Director J.J. Abrams on the set of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III (2006).
© Paramount Pictures
JJ Abrams’ Next Big Thing
By: Stephen LackeyDate: Sunday, July 08, 2007
I am an unabashed JJ Abrams fan, at least from Alias on anyway. He’s not infallible though. In fact I should probably qualify my fandom a little more. I am a fan of Abrams when he does sci-fi/fantasy/horror/action projects. I never cared for Felicity, Six Degrees, or What About Brian. But these shows did have their fans and many other critics liked them. I however was a fan of Alias, and am still a fan of LOST and I quite enjoyed Mission Impossible III. When word came that Abrams was to be involved with the new Star Trek film I was (and still am) giddy about it. That franchise needs to be re-energized and I think he has the writing and producing chops to do it. I just saw Transformers and while I enjoyed it mostly (about 45 minutes to long) I came out most excited about the trailer for Abrams upcoming project code-named Cloverfield. This title is just what they are currently working under, the creators are working to keep the film as secret as possible until closer to release. The film is produced by Abrams, written by a writer he worked with on LOST and directed by another filmmaker he worked with on Felicity. When the film was cast agents weren’t given any scripts, outlines, or even scenes, actors were just asked if they want to be in the movie or not. Based on the brief trailer the film looks to be a fairly epic science fiction film , that’s about all that’s known although there are plenty of rumors and guesses floating around the web. I can’t wait.
This week I’m most looking forward to the return of Eureka. This series was a surprise breakout hit for the SCIFI Channel and I hope they creators can continue the momentum they built up last season. Other than that I’m going to be watching every minute of E3 coverage I can and The World Series of Pop Culture. I’m still watching The 4400, John From Cincinnati, and On the Lot too.
Monday
KYLE XY (ABCFAMILY, 8PM EST) Come to Your Senses
Nicole decides to go back to work, Kyle searches for the thief that broke into Amanda’s house.
ON THE LOT (FOX, 8PM PST)
On the Lot is Monday because of a ball game this week. Another one down, and the remaining filmmakers make films based on the same logline.
SPIELBERG ON SPIELBERG (TCM, 8PM PST)
An exclusive lengthy interview with Steven Spielberg on his process and his movies.
Tuesday
EUREKA (SCIFI, 9PM PST) Phoenix Rising
The residents of Eureka ponder different theories after several deaths by spontaneous combustion.
WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE (VH1, 9PM PST)
Teams compete to be the group that has the combined largest amount of useless information. I’ll be watching!
DIRTY JOBS (DSC, 9PM PST) Snake Wrangler
Mike visits a Texas snake farm. Doesn’t sound particularly dirty, but I’ll still pass on a job at that farm!
Wednesday
E3 ’07 LIVE (G4, 6PM) Day 1
The special features interviews, game demos, booth tours and more live from the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE (VH1, 9PM PST)
Teams compete to be the group that has the combined largest amount of useless information. I’ll be watching!
TRAVELER (ABC, 10PM PST) The Reunion
Jay and Kim reunite for the first time since the bombing; Will Traveler searches for Maya’s killer: Tyler must stop Jay and Kim from delivering evidence to Agent Marlow.
RESCUE ME (FX, 10PM PST) Pussified
OK, best name of an episode ever! The crew learns of Jerry’s tragic decision; some embarrassing romantic encounters call Tommy’s manhood into question; Lou resorts to blackmail to recruit the basketball team.
Thursday
E3 ’07 LIVE (G4, 6PM) Day 2
The special features interviews, game demos, booth tours and more live from the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
WORLD SERIES OF POP CULTURE (VH1, 9PM PST)
Teams compete to be the group that has the combined largest amount of useless information. I’ll be watching!
BURN NOTICE (USA, 10PM PST) Old Friends
Michael dodges assignation attempts while trying to rescue a friend’s daughter from a prostitution ring.
Friday
DRIVE (FOX, 8PM PST) The Final Two Hours
Fox is so weird with their schedule. These two episodes were supposed to have aired last week. They didn’t and they’re back on the schedule this week. We’ll see what happens.
E3 ’07 LIVE (G4, 6PM) Day 2
The special features interviews, game demos, booth tours and more live from the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
PAINKILLER JANE (SCIFI, 10PM PST) The League
A Neuro takes matters into his own hands when his friends abuse the posers he gives them.
Saturday
SUPERGATOR (SCIFI, 9PM PST)
Scientists find a giant alligator while investigating a volcano. Primeval who?
HEX (BBCAM, 9PM PST) Seven Deadly Sins
I keep promoting this show but so far I’m still enjoying it. A 500 year old witch in the body of a 17ish year old girl fights the forces of evil.
Sunday
JOHN FROM CINCINNATI (HBO, 9PM PST) His Visit: Day Five
Butchie sets up a reunion between Shawn and Tina; John helps Bill and Cissy face their pasts.
THE 4400 (USA, 9PM PST) Try the Pie
Tom finds Jordan living in a small town; Maya has a disturbing vision (it’s about time).
THE DEAD ZONE (USA, 10PM PST) Interred
Johnny and Anna race to save someone who has been buried alive.
More From Mania
JJ Abrams 1-18-08 Called OVERNIGHT?
J.J Abram's CLOVERFIELD Update
(Friday, June 29, 2007)
J.J. Abrams talks LOST and STAR TREK XI
(Friday, August 11, 2006)
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