Space: 1999 (1975) – Guardian of Piri, and End of Eternity

Computer is causing problems, and Moonbase Alpha has drawn close to a strange planet which is having adverse effects on the Alphans. Guardian of Piri was written by Christopher Penfold, and first debuted on 13 November, 1975. As the moon draws closer to a odd world, computer’s data, and mechanical instruments become increasingly unreliable, Eagle…

Ready Player One (2018) – Blu-Ray Review

If there’s a movie that will serve easter egg hunters by being released to blu-ray (and DVD) then it’s Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Ernest Cline’s iconic, nostalgia inducing science fiction romp, Ready Player One, available today from Warner Brothers. Tye Sheridan stars as Wade, a young dreamer, who like everyone in his generation, living amongst…

Space: 1999 (1975) – Alpha Child, and Dragon’s Domain

Moonbase Alpha continues it’s not exactly lonely journey through space – there is a lot of life out there apparently, and all so conveniently close for storytelling purposes. First up this week, Koenig (Martin Landau), Dr. Russell (Barbara Bain) and Professor Bergman (Barry Morse) meet the Alpha Child. Written by Christopher Penfold and Edward di…

Doctor Who (Peter Capaldi) – The Lie of the Land, and Empress of Mars

The conclusion to the Monk Trilogy is our first episode this week. Written by Toby Whithouse, the episode first aired on 3 June, 2017. The Monks have changed history, having assumed control of Earth when power of consent was given by Bill (Pearl Mackie) at the conclusion of last week’s episode, when she had them…

The Long Walk (1979) – Stephen King as Richard Bachman

King’s first novel, written, not published, is a gripping thriller that terrifies and captivates, from the first page to it’s haunting conclusion. Writing under his pseudonym of Richard Bachman, the story follows Ray Garraty a young teen in an alternate timeline where a totalitarian government has assumed control, and all of it is overseen by…

Geostorm (2017) – Dean Devlin

Dean Devlin and his frequent collaborator, Roland Emmerich have a long history of cinematically destroying iconic landmarks and wreaking international havoc in their films all while A and B list actors run around trying to save the day. Geostorm, Devlin’s latest directorial effort, releasing on blu-ray and DVD from Warner Brothers today, is no different….

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1990) – Sarek, and Menage a Troi

Captain’s log: stardate 43917.4 Airing on 14 May, 1990, Star Trek: The Next Generation began formal relations with the Original Series when it debuted the episode Sarek. Written by Peter S. Beagle based on an unpublished story by Marc Cushman and Jake Jacobs. Sarek (Mark Lenard returning to the role) at the age of 202,…

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1990) – Hollow Pursuits, and The Most Toys

Captain’s log: stardate 43801.4 First airing on 30 April, 1990, this episode, written by Sally Caves introduced fan favourite Reginald Barclay (Dwight Schultz) to the Trek Universe. Barclay is smart, but shy, suffers from some anxieties, and releases them through escapes to the holodeck. In fact, he slips away every chance he gets, as, within…

Authority (2014) – Jeff VanderMeer

The second book in the Southern Reach Trilogy finds its way to the Book Shelf this week as I dive further into the strange realm of Area X first introduced in the book Annihilation, which also serves as the title of the upcoming film adaptation. This sequel, released within months of the first book takes…

Doctor Who (Matt Smith) – The Impossible Astronaut, and Day of the Moon

Astronauts, the Silence, the Doctor’s (Smith) death, and some tons of temporal shenanigans launch the sixth series of Doctor Who with The Impossible Astronaut. The episode was written by Steven Moffat and first aired on 23 April, 2011. The Doctor after showing off in history to attract the attention of The Ponds, invites Amy (Karen…