THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS! REMEMBERING 'BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES'

Gotham's ultimate guardian, BATMAN, patrols the rooftops. Images: WARNER BROTHERS ANIMATION.

There had been several successful animated series in which Bob Kane's legendary and distinctive crime fighting vigilante hero of the night, BATMAN, had been successfully involved, most notably during the seventies, but it would be the early nineties interpretation of the character-all stylistically noir, and combining the very best elements of it's creators early work, merged into a kind of updated, filmic treatment (of the kind exemplary set by Tim Burton in his then recent movie incarnations for the Dark Knight)- that would make BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES such an artistic and commercial triumph, as well as a highly respective tribute to its creator, when it debuted in 1992.

Here was a BATMAN series not played for laughs or cartoon simplistic: darker and more menacing than we'd seen before, well voiced by lead star Kevin Conroy, often involved in the kind of expertly staged action and drama we'd wanted to see done in live-action, in conflict with a memorable array of old and new villains, most notable being the brilliant and inspired performance of STAR WARS actor Mark Hamill in a completely stunning psychologically twisted interpretation of the Caped Crusader's arch-nemesis, the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker, who, to many fans even today, remains the best actor to have inhabited the role, even if in the animated sense. Other old favourites locking swords, guns and high-tech weaponry against the hero of the night, equally well voiced by Hollywood's top vocal talents, would be Two-Face (Richard Moll), the Penguin (Paul Williams), Mister Freeze (Michael Ansara), Poison Ivy (Diane Pershing), the Mad Hatter (Roddy McDowall), Clayface (Ron Perlman), and, launching the series in an excellent two-parter that really set the tone for the series to come, the ultra sexy Catwoman (Adrienne Barbeau), in a persona similar to that realised by Christopher Nolan and Anne Hathaway in their recent worldwide smash hit conclusion to the Dark Knight movie trilogy.

Batman and his diabolical nemesis, the Joker.

Batman: The Animated Series - YouTube

The series, as well as having terrific animation (directed by the likes of emerging talents Boyd Kirkland Kevin Altieri and Bruce W. Timms (who developed the innovative show with Eric Radomski)) and a stirring music score from the late Shirley Newman (obviously taking some fine cues and tributes from Danny Elfman's sterling work for Tim Burton's first two BATMAN movies) had some clever and inventive, often classic, scripts, from special contributors including Paul Dini, MARVEL COMICS and DC legends Archie Goodwin and Len Wein, Martin Pasko and Jerry Robinson, many of which expertly explored the mysterious and multi-layered facets of the Dark Knight: his origins (via his true persona as orphaned millionaire-to-be Bruce Wayne), legacy and his almost apocalyptic thirst in fighting crime. Also well handled were experimental and ambitious episodes that didn't feature the titular hero, or at least putting him in a minor role, as other iconic supporting characters got their chance in the limelight, like the Wayne family's loyal butler, Alfred (voice with snobby but likable authority by Efram Zimbalist Jr.) and the Batmobile's secret mechanic. There was even a great episode where the Dark Knight's most fearsome baddies all gathered round to remember the time when they fell short of eliminating the pesky bat threat once and for all, in the excellent I Almost Got 'Im...

Distinctive key art for the early 1992 series.

Truly a revolutionary series, lasting into 1995, and spawning two stylish theatrical or straight to DVD movies (THE MASK OF THE PHANTASM and BATMAN & MISTER FREEZE: SUB ZERO), the series sadly lost a touch of its animation and scripting quality in later episodes, obviously dumbed down a percentage under orders from WARNER BROTHERS (wanting to make the seres more popular and accessible for the little 'un's), as Batman's equally legendary sidekick, the often painfully annoying Robin (voiced by Loren Lester), made his debut, followed shortly after by the sprightly and shapely form of Batgirl (Melissa Gilbert). It was here that I lost interest in the series-for me it's Batman on his own or not at all- but I respected all the quality work that had been done on the series previous episodes, recognising the fact that this had been a well-crafted show that would have long-lasting legs in future repeats and DVD sales, and, even more importantly, further revitalising the comic worlds supreme hero for years to come...

Episode Guide list: Batman:TAS Retrospective - Digital Polyphony

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES is available on DVD.

BACK TO THE BAR WITH 'CHEERS'!

For your drinking and comedy pleasure, the main cast of CHEERS: Sam (Ted Danson), Diane (Shelley Long) and Carla (Rhea Perlman). Image: CBS PARAMOUNT.

"You wanna be where everybody knows your name..."

Having been off UK TV screens for a reasonably lengthy absence, it's nice to see the return of those lovable, sometimes juvenile and often slapstick guys and gals frequenting the Boston basement bar of CHEERS, back in daily weekday stripped double bills on ITV 4, and certainly making a change from the channel's umpteen reality programmes and seemingly endless football!

