Lost craeted a vacuum in television. Revolutionary in its expansive mythology and serialized storytelling, the ending of Lost's six season journey has left millions of viewers stranded without a series to follow. It also leaves room for a new contender to pick up where Lost left off, and carry on its mantle.

Enter NBC's The Event, a serialized science fiction drama that first entered the public consciousness this summer with a crushingly oppressive marketing campaign. The Event had potential to be big, and the corporate brass behind the series recognized this.

The Event follows several different characters as they struggle to cope with a massive government conspiracy surrounding a mysterious prison in Alaska. The President struggles with the revelation and moral implications of such a facility, and Sean Walker and his future father in law Michael Buchanan struggle to find his girlfriend.

The Event wastes no time in creating tension and mystery. It begins with a pump of adrenaline and intrigue and continues almost full steam to the episode's end. Perhaps the show's most interesting and frustrating aspect is its style of storytelling. The Event is told in a series of out of sequence scenes that must be pieced together by the viewer. While this gimmick is originally jarring and incredibly frustrating, it is oddly effective. You want to figure out the mystery as much as the characters in the episode, which is a plus for a show whose major focus is its mythology.

While The Event is great at creating tension and mystery it utterly fails in creating interesting and genuine characters. While empathy and depth may grow over time, the show's cast of characters are all incredibly dull or cliched. While we are given apparent motives for the characters seen, they do not feel genuine. What shows like The Event fail to realize is that shows such as Lost did not succeed solely on their mythology. They told interesting character stories as well as a compelling mystery.

Despite its flaws, The Event is still attention grabbing television. One that will certainly merit another weeks viewing.

Score: B

Chuck is back. Once again saved by a devoted fanbase from near cancellation, the kind hearted espionage comedy has returned for its fourth season.

Picking up after the dramatic conclusion to the third season, Chuck Vs. The Anniversary finds our kind hearted hero struggling to find his mother, who has been missing since he was a child. Teaming up with his childhood friend Morgan,Chuck struggles to accomplish his global search without tipping off his sister of his friends in the government, who are dealing with an issue of their own.

Despite being the fourth season of a sucessful series, the season opener to Chuck feels bizarrely disjointed and frustrating. While the acting and production values are as spectacular as always, the pacing and plot feel annoyingly disjointed.

Like the lackluster Season 3 opener, Chuck vs. The Anniversary takes place over the course over several months. However, we are unable to see the effects of this time period due to the lackluster writing and editing. The entire episode feels chaotic and hard to follow.

The humor has also evolved into something that is not typical of the series. While it is certainly funny, it does not feel like it belongs in an episode of Chuck.

Despite all these changes, Chuck also seems to have another foot planted firmly in the past. Despite being fired several times, Chuck has returned to work at the Buy More. Despite a rather nice conclusion to this plot point at the end of Season 3, Chuck seems determined to include this now tiresome plot point in the series.

However, even though the episode is deeply flawed, there are moments where the show we have come to love shines through. The action scenes continue to be fun and creative, and there are numerous character moments that feel refreshing and emotionally satisfying.

Score: C+

Supply Lines may be the most surprisingly good episode of The Clone Wars in months. When it was initially announced that this episode would focus on the infamous Jar Jar Binks, it was assumed the worst, that Clone Wars, despite an improved second season, would return to its inept an awkward roots. However, this is hardly the case.

The concept behind Supply Lines is simple, but at the same time politically complex for a show whose target audience is around ten years old. Acting as a prequel to the first season of the series, the episode follows Jedi Master Di and his team of clones as they struggle to hold off an ever advancing droid army on the Twi'lek homeworld Ryltoh. With millions of innocent lives held behind enemy lines, the Jedi call upon senator Bail Organa to help deliver supplies through the Seperatist blockade. However, to do so he must convince the King of Toydaria, a neutral planet, to assist in the effort. Even worse he is paired with a certain Gungan Senator from Naboo.

