Your Saturday Linc: Episode VII and Rebels, Joe Hogan Vlog, Old Doctor Who Episodes

Happy Summer everyone! As we enter the season of beaches, barbecues, and bikinis, what better way than lathering on some sunscreen, grabbing your tablet, and hopping into the pool to read about what's been happening on the Web!

"Ahh this is the life."
"Shouldn't you be guarding the deflector shield's rear entrance?"
"Theeeee life."

1. Episode VII Casting Confirmed And Star Wars: Rebels Plot Updates

It's been a pretty good week for Bleeding Cool News. As it turns out, their report on leaked casting calls for Episode VII were proven to be 100% accurate and confirmed by Lucasfilm. I mean, I don't know how secret casting calls are supposed to be since they're meant to be distributed out to agents and actors, but it's really cool that we're getting a first look at the characters that we'll see in Episode VII and possibly beyond. So far we've seen calls for:

"Late-teen female, independent, good sense of humour, fit." - This is possibly our leading lady. Perhaps a Skywalker?

"Young twenty-something male, witty and smart, fit but not traditionally good looking." - I don't know what "not traditionally good-looking" means, but I'm willing to put my face into contention. Possibly a Solo?

"A late twentysomething male, fit, handsome and confident." - Our late-teen female's love interest, perhaps?

"Seventy-something male, with strong opinions and tough demeanour. Also doesn't need to be particularly fit." -- Looks like gramps here won't be seeing much action. Could this be an Admiral Pellaeon-type older Imperial officer?

"A second young female, also late teens, tough, smart and fit." -- A rom-com-esque best friend of the leading lady?

"Forty something male, fit, military type." -- The bad guy? An Imperial officer? Or maybe a Crix Madine   type of individual.

"Thirtysomething male, intellectual. Apparently doesn’t need to be fit." -- Because Force-forbid we have a strong, good-looking geek on screen.

If we know one thing...most of these people are going to be fit, hopefully because of all the "faster, more intense" action that they will be partaking in. More to come as we get closer, inch by frustrating inch, to 2015.

Bleeding Cool has also managed to dig up some new plot details for the upcoming successor to the Clone Wars series, Star Wars: Rebels. According to BCN:

"Not only is the show about the formation of the Rebel Alliance, taking place in the narrative space between Episodes III and IV, the title also riffs on the main characters. I’ve learned that most of them are teenagers. Rebellious teenagers? Well, that’s the reference, at least."

From whiny Luke Skywalker to his emo father, Anakin, Star Wars has always been about a youth's journey of self-discovery that has galactic-wide consequences. Imagine if some 19-year-old had the ability to alter the course of the universe....and then slowly try to control the shuddering. Don't worry, here's an image of a TIE pilot drawn by Dave Filoni:

Because nothing says calm and soothing than the faceplate of an Imperial fighter pilot.

2. How Do I Art? Joe Hogan's Vlog on Art, the Industry, and New Projects

Missing Linc guest-blogger and all around art warlock Joe Hogan has released the first in his series of vlogs dedicated to helping amateur artists find their way through the painted, photoshopped jungle of the art industry.

Because who wouldn't trust a face like this?

He even dishes on new projects, like his upcoming second motion comic "Panic Over Muunilinst" and his collaborative wrap-up to the Clone Wars, entitled "Clone Wars: Resolutions" (which yours truly will have a hand in penning). Head on over to his Deviant Art page or his You Tube page, or just click the link above to catch up with the latest "Cup'a Joe"!

3. BBC Cannot Confirm Recovery of Classic Doctor Who Episodes

Just an update on the recent reports of the discovery of around 90 episodes of classic Doctor Who episodes, many from the William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton eras. Radio Times spoke with the BBC and asked them whether or not they could confirm the rumors. The BBC, stoic as ever, had this to say:

“There are always rumours and speculation about Doctor Who missing episodes being discovered - however we cannot confirm any new finds,” a statement says.

Because this is exactly what I think of when I think of an old, skeptical British institution

So I guess we might not be getting a special Christmas present from "the beeb" anytime soon. But there's plenty of new and exciting stuff to come with the 50th Anniversary Special, the departure of Matt Smith at Christmas, and the reveal of the Twelfth Doctor.

And that's all for now! Now go enjoy that big shiny yellow thing in the sky. Or two, if you're on Tatooine.

A hero took this picture.

