I'm getting that tingly feeling again...must be time for Comic Con rumors!

RDM playing nice in the halls of Comic Con 2008...

First bits and pieces of Comic Con 2009 panel info, both rumored and officially announced, have begun to trickle onto the blogosphere this past week for some of the TV and film projects. I'll be tracking a lot of both over on FanGrrl Magnet if you are curious.

But to the question that you dear readers most want here at Sitrep...what about BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and CAPRICA?

Nothing has been announced by Sci Fi/NBCU yet, but Seat42F says all nets and studios have had their Comic Con meetings and made their decisions. I've been poking some sources hoping for more info. It's a bit soon to do a CAPRICA panel, given production is starting next month, the cast and crew will be busy, and there wouldn't be any new footage in time for the Con.

My money is on a panel for THE PLAN, which airs this September November on SciFi.

Watch this space...



[Speaking of cons and plans, did you know Ron Moore is the announced Guest Of Honor at this year's London MCM Expo? And that Olmos recently said this about THE PLAN?]

Time Sensitive

A couple of time-sensitive things have popped up this week, so let me post them all here right away:

There is a contest over at Wet Paint BSG Wiki to win a CAPRICA pilot film DVD, which asks you to guess how many BSG characters will still be standing at the end of the finale.

AfterEllen will be hosting a live chat online with BSG/CAPRICA writer/producer Jane Espenson, this Thursday at 9pm ET.

Something to read (and bitch about) before Friday night: Ron Moore discussing the fan theories that have popped up around Daniel The Cylon, during the podcast commentary for "Islanded in a Sea of Stars." Since we don't have a spoiler-cut here, I've posted a transcript at the BSG blog. Thanks to reader Trey for typing it up!

News about the BSG Blu-Ray set

We just got a very cool tip from reader Jack... he has a friend on the inside telling him Universal is releasing BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-Ray July 28, 2009. They are also preparing a Season 4.0/4.5/CAPRICA Pilot triple pack DVD to be released after the 4.5 finale.

Great news...hope it's true! If anyone hears anything more, let us know.

ETA: I just had most of the above confirmed by another good source. Digital Bits has also done. Whee.

TGIBSGF kids, vacation is over. See you on the Open Thread.

Has VIRTUALITY just been “Foxed”?

As several of you have emailed us to point out, Fox did their TCA presentation in Los Angeles the other day, and BATTLESTAR fans (as well as those poor Whedon fans) are soaking up a short but ominous statement by Fox exec Kevin Reilly about the 2-hour pilot for Ron Moore and Michael Taylor’s new SciFi show VIRTUALITY:

"It could air as is, and there's a certain segment of the audience that would flip over it, but it is, I think, right now a little bit too dense," Reilly said. "They shot a two-hour pilot, and I think the storytelling probably would have been served as a one-hour, so they're going in, and they're recutting, and we're going to look at it. It's pretty cool."

As we have mentioned before, there are signs on the wall that Fox has lost their appetite for this adventurous and smart pilot, even though they seemed excited about the great script that went into production last summer. Meanwhile, Fox is completely reshooting the pilot for another SciFi show they had been even more excited about publicly, BOLDLY GOING NOWHERE.

Are BSG fans getting their first taste of yet another case of a cool new sci-fi show “getting Foxed”? (Whedon fans: please don’t start crying, I can’t take it anymore. Seriously.)

It will be a darned frakkin shame if this project doesn’t make it to air. The script we got our hands on last year was pretty terrific and definitely something BSG fans will be interested in. Is Fox’s recent recommitment to SFF programming wavering already? Let’s hope not. And if they dump VIRTUALITY? Well…it sure would be great if HBO did a Sci-Fi show…look what they just did with vampires.


Meanwhile, Televisionary has procured an exclusive statement from Michael Taylor responding to this TCA news:

"Ron and I think the show is great as is. A lot of people definitely would dig it, and not just the Battlestar audience; this could have an even wider appeal, and as a network show it should. And we've also already cut it down quite a bit from its original two-hour run time to satisfy network concerns about pace and to prune some storylines.

