Linc-prechaun: New Doctor Who Trailer, Star Wars books, Whedon Talks Firefly, Jurassic Park 4, and More!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Thanks for coming to my side of the rainbow. I've got some cool stuff for you today:

1. New Doctor Who Trailers, Clips, and Posters

As we count down the days until Doctor Who returns (Literally. Look to your right), the folks at the BBC are treating us to a whole bucketload of a new trailers, clips, and posters. The trailers show a lot of the people and places we'll see as the Doctor tries to answer the question (no, not that Question) of just who exactly Clara is. And it looks like a lot of old and new villains will be out to get the Time Lord and his new companion. The first trailer is below, the second is over at Entertainment Weekly and can't be embedded.

 

And next up is a preview clip from the first new episode, The Bells of St. John. And frankly, I've had it with these Dalek-fightin Time Lords on this Gallifreyan plane!

Is it just me or is Eleven's sonic screwdriver look a little more blue than green this time around? And finally, we have the posters for the upcoming episodes, which look like they could be movies in that episode's genre (the Rings of Alkhaten, in particular, looks like an Indiana Jones poster!)

"I am a Doctor Who fan......and I am excited!"

2. New Star Wars books feature Maul, Old Ben, nd Shakespearian Droids!

It promises to be a big year for Star Wars novels. Sith Lords, Crazy Old Wizards, R2-D2 doing soliloquies, and a whole lot more. Here's a glimpse at what's coming up:

Maul: Lockdown

Because this worked so well with Hannibal Lecter

Joe Schreiber is penning a novel that ties in directly with James Luceno's groundbreaking Darth Plagueis novel. That's all we know for now, but since the Clone Wars series ended, fans will be clamoring for more Maul. 

Star Wars: Kenobi

He's thinking "Why couldn't the Lars' live on Naboo?"

I'm just going to let the blurb say it all.

"In this original novel set between the events of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi comes to the aid of the residents of Tatooine during his exile. But he struggles with his new mission when he realizes that protecting Luke Skywalker-the last hope of the galaxy-means setting aside his compassion and his Jedi warrior training, for the future of the galaxy lies not with Obi-Wan Kenobi, but with a mystical recluse known only by the name of Crazy Old Ben."

Star Wars: Shakespeare

Search-eth thine feelings, thou wilst know it to be sooth!

Verily! Head on over to TheForce.net for more on this book that combines the vision of the Maker with the words of the Bard!

3. When Joss Whedon Talks Firefly, You Listen

Joss Whedon is over the moon at the prospect of a Kickstarter funded Veronica Mars movie. But he knows that the next question will be: "萤火虫呢?"  (For those of you not from the 'verse, that means "What about Firefly?") His answer is as brilliant as the man himself:

"Couple years from now, when Nathan [Fillion]'s no longer [on] Castle and I'm no longer the Tom Hagen of the Marvel Universe and making a giant movie, we might look and see where the market is then. But right now, it's a complete non-Kickstarter for me."

"You motivation is: You're still canceled."

Now see if we had hired a war-time director, a Sicilian....Anyway, read more of the interview here at Buzzfeed.

4. Jurassic Park 4 Gets A New Director

You can't stop it. Jurassic Park 4 is happening and the man behind the camera will be Colin Trevorrow. Trevorrow is the director of the award-winning indie movie Safety Not Guaranteed, and was a rumored contender to direct Episode VII. The film is set to hit theaters in June 2014.

Jurassic Park 4: How T-Rex Got Her Groove Back

That's all for now, guys! Stay tuned to the Missing Linc for more geekery as it comes out. But before you go, a blessing for you on this St. Patrick's Day:

May the Jedi protect you
May the light side keep you
May the dark side not tempt you
May the Force Be With You

-Joe

The Missing Linc's Doctor Who Viewing Guide - Series 1

Hello, time travelers! A few months ago a friend of mine expressed an interest in watching Doctor Who, but didn't know where to start. He admitted to seeing the first episode of the revamped series, but wasn't impressed. Whovians will tell you that "Rose" is not the best episode, but the first series does indeed have a lot of great moments. And so, I decided to write up a Doctor Who viewing guide for him, highlighting episodes that, I think, exemplify what the show is about. So, if you're reading this for the first time, get ready to dive into a show that has captivated audiences for 50 years. If you don't realize you're reading this for the ninth time due to a temporal shift in the time vortex.....welcome to Doctor Who!