The plot for Supply Lines is mixed, but ultimatley effective. Di and the Twi'lek's plight on Ryloth is effective and appopriatley emotional. There is an actual sense of tension, due partially the spectacular action sequences (something the season one Ryloth trilogy was missing). The other plotline for this episode is obviously the weaker, but even it manages to work. The political ins and outs of the Clone Wars have always been an oddly captivating part of the expanded universe and Supply Lines gives an interesting look. The plight presented to the characters is realistic and allows for some great tension and even some effective comedic peices. Despite this, the transitions between both plot points are often jarring and feel unnatural.

Jar Jar is oddly tolerable in this episode. He rarely speaks, and even when it does it is oddly intelligent and lacking in the usual stupidity. However, there is one cringe worthy sequence in the third act that nearly drags the episode down with it.

Bail Organa is surprisingly stone faced throughout Supply Lines, and he stands out amongst dozens of other well animated characters. His voice acting is also surprisingly flat. Since Bail is such a central character to this episode, his lackluster production values make him frustrating to see on screen.

Despite the flaws, the entire episode is saved by a fantastic and emotionally stirring conclusion, which delivers one of the most powerful and tragic endings to the series.

Score: -B

Enjoy this brand new trailer for the upcoming fantasy blockbuster


Off Topic: Once again, I apologize for the lack of updates. Juggling the blog and multiple commitments has become difficult with numerous other priorities coming first. However, when the weekend comes you shall have updates on the geek world, reviews for Clone Wars, Chuck, the Event, and Fringe.

While it may be lacking any real news, it is comfortable to see that the Legendary Pictures Godzilla reboot is moving forward. Check out this interview with producer Brian Rogers.

Monday passed and I missed my opportunity. Yes I know. I'm a failure. Sad face. Anyways, here are the obligatory three web videos.
Also, look for an influx of news, reviews, and more this weekend.

1. Evil Baby Glare

Babies rock, I don't really know why....

2. Blood

One thing needs to be said about this viral classic: NOT FUNNY!!!!!!!

3. Axe Ball Cleaner Commercial

No I was not paid to upload this video...Or was I?

While the first episode of last night's season opener acted as a prequel to the fan favorite Rookies, Arc Troopers acts as a continuation to both episodes. Numerous characters, story arcs, and locales come back into play in this episode that nicely wraps out the trilogy made by the two previous episodes.

Arc Troopers picks up several months after the events in Rookies, telling the story of General Grievous's invasion of Kamino, and the Republic's attempts to defend it. Certain plot points, including Asajj Ventress's covert operations on Kamino, are brought back from previous episodes and reach their ultimate climax.

Arc Troopers tales a fast past and exciting story that does not shie away from delving into great character peices as well. The clones from Domino Squadron return for a powerful conclusion to their story arc. General Grievous also provides some of his personal best scenes in the series to date. However, the two true stars of this episode are 99 and Asajj Ventress. 99's emotional and relatable arc, which was first touched on during the previous episode, reaches its powerful climax, delivering one of the most memorable sequences in the entire series. Ventress is also a scene stealer. No longer the incompetent Dark Jedi seen in Season One, the bald headed force user has involved into a complex and disturbing villainess. Unfortunatley, one of her most powerful scenes from this episode was cut during post production due to interference on Cartoon Network's part.

While Clone Cadets was lacking in the level of action that is common in this series, Arc Troopers delivers, showing the most intense battle sense the season two standout Landing at Point Rain. The action is frantic, well animated, and includes dozens of memorable moments. The episode, surprisingly, also includes some of the best lightsaber combat in the series, showing both a duel between Grievous and Obiwan and Anakin and Ventress. The improved animation lends much to this episode allowing it to deliver on the high octane scenes that its premise demands.

The music, which was annoyingly flat earlier in the series, has also evolved into great orchestral pieces that help to flesh out some of the more emotional aspects of the story.

