Science Fiction Newsletter: Volume 1 Issue 6 • s********s@***.com 15/06/1998 00:00:000 UTC THE SCI-FI GUYS Volume 1; Issue 6 Welcome to the Sci-fi Guys, a free biweekly e'zine for fans of science fiction, fantasy and humor. Distribute freely and often and/or post on the Usenet; Tack to telephone poles; Call up senior citizens at the retirement home and read it to them; Print it out, put it in a bottle, and throw it into the ocean; Make it your screensaver; Get it made into a tattoo. Content: I Long Range Scan: News/Rumors with strained humor(s) II The Idea Arena: Should Dr. Who be played by a woman? III Sci-Guy Views: Retrospective Review: The Truman Show Audio Review: Envoy: A Captain Sulu Adventure PC Game: Star Wars: Rebellion IV The Sci Fi Guy Says: Death and Disney V Sponsors: "Universal" Support VI Feedback: You said what? VII Who are we? Why are we still here? A Kosh-esq history of the Guys. I Long Range Scan by: Kevin Wagner X- Star? David Duchovny wants out? The actor who plays Agent Fox Mulder on the X-Files is making noises about leaving the hit show. The actor told Entertainment Weekly that he wished last season had been the last. Understandable, since most actors hope against hope their hit series would just go away. On the other hand, the L.A.Times reported X-Files creator Chris Carter is leaning toward signing a contract extension for two more years. A Kiss is Just A Kiss? Do Mulder and Scully kiss in X-Files: Fight the Future? Depends on who you ask. We have been told: Yes, No, and Yes, but it was cut from the film. Ah, Love.... For our female readers, David Duchovny did do a naked (from behind) scene, but it was cut from the movie. Which most of us guys appreciate. Scotty, Ya gotta get the mic online!?! In a totally unconfirmed rumor, a hidden source for Ain't It Cool News is reporting William Shatner (James Kirk) is up to replace the late Phil Hartman (Bill McNeal) on Newsradio. I'm speechless. An unusual state of being for me. The Hills are alive with the Sound of Shatner Speaking of Bill Shatner, the actor is looking to return to the big screen in a comic film titled Free Enterprise. The movie is about two would-be screenwriters who Shatner advises about life, love, . . . and a musical rendition of Julius Caesar? Shatner at one point sings a rap song called "No Tears for Caesar." Would I make that up? Strangely, the movie is still looking for a distributor. Does not a Starship by any other name smell as sweet? They have decided. Star Trek IX, formerly known as the Star Trek IX: The Movie without a bloody name, has been named Star Trek: Insurrection. Does that have something to do with Bosnia? Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Finale The hype machine has started for the season finale of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. We told you some time ago that Terry Farrell (Jadzia Dax) was leaving the show, and it appears the producers are going to make the exit dramatic, so Jadzia fans - be prepared. The episode will also bring the Dominion war to Cardassia. The season finale episode entitled "Tears of the Prophets," will air the week of June 15 in syndication. Guess that "Save Dax" petition was a loser. (More Dax in our Issue Arena). Star Trek Wins! Star Trek: Deep Space Nine has beaten out Xena: Warrior Princess for the top ratings spot in syndicated dramas in the 18-49 adult demographic. Good for Trek! Though Xena is welcome to visit our enterprise any time. Love in Space The latest Trek Movie rumors are circling the net. Rumor has it there is some love in store for Captain Jean Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes). Separately! Not that there is anything wrong with that. I wonder if Frakes used his directorial powers to get himself a little romance. Could Riker and Troi be back? Movie Time If you are watching Babylon 5, you're seeing some great sci-fi. It's a shame this will be the last season. There's only one more new episode before October (8pm EST on TNT). Repeats are weekdays at 7pm EST. Considering almost everything else is in reruns, give it a try. The Babylon 5 movie THIRDSPACE airs July 19th. Sliding Rates High Sliders brought the Sci-Fi Channel its highest ratings ever. The series, which follows a group of people who travel (Slide) between parallel worlds, received a 2.2 rating, and many of us fans don't even get the Sci-Fi Channel. Grr... Give Him a Cape Already The man just wants to be a superhero. Ain't it Cool News is reporting Nicolas Cage (Face Off), is being considered for the role of Lobo, the intergalactic bounty hunter/superhero from DC Comics. For those of you who haven't been paying attention, Cage was to play Superman before that movie was halted by a strange outbreak of common sense, which appears to have been cured. AARP for Superman? He's having a party. Superman, known to his admirers as the Man of Steel, turned 60 this year, though I believe year eleven is the "steel anniversary." The (fictional?) Kryptonian was the subject of a celebration in his adopted hometown of Metropolis, which reportedly really does exist, in Illinois? Surfing into the Sunset When I was a child, I remember the "moral" of the Super Friends cartoon was that even though each hero had a weakness, together they always prevailed. It seems the cartoon producers of today