Your Morning Linc: Clone Wars: Resolutions, Star Wars Park A Go?, Muppets on Broadway, and Lost Doctor Who Episodes Found

Good morning everyone! The Missing Linc returns to its original format with yours truly at the helm, but I have to sincerely thank Joe Hogan for his incredible E3 coverage last week. If you haven't already, check out his really insightful and funny posts below this one. But, the Hogatron has one more surprise left for us, and it kicks off today's Morning Linc!

1. Clone Wars: Resolutions

When it was announced, just a few months ago, that The Clone Wars was going to be canceled, I think we were all a little shocked (there is a distinct dent in the floor where I fell off my chair). It seemed that we would never know the ultimate destinies of Ahsoka, Rex, Hondo, and many others. But, luckily for us, Joe was recently commissioned to resolve the fates of many of our beloved Clone Wars characters. Culling together some of the best unknown artists and writers (including a certain blogger), Clone Wars: Resolutions promises to answer many of your important questions, so stay tuned! You can check out more about this and other projects on his DeviantArt page.

It's also worth noting that, in its final season, The Clone Wars managed to garner two Daytime Emmy Awards. One, accepted by George Lucas, Dave Filoni,and Carey Silver, was for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program. The other, much to my Star-Whovian delight, was the Oustanding Performer in an Animated Program and went to David Tennant for his guest appearance as the lightsaber-constructing droid Huyang in the episodes "A Test of Strength" and "A Necessary Bond".

"Molto bene!"

And if that isn't enough Star Wars news to get your hyperdrives up and running, here's something you're not going to want to miss:

2. Star Wars Land at Disney World Coming Soon!

Jedi Gonna Hate

According to reports from the Theme Park Insider, we might be just that much closer to an official Star Wars Land at Disney Hollywood Studios (which I will still forever call "MGM"). 

"This appears to be a five-year project, putting completion in 2018, though Disney could choose to throw money at it and accelerate it by a year."

The park will reportedly either extend from Star Tours to the Indiana Jones stunt show or take over the space now occupied by Honey! I Shrunk the Kids and The Muppet 3-D theater. TheForce.Net is also reporting that Star Tours will be receiving yet another upgrade as well when the park expands, and we might even get to dine a Chalmun's famous cantina!. Although I really hope we don't see the end of the Muppets (even though the show has been running for almost 20 years), I cannot wait to finally see what I've only imagined since I was a kid. And that, I believe, is the magic of both Disney and Star Wars

And speaking of Muppets (and my love of being able to string together posts)...

3. The Muppets Might Take Manhattan Once More!

According to Playbill.com, it looks like we might be seeing Green on the Great White Way. Disney Theatrical Production, after a reportedly productive concept meeting (which included over 85 Muppets and a performance of Kermit's "Rainbow Connection), might be sending Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, and the rest of the gang to Broadway! 

The show would be directed by award-winning director Alex Timbers, who co-directed the phenomenal (and hilarious) Peter and the Starcatcher and also directed the insanely awesome Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway a few years ago. 

Of course, not everyone is excited about Muppets taking the stage....

Bring out the bear!

4. Lost Doctor Who Episodes Might Have Been Uncovered

When a show reaches its fiftieth year, you can expect there to be certain mythologies built around it. One in particular surrounds the fate of several early episodes, including the one that contains the very first regeneration. You see, back in the day, TV execs didn't feel the need to archive episodes, instead reusing the tape for other shows or just throwing it out entirely. Whole adventures of the First and Second Doctors have been lost to time, thrown into the vortex and cast away in the Medusa Cascade. Or so we thought...

Lost forever, the famous "Espresso Machine of the Daleks" serial

According to Bleeding Cool News, the BBC has secured a large number of tapes from...and I quote..."an eccentric engineer who worked for broadcasters across Africa with a taste for science fiction and a habit of taking things for 'safe keeping'". One of the full serials recovered is reportedly 1967's Evil of the Daleks. 

Now, I'm a little dubious, but then again this wouldn't be the first time that things were saved by an eccentric madman....

Ahhhh that felt good. Been too long since I was able to tap at the keys and make Blog magic! And, of course, I missed all of you wonderful people. Keep your eyes posted to The Missing Linc for more on each of these stories!

