"Being Human" on Syfy

"Being Human" - Syfy

"Being Human" on Syfy premieres Season 2 on Monday, January 16 at 8 central.

Initially when Syfy presented the American version of BBC's "Being Human", I was skeptical. In general, I think it's ridiculous to re-create the same story, same characters, etc. Just watch the original "Being Human" on BBC America! Several other shows have been re-done for an American version, which drives me nutty! But I gave it a shot since the genre is right up my alley. And the American version surprised me by offering subtle changes and more obvious alterations and even keeping some of the more specific traits of the characters. Interesting enough that I watched all of Season 1 and am looking forward to Season 2.

Sam Huntington (Josh) is completely the scene stealer. His acting, facial expressions, lines are perfect. He gets a blue ribbon and a plate of cookies.

I felt that watching the Syfy American version was weird, though. I kept trying to remember how things went in the original show and comparing them or expecting those scenes to play out on Syfy, which was not a good thing. It was super distracting as my husband and I questioned the timeline of events or what was "supposed" to happen next. Plus, we'd either be excited with a new twist as compared to the BBC version or the total opposite - actually feeling cheated that something didn't happen the way we anticipated it. And after watching 3 years of BBC, our brains were confused at times trying to separate the two shows from each other.

Don't take me wrong - I do like Syfy's "Being Human"! But...in choosing my favorite between the Syfy and the BBC version, I still prefer the original BBC version of "Being Human". I am worried about its survival  - after all, unless I've lost my mind, which is quite possible, didn't Mitchell get killed off in the season finale? Nooooo (still weeping from such a horrible outcome)!!!

Here's some "Being Human" - Syfy - links for the new trailers (showing full links so you can see where you're "going"):
http://video.syfy.com/shows/being_human/promos_trailers_21/epic-buzzkill--being-human/v1368448

http://video.syfy.com/shows/being_human/promos_trailers_21/temptation-is-a-beast--being-human/v1359646

'Primeval' Season 5 Premiere Saturday-Nov. 12

'Primeval' Season 5 Tonight (11/12/11)

(credits: BBCAmerica.com)

 

Here's the Synopsis for Season 4-Episode 7 to refresh your memory:

When a Terror bird appears during an incursion, the team faces an anomaly that won't lock. Chaos ensues, as a terrified creature struggles to get home. Danny reappears from his journey through the Rift Valley with a warning for the team and suspicions about their new boss. Ethan's secrets are finally revealed as he takes his revenge on Emily and the team.

Season 5-Episode 1 Synopsis:

A deadly burrowing creature brings chaos to a city, forcing the team to chase it around town as they track its underground movements. While attempting to target its nest, things suddenly go terribly wrong and one of the team becomes its next potential victim.

Video Link of Connor in trouble.

I loved this show from the beginning and am excited to see it return for another season! The relationships between characters (especially Connor and Abby) and the background story are awesome. Usually there aren't many episodes per season and before you know it, the show is over for another year. I hope there's some sort of recap at the beginning of the show tonight to remind us how last season ended. From what I researched, BBC America is replaying last season's episodes today, before the new season begins.

"Grimm" Opinion

"Grimm" - Fridays at 9 PM / 8 PM Central on NBC. Watch it. The premiere episode was last Friday but if you're capable of viewing it online, go here: Pilot.

Synopsis (from the Official Site http://www.nbc.com/grimm/):
New drama series inspired by the classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. Portland homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli, "Turn The Beat Around") discovers he is descended from an elite line of criminal profilers known as "Grimms," charged with keeping balance between humanity and the mythological creatures of the world.
As he tries to hide the dangers of his new found calling from his fiancé, Juliette Silverton, (Bitsie Tulloch, "quarterlife"), and his partner, Hank Griffin (Russell Hornsby, "Lincoln Heights"), he becomes ever more entrenched in the ancient rivalries and alliances of the Grimm world.
With help from his confidant, Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell, "Prison Break"), a reformed Grimm creature himself, Nick must navigate through the forces of a larger-than-life mythology, facing off with Hexenbiests, Blutbads and all manner of ancient evils, including royal lines dating back to the original profilers themselves, The Grimm Brothers. Reggie Lee ("Persons Unknown") and Sasha Roiz ("Caprica") also star.

