Sabotage

Video by katamaran78, thanks to Mo Ryan for pointing it out.

TCA Awards

Congratulations to Battlestar Galactica for winning Program of the Year award at the Television Critics Association Awards held over the weekend in Pasadena, California.

Since Ron Moore was busy in Vancouver directing an episode of Caprica, so the award was accepted by Jane Espenson, with Michael Hogan, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, Katee Sackhoff, and director Michael Rymer also present. Jane tweeted her thanks.

To keep up with the latest goings on at the TCA's read Mo Ryan's continuos reports on her blog and on Twitter. Mo is running all the voodoo down, just as she did at the recent San Diego Comic Con. (More on that later when I complete a round up of BSG/Caprica news that came out of Comic Con.)

Mo also reported that Michael Hogan will be guest appearing early in the second season of Dollhouse.

Sad News

Big Light Productions reports that Lorena Gale (Elosha on BSG) passed away on Sunday after a brief but courageous battle with stomach cancer.

New clips from THE PLAN

Last night BATTLESTAR GALACTICA fans were treated to two different sneak peaks at the upcoming telefilm THE PLAN, which promises to revisit the events of the BSG timeline from the cylon perspective.

SciFi previewed a new clip of Cavil talking to Ellen last night on air, and we at the Sitrep are not against aiming the frakkin' Flipcam at the TeeVee now and then for your pleasure:



ETA Sunday: SciFi has posted the official clip now:



Meanwhile, at the World Science Festival panel last night in New York City another exclusive clip, of Cavil with Boomer, was screened for the audience. Uberfangrrl and friend of the blog prolix_allie was nice enough to write up a description of it for us. In honor of our more spirginal readers, we are putting that info in the comment section of this post.

For a bit more footage of THE PLAN, here's the trailer released a few months ago:

Mega Con

Video from MegaCon via Codebreaker2001.

Around the Horn

Tahmoh Penikett - who played Karl 'Helo' Agathon on BSG - has been cast in new TV SyFy Channel movie Riverworld.

Joining the 33-year-old is fellow Canadian star Laura Vandervoort, 24 - who played Supergirl in Smallville. Penikett has also appeared in Smallville, as two different characters.

In Riverworld, Tahmoh will play war correspondent Matt Ellman, who is killed along with his fiancee (Vandervoort) but awakens in a mysterious world populated by everyone who has lived on Earth.

Alan Cumming - known best to geeks as the teleporting Nightcrawler in X-Men 2 - is to guest star as the Caretaker; Jeananne Goossen and Mark Deklin also have been cast.

World Screen reports that Ronald D. Moore, the writer and executive producer of Battlestar Galactica, has been added to the Master Class speaker lineup at the Banff World Television Festival, which is celebrating its 30th edition this June 7 to 10.

Recently Sci-Fi Wire reported that writer Eric Heisserer has been hired to rewrite Ronald Moore's script for The Thing, a prequel film to John Carpenter's 1982 horror movie of the same name.

World Screen also reported:

Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer has signed on to star in The Dealership, a new original series pilot for Canwest that will be distributed by FremantleMedia Enterprises.

The one-hour pilot will feature Helfer in the lead role of Rachel Carson, the tough-as-nails sales manager of an auto dealership founded by her father Frank, played by William Devane (Jesse Stone). Also on board for the show is Patrick J. Adams (Friday Night Lights) as Rachel's younger brother. The pilot is a production of Verite Films.

Tricia was recently on Chuck, and Maureen Ryan reports on efforts to save Chuck. (Mo also suggests that if Fox kills Dollhouse, Joss Whedon needs to find a home on HBO, AMC or Showtime.)

From Proggrrl's Tweet, we find out that Michael Ausiello reports that James Callis will play a "charismatic sociopath" on the May 15th NUMB3RS season finale.

SFX interviews Romo Lampkin actor Mark Sheppard. Newsrama reports on Astronaut Garrett Reisman's BSG cameo appearance. Jamie Bamber and Tricia Helfer's print ads for PETA. Complex on BSG's hottest women.

