News

The Singles Table: am I looking forward to it any more?

Alicia Silverstone



Remember a while ago I previewed The Singles Table, one of NBC’s mid-season replacement comedies? I watched the pilot episode, it was rather funny and I was looking forward to it.

Now I’m not so sure I am. This news is a bit old, but I’ve only just found out that Alicia Silverstone is replacing one of the original The Singles Table cast members.

Dear God, why? There wasn’t anything wrong with the show, and the small indie feel to it has just been swamped by the Silverstone’s presence. Now, instead of an even-handed four-way comedy, we have an Alicia Silverstone vehicle with three other cast members.

Still, let’s not prejudge. We should try to remain optimistic. Recasting isn’t always bad. Jane Krakowski wasn’t in the original 30 Rock pilot but is working out just fine. Rules of Engagement was so bad, even the addition of David Spade to the cast list can only improve it when it finally emerges onto our screens.

So, it might still be good. I liked Silverstone in Clueless and the woman she’s replacing wasn’t the most charismatic of actresses (Pascale Hutton). I’m just not sure I’m looking forward to it any more. Anyone psyched by the news?

US TV

Review: The Lost Room

The Lost Room

In the US: Monday 11th December-Wednesday 13th December, Sci Fi. Repeated Sunday 17th December, starting at 5pm.

In the UK: Begins 9pm, 9th January 2007, Sky One

While Big Finish have been jessieing around, trying to recapture the essence of Sapphire and Steel for their audio plays and generally failing hopelessly, someone else has been quietly doing likewise. Surprisingly enough, it’s the US’s Sci Fi Channel who have done their level best to create something with the same qualities as that British fantasy classic, yet is wholly different, original and American.

Yes, a Sci Fi Channel mini-series that’s actually rather good – will miracles never cease?

Back in 1961, something happened. No one’s sure what. Some think God died. Others think the rules of the universe simply broke down. Whatever it was, a motel room off Route 66 was taken out of normal existence, leaving behind 100 or so ‘Objects’.

The Objects are indestructible and can sense each other. They want to be united. Each has strange powers, some useful, some not. The Comb can freeze time. The Spectacles can stop combustion within 20 feet. The Cufflink? The Cufflink can reduce blood pressure, while the supposed Prime Object, the Clock, can sublimate brass. As I said, the powers aren’t always useful.

Then there’s the Key. The Key can open any lock of any door and take you to that missing motel room and then back again to any other door in the world. But what happens if someone’s already in the room and the Key gets used?

Continue reading “Review: The Lost Room”

News

End of the week news

Tennant in specs

Doctor Who

British TV

  • BBC3’s just unveiled its Winter/Spring season (free registration required). In the list is a spin-off from Spooks called Rogue Spooks, featuring some young agents who ‘follow a different rule book’ (sounds horrid); six new comedy series, including Gavin and Stacey starring Rob Brydon and Alison Steadman; and Road Kill Café, in which a professional forager tries to persuade members of the public they should ditch regular food for stuff found dead on the motorway.
  • Just in case Gillian McKeith doesn’t horrify you enough already, imagine what it would be like having her live with you. Pity then, the poor participants in the next series of You Are What You Eat.

US TV

  • Jennifer Aniston and Ben Stiller have both been refused cameos on 24 because they’re too recognisable.
  • E!’s Watch With Kirstin has an interview with Dexter‘s ‘ice-truck killer’. Don’t read it if you haven’t started watching yet. There are also a couple of spoilers for Sunday’s finale.
  • The remaining episodes of 3 Lbs. are up on Innertube.
  • This year’s Golden Globe TV nominations are available. Yet again, Battlestar Galactica has been shafted, but Dexter is seeing some love, as is Ugly Betty. And if Alec Baldwin doesn’t win the best comedy actor award for 30 Rock, I’ll be surprised…
  • Talking of Battlestar Galactica, there be pretty significant spoilers ahoy over at the Chicago Tribune, including an interview with Ronald D Moore.

Thursday news

All the news the Norse god of thunder thinks is worth printing

Doctor Who

  • There’s an official Christmas Invasion trailer now.

Film

British TV

US TV