the mysterious Face of Boe. Set in the year five billion and twenty-three after the destruction of Earth in "The End of the World", the Doctor and Rose arrive on the New Earth and enter a hospital run by half-alien cat-like nuns called the Sisters of Plenitude, who have been hiding a gruesome secret. 3.5 This is a great episode .. and to me this is where Doctor Who really starts into it's stride.  Of course David Tennant IS the Doctor and Billy Piper (Rose Tyler) proves to be his best companion.  Is it the writing or the acting .. or both? 169 - Doctor Who - S02E02 - Tooth and Claw Complete Info "Tooth and Claw" is the second episode in the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who and was first broadcast on 22 April 2006. In 1879 Scotland, the Doctor and Rose meet Queen Victoria. However, a group of warrior monks have sinister plans for the monarch, and the full moon is about to summon a creature out of legend. 4.0 Oh boy .. another great episode .. this time with Werewolves and rouge Fathers.  Lots of running around and ladies screaming ... oh boy and the Start of Torchwood! 170 - Doctor Who - S02E03 - School Reunion Complete Info "School Reunion" is the third episode in the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It first aired on 29 April 2006.[1] The episode's narrative takes place some time after the events of "The Christmas Invasion". In the episode's TARDISODE, Mickey Smith alerts the Doctor and Rose Tyler to a comprehensive school where strange things are happening, such as UFO sightings. At the school, the Doctor encounters his former companion Sarah Jane Smith and the robotic dog, K-9 Mark III, he sent her, who likewise were interested by the current events. Together, they discover the force behind the events, a race known as the Krillitanes, and work to prevent them gaining control of the universe. The use of the Doctor's previous companions, in particular Sarah Jane and K-9, was first proposed in 2003 to the BBC. After the episode was produced, Elisabeth Sladen was approached by the BBC to star in a spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures, which also included K-9 in several stories. The episode was positively reviewed, with an Appreciation Index of 85% ("Excellent"). 3.5-4.0 Scoring a little ambivalent for this one.  Really liked David Tennant in this one and with Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen with 80 previous episodes) returning here .. really can't give a reason for it not to be a solid 4.  With Giles (Yes Anthony Head from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and also "Merlin") is very good in this one. 171 - Doctor Who - S02E04 - The Girl In The Fireplace Complete Info "The Girl in the Fireplace" is Episode 4 of Series 2 of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on 6 May 2006 and is the only episode in the 2006 series written by Steven Moffat. Sophia Myles guest-starred as the historical figure Madame de Pompadour.[1] The episode takes place in multiple time periods as the Tenth Doctor and companions Rose and Mickey find time windows on a 51st century spaceship leading to 18th century France and a group of clockwork androids using them to stalk Madame de Pompadour throughout her life. Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies described the episode as a love story for the Doctor.[2] Overall, "The Girl in the Fireplace" was well received by most critics despite the time constraints imposed on the plot; the episode was nominated for a Nebula Award[3] and won the 2007 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form.[4] 4.0 I have always liked this episode although it is sad.  It does show the Doctor having a heart and emotion beyond that of a TimeLord. 172 - Doctor Who - S02E05 - Rise of the Cybermen Part 1 Complete Info "Rise of the Cybermen" is the fifth episode of the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The episode features the return of Cybermen, where they are created on Earth itself. It is the first part of a two-part story, the concluding part being "The Age of Steel". After the TARDIS makes a crash landing on the Earth of another universe, Rose discovers her father is alive and rich, Mickey encounters his alternative self, and the Tenth Doctor learns one of his oldest and deadliest foes is about to be reborn. The episode was first broadcast on 13 May 2006. 3.5 Great episode with really good writing.  Some good hits to other bits like Torchwood

[DSig]

8/28 - TV Shows

