BATTLEGROUND EARTH! 'FALLING SKIES' SEASON TWO ARRIVES IN THE UK...

Balance of power? A decisive meeting between Alien and Human in Season Two of sci-fi war drama FALLING SKIES. Images: TNT/FX.

Making a promising first season impression, enough to win over the ratings race against Steven Spielberg's other competitive show, the pretty much universally trashed Dino-epic TERRA NOVA, the alien invasion saga FALLING SKIES, created by Robert Rodat, returns exclusively to the UK's FX HD channel from tonight for a brand new set of ten exciting episodes, of which the survival stakes have never been higher for mankind and our main band of heroes- the grizzled and exhausted 2nd Mass- in their weapon atrophied war against the Skitters and their various incarnations of flesh and metal-all of them deadly and all yucky looking! Last seasons noteworthy finale saw our main hero, college teacher turned warrior Tom Mason (a noble and relatable performance from Noah Wyle) forced into a meeting with the alien race after their first major skirmish caught the enemies attention in a big way-no longer the inconsequential insects easily taken out in their first sneak attack. As the new series starts, three months have passed since that genuine Close Encounter, and Tom eventually returns. But is he the same man that he was before after the incredible, life altering experience? And can his family, friends and co-fighters rely on his judgements any more?

Second Time Around for our 2nd Mass heroes and heroines.

The alien firepower continues its assault on planet Earth.

One of the eerie teaser posters for the new season. 

Trailers: Falling Skies Season 2 - Official Trailer - YouTube
Falling Skies Season 2 Trailer - YouTube
Falling Skies Season 2 - YouTube

In a new season already acclaimed by US critics for its leaner, meaner, stronger storytelling (under the guidance of new producer Remi Aubuchon), look out for bigger, bolder action sequences, more character development for the main and supporting cast (including Tom's once abducted child, Ben, and his integration back into humanity as a fierce, revenge fuelled resistance fighter and series rogue anti-hero/trouble maker John Pope (Colin Cunningham, in a stand out role), who wants out from his capture by the 2nd Mass), more on the alien backstory and their motives/plans for Earth, and the welcome guest star inclusion of LOST/HAWAII FIVE-O's Terry O'Quinn, who brightens any series he's attached to, as Wyle's once mentor, Arthur Manchester. Oh, and another new face to watch out for is Brandon Jay McLaren, joining the series for at last seven episodes as mechanic Jamil Dexter.

More about the aliens and their unique abilities is promised this season.

Join the official FACEBOOK page: Falling Skies
About - Falling Skies - Shows - FXUK.com
Moon Bloodgood And Colin Cunningham Talk 'Falling Skies' Season 2
Exclusive: Connor Jessup of 'Falling Skies' talks Terry O'Quinn, season 2 - National Falling Skies | Examiner.com‘Falling Skies’ trailer for new comic | Shelf Life | EW.com

Season One of FALLING SKIES is out now on UK DVD (though a Blu-ray set is noticeable by it's absence!) 

Look out for FALLING SKIES continued presence on KOOL TV soon...

KOOL TV CLASSIC IMAGE: 'THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN'

In the spotlight! Tintin and Snowy. Image: ULIKE.

Surely beating Dorian Gray's record and staying youthful at the age of 83, the legendary and fearlessly intrepid young reporter Tintin, with his equally resourceful and highly cute dog Snowy, race into another exhilarating and intelligent family adventure, in the enduringly successful TINTIN comic series as originally realised by Belgian writer Georges Remi (under the more familiar name of Hergé) that has spectacularly endured since 1928 as one of the most successful and innovative European comics of the 20th century, and spawning numerous graphic novel compilations, adapted and original film and TV series (both animated and live action), and a whole plethora of popular and lively merchandise.

The blue sweatered hero (with the distinctive upturned natural forelock that would impress Cameron Diaz no end!), in his original fast paced antics a kind of precursor to Indiana Jones, was recently transformed into an accomplished CGI animated movie star in THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN, out this week on DVD and Blu-ray from PARAMOUNT, with the triumphant and highly creative pairing of producer/directors Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson working their magic in unleashing this first of two planned films (movie one primarily adapting Hergé's original strip adventure The Secret of the Unicorn  (alongside several key elements from other adventures The Crab with the Golden Claws and Red Rackham's Treasure) with the formidable family audience friendly British writing talents of DOCTOR WHO's Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish.

Classic animation: HERGES ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: Crab with the Golden Claws 1+2 - YouTube

2011 Movie Trailer: The Adventures of Tintin Movie Trailer Official (HD) - YouTube

Lovely poster composition for the new TINTIN movie of 2011. Image: PARAMOUNT.