But at the same time, Reilly's right about it being a little dense. It's dense in the same way Battlestar was/is, in that it introduces a bunch of complex, intriguing characters, along with a compelling sci-fi scenario with several layers to it. In other words, it's dense in the way good science fiction often is. The pilot puts a bunch of balls in the air but I think it does a great job of juggling those balls and setting up the scenario up in a way that makes it easy for the audience to understand without having to be hit over the heads with a lot of heavy-handed exposition. That said, it's definitely challenging material, the kind of story you need and want to pay attention to, especially in the pilot. But to us that's what made it so much fun to create, and what will ultimately pay off in series, by allowing us to tell exciting layered stories in the mold of shows like Lost (and Battlestar, of course)…”

What about you, dear readers? As some of you know, the pilot script was recently made available at SpoilerTV for anyone to see. Have you read it, and what did you think?

3 More Days. Keep Your Head Down.

ETA: It is the next morning...and another commenter posted a response to Adam's comments saying this is a bunch of baloney. Then again, I just read this. So...I say: you could survive for a few more days staying away from the danger zones...just in case. :)


I hope our reader Adam doesn't mind if I repost here something he just wrote in the comments section on an earlier post:

The identity of the Final Cylon has apparently leaked due to the Sci-Fi Channel letting the relevant episode's script be put on eBay. Pictures of the script seem to confirm who the person is.

As a result, if you don't want to be spoiled about the big reveals in this week's episode I would suggest avoiding any spoiler sites at all for the next few days. Duck and cover!

We have no idea if this is true. But be careful out there, spirgins...You may want to stay off the SciFi.com boards, io9.com, SpoilerTV, etc.

Another Coming Out Party?

Ain't It Cool News has posted some intriguing tidbits about BATTLESTAR GALACTICA's final set of mid-season bridge webisodes:

From one of our most reliable sources ever:

The new Battlestar Galactica webisodes "The Face of the Enemy" start going on line next month. Two recurring male characters are revealed to be gay.

One hears the first webisode was shown at some sort of Producers Guild event or something. Full-on making out was apparently part of the fun!

Who are the recurring males? Gaeta, whose very name has “gay” in it, never seemed too interested in the girls – but perhaps that’s too obvious?

My money’s on Tigh and Tyrol. Remember how sore Tigh got when he found out the chief was secretly boning Boomer? (source post/SPOILER ALERT)

We here at Sitrep can not only confirm this info -- we can give you a bit more. If you'd like to know for sure which two characters will be sucking face on screen in the webisodes, check out the comments section (SPOILER ALERT).

Sitrep is also hearing that the webisodes will premiere online in mid-December, though the Sci Fi Channel has yet to make any announcement. Last week The Futon Critic posted the webisodes are to be broadcast on air January 15.

News of CAPRICA?

That new T-shirt in the NBCU store got us hopeful that word might soon be coming on the fate of the BSG prequel series CAPRICA. Not to mention all that idle chatter this summer about a decision coming soon...about knowing something by September... etc, etc, etc.

Any of you who read the sci-fi site i09 have probably noticed that the Sci Fi Channel has been up to some interesting hijinks lately: putting way too many cooks in the kitchen at their hit show EUREKA…considering a network name change (“BEYOND”? Seriously?)…and announcing three new reality shows this past weekend during a digital press junket in Colorado -- while several of their scripted pilots (including CAPRICA) await word of life or death. For we fans of scripted (science-)fiction programming, the truth ain't pretty.

Now comes the latest rumor Sitrep is hearing: CAPRICA, if it gets picked up for series at all, won't get a decision from the Sci Fi Channel until February 2009. At the soonest.

So cool your heels, BSG fans...reality bites.

From the horse's mouth

Posted on Sci Fi Wire:

Battlestar Rumors Debunked

SCI FI Channel is calling "inaccurate" rumors that the second half of Battlestar Galactica's fourth and final season will be delayed and confirmed again that the original series will return with new episodes in January 2009.

Several Web sites, including io9 and Galactica Sitrep, have posted the rumors, reportedly based on comments made by Battlestar cast member Aaron Douglas at Dragon*Con.