Doctor Who: The Complete Second Series 172 - Doctor Who - S02E06 - The Age Of Steel Part 2 Complete Info "The Age of Steel" is the sixth episode of the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on 20 May 2006 and is the second part of a two-part story that was the first to feature the Cybermen since Silver Nemesis in 1988. The first part, "Rise of the Cybermen", was broadcast on 13 May 2006. It stars David Tennant as the Doctor, Billie Piper as Rose Tyler and Noel Clarke as Mickey Smith. It focuses on events in a parallel universe London, where John Lumic plans to convert the whole world's population into Cybermen and the Doctor, Rose and Mickey Smith try to stop him. They are assisted by Mickey's parallel universe counterpart, Ricky, who is the leader of a resistance movement. At the end of the episode Mickey decides to stay in the parallel universe and says goodbye to the Doctor and Rose. The episode was relatively popular as it was the climax to the first story to feature the Cybermen since the show's revival, although it received noticeably fewer viewers than "Rise of the Cybermen". It has an Audience Appreciation rating of 86 as of 2008. 4.0 "You're a clever man .. i'd call you a geneus but I'm in the room" .. You gotta love the Doctor and quotes like that 173 - Doctor Who - S02E07 - The Idiot's Lantern Complete Info "The Idiot's Lantern" is the seventh episode of the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, first broadcast on 27 May 2006 on BBC One. It was written by Mark Gatiss and directed by Euros Lyn. In the episode, Mr. Magpie (Ron Cook) sells overly cheap television sets because he is held hostage by The Wire (Maureen Lipman). She blazes rays from screens to take faces and soul energy from victims, including Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). The Doctor (David Tennant) must save millions of endangered viewers before they watch the Elizabeth II Coronation. 3.5 Not one of my favorites .. although well done writing and acting.  Just no fun surprise bits 174 - Doctor Who - S02E08 - The Impossible Planet Part 1 Complete Info "The Impossible Planet" is the eighth episode of the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is the first part of a two-part story, followed by "The Satan Pit". The TARDIS lands in a base on a planet orbiting a black hole, an allegedly impossible situation that stumps even the Doctor. The base crew are drilling to the centre of the world, to claim the power that keeps it in orbit for the good of the Human Empire. However, an ancient evil is down there too, and it is awakened. The story was first broadcast on 3 June 2006. 3.5 Good but complex episode.  Can't just watch this one on the side .. The Ood are possessed by 'the Beast' 174b - Doctor Who - S02E09 - The Satan Pit Part 2 Complete Info "The Satan Pit" is the ninth episode of the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is the second part of a two-part story, following "The Impossible Planet". With the TARDIS seemingly lost, Rose and the remaining humans are trapped on the base with the possessed Ood, while the planet floats helplessly towards a black hole. Meanwhile, the Doctor is about to discover exactly what "Beast" is trapped in the heart of the impossible planet. The episode was first broadcast on 10 June 2006. 4.0 A great ending episode.  Dealing with darkness, original evil and those things that go bump in the night. 175 - Doctor Who - S02E10 - Love & Monsters Complete Info "Love & Monsters" is the tenth episode of the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. In this episode, an ordinary man named Elton Pope becomes obsessed with a man called the Doctor and his strange blue box, and joins a group of like-minded people in hopes of finding him. But when the mysterious Victor Kennedy joins the group, the fun stops and Elton discovers a darker side to his hobby. Peter Kay appears in the episode as an alien villain who was based in part on a design by a Blue Peter children's TV competition winner. The episode features allusions to all of the first three annual story arcs in the revived programme; mention of the "Bad Wolf virus" affecting "Torchwood Institute files" was inserted into the script to cover a potential plothole in the two-part series finale, and is the first episode to include series three's recurrent motif. The episode, which was inspired in part by the fact that the actors David Tennant and Billie Piper were filming other episodes, and following the model of Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode "The Zeppo" and Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Lower Decks", gave significantly less screen time to the show's two lead actors. Instead, actor Marc Warren takes up most of the episode's acting responsibilities. It has since inspired an annual tradition of successful "Doctor-light" and "companion-light" episodes, such as Steven Moffat's "Blink" in 2007, Davies' own back-to-back 2008 episodes "Midnight" and "Turn Left", and Gareth Roberts's "The Lodger" in 2010. 3.5 This is a good episode .. although it seems to be a little disjointed in the storytelling.  But any episode that uses "Electric Light Orchestra" as the background music ("Mr. Blue Sky", "Don't Bring Me Down" and "Turn to Stone").  