were not watching. Zentertainment reported there will be no Silver Surfer or Captain America animated shows due to differences between Marvel and Saban. Teamwork anyone? What a Woman! Speaking of childhood memories, anyone remember Linda Carter in a very skimpy outfit? She's back. The Sci-Fi channel will be airing the 70's series "Wonder Woman" Monday through Friday at 3:00 p.m. ET beginning June 29. Ah, those were the days. Roaring Back The very good, but barely watched Fox fantasy series Roar may be back as a mid-season replacement next year. In an interview with T.V. Guide, creator and executive producer Shaun Cassidy noted the remaining unaired episodes were some of the best they made. This was just one of those shows that was too interesting, intelligent, and original to make it. Well, there is always Love Boat. More Canceled Sci-Fi You will get a chance to say goodbye to ABC's meager attempt to enter the sci-fi market. ABC plans to show the remaining unaired episodes of Prey and Timecop. Prey will air Thursdays at 9:00 EST, beginning June 11 and Timecop will air Saturdays at 8:00 EST, starting June 20. Prey was dull, but decent; Timecop was lousy in any genre. Under the Rainbow? Peter Jackson is making a live action version of the Lord of the Rings in New Zealand. Which begs the question: Where does one look to cast a Hobbit? Mystery repeats itself Mystery Science Theater is back for its tenth season and its third on the Sci-Fi Channel. The show follows the antics of a wisecracking trio who make a running commentary on "B" science fiction movies. Come to think of it, that's not too different from us. Way Way Out There According to a report from Ultimate T.V., Star Trek: Voyager's Kate Mulgrew (Captain Katherine Janeway) will star in UPN's first "Way Out There Movie", Riddlers Moon. If these movies aren't done right, than Mystery Science Theater will have material for a few more seasons. Batman the Musical? Dark Horizons is reporting there is a Batman musical in development for Broadway. I know this must appear in Revelations somewhere. Who's Batman? Dark Horizons also is reporting George Clooney (ER) will likely return as the title character in Batman 5 with Kurt Russell possibly appearing as Commissioner Gordon. The new film is rumored to be much darker, or maybe that's just wishful thinking. They'll probably lighten it up so they can add a couple of McDonalds advertisements. Shannara meets Star Wars Terry Brooks, the popular author of the best-selling Shannara series, will be writing a novelization of the first Star Wars prequel. The novel is based on the screenplay by George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, and will contain all-new background material about the Star Wars universe. Brooks is an interesting choice, since his credentials are largely in the fantasy genre, though clearly he is a high caliber writer. Star Wars in Hiding? The Licensing '98 International Show came and went with no promotions for Star Wars: Episode Unnamed. Why didn't Lucas promote the upcoming movie to manufacturers and licensees? He doesn't have to. You don't need to market anything that could be the big talk of the show by not appearing. Cunning Jedi mind-trick. Additionally, there may be a Star Wars trailer on the X-Files movie, or maybe not. No one seems to be sure. Personally, I doubt it. Who's Who? Actor Michael Sheard, who you may recall from such episodes as "Pyramids of Mars," "Castrovalva" and "Remembrance of the Daleks," announced he has been contacted about playing Doctor Who in a movie titled "Doctor Who's Greatest Adventure." The film was initially intended as a third chapter of the Peter Cushing films from the 1960's. Most authoritative sources have downplayed the announcement as much ado about nothing, which pretty much sums up the state of Who. Outpost Gallifrey. Earth Theft According to a report from the Hollywood Reporter, the new sci-fi sitcom Earth Scum is in an intellectual property dispute. The new show, a sitcom about an alien/earthling couple living on another planet, bears a sharp resemblance to the British series "Puny Humans." Sad, it seems that now we have to steal our bad show ideas. Timeless Tunnel The search for creativity continues as yet another classic television show is being brought to the big screen. This time it's Time Tunnel. According to Dark Horizons, the movie may star George Clooney (ER, Batman and Robin). Free Truman? In this weeks get a life segment, a new site (freetruman.com) has appeared on the internet to support the free Truman Burbank movement. In case you have been living in a cave, Truman Burbank is the character played by Jim Carrey in the movie The Truman Show. There is a world outside, go see it. Sentinel Fever They won't let it die. Fans of the poorly rated UPN series the Sentinel are fighting the cancellation. According to T.V. Guide, all three people who actually watched the show have taken an ad out in USA Today and consulted the . . . . . Dalai Lama? The end must be near. II Issue Arena: Could a woman play Dr. Who? Point by Andrew W. Hogan Well, I guess a three-legged rabid dog with lice could play Dr. Who, but then, who would watch ? I mean, he is an alien, after all. The question should probably be - Would the dear Doctor actually want to become a woman ? Lets see. He'd (oops, she'd) have a whole new wardrobe, a very different perspective on his, ah, her, companions, and a hell of a lot of explaining to do with the other Time Lords down at the pub. Then there's the whole sitting down to pee thing, which is bound to be a hassle, and the neverending underwear dilemma. Remember, this bloke has been a bloke for about 500 years, so you've got to expect it to be a teensy bit hard to change... I'm sure a woman could play Dr Who, and assuming they chose an actor and not a half-baked singer try-hard, would probably do a good job. But I'm thinking the punters might just find it a little hard to swallow. Romana was the best looking Time Lord (Lady ?) ever, and you wouldn't want to spoil that... Counter-Point by Allen Servedio No. Next question? But, in all sincerity... Yes, a woman is certainly capable of playing a role equivalent to or better than the role played by the male actors. And yes, I am sure some sort of techno-spin could be put on the reason why the doctor suddenly changed sex. Sure, it may even be a more interesting show. But, that���s not the point! The original Dr. Who was a cranky old man with a sharp wit and little patience for fools. Subsequent doctors have displayed a wide variety of personalities ranging from lackluster and complaining to forceful and determined. Despite this variation, there was always the hint of a cranky old man with a sharp wit and little patience for fools. It is ingrained in the role and helps to give it a continuity even though the actor playing the part has changed over the years. To suddenly place a woman in the part would break this continuity. It has been a male part from Day one. There has never been any doubt about it. Sure, women can be time lords (from a junior time lord on up to the president of the time lords). But, if you were to change the character to a woman, you essentially have a new character. For that reason, it would be more prudent to start off with a brand new character who could have her own history and purpose. Next Issue: Should the Dax symbiant come back in another character? Drop us your opinion in 150 words or less at s********s@***.com type "Next Issue" in the subject heading. We'll print the best two responses. III Sci-Guy Views: Film Retrospective: The Truman Show by: Kevin Wagner URL: http://www.trumanshow.com/ Many superlatives have been used to describe Jim Carrey's latest film vehicle, The Truman Show. While the movie is certainly deserving of some praise, there seems to be an avalanche of exaggerated adulation. Indeed, the widely read magazine Entertainment Weekly called the film the "best" movie of the year. A curious statement to make in . . . June? The Truman Show is entertaining. The movie follows the life of Truman Burbank (Carrey) who is living a made-for-television life, literally. Unbeknownst to him, Truman lives his entire life in front of hidden cameras on the world's largest sound stage. All of his friends, co-workers, even the better-than-life haven of Seaside in which he lives, are constructed solely for him and the viewing audience. The film is seamless, and like all good science fiction/fantasy, uses the unusual to make a commentary on our own lives. Do we live in our own prison? Do we choose to? The movie also makes an observation on the voyeuristic qualities of the audience of not only The Truman Show, but the movie itself. Is nothing sacred? Where does the camera stop? Jim Carrey is fine as the befuddled Truman, but Ed Harris steals the movie as the driven Chris Carter-like creator with a God complex. Harris is so intense that the usually scene-stealing Carrey seems subdued in contrast. The rest of the cast gives credible performances, with Laura Linney, as Truman's pretend wife, wonderfully insincere as she "slyly" hawks various products for the show. The Truman Show has an interesting premise, solid performances, and some clear messages. So few of today's films have any of these elements, which makes the movie appear greater than it truly is. But as Truman Burbank knows, the world is all about appearances. Audio: Envoy: A Captain Sulu Adventure by L.A. Graf Reviewed by: Kevin Wagner When they first hit the shelves, books on tape consisted of the author dryly reading the book to the listener with little or no sound effects. Then came the actors doing "dramatic" readings, and now we have the audio drama. Star Trek: Envoy, A Captain Sulu Adventure, is an audio drama that was written expressly for audio by veteran Star Trek writer L.A. Graf. It stars George Takei as Captain Sulu, but no other Trek actors of note appear. Envoy is only 70 minutes in length but somehow seemed much longer. The story is told primarily by Takei in a series of flashbacks that chronicle Captain Sulu's efforts to complete a peace ceremony between bird-like people and mole-like people, and Sulu's coming to terms with the sacrifice that the prince of the bird-like people must make. George Takei does a fine job, but I almost drove off the road when he started to sing a couple of Scottish folk songs. (It was more horrible than you can imagine). We are also treated, ad nauseam, to continual bird-singing and mole noises to add to the authenticity. Unbelievably, at the tape's conclusion, the narrator proudly tells the listener that the unbearable languages