However, Arc Troopers is not perfect. One of the most frustrating aspects of the series since day one has been its run time. While numerous television series manage to juggle a half hour timeslot perfectly, The Clone Wars has always struggled. Arc Troopers begins and ends with almost break neck speed, and this becomes frustrating to watch at times. This constraint of time leads to sloppy dialogue and awkward scenes that could have been powerful given more time to evolve.

Despite this minor complaint, Arc Trooper stands out as one of the series best.

Score: -A

Delted Scene:

Here is the scene that was omitted from the final version of the episode.

Despite a frustrating five month wait, The Clone Wars has finally returned to television. With high expectations and a ever growing fanbase, this season has alot to live up to. Luckily, last night's two part season opener delivered.

When Season One first aired in 2008, fans were blown away by a particular episode (Rookies) surrounding a group of rookie clone troopers. Dark, compelling, and unique this episode became a fan favorite and a turning point for the series. The Season Three opener acts as both a prequel and a sequel to this classic installment, and both are equally strong episodes on their own.

The first out of the two was the prequel episode Clone Cadets. Picking up several months before the events seen in Rookies, the audience follows the tumultuous training and origin of the ill fated Domino Squadron.

The plot for Clone Cadets is enjoyable, but not wholey original. The story of teamwork and graduation into adulthood is one that has been seen numerous times in multiple military tales.

While it may not have been the most action packed episode in the series, Clone Cadets is noteworthy for being one of the most character driven. The story of Domino Squadron is interesting and compelling in its own right, but oddly its the side characters who are the most interesting here. The first being the bounty hunter Bric. Acting as a mentor for the clones, this ill tempered and surprising deep character is a welcome inclusion to the Star Wars mythos and easily becomes a scene stealer.

However, perhaps the most interesting character introduced in this episode is the malformed clone 99. Mishapen during a mistake in the cloning progress, 99 acts as a lowly janitor for the training station on Kamino. Despite this, he acts as an older brother and watchful eye for the trainees. 99's arc throughout this episode and the follow up, Arc Troopers, is surprisingly heavy and deep material for the series. Regardless of any original reluctance towards the idea of 99, he wins you over and is the true star of this episode.

The animation has also improved significantly from the previous seasons. Characters no longer stand stone faced and passive during dialogue, and environments are incredibly detailed. However, there are some points, especially during several fist fight sequences, that experience some noticeable difficulties.

The dialogue also occasionally slips into cliches and tropes typical of the story it tells.

Overall, Clone Cadets is a worthy addition to the series and a promising start to a new season.

Score: B+

While James Cameron has mentioned in the past that he plans to take his sequel to Avatar to the seas of Pandora, it appears that the visionary science fiction director is planning to go a step furhter with his plans.

According to The Daily Mail, Cameron plans to shoot portions of the science fiction in the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench in the Philippines, the deepest known place in the world's oceans. Not only would this be the first film to shoot at such a depth, but Cameron's crew will be the first people to visit the area since it was first visited in 1960. Accoring to the paper Cameron has purchased "has commissioned a bespoke submarine, built of high-tech, man-made composite materials and powered by electric motors, which will be capable of surviving the tremendous pressures at a depth of seven miles, from which he will shoot 3D footage that may be incorporated in Avatar's sequel."

It appears that we will have more then one franchise of giant robots from the 80's in coming years. While we have already seen the success of Micheal Bay's Transformers franchise, it appears that another popular cartoon is about to get the big budget treatment.

While a film adaptation of Voltron has been rumored for years, it had been assumed for years that the project had hit a dead end. However, these rumor seemed to be disproved yesterday when JoBlo.com uploaded concept art from the upcoming feature. Apparently the film is also being scripted by Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer.

It's Monday! And although the school year has started and activity on the site has dipped, I still have found time to deliver you guys your weekly taste of not so funny web videos...

1. Geek And Gamer Girls
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Geek and Gamer Girls Song - Watch more Funny Videos

You know that music vidoe where Katy Perry destroys your childhood memories of Candyland? We now have a nerd version, which is not only a better song but also features a rapping Seth Green.