'Til next time,

- Joe

Your Morning Linc: S.H.I.E.L.D., Once Upon A Time In Wonderland, Harry Potter and Star Wars Theme Parks, Star Wars Returns to the UK, Doctor Who Leak

Congratulations, everyone! We've made it to the middle of the week, which means it's time for me to catch up on what's going on in the land of geekery.

1. Two New Shows For the Geek-Minded

I have a feeling that, starting this fall, this blog will be seeing a lot more recaps and reviews. ABC is delivering not one, but two enticing new shows for lovers of action, adventure, and fantasy. First up is a show about a group of friends who like to spend time together doing what all of us like to do with our friends: Save the world from super-powered, extraterrestrial, dangerous threats. Led by everyone's favorite resurrected agent,  this is Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Also on ABC, the folks behind everyone's favorite fairy tale drama are travelling down the rabbit hole to explore a world we've only seen glimpses of, and in a way that we've never seen before. Alice is not the doe-eyed, sweet youngster we've seen in the cartoon. She has lost her true love in a land where anything is possible. Forced to endure "treatments" at a mental facility, Alice doesn't think Wonderland never existed, but she no longer believes in it. When she is rescued by the White Rabbit and a new ally, they travel back to the mystical place to search for the one whose heart is intertwined with hers. And it all begins Once Upon A Time In Wonderland:



2. Booking My Flights in Advance: Harry Potter World Extension and Possible Star Wars Theme Park

It looks like the folks at Disney and Universal will be quite busy in the next few years. According to Universal Creative president Mark Woodbury, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be getting an extension...you just have to know which brick to push. That's right, visitors to the park will finally be able to walk the streets of Diagon Alley

Starting in the summer of 2014, not only will they be building this new attraction, but they will be building it in the main Universal Studios Park. How, then, will people be able to get from there to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts at Islands of Adventure? Why, the Hogwarts Express of course! As Woodbury explains:

 "After people climb aboard the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort next year, as they exit that train, they're going to find themselves in an entirely different environment, in a completely different place. Whether they've journeyed from London to Hogsmeade or visa versa. And we've made sure that even your train trip aboard the Hogwarts Express will be part of the ambitious immersive storytelling experience that we're trying to create for our Guests with this Potter expansion."

If you need me, I'll be waiting on line for the next year or so. And, not to be outdone, Disney CEO Bob Iger has hinted at a possible Star Wars theme park in the future. According to the head of the House of Mouse:

"In addition to the Star Wars feature films that we’ve already talked about, we’re also working on opportunities for television and our parks...It’s still very early in the process. We’ll announce details as these developments evolve."

When the park is operational, it will be the ultimate attraction in the universe. I suggest we visit it.

3. Star Wars Returns to the U.K.

According to an announcement on the official site, it looks like filming and production of Star Wars will return to its ancestral homeland. Leaving behind the Land Down Under, Episode VII will be filmed in the United Kingdom. This continues a long tradition of Star Wars being produced in historic studios such as Elstree, Shepperton, Leavesden, Ealing and Pinewood Studios. Representatives of Lucasfilm met with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer (which just sounds like something out of Star Wars) to make the proper arrangements.

"We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that," said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. "Speaking from my own longstanding connection to the UK with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Empire of the Sun and recently War Horse, it's very exciting to be heading back."

Shooting is set to begin sometime next year.

4. Doctor Whoops: Season 7B DVD Set Released Early in the U.S.

If ever there was a need for time travel, you can bet the people at the BBC are feeling it now. The DVD box set for Series 7B has been released early in the United States, which would be fine except that the season finale hasn't aired yet. You know, the one that promises to reveal the Doctor's greatest secret and solve the mystery of Clara Oswin Oswald?

Yep, that would be the one.

The BBC has pleaded with fans to keep spoilers off the Internet (and, in a joint statement, asked fish not to live in water) and showrunner Steven Moffat has stated if the finale remains unspoiled, that he will release a special clip from the 50th Anniversary Special featuring Matt Smith and David Tennant the night of the finale. Let's just hope this works, or else we're going to have to figure out how to grow a TARDIS. Speaking of the finale, here's a tantalizing (and spoiler-free) preview:

As well as the goosebump-inducing prequel: "He Said, She Said":

So we'll finally get to see the fields of Trenzalore...but what about the Fall of the Eleventh, the Question, and the Silence? Is the Great Intelligence behind all of this? And just WHO are the Doctor and Clara? Take a peak at the BBC-approved pictures here for more tiny bits of information (and note the appearance of a familiar, colorfully-clad person roaming the halls behind Clara).