were created for this tape. The effort was there, but the result was more pitiful than poignant. While the theme of sacrifice was meaningful, it simply got lost in the silliness that seemed to permeate the recording. Hmm.... Just brings back that ancient Vulcan proverb, "Nothing good comes from letting Star Trek characters sing." PC Game: Star Wars: Rebellion Review by Kevin Wagner Star Wars: Rebellion is a real-time strategy game which allows you to play the Empire or Rebellion in a battle for the Galaxy. While it's entertaining to fight with the familiar Star Wars ships and characters, the game ultimately falls short of expectations because of unoriginal game play and a complex interface with the player. The heart of the game is resource management. The player must build different facilities that allow the mining and refining of materials which can be used in the building of a variety of structures, troops and starships. When you build large enough forces, you attack the enemy. This approach to galaxy conquest has been used in many previous strategy games, with the only unique twist this time being the Star Wars theme. While the management concept is familiar to strategy game fans, the interface is so counter-intuitive that it takes a patient player to just learn how to move between the many management windows. The rebels have C3PO to give the player some sage advice, but as in the movie, he is mostly irritating. The actual space battles are managed from a combat screen with the player directing, but not actually, participating in the battle. This was the weakest part of the game, as the combat was rudimentary, the graphics boxy, and the controls so difficult to master that I was grateful for the simulate battle option, which allowed the computer to determine the outcome without the player participating. The designers showed some mercy, as there is no way to manage the planetary assaults, which are automatically determined by the great computer jedi master. The most interesting part of the game is character management. Players begin the game with several Star Wars characters such as Luke Skywalker for the Rebellion and Darth Vader for the Empire, which are used for special missions. Each character is unique and has different strengths and weaknesses that allow them to perform tasks such as leading fleets, espionage, sabotage, and diplomacy, among others. The effective use of characters can change the outcome of the game, and puts a definite Star Wars stamp on the action. Star Wars Rebellion is an average strategy game which would be of little note to gamers without its able use of the Star Wars universe to distract the player from Orwellian interface and unoriginal game play. While disappointing, the game is not without some entertainment value, and even with my reservations, the game has spent many hours on my computer screen. It's not that it's bad, but rather that we have come to expect so much more from Star Wars creator George Lucas. Send us your reviews of Sci-Fi movies, videos, games, and books at s********s@***.com, type review in the subject heading. IV The Sci Fi Guy Says: Death and Disney by Kevin Wagner It was the moment of truth. Disney World. I took my wife and daughter to Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla. for a five-hour mission to explore the strange new Tomorrowland (and Mickey's Toontown for the kid). This is my story: It started so, Wow! I blanched at the smiling women at the counter. $44 a person? At that price, I want that lousy mouse to carry me around. I almost thought about reviewing a much cheaper land, but my daughter smiled at a passing mouse-eared girl. Bloody wealthy rodent. Oh, the humanity, where do they come from? As we fought our way through the crowds, I discovered a new mathematical formula for Disney. DCM - Disney Critical Mass. You've reached the DCM when the number of tourists is so high you can't even get close to the bathroom. We were clearly at DCM, and there was little hope for escape. Walled in like a rat in a maze, there was no one to hear me scream. Bloody crowded mouse home. We detoured into Adventureland and I bought a sword from the Pirates of the Caribbean. Har har! With sword in hand, I hewed a path through the masses and we made it to Tomorrowland: Where thar be na mouse a' tal. Gone were those 60's favorites like "If You had Wings", and "Mission to Mars," or maybe they were just well-hidden by the crowds. Instead, we get Alien Encounter, where they strap you into an unmoving chair and blow water and air on you while flashing lights and pretending that an alien is running around. Thrilled, or imprisoned, I wasn't sure. Even the Carousel of Progress, which shows you the evolution of a family through the century, was "updated" with the classic "Now is the Time" changed to an even more irritating tune. Some of the favorites remained. Space Mountain, the 30-second indoor roller-coaster with the 2-hour line. The Monaco Grand Prix race track continues to have nothing to do with the future and everything to do with your average day on a Florida highway. It even has a speaker that constantly blares the ignored request not to strike the car ahead of you, in Spanish? Ah, Florida. There are some other new attractions, including an entertaining movie with Robin Williams