Cheers Title Sequence - YouTube

It's nice to see that the show has aged so well, too, with progressive seasons getting bolder, more experimental and funnier, with iconic characters beautifully cast and supremely written by the shows creators James Burrows, Glen Charles and Les Charles, and a supremely assembled script writing team including Heidi Perlman, David Isaacs and David Angell. Ex-Aramis model turned actor Ted Danson is perfect as the bar's owner, skirt chasing ex-Baseball legend airhead with a heart and a talent for fun, Sam Malone, Shelly Long brings culturally snobby fun to his on and off academic girlfriend waitress, a real Miss Dudley-Do-Right, Diane Chambers, diminutive super-star Rhea Perlman is deliciously biting as fierce waitress Carla-her antagonistic verbal (and sometimes physical) bouts against Diane and US postman nerd stereotype Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) always a pleasure to watch, whilst George Wendt is an absolute delight and memorable must-see as the bar's almost permanent seated beer-guzzling resident, Norman "Norm!" Peterson (whose constantly mentioned wife Vera is never seen, but always has a place in proceedings). Early seasons also had the late Nicholas Colasanto as Sam's old friend and workmate, the dizzy and forgetful "Coach", who proved very popular with audiences, though I always preferred Woody Harrelson's career launching turn as his replacement, the extremely dopey but loyal Woody Boyd, whose observations, family background and sayings often had me in stitches. Season Three brought a new lover for Diane in the form of the equally snobby and often preposterous, but always mirth-inducing Doctor Frasier Crane, of which a new comedy superstar, and a further iconic comedy series spin-off, were born. Kirstie Alley also came along and brought a self-centred sexy and fiery vanity, and some finely realised thick-headed hilarity, to her role as Rebecca Howe, the new owner of CHEERS, in the difficult job of replacing the departed Shelley Long: it took a season or two to get used to her, but I soon warmed to her character and thought she proved a fine addition to the show, which had by its closure (in its eleventh season) become one of PARAMOUNT's most beloved, acclaimed, award-winning and successful TV shows ever.

Cheers Tribute- Great Moments from a Great Show - YouTube
Cheers - Norm & Cliffy [Episode 2.15] - YouTube
the funniest scene from season 7 of cheers - YouTube
Cheers-Best Norm Greeting - YouTube
Best scene from Cheers - YouTube
Cheers compilation season 8 (1/4) - YouTube

So, in these dark and cold nights of winter, take a break from all your worries and relax in the pure enjoyment that is CHEERS...

All eleven seasons of CHEERS are available on DVD.

A FRESH START FOR A CLASSIC SERIES? 'THE X-FILES' COMES TO BLU-RAY

In their investigative prime: FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) in THE X-FILES. Image: FOX.

The recent trailblazing success of CBS PARAMOUNT's STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION's release in beautiful and viewer acclaimed high definition Blu-ray has meant that other studios are now looking at their vaults and seeing what potential classic TV hits can be adapted to the format and generate further income. And it looks as if FOX will be getting out the big guns first, sometime in 2013, with the so-far rumoured release of THE X-FILES season by season, in what will surely be a labour of love job, ditching the fuzzy film to video converted prints of old and presenting pristine made on film transfers, going back to the original camera negatives and starting from scratch, along with new or upgraded optical effects. The series wasn't made in widescreen until Season Five, but who cares when the potential picture quality of those early best seasons will look sooo much better, and with the kind of presentation they should have had when they originally aired. The chance for additional behind the scenes material should also be eagerly anticipated.

Here's also hoping that THE X-FILES gets the kind of sales success that might help jump start the franchise back into live-action motion, what with the recent desires of creator Chris Carter and the cast to do one more movie-hopefully with FOX giving them a bigger, better production budget this time, and with a storyline that hearkens back to the original tone of the series and the alien conspiracy. Or perhaps something entirely new with nods to the past?

The truth remains to be found...

GOODBYE, LARRY HAGMAN...

The world is not enough! The late, great Larry Hagman as charismatic evil-doer J.R. Ewing in DALLAS. Image: ULIKE. 

He'd been a well recognised face on TV throughout the sixties (most notably in the fantasy comedy I DREAM OF JEANNIE) and into the seventies, but for worldwide fans of the hit series DALLAS, American actor Larry Hagman, who sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 81, will always be remembered for his brilliant and truly iconic portrayal of corrupt and corrupting Texan oil millionaire and feuding next generation family matriarch J.R. Ewing. It was a TV performance seemingly tailor made for his fine talents as an actor, as he brought such a lot of nuance and subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, villainy to a part-the baddie we all truly loved to hate- that helped redefine the soap opera genre in TV and give it a massive quality injection. J.R. was everything soap-dom could ever have wanted in a baddie: multi-layered, greedy, ruthless, a family man yet a complete bastard to his loved ones, and always needing to have the last word in everything. And whenever he gave us that wicked smile, we all smiled too and enjoyed his deviousness. He was the only man in his unique universe who could make nastiness so much fun...

Certainly the best thing about the TNT channel's resurrected DALLAS series of this year, his character out of the retirement home and his eyes lit up once more whenever the words "oil" and "profit" were mentioned by his son and heir, John Ross, it was a building return to form for the big hatted entrepreneur. It's sad that such two distinctive greats- J.R. and Hagman, a much liked and respected talent in the Hollywood industry and a dedicated family man- are now gone.

They'll be very sadly missed...

Dallas star Larry Hagman dies aged 81 after battle with cancer | Mail Online

HAPPY 49th BIRTHDAY, 'DOCTOR WHO'

The adventures begin. Ian Chesterton (William Russell), Susan (Carole Ann Ford), Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill) and the mysterious Doctor (William Hartnell) only just escape 100, 000 BC in the very first DOCTOR WHO story. Image: BBC. 

49 years ago today, a mysterious old man named The Doctor and his power humming police box were discovered within an abandoned junk yard in the mist shrouded Totter's Lane of 1963 London, by two concerned young school teachers, Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, whose curiosity would quickly get the better of them in their investigations into the Unearthly Child that was their unique and adult beyond her years pupil, Susan Foreman. Kidnapped, unwillingly whisked off into the fourth dimension of Time and Space by Susan's at-first hostile and seemingly alien "Grandfather", Chesterton and Wright were soon part of the time-travelling duo's new family and thrust into a series of exciting, dangerous adventures: their first back in Earth's past, forced to create fire for warring tribesman, then a trip into the far future, on a long dead world-the planet Skaro-as the fearsome metal encased monstrosities of hate and prejudice- the Daleks-made their ground-breaking premiere appearance, soon terrorising and fascinating audiences, especially inquisitive children, with their xenophobic plans for destruction.