'Til next time,

- Joe

Your Linc at Lunch: New Clone Wars Clip, No Classic Doctors for 50th, New Crimson Horror Trailer, Name of the Doctor Details

Good afternoon everyone! First of all, as we near Star Wars Day, I wanted to say Happy 5-01st to all of my friends trooping around the world. The 501st are a group of thousands of dedicated and passionate fans who not only spend tons of time and energy on creating better-than-movie quality armor and costumes, but also do a lot of charity work around the globe. They symbolize what being a Star Wars fan is all about.

Bad guys doing good things

Now, I think I've been pretty good trying to mix it up with the fandoms, but today it's all about the big two: Star Wars and Doctor Who! Lots of news to cover so let's get to it!

1. New Clone Wars Clips Previews What Is To Come

Yesterday we were all delightfully surprised when USA Today posted a brand new, never before seen clip from what as to be the next season of The Clone Wars! Leading a squad of clones, Jedi Master Plo Koon (voiced by the incomparable James Arnold Taylor) trudges through a sandstorm in order to find a crashed ship...that curiously contains a lost lightsaber.



Supervising Director, and Stetson aficionado  Dave Filoni promises that we will get the answers to some long-standing questions, including one about a mysterious Jedi Master:

"The Jedi have been fighting a war with an army that was commissioned by one of their own, Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas," he says. "But who was Sifo-Dyas, and what happened to him? The dark lord of the Sith has woven an intricate web to ensnare the Jedi, but it is not full-proof and sometimes a small clue, and a bit of chance, can lead to the unraveling of the best-laid plans."

Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas was alluded to in Episode II: Attack of the Clones as the one who originally went to Kamino to make the order for the clone army. In the comics, it is revealed that he was killed by his old friend, Count Dooku, as his final test to become a Sith. Most recently, Sifo-Dyas was featured in the incredible novel Darth Plagueis. Will this new Clone Wars adventure shed some light on the mystery, or cast it further into the shadows? You can bet I'll bring you the latest as it comes out! Check out the full article by clicking here.

2. No Classic Doctors in 50th, Says Doctor Who Magazine

It looks like we'll only be seeing the return of one Time Lord come this November. The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine confirms that no Doctor from the classic era, including Eighth Doctor Paul McGann, will be making an appearance in the 50th Anniversary Special. As Steven Moffat explains:

“It is important you don’t turn it into a fanfest. We can’t make this all about looking backwards. It’s actually got to be the start of a new story.”

Well, there goes any hope of seeing the Eighth Doctor's regeneration into the Ninth. But in a sense, the Moff is right. This has to be an epic tale in its own right, not just a trip to the planet Nostalgia. And I'm sure there will be tons of nods to the past, especially Matt Smith's predecessors, throughout the special. DWM also reports that filming on the 50th is almost completed and the Christmas Special is due to start filming after his stint in the Ryan Gosling-directed film How to Catch A Monster.

3. New Crimson Horror Clip Harkens Back to Fifth Doctor

Now, if you need to get your Past Doctor fix, the latest clip from this week's "The Crimson Horror" is just what the Doctor ordered! (Looks like I overshot planet Nostalgia and landed on the moon of Pun) Using a grainy footage effect, the clip features the Doctor and Clara once again coming out of the TARDIS not exactly where they expected.



The "gobby" Australian is, of course, a reference to Fifth Doctor companion Tegan Jovanka. Hearing a call back to the Fifth Doctor's catchphrase "Brave heart, Tegan" made my inner fanboy beam with glee. And the reference follows an interesting pattern of reaching back to previous Doctors that one viewer has noticed:

• Rings of Akhaten: Susan (1st Doctor)
• Cold War: Ice Warriors (2nd Doctor)
• Hide: Metebelis 3 (3rd Doctor)
• Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS: Fourth Doctor heard in the TARDIS console room
• The Crimson Horror: "Brave Heart, Tegan" (5th Doctor)

This being the big 5-0 year and all, we can expect many more references to come as we lead into the finale and the special. And speaking of the Series 7 finale....