I originally had second thoughts about seeing the film and wondered why this particular style/kind of motion capture animation needed to be done, but its such a spirited ride I guarantee that you'll quickly be caught up in the imagination, humour, fast paced action scenes (there's an all-in-one take motorbike/car chase in Morocco that's absolutely superb!) and the realisations of the enjoyable iconic characters. Jamie Bell is well cast as the inquisitive Tintin, with a fine supporting cast including current 007 Daniel Craig as the story's boo-hiss baddie, Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine, Andy Serkis in riotous form as a constantly inebriated Scottish Captain Haddock, keeper of a secret legacy, and the SPACED duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as starchy but inventive small moustached detectives Thomson and Thompson, often aiding the heroic youngster in times of dire peril with their own unique subtly bumptious way.

If you haven't already seen it, I heartily recommend the movie- an absolute delight from beginning to end: spirited fun lovingly handled, and a fine tribute to Hergé.

THEY DON'T WANT PEACE! 'FALLING SKIES' SEASON TWO

One of the new and mysterious aliens seen in the Season One finale of FALLING SKIES. Images: TNT

Expecting a quick and easy subjugation and pillaging of the planet Earth- its environment and inhabitants (specifically children)- those formidable and as yet to be properly named aliens of the popular Steven Spielberg executive produced sci-fi invasion drama FALLING SKIES failed to anticipate the long-term spirited courage, selflessness and overall ingenuity of the gathered human survivor resistance forces that, by the end of the shows first season, had dealt an unexpected and critical blow to the "Skitters" plans- led by the courageous military historian Tom Mason (Noah Wyle). It was a daring attack which made the alien force astonishingly pause to reevaluate their game plan in the face of such unusual and effective retaliation, and soon having them communicating, albeit threateningly with force of arms and human captives to back themselves up, with their human enemies, resulting in an unwilling Tom going into the heart of enemy territory, where his chances of return or rescue seemed unlikely. Where this unusual, game-changing situation will lead, and what further revelations may unexpectedly ensue, will surely be revealed with the return of the series, created by Robert Rodat, for ten more episodes (its two hour opener intriguingly titled Worlds Apart) on the American TNT channel later in the summer, from June 17th 9pm (and no doubt shortly afterwards in the UK on the FX HD channel, too).

Will Tom Mason (Noah Wyle) find a new chink in the aliens armour?

Resistance fighters Captain Weaver (Will Patton) and Hal Mason (Drew Roy) plan new strategies.

A pause in the conflict for Hal and plucky, machine gun toting Margaret (Sarah Carter).

Ultimately, let's face it, there's nothing really remotely new or original about the show-it's definitely a familiar mixture of the grungy and almost hopeless post apocalyptic/action elements and last stand for humanity aspects witnessed in THE TERMINATOR saga, soaked up with the last legs of isolated humanity feeling that's prevalent to THE WALKING DEAD, but FALLING SKIES is enjoyable enough small-scale blockbuster TV fare which I'm glad got a second season. Early episodes in the premiere year were a little underwhelming and, despite a reasonably large budget, looked a little too filmed on the backlot for my tastes, but it soon picked up and found a voice to become quite involving, often with some good CGI and alien scare moments, whilst Noah Wyle became an effective and likable, often quite vulnerable, leading man/father figure hero, surrounded by a good enough supporting cast. For the new year, that supporting team gets some strong new credibility with the welcome inclusion of LOST/HAWAII FIVE O's Terry O'Quinn, who should add some fine acting chomps in his roles as one of  Mason's former teachers. In fact, the actor is starting to get pretty good at playing human Yoda type roles these days!

Captured and alien harnessed teenagers work for the mysterious race in Season One.

Season Two teaser trailer: Falling Skies Season 2 Trailer - YouTube

Look for more on FALLING SKIES Season Two on KOOL TV in the not too distant future.


Join the shows FACEBOOK site for more updates: Falling Skies

CELEBRATING THE ARTISTIC LEGACY OF RALPH McQUARRIE...

Space battle! A Cylon fighter attacks a Human Colonial Viper ship in one of artist Ralph McQuarrie's exciting conceptual works for the classic 1978 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TV series. Image: UNIVERSAL.

The list of true artistic visionaries in the world of film and TV sadly got that little bit shorter this weekend with the sad news of the passing of acclaimed artist/illustrator Ralph McQuarrie at the age of 82.

Ralph McQuarrie (left) confers with STAR WARS creator Ralph McQuarrie. Image: LUCASFILM.