The reports are erroneous, the channel confirmed to SCI FI Wire. "It is still slated to return January 2009," a spokesman for the channel said.

I love it when a plan comes together. Don't you?

Season 4.0 DVD rumors...and more SWAG

TV Shows on DVD has sources telling them the 4.0 DVD set will be released on December 30, 2008. Post-Christmas? Interesting.

NBCU has added more cool limited edition Comic-Con swag to the pile; in addition to the Toaster toaster, and the BEARS BEETS BATTLESTAR tee and bobblehead, they now have new items below. Click the photos to pre-order for purchase. These items are apparently only on sale till Comic-Con happens from July 23-27.

I Heart Toasters Tee

Pewter Galactica

Pewter Viper Mark II

Pewter Raider

Halfway To Nerdvana

Thanks to friend of the blog The One True b!X, we were alerted that half the Comic Con schedule, for Thursday and Friday programming only, was posted last night without fanfare. It has since been taken down, but we saved PDFs for download here. [ETA: Comic Con's David Glanzer left a comment on the Spout blog saying these are not final schedules.]

The BSG-related panels listed for these two days are:

Thursday, July 24

• 11:15am-12:15pm - 30th Anniversary Battlestar Galactica Panel: Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek/Apollo), Bear McCreary (BG composer), producer Tom DeSanto (Transformers, X-Men), Dr. Kevin Grazier (science consultant), and surprise guests present an in-depth discussion of the Battlestar universe from the classic to the re-imagined and beyond, including BSG trailers and Q&A.

• 11:45am-12:45pm - Knight Rider: First Look at the New Series and Q&A with Cast and Executive Producers. Room 6A. *castmember Paul Campbell (formerly "Billy" on BSG) is scheduled to attend with the rest of the cast.
  

• 10:00-11:00am - Kings: Exclusive Sneak Peek Screening and Q&A with Cast and Executive Producers. Kings is a contemporary re-imagining of the timeless tale of David and Goliath, an epic story of greed and power, war and romance, forbidden loves and secret alliances, and a young hero who rises to power in a modern-day kingdom. Be the first to see an exclusive sneak peek from the two-hour pilot. Moderated by Greg Grunberg (Heroes), the panel includes a Q&A with creator/executive producer Michael Green (Heroes), director/executive producer Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), executive producer Erwin Stoff (I Am Legend), and the cast: Golden Globe winner Ian McShane (Deadwood), Chris Egan (Resident Evil: Extinction), Susanna Thompson (Star Trek: Voyager), Sebastian Stan (Gossip Girl), and Allison Miller (Seventeen Again). Room 6B * We list this because BSG's Kevin Fahey has just joined their writing staff. Also because we follow Ian McShane wherever he goes nowadays.

• 11:00am-12:00pm - Professional Writing: Threat or Menace? Let's talk writing, creativity, and selling (and selling out), and what the world of professional writing is like. Questions that you've always wanted to ask? Creative blocks bugging you? Wondered what the H*O*L*L*Y*W*O*O*D life is really like? Show up and get answers to those questions. This no-holds-barred talk is moderated by J. Michael Straczynski. Room 5AB * I'm listing this one because I wanted to make Logan's day. He's a fan. :D
  

Friday, July 25

• 1:00-2:00pm - Production Designers: For the second consecutive year, Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to interact with a lineup of master production designers—the artists responsible for creating the looks of today’s most celebrated sci-fi/fantasy films and television. Organized by the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, these production designers will show clips, answer questions, and share their methods for creating imaginary worlds and convincing environments. Participating panelists (listed alphabetically) include Richard Hudolin (Battlestar Galactica, Caprica), Alex McDowell (Watchmen, Corpse Bride), J. Michael Riva—(Iron Man, Spider-Man 3),—Barry Robison (Wolverine, The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader). Moderating the panel is John Muto, designer of Terminator 2 3D, Species, and Home Alone. Room 32AB

