Sunday, January 18, 2009

New shows...Sci-fi and Fantasy?


The final episodes of Battlestar Galactica returned this Friday, revealing new mysteries again, while finally giving us a good hint at who the final cylon-in-disguise might be. Of course, then as a lovely twist they give us TWO possibilities. However, the real reasons to watch the show are as always, Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell. They've both taken on huge responsibility for saving the human race, and were convinced that the way to Earth would prove them correct. Now that they've arrived at Earth and it's another nuked civilization, their internal conflict, self-doubt and just plain old fear makes the story even more perplexing. Can't wait to see where the rest of the season goes (particularly Katee Sackhoff's Starbuck).

In fun twist of advertising, Showtime's new show The United States of Tara starring the remarkably versatile Toni Collette with dissociate identity disorder - meaning she has 4 distinct personalities - was made available on Netflix streaming or Roku, at least for a few more days. Written by Oscar winner Diablo Cody and produced by Stephen Spielberg, the pilot gives a glimpse into what could be a fantastic series. While pilots tend to be written to get a series ON the air, and a good show has to be KEPT on the air, this pilot at least was worth watching, even if I don't get to see another episode. Toni Collette is amazing, you can watch her take on new personalities as her primary (Tara) can't deal with something emotionally. The first "alter" we meet is "T" who is about 16 and dresses and acts like it. She comes on when Tara can't deal with the fact that her daughter is having sex. John Corbett (Sex and the City) is Tara's husband, and has dealt with the alters for years and the two of them have tried to figure out how to have a marriage and raise two pretty tolerant kids when "Mom" isn't always available. I can't wait to see the rest.

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