MASTERS OF SCIENCE FICTION - August 4th Premier

[mzteris]

Four thought-provoking tales of present and future Earth are brought to life in "Masters of Science Fiction," an all-new anthology series featuring a stellar lineup of actors and directors, and narrated by acclaimed physicist Professor Stephen Hawking.

The series premieres SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

. . . The series premieres with "A Clean Escape" (SATURDAY, AUGUST 4), based on Nebula Award-winning author John Kessel's short story. . . In "A Clean Escape," set not too far in a post-Apocalyptic future, psychiatrist Dr. Deanna Evans (Judy Davis) interrogates a distinguished, if befuddled, man (Sam Waterston) who appears to be suffering from a lapse in memory. Why can't he remember - and why is it so important that she uncover the secret he holds deep inside?

The second episode, "The Awakening" (SATURDAY, AUGUST 11), stars Terry O'Quinn and Elisabeth Rohm. Based on the short story by Hollywood Blacklist author Howard Fast ("Spartacus," "Citizen Tom Paine"), the episode opens outside Baghdad, where U.S. soldiers discover a mysterious casualty - one they can't even identify as human. . .

The third installment is "Jerry Was a Man" (SATURDAY, AUGUST 18), featuring Anne Heche and Malcolm McDowell. Michael Tolkin ("The Player," "The Rapture," "The Burning Season") directs from a script he wrote based on the classic Robert Heinlein story. Set in the future, the world's seventh richest couple, the van Vogels, find their lives changed forever when they acquire an anthropoid named Jerry.

The series concludes with "The Discarded" (SATURDAY, AUGUST 25), based on the short story by seven-time Hugo Award winner, three-time Nebula Award winner and Science Fiction Grand Master Laureate Harlan Ellison. The episode is written by Harlan Ellison and 2005 Academy Award nominee Josh Olson ("A History of Violence"). Jonathan Frakes ("Star Trek") directed. Brian Dennehy, John Hurt and James Denton star in this ultimate story of despised minorities sentenced to drift in the darkness of outer space forever. These men and women make a desperate pact in the hope of being offered refuge at home on Earth.

http://abc.go.com/specials/mastersofscifi.html


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[YankeyMCC]

1. This sounds promising indeed

Gee what a concept get talented established (or as in the case of RAH legends) Science Fiction writers to write the stories! ;)

[mzteris]

2. the author of the first story

was even invited to some of the filming - so hopefully - the movie version will be as good.

That reminds me - I need to go dig out my copies of those stories!!

[Forkboy]

3. For once I'm looking forward to a tv series.

These things rarely seem to last long and have a tough time finding an audience,but hopefully this one will be good enough to kick around awhile.That's a nice list of authors,and hopefully drawing on actual sci-fi authors and not just script writers will result in something special.

[mzteris]

4. reminder kick - AUGUST 4th! n/t

[mzteris]

5. one more kick - on in about 15 minutes!!

Can you tell I'm excited??

[Forkboy]

6. Well...that was none too subtle.

"Mission accomplished,Mr. President!" :)

I liked it,which means the show will last a month.

[mzteris]

7. That was so AWESOME!

Yeah!

That story really kicked ass.

did you know it was written in 1985 (or maybe 1986)?

Can you say "prescient"?

Well written, well acted, well directed.

I hope the rest of the series is as good - and that it sticks around.


I loved Hawking's last statement. I wonder if it was from the story. I couldn't find my copy to reread and I'm afraid I can't quite remember ALL the details of it. It was a while ago, you know.

[Forkboy]

8. I did know that...

...but only because I read your earlier post about it. :)

I hope the show stays around for awhile.I barely watch any tv at all (unless it's PBS),but this one looks like something to watch each week.

[Orrex]

9. Well, the series is set to conclude after four episodes, so...

You're probably correct about your one month prediction.

I thought that tonight's episode was extremely, well, okay. Nothing remarkable about it IMO except the two lead actors, and the whole thing could just as easily have appeared in one of the latter incarnations of The Outer Limits.

Still, it was enjoyable enough, I suppose. And of course it's great to have Stephen Hawking on tv for any reason.

[Forkboy]

10. I've read the four episode were uneven,and the network wasn't sure how to handle the show.

I don't think the series will last for two reasons.Sci-fi,while popular in some regards,isn't a big draw on network prime-time tv,and that,combined with the deadly time slot,almost guarantees a short run.

And of course it's great to have Stephen Hawking on tv for any reason.

No doubt. :thumbsup:

[YankeyMCC]

11. I just saw it -

I had to tape it since I was away. I liked it very much, it didn't blow me away but good solid SF story and I hope something convinces them to continue on with this program.