A Brief Introduction (Or: Doctor WHO?)

Doctor Who is a British institution with humble beginnings. In 1963 we were introduced to the Doctor, a man who travels in a ship called the TARDIS that can go anywhere in time and space. Disguised as a police box from 1960’s London, the TARDIS (short for Time and Relative Dimension in Space) has played host to the Doctor and his many companions over the years. The show was put on an indefinite hiatus in 1989, tried to regain its footing with a TV movie in 1996, and ultimately came back with a bang in 2005. The Doctor is of a species known as the Time Lords, purveyors and protectors of all time and space. Time Lords have a unique ability: When they are fatally injured, they can regenerate with a new face and personality, but retain all the same memories. All told, there have been 11 men thus far to play the Doctor, each of whom has put his own unique spin on the character while continuing this great story of time, space, adventure, love, mystery, and danger. So, let’s dive into the newest chapters (called “Series” to distinguish them from the classic “seasons”). Or, as my favorite, the Tenth Doctor, would say: “Allons-y!”

Series 1: The Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston)

Time Ladies?

Must Watch Episodes

1. Episode 6: Dalek

I'm skipping to halfway through the season because I think this is where Christopher Eccleston really shines as the Doctor. From taunting one of his oldest enemies, to caring for Rose, to showing his true compassion for the people and things of the universe, Eccleston delivers a fantastic performance. Want to know how a giant pepper pot can be scary? Watch "Dalek". This, more than any other episode, is the one that got me hooked.

2. Episode 7: The Long Game

Right on the heels of "Dalek" comes a really creepy episode, and one that showcases just how weird the show can be. Also, this is the one with Simon pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Star Trek) playing the eerie Editor. Something is not right on Satellite 5, the entertainment and news hub orbiting Earth that transmits to the entire Human Empire. Once people are promoted to floor 500....they never come back.

3. Episodes 9 and 10: The Empty Child and the Doctor Dances

Another fairly creepy two-parter set in London during the Blitz. A strange boy wearing gas mask is stalking a group of orphans, and the Doctor wants to know why. When the bombs fall on London and everyone is in hiding, that's when the Empty Child appears. And if he touches you...you'll become just like him. Want to send shivers up a Whovian's spine? Just go up to them and ask "Are you my Mummy?"

4. Episodes 12 and 13: Bad Wolf and The Parting of Ways

The two part series finale that ends in our very first regeneration, "Bad Wolf" and "The Parting of Ways" is Doctor Who at its finest. At first, the Doctor, Rose, and Captain Jack Harkness are back on Satellite 5 and forced to compete in futuristic versions of popular games shows (including "Big Brother" and "The Weakest Link"). What they don't know is that something much more sinister is lurking behind the scenes. When the ultimate evil force is revealed, the Doctor has to make a very hard choice: In order to destroy evil, he must also destroy the Earth. His choice ultimately ends up with his regeneration, and he goes out in the most "fantastic" fashion. Watching a regeneration for the first time is a unique and powerful moment for any viewer.

Episodes For Greater Context

1. Episode 2: The End of the World

Doctor Who at its most sci-fi-y. Cut to the year 5 billion and a viewing party for the destruction of Earth by the Sun. A Mos Eisly Cantina's worth of aliens, a murder plot, and tiny killer robots makes this a quintessential Who episode. What makes it poignant, though, is that Rose touches on a very human question: What does it mean to be you when everyone and everything you've ever known has been gone for billions of years?