A new comic book explores the back story of the Final Five. io9 notes:

The Final Five - written by Battlestar TV writer Seamus Kevin Fahey (The man behind "Faith" and "The Face of The Enemy" webisodes) and co-writer David Reed, and illustrated by Nigel Raynor - flashes back to thousands of years before the TV show to show us a backstory of the Final Five that will either explain it all, or confuse and screw up continuity once and for all. And what does it have to do with Starbuck's death?

Also recently released is Battlestar Galactica: The Manga -- Echoes of New Caprica (v. 1).

The DVD for Caprica provides more confirmation of BSG coming to Blu-ray.

Battlestar Galactica makes the list of best series dramas of all time.

SF Crowsnest and UPI report on the upcoming BSG prop auction.

All of the Battlestar Galactica scenes from Robot Chicken provided on Adult Swim.

Check out this concept car the Hyundai Nuvis that looks vaguely Cylon.

Convention appearance updates via the Battlestar Blog.

A BSG crossword puzzle. Geeksugar's BSG quiz roundup. io9 points to this BSG fan anthem.

A PROGRAM NOTE: I'm pleased to formally announce that writer Sam J. Miller has joined the Sitrep team. His work has appeared in literary journals such as Fiction International, Strange Horizons, AlterNet, and The Minnesota Review—who nominated him for a Pushcart Prize. Unabashedly obsessed with the re-imagined BSG, he's the author of “Battlestar Galactica vs. Star Trek,” available at mental_floss. Previously Sam provided us with his essay on BSG's use of Laura Roslin's eyeglasses. Sam will be posting an insightful and interesting essay on the Sitrep with his commentary on the series finale, Daybreak, shortly. So, keep an eye out for that.

Awards

Several weeks ago the Hugo Nominations came out, and the BSG episode, Revelations is in contention for Best Dramatic Presentation (Short Form):

Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form

• “The Constant” (Lost) Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof, writers; Jack Bender, director (Bad Robot, ABC studios)
• Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Joss Whedon, & Zack Whedon, & Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen , writers; Joss Whedon, director (Mutant Enemy)
• “Revelations” (Battlestar Galactica) Bradley Thompson & David Weddle, writers; Michael Rymer, director (NBC Universal)
• “Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead” (Doctor Who) Steven Moffat, writer; Euros Lyn, director (BBC Wales)
• “Turn Left” (Doctor Who) Russell T. Davies, writer; Graeme Harper, director (BBC Wales)

In addition, in the Best Dramatic Presentation (long form) also touches on BSG: Audible’s original production, METAtropolis, has been nominated for a Hugo Award. As far as anyone can determine, this is the first time an audiobook has been nominated for a Hugo It's up against some of the year’s biggest movies:
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
WALL-E
Hellboy II: The Golden Army

METAtropolis was written by a great team of writers, John Scalzi; Tobias Buckell; Jay Lake; Elizabeth Bear; and Karl Schroeder – and a cast of narrators Battlestar Galactica stars Michael Hogan, Alessandro Juliani and Kandyse McClure, plus Stefan Rudnicki and Scott Brick.

The Hugo winners will be announced on Aug. 9 at the 67th World Science Fiction Convention in Montreal.

In other recent award news, BSG and Doctor Horrible won Streamy Web Awards where Battlestar Galactica: Face of the Enemy webisodes won Best Dramatic Web Series, along with Best Writing for a Dramatic Web Series, and Best Actor in a Dramatic Series for Alessandro Juliani. (Also of note: Tiki Bar TV won best Art Direction.)

Also, not too long ago, James McAvoy received Empire's award for Best Sci-Fi Superhero for Wanted from Jamie Bamber. McAvoy said, "Oh my god, I got an award from the CAG!"

Emerald City

Michael Hogan attended the 7th Annual Emerald City ComicCon April 4th & 5th, 2009 held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle, WA along with Aaron Douglas, and Tahmoh Penikett.

erradient from the LJ Battlestar Blog has a convention report.

David Crosman, Contributing Writer for Comic Book Resources, has a detailed report as well.




Video from wrathofdon







Video from klozzocity

Michael Hogan will also be at the Polaris Con in Toronto, July 10-12.