And the Absorb-A-Lot is really cool 176 - Doctor Who - S02E11 - Fear Her Complete Info "Fear Her" is the eleventh episode of the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, first broadcast on BBC One on 24 June 2006. It was written by Matthew Graham and directed by Euros Lyn. The episode takes part on the day of the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, almost exclusively on a fictitious cul-de-sac named after the British athlete Kelly Holmes. While originally only intending to visit the ceremony, alien time traveler the Doctor (David Tennant) and his companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) investigate Chloe Webber (Abisola Agbaje), who has the ability to make people disappear by drawing them. An over commissioned episode which was brought in to be a low-budget replacement for a script by Stephen Fry that had been pushed back, "Fear Her" was filmed mainly in the Tremorfa area of Cardiff at a housing estate. Graham was asked to write an episode primarily for children which would soften the much darker finale that would be broadcast after. The episode was watched by 7.14 million viewers in the UK, and was given an Appreciation Index of 83. Though Graham received letters from children who enjoyed the episode, it did not generate a positive response from adult fans and critics. 3.5 And fun things happen during the 2012 Olympics in London .. 177a - Doctor Who - S02E12 - Army of Ghosts Complete Info "Army of Ghosts" is the twelfth and penultimate episode in the second series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who which was first broadcast on 1 July 2006. It is the first episode of a two-part story; the concluding episode, "Doomsday", was first broadcast on 8 July. The episode takes place on contemporary Earth, some time after the Doctor's and Rose's visit to Earth in "Love & Monsters". During this time, the public have become accustomed to intermittent appearances of ghosts. The Doctor tracks the source of the ghosts to the Torchwood Institute, where the Doctor learns of the Cybermen from "Rise of the Cybermen" and "The Age of Steel" crossing a breach in the Void created by a Dalek-piloted Void ship. 4.0 "This is the story of how I died." Rose Tyler says as narration during the beginning of the episode. It does make me very sad that this and the next episode "Doomsday" are the last episodes with Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) in a leading role.  Very sad indeed

[DSig]

8/29 - TV Shows

Doctor Who: The Complete Second Series 177b - Doctor Who - S02E13 - Doomsday Complete Info "Doomsday" is the thirteenth and final episode in the second series of the revival of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on 8 July 2006 and is the conclusion of a two-part story; the first part, "Army of Ghosts", was broadcast on 1 July 2006. The two-part story features the Daleks, presumed extinct after the events of the 2005 series' finale, and the Cybermen, who appeared in "Rise of the Cybermen" and "The Age of Steel". Both species unexpectedly arrive on Earth at the conclusion of "Army of Ghosts". The concept of the Daleks and the Cybermen both appearing on-screen was first proposed in 1967, but was vetoed by Terry Nation, the creator of the Daleks. The episode is the first conflict between the two species in Doctor Who's 45-year history, and features Billie Piper's last appearance in the lead companion role as Rose Tyler; the final regular appearance of Noel Clarke as Rose's ex-boyfriend and previous companion Mickey Smith; and the final regular appearances of Camille Coduri and Shaun Dingwall as Rose's parents, Jackie and Pete Tyler. The episode was filmed in December 2005 and January 2006, alongside the episodes "Rise of the Cybermen" and "The Age of Steel". The plot consists mostly of the Daleks and Cybermen waging a global war, with humanity caught in the crossfire. The Doctor, the Tyler family, and Mickey Smith fight for their lives trying to reverse the situation. They are successful, but at an emotional cost to the Doctor and Rose, as they are left in separate universes. The episode is one of the most popular Doctor Who episodes since the show's revival. It was nominated, along with "Army of Ghosts", for the 2007 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form; the award was won by the fourth episode in the series, "The Girl in the Fireplace". It shared the revived series' highest Audience Appreciation rating of 89 with "The Parting of the Ways", "Silence in the Library", and "Forest of the Dead" until 28 June 2008—"The Stolen Earth" gained an AI rating of 91[1]—and is favoured by most critics for both the Cybermen–Dalek conflict and the farewell scene between the Doctor and Rose. 4.5 This is a near perfect episode.  The story line is well completed.  If you are a Doctor Who fan, especially of the new Series you will appreciate the complexity of emotions in this one.  Goodbye Rose Tyler.

