Revolution Returns - Kripke Speaks!

So, after how months, Revolution is back on Monday 25 March on NBC. It has been a long hiatus, but if I can survive the hiatus of Game of Thrones, I can survive any hiatus! I think the show is interesting and it has a lot of potential. I support genre, I support Eric Kripke, I love Elizabeth Mitchell. 

Kripke recently gave a great interview about Revolution and the possibility of bringing in Jim Beaver and Misha Collins in as guest stars. He also mentioned that Mark Pellegrino will be back. I am excited! Can he bring Rob Benedict, Matt Cohen and Richard Speight Jr to guest star too? Anyone who is dead on Supernatural basically! They can be the Ben Linus, Daniel Faraday and Desmond Hume on Revolution. 

You can read the interview on IGN.

Also a big shout out to my friend Nicole at TV For The Rest Of Us for her articles about Revolution and the recent webisodes.

Thank You 2012, I Was Entertained This Year

If you are reading this feature, it means the world didn't end on the 21st December and I have recovered from the family Christmas madness. I know some of you are disappointed about the end of the world -- especially one super X-Files fan who believes in Chris Carter for the past 20 years. The truth is most of us are happier to see other people saving the world from the apocalypse or living in one or killing zombies on TV shows and movies. I don't know about you, but my entertainment is set for the next few years! The world is not perfect, but at least we are giving the opportunity to escape into another dimension the moment we turn on our entertainment devices.

An affogato isn't the same without ice cream. When it's Supernatural, if there is no angst no drama, it isn't fun. 

One of the biggest changes that we saw this year was the changing of the guard from previous showrunner Sera Gamble to Jeremy Carver. I was very sad and worried to see Sera go but the announcement of the return of Jeremy Carver at the same time was comforting. Apart from Ben Edlund, I cannot think of anyone else but Jeremy Carver to helm the show I love so much.

I am very happy with the direction of season eight. The core of the show still remains the same -- it is about the brothers saving people hunting things, the family business! But Jeremy and the writing team are putting details under the microscope. We are digging deeper into details within details, just like when we write academic papers -- we dig, we research, we focus on different aspects, but the paper is still the same subject matter. On Supernatural, we are seeing our heroes -- Dean, Sam and Castiel -- gaining different perspectives about each other, family, life, friendship, hunting and monsters. These new perspectives are hovering over the core theme of the show -- the brother relationship. 

Off the set, the cast has a very busy and fun year too -- Jensen's Angeles is like one of the best songs I've heard all year; Jared and Gen became first time parents; Misha, Vicky and West welcomed a new family to the family; Supernatural was in Hall H once again at Comic Con; and I am proud to be an attendee at one of the conventions this year in Chicago. The magnitude and charisma of Supernatural is unbelievable. As Eric Kripke said, Supernatural is like seeing his kids growing up and going to colleague. We are proud to be fans of Supernatural. 

In terms of other shows, I was really sad to see the end of Lost, 24 and Smallville. I asked myself: what am I going to watch and blog about now? I was desperately looking for good new shows to watch and I was concerned that I won't find any. But time has changed! We live in the beginning of the golden era of the genre shows!

We are seeing a wave of awesome genre shows in recent years and most of them are worthy to stick around -- Arrow, A Game of Thrones, Once Upon A Time, The Walking Dead, The Vampire Diary, Grimm, True Blood, Revolution, Dr Who, Falling Skies, Being Human and Warehouse 13. With S.H.I.E.L.D is in development, television is going to be better! And I hope we will see medical dramas and procedural cop shows to die down a little, because I think TV viewers have enough of them! They are all the friggin same! And if anyone is looking for a new reality show idea, STOP! JUST STOP! Unless it involves the Ghost Facers or Derren Brown, I don't want to know! 

Eric Kripke's new show, Revolution, is kicking ass! Comparing the show with Lost and Supernatural is not unheard of, but Revolution is the new Lost in terms of the scale and epicness. I told myself, this show cannot fail! Kripke's work deserves to be seen by more people and people need to know he is very good at what he does! Now we have to wait until March to see the second half of season one of Revolution.

Apart from Revolution, I most look forward to the return of A Game of Thrones. I love a HBO show and I hate a HBO show. The hiatus of A Game of Thrones is as long as a season of Supernatural being on air. How is that NOT insanity? I am currently reading A Dance With Dragons, I probably will revisit A Storm of Swords soon to get ready for season three of A Game of Thrones. The TV series is known that the TV series will not follow the book chapter by chapter, in fact I am a little disappointed how little Dany's prophecies were covered in season two, but it is still more than acceptable for television. A Game of Thrones is a great show! The book series is much bigger than Lord of the Rings. It is the most epic thing I've read. I hope season three will be really epic. Mr GRRM, please hurry up and finish writing The Wind of Winter and A Dream of Spring.