Well, we certainly have a lot to expect in the coming weeks, months, and years. And all of it will be covered right here, at the Missing Linc!

Til' Next Time,

- Joe

May the Fourth Be With You: Happy Star Wars Day!

A great and joyous Happy Star Wars Day to everyone! As you can see, the blog has taken on the look from that galaxy far far away! Today is a day of great celebration among the millions of Star Wars fans around the world. I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to be in a community of people who can come together and bond so strongly and instantly over one simple franchise. As I said in my very first post, Star Wars has given me so much. It has allowed me to imagine things beyond comprehension, taught me to strive for what's right no matter the cost, to trust in myself and my feelings, and has introduced me to people I consider like family. Today we mark all the movies, books, toys, cartoons, LEGOs, re-enacted lightsaber battles, fan stories, costuming, and more that have made the past 36 years so remarkable. It's funny how something so big, so grand, and so world-encompassing started in the mind of a young student who just wanted to tell stories. And that, my friends, how it should be with each of us.

"It's like a family reunion with people you've never met before"

I have to mention that today is also special for a few other  reasons. This, appropriately, marks my 50th post on the Missing Linc! Thank you everyone who's come along for the ride! And we can count May the 4th, 1971 as the beginning of a love story greater than any seen in Star Wars (sorry Jaina and Jag). Today is the day (all too well known in my family) that my parents began dating. And boy, am I glad it worked out. Also, today is the day  we brought home my Chewie. Yes, six years ago today, on May the 4th, the dog born on St. Joseph's Day, that we named after the most loyal of companions came home. 

And speaking of everyone's favorite Wookiee...it looks like smuggling just isn't that lucrative, as Chewbacca has taken a job with MTV Geek:

Get More: MTV Shows

Now, let's get into all the ways you can celebrate Star Wars Day! You can visit the newly redesigned TheForce.Net or StarWars.com for tons of activities, giveaways, galleries, and more! You can even win a life-size Darth Malgus statue from GameStop!

Of course, you can ignore all of this and pay close attention to the truth about May the 4th, the "dangerous and immoral" holiday, as shown in this ad from Imperial Public Relations Bureau.



I. Watch the Panic Over Muunilinst Trailer

As a special Star Wars Day treat, check out the latest trailer by the best artist in the biz, Joe Hogan. Continuing the adventures of Captain Fordo, the sequel to the incredible "The Siren of Dathomir"  is "Panic Over Muunilinst" and it promises to be epic!


Sounds like my kinda show sir, when do I see?

II. Tons To Read, and for Cheap!

My friends at the Star Wars Insider are offering up some great deals if you subscribe today. Not only will you get 50% off the subscription fee, but you'll also receive:

• Get 8 issues for just $31.99!
• Exclusive subscriber cover with each issue - not available in stores!

Publisher Del Rey is selling five Star Wars novels for the Amazon Nook for only $1.99! They are: Heir to the Empire, Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, Darth Plagueis, Winner Lose All, and Tatooine Ghost.

And, in the luckiest of coincidences, it also happens to be Free Comic Book Day! Head on over to your local comic book store and pick up part one of the exciting new Darth Vader series: The Ninth Assassin

III. Send Your Friends Some Star Wars Day E-Cards!

Head on over to StarWars.com to download and send some pretty cool E-Cards and let your friends know that you're thinking of them on May the 4th.

IV. Dress In Style

While not everyone can don a cool set of armor, people can wear the very latest in Star Wars clothes designed by fans! The folks over at WeLoveFine have announced the winners of their Dark Side Design contest. Hit the link and you can purchase all of these fantastic fan-made pieces. Here are a few of my favorites:

And are you searching for something for that special Princess? Head on over to Her Universe for some kickass clothes for all the Star Wars fangirls out there. Her Universe was created by Ashley Eckstein, who played Ahsoka Tano on The Clone Wars

V. Catch Up On Some Interviews

Yesterday, on the eve of May the Fourth, Lucasfilm's Pablo Hidalgo, author of the incredible Essential Reader's Companion, hosted a live Q&A on Facebook. Hit the link for the full transcript, but check out what he had to say on the impact that the Sequel Trilogy will have on the current EU:

"I think the EU will always continue to be part of the Star Wars experience, in that there are stories that are best suited for books, comics, games. etc.. The relationship between cinematic content and expanded universe content will continue to be what it is today and has been in the past. What happens on screen is one thing. What happens in the books is another. How they connect and interact is something I'm really eager to see."