Doctor Who Every Title Sequence (1963-2011) - YouTube

It was thought that this new show from in-house drama genius Sydney Newman and relatively inexperienced producer Verity Lambert: DOCTOR WHO, ridiculed and often looked down on over the years by the BBC drama department, would only last thirteen episodes in that monochrome first season. But now, after all these years, look what it has become, with eleven actors having portrayed the title role, multitudes of companions accompanying him in the Time Lord's travels in the TARDIS, legions of terrifying monsters, aliens fought and beaten, and umpteen trips into the time and space vortex visiting Earth, the universe and beyond. DOCTOR WHO the TV series has endured and defied the odds, the critics and changing audience fads, remaining as popular today with worldwide family audiences as it was in those early potential packed days of its launch.

It's a true British institution-a show that's as indomitable as the dedicated casts, writers and behind the scenes crews over the years that have joined forces so imaginatively to make it the special and enduring curiosity it is. And with a spectacular 50th Anniversary year of celebrations ahead, including two ambitious specials (one of which will chart the shows genesis), the second half of Matt Smith's third starring year on the show, the return of old enemies and a plethora of celebratory memorabilia (including the BBC's re-release of eleven specially chosen classic books from their original stories range, plus the final wave of classic DVD releases), the party's only just begun...

Check out today's official BBC page: BBC - Blogs - Doctor Who - Happy Anniversary, Doctor!

THE END IS NIGH. 'DAMAGES' SEASON FIVE

A case too far? The stakes have never been higher, or more deadly, for Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) and Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) in the fifth and final season of DAMAGES. Images: DIRECTV.

She's taken on some of the most powerful, influential and corrupt businessmen and women in the world. She's been shot, stabbed and car rammed by family and friends who have felt the sharp end of her mind and tongue in pursuit of her own set of unique ideals, but now manipulative and hierarchical super lawyer/super bitch Patty Hewes, as always brilliantly played by Glenn Close, goes into battle against one of her own, her once protege and confidante, Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne), as the final series of the hit legal thriller series DAMAGES goes out on a memorable high with its critically well received fifth and final season of ten episodes, recently aired on the American DIRECTV channel and likely to arrive on British airwaves, via DVD from SONY HOME ENTERTAINMENT, in the new year.

Getting her own back after having been betrayed once too often during Season Four's investigation into a corrupt arms dealer, former military man (John Goodman) and his High Star corporation, Parsons takes part in the legal battle against Hewes by her son, Michael (Zachary Booth), to win back his daughter in a custody battle, but as the fireworks and cat scratching begins, an even bigger case breaks out that will overshadow their personal events and ego clashes, one that will hurtle them all back into a new web of deceit and intrigue, as well as even greater danger for the pair, both personally and professionally, as a brutal murder sees them put everything on the line for one last time.

Patti Hewes takes on the defence for the Wikileaks-esque whistleblower character of Channing McClaren (Ryan Phillippe).

Trailer: Damages Season 5 Official Trailer - YouTube

No strangers in using today's controversial headlines to craft intriguing and atmospheric storytelling, series writers and creators Todd A. Kessler, Glenn Kessler and Daniel Zelman start their final year with the mother of game-changing, shock opening episode teases, as we quickly enter the shadowy and criminal world of super banks, whistleblowers, the controversies surrounding freedom of information, and the price of fame, all of which merge into a river of blood, pain and falsehoods. The very domain in which Patty Hewes has thrived and been consumed by for so long...

Look out for more on the final season of DAMAGES on the KOOL TV site in the not too distant future...

BACK ON THE PATH OF VENGEANCE! 'HELL ON WHEELS' SEASON TWO

Go ahead, make his day! Anson Mount returns as trigger finger ready Cullen Bohannon in HELL ON WHEELS Season Two. Images: AMC.

Thinking that he'd finally put to rest his considerable revenge against the ex-Union soldiers that had previously butchered his wife during the long and bloody Civil War, enigmatic and pragmatic western hero and practical overseer of the mighty American Transcontinental Railway construction project, known by its belittled workers as "Hell on Wheels", the lone gunman figure of Cullen Bohannon (played by the equally enigmatic Anson Mount-the only man on modern television who can make wearing a beard actually look cool!) got the shock of his life when he discovered that the final perpetrator he had sought and killed suddenly turned out to be the wrong man after all, resulting in his once again fleeing his re-established life and prospects to become an on-the-road fugitive. Such is the starting scenario for the new stirring, plains travelling second season of the hit AMC series HELL ON WHEELS, created by Tony and Joe Gayton, beginning its exclusive UK premiere on the TCM channel in January (though sadly not properly transmitted by the them in full widescreen or in HD! C'mon, guys and gals, get with the modern viewing programme!), as Cullen now becomes part of a posse of sturdy and cruel hearted train robbers. But  a series of circumstances will soon put him back on track with his former payroller: hard-eyed and resourceful industrialist Thomas "Doc" Durant (the always terrific character actor Colm Meaney, who has that twinkle in his eyes that can be either cruel or kind, or both!) and his new business partner, and once possible love interest for Cullen, Lily Bell (the lovely Dominique McElligott). now over her late architect husband's death from American Indians and determined to carve a name and future for herself in a business domain of the time mainly controlled by men. Meanwhile, former slave Elam Ferguson (subtly played with dignity by Common), a man of intelligence and overall decency in a harsh world, is getting his life in order but is dragged back into Cullen's affairs, in a not always for the good way, as the train robbing posse want their revenge on their once compatriot and plan to descend on the railroad enterprise. Oh, and then there's that scary Swede, Thor Gundersen (payed with mirth and menace by the brilliantly distinctive Christopher Heyerdahl), ex-enforcer to Durant, who wants revenge against Cullen and the Railway/towns-folk that ran him tar-feathered and beaten out of his lucrative and ball-busting black market enterprises. Just how he'll put his bone-cruching fingers into the mix is yet to be seen, but we know it'll be very bad for everyone...