Edward James Olmos and other BSG guests will be at this years DragonCon, September 4-7 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Also of note, the Paley Festival is hosting Battlestar Galactica / Caprica: A Look Back and a Look Ahead April 20th at the Arclight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood:

In Person:

Ronald D. Moore, Executive Producer
David Eick, Executive Producer
Jane Espenson, Executive Producer
Paula Malcomson (Amanda Greystone, "Caprica")
Eric Stoltz (Daniel Greystone, "Caprica")
Esai Morales (Joseph Adama, "Caprica")
Alessandra Torressani (Zoe Greystone, "Caprica")
Magda Apanowicz (Lacy Rand, "Caprica")
Tricia Helfer (Number Six, "Battlestar Galactica")
Grace Park (Sharon/Athena/Boomer, "Battlestar Galactica")
Special Guest Moderator:
Seth Green (Robot Chicken, Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

“This has all happened before. And it will happen again.”

Now that Battlestar Galactica—itself a reimagined version of a 1970s TV space opera—has dry-docked, we turn our attention to Caprica, a BSG prequel scheduled to debut on DVD in April and on Sci Fi Channel in 2010. Set fifty years before the nuclear apocalypse that opened Galactica, Caprica follows two families—the Graystones and the Adamas (particularly Bill’s “old man” Joseph)—as they feud over the creation of cybernetic life forms, marrying artificial intelligence with mechanical bodies, aka, Cylons. Like BSG, Caprica is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, plus Remi Aubuchon.

This event brings together cast and creative team members from both shows and features a premiere screening of Caprica.

For other upcoming conventions with BSG and Caprica guests the Battlestar Blog is keeping track of it all.

Appearances

Battlestar Galactica Stars Hit Villa Night Club in West Hollywood. 03-23-09



Jamie Bamber At "The Damned United" World Premiere - London

Hulu Videos

A number of new video blogs are on Hulu.

Final cast read through.


Yet More Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor.


Too Bad So Sad.


So, this is Earth.


How Will It Be Remembered?


Final Thoughts.

Information, Lots of It....

Daybreak Part 2 was a huge ratings hit for the Sci-Fi Channel:

NBCU press release:
SCI-FI is #1 Cable Network

Series Finale is #1 Telecast for the Day Among Both Cable and Broadcast

Final Season Gains Double Digits vs. Season 3
New York, NY – March 23, 2009 – Battlestar Galactica wrapped a phenomenal series run on Friday evening with a finale episode that topped the competition on both cable and broadcast. As previously announced, Friday’s two-hour (9pm to 11pm) episode on SCI FI delivered a 1.7 household rating with 2.4 million total viewers watching live (1.5 million Adults 18-49 and 1.6 million Adults 25-54), becoming the most-watched episode of the series in over three years. In addition:

Battlestar Galactica Finale Ratings Update

· Battlestar Galactica was the #1 entertainment program on television Friday night for adult male viewers, beating all non-sports telecasts on cable and broadcast for both Males 18-49 and Males 25-54, including new episodes of both Dollhouse and Sarah Connor Chronicles on FOX.

· In both the Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 demos, the Battlestar Galactica finale was the #1 cable telecast for the day, and SCI FI was the #1 cable network in 8-11 PM prime for both demos as well.

· For its full fourth season, Battlestar Galactica averaged a 1.8 Household rating, 1.6 million Adults 18-49, 1.7 million Adults 25-54 and 2.3 million total viewers. (Note that this does not include the final DVR playback data for the final 2 episodes, and in season 4.5 to-date the series has added over 700,000 viewers per episode from 7-day DVR playback.)

· Season 4 is up vs. season 3 by + 13% in Household ratings, +15% in Adults 18-49, +16% in Adults 25-54 and +14% in total viewers.

· This is the best full season performance for Battlestar Galactica in Adults 18-49, Adults 25-54 and total viewers since season 1.

In addition, fans flocked to SCIFI.COM on Friday to bid farewell to the series, resulting in a surge in Battlestar Galactica traffic versus the season 4.0 finale by +20% in page views, +45% in unique users and +20% in video streams. Battlestar Galactica was also the #1 section of SCIFI.com on 3/20/09 across all key metrics.

