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

Once Upon A Time Recap: And Straight on 'Til Morning

Well dearies, we've made it to the season finale! From the aftermath of the broken Curse and an adventure in the Land that Was, to the threat of a new and powerful evil, to the reuniting of family and a plot to destroy Storybrooke, we've been through a lot! So let's get to it:

The episode begins with a loving Grandpa watching his Grandson play on a swing. Except it's Rumplestiltskin, and he's trying to kill the threat to his existence. As he begins to fray the ropes of Henry's swing, causing him to fly into some pointy-looking rocks (seriously, who designed this playground?), Emma, Charming, and Snow rush to tell him the news about Baelfire. They also tell him about that Greg and Tamara have the trigger, and he must help stop them. Gold refuses, distraught over losing his son again. Meanwhile, Greg and Tamara take Hook down to the mines and, with a dwarf's pick-axe, strike the trigger to the fail-safe and set in motion the end of Storybrooke, literally wiping it off the map. The forest on which it appeared begins to take back the land as trees jut out of the ground and the earth begins to shake.

"Time to run, then? Yep...let's run..."

The Family Charming, including Regina, are at the apartment when Hook shows up to tell them the news. But not everyone will share in Storybrooke's fate. Because Henry was born here, he will remain here....alone. It is decided that they will take a two-pronged approach: Regina will try to stop the trigger, and Hook and Charming will go after Greg and Tamara in order to get some magic beans as a means to escape destruction. The dashing duo manage to succeed in obtaining a bean, but the Muggle Patrol manage to slip away yet again.

Anyone else see a buddy cop spin-off coming out of this? 

Meanwhile, knowing that their doom is imminent, the dwarves raid Gold's shop in order to find a potion to restore Sneezy's memory so that he can at least die as himself. When they finally are able to get a batch, they offer some extra to Mr. Gold, who restores Belle's memory so that, in their last moments, they can be together. Even knowing that Belle would eventually get her memory back, hearing Gold say "I didn't want to wake you up to die..." just tugged at all of my heart strings.

In Neverland, Hook discovers that the boy brought on board his ship is actually Rumplestiltskin's son, and decides to use him to enact his revenge. When the Lost Ones (a very dark take on Peter Pan's band of misfits) board the ship demanding the boy that the Shadow has great need of, Hook will not give Baelfire up (even under threat of having his shadow ripped out...ouch). After they leave, Baelfire tries to kill Hook, having found a picture of his mother on Hook's desk (proving even then that you need to delete your search history and not leave things open on your desk). Hook tries to tell Bae about what really happened, that he and his mother fell in love...and that his father killed her. Hook offer Bae the opportunity to stay with him and his crew, as a way to make it up to Mila, but the Son of Stiltskin refuses. It is then that he is captured by the Lost Ones. I have to say, not calling them "boys" makes them truly seem like lost souls in the service of a dark, great evil. And it definitely makes them more threatening. 

Back in the tunnels, things are not going so well. Regina does not have the power to stop the trigger from detonating. When Emma goes to pull out the bean, hoping to send the failsafe into oblivion (or at least a dimension in which it can do no harm), she discovers that Hook has absconded with their only hope at survival. No bean, assured destruction, and no way to stop it.....well, it looks like it's sayonara, Storybrooke.

"Not one of my better backup plans..."

Emma is hesitant to leave Regina, but her arch-rival pleads with her. She has been known for so long as the Evil Queen, she just wants to die as Regina. Henry realizes that there's good left in his mom and finally (oh, finally!) he goes over and hugs her. It's then that Emma realizes that she might be able to help. Nubile as she is in the magical arts, she has seen for herself that she has the potential to be quite powerful. And so, together, in the best Mother's Day salute ever, Emma and Regina combine their strengths and defuse the bomb. They are blown back a bit, but a few scrapes serve as confirmation that they are, indeed alive. Yes: Prince Charming, Snow White, their daughter, and even the Evil Queen are all okay. And Henry...Henry? Ahhhh, crap.

Greg and Tamara, seizing upon the distraction caused by the trigger, abduct Henry and bring him back to the docks. As all the main cast members rush to save him, the two villains prove "like father, like son" as they drop a magic bean into the water and jump, arm in arm with their captive, into the portal. Since it is pretty much impossible to cross worlds without one, they must come to terms with the fact they they will never see Henry again. But, ahoy mateys! Captain Hook has a change of heart and sails back into port, magic bean in hand! Mr. Gold knows that, indeed, the boy will be his undoing, but he must find him to honor Baelfire. He bids Belle farewell, and together, the most unlikely family sets off for Neverland.

Neverland....as in "never gonna go to that land"

As the waves crash on a distant shore, we come across a man in bad shape. Clinging to life, Baelfire is discovered by none other than Princess Aurora and (ugh) Mulan. But he is worlds apart from where he needs to be in order to protect his son. Because Peter Pan never wanted him....he was after Henry.