And J.J. Abrams, who apparently has some kind of loose association with Star Wars, talks to the BBC about Episode VII, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and more. Check out the full interview here, but here's a snippet:

"A self-confessed Star Wars fan, Abrams said he would have to try to mitigate his "geeky fan-boy" feelings about his forthcoming project. 

"It's just about about approaching it from as authentic a place as possible, and not trying to apply what you believe or think, as much as trying to filter everything and get at it from the core of the characters."

VI. Prepare for Celebration Europe II

Although I sadly won't be attending this year, the CEII's official site has been releasing a steady flow of information about this summer's Celebration Europe II in Essen, Germany (July 26-28). We know now that there will be some awesome merchandise art, including this incredible set of Star Wars coat of arms:

Convention-goers will also apparently see a reunion of sorts, with the denizens of Jabba's Palace coming together in a decidedly less dangerous environment. I sincerely hope everyone has a ton of fun and brings the Star Wars spirit to Germany.

VII. Celebrate With Friends

Whether it's a lightsaber duel, a game of Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, or just sitting down and watching a Star Wars marathon, take the time today to be with your fellow Rebels, Imps, Mandos, Jedi, and Sith. Because the strength of this community comes from the deep bond we all share. The passion and love we have for this Saga transcends every type of border, to bring us together as fans, as friends, and as family.

So from the frozen plains of Hoth, to the jungles of Yavin 4, to the oceans of Kamino, to the sprawling spires of Coruscant; from the Land Down Under to the Land of the Rising Sun to the Land of the Free, let's call out with one, united voice, ringing out throughout the galaxy:

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!

-Joe

Your Late Evening Linc: JJ Abrams Talks Episode VII, Empire Strikes Back Photos, Doctor Who Teasers, and DBZ Abridged

Oh, what a fine evening it is! Let's not waste another moment of it and get right to your evening Lincs:

1. J.J. Abrams Talks Star Wars (And That Other Franchise)

Pictured: NOT Miss April

Because this time I really am reading it for the articles! Episode VII director J.J. Abrams sat down with Playboy Magazine for a fully in-depth interview in which he discusses all of his upcoming projects. He talks about what it takes to make Star Trek exciting to fans and casual viewers alike, the responsibility of taking the helm of two mega-franchises with rabidly loyal fans (Hi, how are ya?), and his approach to directing Episode VII and making the two franchises distinct. He even dishes on his incredible and controversial (amongst fans, that is) TV shows Lost, Fringe, Felicity and Revolution. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Here's a snippet of what he had to say with regard to juggling the two universes:

ABRAMS: As with anything, because these are very different worlds, they shouldn’t feel the same aesthetically. They can’t. You’re right. But again, I don’t apply aesthetics first and fit a movie into that aesthetic. If I had come into Star Trek with those eyes, I would probably have been paralyzed. The advantage here is that we still have George Lucas with us to go to and ask questions and get his feedback on things, which I certainly will do. With Star Trek it was harder because I wasn’t a Star Trek fan; I didn’t have the same emotional feeling, and I didn’t have Gene Roddenberry to go to. But I came to understand the world of Star Trek, and I appreciated what fans felt and believed about this universe and this franchise.

Later in the interview, the "King of the Reboot" hints that something original is coming down the pike. You can read the full article here.

2. Never Before Seen Behind the Scenes Photos from The Empire Strikes Back

Imugr user "joinyoubythesun" has uploaded an astounding 66 behind the scenes images from the filming of The Empire Strikes Back. Not sure exactly where he got them from, but I am definitely not complaining! There are a whole host of pictures that I've never seen before; some posed, some candid, and all amazing. There are also plenty of pictures of the late greats of the film, including director Irvin Kershner, Yoda creator and make-up master Stuart Freeborn, swordsman Bob Anderson, and Old Ben himself, Sir Alec Guiness. All in all, it really does bring a smile to my face to see the cast and crew really enjoying themselves as they create what is arguably one of the best movies of all time. You can check them all out here, but I wanted to share a few of my favorites:

They're smiling because their faces are frozen like that.

Quit you're whining kid, it's only your melted hand.

Going over the script with Kirsh (and producer Gary Kurtz)

"And then...Chewie just let one RIP...an arm I mean..."

The Maker, The Vader, and the Director

"And THIS is what I think of your acting!"