American history in the making. The characters of HELL ON WHEELS. L-R: Thomas Durant (Colm Meaney), Lily Bell (Dominique McElligott), Elam Ferguson (Common), and Cullen (Anson Mount).

Hell on Wheels - Season 2 Trailer - YouTube
Hell on Wheels Season 2 Preview - Interview with Common and Anson Mount - YouTube
Christopher Heyerdahl on UR - YouTube

With more money being spent on the series than ever before (nice to see, too, as Season One did look a little under-funded in certain production areas), and especially notable in the new and expanded outdoor location sets, as well as the return of guest star Virginia Madsen as Doc's wife Hannah for three episodes, the often tough and gritty HELL ON WHEELS looks likely to keep its fans enthused and excited for a few more years yet (recently renewed for a third season) with its popular blending of action and character drama in a realistic but more audience friendly way than what was previously seen in dark period drama the likes of DEADWOOD.

Check out the official FACEBOOK page here: Hell On Wheels

KOOL TV BABE OF THE WEEK: '24' AND 'HAWAII FIVE-O's REIKO AYLESWORTH

Charm and talent radiate from popular actress Reiko Aylesworth. Image: ULIKE.

Being married to a controversial, high-profile crime taker like Detective Chin Ho Kelly was never going to be easy, but things certainly weren't fun under the sun for Doctor Malia Waincroft, as played by the lovely actress Reiko Aylesworth, during last years seasons finale of HAWAII FIVE-O, as she ended up being kidnapped and threatened with death by corrupt ex-cop Frank Delano (William Baldwin) and his goons, wanting to get in the good books of the shows fugitive top super baddie, Wo Fat (Mark Dacascos). She was saved from a grisly fate at the last moment, but we expect things aren't going to be the same again for the cosy Kelly union anytime soon...unless of course she gets to put a revenge-fulled bullet in her once captors head. Now that would be some great action satisfaction!

On-screen wedding bells with Daniel Dae Kim in HAWAII FIVE-O. Image: CBS.

Miss Aylesworth, a charming and talented actress with an intriguing Welsh, Dutch and Japanese ancestry, is no stranger to long running action/adventure drama, after her three year stint as tough but vulnerable CTU agent, later boss Michelle Dessler in the hit series 24. She also showed her female RAMBO skills as a modern-day Ellen Ripley successor, Kelly, a returned solider soon fighting xenomorphic hordes in her Southern Californian home town, during the horror/gore fest that was ALIEN VERSUS PREDATOR 2: REQUIEM.

As CTU agent/boss Michelle Dessler, in pursuit of the baddies, in 24. Image: FOX.

Soon to be seen in an upcoming second season episode of PERSON OF INTEREST, as well as the modern Sherlock Holmes series ELEMENTARY, beyond explosions, gunfire and chases, other fine series to have benefited from her guesting include the excellent third season of DAMAGES (as wife to a dodgy financial alumnus's son), a seemingly cut back run in CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION as a volatile new Forensics team member, playing caring hospital chaplain Julia Dupree in ER, and as pregnant islander Mary Goodspeed in the penultimate season of LOST.

The next series of HAWAII FIVE-O, which picks up other cliff-hanger threads from it's exciting second season finale, should hopefully be back on UK TV screens in the New Year.

GUARDIANS OF ANGELES. 'SOUTHLAND' SEASON FOUR ARRIVES ON UK TV...

Law and order? It's just another day at the office for our dedicated police heroes of SOUTHLAND. Image: TNT.

New faces join the brave and the bold complimenting the Los Angeles Police Department team of SOUTHLAND, returning for it's new fourth season, ten episode run of powerful social/personal drama on the UK's MORE4 channel from tomorrow. The standout newcomer will surely be the lovely Lucy Liu, who, before joining the modern Holmes in ELEMENTARY, plays officer Jessica Tang, new partner to the volatile and opinionated older cop John Cooper (big bear-like Michael Cudlitz), now off his painkiller addiction, on the law and order beat, and early on proving a bit of a cold fish as their relationship starts off on rocky ground. Further mixing things up a bit in the long-term storytelling, stalwart and relatable heroine Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) finally gets a new colleague she enjoys working with, ex-military man Ruben Robinson (Dorian Missick), whilst back to cop status ex-detective, Sammy Bryant (the always compelling Shawn Hatosy), trying to erase the spectre of his partner's death the season previously, goes out on the road with straight-as-a-die officer Ben Sherman (Benjamin McKenzie), in a street partnership that, amongst the gangs and day to day problems of the city's residents, starts encouragingly but may end up in tragedy...

John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) and Jessica Tang (Lucy Liu) make an intriguing new pairing.

Behind the scenes: Southland season 4 Three New Partnerships - YouTube
Lucy Liu talks Officer Tang's 'Southland' past - YouTube

It's felt like forever since we last saw the show on UK television (Channel 4, why are you treating such a classy show so poorly!), and KOOL TV has missed its regular fix of such finely crafted US drama. Welcome back SOUTHLAND!

Check out our previous SOUTHLAND features here: KOOL TV: SOUTHLAND

BACK IN TIME FOR 'FAMILY GUY's 200th EPISODE!

Meltdown! The Griffins celebrate in style for the upcoming FAMILY GUY Season Eleven. Images: FOX.