as a time traveling robot/android? And there also is a store with neat sci-fi memorabilia at outrageous prices. But everyone needs a beanie Yoda. Oh, Disney, if only the future could truly be an endless line in 90 degree heat. Never did see that Mouse. V Sponsors: Universal Help. Thanks to our sponsors: The Xena Fashion Collection: "Where half-naked is a statement" The Sliders Crash Helmet: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" The Martian Resort: "Please Bring Your Own Water" Mercury Sun Block - "If it works for us, it's gotta work for you" VI Feedback: The feedback was light from the last issue, so I probably forgot to talk about Bill Shatner's hair piece. Thankfully, the pleas that I see Goodwill Hunting have ended. We are sticking to the current length for now, so if it's too long, well, learn to read faster. We are working on alternatives, but as we only publish every other week, short is difficult. As it stands now, I have to cut a good amount of news. Additionally, we decided by a vote to stick with our current name, because we really couldn't find something we liked better. Anyway, on to the mail bag: From: Moonchi629 Don't delete ANYTHING!! Don't try to fix what "ain't broke" You're doing a great job guys, and you are appreciated!!! To the guy griping regarding the length; it is exactly because, I don't have time/choose not to/and am bored with the usual drivel in the magazines, that I enjoy this form of newsletter best!!! (Editor: You go Girl!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- From: Andrew Hogan Something always bothered me about General Chang [Star Trek VI]. I couldn't figure it out until I realized that Mr. Plummer [Chang] was the one and only Von Trapp from that great SciFi classic, The Sound of Music! "Do Re Me So Far So Now Once More Into The Breach..." Hmmm, does Julie Andrews look like an alien to you ? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- From: Morpheus7O Do a section on Sci Fi comics (Editor: Just not enough room. Maybe for our future web site.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- From: SField8067 He is tall, blond, great-looking, has a fan following!!! The perfect new Doctor Who would be Geraint Wyn Davies (Forever Knight) !!!!!! (Editor: You weren't talking about me?) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- From: Steven Yamashita Star Trek: Voyager slipped even more in the ratings despite the addition of Jeri Ryan to the cast. Yeah, there was moderate improvement in the episodes this season but I still think the entire series is a lost cause. (Editor: But we love Jeri!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- From: David Bloomer I think at the end of the day, Doctor Who itself is over. It finished and should not keep getting resurrected for one more outing. I enjoyed the TV movie but it wasn't like the previous 26 seasons. The magic has gone, let it rest. Doctor Who 1963-89 What do you think? Is there a section we should toss? Something we should add? Is there too much news, or not enough? What other features would like to see? Do you have a good Sci-Fi name for a section? Do you just want to say your piece? Your opinion matters (a little). Let us know at s********s@***.com, type feedback in the subject area. VII Who are we? Why are we here? The Sci-Fi Guys is the brainchild of Kevin M. Wagner (K****n@***.com), with the aid and abettance of fellow enthusiasts and technology wizards Grant Zurko and Allen Servedio. After debating the merits of much of the science fiction world, we went public. We are now a rapidly expanding group of guys and girls who love science fiction, but can keep a sense of humor about it. Join us biweekly for news, insights and a chuckle about the sci-fi world and the people in it. We are always looking for more guys and gals to join the gang, so please forward the newsletter freely. Participation is optional, but encouraged. Give us a holler. SUBSCRIBE: To start getting the newsletter ,send us an e-mail at s********s@***.com and type "subscribe" in the subject area. UNSUBSCRIBE: If you're getting this newsletter in error, and for some perplexing reason wish to leave us, to unsubscribe send the email to s********s@***.com with unsubscribe in the heading. TO SEND YOUR OWN MATERIAL: To send in reviews or other contributions, send us an e-mail at s********s@***.com and type 'submission' in the subject area. Housekeeping: Please send any corrections to s********s@***.com and type correction in the heading. Disclaimer: Trademarks (TM) and copyrights (���) are held for concepts, characters and theatrical and/or television properties contained herein by their respective trademark and copyright holders. The information and content herein are not warranted for veracity and may be unconfirmed, or rumor. This newsletter is primarily opinion that is intended for entertainment use only, reliance is at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed are from guests and writers and are not necessarily the views of The Sci-Fi Guys, trade mark pending, All rights reserved. Reproduction and transmission of this news letter is permitted under the following conditions: 1. Reproduce the newsletter in it entirety or 2. In part with: A) No editing of the content B) Include subscriber information is delineated above