Well, then! I have to admit I was a little underwhelmed when I watched it last night, but going over it again really made me appreciate the subtleties of the episode and how it sets up an exciting Season 3. 

Til' then, dearies!

- Joe

Your Morning Linc: Disney/Lucasfilm To Partner With EA, Mark Hamill At ROTJ Screening,

Well, now that I'm caught up on my reviews, I'm in a very Star Warsy mood...so let's start the blog off with:

1. Disney/Lucasfilm To Partner With EA

Following the recent shutdown of LucasArts, many fans thought we'd never see Star Wars on our consoles again. But Disney and Lucasfilm announced yesterday that they will be teaming up with Electronic Arts for a "multi-year, multi-title exclusive licensing agreement...for the creation of new high quality Star Wars games" that will span both genres and platforms, with Disney Interactive creating games for mobile and tablets.

Here's a quote from the release from EA Labels President Frank Gibeau:

"Every developer dreams of creating games for the Star Wars universe," 

"Three of our top studios will fulfill that dream, crafting epic adventures for Star Wars fans. The new experiences we create may borrow from films, but the games will be entirely original with all new stories and gameplay."

According to the release, those studios will be DICE (Battlefield series) and Visceral (Dead Space series) which will team up with BioWare (Mass Effect series, Star Wars: The Old Republic). Now, of course, fanboys are hitting the internet hard blasting EA as the choice to continue the Star Wars franchise in the gaming world. But I wouldn't pay attention to them, since we haven't even seen a screenshot of one game yet. There is so much potential for new, exciting, and mind-blowing games. And while I hope we see the resurrection of Star Wars 1313 and Battlefront III, I look forward to more Star Wars on more platforms and in more ways than ever before!

2. Mark Hamill At Return of the Jedi Screening in LA

On May the 4th, fans at Entertainment Weekly's CapeTown festival in LA had the chance to talk with the returning Jedi himself, Mark Hamill. Here's a clip of him discussing the Sequel Trilogy and more.



You can read more about his appearance and thoughts on ROTJ, the OT, and the Sequels on the official Star Wars blog.

3. Synopsis for Kenobi by John Jackson Miller:

Need I say more?

The Republic has fallen.
Sith Lords rule the galaxy.
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has lost everything . . . 
Everything but hope.

Tatooine—a harsh desert world where farmers toil in the heat of two suns while trying to protect themselves and their loved ones from the marauding Tusken Raiders. A backwater planet on the edge of civilized space. And an unlikely place to find a Jedi Master in hiding, or an orphaned infant boy on whose tiny shoulders rests the future of a galaxy.

Known to locals only as “Ben,” the bearded and robed offworlder is an enigmatic stranger who keeps to himself, shares nothing of his past, and goes to great pains to remain an outsider. But as tensions escalate between the farmers and a tribe of Sand People led by a ruthless war chief, Ben finds himself drawn into the fight, endangering the very mission that brought him to Tatooine.

Ben—Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, hero of the Clone Wars, traitor to the Empire, and protector of the galaxy’s last hope—can no more turn his back on evil than he can reject his Jedi training. And when blood is unjustly spilled, innocent lives threatened, and a ruthless opponent unmasked, Ben has no choice but to call on the wisdom of the Jedi—and the formidable power of the Force—in his never-ending fight for justice.


Wow, I really can't wait to see what's in store on the video game, movie, and print fronts! Despite all the shake-ups, this is still an immensely exciting time to be a Star Wars fan. And I will be chronicling all of it for you, right here at the Missing Linc!

MTFBWY,

- Joe

Doctor Who Review: The Crimson Horror

Brace yourselves, friends, because as our favorite Sontaran warned, we are going....to the North! And let me tell you, Victorian Yorkshire seems like one hell of a creepy place to reside. Written by the brilliant Mark Gatiss, "The Crimson Horror" brings us a sinister villain, a few cringe-inducing moments, and the return everyone's favorite crime fighting trio.

I have to say, I found this episode a lot creepier than "Hide" (Crooked Man and all). Let's start with the premise: An old woman, Winifred Gillyflower (fiendishly played by Dame Diana Rigg), seeks to rid the world of imperfection and, utilizing a primordial ooze, freezes those she deems "perfect". They shall remain in suspended animation until her plans to cleanse the Earth are complete, and then the residents of Sweetville will repopulate the Earth according to her design. But not even the "best of the best" are so lucky....some do not survive the freezing process. They end up suffering from, as the mortician calls it, "The Crimson 'Orror!"

THIS is what happens when you read spoilers for the 50th Special.