The BSG cast and crew watched the finale together at a screening in North Hollywood Friday night. (Being at the screening doubled the emotional power of the finale itself for me, because not only was it moving to say goodbye to the characters on screen, but it was also an amazing thing to watch the actors, writers, producers, crew, family and friends, and all the guests there say goodbye to the show together. It was really an honor to be there, and to see it with them.)

Zap2It has a poll that shows most fans enjoyed the finale. BuzzSugar's poll has similar numbers. Mark Verheiden makes a great observation about the different kinds of BSG fans, and how that effects reactions. Spike and Angel pretty much showcase the discussion on BSG's finale.

The Digital Bits and TV Shows on DVD have news on the release of season 4.5 and the complete series on DVD and Blu-ray.

Ron Moore was interviewed by Maureen Ryan, Alan Sepinwall, Sci-Fi Wire, Reuters, TV Guide, and Fan Cast.

After Ellen did a live chat with Jane Espenson. Michelle Kung talked to Edward James Olmos for The Wall St. Journal.

Slice of Sci-Fi offers their top ten episodes of BSG. Daily Record points to the Six Best Moments. The Washington Post has 10 Business Lessons from Battlestar Galactica.

Geek Tyrant has the history and an inside look at Battlestar Galactica. Geek Tyrant and io9 examine the original idea for the end of BSG that Ron Moore had in mind before the writer's strike, as Moore detailed in his podcast for Daybreak.

Compare and contrast 1978 BSG, and 2003 BSG.

Steampunk Cylons from Dvice.

Check out some awesome on-set photography from Maurice Woodworth on Flikr.

Marc Bernardin in Entertainment Weekly ponders what's next after BSG. Speaking of next, AICN posts seven clips from Caprica.

Ginia Bellafante for the New York Times writes that BSG raises questions about earth. The Guardian reports on the recent UN talk on the themes of BSG. Other UN clips here, here, and here.



Technology Review reports:

An international team of scientists in Europe has created a silicon chip designed to function like a human brain. With 200,000 neurons linked up by 50 million synaptic connections, the chip is able to mimic the brain's ability to learn more closely than any other machine.

If your interested in some of the other science debates surrounding the finale, I suggest you visit the Galactica Science Blog, Brad Ideas, and check out these various Wikipedia articles on, Mitochondrial Eve, the population bottleneck, most recent common ancestor, creationism and the abduction theory, panspermia, transpermia, common descent, and cosmic ancestry. Discover Magazine has answers, along with an interview with BSG's science advisor Dr. Kevin Grazier.

Start Tonight

Drinking, that is. Why the frak not.

::pours you some Ambrosia::

New favorite words: DRUNKALOGUE, OCTOCYLON

Another Last Frakking Special Ad

Thanks, SevorTB.

Professor Vernon on CSI

Kate Vernon stopped by the TVGuide.com studio to discuss her role on the April 16th episode of CSI, which is co-written by Bradley Thompson & David Weddle, directed by BSG regular Michael Nankin, and features guest appearances by her and Ron Moore in a plot revolving around a murder at a sci-fi convention. Hee.


Vernon describes her character as "a professor of media theology, and I'm making a documentary on the Gestalt constructs of sci-fi mythoculture." Double-hee.

In this second video, Vernon discusses BSG and her role this season.

Mega News

In convention news, James Callis and Tricia Helfer recently attended MegaCon in Orlando, Florida. Battlestar Galactica fans also had Jennifer Halley (Seelix) and Luciana Carro (Kat) also attending were Dirk Benedict (Old Starbuck) and Herbert Jefferson (Boomer) from the classic series. Here's a short YouTube clip of Dirk Benedict and James Callis on the Battlestar Galactica panel discussion. And Jennifer Halley (Seelix) was interviewed by the Fandamonia Podcast.

(In other convention notes, Wil Wheaton posted a clip from YouTube of a panel at Phoenix Comicon that inclued Wil, Yuri Lowenthal and Aaron Douglas. And Dean Stockwell has cancelled his appearance at the Leap Back Quantum Leap convention.)