Here's a trailer for it: "Grimm" - Trailer 

The previews over the last few months caught my attention. I'm already watching many evening shows as it is, and wasn't convinced I would start up another one. I'm so glad I did. Even my husband, who is Mr. Critical, enjoyed it. He gets rather tired of watching all the paranormal/supernatural/fantasy/sci fi TV shows (and movies) that I love. I feared he'd barf at one more in that genre that my curiosity beckoned we at least check out.

It racked up a 7.4 out of a 10 score at www.imdb.com. I think that's pretty impressive. Hopefully it can continue keeping its audience glued to the screen for the ten episodes filmed in this first season (according to IMBD-it shows 10) and keep the ratings up. I'd like to see it get picked up for an additional season.

"Grimm" is produced by the creators of "Angel"...and I'm sure "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" had influence on it, too, which is fabulous with me since I loved those shows! It had the right amount of mystery, suspense, supernatural elements and especially tossed in a perfect dose of humor with the characters and their lines.

For those who DID watch, the following will ring a bell with you. My thoughts:  Will Nick's (David Guintoli) aunt survive? Cool goodies in her trailer that I'm sure we'll discover more about! The werewolf Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) is awesome with hilarious creature references and cool lines -definitely a scene stealer! And hearing a werewolf called a Blutbad was a new one for me. Nick's partner, Hank, (Russell Hornsby) didn't seem to stand out or make a big impression with me...I'm sure he'll have his time to shine. Great special effects for a television show - the gal with the gruesome face was terrific. It appears we'll see more of her...if I remember correctly, she met up with a man (or whatever he is!) and their comments indicated Nick needed to disappear...and did I hear something about a reaper? Hmm.

Here's the link to The Grimm Guide of creatures and stories...which I assume as episodes play, more profiles and stories will be posted. So cool!

Jacquelyn Frank's "Adam: Nightwalkers Book 6" Available!

Just finished reading Jacquelyn Frank's latest blog posting and I'm squealing with delight! "ADAM: Nightwalkers Book Six" is now available! As she mentioned, it's been three years since the last Nightwalkers book was released. I've read all of them and loved each one. At the time I discovered Jacquelyn's novels, the first five in the series were released and I was able to read them one right after the other. This is the order in which they should be read: "Jacob", "Gideon", "Elijah", "Damien", "Noah", and the newest "Adam".

According to Jacquelyn, she has worked very hard to keep the plot a secret and doesn't divulge much information. She reminds us of the evil Ruth from previous novels and speaks of Adam as tall, dark and handsome (well, I should hope so!). Also, the spunky vampire Jasmine seems to be part of the storyline.

I cannot wait to get my hands on this latest book - "Adam". And this is one that I will buy the actual printed version to add to my Nightwalkers collection instead of purchasing the ebook.

Yay and congrats Jacquelyn Frank!

Here's her official website:


http://www.jacquelynfrank.com/main.html

 

Paranormal Activity 3 TV trailers

Lately, I've been seeing a heavy showing of the trailer for 'Paranormal Activity 3' (2011) on TV commercials lately. I wonder sometimes when enough is enough. So many movies churn out sequel after sequel and then an occasional prequel - and I'll admit I still end up watching the films in those series. Only a few have I said, "Oh, forget it!" Sometimes the additional movies in the franchises do well and other times they bomb. BUT...this appears to be the prequel to the other two movies and I guarantee you that I'll watch it. To see how everything began...hopefully to understand why the hauntings started in the first place and how the sisters reacted as young girls, should capture my attention.

A particular type of scary scene with the other two 'Paranormal Activity' films that gives me the shivers is when the entity literally grabs a person and moves, drags or throws them. It's one thing to have a ghost but when "something" evil can physically and/or mentally take control of you is terrifying.

No walking outside at night in the dark for me after watching any of the PA movies! Then again, a person doesn't have to be OUTSIDE for spooky things to happen!!