Once Upon A Time is becoming a favorite show of mine. I really look forward to the arrival of Hook and Cora, and how things will develop with Emma. I hope we get to see Baelfire. Please! Please let Nail be Baelfire! I am rewatching season one now, and I want to get up to speed so that I can blog about theories and my wishlist.

2012 has been a game-changing year for Joss Whedon and Marvel going forward. The battle between DC and Marvel intensifies in 2013 as Superman, Iron Man III and Thor 2, and more to follow in 2014 and 2015 with Captain America II, The Avengers II and (hopefully) Justice League. Marvel's phase II is in place, and DC is playing catch up. But this battle will set the trend and define the entertainment business for the next decade. It will also be the decade that belongs to the geeks!

But who will come out as the winner? Let's not kid ourselves, it is war! Fans love Whedon, it was the best decision from Marvel to involve him for The Avengers and other projects such as S.H.I.E.L.D. What would the complacent DC do to compete? We will compare them, we will criticize them, we will see Comic Con as the main PR battle ground for the studios. This is exciting for fans! I cannot wait to see Twilight to get out of the way (and I wish the 50 Shades movie will never see the living daylight). I want more superheroes movies.

What do you most look forward to in 2013 and beyond? 

As this is the last post of the year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for sharing and caring this year. I wish you all a wondering New Year and a very awesome 2013.

TV Shows: Who Stays And Who Goes?

TVByTheNumbers has a great article about TV network's business model and which shows they think will go and stay. 

It's a very early stage, but any good signs are good signs! All my favorites are looking great for a renewal! These shows include Supernatural, Revolution, Arrow, New Girl, Glee and Once Upon A Time, plus The Big Bang Theory has already been renewed. HBO's A Game of Thrones should get a full ride to season four, I hope they have at least six seasons! The Song of Ice and Fire is a big series! 

Also by looking at this list, JJ Abrams, Eric Kripke and Ryan Murphy own/ create/ exec produce two shows each -- Supernatural/ Revolution for Kripke; Revolution/ Person of Interest for Abrams; Glee/The New Normal for Murphy. Abrams also has Fringe, which is on its last season and Murphy has American Horror Stories, which is apparently a mini-series. Whatever! Did you spot others? Let me know.

On something completely different, but depends on how you look at it. EW has named Joss Whedon 'Winner of the Decade". This is how they justify it. I do not disagree! I think Joss and his work are awesome. With the up-coming TV series S.H.I.E.L.D, Joss' cult status is going to go off the planet! He deserves it! Seeing I am also a big fan of the Kripke Master.. the 'Winner of the Next Decade' should be Eric Kripke. Just saying!

I cannot wait to watch S.H.I.E.L.D!

Have You Ordered? The Essential Supernatural: On the Road with Sam and Dean Winchester [Hardcover]

Looking for a Christmas present for a Supernatural fan? Consider this! The Essential Supernatural: On the Road with Sam and Dean Winchester [Hardcover] is available for order via Amazon. This brand new 192 page visual guide is a deluxe coffee table book with behind-the-scenes photos, exclusive production art, posters, maps, blueprints, and exclusive cast and crew interviews. Wait there is more! There is a forward by the show's father, Eric Kripke.  

I don't know about you but I am adding this to my collection. My bookshelf has space. But I wish it comes with Kindle or eBook. But if it is digital, then it won't be a coffee table book, it will be a coffee table tablet. You know, like one of those arcade game table thingy.

Kripke's 'Revolution' To Feature Led Zeppelin Tracks

We know Master Kripke is obsessed with Led Zeppelin. Supernatural references a lot of Zeppelin, the titles of their tracks and lyrics in the script, but their songs were never played. One of the most memorable references is when Dean channeled Kripke's obsession in episode 4.18 The Monster At The End Of This Book. Dean was asked about his favourite songs, and his answer was "a tie between Zeppelin's Ramble On and Traveling Riverside Blues." 

And now with Revolution, Master Kripke can finally get the opportunity to use not one but two Zeppelin's tracks -- Kashmir and Since I’ve Been Loving You -- in an upcoming episode which airs next week, November 19th. Apparently, an email was sent from Warner-Chappell Music to studio producers and see if anyone wanted to use Zeppelin's music on their shows. I can imagine Kripke's reaction at the time of receiving and reading this email. If anyone is writing a scene depicting this moment, please send link! 

This is part of the Led Zeppelin’s Celebration Day album initiative, a companion documentary on DVD will also be released next week. That's right, same week as the Revolution episode.

For more information, check out KSiteTV and Washington Post   

As a silly side note, I think Master Kripke can so do a Zeppelin themed karaoke night at any Supernatural conventions. Just saying....