Tricia Helfer has also recently done a number of interviews discussing the season finale Burn Notice and the finale of Battlestar Galactica. io9 wonders if Six could get her own BSG spinoff.

MediaBlvd. talked to Alessandro Juliani.

Donnelly Rhodes (Doc Cottle) was interviewed by The Vancouver Sun.

BSG co-exec producer Mark Verheiden reports that he's writing a feature project for DreamWorks Pictures called Quatermain.

There are a number of interesting essays and observations on BSG:

The Guardian and The Ampersand write about Battlestar Galactica revealed as the new Virgil's Aeneid.

The science of BSG is studied variously... The Next Big Future looks at the effects of nuclear war on the 13th Colony. Galactica Science examines the star and constellation patterns in Someone to Watch Over Me.

Discover takes a look a real world self-repairing materials, like the Cylon goo slathered onto Galactica's beams.

Brad Templeton, Chairman of the Board of the EFF does a deep examination of Cavil's plan, and the history of the Temple of Hopes (Temple of the Five.) See also: This.

Cristoph Mark of the Daily Yomiuri writes that Women are at dark heart of Battlestar Galactica. Southern Voice ponders stereotypes, as relates to the portrayal of Gaeta.

TV Editor, Rob Owen, for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette observes that Battlestar Galactica defies youth demographics:

Sci Fi Channel's "Battlestar Galactica" has always been more interested in politics and religion than it has in ray guns and spaceships -- call it "The West Wing" in outer space -- but what's become increasingly obvious in the current season is the writers' resistance to demographic-based storytelling.

Networks, catering to advertisers, generally prefer stories that put younger characters front and center, but "BSG" has done the opposite in its final batch of episodes that ramped up political intrigue and character drama in a tense, action-packed mutiny storyline.

...Viewers don't usually see 60-something action heroes in prime time, but that's what "BSG" viewers saw when Adama and Saul Tigh (Michael Hogan) took up weapons to protect an airlock while Roslin escaped.

And when it comes to love stories in prime time, it's rare for viewers to see characters outside the 18-49 demo getting kissyface. There hasn't been a more touching, scripted scene on TV this year than Adama with his arm wrapped around a bald, cancer-stricken Roslin as the pair slept.

Even though the older characters have been getting the most face time and best storylines this season, ratings are up among young viewers, with the show scoring its best ratings since its season two premiere in 2005. Imagine that.

Hear that, network execs? It's not about the age of the cast, it's about the writing and performances. Young viewers will watch shows with older characters. And right now there's none better than "Battlestar Galactica."

In other news...

My Roommate the Cylon has made its web debut. John Manalang reports:

Giving much respect and salute to the sci-fi series, this comedy spin-off revolves around the story of three roommates Bennett Jacobs (played by Alex Enriquez), Pjeter Odama (Tyson Turrou) and Dale McKinney (Kenny Stevenson). The catch? Well, after receiving a letter from a mysterious sender, one of these guys apparently had a skinjob—nothing gross or raunchy, it just means that one of them could potentially be a Cylon who wants to eradicate the human civilization.

While the inside jokes and silly references to BSG in My Roommate the Cylon may tickle fans of the series, it may not even put a grin on others. The classic slacker humor adds another comedic perspective to the new web series, thanks to the stars of the show. So don’t worry about brushing up on some BSG knowledge to enjoy it—it is indeed pretty frakkin’ funny.

In other bits of humor... BSG cast members are among the insane crossovers of Jedi Celebrity Chefs. Continuing with food, how to make a BSGLT with the BSG toaster. (HT Proggrrl's recent tweet.)

Duane Dudek of the Journal Sentinel ponders Felgercarb Toothpaste.

When things get tough, think about Life Lessons from BSG: How to Take It Like A Man from Jaxz's Frakin Fandom blog.

Comic and manga news.

The Battlestar Wiki keeps good track of Ron Moore's smokes and drinks for his podcasts.