'Paranormal Activity 3' -- Horror | Mystery -  Released in theaters on October 21, 2011 (USA)

 

Synopsis:
In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi encounter an invisible entity haunting their home. Although it appears friendly, it turns hostile, tormenting the young girls and their family. A scene near the start of the film, which is based before the second film, features Katie bringing over a box of video tapes to the home of her sister Kristi and after leaving Kristi starts to sort through some of tapes, being filmed by her husband Daniel.

Stars: Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden and Lauren Bittner

 

Movie trailer

'American Horror Story' - Anticipating the Creepiness

I am so psyched for this new show - 'American Horror Story' - to premiere! Tune in to FX on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 9:00 CENTRAL (my time).

Here's the official website:
http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/ahs/

Guess what? I just clicked on the link at the official website "About the Show" and I received an error message saying the site was too busy!! To check back later!! Does THAT tell you anything about the audience chomping at the bit to learn more about the show?!

Here's what the synopsis says:
American Horror Story revolves around the Harmons, a family of three who moved from Boston to Los Angeles as a means to reconcile past anguish. The all-star cast features Dylan McDermott as “Ben Harmon,” a psychiatrist; Connie Britton as “Vivien Harmon,” Ben’s wife; Taissa Farmiga as “Violet,” the Harmon’s teenage daughter; Jessica Lange in her first-ever regular series TV role as “Constance,” the Harmon’s neighbor; Evan Peters plays “Tate Langdon,” one of Ben’s patients; and Denis O’Hare as “Larry Harvey.” Guest stars for the series include Frances Conroy as the Harmon’s housekeeper; Alexandra Breckenridge as the Harmon’s housekeeper; and Jamie Brewer as Constance’s daughter.

The television previews first captured my attention a few months ago. At the time I had decided I already had too many other new shows (& returning shows) to watch for the fall/winter season. But seeing those previews/trailers over and over lured me in big time. Then I found myself reading about the show on the internet...then hearing early screening reviews announcing that the show was outstanding and a must-see finally had me hooked!

From what I understand, it is meant to creep you out, to shock you. After all, it IS titled 'American Horror Story'. Obviously this isn't everyone's cup of tea. I think it WILL be something different from other shows offered...kind of like a horror movie made into smaller segments for TV. One of the producers/creators commented how he liked the movies 'Halloween', 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Shining' and those movies have an influence on his style in creating the show. It definitely seems like it will be playing on viewer's emotions and giving them that spooky scary feeling while watching. Cool! Can't wait!

'Terra Nova' premiere kicks butt!

'Terra Nova' -- Centers on the Shannons, an ordinary family from 2149 when the planet is dying who are transported back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth where they join Terra Nova, a colony of humans with a second chance to build a civilization.

I loved it. Checking several sites on the internet, I found people were all over the board from loving it, hating it, middle of the road. I realize all new shows won't "do it" for everyone who watches, but I sat mesmerized from the very first second through two hours of jam-packed action and story-telling. The special effects were outstanding and made me feel like I was watching a movie. In fact, everything about it felt like a movie.

The action and adventure kept you on your toes. The acting was great, the plot moved quickly, explanations were spelled out and yet left enough mystery and unanswered questions to make you go, "hmm...". The show is clearly making the threats (example: dinosaurs) real and deadly and not baby-fying it but showing people being killed. Huge mysteries sucked me in pertaining to the rock drawings, time travel itself and a different time line, the hidden agenda with a bad-boy colony, living amongst dinosaurs, and how the focal family deals with their new life.

At Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), at the time of this post, 521 users voted, giving 'Terra Nova' a rating of 8.8 out of a 10. That's impressive!

I will definitely continue watching it. The cost to make this series is huge and I hope it does well with ratings or it will be on the chopping block. Not everything is for everyone, but this show is something out of the ordinary and for anyone loving sci-fi, action-adventure and toss in a few dinos, it's one not to miss! It appears FOX will be re-playing it Saturday night. Check your local listings!

Paranormal - Urban Fantasy New Book Releases

I just did something fun and informative. I logged into my Amazon.com account and clicked on Gina's Recommendations then searched for New Releases of Books. Amazon (of course) knows my buying history which includes mostly Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult Book purchases - besides having my books for sale there, too!

