This week we begin our spool-up to the awesome Trek XI with a re-watch of Trek II: The Wrath of Khan! We’re also joined by special guest Roger Nygard, producer/director of Trekkies and Trekkies 2. Highlights: we discuss the cultural differences between early Trek and TNG forward and the cultural significance of Trekdom, explain why TOS is still relevant regardless of dated SFX and hairstyles, hear the Audra hair report (think Whitesnake video), offer proper respect for Khan’s pecs, enjoy the inspiring depth of Kirk and Spock’s friendship, note that if Sean were transported to the Trek universe he’d be Bones, wonder again why the creature-in-the-ear scene is so disturbing, and encourage listeners to catch Trek III if possible even though we’re heading forward to IV next week.
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Besides taking some listener calls regarding the finale, we’re joined by special guest Michael Hogan, who gave us what’s likely the best BSG wrap-up experience we’re likely to find. Thanks again to everyone who attended the first annual GWC National Meetup! Look for our regularly-scheduled podcast tomorrow morning.
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Clockwise from left: the Hub, Lady D, Topgun, Apollymy, bkitty
I’ve got so much to say about this past weekend- so for now I’ll post a few things and come back later when I’ve slept and am more coherent… 
These last few days I have been surrounded by the funniest, kindest, smartest, warmest group of people in the world. People who’d never met in person were sharing jokes, finishing each other’s sentences, breaking into song, and saying things all at once, like right before we watched the finale- Chuck made an announcement to everyone and said the word “crap” and about fifty people all jumped in with “craaaaaaaap.” Then, laughter as everyone realized how much we were all on the same wavelength and how fun this was going to be.
I hate my smile. It always looks to me like I should be onstage with my brothers Simon and Theodore – singing at double speed. So I normally scowl, it accomplishes several things, people leave you alone and no chipmunk-cheeks. How I feel about my appearance didn’t stop me from grinning like an idiot the entire weekend of the meetup though. Why? Because for the first time in as long as I can remember I was in crowded rooms I felt completely comfortable in.
I didn’t notice it at first but about three quarters of the way through the final BSG episode my wife Shannon (Mrs. Sean) leans over to me and says, “You’re so relaxed considering the crowd you’re in. I figured you’d be a wreck by now.” It was then I knew that for the very first time I was in a room packed completely full of good friends and family. Sounds sappy I know but it’s totally true. I stood up and went to the side of the room where I was sitting and took a picture right at the moment so I could remember it. The whole rest of the weekend I kept looking around trying to burn the scene and faces permanently into my brain.
We watch the BSG finale with GWCers from around the country and world this week, then podcast live from the first GWC National Meetup in Frisco, TX. Highlights: Well, as far as I’m concerned this cast’s highlight is the audience. Together we make sense of BSG’s wrap-up episode, diving into deep issues like who is Starbuck, whether technology controls the nature of man, why freedom is worth the risk, and what might happen next. Thank you so much to all of you who attended the taping and all of you who listened live. (And we’ll see you back next week for the leadup to new Trek!)
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According to TVWeek.com and Twitter, the SciFi network is finally ridding itself of its geeky image by changing its name to the slick new “SyFy,” which will attract the desirable demographics of hot women and people who hate science fiction.
After years of suffering the stigma of “geeks and dysfunctional, antisocial boys in their basements with video games,” SyFy’s savvy new marketing scheme will move the network away from hokey aliens, outer space, and futuristic worlds to better programs like Extreme Championship Wrestling, reality shows, and cutting-edge tv movies.
When the 18-to-34 techno-savvy crowd agreed unanimously that “SyFy” was how you’d text someone if you wanted to say “Sci-Fi,” the president of the network, Dave Howe, said “It made us feel much cooler, much more cutting-edge, much more hip, which was kind of bang-on what we wanted to achieve communication-wise.” One network source, who refused to be identified discussing such an exciting matter, said “The SciFi network has always hated science fiction. Science, fiction, yuck. Now we can finally show our fans what we’re really made of.”