And David Eick will be at the National Association of Broadcasters:

'Battlestar Galactica' Creator and Executive Producer David Eick to Present Keynote at NAB Show

Battlestar Galactica Co-Creator and Executive Producer David Eick will present an afternoon keynote address entitled "The Making of Battlestar Galactica" at the 2009 NAB Show on Tuesday, April 21st in Las Vegas. The Super Session will focus on how to launch and produce a hit TV franchise that breaks the traditional mold seen in many television program storylines.

Eick's presentation will be followed by a sit-down discussion with Battlestar Galactica co-supervising producer and writer David Weddle. Weddle's credits also include supervising producer of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and author of 2001's critically-acclaimed biography "If They Move, Kill 'Em! - The Life and Times of Sam Peckinpah."

Situation Report

A ton of interviews and news items....

Richard Huff of The Daily News spoke to Kate Vernon. Rick Bentley of McClatchy Newspapers talked to Vernon and Ron Moore.

Tahmoh Penikett has been doing lots of press to promote BSG's final eps, and the debut of Joss Whedon's Dollhouse. He talked to Timeout Chicago, Zap2It, and the Boston Herald.

Kat Angus of Canwest News Service interviewed Katee Sackhoff about the end of BSG and the beginning of Lost and Found. (And Starbuck makes a top ten list.)

Jamie Bamber reflects on the end of BSG and promotional photos of his work on Law And Order: London are online via pu5h1n6_da15135 of the BSG LJ blog.

Aaron Douglas spoke to io9 about the final 5 cylons, and the the endgame for the series. (No spoilers.)

Kandyse McClure talked to MediaBlvd Magazine about her end on Battlestar Galactica, and her new work on Children of the Corn, and other projects.

Galactica TV has recent interviews with Grace Park, Jane Espenson, Nicki Clyne and Micheal Tayles.

Dean Stockwell is scheduled to appear at the upcoming Leap Back Quantum Leap Convention in Los Angeles, California, March 27-29, 2009 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Quantum Leap.

Other news and notes: Kevin Smith mentioned BSG at a talk at Ohio State University... Battlestar Galactica leads in shout-outs on other TV shows (like The Office.) ...Dvice's Steampunk Cylon contest continues... Viper cars, and bento boxes...

Upcoming comic books continue the story of BSG and Cylon history, in Ghosts and Cylon War.

Cylon Intrigue

The new David Eick video blog explores the nature of Cylons and the real development of Posthumans is pondered.

From Jimmy Kimmel Live, Tricia Helfer:

Aloha

Hello frakheads...as I am departing for Hawaii today for a week vacation, just wanted to pop over and say that I probably won't be seeing the show right away tomorrow. (::gasp::) And I probably won't be here for all the chatting on the open thread. Logan will handle it.

Below are a few things I just had to share on my way out of the continent.

A very special, unofficial SciFi Grrl-Powered Friday Block starts tomorrow -- an ethereal 6-week period (from now through the end of BSG's airdates, sigh) that includes the following shows back-to-back every Friday night:

8:00 p.m. - TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES (Fox), featuring BSG expats Toni Graphia, Stephanie Jacobsen, and BSG fanboy Josh Friedman (showrunner). Their spines don't glow, but this show has got some pretty tremendous femmebots.

9:00 p.m. - DOLLHOUSE (Fox), featuring BSG expats Jane Espenson, Tahmoh Penikett, and Mark Sheppard (who apparently will appear as soon as the second episode), and BSG fanboy Joss Whedon (co-creator). Programmable ladies? We know our programmable ladies over here at Sitrep.

10:00 p.m. - BSG. If you still haven't had your fill of women with guns, emo lawmen, ethically-challenged scientists, badassery, living on the edge of armageddon, and robot powerplays by the time our show has ended at 11 tonight...well...I really don't know what to do for you.


Frak me...am I dreaming this?




The SciFi.com schedulebot has what seems to be the final schedule for the season finale on March 20th. Apparently the rest of BSG's air dates are happening just as fans had hoped, with no breaks from now to the end:

Feb 13
417: No Exit
[Also note SciFi is running a marathon of all season 4.0 eps beginning at 8am tomorrow morning.]