Here's the lowdown on what books popped up w/brief synopses, several of which I will purchase either in print or ebook versions (some may also be a newly released paperback version of the hardback):

Dark Predator (Carpathian) by Christine Feehan (September 6, 2011):
As brutal as the undead he hunted, Zacarias De La Cruz was a master executioner. Now his stark and savage journey has ended. For his brothers, Zacarias had walked to the edge of madness, but with centuries as a killing machine now left to the past and without a hunt to define him, Zacarias wonders, for the first time in his life, who he really is.
The answer awaits him back home, in Peru, in the betrayal of a woman who is readying her trap, in the vengeance of an old enemy, in the inevitable consequences of a bloody family legacy-and in the deliverance of a lifemate he never could have imagined...


Envy: A Novel of the Fallen Angels by J.R. Ward (September 6, 2011): As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas "Veck" DelVecchio, Jr., grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father- while fighting his inner demons. Assigned to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in him is both professional and arousingly personal. And Veck and Sophia have another link: Jim Heron, a mysterious stranger with too many answers... to questions that are deadly. When Veck and Sophia are drawn into the ultimate battle between good and evil, their fallen angel savior is the only thing that stands between them and eternal damnation.

Supernatural by Larissa Ione, Alexandra Ivy, Jacquelyn Frank, G.A. Aiken (September 1, 2011): "Vampire Fight Club" by Larissa Ione: When a wave of violence forces shape shifter Vladlena to go undercover, her first stop is a haven of vice - with a dangerously sexy vamp in charge. Both Vladlena and Nathan are hiding something, but they can't conceal the lust that simmers between them..."Darkness Eternal" by Alexandra Ivy: After being held captive by one vampire for four centuries, Kata had no intention of taking another one to the underworld with her. Yet even in the pits of hell, there's no ignoring the intoxicating desire awakened by his touch..."Kane" by Jacquelyn Frank: Kane knows Corrine was meant to be his...just as he knows that truly possessing the lovely human is forbidden. But on the night of the Samhain moon, the beast in every demon in stronger than reason, and Kane's hunger is more powerful than any punishment..."Dragon on Top" by G.A. Aiken: Escorting the highborn Bram through deadly Sand Dragon territory will try Ghleanna's patience...and her resolve. For Bram is determined to enhance the journey with a seduction no female could resist...

The Slayer Chronicles: First Kill by Heather Brewer (September 20, 2011): Joss McMillan’s perfect life crashes down the night he witnesses his sister’s murder — at the hands of a vampire. He then finds out his family’s secret heritage: They are part of the Slayer Society, a group whose mission is to rid the world of vampires. Joss is their new recruit. As Joss trains, bent on seeking revenge for his sister, he discovers powers that could make him the youngest, strongest Slayer in history. But there is a traitor in the Society, one whose identity would shake Joss to the core . . . if the traitor doesn’t kill him first. With over a million copies already in print, The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod is still sinking its fangs into new readers every day. Now, bestselling author Heather Brewer brings us the other side of the story, from the perspective of Vlad’s former friend turned mortal enemy: vampire slayer Joss McMillan. This is the first in a series of five books that can be read alongside Vlad Tod or entirely on their own.

Adam: The Nightwalkers by Jacquelyn Frank (October 25, 2011):

Haunted by magic, beset by evil, the Nightwalkers face their darkest hour yet. And when the unthinkable happens, only one legendary male has the power, the will, to save them: Adam.

 

The Darkest Surrender  by Gena Showalter (September 27, 2011): Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor's edge of surrender. Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can't afford because he has an agenda of his own—steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter—the love neither had thought possible.…