4. The Name of the Doctor Semi-Spoilers and Teasers

If you want to go into the Series 7 finale "The Name of the Doctor" completely unspoiled, then you best turn away now. Doctor Who Magazine has also published a list of tantalizing details about the last episode before we head into the 50th. It looks like the Doctor will indeed travel to Trenzalore, discover the truth behind Clara, and perhaps, just perhaps, reveal his biggest secret. To that end, there's this intriguing synopsis:

"Every journey taken by a time-traveller tears a wound in the fabric of reality, and the Doctor has time-travelled more than anyone. But the trail runs cold in Trenzalore, the one place in all of time and space that he should never go. The most dangerous place in the universe… Who is kidnapping the Doctor’s friends, leading him to Trenzalore? Could the Fall of the Eleventh be nigh? Or does an impossible girl hold the key? The Doctor’s past, present, and future lives are in grave danger… and his greatest secret is about to be revealed."

This quote from the Doctor:

 THE DOCTOR: “The path I carved through time and space, from Gallifrey to Trenzalore. My own personal time tunnel, leading back to every moment I ever lived. Every step, every tear, every kiss. Even the days I haven’t lived yet. Which is why I shouldn’t be here. The paradoxes… very bad…”

 And some other exciting tidbits:

• Richard E Grant is back as Dr Simeon (“Hello again,” says the Doctor. “How’s the Intelligence – still Great?”) (Joe's Thought: Hm, could the Great Intelligence be the leader of the Silence?)
• Post-Library River Song returns (“Oh, I do like to watch a man think; it’s like watching a whale knit!”).
• On the Doctor’s feelings for River, Moffat says: “You never quite know what the Doctor feels. I don’t think you ever should.”
• There’s more snogging
• Moffat says there hasn’t been a “proper doom-fraught episode” in a while. If this episode is about anything, it’s about death. There is a funereal atmosphere, literally.
• Will everyone make it to the end of the episode alive? (Spoiler: No)
• Will we, at last, learn the true identity of Clara Oswald, the impossible girl? (Spoiler: yes!)
• Will the Doctor’s greatest secret be revealed? (Spoiler: Possibly)
• DWM doesn’t know how the episode ends, it’s that secret
• After this episode, nothing will ever be the same again

If ever there was a time for a real life TARDIS to show up, it would be now. "The Name of the Doctor" premieres Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Hoo boy, what a post! Hopefully there's enough to get you revved up for some great Star Wars and Doctor Who events to come! Check back soon for more information form the Missing Linc!

- Joe

Your Evening Linc: LucasArts Shut Down, Filoni's New Show, Doctor Who 50th News, And A New DBZ Movie

No time to waste, let's dive in to some evening geekery:

1. Disney Officially Shuts Down LucasArts

RIP, little man.

This is a turbulent time for the Lucasfilm family of products. The latest news from the House of Mouse is that LucasArts will be shut down and production will cease on new titles Star Wars 1313  and First Assault. Disney will license out future titles to outside companies. Here is the full statement:

"After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games. As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."

 Now, it's very easy to get emotional about this. LucasArts has produced some of my favorite Star Wars games of all time (Shadows of the Empire, Rogue Squadron, The Force Unleashed, Jedi Outcast, and Force Commander just to name a few). And after the crushing news of the cancellation of The Clone Wars, it's easy to think that the big bad corporate thugs are coming in and ruining everything we ever cared about. While I'm still scratching my head over The Clone Wars' demise, switching formats for LucasArts might prove to be a savvy move. As TheForce.Net notes, the gaming division's problems have been manifold. With three presidents in four years, no truly successful games since The Force Unleashed in 2008 and The Old Republic (which was developed by BioWare and had to switch to a free-to-play model shortly after launch), and the ugly business behind the cancellation of Battlefront III (also developed outside by Free Radical), does it really make sense for Disney to carry on supporting a lagging company? Game Informer goes into more detail in their extensive article.

Seen here: The money pit Disney wished to avoid

Business decisions are, by their nature, not solely based on emotions. Disney is a powerhouse for a reason and we have to assume that their decisions haven't been based solely on seeing how many fanboys and girls they can enrage in a month. As I said, there is a lot of nostalgia and fond memories playing LucasArts titles, but through licensing, we might see great new Star Wars games in the future. And as Disney slims down Lucasfilm's portfolio, I sincerely hope that all this increased focus on the sequel trilogy produces superb films in the coming years.