Ralph at his finest: working on the original and classic STAR WARS Trilogy. Image: LUCASFILM.

One of McQuarrie's most recognisable conceptual art pieces for STAR WARS, as the deathly Darth Vader tales on Deak Starkiller in a lightsaber duel. Image: LUCASFILM.

McQuarrie's beautiful early rendering of the droids Artoo Detoo and See-Threepio in the Tatooine desert wilds. Image: LUCASFILM.

The inspired creation of 900 year old Jedi Master Yoda, appearing in the STAR WARS sequel THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK,  is charmingly rendered by McQuarrie. Image: LUCASFILM.

Once a commercial artist for the BOEING corporation, then going on to win deserved acclaim and plaudits for his stunning panorama work for CBS TV during their live coverage of the ground-breaking NASA Apollo space mission to the moon, McQuarrie's future career as an artist/illustrator on numerous genre books and film posters quickly went stratospheric when he became a world known name for his beautiful and evocative universe creating work on film-maker George Lucas magnum space opus STAR WARS in 1975, providing the key conceptual artworks of environments, characters, action scenes and space battles from Lucas's imagination, vitally helping the writer/director visualise his ground-breaking ideas in order to sell the film to nervous 20th CENTURY FOX executives then wary of science fiction within a gloomy, financially unstable period of American motion picture making. Seeing McQuarrie's thirteen incredible paintings, the suits eventually said yes and film and pop culture history was made, as STAR WARS became one of the biggest sensations in film and space fantasy ever, of which the artist, recognised as one of the major factors for the film ultimate and long-term success, would soon contribute future ideas and concepts artistically for the saga's next two sequels: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK in 1980 and RETURN OF THE JEDI in 1983.

McQuarrie would bring in a new-look U.S.S. Enterprise for the eventually aborted 1976 movie project Planet of the Titans. Image: PARAMOUNT.

Another angle showing McQuarrie's intriguing re-design of the Enterprise.  Image: PARAMOUNT.

The mighty BATTLESTAR GALACTICA leads its rag-tag fugitive fleet in the search for Earth, in this evocative image from McQuarrie. Image: UNIVERSAL.

In between providing starry worlds, mighty machines, and weird but wonderful creatures for LUCASFILM with their revolutionary gigs, the in-demand McQuarrie would also be a visualist on numerous other popular sci-fi series in film and TV, including re-designing the classic U.S.S. Enterprise in Gene Roddenberry's original, to be made in the UK, plans for the 1976 feature-length movie resurrection of the classic STAR TREK franchise with Planet of the Titans (though, sadly, this storyline and project was eventually canned and a new totally different film came into being by 1979), helping to design Steven Spielberg's incredible extra-terrestrial Mothership in 1977's other sci-fi success: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, work on the early episodes of Glen A. Larson's popular and hugely enjoyable "STAR WARS rip-off" BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, and some other early inspirations with Larson and co-producer Leslie Stevens on the eventual late seventies BUCK ROGERS TV series starring Gil Gerard, notably providing concepts for what would become our heroes fantastic mode of space transport and intergalactic action, the sleek starfighter. More on Ralph's versatile work can be found here: Ralph McQuarrie - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A generous, funny, kind hearted man with a brilliant imagination and artistic flair, brimming with creative inspiration and buckets of natural talent, McQuarrie's immense body of work would be deservedly iconized, admired and held up as the standard by which all future science fiction film and TV worlds and artwork would be judged by his dedicated fans and industry friends around the globe. He will be much missed, but his work will resonate and be enjoyed by generations to come...

Celebrating the best in life and art: Ralph McQuarrie. June 13th, 1929 - March 3rd, 2012. R.I.P.

KOOL TV sends its condolences to Ralph's wife, Joan, his friends and fans worldwide, and his agents, friends and artistic preservers at DREAMS AND VISIONS PRESS, in this time of mourning.

For more on Ralph McQuarrie and his incredible STAR WARS work, check out the STAR WARS AFICIONADO blog tribute here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO MAGAZINE: GOODBYE, RALPH McQUARRIE...

For more on Ralph's incredible life and career, head over to his official website: Home - News
See Ralph's terrific work on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 1978 here: Ralph McQuarrie Concept Paintings | Battlestar Galactica


With thanks to Chris Baker for the screen grab image of Ralph.