2. Episode 8: Father's Day

Rose asks the Doctor to travel the day her father died, so that she can be with him instead of him dying alone. This episode deals with that happens when you interfere with fixed events in time. Hint: Nothing Good.

3. Episode 3: The Unquiet Dead

Another thing Doctor Who does well is visiting historical eras. This is the first jaunt back into the past, where we meet up with none other than Charles Dickens! But something isn't right in old London town. The dead seem to not want to stay dead. Is it ghosts, or something not from this world? 

Silly But Necessary

1. Episode 1: Rose

Well, if you watch it you'll know why this one is on the "SBN" list, but it is the episode that relaunched the series. The first episode of Doctor Who in almost 20 years introduces us to Rose Tyler, whose life will change forever when she meets a mysterious man called the Doctor. He is a man who has just lost his people, the Time Lords, in a terrible war, and is unwilling to risk the life of young Rose. But, as is appropriate of the first companion of the modern era, she keeps right up with him. Killer mannequins and an unearthly consciousness, as well as one hungry trash can, terrorize the citizens of London and it's up to the Doctor and Rose to save the day.

2. Episodes 4, 5, and 11: Aliens of London, World War Three, and Boomtown

This trilogy is a two-parter followed up by episode 11. Aliens take over wearing human suits and fart a lot because of the gas pressure. Kinda silly overall, but it does introduce an important secondary character, sets up events for the finale, and reminds you not to take the whole series too seriously. 

Well, there you have it, folks! I hope that however you decide to watch Doctor Who, that you really do enjoy it. By the end of of the first series I was absolutely shocked at how much I really liked the show. Now, I've watched the entire modern series to date as well as a bunch of the older episodes. I can definitely see why after 50 years it's stayed in the hearts and imaginations of people all over the world. In short, it's "Fantastic...absolutely fantastic!"

And you know what? So was I.

-Joe

Linc at Lunch: Star Wars, Doctor Who, TMNT, Game of Thrones, and The Big Bang Theory

Well, it's been tough not being able to blog the last few days, so I'm back with tons of stuff for make up for it! Let's dive in, shall we?

1. Dave Filoni Involved In "New Star Wars Content"

This should be welcome news to fans who don't want to see Filoni's time at Lucasfilm end. According to Disney Channel Worldwide president Gary Walsh, The Man with the Hat is working with him, Lucas, and Kathleen Kennedy to "explore new content for our platforms" which will be detailed later this year. This might have something to do with the new animated series that was mentioned in the press release for the cancellation of the Clone Wars. Can't wait to see what's next!

2. Gentle Giant To Release Grand Admiral Thrawn Mini-Bust

I am a huge collector of the Gentle Giant Star Wars mini-busts. Their detail and craftsmanship are incredible, and they always bring out the best qualities of the character. I started collecting a few years ago at Celebration V, and I couldn't be more excited to say that the folks at GG will be releasing a mini-bust of everyone's favorite Chiss, Grand Admiral Thrawn!

Ladies?

Because nothing says chic like ysalamiri

"But, it was so artistically done."

 Introduced in Tim Zahn's "Heir to the Empire" the Imperial Grand Admiral, whose full name is Mitth'raw'nuruodo, was a cunning tactician who studied the art of  his enemies in order to gain an advantage. During the early years of the New Republic, Thrawn laid siege to the galaxy in an effort to bring together the dissipating factions of the Empire. He almost succeeded, but was assassinated by his own Noghri bodyguard. His dying words, "But, it was so artistically done." are some of the most memorable of the EU.

3. Billy Dee Williams Approached To Reprise Lando in Episode VII

A whole shipload of cool might be on its way back to the Star Wars Universe. Billy Dee Williams recently said that he has been asked to come back for the new movie, but hasn't made up his mind. C'mon Billy Dee! You still owe us for betraying Han!