2. Narwhals..
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No, its not really a classic. But its got narwhals.

3. Inception Acapella Score
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Perhaps the most accurate description of the Inception soundtrack yet..

There are few novel series as dear to my heart as Odd Thomas. Telling the tale of a good hearted fry cook who can commune with the dead, Dean Koontz's clever and haunting series has been a favorite of mine for years.

According to Production Weekly, Stephen Sommers, director of G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra, may be interested in adapting this sucessful series to the big screen. Stay tuned for further news.

Check out this interesting preview into the making of the Clone Wars and the upcoming third season.

Larry Doyle is quickly becoming a comedy superstar. A former writer for the Simpsons, and author of the widely successful I Love You, Beth Cooper, Doyle has already shown the world that he has skill in creating successful satire and memorable characters. Doyle continues his success in his recent comedic novel, GoMutants!.

In a world where the monsters, aliens, and events of B-Movie Horror films from the 50's actually exist, J!m, son of a particularly hated invader, must struggle to survive high school. While J!m has problems typical of an American teenager (puberty, girls, bullies, etc.) he also must deal with the fact that his neighborhood suspects him of being an alien terrorist. Luckily, he has the help of his two friends Johnny, a mutant motorcycle-riding ape, and Jelly, a jello like mass passing as a fat kid.


Go Mutants! is a unique premise to say the least. Although its plot relies on the cliches of both the high school comedy and science fiction genres, Go Mutants! never stops feeling surprisingly fresh.

Perhaps the most obvious and striking aspect of the novel is the fascinating world that it takes place in. Although designed as a satire, Doyle manages to breath a surprising amount of life and detail into a land populated by aliens, mutants, robots, etc. Incredible detail is given to the history, politics, and even pop culture of this surreal universe, which is surprising given that the book is a comedy. However, due to Doyle's deadpan and atypical sense of humor, certain confusing aspects are explained so nonchalantly that they required repeated reading to understand.


Despite this flaw, Go Mutants!'s comedy is endlessly funny. While there are the expected pop culture references, Doyle's humor spreads beyond name dropping. The characters and situations presented are enough to deserve a several laughs. That's not to say that Doyle does not use his expertly crafted universe effectively. Fans of the science fiction genre will be able to pick up cameos Gojira, Gort, and even Triffids.

Despite taking cues from 1950's culture, Go Mutants! is relevant, and continuously successful, in its satire. Commenting on topics ranging from the War on Terror to teen society, Doyle's tale is as almost as thought provoking as it is funny. While you won't find anything here as stirring as Catch 22 or other satirical masterpieces, Go Mutants! is a great piece of satirical fiction.

While overshadowed by the world they inhabit, the characters that populate the world are certainly notable in their own right. Each are interesting, and their plights believable and sympathetic, if slightly cliched.

While it may best be enjoyed by fans of the science fiction genre, Doyle's latest comedy is well worth the read.


Score: -A

I recently played through Deus Ex. Some would say I'm a bit late, (ten years late) but screw them. In Deus Ex, the player is dropped into the position of J. C. Denton, a cyborg secrent agent in the future. That's all I can really say without spoiling something, but I have to say, the story is excellent.

The gameplay in Deus Ex may seem difficult to some at first. The player has six health bars for different body parts, and if one were to waltz into the first level and start shooting baddies, as many of today's gamers would do without question, he or she would most likely die very quickly. The game encourages a very tactical, stealthy approach, whether the player prefers to take out enemies with explosives, rifles, or pistols, or he or she invests points in electronics and lock picking and never participates in fights at all.

That brings us to the topic of morality. Deus Ex has no meter which proudly displays just how much of a douche the player is, and the player will rarely find himself making choices which are clearly labeled and separate. No, the player projects his or her morality through the gameplay, with choices between guns and tranquilizers, or letting an NPC die and protecting him. Deus Ex is one of the few games to really have consequences for a characters actions.