This Week in TV - Revolution; Once Upon A Time

When it comes to television, Fall is truly my favorite season and summer is literally just around the corner (well, for the Aussies anyway). I miss the sunshine, but I miss my shows more. What does it say about me? If your answer is rude, keep it to yourself. ^_^

Apart from reviewing the season eight premiere of Supernatural, I also have some thoughts about a few other shows that I watched this week -- Revolution and Once Upon A Time. 

Revolution -- 1.02 Chained Heat and 1.3 No Quarter did not disappoint. I enjoyed it more than I expected. I thought they were really good follow up episodes. First and foremost, this is a new show and it is not crap, I have established that much. It's too early to tell if this is one of the best shows ever, but then again, it depends on who you are. My mum still thinks Hart To Hart is the best damn show on earth. My point is, give it time and keep an open mind! And most importantly, just enjoy the show! It takes time to build a story and its characters. Let Kripke work his magic! I know a lot of fans are watching it and comparing it with Lost and Supernatural. Kripke always has something to say about family and survival. It's his thing! 

One of the key themes that emerges from Chained Heat and No Quarter is the Militia vs the Rebel (the Resistance) story. I like this plot. What turns Munroe to the dark side? What turns a friend to go against another? What does Rachel know about it? What happen to Grace? And what exactly does Ben know about the power? All these questions are intriguing. In No Quarter, the biggest twist is that Miles was the general of the Militia, he set the rules and he started everything. His backstory in which Munroe and Jeremy were involved was cool. They seem like the innocent partners to Miles but what went wrong? What turned them into villains of the stories? I love Mark Pellegrino as Jeremy! I think his performance was brilliant in No Quarter and I hope he will be a regular on the show. We also find out Grace build a computer and the amulet is a power source that is enough to power up the music and the iPhone. That was cool. I think the amulet is solar, and is it like a Wifi charger that we have not seen in today's world yet? 

By episode three, I figure that we are getting answers to some questions, enough for the story to go on and keep us interested. Like Lost, we didn't find out what that black monster is until very later on in the series. But at least for Revolution, we are getting probably 1/4 of the answers about the amulet. Which makes me think that Revolution has a well-planned story to tell, we need to stick around for it.

Once Upon A Time -- 2.1 Broken. What a way to return for OUAT! I think it's on most fans' minds -- who is that mysterious man in New York? Could he be Baelfire? That's my first impression. First of all, the mysterious man knows about Storybrooke, he may know the magic too. Secondly, someone who knows about Storybrooke is communicating with the mysterious man, either from the inside or somewhere close to the town. I am guessing it's August. Thirdly, whatever this mysterious man in New York is, he could be the man August was talking to on the phone in season one. If this is the case, this mysterious man is working with August.

I think Baelfire and August are working together. We know so little about Henry's father, who could be just some random guy or not. He could be someone who planned this all along. While Henry isn't anyone magical, he is an important figure in Emma's and Regina's life, I don't think his existence is random. I think it makes sense that his father is something out of the ordinary. August does have a memory of Emma and is aware of everything. I assume Baelfire's memory is intact and he remembers everything from his childhood. Perhaps Baelfire knows about Emma, Mr Gold and magic, but obviously Emma doesn't know him as Baelfire. That's just my theory.

And how funny was it to see Charming, Snow (who are now grandparents) with Henry and Emma together! Also, how will Emma and Snow get out? My guess is either the Huntsman or Jefferson. Hopefully Emma and Snow won't be there for too long. The only thing that didn't really work for me is Sleeping Beauty and Mulan. That part of the story seem a little out of place to me and I find it a bit difficult to connect. 

It's no secret that Captain Hook is a regular this season. And Jefferson is still around in the modern day. I tell you what.. Jefferson and August are two of my favorite characters on the show. And I want to see them more! Speaking of August, I wonder when he will due back. Here are the clips for next week. When it comes to spoilers for OUAT, I can handle it. With Emma gone, looks like Charming is the new sheriff. Who's gonna stop him right? He is the Prince! 

In coming weeks, I will also blog about Derren Brown -- an English illusionist, mentalist, hypnotist, painter, writer and sceptic. I am very excited about this. I don't know how he does what he does, but he is damn good at what he does! 

Have a nice TV week folks.

Pellegrino, Ford and Stashwick To Join Revolution

Is Kripke doing a Joss Whedon by casting actors he's worked with previously? YES! Kripke has cast not one but three actors Supernatural fans are familiar with -- Mark Pellegrino, Colin Ford and Todd Stashwick. OH MY GOD! 

Mark Pellegrino is no stranger to television fans, this guy is an in-demand actor, he has appeared on show such as Supernatural, Lost, Chuck, Dexter, Being Human, Castle and Closer, to name a few. And of course, Pellegrino is one of my favourite actors. I love him as Lucifer (Supernatural) and Jacob (Lost). LOVE! And now he is going to be on Revolution. I am literally shaking with excitement. And of course, the excitement doesn't stop with Pellegrino, young Sammy Colin Ford and Funny Dracular Todd Stashwick are also joining Revolution. 