"I'll see you in hell!.. Ha ha, I'm just kidding. You're going there, I'll be up in Heaven."

"Drive the Rebel Ice Cream Truck, they said. It'll be fun they said!"

Miss you, Kirsh. 

"He's just crazy enough to do it!"

3. Doctor Whoness

Well, after Saturday's exciting episode, the folks at the BBC are serving up all sorts of bits and bobs to keep us going until next week. For starters, they are releasing a collectible box set entitled "Regeneration".

Included: The rare episode where the Doctor regenerates into Michael Jackson

With over 1,000 minutes of footage and bonus material over 6 DVDs, the album is "adorned with superb photography from across the era and features detailed and informative accounts of every regeneration." Each DVD contains the episodes that contain the Doctors' regeneration, including the masterfully reconstructed fourth and final episode of the "Tenth Planet" arc which gives us our very first "renewal". The box set is out June 10, 2013.

And check out what's coming up next week in "The Crimson Horror". The Paternoster Gang are back as Jenny, Vastra, and Strax help the Doctor and Clara unravel the dangerous mystery surrounding Sweetville. Perhaps their travels back to the era in which the Doctor met Clara for the second time will lead to some more clues as to the true nature of the newest  and most mysterious companion.



Speaking of Clara-related mysteries, we got the smallest, and yet most tantalizing of clues from none other than Jenna-Louise Coleman herself! On the topic of the Series 7 finale episode, "The Name of the Doctor", Jenna-Louise praises the epic plot, the cool new villains The Whispermen, and drops this bombshell:

“All I can say is that Clara hasn’t just met the Doctor three times before…”

I'm sorry....WHAT?! Apparently, Moffat has been planting clues for years, and has stated that we have yet to even get on the scent of the truth behind Clara Oswin Oswald. And we've only got two episodes left before the finale, which will lead directly into the 50th anniversary. According to the synopsis for "The Name of the Doctor":

"Clara is summoned to an impossible conference call, alerting her that the deadly Whisper Men are closing in on Vastra, Jenny and Strax. Someone is kidnapping the Doctor’s friends, leading him toward the one place in all of time and space that he should never go. It’s a deadly trap that threatens to unravel his past, present and future…"

Because, remember, it's all still waiting for him. Trenzalore, the fall of the Eleventh....and the revelation of his biggest secret.

4. Dragonball Z Abridged Episode 34

"The following is a non-profit fan based parody..." If you're a DragonBall Z fan and have not yet experienced the hilarity and sheer awesomeness that is DragonBall Z Abridged, then stop literally everything you're doing (I see you feeding that baby) and get crackin'. The brilliant minds and incredible voice talents at Team Four Star have been able to get at the very core of what the show was about, while managing to create stories all their own. From an imbecilic Goku, to a senile Guru, to a sadistic Mr. Popo, you'll find yourself with all new favorite characters as you laugh your way through each episode. The one that got me hooked was Episode 29, and I suggest if you're going to start anywhere, you start there. Here is the latest episode, number 34, which takes place after a cooler than cool Trunks has finally dispatched a Cyber-Frieza and his Daddykins.




That's it for tonight, kids. Check back tomorrow for more from the Missing Linc!

- Joe

Your Linc at Lunch: Star Wars Every Year, Doctor Who 50th News, New Zelda Game for 3DS, and Heroes May Be Revived

It's time once again for a little digestivo, Missing Linc style!

1. Star Wars Updates: Sequels/Spinoff Alternating Every Year, May the 4th History, And Patton Oswalt is a Genius

Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, announced today at CinemaCon in Las Vegas that Disney will release one Star Wars movie every summer beginning in 2015. After Episode VII's release in 2015, the movies will alternate between spinoffs and Episodes VIII and IX. Ooh, just typing those Roman numerals gives me goosebumps! Perhaps each spinoff will be affected by, and then lead into, the next Sequel movie? If there's ever a time to be a Star Wars fan, it's during the buildup to a new movie. There's so much excitement every time a new shred of information is revealed. More details to come as this unfolds!

Also be sure to head over to Star Wars.com for a great, brief history of "May the 4th Be With You" in preparation for Star Wars Day in a few weeks. And if you haven't seen actor and mega-geek Patton Oswalt's completely improvised Star Wars-inspired filibuster, which will be featured on tonight's on Parks & Recreation, do yourself a favor and check it out below. The man is an absolute genius....and frankly I'd love to see the movie he proposes.