4. Jenna-Louise Coleman To Return for Season 8 of Doctor Who

The ever-intriguing Clara Osin Oswald, played by the lovely Jenna-Louise Coleman, has confirmed that she will return for Season 8 of the BBC sci-fi show. What this means for her character and for the good Doctor remain to be seen!

It will most likely involve souffles. 

5. New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Game to Be Based On the Hit Nickelodeon Show

Longtime fans of the Heroes in a Halfshell have been raving about the new cartoon on Nick. I personally haven't seen much of it, but I did like what I saw. But this game looks like it will be really awesome, and just might be what I need to jump into the series. The game sees the Turtles fighting the Foot in New York City and will be out this summer and downloadable on all platforms. Have a look at the trailer below:

 

6. The Big Bang Theory Cast Shares Secrets at PaleyFest

The entire gang of the Big Bang Theory shared stories and secrets from the show at this year's PaleyFest. They delved into the origins of "Bazinga!" and "Soft Kitty" as well as a very "revealing" moment for Melissa Rauch while she was dressed as Smurfette. Check it all out here at The Hollywood Reporter.

7. Hercules and Xena Would Be Proud: Game of Thrones 1995-style Intro

YouTube user hunterslanders created a fantastic opening for Game of Thrones as if the show was made in the mid-90's. It's so classic that I feel like I must have seen this on the WB at some point in between Felicity and Seventh Heaven. Get ready to feel both anticipation and nostalgia all at the same time:

 

And that'll be it for now, friends! Thanks again for continuing to make this blog an extraordinary success!

-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

Once Upon A Time: The Miller's Daughter Recap

Best...episode...of the season! This recap is very close to just being the word "wow" over and over again! It was so good I half expect them to go on another four week break! The writers really turned what was becoming a predictable storyline on its head, spun it around, then punted it over the fence. Tons of misdirection and suspense, as well as a few revelations, and some of the best acting of the series made this one fantastic episode.

Warning! Unless you're Rumplestiltskin and can see the future, you might want to avoid the rest of the recap. There be spoilers!

Power versus love has been a theme of the show since its inception. We've seen each character make that choice over and over again, but never has it been so on display as this episode. When it came to Cora, the choice was clear. In order to prevent the humiliation she endured at the hands of Snow's mother, she would make everyone bow to her whim. And nothing, not even true love, would stand in her way.

She could be the queen of my heart any day!

Young Cora was sublimely played by Rose McGowan. Unlike Regina, Cora never seemed to be a perfectly innocent youth who was corrupted after a devastating loss. Rather, she knew her place in the world, hated those who kept her there, and wanted nothing more than to see them suffer. But she couldn't do it alone. She needed help from someone with the power to make her darkest desires come true.

You rang, dearie?

What followed was probably one of the most deliciously evil pairings of the entire show. Rumple and Cora's romance was a match made in...well...not heaven. The scene where he teaches her to spin straw into gold using her bloodlust was played with a sensuality not often seen on the show. You could almost feel their evil souls feeding off of each other.

And, of course, I'm sure we all took in a collective gasp when Rumple amended their contract so that Cora wouldn't give him just any old first born...it would be their child! Something fans had long suspected was unfolding right before our eyes! Could Regina actually be Rumplestilskin's daughter??!!

The answer was...shockingly!....amazingly!....incredibly!..............NO!

"So here's the deal. I help you spin straw into gold, and you help me make the audience's head spin."

Cora, after ripping out her own heart (a fan hunch finally confirmed!), once again chose power over love. She had used the King for the throne, and she had used Rumple for his power. I have to say that I'm glad Regina isn't his daughter, the family tree was getting a little too twisted. It was a bold direction for the writers to take. And so, the ramifications of Cora's act would reverberate several years later, in a land far away from their own.

Back in Storybrooke, it was cool to see a dying Rumple act like a general preparing for war. Even as the poison raced to his heart, he was able to set up the defenses in his shop. Ever the teacher, he showed Emma how to properly use the magic within her, something that I'm sure will come into play as the season draws to a close. And, ever the trickster, he convinced Snow White to do something she swore she'd never do.