2. Filoni Developing New Animated Series

I call him by his Italian nickname: "Davey Strands"

One bit of good news to come out of all of this is that the Man with the Hat will soon be back in the director's chair. In an interview with Rebel Force Radio, Filoni says that he will be around to helm a new animated series. What this new show will look like and what stories it will tell remains to be seen. Here's his take on all the recent upheaval at Lucasfilm:

“It’s a function of our industry… It’s not my favorite part. You can luckily grow things and bring on many talented people, but there (comes) times when you have to shrink things as well. We happen to be in one of those times right now, but that just paves the way, hopefully, for new things and new creativity in the future.”

I hope so, Director, for your sake.

3. Doctor Who 50th: First Shots of Filming, and Eccleston Won't Return

I'll get the bad news over with first. It looks like we won't see all three of the new era Doctors together for the 50th anniversary special. As reported by The Mirror, Christopher Eccleston will not be reprising his role as the Ninth Doctor.

"Meh."

Eccleston left after just one season, reportedly due to a difficult relationship with management, as well as a fear of being typecast. Despite some sources, Eccleston did not walk away from the project just as it began filming. According to a spokesman at the BBC:

"Chris met with Steven Moffat a couple of times to talk about Steven's plans for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary episode. After careful thought, Chris decided not to be in the episode. He wishes the team all the best."

Not letting the decidedly not "Fantastic" news stop them, the crew from Cardiff have been busy filming away. Here are some shots of the production thus far:

Joanna Page as a young Queen Elizabeth I

Constructing the TARDIS

Tennant chatting on his mobile.

A Zygon strutting his stuff

4. Dragon Ball Z: God vs. God

Kame-hame-HELL YEAH!

Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball series, has turned up the heat with the newest DBZ movie, out this week in Japan, entitled ドラゴンボールZ 神と神! (That's DragonBall Z: God and God). The story follows Goku as he battles Billis, the god of destruction. According to an ancient prophecy, a Super Saiyan god will arise to challenge Billis, and the deity does not take kindly to that. Kotaku gives a excellent review, but it boils down to this: This movie is everything you can expect from DBZ, but with a bit of a surprise ending. Frankly, as long as we're getting new DBZ material, I'm happy. Hopefully it will be released State-side in the near future. Check out some of the pictures below:

Another reason why I don't like cats.

My main man Vegeta getting his Super Saiyan on.

Old friends (and foes) return in this celebration of all things Dragon Ball.

A new Super Saiyan form arises.

That's all for tonight, folks! Remember to check out Doctor Who tomorrow night at 8:00 PM EST and Game of Thrones Sunday at 9:00 PM EST! You know I'll be watching!

-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 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

Your Evening Linc: Episode VII rumors, Clone Wars Team Disbanded, Clara on Craig and More!

So there's been a lot of really interesting Star Wars news and I couldn't wait until tomorrow to share it. Punch it, Chewie!

This is my Chewie, and today is his birthday.

1. Han Solo Might Return To Face a Disciple of Palpatine With His Kids

In an interview with WGN, Harrison Ford sounded confident that everyone's favorite smuggler turned Rebel will return for Episode VII. This jives pretty well with what George Lucas said in a Bloomberg a few weeks ago. And, according to a source for Cosmic Booknews (yes, the Cosmic Booknews....) Han will be joining his kids in an adventure 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The Jedi Order has been rebuilt with Luke at its head, and a "disciple of Emperor Palpatine aims to rebuild the Sith Armies of the Old Republic and destroy the Jedi." Moreover, the Skywalker/Solo children must confront their dark lineage and exactly what it means to be the grandchildren of Anakin Skywalker.

"I am so, so sorry." - Shmi Skywalker

This actually sounds like a pretty cool storyline. First, we won't have a resurrected Emperor, and so it is completely conceivable (especially when considering the EU) that Darth Sidious would have a few acolytes in the wings just in case Darth Vader proved unworthy. I also like the idea of the next generation having the shadow of Anakin cast over them. How do you deal not only with having famous parents, but an infamous grandfather?

By the way, I encourage you to take this great big heaping grain of salt with any rumor until Lucasfilm/Disney confirms anything.

2. Clone Wars Team Disbanded?

Another rumor that makes the Truth-O-Meter go all wonky is the one coming from Rebelscum.com that the entire team of the Clone Wars (cast, crew, janitors) has been completely disbanded and dismissed.  This dramatic downsizing will result in further projects being handed over to existing Disney television operations.

Ahsoka has been seen begging on the streets of Coruscant.

What this means for the Season 6 material we were promised, I have no idea. What's for sure is that this is one crazy, turbulent time for Star Wars. More on this as it develops.