 

I can also 100% forgive all the mispronunciations and errors since this was a completely off-the-cuff speech. Hopefully we'll hear more of his ideas in the future.

2. Doctor Who 50th: Tennant Speaks, Doctors Unite, and More Monsters to Be Featured

David Tennant, the man behind the beloved Tenth Doctor, turns 42 today. Happy Birthday, Doctor! He recently spoke to the Radio Times about his return to Doctor Who:

“It is strange being back in the same suit, but it also feels very familiar and comfortable," (Tennant said.) "There’s nothing quite like Doctor Who. It has a wonderful excitement about it. I always had happy times there and it’s lovely to be around Billie again, even though I see her all the time anyway.”

And while we can't wait to see Ten and Rose back together again, here are a few shots on location of David Tennant and Matt Smith outside what looks to be Ten's TARDIS:

10 and 11

A wider shot. Check out that Zygon strutting his stuff (Ladies?)

Ten running with Queen Elizbaeth I

Allons-y!

And it won't just be the Zygons that the (at least) two Doctors will be facing. According to writer Robert Banks Stewart in an interview with Digital Spy, we will see Daleks, Cybermen, and more! Will the villains team up in an effort to destroy the Doctor once and for all? Who knows! (Pun aside...Moffat and only Moffat knows.)

3. Time To Update Your Hyrule Historia: Nintendo Announces "A Link to the Past" Sequel for 3DS

Oh you read that right! Yesterday, Nintendo revealed that they will be releasing a direct sequel to 1991's "The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past"! According to NBC:

"The new "Link to the Past" will follow directly in the footsteps of the original SNES classic, featuring everything from the iconic top-down perspective and cartoonish art style of early nineties-era Zelda games and the same Hyrule that series protagonist Link explored more than a decade ago."

Since it's being released for the 3DS, developers have utilized that feature to use the height of platforms in new and exciting ways. And there will apparently be a feature that will allow Link to become a drawing, flattening him against walls and making him able to get around tight spaces and obstacles. Check out the video below and see the first glimpse of what looks to be a visually stunning and incredibly fun game.

 


4. NBC's Heroes May Find New Life on X-Box Live

Let's be honest here: When Heroes debuted in 2006 it was incredible. Characters like Peter Petrelli, Hiro Nakamura, Matt Parkman, Claire and Noah Bennett, and the evil Sylar took hold of our imaginations as the super-hero genre went mainstream. I really enjoyed it because it presented every day people being thrust into extraordinary circumstances. It asked the question "just what would happen if suddenly you woke up and had super powers?" and did so in a believable and intriguing way. It also had, for the first time, a truly international cast and we were taken from New York to India and Japan as the good guys tried to stop Sylar and "the bomb". The ubiquitous catchphrase "Save the Cheerleader, Save the World" was whispered among my friends all year!

Also, if you didn't squeal like a little girl when he showed up, I can't help you.

And then...I don't know what happened. Convoluted plots, more characters than a Simpson's collage, and just the overall poor quality of the show in its last two seasons spelled the end for the show. But, it looks like the show might heal quicker than Claire after a fall off a water tower, with a new cast and stories possibly to be downloadable from XBox Live. Hopefully during this interregnum Heroes' house was put back in order and we will see fresh, exciting content (with of course some cameos) soon.

Yatta! \(^0^)/


And that's all for today! Well, one more thing. In honor of David Tennant's birthday, here's a clip of every time he uttered his famous catchphrase.

 

Allons-y!

- Joe

Your Morning Linc: Best April Fool's Pranks from Around the Web

Updated: Karen Gillan to appear in Episode VII and the New Star Wars animated series is revealed!

Good morning, everyone! I'm back from Easter break and I hope you and your family had a great holiday. Not a lot of time until later to get into my Doctor Who and Game of Thrones recaps, so I thought I'd collect a few of the best April Fool's jokes from around the web

1. Google Nose

Because "smelling is believing", Google unveiled the beta for their latest project, Google Nose. According to the video, your olfactory senses will be your guide to the world wide web. "Photo olfactory sensory convergence", as it's called, will no longer be relegated to the realm of science fiction! Click the "Try Google Nose" button and watch the people over at Google celebrate their triumph in their own special way.