Feb 20
418: Deadlock

Feb 27
419: Someone to Watch Over Me

March 6
420: Islanded In A Stream Of Stars

March 13
421: Daybreak Part 1

March 20
422: Daybreak Parts 2 & 3

Enjoy the ride.

TVWeek: What shows on TV do you have to watch?
Joss Whedon: “Battlestar Galactica” is back on, so, you know, life is worth living again.

Salon: Along with "Buffy" expat Eliza Dushku, you have "Battlestar Galactica" star Tahmoh Penikett in "Dollhouse." Are you a Galactica obsessive? 

Joss Whedon: Um, I think obsessive is too light a word. I absolutely adore it. It's my favorite show ever. Come on, it's "The West Wing" with space battles. It covers all of my needs. I watch their storytelling and go, "Oh, so that's how it's done. Fuck."

Cons: Starfury and New York Comic Con

For those of us who can never make it over to the UK for Sean Harry's fantastic Starfury cons, a fan known as hobbitofkobol has done us a lovely favor and transcribed the sessions at last month's Q&A sessions with Tahmoh Penikett, Nicki Clyne, Jennifer Halley, Michelle Forbes, Katee Sackhoff, James Callis and Mark Sheppard. Terrific photos (some of which we've borrowed here) provided by fan benelie. BRAVO.

By the by if you are in the neighborhood and can get to one of Starfury's events, every fan I've talked to about these cons just loves them. The next BSG one is Mission Starfury in November 2009. Go if you can!

Speaking of good conventions: the New York Comic Con is coming up Feb 6-8. As you can see from their official schedule (and this blog by con Director Lance Festerman) no official BSG panels seem to be happening, which is a shame. Though the con does say: “Most Movie and TV Panels are Still Not Announced – And Will Be Revealed Closer To NYCC.”



There are some BSG-related events on the books: a ton of BSG comic book related panels; Tahmoh Penikett at a DOLLHOUSE panel with Joss Whedon where they will screen part of the first episode and giveaway some posters; Mark Sheppard at the SEGA booth promoting THE CONDUIT; there is a panel about the web series EMMISARY, which co-stars Aaron Douglas. SuperBSGfan Seth Green and his ROBOT CHICKEN posse are doing a panel as well. Last year's RC panel was the best thing I saw at NYCC last year other than the all-cylon BSG panel, make sure to be there if you’re attending!

In the news...

Bear McCreary's music will be performed in Europe:

March 7th, 2009 will mark the first European performance of my music: The World Premiere of “Prelude to War” by the Hagen Philharmonic and Ballet of the Hagen Theatre in Germany. It will run throughout the spring, for 13 weeks.

“Prelude” is based on my scores for Battlestar Galactica, incorporating music from all four seasons. The orchestra will be in the pit, but the taiko drums will share the stage with the dancers, incorporating their movements and energy into the visual performance. This ballet tells no specific narrative, but rather allows the dancers, lights, taiko drum ensemble and full orchestra to come together and support the story within the music itself.

The Fresno Bee and Sci-Fi Wire talked with Ron Moore and Kate Vernon.

From The Daily Journal:

San Mateo native Michael Trucco spent lunchtime Tuesday with the Battlestar Galactica class at Crystal Springs Uplands School. Yes, the handsome movie and small screen star is a hometown boy. Yes, Crystal Springs Uplands has a special elective class devoted to studying the sci-fi drama. And yes, there is plenty to learn about history, psychology and sociology from Battlestar Galactica.

Kandyse McClure talks about Children of the Corn to Sci-Fi Wire.

At the Phoenix Comicon Aaron Douglas hung out with Wil Wheaton.

DVICE and ScreenRant ask, Enterprise vs. Galactica: Who Would Win?

Take a look at the single largest gathering of Battlestar Galactica in Lego.

Rob Loftis reviews the book, Cylons in America.

An article from George Reisch adapted from “I am a Cylon,” by Richard Hanley in Battlestar Galactica: Mission Accomplished or Mission Frakked Up?, finds a way to compare Battlestar Galactica, and Bernard Madoff.