Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was adapted into an Emmy-winning mini-series. The epic novel was broken up into four parts, with the first part debuting on 5 February, 1989. It was adapted by William D. Wittliff, and the opening feature-length episode was directed by Simon Wincer. I remember the ads for this on television, and…
Battlestar Galactica (2006) – The Captain’s Hand, and Downloaded
Jeff Vleming wrote The Captain’s Hand, which first aired on 17 February, 2006. How will the series handle the idea of abortion? President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) contemplates what is to be done about choice, when Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) finds a pregnant woman hiding on ship. What will the choice mean for her political career? Apollo…
Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020) – Second Contact, Envoys, and Temporal Edict
On 6 August, 2020, we were introduced to the USS Cerritos, a California-class Starfleet vessel, in the Star Trek franchise’s second animated series, Lower Decks. Written by the series showrunner, Mike McMahan, we are introduced to the crew as they go about conducting a Second Contact with the inhabitants of the planet Galar. Ensigns Boimler…
Lonesome Dove (1985) – Larry McMurtry
According to USA Today, if I only read one western in my life, it should be Lonesome Dove. I’ve enjoyed western films, and now thanks to the spreading Taylor Sheridan universe, I thought I may dip into it. Clocking in at 858 pages, the 40th anniversary edition is introduced by Sheridan, and I saddled up…
Battlestar Galactica (2006) – Scar, and Sacrifice
The tension between Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) and Kat (Luciana Carro) hits its peak when the pair clash over who is going to be the one to finally take down a particularly devious Cylon Raider christened Scar. Written by David Weddle and Bradley Thompson, Scar debuted on 3 February, 2006. Scar and other raiders are responsible…
Singles (1992) – Cameron Crowe
I remember when Singles came out, and while it was popular amongst friends, it never really appealed to me. I was partial to rom-coms, I just wasn’t keen on this one for some reason. So it took a number of years for me to finally get around to it. Having said that I do like…
Pennies From Heaven (1981) – Herbert Ross
People weren’t ready for this side of Steve Martin in 1981. They wanted the wild and crazy guy, and were rather shocked and surprised when Pennies From Heaven wasn’t a comedic role, and was, in fact, an early 80s spin on the classic musical, and used tunes from the 20s and the Depression Era to…
Smallville (2006) – Lockdown, and Reckoning
There’s more trouble afoot in Smallville when a deranged police officer, Flynn (Kevin Daniels), breaks into the Luthor Mansion demanding to know where the spaceship is that came down in the meteor shower. Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) uses his panic room to stay safe. Written by Steven S. DeKnight this episode was first broadcast on 19…
Star Trek: #19 Chekov’s Choice (1985)
Walter (Chekov) Koenig paired up with artist Dan Spiegle to deliver a Chekov story for DC Comics’ ongoing Star Trek series. On comic racks until October of 1985, the story is set between the events of The Motion Picture and The Wrath of Khan. I don’t want to sound too mean, but I don’t love…
End of Watch (2012) – David Ayer
First off, let’s get this out of the way… the onscreen friendship and chemistry of Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena is absolutely fantastic. The pair are absolutely fantastic together as a pair of friends who serve together in the LAPD. The film is predominantly shot to look and feel like a documentary; Brian Taylor (Gyllenhaal)…
The Mind Reels 