 



2. George Takei Will Star in Episode VII

The leader of the "Star Alliance" has revealed that he will be starring as Jedi Master Ceti Maru in Episode VII: Galactic Empire. While not the best attempt at an April Fool's joke, you gotta love the picture he posted:

Oh Myyyyy

3. The Joke I Wish Was Most True: Karen Gillan to Join Episode VII Cast

This one hurts to know that it's a prank. The Big Shiny Robot people thought it would be funny to give fanboys (and girls) everywhere a giant let down by posting today of all days that Karen Gillan will be starring in Episode VII. The fiery Scottish companion of the Eleventh Doctor, Gillan would have been perfect for just about any role in anything ever.

Come along, Pond, indeed.

4. YouTube to Shut Down til 2023 to pick "Best Video Ever"

The folks at YouTube let the world know today that they will be shutting down until 2023 in order to cull through the millions upon millions of videos in order to select "THE BEST VIDEO EVER!" An all-star panel has been organized to select the video, including Antoinne Dodson of "Bed Intruder" fame. Check out the announcement below:

 

5. Doctor Who to Re-Design the TARDIS

Our friends over at Doctor Who TV Blog posted a great prank article detailing the demise of the famous blue police box. According to their article, showrunner Steven Moffat will be trading in the old model for something "hipper, cooler, and sexier" for the show's 50th anniversary. They thank contributor "Ali Forlop" for the scoop.

This actually would be an upgrade.

6. Apple Announces iPlay Game Console

Not to be outdone, the group over at IGN has released a video detailing Apple's new iPlay console. The tech giant wants to compete with the big boys in the world of gaming and they're going to do it with simplicity and style. And you'll be pleasantly surprised at the game they have decided to solely dedicate their console to. Check out the video here:

 


7. New Star Wars Animated Series to Feature Jar Jar Binks and Col. Gascon

Get ready folks! Star Wars Underworld, in their exclusive report, reveals that the successor to The Clone Wars will feature none other than everyone's favorite(?) diminutive Republic officer, Colonel Meebur Gascon!

Actual size.

The series will reportedly follow Gascon and the lovable(?) droids of D-Squad on their many adventures throughout the galaxy. Laying it on thick, SWU also reports that the series will feature Jar Jar Binks, whose absence in the Original Trilogy will be explained and who will make a big comeback in the Sequel Trilogy. Adding to that the possible cameo of Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman from Doctor Who, and you have one hell of an April Fool's post!



That's all for now, guys. Hope you this made the Monday return to work a little bit better.

-Joe

Your Evening Linc: McDiarmid on Palpatine Movie, Doctor Who Clips, Duck Tales Reboot, and More!

Hello everyone! It's a fine evening for geekery don't you think? Let's take a look at what the internet gods have bestowed upon us:

1. Ian McDiarmid Would Like To See A Palpatine Spinoff Movie....As Would We All

Me and my bestie, the master of all evil.

Because when the Emperor speaks you listen. SciFi Now has posted a great interview with my favorite actor from the Star Wars galaxy, the incomparable Ian McDiarmid. In it he discusses his upcoming appearance at Celebration Europe II, George Lucas, and what he thinks has kept Star Wars so appealing to so many for so long. He also talks about the future of the saga under Disney. And While Ian admits that there's no place for a dead Palpatine in the new trilogy, there might be hope for a standalone feature.:

“On the other hand they’ve got lots of exciting ideas for spin-offs about separate characters and so on, and then there is the television series which George has talked about and decided to make into being for a number of years, and that takes place between Episodes III and IV when the Emperor is very much alive. So I think he probably does have a future."

The mind swirls with ideas! The movie could be based on the immensely popular Darth Plagueis novel by James Luceno, or perhaps delve into the Emperor concentrating his power during the Dark Times. However you imagine it, a Sidious-based movie is definitely not something to chuck down a reactor shaft! Hopefully everything proceeds as he has foreseen.

2. New Bells of St. John Clip and An Interview From the 20th Anniversary of Doctor Who

I really can sympathize with the Doctor when he bemoans waiting out time like a normal person in the Series 7 episode "The Power of Three". The excruciating wait for the season to resume this Saturday is made just bearable (or perhaps more unbearable) by another cool clip from the people over at the BBC. We've seen the Doctor's wardrobe room before (most recently in  David Tennant's first outing in "The Christmas Invasion", but the Eleventh Doctor is keeping his costumes a little more within reach in this new incarnation of the TARDIS. Check out the clip below and see the Doctor don his new duds </alliteration>.

 

Because bowties are cool!