Classic comedy moments from the the past get a brand new twist for fans of FAMILY GUY, what with its well-deserved celebratory 200th episode, titled Yug Ylimaf and airing tonight in the US, as Brian and Stewie Griffin's time machine usage goes into world altering meltdown in the wackiest What if Christopher Nolan's INCEPTION hit Quahog? scenario, after Brian breaks it whilst impressing the most recent of his "skank" girlfriends. Look out for time in fast reverse Peter/Chicken fights and the infamous vomiting scene where our Griffin family stars get an absolute internal stuffing!

Sneak Peek: 200th Episode | Family Guy | Animation on FOX - YouTube

The classic vomiting scene gets an even grosser new spin!

KOOL TV can't wait to see the episode-part of the series eleventh season- when it eventually airs on either BBC 3 or FX HD sometime next year in the UK, alongside other future plots including Brian becoming a meth dealer, Meg falling for her brothers look-a-like, Quagmire accidentally marrying a hooker, and the Griffins deciding to climb Mount Everest! In another fun time travel spin, two versions of Brian and Stewie may end up on a road trip adventure to Las Vegas towards the end of the season. Voice guest stars this year include Johnny Depp, Ryan Reynolds and, in the ultimate series crossover, Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson!

Climb every mountain! The Griffins do Everest in an upcoming episode.

OUTER SPACE GRIT! 'BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: BLOOD & CHROME' BEGINS...

World War Cylon. The new BATTLESTAR GALACTICA saga BLOOD & CHROME begins. Image: SYFY CHANNEL.

The war between man and machine far out in the Twelve Colonies of Mankind is renewed, but it's back to the beginning for the modern re-imagined saga of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA with the fast paced launch of it's exciting prequel web series BLOOD & CHROME, overseen by series veterans David Eick and Michael Taylor, directed by Jonas Plate, and planned for US SYFY CHANNEL transmission as a likely one-off TV-movie in February 2013.

Airing in taster instalments on Youtube, BLOOD charts the career of the GALACTICA's legendary commander, William Adama (Luke Pasqualino), in his younger persona as a Viper pilot fighting the Cylon menace, years before becoming military custodian to the last remnants of the human race. Visually it looks terrific-mixing the worlds of GALACTICA and its one-off season successor CAPRICA- and full of gritty action/adventure adding to the series mythos with new characters and events, during a time when the mighty Galactica was a top of the line ship-of-war carrier, that will surely keep fans of the modern incarnation thoroughly entertained...

"Episode 1" - Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome - YouTube
"Episode 2" - Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome - YouTube
"Episodes 3 & 4" - Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome - YouTube
Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome episodes 5 and 6 | SciFiNow
"Episodes 7&8" Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome - YouTube

SEAT OF DESTINY. BACK TO 'THE BOOTH AT THE END'

Just how far will you go? The Man (Xander Berkeley) poses the enigmatic and dangerous question once again in THE BOOTH AT THE END. Image: FX.

The always excellent Xander Berkeley, away from the scheming and corrupt Percy of NIKITA, returns to give more mysterious manipulation and life changing advice/requests to his "clients", from his discreet little diner booth office, in the second season of the innovative and acclaimed anthology tribute webseries THE BOOTH AT THE END, written and created by Christopher Kubasik, returning to the UK's quality purchasing FX HD channel for five twenty-three minute episodes from next Monday.

Overall mood trailer from Season One: The Booth at the End [Official Trailer] - YouTube

Once again, the character of The Man- the kid of guy that chain-smoking TWILIGHT ZONE writer Rod Serling, were he still alive, would surely have loved to have written for- remains a compulsive to watch, precognitive and psychological enigma. Is he from Heaven or is he from hell? Is he God or the Devil? Or somebody above both concepts? Making the most of his trusty little note book-probably possessing the kind of unforeseen abilities that would likely make iPads redundant- he's now relocated to a new diner, and a new city, but the requests for his unique services continues anew, with clients of all ages and all walks of life taking the opposite seat to confer and ultimately sell their souls to him, and whose destinies in their fulfilment can take roads not always expected and not always pleasant...

Information on the new series is somewhat sketchy-having only debuted in the US this past August- but new director Adam Arkin soaks up the atmosphere whilst Berkley's solid and enigmatic presence will notably bring out the best of new guest stars including DEADWOOD's Dayton Callie, HATFIELDS & McCOYS Noel Fisher, JUSTIFIED's Abby Miller and CASTLE's Danny Nucci. Plus, in an interesting new twist, The Man has his own wish that needs satiating. But just how far will he himself go to see it made fruition?

Check out the series FACEBOOK page here: The Booth At The End

Other info: Booth at the End Kicks Off Season 2 | Shock Till You Drop
An Interview with The Booth At the End 's Christopher Kubasik | The Morton Report

HER LAST STAND. SARAH LUND RETURNS IN 'THE KILLING' SEASON THREE

Could THE KILLING's final season storytelling prove too high a price for even Sara Lund (Sofie Grábol) to handle? Image: DR 1 TV.

Sales of Faroese jumpers are likely to got through the roof again-and just in time to help desperate Xmas stores sales figures!-with the arrival of the third and final thrilling case for clever and intuitive Detective Sarah Lund to investigate, back into the dark and chilly streets, warehouses and high tech power worlds of Denmark in Forbydelsen-or THE KILLING for us Average Joe's in the UK. Having created the new term of Nordic Noir with it's two previous well-crafted and critically acclaimed seasons, whose success have also made it the envy of its TV making rivals and inspired a wave of imitators not just in native Denmark but worldwide (including the US's very own, only partially successful, re-make), THE KILLING's lead star Sofie Grábol, a noted thespian of her native land and now a well deserved television sensation and attractive sex symbol outside the series, along with its distinctive creator Soren Sveistrup, promise that the show will go our with a resolute and satisfying high-quality bang fireworks cocktail of drama, thrills, mystery and murder.