Doctor Who: The Complete Third Series 178 - Doctor Who - S03E00 - Runaway Bride - Christmas Special 2 Complete Info "The Runaway Bride" is a special episode of the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who, starring David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor. It was produced for Christmas 2006, broadcast on 25 December (Christmas Day), and played much the same role that "The Christmas Invasion" played the previous year, introducing the third series while not actually being part of it. It features Catherine Tate as Donna, who appeared in the TARDIS at the end of the previous episode, "Doomsday". 3.5 This IS a good episode .. just marked down because I really don't like the character Donna Noble (Catherine Tate).  Going to be sorry to see her as the companion in 2008 season. 179 - Doctor Who - S03E01 - Smith And Jones Complete Info "Smith and Jones" is the first episode of the third series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on BBC One on 31 March 2007. It sees the debut of Freema Agyeman as new companion Martha Jones. Agyeman had previously appeared as Martha's cousin Adeola in "Army of Ghosts". The episode sees the Doctor (David Tennant) meeting Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), a medical student at Royal Hope Hospital. The hospital is transported to the Moon, whereupon the Doctor and Martha must contend with a Plasmavore posing as Florence Finnegan (Anne Reid), as well as the Judoon (voiced by Nicholas Briggs), who are hunting for Finnegan. The episode was the first to feature Martha's family, her mother Francine (played by Adjoa Andoh), father Clive (Trevor Laird), sister Tish (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), and brother Leo (Reggie Yates). The episode was shot mainly in August 2006, with Singleton Hospital and the University of Glamorgan doubling as the fictional Royal Hope Hospital. The Judoon wear prosthetics; for budget reasons only one Judoon is seen to take his helmet off. According to the BARB figures this episode was seen by 8.7 million viewers and was the ninth most popular broadcast on British television in that week. It garnered an Appreciation Index of 88. 4.0 More good writing and acting.  The addition of new companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) is a good replacement for Rose (note I did not say perfect ... only Rose is/was Rose).  But during the series the scripting gets better and better for her part. 180 - Doctor Who - S03E02 - The Shakespeare Code Complete Info "The Shakespeare Code" is the second episode of the third series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 7 April 2007,[1] and is the second episode of Series 3 of the revived Doctor Who series. According to the BARB figures this episode was seen by 7.23 million viewers and was the fifth most popular broadcast on British television in that week. Originally titled "Love's Labour's Won",[2] the episode was re-titled as a reference to The Da Vinci Code. The Tenth Doctor takes Martha Jones on her first trip in the TARDIS. Arriving in Elizabethan England, they meet William Shakespeare, who is writing his play Love's Labour's Won. However, evil, witch-like Carrionites plot to end the world by placing a code in the new play's closing dialogue. Shakespeare will have to give the performance of his life in order to save the Earth. 3.5 This is a very fun episode revolving around Shakespeare, witches and the meaning of words.  Very well done. 181 - Doctor Who - S03E03 - Gridlock Complete Info "Gridlock" is the third episode of the third series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, first broadcast on BBC One on 14 April 2007. It was written by Russell T Davies and directed by Richard Clark. In the episode, alien time traveller the Doctor (David Tennant) takes his new companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) to New New York in the far future, where they discover the remainder of humanity on the planet live in perpetual gridlock within the Motorway, an underground highway system. "Gridlock" completes a loose trilogy that began with "The End of the World" (2005) and "New Earth" (2006). It was viewed by 8.41 million viewers in the UK 4.0 Excellent episode which in the end deals with the death of "The Face of Boe" 182a - Doctor Who - S03E04 - Daleks in Manhatten Part 1 Complete Info "Daleks in Manhattan" is