KOOL TV REVIEW: "OEUVRE - DREW STRUZAN"

Creating movie poster magic is his speciality: Drew Struzan. Image: TITAN BOOKS

OEUVRE - DREW STRUZAN

By Drew and Dylan Struzan

Published by TITAN BOOKS

Reviewed by Scott Weller

The power of the written word should never be underestimated, nor that of the intrinsic value of the artistic form, especially in the intriguing and diverse world of commercial entertainment. Within that realm one man reigns supreme in his artistic career as a top illustrator of movie posters and commercial art: Drew Struzan. 

It's rare that people can achieve personal, professional, artistic and commercial success all in one go within their continuing lifetime and experiences, but then Struzan is no ordinary talent, clearly enjoying the best of all worlds in the perfect job, and perfect life, he was meant to have, as shown in his latest compendium of iconic artwork- OEUVRE – DREW STRUZAN- written and compiled by both the artist and his wife Dylan, and which proves a fine and fitting testament to his incredible and well deserved achievements so far in the commercial illustration business, and whose beautiful and impressive work

past, present and future, before Photoshop sadly killed the fine art of movie conception and realisation, would create an important visual channel into the hearts and minds, young and old, of the general movie going public, especially in the all dominant American cinema-going market.

Struzan's iconic art for STAR WARS - EPISODE VI: REVENGE, later renamed RETURN, OF THE JEDI in 1982/83. Image: LUCASFILM.

Some readers may not necessarily know Struzan’s name but they will certainly recognise his incredible artistic skills as being amongst the forefront of some of the most evocative and beautiful movie poster art ever seen for some of the world and for some of Hollywood’s greatest films over the last forty years. From STAR WARS to INDIANA JONES, and other enduring cinematic masterpieces like BLADE RUNNER, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and E.T.: THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL, as well as populist hits like the early HARRY POTTER movies, etc., to right up to the present day, including promotional art for ambitious hit television series like the atmospheric new classic THE WALKING DEAD, Struzan’s work spans all genres and is much beloved and trusted by actors and film-makers: beloved by fellow visualists including pioneers like Frank Darabont, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and iconic actors like Harrison Ford-of whom Struzan is the only artist the film star likes handling his movie poster art, especially when it concerns the adventures of the legendary Indiana Jones. Struzan is certainly one of the most collectible artists of his generation, too; Darabont regards Struzan as one of the top three greatest movie illustrators of all time, whose gorgeous and involving work has in some places proved better than the film’s they’ve promoted!

The superb rendering of Harrison Ford and the cast of INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM. Image: LUCASFILM/PARAMOUNT.

From undeserved impoverished conditions and regular isolation as a child, Drew Struzan found his love of illustration a natural way of garnering life skills and worked hard to make ends meet. Soon finding his independent feet within the music industry at the right time and place, his career rainbow quickly blossomed into his love and natural flair for movie poster illustration, coming to the fore in the mid to late seventies, of which an artistic legend and integrity fuelled personality was born...

Eddie Murphy's grin captures New York in COMING TO AMERICA. Image: PARAMOUNT.

With the previous THE ART OF DREW STRUZAN collection having been such a critical and commercial success, this new selection contains his most defined and beloved work yet, OEUVRE shows us a wonderful world of love, colour, and excitement, youthful spirited innocence, mystery and danger, as you explore the books vast thematic range and cross a wide variety of genres: from comedy, to drama, to action and adventure. There’s a beautiful style and epic quality to Struzan’s work that captures the films so well and resonates strongly with the eye.

The fun and inventive poster art for the BACK TO THE FUTURE Trilogy. Image: UNIVERSAL.

Beyond the incredible poster work-containing many items/projects I wasn’t previously aware of his association to- there’s also a look at other areas of Struzan’s prolific and sumptuous artistic career: his work in books, trading cards, special comic book covers, stamps and plates devoted to classic inspirational heroes of celluloid music and real life, from film stars to royalty, alongside an intriguing look at the artists life and career so far, his thought processes and how he handles and enjoys his craft as an artist, alongside his loyal wife Dylan.

One of Struzan's commercial illustrations, featuring the immense movie career of the TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX film corporation.

There's also a personal look at the artist beyond the movies: his imagery and interpretation of the beauty of a life in all its facets. From the joy of being with his wife and family, to friends and children, and to the mystery and fulfilment of the human body, and the incredible wildlife of planet Earth. All of this proudly and justifiably part of the overall rich tapestry of a true one/off talent at the very top of his game...

The fun poster art for John Carpenter's comedy/action epic BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA. Image: UNIVERSAL.