 Heroes of Olympus, The, Book Two: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan (October 4, 2011):
In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a quest:
Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.
Who are the other four mentioned in the prophesy? The answer may lie in another camp miles away, where a new camper has shown up and appears to be the son of Neptune, god of the sea. . .

~~~~~~
I found that search extremely interesting and alerts me to when to spend some money on great reading material!

Larissa Ione (Author)

› Visit Amazon's Larissa Ione Page

Find all the books, read about the author, and more.

See search results for this author

Are you an author? Learn about Author Central

Fall/Winter 2011 NEW TV Shows - Paranormal & SciFi

Cannot wait! Tons of NEW TV shows coming out for the 2011 Fall/Winter Season. It's impossible for me to watch all of them and still have some semblance of a life, but I'll be watching a few along with several returning shows, too (thankfully)! Since this blog focuses on paranormal (and related) goodies, I will only list those shows that fall under that category:

Fall/Winter 2011 NEW TV Shows - Paranormal & SciFi:

"American Horror Story" (FX), Premieres: Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 10/9c:

A couple who moves to Los Angeles to make a fresh start only to find that their new home is not exactly warm and cozy. Instead, there's a creepy creature in the basement...

 

"A Gifted Man" (CBS), Premieres: Friday, Sept. 23 at 8/7c:

He sees his recently deceased ex-wife, who starts appearing to him to teach him about life from the hereafter.

 

"Grimm" (NBC), Premieres: Friday, Oct. 21 at 9/8c:
Grimm's Fairy Tales twist with a detective who discovers his destiny is to protect humans from the storybook baddies that have invaded our real world.

 

"Once Upon a Time" (ABC), Premieres: Sunday, Oct. 23 at 8/7c:Storybrooke, Maine - a town frozen in time with fairy tale figures who have no recollection of their real identities.

 

"The Secret Circle" (CW), Premieres: Thursday, Sept. 15 at 9/8c:

From the man who gave us Vampire Diaries... a California teen moves to Chance Harbor, Wash., where she discovers she's a witch and joins a secret coven.

 

"Terra Nova" (Fox), Premieres: Monday, Sept. 26 at 8/7c:
Steven Spielberg-produced drama — about a family who travels back to prehistoric Earth to save the human race.

 

Tune in!

'Finding Bigfoot' - Where's the stealth?

'Finding Bigfoot', on the Animal Planet, starring Matt Moneymaker. First, that dude needs to change his last name. NO ONE is going to think him to be serious or credible with that last name! My husband is sarcastically yelling, "Be sure to commit slander when you're posting that!" haha. I need to state that we do believe in Bigfoot...or whatever he is...BUT this TV show is just plain silly and lacks common sense when trying to find evidence of Bigfoot during location stake-outs. Let me explain:

1) Matt Moneymaker - he really should've used a different last name from the get-go (as I previously mentioned). Every time I see his name on the screen, I cringe. And I must mention the other man named BoBo. Hmmm...a bit unusual.
2) Being so noisy they may as well have been banging pots & pans together in the woods - not likely to find Bigfoot that way. Then again, if they found Bigfoot in the first episode, the stars would be out of a job.
3) Stomping around and talking is a big no-no (kind of repeating #2). I would assume the big furry guy has excellent hearing, so when they're saying, "What was that? Did you hear that?" Then the other person whispers so loudly, "What? Is that you?"  that any nearby Bigfoot would be long gone.
4) Walkie-talkies emit noise. *screech, blip, TALK, blip, screech, beep, buzz* Are they purposefully trying to scare ALL the animals away?
5) There's a possibility the night vision equipment on their cameras and headgear could be visible to a Bigfoot. Who knows what kind of light spectrum different animals can see? Many animals can see in the dark. So as they are stomping about (making noise), the night vision light is bouncing in every which direction, possibly alerting creatures to flee. EEEEK!
6) What's with using an abbreviation for Sasquatch? I about puked when I heard "Squatch".
7) Hanging out one or two days/nights isn't giving them much of a chance to just happen to luck out and have a Bigfoot cross their path. Camp out in the designated spot for at least a week, preferably two weeks. Become part of the environment, blend in, and not stick out like a sore thumb...AND SHUT UP!

I am not stating I hate the show. It's interesting. I enjoy watching and learning more about Bigfoot. But when it comes to the stake-outs, obviously no one has explained to use stealth to their advantage!!

And during the last few minutes of the show, I look at my husband, smile and prepare myself...as sadly, the end results in finding Bigfoot evidence tend to scream at the viewer, which simultaneously I bellow with cupped hands at my mouth: "INCONCLUSIVE!"