3. Jenna-Louise Coleman Chats with Craig Ferguson

Now turning once again to the world of Doctor Who, new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman stopped by Craig Ferguson where he labeled her the "sauciest ever companion". Check out the whole interview here, including Jenna-Louise schooling Craig on having to update his TARDIS:

 

4. Been Testing Out The New Facebook Design....And It's Pretty Cool

Before the wailing and gnashing of teeth commence when Facebook fully switches over to its new design, allow me to say this: It's actually really cool.



From a user standpoint, I think it eliminates the clutter of the current home page. Most of the real estate is taken up by the Newsfeed, with statuses and especially pictures coming in much bigger and more clearly. Everything else you need is in a convenient sidebar. I switched over this morning and it only took a few minutes to really get used to the layout. There is a much more natural flow to the page and it actually feels more intuitive.

Now, I can't stop everyone from bemoaning the death of Facebook as they know it (which is not how they first knew it), but hopefully this will ease the transition a little.

Until next time, friends!

-Joe

St. Joseph's Day Lincs: Star Wars March Madness, JAT Says Farewell to the Clone Wars, Goodbye to the Office, and Doctor Who 50th

Happy St. Joseph's Day everyone! While not as popular as some other saint's day this past weekend, today is a very big deal for Italians and for my family (we have a lot of Joe's). So Viva la Tavola di San Giuseppe! And now let's get down to business:

1. Star Wars March Madness Brackets

Because who needs basketball when you have a good blaster at your side? StarWars.com is hosting its own March Madness and is asking fans to pick their favorites as they go head to head for the top spot. Head on over and cast your vote!

2. James Arnold Taylor Bids Farewell to the Clone Wars, Proves Once Again Why He's The Man

Please....don't.....leave us.

The voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi (and Plo Koon), James Arnold Taylor spoke with IGN about the show's cancellation and what the future holds. He has already published a very touching and heartfelt letter on his website, and apparently is now on a mission to make every fan cry. Here is part of what he said on the fan reaction to the show's untimely demise:

"[I]t really is a touching, heartfelt, wonderful thing to read people's posts and comments on social media outlets and blogs. To get that outpouring of people saying how much they believed in the show and how they loved it and shared it with their kids and families."

I've had the pleasure of meeting James a bunch of times over the past few years. He is an absolutely incredible person who loves his job, his family, and his fans. In the Star Wars community, when you think of Obi-Wan you now think: Alec Guiness, Ewan McGregor, and James Arnold Taylor. He's been overseas to entertain the troops, hosted Celebration VI and Star Wars Weekends at Disney World, and has been performing his one man show "Talking To Myself" to the delight of many. No doubt we'll hear more from the man behind the galaxy's most famous beard. Thanks, James, and May the Force Be With You.

3. Speaking of Goodbyes....The Office Has Filmed Its Final Episode

The hit NBC show is saying goodbye this season, and I'm really taking the loss hard. I went to the University of Scranton, in the city where The Office is set. The show premiered when I was a sophomore, and by the time I was a senior not only did most everyone in the country know about Scranton, but the cast actually came to visit! Thousands of students lined up on the Commons at 3 AM to be part of Al Roker and the Today Show's coverage of the weekend-long event.

Bob Vance and Stanley being eyed by the giant Dwight head

Daryl leading a chant of "Scranton WHAT?"

Angela and (a much younger) me, just chillin

Creed, Meredith, and Oscar taking it all in

So when the HuffPo posted the tweets of all the actor's thoughts on their last day, I couldn't help but feel sad. I've been out of college for five years, but my pride in the University and my passion for the city remains strong. With the end of The Office, I feel like I'm losing a connection to that place I love so much. Just hearing the references to the Steamtown Mall or Cooper's (all real places!) and seeing the University blanket behind Pam (and now Erin) made me smile. When I drive back up to Scranton for alumni events or to visit friends, I always put on The Office theme as I pass by the "Scranton Welcomes You" sign. So while the country might be losing a show, I feel that we are all losing a connection that that charming town in Pennsylvania. That jewel of NEPA known as:

Scranton! WHAT? The Electric City!


4. Doctor Who: Rumors and Teases from The Cast and Crew

One thing is for sure, we may be losing some great shows, but Doctor Who is going to be around for a long time to come! (Or...has been around...will have been around? Wibbly wobbly and all that...)