This time out, our heroine is about to celebrate her 25th year of ups and downs as a police officer- the only career she's ever known and loved, of which she's pretty much sacrificed everything in her life in the line and sake of her duty- when she's called to action investigating the mysterious and seemingly random death of a sailor, whose body is found in a scrap heap. What follows over the next ten weeks is a collision course return into the unstable mixing realms of social and political agenda, and its resultant grey palette of emotions, revelations and ideologies. The heart of the worlds financial institutions-already a hotbed of scum and villainy if I ever I saw any!- comes under Lund's almost fearless microscope and then into the very corridors of the Danish Prime Minister no less! In her prior rocky dealings with state and power brokers she has already fallen foul of her country's own security service and its paymasters, resulting in the death of one of her detective partners. Now, on the fierce eve of the country's all-important election, is it possible that, this time around, she may have strayed too close to the fire in her dogged pursuit of the truth?

Trailer: Forbrydelsen 3 (The Killing Season 3) - YouTube
The Killing (DK) Season 3 starts on 17 Nov 2012 [BBC4] - See description for music - YouTube

Despite a few preposterous story and character moments here and there- drawbacks that come with the need to create a controversial and powerful tale capable of living up to heavy viewer expectations generated from the original smash-hit premiere- the second season of the KILLING, with its military theme and the cover-up linked to Danish soldiers in Afghanistan, was solid and entertaining, but ultimately lacked the emotional involvement of the previous story, as well as proving far too short, coming to a close just when it was getting interesting. It's story-telling roots more centre stage in Denmark, with it's people and multi-layered, recognisable problems, here's hoping that this final, surely emotional run, really does live up to it's promise when it starts on the UK's BBC 4 channel from 17th November.

Coming soon to UK Blu-ray and DVD...

More on THE KILLING SEASON THREE here: The Killing creator Soren Sveistrup: Sarah Lund will go out on a high in series three | Radio Times

Sofie Grabol, aka The Killing's Sarah Lund: 'I took off my, jumper and my gun, and cried all, the way home' - Features - TV & Radio - The Independent

Sofie Gråbøl: 'There's not going to be a fourth Killing' | Television & radio | The Guardian

UK FACEBOOK page for the series: Forbrydelsen II (The Killing) BBC Four

EVIL NEVER DIES. WILL 'MILLENNIUM' RETURN?

Through a dark lens. The legacy of Frank Black and the eerie MILLENNIUM TV series are explored in the new book, BACK TO FRANK BLACK. Image: FOURTH HORSEMAN PRESS.

Regrettably cancelled one season shy of reaching the new era of mankind, Chris Carter's horror/thriller series MILLENNIUM always had rocky support from its makers at 20THE CENTURY FOX, seemingly never quite sure what to make of it, or how to schedule/promote THE X-FILES creators all-together darker second show, with it's sombre but brilliant lead star Lance Henriksen playing seasoned serial killer hunter Frank Black linked to the mysterious, decades old Millennium Group, but its die-hard viewers loved every moment of the often disturbing, yet also at times enlightening and emotional series, and for years its huge worldwide fan base have valiantly tried to get the show resurrected in numerous online campaigns, supported by Henriksen and his equally fine co-stars at varying times, all of whom realised that the shows storytelling and character potential had only just started to be tapped when it was unceremoniously ended with its back to basics third season.

Trailers: Millennium TV series promo starring Lance Henriksen - YouTube
Millennium Series 3 promo - YouTube

Check out the KOOL TV Seasons One to Three articles on MILLENNIUM here:
KOOL TV: MILLENNIUM

New attempts to get MILLENNIUM resurrected are underway, but in a bigger and more consertive pull than ever before, linked to a brand new retrospective book going behind the scenes of the landmark series and its popular themes. Titled BACK TO FRANK BLACK, edited by Adam Chamberlain and Brian A. Dixon, the publication has received very positive word from critics, fans and the shows behind the scenes talents, with key players Henriksen, Carter and writer/producer Frank Spotnitz having added sterling foreword contributions to the project.

Support the fan efforts and get hold of the book, whose proceeds go to charity, here:
Back To Frank Black - Who We Are…

Facebook page: BacktoFrankBlack Campaign

THE POLICY OF POWER. INTO THE 'SECRET STATE'

Amidst the horror of an industrial explosion, Gabriel Byrne begins his quest to find the truth in the new thriller SECRET STATE. Image: CHANNEL 4.

Making a welcome, and long overdue, return to US shores after his two season critical success in HBO's psychiatry drama IN TREATMENT, Gabriel Byrne re-enters the political thriller genre with CHANNEL 4's latest glossy four part mini-series starting this Wednesday night: SECRET STATE. Based around former Labour MP Chris Mullin's popular and controversial eighties political thriller A VERY BRITISH COUP (which itself was also made by FOUR into a very successful 1988 series starring another fine Irish character actor, Ray McAnally), STATE sees Byrne playing Deputy Prime Minister Tom Dawkins, a thoughtful, good intentioned man- a rare breed who would be totally out of place in real-life Parliament!- caught up in a webs of lies, murder and political/establishment intrigue after the unexpected destruction of a small town in the Teeside area, caused by an industrial accident from a powerful international petrochemical company, whose links to the world of big business, enterprise and politics reaches into the very heart of British authority. A further horrific situation sees Dawkins becoming Prime Minister, where he soon finds himself in an isolated place as he tries to unravel and expose the huge cover-up taking place around him, and stop the escalating power games of the big companies and corrupt officials who ultimately have such frightening control over the country and the world we live in. Dawkins may be the ultimate player in the game against the almost overpowering capitalist threat, but are other forces manipulating him into a scenario of which even he has no control?