• 6:00-7:00pm - Exceeding Expectations and Exploring New Worlds: Feature Effects for the Small Screen. Zoic Studios moderates a discussion with VFX supervisors on their passion for creating narrative enhancing, eye-popping effects for television. Some of the best in the business discuss future trends as well as their contribution to the television series Heroes, Battlestar Galactica, The Middleman, Lost, Eureka, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Smallville, and the new fall show Fringe. Room 32AB

No official word yet on the Holy Grail that is Saturday's schedule, but I have cobbled together the following:

• The Saturday BSG panel may include Tricia Helfer, James Callis, and other "human/cylon couples" such as Katee Sackhoff and Michael Trucco (source); and may include Kevin Smith (source). This would be great, since Smith was a hilariously good moderator of the 2007 BSG panel at New York Comic Con. This is what Tricia had to say recently in a long interview:
  

Question: How busy are you going to be at COMIC CON in a couple of weeks?
Helfer: I’m sure I’m going to be pretty busy. I think Battlestar is sending down some Cylon human couples, so I know I’ll be there with Baltar and Starbuck will be there with Anders, so it should be a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to it.

Question: Are you going to do anything with Burn Notice at COMIC CON?
Helfer: I don’t know yet actually. I will certainly be willing. I just haven’t heard yet.

• The Saturday evening TV Guide New Series panel will include Ron Moore discussing VIRTUALITY, as well as Jason Smilovic (formerly with BIONIC WOMAN) for MY OWN WORST ENEMY and others. (source)
  

• Mark Verheiden has mentioned he will be at Nerdvana as well:

…it appears that I'll be involved in the Dark Horse panel at the big San Diego convention later in July. Bruce Campbell will also put in an appearance and clips from the long awaited My Name Is Bruce will be on display. I haven't got an exact time yet but it will be Saturday, and hopefully won't collide with the Battlestar panel, which promises to be a star-studded affair. Otherwise I don't have any panels scheduled, so I'll just be wandering the halls looking at a expensive comic books and meeting up with old pals.

More as it becomes available!

• Famous BSG fans Seth Green, Joss Whedon and Kevin Smith are busy as all heck this year at Comic Con. Green will be there for ROBOT CHICKEN, and with Seth McFarlane for FAMILY GUY (which will be a big hoot). His NY Comic Con panel was HILARIOUS, I highly recommend you see him do something, anything. Whedon is promoting his Buffy Comics and internet musical DOCTOR HORRIBLE'S SINGALONG BLOG on Friday, and TV show DOLLHOUSE on Saturday. Smith will do his own panel for all topics including his new film ZACK & MIRI MAKE A PORNO (we hear there may be a new red band trailer to see), participate in EW's Visionaries: Filmmakers panel, and mod a panel hosted by Spike TV's Scream Awards, called "Spike Salutes the Women of Sci-Fi."

Katee gaming again?

According to Resistance 2 gamer fans, Katee Sackhoff may be playing the role of a military psychologist (with "a Mitzi Gaynor quality" LOL), in what some say is a new ARG designed by the folks who created the infamous "I Love Bees" ARG for Halo.

Feel like playing? I suggest you read this.


[Big tip o' my hat to greycoupon]

“I saw the box set.” / Interviews & Rumor

"Yeah, he’s the one."

KTV’s Korbi has posted a fantastic interview with Mary McDonnell on Zap2It, in which she discusses Roslin, Adama, Leeland, the final season…and The End. Boy does that lady give good interview, huh?

Speaking of giving good interview: I know we linked to Jamie Bamber’s live call-in discussion with the Shaun Omac radio show before…but it’s a great interview, and they just put up a full transcript of it – so here it is again.

A trusted source tells me it is very possible that Jamie Bamber will be at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. Although the participants in the BSG panel that day are unconfirmed, Jamie may attend to promote the DVD release of his film PULSE 2. For those of you who bought your first-ever Comic-Con tickets and are planning the trip, the Mark Sheppard fans over at Planet 715 have a terrific, detailed SDCC Survival Guide.

IGN spoke with Tricia Helfer and Katee Sackhoff outside the Dome premiere last week. By the way, Tricia Helfer fans: Hulu has added all of BURN NOTICE season 1 to their programming this week, if you want to catch up with the show before Tricia begins her arc on season 2 next month.

