Random clicking of news and tidbits on current and past television programming in the U.S., as well as what's happening in the TV-on-DVD market. Pop culture on the tube. Reliving our childhood one disc at a time.
On the heels of the series premiere of ABC's Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (literally on the same day the new comics-book based series aired), FOX has ordered straight to series Gotham, a drama based on the DC Comics character Commissioner James Gordon. Umm yeah, the one from the Batman universe. Don't expect to see any glimpses of the Dark Knight though. Gothamwill explore the origins stories of both Commissioner Gordon and the villains that made Gotham City into the metropolis we have grown to love.
The CW's superhero series Arrow is digging into the DC Comics vault and integrating one of the top villains into its sophmore season.
Cynthia Addai-Robinson, most recently seen in Starz's Spartacus, has been cast as Amanda Waller. DC Comics fans will recognize Amanda Waller as the big baddie who heads the Suicide Squad. In Arrow, Waller will be part of A.R.G.U.S., a covert agency that has vital information about the Arrow. The character will be introduced during the sixth episode of the series, just weeks after Bronze Tiger, another Suicide Squad member, is introduced. It appears that the Suicide Squad will play heavily into the show's second season.
Last month, we posted the news of The Flash being introduced in episodes 8 and 9 of the show, and returning towards the end of the season in a backdoor pilot episode.
Keep it locked to Stay Tuned for future updates on anything and everything television.
It appears that The CW wants to capitalize on the superhero momentum its currently experiencing in its programming line-up. News has leaked out that the network is interested in expanding the DC Comics universe by bringing The Flash back to the small screen. The network generated great ratings (at least in The CW terms) when it originally aired Smallville, and last year's sleeper hit Arrow has proven that they can attract a key demo with the right product.
Arrow presents the story of Oliver Queen, and his superhero persona Green Arrow, combating crimes and injustice in Starling City. The show was presented last year in attempts to fill the void left when Smallville ended its 10-year run on The CW. While Arrow has deviated from the origins of the comic books, it retained the darker, grittier tone that is characteristic of the Green Arrow. During the first season run, Arrow introduced other DC Comics characters that are involved in the Green Arrow universe. It is precisely using this gimmick that the network wants to bring The Flash into the fold.
The CW has green-lighted the planned Flash series, which co-creators anticipate will take place after The Scarlet Speedster is introduced in an episode (and possibly multi-episode arc) on Arrow. While it's too soon to tell who may be potentially cast, the same writing team behind Arrow will helm Flash along with DC Entertainment's Geoff Johns (a name most comic book fans will be familiar with...we believe). More information should be provided at The CW's TCA presentation today.
If this project succeeds in taking off, it wouldn't be the first foray into live-action television for The Flash. In 1990, CBS premiered The Flash starring John Wesley Shipp as Barry Allen a.k.a The Flash. The premise of the short-lived series was Barry Allen adapting to his superhuman powers after a lab accident and becoming The Flash to avenge his brother's murder. Considered a series before its time, the show's high costs and frequent pre-emptions from its regular time slot were factors in its cancellation. The Flash had a similar gritty tone to today's Arrow and midway through the season began incorporating villains from the superhero's rogues gallery.
We've included an episode from the 1990 show where The Flash faces off against Captain Cold. When the new Flashseries materializes next year we just hope that the powers-that-be consider bringing back our pal John Wesley Shipp for a cameo. You know...just because.
Oh, and the complete series is available on DVD if you want to check it out. We recommend it.
Keep it locked to Stay Tuned for future updates of anything and everything television.
Update: 7:52 PM
We have learned that The Flash will be introduced in episodes 8 and 9, which will set up his origin story. Barry Allen/Flash will return in episode 20 to launch the spin-off. Everything indicates that the show is a go. In other news, The Wonder Woman plans have been paused indefinitely.
This week's New Release Tuesday are really slim pickings. We mean really, really, really, really slim. Actually about less than a handful. So without further ado, let's highlight the main ones that fans should pick up today!
Sci-Fi Pick of the Week
Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Volume XXVII
MST3K has always been one of Stay Tuned's little darlings, back when the show was released through Rhino. This release is no exception. Fans who appreciate a good chuckle while watching bad movies will identify with MST3K. Join Mike, Tom Servo, and Crow T. Robot as they sit down through four horrendous movies. This installment includes: The Slime People, Rocket Attack U.S.A., Village of the Giants, and The Deadly Mantis. Shout! Factory has done a wonderful job with the releases of these volumes and they continue that excellence by providing extra features. Interviews with several of the films' actors, a featurette with original cast member Trace Beaulieu, and an introduction with writer/cast member Mary Jo Pehl are just some of the goodies you can find on this set. One more plug for the good people at Shout! Factory; if you purchase the set through their website, you will also receive an bonus DVD of serials: The Phantom Creeps, Undersea Kingdom, and General Hospital (yes, the soap opera). It may cost a little more than other sites but the bonus disc is worth it.
If you are not familiar with the show, don't fret folks. We here at Stay Tuned are happy to give you a sneak peek at one of the episodes on this set. Below is the link for Village of the Giants, which happens to star future screen star Beau Bridges, future director and creator Ron(ny) Howard (yes, he was Opie), and future one-hit wonder Toni Basil (yes, Mickey).
Kid (or Kid-at-Heart) Pick of the Week
The World's Greatest Super Friends: A Dangerous Fate
Super Friendsreturns with another volume of its cartoons. This time the 1979-1980 (which was considered Season 5) The World's Greatest Super Friendsaired eight episodes, each episode had three different cartoons thus making this set containing 24 episodes. This incarnation reverted back to the original five superheroes (Superman, Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman) and the Wonder Twins, with their monkey Gleek. The toon is very dated but the set is a must for any DC Comics fan or Super Friends completist. Below is a taste of what you can find on this set, the episode Universe of Evil.
Well that's it! It was an uneventful New Release Tuesday on the TV-on-DVD market but these suggestions should tide you over until the first Tuesday in August. According to our release schedule, that's the next BIG day. As usual, remember to Stay Tuned for anything and everything television.
We just couldn't let this one pass by and we should have waited because Warner Archive Collection doesn't post its new releases until midday. But better late than never, right?
Retro 'Toon Pick of the Week
Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels - The Complete Series
We here at Stay Tuned have actually been waiting a long time for a Captain Caveman release. Since Warner holds the rights to the Hanna-Barbera library, it was only a matter of time before this series would be released. Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels originally ran from 1977 to 1980, with the first two seasons packaged in with another Hanna-Barbera cartoon and the final season broadcasted as a half-hour program. Basically an adaptation of Scooby-Doo meets Josie and the Pussycats, the premise of the cartoon centered around the Teen Angels (Dee Dee, Brenda, and Taffy) solving mysteries. They happen to come across the ice block that housed the prehistoric Captain Caveman and thawed him out. Working together, the girls drive the van while Cavey walks around grumbling and pulling all sorts of things out of his hair. Oh and somehow he can fly.
Below is an episode featured in the first season, presented in its entirety. And yes, the episodes were only 11 minutes long. You can purchase the set at Warner Archive's website (Warner Archive Collection site).