According to sources, we know little about Pellegrino's role. Ford will play a kid who's been taken by the militia and Stashwick will play a drug lord. I don't know if they will be in the same episode, but I am guessing they may not. Watch this space for more details.

Eric Kripke's Revolution - The Premiere Review

Revolution is a brand new drama created by Eric Kripke, who also serves as an Executive Producer with J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk and Jon Favreau. The premiere is written by Kripke and directed by Favreau. The story takes place in the post-apocalyptic world without electricity. Revolution definitely reminds me of a number of recent dramas such as Jericho, Terra Nova, Falling Skies, Lost and Terminator Salvation. I have also previously blogged about the documentary Life After People which may or may not have inspired the theme and the landscape of the story. Despite the familiar elements, Revolution shows great promise and I will definitely keep tuning in. 

The premiere sets up a great journey for our group of heroes including the series stars Billy Burke as Uncle Miles, Tracy Spiridakos as Charlie, Graham Rogers as Charlie's brother Danny and Zak Orth as Arron. We then have the Militia soldiers Giancarlo Esposito as Neville and David Lyons as Monroe. We also have the 'not sure if they are the good guys or the bad guys' including Maria Howell as Grace and J. D. Pardo as a militia solider Nate. The cast is not as big as Lost, but there are enough there to build a great plot. A few characters definitely have some prior history between them, the story is set to give it a reasonable attention. The premiere raises a lot of questions which will be answered through out the season. Kripke is the kind of writer who doesn't just throw questions without answering them. He doesn't just create characters who serve no purpose to the bigger picture.

Revolution focuses on the 'WHAT IF' story -- What if the electricity is turned off? What kind of world would we be living in? And what kind of human beings would we become? How do we pick ourselves up after the apocalypse? The last scene of the episode contains one of the biggest questions of all "WHAT NOW?" which in itself contains a lot of other questions -- What causes the blackout? Who is behind the blackout? What is their agenda? What happen in the past 15 years? What is the relationship between Ben (Charlie's father), Uncle Milies and Monroe? What's with the amulet? What's the deal with Grace and her Dharma Initiative-like workstation? Who is on the other side of the communication? What happens to Charlie's mum Rachel? Played by Elizabeth Mitchell, Rachel is said to have died, but I seriously doubt that she is dead. Clearly, Rachel is aware of the big 'problem' and I can't wait to see Mitchell's return to the show. Of course, these are just some of the questions to be answered by Kripke and the team this season. No way I am letting this show off my radar.

In an recent interview, Kripke speaks of some of the similarities between Revolution and Supernatural, and everything else that influences hi such as Lords of the Rings, Star Wars and Joseph Campbell's concept of the hero's journey. While Favreau reckons Kripke's work goes beyond these influences, it is a post-apocalyptic version A Game of Thrones. I can only assume he is referring to the epicness and the complexity of the hero's journey, and relationship between characters, and how everything intertwines in the grand scheme of things. 

The premiere ticks a lot of boxes. The story is very well paced, well directed, well written and well performed. I enjoy the dialogues and the interactions between characters, there is a lot of good chemistry. The main characters are well defined and I think this show will be very heavy on character development. I love the fact that Charlie is this female version of Luke Skywalker or simply Arya Stark in A Game of Thrones, and Uncle Miles is the 'older version of Dean Winchester and Han Solo'. The way he takes down the entire team of Militia soldiers all by himself is like John McClane in Die Hard or Lara Croft in Tomb Raider or MacGyver. The post-apocalyptic landscape is believable and beautiful. The sword and bow fighting scenes are quite awesome. We are in the future but our tools are back to basic. The music is composed by Christopher Lennertz, who also did Supernatural. Revolution's soundtrack is not overpowering the main plot and it is very subtle. The closing credit music is definitely in the spirit of A Game of Throne. 

There are a few scenes which remind me of Lost -- the airplane Charlie and co discover in the field trip; the turned over bus that Charlie and Danny investigate at the beginning of the episode is like the hatch; the computer Grace uses in the last scene looks just like the one used by the Dharma Initiative; the journey across towns is very Lost-like. There are also a few scenes remind me of Supernatural -- the muscle car and AD/DC at the beginning of the episode is a treat for Kripke's fans, and the amulet in Supernatural went to the bin but the one in Revolution is established as an important piece of power source or a key. And then there is the family theme -- Ben is like John Winchester and Rachel is like Mary Winchester; the sibling relationship of Charlie and Danny is like Dean and Sam; and the whole "You're supposed to look after him" speech between Ben and Charlie reminds me of John Winchester and Dean. 