SyFy Radio broadcast a previously-taped interview with BSG writer/producer David Weddle the other night.

One of the Hypaspace writers blogged about how she went so fangirl while interviewing Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell recently for the HypaSpace podcast, that she almost lost it. Heh. (btw I hope you have been hearing all their great podcast interviews this season with many of the BSG cast; check them out here.)

Frakking Nukes?

We now have several short comments from three (possibly four) of the BATTLESTAR GALACTICA writer/producers regarding the final shot of "Revelations"...for your endlessly enjoyable speculating pleasure.

Mo Ryan managed to track down Bradley Thompson the day after the broadcast, and posted the following in the comments on this entry in Alan Sepinwall's blog:

No sleep til January. Or until Ron's podcast comes out. At least regarding the bridge question.

At 2 in the morning last night, I had a million questions for the writers of last night's ep, David Weddle and Bradley Thompson. But I only put one question in my email to them -- I asked if the bridge was in fact the Brooklyn Bridge.

Here's Bradley's answer: "You're going to have to continue wondering about the bridge. Check Ron's podcast when it comes out."

More generally, he said, "People seem to be asking the right questions."

Mark Verheiden answered questions for fans over at Comic Mix one more time this week, and had this to say:

CMix (from reader Avery): Was that the Brooklyn Bridge in the background of the final scene? Are they on Ellis Island?

MV: Anything I might say or not say about that last sequence could be construed as a spoiler, so I’m afraid you’ll just have to wait until the next bunch of episodes. Given the other questions I’ve been receiving since the episode ran, I may have to put that particular demur on a hot key, since it will be my standard answer re: anything involving the next episodes.

But as long as we’re discussing the last scene, may I give a shout out, as usual, to the incredible FX team who once again pulled out all the stops for this episode? And for that matter, the props and play-back guys. Kara’s discovery in her Viper plays because the visual information is so clear and dynamic.

Jane Espenson touched on the topic in a letter published the other day on TV Squad:

The beauty of this episode is in its urgency, in the tumbling breathless slide that lands us on that grim gray unfamiliar beach... It's so gray, in fact, that I think it earns the British spelling. It's grey, which is even worse.

And -- oh -- that haunting devastated city there, with the massive ruined temple and our people trying to find their footing in a strange dead city I did not recognize... that image just kills me.

Lots of open questions now...not the least of which would be what lead to Earth/”Earth” becoming that wretched nuclear wasteland. Or, just a wasteland.

Follow up on news and rumors

Two of our favorite Professional Fangrrls, Maureen Ryan at The Chicago Tribune and Jennifer Godwin at E!Online, have taken things a tad further in the news department this week by prodding their own sources.

From Ryan:

According to well-informed sources, it’s almost certain that at least one “Battlestar Galactica” TV movie will be made this year.

Here’s even better news: The last-ever episode of “Battlestar” will run three hours, which means that final part of Season 4 will be 11 hours long....

Regarding the “Battlestar” TV movie, as "Razor" did, it will probably air on Sci Fi first then be released on DVD within days (the preceding sentence was updated with new information from a Sci Fi rep). There’s no word on who will be in the movie, what it will be about and when it will air. All of that is still to be determined.

From Godwin:

I talked to Dave Howe, Sci Fi Channel president, and you guys are definitely going to have to wait half a year for the final 10 episodes of Battlestar Galactica. He told me that, "[It will premiere] first quarter next year—we haven't fixed a final date, but we don't want to keep the fans waiting too long."

...The proposed Battlestar Galactica spinoff Caprica (starring Esai Morales, Paula Malcolmson and Eric Stotlz) is officially still just a two-hour movie, but based strictly on the enthusiasm of Howe and NBC Universal chief of cable programming Bonnie Hammer, I'd say that Caprica is getting picked up. Howe wasn't making any promises yet, but he said, "Based on the casting and the writing and talent involved, I think it's going to be spectacular." Hammer agrees that it's good stuff: "The dailies look amazing." Yay!