With the kind of storytelling that wouldn't be out of places in today's newspaper headlines, of which it's overall story looks unlikely of having any kind of happy ending for the crusading figure of Dawkins,  the idea of a modern remake of COUP looks interesting. In my book, Byrne's previous work in the excellent eighties British thriller set in Fleet Street during the end of the Cold War, DEFENCE OF THE REALM, will take a lot to beat, but despite a rather condemning review from THE GUARDIAN newspaper, which declared SECRET STATE as glossy tosh that's totally implausible and more like an hysterical episode of SPOOKS, I'm looking forward to seeing this. At least it's one more drama series with a top draw cast (including the always good value for money Charles Dance and Gina McKee) and behind the scenes team to help shore up FOUR's often inconsistent quality output, instead of more crappy reality TV!

KOOL TV REVIEW: 'MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - THE '89 TV SEASON' DVD BOX SET

Jim Phelps (Peter Graves) and his bold team accept their next season of adventures in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE: THE '89 TV SEASON. Images: CBS PARAMOUNT/REVELATION FILMS.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE- THE ’89 TV SEASON. DVD BOX SET (4 discs)

Starring Peter Graves

Released by CBS PARAMOUNT via REVELATION FILMS

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Silver haired mastermind Jim Phelps and his shoulder padded heroes of the eighties MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE TV series re-imagining are back for their second and final season of adventures, courtesy of CBS PARAMOUNT and REVELATION FILMS, and once more pitting their wits and unique talents against the worlds nastiest post-Cold War super-baddies of money and power.

Sprightly lead star Peter Graves clearly enjoys returning to the title role for which he would become so synonymous, as well as showing a more paternal side to his nature as leader of his modern team (including Tony Hamilton as action beefcake Max, Thaao Penglis as master mimicker Nicholas, Phil Morris as tech wizard Grant and lovely Jane Badler as decoy Shannon), as well retaining his skills as a master manipulator.

No longer hampered behind the scenes into remaking a mass of classic original series episodes as they were in their first year, due to the crippling US writers strike of 1987/88, our globe-trotting gang come across on screen as a now much more comfortable ensemble, though suspension of disbelief is always a vital requirement when watching this show as well as nostalgia at seeing the teams use of then high tech wizardry- a time of cassette decks and floppy discs no less- now seemingly a little low brow with today’s continuing advances. But it’s all fun regardless.

Title sequence: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (S 2- 1989/90) - Tony Hamilton - YouTube

Jim Phelps is back in the infiltration game.

The series overall baddies are mostly Australian names and not quite so well known as previous season stars. Still, there are a few noteworthy non-Aussie exceptions playing strong antagonists, including Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Albert Salmi, Alex Cord, Lewis Fiander, and Michael Greene.

As much a central star as our heroes, the series now set Antipodean location successfully continues its weekly behind the scenes transformations into various countries, from Ireland to the Congo, with much greater success than the often tired backlot-ness of the shows earlier seventies incarnation. Shrewdly, the old series decreased in telling worldwide set stories, eventually saving costs with US based tales instead. Here, the eighties series has no such restrictions and enjoys its travel.

Max and Grant emerge into the underground base of The Golden Serpent.

In and out of the locations, Special Effects veteran Dale Duguid pushes his team to the limits in Season Two, sometimes with mixed success from the technology then available to them behind the scenes. Model and matte painting work are of very variable quality here compared to the digital age. Still, you have to admire Duguid’s pluck in conceiving the ambitious volcano script Cargo Cult, which sees the gang try to save a lost tribe of stone agers from being exploited for their gold by greedy entrepreneurs.

Among the scripting newbies joining the series is STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION writer/ producer-to-be Frank Abatemarco, also American supervising producer for the new run, whilst returning veterans to the Jeffrey M. Hayes produced series include writers Ted Roberts and experienced Aussie director Colin Budds, helping Jim Phelps light the fuse to adventure all over again…

The series may have ended with a shorter episode run count-16 compared to the previous 19- but it’s continued success proved to PARAMOUNT that Bruce Geller’s original winning format for the series still had continued potential, a fact that would be recognized a few years later with the first of Tom Cruise’s exhilarating theatrical adventures from 1995 onwards.

Picture and sound quality for the non-widescreen DVD release episodes is once again acceptable, considering that the two eighties seasons were converted from film to videotape. Amongst the sparse but welcome bonus features accompanying the four-disc set are several episodic trailers and a nice, specially shot at the time Happy Holidays message from the cast to US viewers.

Here’s KOOL TV’s look at some of the years most notable episodes…

The cast of the eighties MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE. Left to right: Phil Morris as Grant, Thaao Penghlis as Nicholas, Peter Graves as Jim Phelps, Jane Badler as Shannon and Tony Hamilton as Max.

The Golden Serpent (Season Two opening two-parter)

Much better than I remember seeing it on UK rental VHS tape in 1989, the opening two-parter of the new season is ambitious and enjoyable, with a bit more money noticeably spent on it by PARAMOUNT than with previous episodes. There's a bit of James Bond about it all, too-very You Only Live Twice and Thunderball, what with its underwater scenes, laser defended underground base, uniformed baddie soldiers and lethal henchmen (and woman) as the IMF team have to destroy the Asiatic based Golden Serpent drug empire/trafficking ring from the inside out. The mission proves a real family affair, too, for some team members, with the last re-appearance of original series veteran Greg Morris as Barney Collier, having infiltrated the baddies domain and re-united for more adventuring with his son in real-life and on the show, Phil Morris as Grant Collier.