There is something for everyone. Personally, I love the post-apocalyptic kind of stories. I think Revolution is intriguing, it's mysterious, it has a lot of questions, it is character driven, it is about family, and it is about the near future we could find ourselves in. What would Apple and Google do?

Overall, I am very happy with Revolution. Having comparing the show with Lost and Supernatural, Revolution deserves to be viewed independently from the previous work of Kripke and Abrams. I think the show will prove its worth to fans and critics. I am a big fan of Eric Kripke's work and I will definitely keep watching it. There is so much there to keep me coming back for more. What do you think of Revolution? 

PS: Seeing Supernatural is the priority of this blog, I will review Revolution every few weeks rather than giving an in depth review every week. I hope you can come back and let me share my thoughts with you. 

Revolution Extended Preview; Life After People

It is like watching a movie trailer, except it isn't a movie trailer. It is the extended trailer for Eric Kripke's new epic baby. Although I am not sure if 'baby' can be epic.. but there is always a first time. So here it is, the extended trailer of NBC's Revolution, premiering on Monday, September 17th on NBC. Check your local guide for details.


I don't know Tracy Spiridakos who plays Charlie in Revolution, she was on Syfy's Being Human, but I don't remember her at all. It seems that Charlie could be similar to A Game of Thrones' Daenerys Targaryen (played by Emilia Clarke) in terms of the journey of becoming a strong female character. Charlie is prominently featured in the trailer, and for some weird reason I really like that take on the strong female character. Tracy Spiridakos, like Emilia Clarke, can be a superstar by the end of the season!

I have NOT watched the finale of Once Upon A Time, what does it mean to Giancarlo Esposito's character? Intriguing! I am three episodes away from the season one finale of OUAT, I may or may not start writing about it as fairytale is not my usual forte.

There is a documentary by the History Channel which I got into a few years called Life After People. It is probably one of the most intriguing documentaries I have seen ever! It is features a series of amazing computer generated footages on what might happen on Earth if humanity suddenly disappear. Real life scientists, structural engineers and other experts also talk about a number of scenarios, and the impact of human extinction on the environment and the civilization humans left behind. If you are really into the post-apocalyptic genre, I highly recommend this documentary. You won't be disappointed with the footages and the scenarios the document presents. I got the DVD from a local store, I am sure it is easy enough to find a copy.

PS -- I have been swamped with writing papers for my study, which is good in a way because I really want to do well and I am really a lot about writing process. I have a few fun special feature ideas which I would like to focus on in the next few months for the Impala's Trunk, and don't forget the Supernatural season seven awards feature (written by my Twitter friends and myself). So busy! Before we know it, season eight of Supernatural will be here!

Revolution - Mythology, questions and answers

I love Lost as you know, but there are unanswered questions. It is fun to let viewers' imaginations run wild and interpret anything they like based on what they know and see on the show. But it also gets frustrating for some viewers! But you can't deny the fact that Lost is one of the most talked about shows in recent years. It gets you talking about it!

When it comes to watching JJ Abrams's shows such as Lost, as a viewer I kind of half expect what Ron Weasley would call it "you're going to suffer but you're going to be happy about it."

To me, Revolution is about Eric Kripke. If you're too familiar with Abrams' works and you're kind of thinking 'oh jeez, it's Lost all over again.' Try look at it as a Kripke baby, and it is! Let's be honest, Master Kripke is driving the show's mythology, answers and questions. What I love about Kripke's style of story telling is that yes he throws a lot of questions to the audience but he always gives you answers, as he did in Supernatural. As a viewer, you think about the questions for awhile, it drives you nuts for awhile, but at the right moment before you go completely insane, he gives you answers. And then you worship him! Apart from Kripke's story telling style, if you are unfamiliar with his style, he is a big fan of epic storyline, everything plays a part in a grand scheme of things. Expect the 'family is everything, without family people can't survive" theme. Expect a lot of character driven stuff. For some reasons, I don't think his signature use of 'sense of humor', 'one liners' and 'pop culture reference' will be as prominently featured on Revolution as Supernatural, but we'll see.

And for Revolution, he has already said that he has lined-up all the questions and answers, which is AWESOME! I really cannot wait to watch the show. While I know very little about the cast, I do know Elizabeth Mitchell has joined the show. I like Juliet on Lost, which I thought was surprising considering her introduction wasn't that riveting, but once they'd gone back in time to Dharma time, her character grew on me. And, I kind like her performance in V. Anyway, I know the kind of performance Elizabeth Mitchell can deliver, so at least there is no powerhouse acting I can expect from the show.

When talking about Supernatural at Comic Con, Eric Kripke referred it as his 'child growing up and going to college" and he is so proud of it. Supernatural is in good hands and it is not broken, he trusts Jeremy Carver who he calls him as one of the best writers on Supernatural. The two has chemistry in the writing room and you can tell how impressed Kripke was during the In The Beginning commentary on the season five DVD. If you haven't watched the episode with their commentary, I highlight recommend it.