Both pieces have other fun tidbits...go on over and read them fully!

TGIF folks.

*happy dancing*

A year on CAPRICA? Let's hope so.

The Doctor and Mrs Who radio show folks were at it again last night, dropping news that they assure us is from a reliable source.

Their sources tell them that CAPRICA has already received a 13 episode series order while the 2-hour "backdoor pilot" film is still shooting this month in Vancouver.

I'll let you in on a little secret of my own: like the Watch With Kristin folks, I have also managed to get my hands on the CAPRICA pilot script (dated 2006). And peoples, let me tell you, it is GOOD. You will be very, very pleased. Without spoiling anything further, I will say that Watch With Kristin was quite accurate in their descriptions of characters and concepts. But they left out a few truly fascinating wider story elements that will give BATTLESTAR GALACTICA fans a ton more to ponder and chew on. It will give you some cool new perspective on BSG -- and I say this before even seeing "Revelations," not to mention 4.5.

Based on what I read, the casting is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT all around. I can't wait to see how it turns out. And for those of you who sort of freaked out about the DALLAS or AMERICAN BEAUTY comparisons -- yes, it is a drama. But it is a Sci Fi drama, and other comparisons come to mind, such as thought-provoking films METROPOLIS and A.I., and even some aspects of MINORITY REPORT. Now remember, I only read a script so I can't say how it will look, feel, etc. But they've got a powerful starting point with these words on paper. Be happy.

Whether we see a 13-episode series, or just 2 hours of CAPRICA, BSG fans will be getting a fascinating new window opened up on Caprican (and Tauron) society. Meanwhile the show's look and design is apparently in the capable hands of BSG miniseries Cinematographer Joel Ransom and BSG series Production Designer Richard Hudolin. I hope the awesome digital effects team currently working on BSG will have time to jump in on CAPRICA's effects.

And if they do go to series, let's cross our fingers that some of our favorite writers go on staff, huh?


Speaking of Richard Hudolin: io9 recently featured him in their piece 10 Hollywood Designers to Watch Out For.

More about these TV movies

So people are wondering what is going on with these rumored BATTLESTAR GALACTICA movies, especially after last night's Dome event and the vaguely positive statements Ron Moore made during the panel.

Sitrep's sources are telling us that the BSG writer/producers just got contracts from the studio for these three TV movies today. This is a "step deal" which means the studio can greenlight one, two or three of the proposed films as they like. The BSG team has made a "pay or play" deal for the first film -- that means it is very likely the first film is a go, people!

Given that everyone's contracts are ending with the series wrap this month, I would imagine the studio would never have offered actual contracts without checking with cast and crew to determine feasability.

In other words: forget your hiatus, c'mon get happy.

BTW, we've got a poll running on our right-side column asking what you'd like to see in these TV movies - please vote!

Live at the Cinerama Dome

[photo by Mojo]

Mojo has posted a great, spoiler-free report from last night's event. Besides the moving statements from the team as they wrap the show this month, and answers to audience questions, there were some fun tidbits for us about various Galacticaverse projects:

All expressed great affection for the show, which is currently shooting the two three hour finale. Rather than being sad to see it end, the general consensus was a feeling of pride to have been part of such a incredible, unique series...Much to the delight of the crowd, it was revealed that the potential DVD movies are still in play, and while the cameras are not quite ready to roll yet, fans should remain optimistic...Based on past experience, I wouldn’t be surprised if we had another chance at communal viewing for the series finale...

The fans who attended returned home and began posting on this skiffy thread, both comments and wonderful photos. There are apparently comments being left on the LA Times Envelope forum as well by attendees...that may have spoilers...so I didn't go to find a link for y'all. Knock yerselves out.

In a move that surpasses anything our fandom has seen in the past, Ron Moore apparently got up before the crowd just before the screening of "Revelations" and had everyone raise their right hand and swear a spirginal pledge, to keep what they saw last night a secret till Friday. Ron you are the man.

[self portrait with RDM by gloanova]

All of the blogger reports from The Futon Critic, SciFi Heaven, and Malor have kept to this pledge, so spirgins you are safe to read. More as it appears. Also: hey yeah...why doesn't RDM let La Sackhoff come to a podcast session once in a while?