the fourth episode of the third series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 21 April 2007,[1] and is the fourth episode of Series 3 of the revived Doctor Who series. It is part one of a two-part story, concluded in "Evolution of the Daleks". In New York City, 1930, in the midst of the Depression, people are disappearing from among the homeless and jobless masses. Pig-like creatures hide in the sewers, and at the bottom of the Empire State Building, some of the Doctor's greatest and oldest enemies, the Daleks, are at work, preparing their most horrific plan yet. According to the BARB figures this episode was seen by 6.69 million viewers and was the eighteenth most popular broadcast on British television in that week. 3.5 Oh those pesky Daleks .. all they want to do is TERMINATE!  And now a Human Dalek .. oh my

[DSig]

8/30 - TV Shows

Doctor Who: The Complete Third Series 182b - Doctor Who - S03E05 - Evolution of the Daleks Part 2 Complete Info "Evolution of the Daleks" is the fifth episode of the third series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on BBC One on 28 April 2007,[1] and is the fifth episode of Series 3 of the revived Doctor Who series. It is the conclusion of the two-part story begun in "Daleks in Manhattan". The Cult of Skaro's plan is in full force. Dalek Sec is reborn in a half-human form, and the Pig Slaves launch an enormous assault upon the Central Park Hooverville along with the remaining pure Daleks. The Doctor, Martha Jones, Solomon and the others must fight for their lives, while the future of humans and Daleks alike is being decided underneath the Empire State Building. According to the BARB figures this episode was seen by 6.97 million viewers and was the seventeenth most popular broadcast on British television in that week. The story is set in New York City in 1930. 3.5 Great second episode.  Daleks and Dalek Sec do not get along very well.  Seems that 'humanizing' a Dalek does not a good leader make. 183 - Doctor Who - S03E06 - The Lazarus Experiment Complete Info "The Lazarus Experiment" is the sixth episode of the third series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 5 May 2007 and is the sixth episode of Series 3 of the revived Doctor Who series. It stars David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor and Martha Jones as his companion, played by Freema Agyeman. On Earth, in present day London, The Doctor, Martha and her family attend a scientific demonstration by the aged Professor Lazarus. But when the experiment goes wrong, a horrific product of genetic manipulation is unleashed, leaving a trail of death in its mission to live indefinitely. According to the BARB figures this episode was seen by 7.19 million viewers and was the twelfth most popular broadcast on British television in that week. Executive producer Russell T Davies has stated that he directed writer Stephen Greenhorn to base this episode on the typical Marvel Comics plotline: "a good old mad scientist, with an experiment gone wrong, and an outrageous supervillain on the loose. 3.0 I think this was a good episode but there was just something about it that didn't work with me.  Possibly Martha's mother .. that should undoit for everyone .  Pretty good story and all 184 - Doctor Who - S03E07 - 42 Complete Info "42" is the seventh episode of the third series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on BBC One on 19 May 2007. A spaceship hurtles out of control towards an alien star and The Doctor has 42 minutes to save the ship, but with a mysterious force starting to possess and murder the ship's crew, the Doctor and Martha are running out of time. According to the BARB figures this episode was seen by 7.41 million viewers and was the third most popular non-soap-opera broadcast on British television in that week 3.5 Good episode with fun excitment.  A living sun and all that .. 185a - Doctor Who - S03E08 - Human Nature Part 1 Complete Info "Human Nature" is the eighth episode of the third series of the revived British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is the first episode of a two-part story written by Paul Cornell adapted from his 1995 Doctor Who novel Human Nature. Along with its continuation, "The Family of Blood", it was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form in 2008. 3.5 Good episode and start of 2 parter.  