So, anyway, that's all I have for Revolution -- premieres on Monday, September 17th (10pm) on NBC.

Peace out!

[Update] Comic Con Reminder

[Sexy nerds, I have updated the below post, see orange. There are a few guest changes, main for the Game of Thrones panel. And also the Comic Con Goodie bags designs are out...check out the Supernatural one below. Not long to go!!!] 

Nerds, get ready for Comic Con 2012! Who is exciting? I am but too bad I am not going to be there. That means, I will be pretty much glued to Twitter to get the latest and the hottest from this year's event.

As a reminder, here are a list of panels that I'll be following in real-time:

At Comic Con

(In order of appearance)

Friday July 13 (12:30pm) -- Firefly 10-Year Anniversary

Guests: Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, and Summer Glau. (Ballroom 20)

Friday July 13 (2:45pm) -- Game of Thrones

Guests: Alfie Allen, Emilia Clarke, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Richard Madden, *Rose Leslie, George R. R. Martin, and Carolyn Strauss (Hall H).

[*Update: Kit Harington and Lena Headey have unfortunately cancelled their appearance due to conflict of schedule. And Lord Snow has an injured ankle. Guess Ghost wasn't there to help. Rose Leslie (aka Ygritte) has been added to the panel. At least one Targaryen will be there.. and not one Lannister this year! You know they could bring Mamoa back..]

Friday July 13 (5:30pm) -- Joss Whedon 

Guest: The one and only, Mr Joss Whedon (Ballroom 20)

Saturday July 14 (11am) -- Once Upon a Time

Guests: Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Josh Dallas, Lana Parilla, Emilie De Ravin, and Meghan Ory (Ballroom 20)

*NEW! Saturday July 14 (1:00pm) -- Misha Collins, Jim Beaver and Mark Sheppard (Channel Surfing, the IGN TV podcast)

Guests: Misha, Jim and Mark will join other guests for this special live recording podcast session, hosted by the very awesome Eric Goldman of IGN.

Saturday July 14 (2:30pm) -- Ben Edlund

Guest: The one and only, Mr Ben Edlund (Room 8)

Saturday July 14 (6pm) -- Revolution

Guests: Eric Kripke and stars Billy Burke, Giancarlo Esposito, Tracy Spiridakos, and J.D. Pardo for a screening and Q&A. (Room 6BCF)

Sunday July 15 (11:15am) -- Supernatural returns to Hall A!!

Guests: Join Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Jim Beaver and Mark A. Sheppard, as well as new executive producer Jeremy Carver and consulting producer Ben Edlund for Q&A. Fans will also see an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights, as well as a portion of the special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Seventh Season DVD and Blu-ray release. (Hall H)

(Meaning? We may not get to see any clips from the episode that is currently directed by Jensen. I think because of the season seven finale cliffhanger, it will be a little premature to show fans anything. I kinda like that.)

[Update: WB has revealed their shows' goodie bags.. I tell ya, I would love to have the Supernatural.. think they may sell it at Supernatural Conventions sometimes.. hummm. Damn you Supernatural for causing damages to my wallet!! See all WB designs here]



For a full schedule visit the official website of Comic Con.

 Off-Sites Panels -- Nerd HQ

The nerds are back! The Nerd Machine will host a number of off-site panels -- Conversations for a Cause. Here are a few panels I will be keeping an eye on...

Thursday July 12 
12pm -- Chuck

Friday July 13
4:30pm -- Nathan Fillion

Saturday July 14 
3pm -- Joss Whedon
4:30pm -- Damon Lindelof

Sunday July 15
3pm – Jared Padalecki   
4:30pm -- Zachary Levi

Last year's panels were recorded, so look out for any signs of videos if you can't get tickets to attend.

For a complete schedule, you can visit Comic Con Geeks and Zap2It for more details.

Comic Con news -- Firefly reunion; Revolution

This is the moment Firefly fans has been waiting for you. It's been ten years since Joss Whedon's Firefly embarked on a journey that ended far too quickly, it was almost illegal for FOX to cancel it. Since then, the show became a hot topic attracting endless questions from fans whenever they get the chance to ask Joss questions at talks and conventions. For those who have seen the special feature on the DVD...how many times have you cried over it?

It's time to hug. Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, Summer Glau among others will celebrate with fans its 10th anniversary on Friday July 13 in Ballroom 20 (12:30-1:30pm). Source: ACESHOWBIZ

In other news, here is the mock up of the Revolution banner on the Hilton Hotel building. Oh EPIC! The show is hosting two preview screenings and a panel session at Comic Con this year on Saturday July 14. According to report, the banner will be on the side of the Hilton Bayfront. If you're there, please tweet a photo. Source: EW

A mock up..