I was also really disturbed when Gillyflower's daughter, Ada (performed marvelously by Dame Diana's real-life daughter, Rachael Stirling), whose jerky movements and scarred face were already pretty jarring, went to feed her pet "monster" (because, after all, "every lonely monster needs a companion"). Let me explain, I once had a very vivid dream about going up a staircase to peek through a single door and see a crazed something flailing on the other side. That, of course, was brought on from seeing the first glimpses of Sloth in The Goonies when I was young and it scared the hell out of me when he finally got the tray of food and held it up in triumph.

This...this freaked the HELL out of me as a kid.

 I will say, though, that the Doctor's affection for her after he is released from the 'Orror was really touching, especially in light of how poorly she was treated by her mother. And when Jenny picks the lock and runs through the other side, to reveal a Frankenstein-like Crimson Doctor, I almost hid under the covers. To see big face with that long chin frozen in pain reminded me of the victims in The Ring, and his wide eyes still give me the shivers.

Before You Die...You Regenerate

But that's nothing compared to the reveal of "Mr. Sweet", the namesake of the pristine community, the source of the poison that induced the 'Orror (I love saying that!),  and someone with whom only Mrs. Gillyflower could speak. Naturally, this was because he was a prehistoric parasite living off of her own body.

Moments later he would don a top hat and sing "Ragtime Gal"
(10 points if you get the reference)

When Mrs. Gillyflower is finally thwarted (taking the Palpatine Express right over the railing in the missile silo), it was so satisfying to see Ada walk over and, when asked for forgiveness, whispers "Never." She then squishes Mr. Sweet with her walking stick, ending the parasite's disgusting existence (and preventing him from launching into an eery chorus of "Under the Sea"). I should point out that this is the second episode to deal directly with a parasite (the first being Akhaten itself in "The Rings of Akhaten") could this be a clue about Clara? An odd coincidence? Or my own mind making random connections?

By Jove, I think it's all three!

This episode also delivered some fantastic bits of comic relief. Strax's frustration with the horse and his subsequent interaction with young Thomas Thomas, who provides directions much like the GPS of his future, was really amusing. And when he crashes into the Sweetville complex with a mighty "Sontar-ha!" and blasting away, I felt glad to finally see him experience some action.

And, may I say, I've never seen anyone elicit such a passionate reaction from the Doctor as Jenny. The giant snog after she freed him from the Crimson Horror, his "sonic excitement" when she reveals her skintight bodysuit, and when she kicks some supermodel tail; it was all so unlike the Eleventh Doctor, who has ever only been seen being slightly flirty with River Song. It was a surprising departure from his character, but one that I thought added a really interesting new layer to his persona. I definitely wouldn't mind going a few rounds with the Victorian housekeeper...if only I was her type...and gender...and species.

"Uh, please don't tell my wife."

Ahem, moving on. The flashbacks to when the Doctor and Clara first arrived and investigated Sweetville, told via grainy camera footage, old-timey music, and sepia-toned photographs, was absolutely brilliant. It was so different from anything we had seen before. And the reference to the Fifth Doctor, his adventures with Tegan Jovanka, and his oft-used phrase "Brave Heart" was a huge treat for this Five fan.

I also really liked Matt Smith's Northern accent, not seen since "The Rebel Flesh". It was also a great throwback to Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor, who was called out by Rose for his accent, to which he replied "Lots of planets have a North!" And I love how Clara took charge, smashing the chair into Mrs. Gillyflower's organ in order to stop the launch of the missile. It was nice to see the sonic not be the only way to solve a problem. And the interplay between Gillyflower, the Doctor, Clara, and Ada at the end was just classic Who.

Now, lest we forget, this is the first time the Paternoster Gang has seen Clara (or any version of her) since she died in "The Snowmen". They are all rightly confused, and the Doctor isn't giving them (or us) any answers. I actually really liked that we didn't learn anything new about Clara. Especially after "Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS", it was nice not to focus on great mystery of Series 7B. And to so casually dismiss it in the very time we first (er, secondly) met Clara was an obviously playful jab at the fans.

Ultimately, the TARDIS takes Clara back home, where she discovers that her little charges have found pictures of her online (...not that kind), detailing all of her adventures through time. Clara tries to deny that it's her, but when she sees a picture of her in Victorian London, not Yorkshire, she unwittingly spills the beans. The kids threaten to tell their father unless they can come with her on the next trip. And so we head into the eagerly awaited "Nightmare in Silver"!

All in all, "The Crimson 'Orror" might just be one of the best episodes of the entire Series 7. Creepy, exciting, funny, and with tons for Whovians to fan-gasm about, I wouldn't mind being frozen watching this until Judgement Day.

Til next Time (and Space!)

- Joe

Once Upon A Time Recap: Second Star to the Right

Tons of secrets were revealed, and new mysteries surfaced, in last night's episode of Once Upon A Time, "Second Star to the Right." From a boy who knew all too well the price of magic, to the true ambitions of two outsiders, to the unthinkable plot by a too-often slighted queen. The penultimate episode of the season was, as expected, one giant build up to the finale.