Now, while I was fumbling about YouTube, I happened to come across this great clip of a British news show from 1983 that features Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, and then-current Doctor Peter Davison reflecting on what makes Doctor Who so special. The three Who's are affable and having a ball as the host tries in vain to reign them in. It's funny to watch this and see them all marvel at the show's 20th anniversary knowing that the 50th is just around the corner. Pay special attention to the end when the moderator theorizes that, since the Doctor can only has 13 lives (according to the idea established in the Tom Baker era episode "The Deadly Assassin"), that the show would be on at least another 45 years, which brings us pretty close to the current era.

 

3. A-Woo-OO! Duck Tales NES Game To Get a High-Def Reboot!

In what I hope is a long line of rebooted classics to come, this summer will see the release of the original NES Duck Tales game. The brilliant minds at CAPCOM bring Scrooge McDuck back with stunning new graphics but with the same classic game play that brings you back to those days in Duckburg. Sing along to one of the best cartoon themes ever and feast your eyes on "Duck Tales - Remastered", out for all platforms Summer 2013.

 


4. Greyhound Sings the Halo Theme...and I Almost Choke on The Pretzel I'm Eating

Nothing more to say about this video. Just try not to laugh as this dog performs his rendition of the classic Halo theme:

 


I'm just waiting for this to be released on a remastered OST.



That's all for tonight, folks! Until next time,

-Joe

Your Morning Linc: Abrams talks Episode VII, Disney Talks Star Wars Land, Doctor Who Prequel Clip

Update to the Disney Parks story: A friendly source tells me that Disney-contracted engineers are looking at specifications for roads for a park that is as big as, if not bigger than, Animal Kingdom. Looking at the rate of new park creation (Magic Kingdom 1971 - EPCOT 1982 - Hollywood Studios 1989 - Animal Kingdom 1998 - Fantasy Land Upgrade 2012) a new Star Wars park could very well fit in nicely!

Good morning everyone! Five days into Spring and we're still worrying about snow here in New York. Hopefully these bits of nerdiness will warm your hearts.

1. J.J. Abrams Talks Episode VII with Empire Magazine

Showing off the Jedi Mind Trick he used to land both franchises

Fitting, isn't it? J.J. Abrams sat down with Empire Magazine to discuss Star Trek: Into Darkness, but it wasn't long before questions about Episode VII popped up. Here's a snippet of what he had to say about his decision to helm the first movie in the new trilogy:

"My knee-jerk reaction was that I'm in the middle of working on the Star Trek movie and I can't even consider it. But then time went by and I got further along working on the movie and getting to a place where I had done most of the heavy lifting. So when I met with Kathy Kennedy we just started discussing it and I was able to actually engage in the conversation. I went down to tell Katie, my wife, and I said, 'I had just a very interesting conversation with Kathy." That was the beginning."

And hopefully it is the beginning of many great things to come. The full interview is in the magazine which is out March 28th.

And speaking of things to come...

2. The Clone Wars to Wrap Up with Two Arcs and Disney Might Be Planning A Star Wars Park

R.I.P.

According to a source at TheForce.Net, it looks like we will be seeing two last story arcs for The Clone Wars. One that will not be airing would have reportedly centered around Boba Fett and his bounty hunter friends and revealed the ultimate fate of characters like Cad Bane and Aurra Sing.

Hopefully we will at least see what happens to Ahsoka and Rex. More on this as it develops.

Missing the Clone Wars and looking to delve into the Star Wars galaxy yourself? Well, Disney might just have the thing for you. After a stream of some pretty shocking news, fans might be happy to hear that visitors to Disneyland were asked to take a survey about a possible Star Wars-themed park.

Opinions were heavily influenced...

One of the questions asked was "How interested would you be in visiting a Star Wars themed land at the Disneyland Resort?" I can only assume that anyone who didn't answer "Extremely Interested" was beaten over the head with a gaffi stick until they answered correctly.

3. Doctor Who The Bells of St. John Prequel Online

We are under a week until Doctor Who returns! To whet your appetite a little the BBC released an online prequel to the first new episode "The Bells of St. John". The Doctor is having no luck finding the intriguing (and at this point, twice dead) Clara. His melancholic swinging is interrupted by a little girl who gives him some pretty good advice. Check it out below:

 


Well wasn't that sweet? And if Clara and the Doctor need any help, they can always call on Frazier Hines, who wants to reprise his role as kilt-wearing, Second Doctor companion Jamie McCrimmon full time. Hines says that with all the young characters, the show needs someone "for the grannies". Aye laddie!

Hope this brightens up your morning! More to come on The Missing Linc!

-Joe