Experts believe the new name will launch the SciFi network, which holds a long-established reputation for having its finger on the pulse of its consumer community, into a new arena of loyal fandom. Proof: when asked whether “Syfy” sounded cooler and less alieny and spacey than “SciFi,” 9 out of 10 people on the street told us to f#@% off.
It’s the penultimate BSG episode! Highlights: We discuss meeting Baltar’s father and the episode’s dramatic deepening of Caprica Six and her relationship with Baltar, tear into the heady philosophical questions of what makes one human and what God is, note how each flashback shows us a key beginning that made the show’s current state possible, enjoy seeing the last time Roslin was a whole person, ponder the final moments of Cavil’s plan and the fate of Hera, and offer up some final predictions (and hopes) before the finale next week. Note: Next week’s podcast will feature a live studio audience from the GWC National Meetup!
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Join GWCers in reading and discussing the GWC Book for July and August, Michael Chabon, The Yiddish Policeman’s Union.
We’re in the final countdown to the end of BSG — only two episodes left. Highlights: We wonder if Anders has become the new Galactica hybrid, try to puzzle out the meaning of the projected “betrayal house,” ponder Hera’s future, recognize the human recognition of cylon worth via a mass funeral, feel for Helo’s sad situation with Athena, enjoy Baltar’s return to Baltardom (but suspect it will end badly), realize that we should have known from the beginning the the fate of the show is tied to the fate of the Galactica, plus take some time out to discuss the latest (incredible) Trek trailer.
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My homie David0207 sent me a link to a trailer. I viewed it. A bloodlust roar started in my gut and worked its way to my throat. My arms were pumping in the air before I knew what was happening. My head tilted up and the fury of sound escaped. Viewed from outside my body you might surmise a Klingon is passing into the next world.
Terminator Salvation is coming.
View the new trailer. Then look me in the eye and tell me this wasn’t worth the wait. Tell me this isn’t what the world needed to be whole.
I leave it to you.
Terminator Salvation [Yahoo Movies]
Generally we don’t cover a ton of fantasy on the cast but I’m a huge fan of anything with magic, swords or dragons in it. Legend of the Seeker has all three. As well as hot, Florentine fighting guardians, wise-cracking wizards and a sword that’s thousands of years old.
My favorite character is the afore mentioned wizard named Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander (Zed) who many years ago played the rather kooky chopper pilot Jedediah the Pilot from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. At first I wasn’t sure how he’d pull this type of role off but as it turns out he does a bang up job.
If you’re not a fan of the show let me give you some general info that might help you engage. First off, the style is very much like Xena or Hercules. It’s the same location and crew. The graphics/effects are better and the casting as I mentioned works out great. It’s a total fantasy type story. You know, a young lad learns about life, falls in love with a girl he can’t have and wields a magic sword in the name of justice and truth. The thing is, it works. Always has.
Swords and magic don’t do it for you eh? How about a Mord Sith? As I understand it they’re always on the lookout for a solid date and are willing to bring you back to their place. Of course there are a few down sides like excruciating pain, the torment of your friends and life in a dungeon – but on the whole it may be worth it… that outfit is killer.
Legend Of The Seeker [Website]
It’s a great thing when the virtual world lines up with our own real life personalities. Playing through on Fable II the second time (slightly less angelic than my last run) my character was recruited by the Assassination Society. One of the first contracts was my favorite.
This fine pic is a death warrant. The guild wanted this menace put down… publicly. My character was only too happy to oblige. What’s her crime? Always correcting other people’s grammer. [heartfelt sigh] This is a group of people after my own heart.
It was quite a pleasure to complete the contract. Laura – and her constant corrections – were silenced on the streets of Old Bowerstone with a single shot from my augmented master pistol. I totally had a Pulp Fiction moment. Standing there with my golden pistol shining in the sun with half a dozen witnesses looking on my character shouted, “Correct my pronunciation one more frakken time.” Then kicked off the safety and fulfilled the contract.
Let this stand as a notice to all those who relish this twisted practice, your time is at an end. The uneducated, unwashed, uncouth, bastard children of bad communication skills have something for you. And we deliver… publicly.
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