While characters may not be as deep as those in Bioware games, the writing is still excellent. The story is reminiscent of 1984. It shows a cautionary tale of the consequences of technology which could well possibly exist soon, and some that do already.

Deus Ex has no problem immersing the player within its dystopian atmosphere. I must confess that while playing, I actually yelled at one point when attacked from behind. One can't have a snack or talk to a friend while playing Deus Ex, because they will simply be lost in it.

Unfortunately, the graphics have not held up very well, but those who don't mind older graphics should have little trouble adjusting. However, they do an excellent job of showing the deterioration and general dirtiness of the setting.

Deus Ex has fantastic gameplay and is incredibly immersing. The greatest thing about it though, is that it is a perfect example of a video game that becomes more than a game, something definitely artistic, and teaches us something important. Go get Deus Ex right now. It's ten bucks on Steam.

Post Script: On a rather creepy note, the twin towers had been destroyed by terrorists in the game. Keep in mind this game was made before 9-11. This can be read here.

Bioware has done it. While the famous video game studio may have stumbled with previous editions to its stellar space opera, the latest DLC Lair of the Shadow Broker is something to behold. Delivering on not only a great Mass Effect experience but a unique game in and of its own.

Story
------------------------------------------------------
The essential part of the Mass Effect series is its story.
Unfortunately (with the exception of Overlord), previous Mass Effect expansions have not been able to complete fulfill the expectations set by fans of the series. Lair of the Shadow Broker delivers, telling an emotional narrative that even rivals the main campaign.

The story follows Commander Shepard, and former teammate Liara as they struggle to take down a powerful and omniscient crime lord, whom Liara has a personal grudge with. Together the two face terrorists, high flying car chases, personal revelations, and more then a bit of humorous banter.

The plot carries on at breakneck speed. The action continues almost constantly, but feels completely natural. This makes the gaps between the chaos all the more important and impactful. Lair of the Shadow Broker feels truly cinematic, even more so then the main game.

In true Mass Effect fashion, Shadow Broker is a character driven tale. Liara T'Soni, a friend and squadmate from the original game, steals the show. Her character is truly expanded beyond the relatively shallow shell seen previously. Liara actually evolves as a character throughout the course of the narrative, something which is surprising considering that the campaign is relatively short.

However, Liara is not the only scene stealer. Something that Mass Effect 2 was missing was a memorable villain, Lair of the Shadow Broker has several. From the morally ambiguous Spectre Tela Vasir to the Shadow Broker himself, Bioware has collected an interesting rogue's gallery.

Even the normally hollow Shepard has his moment to shine. Perhaps where Shadow Broker is most memorable is its fun and amiable relationship created between its protagonist and Liara. The two joke and banter like old friends, and it feels incredibly genuine. It's also really funny.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for your squadmates. Although Bioware makes sure to add in a cool feature that allows them to further flesh out your battle hardened team, your squad will once again remain completely silent for this mission. While understandable due to budget constraints, it's still a frustrating experience.

+Exciting Main Plot
+Dozens of memorable moments
+Great Characters
+Great Comic Relief
-Silent Squadmates

Score: 38/40

Gameplay
-----------------------------------------
Story is the only aspect that makes Lair of the Shadow Broker such a success. The expansion delivers everything the fans have come to love with the addition of a new temporary squadmate, new game feature, smarter AI, and interesting combat locales.

While she does not remain with your party permanently, Liara makes an interesting and welcome addition to your team. Her biotics powers are unique, and allow for some combat. Liara's addition to the game also comes with a revistable location that will updated with upcoming expansions.

The enemies are also more intelligent. They can now throw flash-bang grenades and employ clever flanking tactis, all adding to the experience. Add on some of the most original locations in the history of the series and you have some really memorable combat sequences.

Easily the most drastic edition to the game, the high speed car chase may be the clunkiest edition as well. While its exciting and a fun change, the controls for the vehicle are stiff and confusing. Luckily, this experience is so short that you are ultimately left with a cool experience without the frustration.