The shows format has several slightly tweaked format changes, and the IMF have a few revised gadgets to work with as part of their non-killing arsenal. The story also makes worthy use of its Australia set locations, especially the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for an exciting action sequence cliffhanger to part one, involving Tony Hamilton as Max.

The links to other spy-dom series continues with the return of British sixties THE AVENGERS series director Don Chaffey, who keeps the proceedings fun and lively to its explosive end.

Grant is reunited with dad Barney (Phil Morris) in The Golden Serpent.

Command Performance

It’s Circus, Circus as Jim and the team use the colourful environs of the Big Top to rescue a revolutionary priest and his priceless golden cross from the clutches of a corrupt military official. A lively yarn from series newcomer Robert Brennan, if a little similar to some earlier classic episodes of the past. A fun finale makes it all worthwhile, along with a solid foreign baddie from Grigor Taylor in the form of Savitch. Plus another sexy performance from Jane Badler. What more could you want?

War Games

Military maneuvers of the deadliest kind from writer Walter Brough, playing well to the modern series strengths, as our team use astrology, infiltration and technological sabotage to prevent an invasion by the warmongering Sardavian Republic against their peaceful neighbours.

Lovely Jane Badler returns for Series Two, and gets lots more to do.

Target Earth

Classic STAR TREK and seventies MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE writing stalwart Stephen Kandel makes his talented return. Terrorists threaten a European space shuttle mission and Shannon becomes the first IMF woman in space in order to stop a saboteur from using an of-its-time, real-life STAR WARS DEFENSE INITIATIVE-like weapon against the planet. It’s a barmy episode but it works overall and proves likeable. Amidst the NASA stock footage there’s some occasional good new model work from the show’s Aussie effects team.

The Fuehrer’s Children

Albert Salmi gives a strong performance as an American Neo Nazi leader on the worldwide rise, Richard Kester, who must be stopped at all costs; especially with regards to the “secret weapons” he has under his charge. Pity poor Grant when he has his first run in with the baddies, tied up and about to be used as practice fodder in a manhunt, whilst Jane Badler, having previously been an outer space version of a Nazi villainess in V, now plays a character who has to take on the real thing…

Frank Abatemarco crafts an interesting tale, again well directed by Don Chaffey, but it ultimately lacks a truly satisfying ending.

Nicholas often enjoys coming back from the dead during the two seasons.

Banshee

Ted Roberts excursion to Ireland is a bit of a mis-step in its stereotypical, sometimes romanticized, presentation of Ireland and its people, as well as the conflict between Catholic and Protestant beliefs, layered around the story of a gun merchant playing profit off both sides. But Banshee does have its memorable laugh out loud fun moments beyond the clichés. Especially the finale, involving the baddies being scared out of their wits by Badler’s playing of the title role: the spectral legend of Irish mythology, as well as Peter Graves as a ghostly charge of a deathly horse and carriage. Think THRILLER but badly done. Best enjoyed with a few beers, tongue held firmly in cheek and brain strictly in neutral…

For Art’s Sake

So as to smooth tensions between the US and the state of San Marco, the team, in particular Shannon, have to recover a stolen, priceless Latin American painting from a clever and resourceful art thief, wealthy Daniel Travers (AIRWOLF’s Alex Cord, who also played a villain in the seventies show). The team has a fine baddie to pit their wits against, with Badler getting some good material to work with as another art fence that soon falls foul of Travers. Phelps final trap against the murdering anti-philanthropist is ingenious.

The Assassin

In their efforts to stop the continued work and profits of an assassination bureau, Nicholas unwittingly becomes a mind-controlled assassin himself in this original series reminiscent episode that just about holds its story duration. It’s a good vehicle for Thaao Penghlis in a season where he doesn’t really have enough to do compared to year one.

Tony Hamilton returns as stalwart adventurer Max.

The Gunslinger

Ride ‘em cowboy! Jim and his posse go western as they get to work within a theme park in Nevada, so as to stop it's corrupt owner/political Ian McClintock (Michael Greene) from using his nearby mine to steal nuclear materials for terrorists. The cast enjoy the offbeat story setting from writer Ted Roberts and director Colin Budds, especially Graves, used to the genre from the fifties, whilst Jane Bader looks sexy and has some fun as a bar girl.

Church Bells in Bogota

Here comes the amnesiac bride! Not a classic episode by any means but a nice acting/singing showcase for Badler as Shannon, who, undercover as a night club singer on a mission to capture a major drug dealer, loses her memory after a plane crash and falls in love with the kingpin’s nephew. Can her teammates help her recover her memory and finish the mission?

The Sands of Seth

With five VIPs dead from strangulation, the IMF team uses the ambitions of an insane Egyptian professor, Doctor Salim (beaky-nosed Tim Elliott) against him, as he begins his hell-bent scheme to resurrect the cult of the destructive Pharaoh Seth in order to restore his country’s power base position in the Middle East.

It's THE MUMMY RETURNS meets INDIANA JONES in this lively genre- crossing tale from long-term series producer Jeffery Hayes, his only script for this final year. The villain is a strong one, the assembled cast has lots to do- master of disguise Nicholas even gets the fun opportunity to become a Mummy! - and it all ends with a big finish amidst memorable set designs from the series notable Production Designer Stewart Burnside. The Sands of Seth ultimately proves a fitting and successful end to the series.

KOOL TV overall series rating: enjoyable hokum getting a solid 3.5 out of 5

Get hold of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE COMPLETE ’89 SEASON here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mission-Impossible-The-Season-DVD/dp/B007IV5GPS/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1351766673&sr=8-15