According to The Hollywood Reporter, ITV Studios America and HDFILMS are planning a re-boot of the 1970’s TV series SPACE: 1999.
The space fantasy show created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson (THUNDERBIRDS, UFO) would be re-christened SPACE: 2099 . HDFilms president Jace Hall(the recent ABC ‘V’ re-boot) told them: “Science fiction is a powerful format capable of visualizing the human condition in thought-provoking ways”.
True enough, but the sarcastic genere fan might well wonder what that has to do with the often mystically-oriented, and generally divorced-from-scientific-reality focus of SPACE: 1999?
“While we are indeed re-imagining the franchise and bringing something new and relevant to today’s audiences, I feel strongly that some of the overall tones set by the original SPACE: 1999 television show represent an exciting platform to explore possibilities.”
ITV Studios International’s managing director Paul Buccieri said : “After more than 35 years, we are thrilled to be developing a new vision of our much beloved franchise for audiences worldwide. Historically, the SPACE: 1999 brand has entertained and fascinated millions of people.”
Indeed, the show at its best could be very entertaining. Certainly the UK series was often very exciting from a visual standpoint, a step up in dynamic special effects work from previous American sci-fi shows. George Lucas reportedly charged ILM with making the model work and explosions of STAR WARS as good as SPACE: 1999.
The show is only in development at this time, and has not been shopped to networks. No word thus far whether Gerry Anderson (or his ex-wife Sylvia) will be involved in any any way.
Tag: V
'V' – Unholy Alliance -Teaser
In a new episode of V, ‘Unholy Alliance’,
When Jack and priests around the world denounce the Visitors, Anna visits the Vatican. Meanwhile, Erica hunts a former Mossad agent who’s in charge of a violent faction of the Fifth Column.
It also looks like Diana ( the original V’s Jane Badler) has some impulse control problems.
V airs tonight, Tuesday Feb.1st at 9:oo PM/8 Central on ABC.
The CW to test fly DC's 'Raven'?
Variety reports that The CW has signed V (The ABC Series) producer Diego Gutierrez to develop and write a Warner Borthers Television pilot for the DC super hero Raven, who’s previously only appearred in comics and on the animated TEEN TITANS.
Created by Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez, Raven is Rachel Roth, a human/demon hybrid who lived for years in an alternate dimension. She has telepathic/empathic ablities, and the power to teleport, as well as and send out an astral body to eavesdrop or do battle.
The article suggests that the show would be a non-spin off replacement for SMALLVILLE, which ends it’s 10-year run in 2011.
'V' Episode Order Cut to 10
According to Deadline.com, ABC has cut down it’s planned 13-episode order for the re-booted V series to 1o.
The series will return January 4th, and will be broadcast at 9:00 PM ET/PT, following the superhero series NO ORDINARY FAMILY.
The article suggests that the producers of ‘V’, which is still in production, will have time to change the scripts and provide for a sensible season finale.
'Smallville: Supergirl' Details & Clip
—SPOILER WARNING—
Here’s the official description of SMALLVILLE’s ‘Supergirl’ from the CW:
Clark (Tom Welling) is stunned when Kara (guest star Laura Vandervoort) returns to Earth and tells him Jor El sent her to stop the dark force that is coming because he doesn’t believe Clark can handle it.
Meanwhile, Lois (Erica Durance) confronts Gordon Godfrey (guest star Michael Daingerfield), a shock jock radio DJ who has been crusading against heroes, after he threatens the Green Arrow (Justin Hartley).
However, after Godfrey is possessed by the dark force, he takes Lois hostage and Clark and Kara have to come to her rescue.
Mairzee Almas directed the episode written by Ann Cofell Saunders.
SMALLVILLE airs Fridays at 8:00 PM/7:00 Central on the CW Network, followed by a new episode of SUPERNATURAL.
'Smallville's' Supergirl to Show the Way?
TV Guide reports that the returing series’ October 8th episode ‘Supergirl’ will foreshadow Clark Kent’s future persona of Superman.
In a move likely to outrage comic book continuity watchdogs, when Laura Vandervoort (V) appears in the third episode of the season as Clark’s cousin Kara, she will, according to executive producer Kelly Souders, wear a version of the Supergirl costume, and appear in a bespectaled alter ego, all well before the future Superman adopts his heroic costumed persona and the traditional look of his secret identity.
“You really see her as Supergirl. Not the whole outfit, but her wardrobe will have evolved even a little more than Clark’s. She’s less Kara and way more Supergirl.”
Kara’s flying ability will be revealed to the world, and she’ll don a dark wig and glasses, an echo of her Silver Age Linda Lee Danvers secret identity.
Souders adds: “Kara has a lot of input down the road in Clark’s transformation into Superman.”
This of course is a complete reversal of the manner things were depicted in the comics. Superman was always the established hero, and he is the inspiration to his younger cousin. However, SMALLVILLE exists as it’s own little Elseworld, an alternate universe that references the comics, but stands apart on its own.
SMALLVILLE airs on The CW Network Fridays at 8:00 PM/7:00 Central.
Photo: TVGuide/Warner Brothers Television/The CW
Jane Badler Returns to 'V'
ABC has revealed that Jane Badler, who was the lizard leader we loved to hate in the original V, will have a recurring role in the secoind season of the rebooted series.
“Actress Jane Badler, best known for her role on the original “V” series, will join the cast of ABC’s “V” as a recurring guest star, playing Diana, mother to Anna (Morena Baccarin), who is now the leader of the Vs. Badler will make her debut in the Season 2 premiere of the series.
“Season 2 will feature more character and lizard reveals, more details about the Vs’ mythology – in which Badler will play an important role — and more action and more plot twists. Viewers can expect a roller coaster ride week to week.
“V” stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack, Charles Mesure as Kyle Hobbes, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker.”
Jane Badler was also a regular in the final season of the 1980s TV revivial of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. A singer as well, she released a solo CD in June 2008 called The Devil Has My Double.
Warner Bros. at SDCC – 'V' Clips
From Warner Brothers’ The WB youTube channel, clips of the V Panel and chats with the cast of the ABC show.