+All that made Mass Effect 2 good
+Liara
+Smarter enemies
+Memorable Locales
+/- Chase Sequence

Score: 38.5/40

Graphics
---------------------------------

Mass Effect has always been a stunningly beautiful game, and Lair of the Shadow Broker continues this to great degree. With great new locales that look jaw-droppingly good, and increasingly complex character animations Lair of the Shadow Broker looks better then ever.

While you may encounter the occasional awkwardly animated scene, there is little negative to be found.

+Locales
+Character Animations
-Bugs

9.5/10

Sound
----------------------------
Mass Effect 2 has perhaps some of the best sound ever in a video game. From expertly crafted sound effects, genuine voice acting, and a powerful score, the game is an absolute aural treat. Lair of the Shadow Broker is no different.

The same expert voice acting returns, along with Jack Wall's score. The music itself is perhaps even more spectacular this time around. Jack Wall pens new themes for the Shadow Broker and his team, while incorporating themes from the first Mass Effect to accompany Liara.

+Score
+Voice Acting
+Sound Effects

Score 10/10
---------------------------------------
Overall:
Definitely the best edition to the Mass Effect franchise in months, this expansion is necessary for any fan of the series.

Aggregate/Overall Score: 96

When Andre Garfield was announced as the next Spider-man in July, the British actor was a relative unknown. While he is slowly gaining public awareness due to his role in this years drama The Social Network, Garfield may not jump onto the scene until he takes on America's favorite superhero in the summer of 2012.

In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter Garfield dropped some of the first known details about the highly anticipated reboot:

"I have been waiting for this phone call for 24 years, for someone to call me up and say, "Hey, we want you to pretend to be a character that you’ve always wanted to be all your life, and we’re going to do it with cool cameras and cool effects and you’re going to feel like you’re swinging through New York City. Do you want to do that?" [laughs] “Let me just consult with my seven-year old self and see what he thinks...” So my seven-year-old self started screaming in my soul and saying, This is what we’ve been waiting for. Like every young boy who feels stronger on the inside than they look on the outside, any skinny boy basically who wishes their muscles matched their sense of injustice, God, it’s just the stuff that dreams are made of, for sure. It’s a true f*cking honor to be part of this symbol that I actually think is a very important symbol and it’s meant a great deal to me, and it continues to mean something to people. So yeah, I feel like I’ve been preparing for it for a while. Ever since Halloween when I was four years old and I wore my first Spider-Man costume."

Garfield also revieled that shooting will begin this December.

It's Labor Day! And the end of the summer has arrived, while this means the beginning of the school year and a decline in Artificial Continuum updates, it does mean we get this weeks addition of Around The Web.

1. Make Sure the Kids Are Sleeping Before...
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Kids say the darndest things...

2. Classic Viral: I'm Gonna Kick His Ask
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I sense a running theme here...will it continue on to the third video?


3. Johnny Depp In Burtonland
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Guess not....

September 7th will be a big day for Bioware fans. With it two of their largest titles move forward to their next stage of existence in the release of DLC for Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2. Dragon Age Origins fans will be treated with Witch Hunt the final DLC for the game that will wrap up the story of your Grey Warden and will reveal the fate of the witch Morrigan. Mass Effect 2 will also move forward with its DLC Lair of the Shadow Broker. This new chapter in the games story will connect the plots of Mass Effect 2 and 3 and will feature the return of fan favorite Liara.

Despite critical acclaim and positive audience reactions, this year's comic book action comedy Kick Ass failed to meet expectations at the box office when initially released. Just barely breaking even, it appeared that plans for a sequel film to the Mark Millar comic book film had been scrapped.

However, yesterday Millar announced on Radio 5 that plans for a sequel will in fact move forward. Due mostly to surprisingly high DVD sales, Kick Ass 2 will begin pre production later this year with a plot based off the upcoming sequel comic, Kick Ass 2: Balls to the Wall.

With Season 3 only weeks away, Lucasfilm has given us this great behind the scenes look into the upcoming season. Enjoy!