Let's start with Baelfire, shall we? We had long suspected him of being Peter Pan (that is, after we learned that Greg Mendell wasn't!), so seeing him dropped from the portal into Victorian London definitely set the Anticipation Alarm off. We see him in a short confrontation with the Darling's dog, Nana (a great nod to the classic Disney movie) before befriending Wendy, who secretly takes care of the poor boy until her parents find out...and welcome him into their home (because if upper class Victorian parents were one thing, historically, it was nice to beggar boys that their daughters have hidden away in a crawlspace).

"Harumphaphurphurphurumph"

One night, Wendy (and brothers Michael and John) tell Bae about a shadow that visits them in the night. It can do all sorts of things like change shape, fly, and take them to a land with magic! Bae, with his One Direction haircut, pleads with Wendy not to let the shadow in, because he knows from experience how magic can destroy a family. I thought this was a particular bit of great acting on the part of young Dylan Schmid, who manages to show some real concern for his newfound family mixed with the pain of his past. You really believe him when he tells Wendy that magic comes with a price. One person who did not believe him, however, was Wendy.

"Woopsie?"

When she returns from Neverland, she is distraught. The shadow, it seems, is not a friendly spirit. At night, she tells Bae, she can hear all the lost boys crying out for their parents. Ultimately, the shadow rejects Wendy....because he's after the boys.

An APB has already been called in by London Metro Police.

I have to say this was a really great twist on the classic tale. To imagine Peter's shadow as a living entity, and a malevolent one at that, was pretty creepy and really brilliant. Neverland isn't some happy place, it's where abducted children are forced to spend eternity by a wraith-like being. In any case, Baelfire does his best to ward off the shadow, but to no avail. When the shadow reaches for Michael, Baelfire boldly takes his place. He is carried off to Neverland, a dark and foreboding island shrouded in mystery.

Now where have I heard that before?

But, the quick thinking Son of Stiltskin uses a match to ward off the shadow and he crashes into the ocean, where he is rescued by none other than Captain Hook. Will Baelfire rise to become the Pan, defeat the good Captain, and rescue the lost boys of Neverland? We'll just have to wait and see!

Back in Storybrooke, Neal is just a liiiittle bit upset with his dad, who has taken up some old bad habits now that he's with "Lacey". I'm not too thrilled with how this is all turning out, honestly. Rumplestiltksin created the Curse to find Baelfire, had to almost die to reunite with his son, and now is basically telling him not to crimp his style with his new lady friend. This, of course, will all get resolved in the finale, but it just seems a little forced.

"Hateth the game, noteth the player, deary!"

Meanwhile, Regina is put into a bit of an uncomfortable situation, as she is strapped down by Greg and hooked up to a machine so that she will finally reveal what happened to his father. I have to say, as much as I cringed at seeing Regina electro-tortured, Mendell really let out his evil, vindictive side and it was a fine piece of acting. It's about this time that we learn that Tamara and Greg are not the only two out there who know how to "take care of" magic and magical beings. Showing their Lost roots, the writers reveal that there is an entire organization dedicated to finding and eliminating magic from this world. Storybrooke is apparently not the first breach that has been made into our land, and the dastardly duo have discovered a way to make sure that the town will go the way of the others.

"Did I leave the oven on? No...Locked the doors? Yep....Hid away the thing that can destroy the whole town? ...ah, crap"

In an effort to locate Regina, the Charmings visit Mr. Gold, who blends Regina's and Mary Margaret's tears so that Mary Margaret can see and feel everything Regina is at the moment...which...of course...is searing pain from electrocution. They then liberate Regina, letting Greg go in the process, as Emma and Neal track down Tamara. A gunshot to the abdomen finally convinces Neal that his finacee hasn't exactly been truthful with him, and when Emma steps in to save him, Tamara uses the magic bean she pilfered from Regina to open up some distance between them...as well as a portal to another world. Emma and Neal hang on for dear life, both having been sucked into another dimension before and not eager to do so again, but this is a drama we're talking about, and someone's got to go!

"It's okay! I'm an expendable secondary character!"

The portal closes and Emma is left in shock. Having just declared their love for each other, they were ripped apart by magic. You can bet that, wherever Neal winds up, Emma will find him. After all, it's in the family genes. Back at Chateau de Charming, David and Mary Margaret are watching over a recuperating Regina. They are again (really, again?) shocked by Regina's malice as they learn that she has created, and then lost, the failsafe trigger for the Curse. Cut to a distraught Greg Mendell as he digs up the remains of his father. Tamara approaches him with a gift, a black diamond that holds the key to the final and absolute destruction of Storybrooke.

And so, we head "Straight on Til' Morning".

Til next time, dearies!

-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 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