Eric Kripke is one of TV most adorable show-runners: industry report

Booyeah! A New York based real-time analytics and strategy company, Networked Insights (NI), put together some interesting data (that I as a TV junkie totally care) based on the TV ecosystem on the social web. This kind of analytics are increasing becoming important because finally real-time social data is recognised as something tangible and not just random gibberish from fans. Social TV is important especially for media buying and planning. Of course, Social TV is important to networks. CW, for example, they know Supernatural is a hot show because social data tells them so. Can you imagine if Social TV was around for Firefly?

“Networks can now optimize TV show marketing and content around what’s resonating with viewers in real-time.” Sean Reckwerdt, Lead Analyst and Cultural Anthropologist, NI (Can I have a job please?)

Lost Remote has an exclusive insight from the NI report. Four show-runners were listed --  Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries), Dan Harmon (Community), JJ Abrams (everything else) and Eric Kripke (Supernatural). The report basically tells us fans adore Eric Kripke, there was a huge spike in mentions on his birthday.

Source: Lost Remote

OK.. you'd think a professional report should have, I guess better, reasons than Kripke's birthday tweets to back this up. However, stuff like this is important! Afterall, they were monitoring the spike, the movement from social networks. I'd like to think that I and my friends on Twitter have something to do with it.. Together we rule the galaxy! Mwahaha...

NI's CEO Dan Neely also explained why marketers should be paying attention to showrunners’ social buzz. Again, two words -- JOSS WHEDON -- imagine again if social was around for Firefire. Fans trust showrunners!! Fans are more savvy and passionate about their shows, fans know their stuff.

Gone are the days TV viewers just watched whatever crap was put in front of them. Now, fans are smarter, fans are no longer passive viewers. And social breaks the geographic barriers, not only social tells what local viewers are saying, social also tells what international markets are saying too. That's where the money is!

So, tweet on tweeple... Networks and analytics companies do listen to us. Social is important is you want your TV shows to stay around (or go).

TWEET TWEET TWEET AWAY!!! 

Comic Con goodies -- Revolution & Arrow get limited edition collectible hotel keycards

Warner Bros has been doing this for a few years to promote their TV shows on a series of limited edition collectible hotel keycards which will be used by participating hotels at Comic Con. This year, three of their new shows will get the special promo -- Revolution, Arrow and 666 Park Avenue.

"The Revolution keycard opens hotel doors every time — no blackout here!" From the WB Press release

"The Arrow keycard features star Stephen Amell as the Arrow in an all-new in-character photo." From the WB Press release

If you are not going to Comic Con, you may be able to the limited edition collectible hotel keycards on eBay. Just saying...

Fans can watch the full-length pilots of both Revolution and Arrow at the Warner Bros. Television’s Preview Night screening at Comic-Con on Wednesday, July 11, or during the show's panel sessions -- Arrow on Friday July 13; and Revolution on Saturday July 14.

Source: For full article and press release, check out Collider

Watch this space for more details as we count down to this year's Comic Con!

NBC's Revolution -- Premiere date; Kripke interview

Some news on NBC's Revolution. The new series will premieres on Monday, September 17 at 10pm on NBC. The new show is getting some really good vibes from those who have watched the pilot. I too have a good feeling about this show, this could be the new Lost without being too lost!

My hero, Creator/ Writer/ Executive Producer of Revolution, Eric Kripke hasn't been doing a lot of talking about his new baby, but in an recent interview, he gave us a glimpse of the heart of the show.

"We're not interested in nihilism or hopelessness. We'll all survive and be OK if we remember the things that bring us together: family, brotherhood and mercy." Eric Kripke, Source CNN

This interview focuses on the post-apocalyptic theme on TV right now. I think TV has enough of procedural cop and legal dramas, and I for now am done with medicine dramas (but never say never!) But it's refreshing to see something else. I hate to switch on my TV and watch the repeat on NCIS and I don't even watch the show. Come one genre shows!!!

Don't forget, Kripke will be at Comic Con this year for Revolution. Watch this space for more details. 

Preview: Kripke/ Abrams / Favreau's REVOLUTION

I watched the newly released clips of NBC's new show Revolution. Long time visitors know that I've been covering the story from the moment Kripke and Abrams started working on the story. I think Jon Favreau is brilliant choice to direct the Pilot.. You go big or you go home.

You can watch all the clips here. Revolution is certain looking very big, very epic and very Lost/ I Am Legend/ Supernatural/ Jericho. (But no zombies.) I am really looking forward to this show and there will be reviews, news etc.. While I don't know the cast too well, I'm in for Kripke, Abrams and Favreau. I am a huge fan!

Kripke being the master of writing and ideas, Abrams being the seasoned producer and Favreau being the director of the first Iron Man movies, and producer for The Avengers and the up-coming Iron Man. This formula has success and epic written all over it!