"Oh, you ride a motorcycle to pick up chicks? That's cute."

Current Doctor Matt Smith shares his thoughts on the freshly completed script for the 50th Anniversary spectacular:

"I read it and I clapped at the end...I think it's hilarious and I think it's epic - but you will not be disappointed"

I don't know about you, but I trust the Time Lord. And the Grand Moff himself, showrunner Steven Moffat, has said that we will learn more about what's waiting for the Doctor on the fields of Trenzalore. It all goes down November 23.

That's it for now, so go enjoy some sfingi di San Giuseppe!

Take that, Irish soda bread.

-Joe

The Morning Linc: New Star Wars Cartoon and Game On the Horizon. Plus, the Emperor Speaks and We Will See the Resurrection of Agent Coulson

Well good morning everyone! I'm sure we've all been trying to rebound from the doldrums after news of the Clone Wars cancellation. But we are offered some tantalizing news of things to come!

1. New Star Wars Animated Series Takes Us To A Never-Before-Explored Period

Lost in the dismal report about the end of The Clone Wars, Lucasfilm and Disney announced a new animated series that would be set "in a time period previously untouched in Star Wars films and television programming."

Well I'm calling it now...we're finally going to find out "Where's Kitser?"

Still waiting on that high five from Wald, no doubt.

2. First Assault May Be the Precursor to Battlefront III

Gaming blog Kotaku has announced that the mysterious downloadable game First Assault might actually be a forerunner of the eagerly anticipated Battlefront III. As with most things over at the Ranch these days, it is still unclear when and if First Assault will be released. What is known is that it will be a 16-person FPS where teams of Rebels and Stormtroopers duke it out on a variety of planets. 

Head on over to Kotaku for more information and check out the screenshots below:

3. The Emperor Speaks: Ian McDiarmid on the Films and Celebration Europe II

It should be a known fact that Palpatine/Sidious is my favorite character in all of Star Wars. And Ian McDiarmid, who I had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions at Celebration VI last year, is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Luckily, fans across the Pond will be able to have an audience with the Emperor and Ian sits down with SciFi now to talk about his experience in the movies as well as his love for the fans.

You just know he actually can use Force lightning....

Regarding the perpetual love fans of all ages have for Star Wars, Ian says:

"And I'm usually approached by mums and dads of 4-year olds now who've been watching the movies, who are completely fascinated by them. And they won't leave their television screens until they've seen the whole lot. So it continues to grip, and it continues to grip kids. And even though we all know with the prequels some of the adults who'd seen the early films were a bit disappointed, that's not true of succeeding generation, which sort of means that these films are going to go on forever, and that's extraordinary, I think, and great." 

I couldn't agree more, Your Highness.

For more information about Celebration Europe II head on over to StarWarsCelebration.eu

4. The Son of Coul Returns for the S.H.I.E.L.D. TV Series!

While The Clone Wars may be dead, someone who is enjoying a resurrection is none other than everyone's favorite smarmy S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Phil Coulson, played by Clark Gregg. In a move that can only be described as "anti-Whedonian", the Avengers director is actually bringing a favorite character back to life!

Nope...sorry Wash.

Whedon explains his reasoning to Deadline:

"The idea of the Little Guy is something that I am very fierce about, and there has never been a better Little Guy than Clark Gregg. That intrigued me, this world around the superhero community. It's the people whose shop windows get blown up when the Destroyer shows up. It's the more intimate stories that belong on television that we can really tap into the visual style and ethos, and even some of the mythology, of the Marvel movies. I think we've put together another really great ensemble headed by Clark."

Now that's one hell of a Heimlich maneuver!

Well, that does it for this morning. Keep an eye on The Missing Linc for more geekery and such!

-Joe

Farewell to the Clone Wars....For Now

Today, Lucasfilm and Disney announced the end of The Clone Wars TV series. Naturally, we all responded appropriately...

As if a million pixels cried out....

I'll never forget seeing Revenge of the Sith for the first time. More specifically, watching the final moments of the film and knowing, deep down, that this was it. I'd never experience a new Star Wars movie again. I went through college pretty comfortable in the fact that the Saga had ended, and that we might not get any new stories past the novels of the EU.

And then, one day, sometime in late 2007/early 2008, I saw this:

And made noises so high pitched dog called from neighboring states to tell me to pipe down.