Meanwhile you spoiler whores can go play here, here, here...and godsknows plenty of other places. *turns away from you*

Let me leave you with another gorgeous shot courtesy of the hardest working fanphotographer in the Galacticaverse, Scarbuck:


Don't forget that "Revelations" will be streaming, apparently IN ITS ENTIRETY, this Friday on SciFi.com from 9am to 4pm Eastern. *squee*

ETA: There are a lot of sites linking here, so we wanted to also point out we've posted more coverage of the Dome premiere here, here, and here.  Party on!

More wicked cool rumors

The Doctor and Mrs. Who radio show broadcast another new rumor last night. Their production source is telling them that the two-part series finale which begins shooting next week might get extended to a three-hour event, adding one more hour to BATTLESTAR GALACTICA’s fourth and final season. Apparently The Sci Fi Channel will be making a decision whether or not to do this within the week.

Great news if true…

ETA: Jamie Bamber just gave this moderately spoilery interview to Zap2It, in which he confirms a three-hour finale is possible. Bamber News has posted an edited version with most of the spoilers removed.

More Doctor and Mrs. Who dish

Tonight’s live Doctor and Mrs. Who Radio Show claimed to have even more scoopy news from their inside sources this week. The Chicago Tribune's Maureen Ryan called into the show to confirm she is hearing some of the same things from her own BATTLESTAR GALACTICA sources. The Doctor says that he has heard:

• For reasons that were similarly voiced by a production source to SyFy Portal recently, it does seem possible that CAPRICA could get a 10-12 episode order before the pilot film actually airs. The two-hour film (considered a “back-door pilot”) will need to be shot and shown to the network before any decisions are made. IMHO, it would be interesting to see if Sci Fi Channel could have the courage of their conviction and do what many other cable networks do: greenlight the whole darned series.
  

• The contracts with Ron Moore and the rest of the BSG writing/producing team have now been signed to make all three TV films after Season 4 is wrapped. If the required cast are available, the first film could go into production this summer once season 4’s finale is done shooting. However, all bets are off at the moment about cast and crew availability for these films, and the scripts cannot be created without knowing which characters are available. Nothing has been written yet. Meanwhile, if there is a SAG strike this summer, shooting might be delayed.

No official announcements about any of this have happened yet. More as it develops.

Videos you should ask for

Due to popular demand, G4 Network has posted two more videos from the "Music of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA" concerts in LA last month, this time full videos of entire songs. BSG composer Bear McCreary also notes on his blog that all the video from the concert - including the hilarious "documentary" film screened at the shows -- are candidates for inclusion as extras on upcoming BSG DVD sets:

We are in the process of putting together a video of the complete concert and the documentary we premiered. Fear not. You will all get a chance to see this thing. I don’t know how yet… maybe I can convince Universal to include it on the Season 4 DVD, maybe we’ll release it online, maybe I’ll burn DVDs myself and leave them at bus-stops. But, it will get out there, I promise!

In all seriousness, though… some enthusiastic noise from the fan community will really help get this concert footage on the Season 4 DVD. So, if you want to see this, help out by drumming up some support online.

Sounds like something worth writing to NBC Universal's TV on DVD department about...doesn't it?


Meanwhile, for whatever reason, apparently fandom still has not stepped up to give enough pre-orders for production of this cool FedCon DVD set to commence. Come on now, fans of Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber, Michelle Forbes, Nicki Clyne and Leah Cairns...send in those pre-orders! They are pretty close but not there yet.

Maybe this will encourage you to take the plunge: the DVD producers have now got a site up (bilingual English/German) with clips of their high-quality interview footage from the con.

All you need to do is send a pre-order email, committing to pay a measly $30/20 Euros for 6 hours of footage! And remember to mention if you want NTSC or PAL DVD format.


[Can I get that BSG lounging robe that James Callis is wearing above, at the same shop where Lucy Lawless found her BSG "Frak Me" hotpants? Are these on the NBCU online store yet?]