In an interview at yesterday's Up-Front, Favreau gave us some insights into his involvement and how the team dynamic going to work this season:

"I’m going to be involved. I’m going to be a producer on the show, and I’m as soon as I’m done out here, I’m going to go back and hit the writers room and Eric is going to be breaking stories for the new season with J.J. and myself, and then hopefully either direct or be involved some way for future episodes." -- Jon Favreau. Full interview is on The Hollywood Reporter.

Revolution is coming this Fall on Monday nights on NBC. Glad the show is not on FOX!

The Revolution website is up, you can also follow the show on Twitter @NBCRevolution 

NBC Picked Up Eric Kripke's Revolution

Source: EW  & Examiner

Surprise..! NOT! I knew NBC would pick up the series Revolution! Jon Favreau actually tweeted before I went to bed last night that he had some happy news. I knew it!! So excited about this new Abrams and Kripke adventure! I am just so excited! I can't wait to watch it.

Of course, it's a bit pre-mature to love it, but I don't care! I hope it's good! But seriously, on paper, it looks like a winning team -- Abrams, Kripke and Favreau. Favreau has only directed the Pilot of the show, but it's a good start, right?! Not sure how many episodes have been ordered but the show is heading to New York on May 14th to attract a group of potential advertisers. I guess we'll know soon!

AND... here is an Easter Egg for you. Favreau has been tweeting recently about working on the score for the show with Christopher Lennertz. Lennertz previously worked on the score for Supernatural, which earned him a nomination for an Emmy for Outstanding Musical Composition in a Series for his score for the pilot in 2006.

Revolution follows a group of people struggling to survive in a world where all forms of energy have mysteriously disappeared. Cast includes Billy Burke (Twilight), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad) and David Lyons (The Cape). It does sound very much a cross between Fallen Skies and Jericho, but who cares?! It's Kripke's new baby! 

Source: EW  & Examiner

Happy Belated Birthday to Baby and Eric Kripke

I was hoping to post this earlier, but Blogpress for iPad wasn't working for me. Anyhoo... Here's to the most important object of the universe, Baby; and one of the most influential TV writers and my hero, Eric Kripke!!

Don't forget to watch the all new episode of Supernatural this Friday!!

PS -- watch this space for my Avengers review.. this movie is 100 kinds of awesome!!

Jon Favreau Joins Team Kripke/Abrams for NBC's Revolution

Sorry, I am a bit late for the party.. I brought the suit!

Jon Favreau has been tapped to direct the pilot of NBC's Revolution as reported by Deadline.

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am. I was on the bus this morning, minding my own business and checking tweets, and BAM there it was -- the headline! I thought I was dreaming...or something...(as I've been only having a few hours sleep at night...I think it's work related.) The director choice was totally unexpected! I mean...Jon 'Happy' Favreau!? I think he has just completed the perfect formula for TV for the next decade...

J.J Abrams + Eric Kripke + Happy = AWESOMESS!

What are they going to tell us next? That Tom Welling is gonna be in it? (No.. I just made that up...) but you know what I mean? Like...I don't think the cast will be disappointing. I know this is too early to tell and I am just being a crazy fangirl about it, but Revolution has EPICNESS written all over it. If there is one project that has the potential to be the next Lost, this is IT!

Favreau has a comedy pilot in the works called Tweaked. Of course, Kripke and Abrams have like eleven projects on their plates. What if they all get picked up? OMFG!

Can you imagine the three of them together on stage in Hall B at Comic Con?

Give me Revolution NOW!

Kripke's Revolution - My Two Cents

You bet your size 6 ass he can deliver!

Already branded as the "highly anticipated" one, Revolution has attracted some really interesting initial analysis. I read this article which focuses on whether NBC is the right place for the show; what kind of rating it needs to stay alive, and what if another picks it up etc.. Like I said.. interesting!

It's a bit tense to start thinking about all that, but I guess when you create a TV show, these are the elements the executive team and the network have to consider. And these are the things critics start asking.. Pitching a great story for a TV show is one thing, building a business case is another.

Will Revolution deliver in terms of story and rating? J.J Abrams does not make crap. Eric Kripke does not make crap. If Abrams is going to do what he did on Lost, you bet Kripke and Bryan Burk will do a Damon Lindelof-Bryan Bur-Jack Bender. I think the series' fate lies in the hands of Kripke and Burk -- we are talking about their team dynamic, the story, the writers, the cast and of course rating. Revolution could potentially become the next Lost in terms of scale and epic-ness. I think this is the only way to stay alive on a network like NBC -- GO BIG.. LIKE LOST BIG!

I, for one, hope to see at least one full season and a Hall H appearance at Comic Con (yeah, I know Hall H is a bit ambitious). I would hate to see another The Cape or ... is there a shorter-lived show?

Good luck guys!

Check out the article on BuzzFocus.