We were really getting a new Star Wars movie and an animated TV series! It was exciting to go back into the theaters ready to see the fabled Clone Wars in action. We had only seen the beginning and the end in the movies, but this was going to be the main event!

And then this thing slithered on screen....

Behold the face of doom.

The Clone Wars film was certainly...underwhelming. Stiff dialogue, a convoluted plot, and all around cringe-inducing nicknames ("Skyguy", "Snips", and, perhaps worst of all, "Artooey") made the movie a bit of a disappointment. 

But it most certainly got better. And better. And better. We were treated to stories of clones in action, political intrigue, Jedi at their pique, witches and Sith, even hints at the very nature of the Force itself! The Clone Wars knocked it out of the park with story arcs like The Citadel, Krell/Umbara, Mortis, and even the Wrong Jedi arc which just wrapped up last week. The character development, the effects, the action, and scenery, and the overall quality of the show kept exceeding expectations. They pushed the limits of CG animation and also made us question everything we knew about Star Wars.

Oh yeah...and they brought back Darth Maul.

Ladies.

What seemed like an impossible, irresponsible, lazy stunt turned into one of the best arcs in the show's history. We were treated to the Maul we had always wanted to see more of after Episode I, and we learned that doing so came with a price. We had to watch the once promising Sith apprentice bring himself back from the darkest depths of his own mind and turn his lust for revenge into a plot to seize ultimate power. It all culminated in "Lawless", quite possibly the best episode of the entire series.

And we got to see a lot of characters rise, fall, and grow. Asajj Ventress, Savage Oppress, Captain Rex and his clone brothers all became much more than what we had assumed they'd be at the onset of the show. New favorites, like Hondo, and old ones, like Plo Koon, were also given their time to shine. 

Most of all, we got to watch Ahsoka grow up. 

Nothing says badass like a shoto.

I'll admit Ahsoka was never my favorite. She seemed to appeal more to the teen girl demographic that I found very hard to break into in high school. This last arc really tested her, and her refusal to return to the Jedi Order was so packed with emotion and symbolism that it could rightfully serve as the last episode of the series. Ahsoka walking into the sunset signaled not only the end of her time as Jedi, but of our time as viewers.

It took a while for The Clone Wars to catch on with older fans, but once it did it never let go. And, more importantly, it introduced a whole new generation to Star Wars. There are some kids now who still haven't seen the movies, but love it just as much as the kid who first saw A New Hope in 1977. And that's what Star Wars is all about, each generation finding their way to the Saga we all love. And, without any knowledge of the Sequel Trilogy, for a while The Clone Wars was the last bastion in keeping alive that singularly true fan motto: "Star Wars is Forever". And it did the job admirably.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the brilliant cast and crew, led by the incomparable Dave Filoni. He took George's vision and, under his guidance, wove the Clone Wars so expertly into the Star Wars mythos. His eye for storytelling and his passion for the Saga made him the ideal choice to helm the series. And then there was the cast, an assembly of some of the most brilliant voice actors of our time. I think we take for granted how original, and yet classic, Tom Kane's opening announcements were. And his Yoda had the wisdom and whimsy we first saw way back in The Empire Strikes Back. Matt Lanter's Anakin showed his slow progression to the dark side. Catherine Taber was sublime as Padme. Ashley Eckstein was always enthusiastic as Ahsoka, but also somehow was able to make her more mature as each season progressed. Dee Bradley Baker deserves an Emmy for his portrayal as Captain Rex and all of the clones, particularly during the Umbara/Krell arc. And, of course, there's the incomparable, fantastic, and incredibly awesome James Arnold Taylor who, to many, is Obi-Wan Kenobi (and Plo Koon!). All the supporting cast, who brought to life characters like Asajj, Dooku, Savage, Mother Talzin, Hondo, Grievous, Satine, Bo Katan, Palpatine (RIP Ian Abercrombie), and many others are worthy of our recognition and thanks.

The Dream Team

As The Man With the Hat says himself, there's more to come for The Clone Wars, and we were even treated to a clip of what that might be (see the link at the beginning of this post). But, sadly, for now, it's time for The Clone Wars to end. It is the way of things. The Way of the Force.

Oh...oh right in the feels.

I'm just glad we got to experience the thrill one last time.

May The Force Be With You

-Joe