SF Signal: Tube Bits For 12/04/2007

Tube Bits For 12/04/2007

The Mercury News reviews Tin Man and says it's 'more dour than dark, lacking the sense of humor and witty references to the original that are part of both versions of "Wicked.''' They also criticize the mis-casting of the actors. I'm not sure I necessarily agree. I'm not sure what they were expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised with Tin Man (after only seeing Sunday's part). Great SF it isn't, but it didn't reach the depths of lameness that Flash Gordon does so I'll keep watching. Faint praise perhaps, but praise nonetheless. Oh, and The Mercury News loves Torchwood, so make of that what you will.

Speaking of Tin Man, did you know it has an online comic? Apparently, now you need a comic to help flesh the story out. Tin Man's focuses on Azkadelia's assumption of power over Central City, so you get some more backstory that isn't necessarily in the show. Sadly, the comic version of Azka-D isn't as....alluring as Kathleen Robertson. Flying Batmonkey tattoos FTW!

Michael Emerson, who plays one of the best/creepiest villains ever on TV as Ben Linus on LOST, speaks to Buddy TV about Season 4 (no worries, very mild spoilers at best). It seems there will be a lot of blood and violence in the opener as both the Others' and the Losties' camps are in disarray. Also, it seems that past characters will play a large role in this season. Does this mean that Charlie will make more appearances? February can't get here fast enough.

Dynamic Subspace has an in-depth look at the classic British TV series, Blake's 7. I'm sad to say I've never seen Blake's 7, but I've hear a lot of good things about it. If you've seen it, what do you think about it? How does it compare to the new British SF show Hyperdrive?

Blake's 7 and Hyperdrive? Apples and lemons, mate. One's a classic SF show from the '70's, with some of the dodgiest sfx the BBC props department could devise with half a can of shaving foam and some sticky-back plastic, the other is a 2005-2006 sit-com vehicle for Nick Frost (Spaced, Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) that just happens to be set on a spaceship, but is really about poking fun at British foibles... both separate acquired tastes, both good fun once you get to know them, but really not the same thing at all...

Posted by Darren T on Tuesday December 04, 2007 at 9:11 AM

I gave "Tin Man" a try but gave up halfway through, disapointed. Could they have done something with the Scarecrow character? Make him think up a solution or two? Cowardly lion? More like retarded lion. And everytime they mentioned Askadelia I thought who's Adelia, and what do you want to ask her?

The whole thing hinged on a coupon plot, complete with prophecy and wise oracles who know just enough to get the characters to the next coupon dispenser.

I did like Richard Dreyfus, though.

Oh, well, there's always LOST. This is the first time in my life I've looked forward to February.

Posted by Matt Jarpe on Tuesday December 04, 2007 at 12:41 PM

The funny thing is, my wife actually asked me last night if I had recorded Tin Man. We had watched Sunday's episode and I didn't think she was all that interested. Turns out she was.

I supposed we'll watch the finale tonight. I will say that the second installment was waaaay to slow. This is a 4-hour show turned into 6.

Posted by jp on Tuesday December 04, 2007 at 2:08 PM