George R.R. Martin Has a Second Planned Series

George R.R. Martin, writer of the Game of Thrones series, has more stories that will soon come to television.  His Wild Cards anthology, a 22 volume series of books started in 1986 and involving more than 30 authors, will be developed for television by Universal Cable Productions (who also handled Mr. Robot).  

Mr. Martin announced the television series on his website and also provided this description of the world he created in Wild Cards:

The shared world of the Wild Cards diverged from our own on September 15, 1946 when an alien virus was released in the skies over Manhattan, and spread across an unsuspecting Earth. Of those infected, 90% died horribly, drawing the black queen, 9% were twisted and deformed into jokers, while a lucky 1% became blessed with extraordinary and unpredictable powers and became aces. The world was never the same...Wild Cards is a series of books, graphic novels, games... but most of all it is a universe, as large and diverse and exciting as the comic book universes of Marvel and DC (though somewhat grittier, and considerably more realistic and more consistent), with an enormous cast of characters both major and minor. There are thousands of stories to be told in the world of the Wild Cards...

Mr. Martin said he is too busy with Game of Thrones to oversee the new series himself (as well as contractually bound to HBO).  He has already had an amazing run with his current series, as well as an amazing amount of work staying current with his writing, so for his sake I am glad he is handing off this project to someone else.  

Superstore Celebrates the Olympics

While the second season of NBC's Superstore does not start until September 22nd, we get to see a special episode on August 19th to celebrate the Olympics. You can even see a few Olympians, including Tara Lipinski, McKayla Maroney, Apolo Anton Ohno, and Cecily Strong. That works for me. 

A Star Wars Television Series?

Disney wants to make a fortune on Star Wars, so now we are hearing about a Star Wars television series (in addition to an existing television cartoon, the main movies, and new spin-off movies). And let's not forget "Star Wars Land" in Florida and California. 

Here is a quote from Disney Entertainment president Channing Dungey regarding a new television series:
 

Oh, as a fan, I would absolutely love to say ‘Yes,’...The conversations with Lucas, we have had conversations with them and will continue to have conversations with them. I think it would be wonderful if we could find a way to extend that brand into our programming.

She doesn't sound like a fan with the word "brand," but instead more like what the rebels are fighting against - an expanding imperial presence.  So I for one would recommend Disney focus on quality more than quantity.  We already saw what the focus on merchandising did to the "brand" when episodes 1-3 of the Star Wars motion pictures were released.  If Ms. Dungey is really a fan, maybe she should be very careful.

Mr. Robot: A Film Within a "Film"

The creator of Mr. Robot originally wanted to tell his tale in a film, but we are lucky that he went the television route. What he has produced is an astoundingly dark story of computer wizardry that goes beyond normal television. 

That does not mean we will not see a film. In fact, last week's episode provided more context to the story via a film called "A Careful Massacre of the Bourgeoisie." Now you can watch the full film, or at least nine minutes of it. But beware - it is pretty gruesome.  Go here for more. 

Season Two of Dark Matter

Season two of SyFy's Dark Matter has been pure fun so far, with a few casualties.  But I warn you - do not read any further if you are not current on the episodes. 

First, I like the new characters in the ship, originally three and now two. A doctor (Devon) and another weapons master (Nyx) makes sense.  I am not sure how long the two of them will last, but I like the addition. 

Second, I'm intrigued by the focus on doubles - doubt lives, double deaths, and double droids. The death of both versions of the character One, if it is to be believed, seemed pretty final for an interesting character. And the new version of the android Seven, still arguing with her earlier self, added a fun crew member to an often dark story. 

And finally, the opening credits, special effects, and even plots seem more professional. This is something I would expect with time and maybe more money.

So sit back and enjoy the show. SyFy found that magic formula that keeps all of us coming back for more. 

The Final Season of Teen Wolf

All good things must come to an end, and MTV's Teen Wolf is no exception.  The network recently announced that the upcoming sixth season of Teen Wolf will be its last (to premiere on November 15th).  That's the bad news.  The good news is that Dylan O'Brien will be part of this last season even though he is still recovering from earlier injuries on a movie set.

In this final season trailer you can watch the Scooby Doo crew come up against what at first seems like something out of Sleepy Hollow, yet it becomes more complex as you learn more.  The series has always liked to pack in a whole range of demonic obstacles, which can be too much at times.  However, the core friendship of Scott and Stiles seems to hold it all together.  Think of it as Buffy and Xander - two friends that needed each other even if they really bugged each other at times (and only one had the real power).   

Football on Netflix

Tonight on Netflix you can watch the premiere of Last Chance U, a docu-drama about an NCAA football training camp. If you are a fan of HBO's Ballers, it may be worth watching this to see where it all starts. 

A New York Daily News profile notes:

“Last Chance U” is not all hard and serious, though timely social and racial issues play a major role in the series. There is still plenty of room for football fun.

A real Friday Night Lights, or so it would seem. Sounds like a good way to spend a Friday night.