By Carl Slaughter: (1) Aquaman. With Smallville being one of the longest running science fiction shows in television history, fans have long ago demonstrated their commitment. Television executives haven’t always gotten the message, as evidenced by the Aquaman pilot.

“The Aquaman pilot was expected to debut in the fall schedule of 2006, but following the merger of the WB and UPN, the resulting CW Network opted not to buy the series. After they passed on the pilot, it was made available online through iTunes in the United States and became the number-one most downloaded television show on iTunes…The concept of Aquaman stemmed from a fifth season episode of Smallville, “Aqua”. The episode featured Arthur Curry (Alan Ritchson) coming to Smallville to stop an underwater weapons project being developed by LuthorCorp. “Aqua” became the highest rated episode for Smallville that season, but it was never meant to be a backdoor pilot for an Aquaman series. [7] However, as work progressed on “Aqua”, the character was recognized to have potential for his own series… Discussing the excitement surrounding the project, Lou Diamond Phillips said, “The funny thing about the Aquaman project is that there’s so much buzz about it already. Which is amazing, I mean you don’t usually get that with a pilot, because they’re sort of sight unseen.””…On July 24, 2006, the pilot became one of the first shows offered by Warner Brothers on the iTunes Store (available only to US customers) for $1.99, under the title Aquaman. Within a week, it reached the number-one spot on the list of most downloaded TV shows on the digital store’s list, and it held that spot for over a week.[33] Gough stated, “At least the pilot is now getting its day in court with the fans, and the reviews have all been very positive.”…By March 24, 2007, the pilot reached #6 on the Video Marketplace’s top downloads.[37] On June 9, 2007, Canadian television network YTV, aired the pilot as part of their “Superhero Saturday.”

 

(2) If you can make it there. Why do so many Marvel characters live in New York?

(3) Discovery. Very detailed, very positive analysis of the Star Trek: Discovery trailer.

(4) Doomed. Top 5 Reasons Why Star Trek Discovery Will Suck:

(5) Before Mulgrew. We’ve all been told that the original Janeway actress tried to make the transition from movies and was not able to able adapt to the much more rigorous TV production schedule. This reviewer has a different theory: Bujold’s delivery was too mechanical, Mulgrew owned the role.

(6) A dynamic duo. Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart discuss Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and Shakespeare, and answer questions from fans.

(7) Teasing an icon. Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Colbert spoof Ripley.