Watch "Red Widow"?

Ginnifer Goodwin, I think, was at her absolute best as she convinced Regina to take her mother's heart and put it back into her body. She displayed a coldness and wicked cleverness that we hadn't seen in Mary Margaret before. Again, it was another fantastic twist by the writers. I mean, it's Snow White right? She wouldn't do anything this cold-hearted? Right? She didn't even do it to save her own mother so surely she wouldn't cut Cora down to save Mr. Gold? Right??!!

And then she lit the candle, held it over the heart, and whispered the name....Cora.

"Hm...did I leave the stove on?...or....ya know, my heart unprotected?"

And in that moment the Snow we knew was gone. While she tried to prevent Regina from doing her bidding, it was too late. She had been corrupted just as Cora had planned, tricked into committing the darkest of magic by the Dark One. How this will affect her and her family going forward remains to be seen.

One thing's for sure, Regina has one hell of a reason to hate her now. She finally got the mother she always wanted, only to have been deceived into killing her. And so The Evil Queen is back and badder than ever!

Before I conclude, can we just go head and start the petition for Robert Carlyle to win every award next season? His portrayal, both as Rumplestiltskin and Mr. Gold in this episode, was absolutely incredible. As Rumple, he was every bit the devilish imp we were introduced to in the pilot. All grins and high-lilting laughs covering up an malevolence and desire to do the most evil. As Gold, we saw a man who had come to terms with the choices he had made, and wanted to make things right. His phone call to Belle was heart breaking, and his final moments with Baelfire were very touching. There was a moment where I really thought he was going to die before Cora could kill him, thus releasing the power of the Dark One forever. I grew more and more nervous with each letter that disappeared from the dagger. 

Even sadder, I think, was to see him realize that Cora truly loved him, only to have her die in front of him due to his own machinations.

"I'm so happy. Good thing matters of love always work out for me!"

Well, dearies, this was really my favorite episode of the season and I cannot wait to see how it all plays out! What did you think? What can possibly happen next now that the story we thought we knew has been chucked out?

Til' next time!

-Joe

Evening Geekery: Doctor Who, Once Upon a Time, Pokemon, and the New Facebook

I probably won't be getting much of  chance to post anything this weekend so I thought I'd collect some of the cool bits I've seen online today:

1. Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Site
The good folks over at the BBC have created a special site commemorating Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary. The page is full of info on all the Doctors, monsters, and companions over the show's half century. There's also information on upcoming shows and events such as the super cool three-day event at ExCel in London. Definitely worth a look for any Whovian in the sesquicentennial spirit.

Eleven Doctors, 50 Years

2. Once Upon a Time Preview: Cora's Backstory

Next week's episode "The Miller's Daughter" gives us Cora's backstory. As Glinda says in the musical Wicked: "Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" It will be interesting to see how Cora eventually becomes the ruthless Queen of Hearts. Here's a clip that holds some of the key...including an appearance by a very notable character.

And another clip all but confirming that Rumple's family tree is about to gain another branch!

3. First Form Pokemon Dress Up Like Their Third Form Selves (Warning: Adorable Alert)
Artist Birdychu has done an incredible job with these pieces. First form Pokemon are drawn cosplaying as their final form selves. Squirtle dressed as Blastoise, Pikachu as Raichu, and so on. They're very well done and worth a look at the whole gallery...but here are my favorites:

4. See...And Then Hate...Then Come To Accept...Then Never Want to Let Go Of...The New Facebook

Based on user suggestions that they wanted to see more of their friends and less Facebook, the company will soon be releasing its mobile-inspired version that is leaner, smoother, and makes the newsfeed prominent while relegating everything else to a sidebar. I have to say, I really like it.

Don't you just HATE it?! And now LOVE it?!

You can read more about the changes here. 

That's it for now folks! It's been an incredible first week on the blogosphere and I just wanted to thank all of you for making that happen! Til' next time!

Allons-y!

-Joe