Gets a little 'complex' caused by a type of amnesia, but all things work out in the second part.  Well worth a watch. 185b - Doctor Who - S03E09 - The Family of Blood Part 2 Complete Info "The Family of Blood" is the ninth episode of the third series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Preceded by "Human Nature", it is the second episode of a two-part story written by Paul Cornell adapted from his Doctor Who novel Human Nature (1995), co-plotted with Kate Orman. The episode was first broadcast on BBC One on 2 June 2007. It is 1913 in England, and war has come a year in advance as the terrifying Family hunts for the Doctor. When John Smith refuses to accept his destiny as a Time Lord, the women in his life—Martha Jones and Joan Redfern—have to help him decide. In a Doctor Who Magazine interview, Executive Producer Russell T Davies characterised the "Human Nature"/"Family of Blood" two-parter as perhaps being too dark for the program's audience. In 2008, both "Human Nature" and "The Family of Blood" were nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form. 3.5 In 2009, Doctor Who Magazine readers voted it as the sixth best Doctor Who story of all time.  This is a very good ending to this 2 part series.  'Sister of Mine' and 'Brother of Mine' really are menacing. 186 - Doctor Who - S03E10 - Blink Complete Info "Blink" is the eleventh episode of the third series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on 9 June 2007 on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The episode was directed by Hettie MacDonald and is the only episode in the 2007 series written by Steven Moffat. The episode is based on a previous short story written by Moffat for the 2006 Doctor Who Annual, entitled "'What I Did on My Christmas Holidays' By Sally Sparrow". In the episode, the Doctor—a time travelling alien played by David Tennant—and his companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) are trapped in the past and try to warn a young woman, Sally Sparrow (Carey Mulligan), how to prevent the Weeping Angels from taking control of the TARDIS. In order to solve the case, Sparrow, along with her best friend's brother Larry Nightingale (Finlay Robertson), must make the connection between seventeen separate DVD titles, each with unique easter eggs hidden in them. Due to the Doctor and his companion having very little screen time, allowing another episode to be filmed simultaneously, "Blink" is consequently referred to as a "Doctor-lite" episode. The scenes at Wester Drumlins were actually shot in a derelict house in Newport, Gwent. To create the angels, two actresses wore makeup and prosthetics. The episode was seen by 6.62 million viewers in the United Kingdom and received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Moffat won the BAFTA Craft and BAFTA Cymru awards for Best Writer, and the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form. For her single performance in the series, Carey Mulligan won the Constellation Award for Best Female Performance in a 2007 Science Fiction Television Episode. In 2009 the episode was voted the second best Doctor Who story in history by readers of Doctor Who Magazine. 3.5 I think this is the first appearance of the Weeping Angels.  To a little kid these would be very scary .. 'specially if you are around parks with statues .. but as a grown up no such fears ever come up 187a - Doctor Who - S03E11 - Utopia Part 1 Complete Info "Utopia" is the eleventh episode of the third series of the revived British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 16 June 2007.[1] It is the first of three episodes that form a linked narrative, followed by "The Sound of Drums" and "Last of the Time Lords". In this episode, former companion Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) jumps on the TARDIS, taking the Doctor (David Tennant) and Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) to the planet of Malcassairo in the year 100 trillion, where a professor is working to send the last remnants of the human race to a place called "Utopia". The vicious Futurekind threaten to scuttle the rocket, but a greater threat hides in the shadows: the Doctor's greatest nemesis is about to rise again. 3.5 Oh boy .. Capt. Jack is back (John Barrowman as  Captain Jack Harkness).  Nothing ever goes right when Captain Jack is around.  Great part 1 episode .. and the beginning of the end for the Doctor