The creative joy of all these pieces coming together will be shared by the reader as they peruse its nostalgic and celebratory image selections, where Struzan’s spirit, imagination and Joie de Vivre will continue to resonate wherever good art is appreciated…

Gruesome zombies on the loose in Struzan's TV poster work for the recent THE WALKING DEAD. Image: AMC.

The book may be called Oeuvre but Struzan is not saying goodbye with this volume. Think of it as the most ambitious of his collected works so far. The visual language of his stunning work, alongside his integrity, depth of humanity and emotional resonance, will continue to make its mark and flourish long after we’re gone…

Beautifully published by the UK’s TITAN BOOKS, OEUVRE – DREW STRUZAN is truly a coffee table book/portfolio to savour, as well as one that friends and family will surely be fighting over to look at and admire during the holiday season.

Drew Struzan: a self portrait.

KOOL TV RATING: 4 out of 5

Check out a gallery of classic Struzan work here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO MAGAZINE: DREW STRUZAN

Get hold of your copy of OEUVRE - DREW STRUZAN here: Drew Struzan: Oeuvre: Amazon.co.uk: Drew Struzan, Dylan Struzan: Books

HUMANITY'S LAST HOPE. EXPLORING "TERRA NOVA"!

The Human Race's existence is threatened within it's very past in TERRA NOVA. Image: FOX

With sneak peek material shown during August's UK EMPIRE BIG SCREEN event drawing in very positive responses from the crowds, things are gearing up steadily for the UK and US premiere (26th September) of Steven Spielberg's future/past Dinosaur epic TERRA NOVA.

Here's a behind the scenes featurette on the ambitious new series: TERRA NOVA - First Look Featurette - YouTube and TERRA NOVA - Behind the Scenes: Weapons Training - YouTube


Here's the most recent press material for the new series from SKY ONE HD:

The much-anticipated TERRA NOVA, from Academy Award winner© Steven Spielberg, Peter Chernin, Brannon Braga, René Echevarria and Aaron Kaplan, will launch with a two hour special on Sky 1 HD in Week 40 (Saturday 1 – Friday 7 October, 2011) within days of its US launch.

TERRA NOVA follows an ordinary family on an incredible journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. In the year 2149, the world is dying. The planet is overdeveloped and overcrowded, with the majority of plant and animal life extinct. The future of mankind is in doubt, and its only hope for survival is in the distant past. When scientists unexpectedly discovered a fracture in time that made it possible to construct a portal into primeval history, the bold notion was born to resettle humanity in the past – a second chance to rebuild civilization and get it right this time. Jason O’Mara commented: We know that kids of all ages will want to watch, but we think that grown-ups, both male and female will find it quite addictive too. There are some serious human questions being dealt with and there is some pretty serious human drama. All of this is offset by the family story at the centre of the series that yields some genuinely heart-warming Spielberg moments and plenty of lighter ones too. We're hoping people will come to see the dinosaurs, but will stay because they want to follow these characters and their adventures in this amazing world.” TERRA NOVA centres on the Shannon family as they join the Tenth Pilgrimage of settlers to “Terra Nova”, the first colony established in this beautiful yet forbidding land. Jim Shannon (Jason O’Mara,Life on Mars, Monarch of the Glen), a devoted father with a checkered past, guides his family through this new world of limitless beauty, mystery and terror. Jim’s wife, Elisabeth Shannon (Shelley Conn,Mistresses, Strike Back), is a trauma surgeon and the newest addition to TERRA NOVA’s medical team. Josh Shannon (Landon Liboiron, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Life Unexpected) is their 17-year-old son who is angry to leave life as he knows it behind; upon arriving at the settlement, he finds himself instantly drawn to the beautiful and rule-breaking Skye (Allison Miller, 17 Again, Blood: The Vampire). Maddy Shannon (Naomi Scott, Life Bites), Josh&r! squo;s endearingly awkward 15-year-old sister, hopes TERRA NOVA will give her a new chance to reinvent herself. Although Elisabeth’s medical training secured the family a spot on the pilgrimage, a secret involving their five-year-old daughter, Zoe (newcomer Alana Mansour), soon endangers their place in this utopia. Upon the Shannon’s arrival, they are introduced to Commander Nathaniel Taylor (Stephen Lang,Avatar, Public Enemies), the charismatic and heroic first pioneer and leader of the settlement. Taylor, along with his right-hand man, Guzman (Mido Hamada, 24), warn the travellers that while TERRA NOVA is a place of new opportunities and fresh beginnings, all is not as idyllic as it initially appears. Along with blue skies, towering waterfalls and lush vegetation, the surrounding terrain is teeming with danger – and not just of the man-eating dinosaur variety. There is also a splinter colony of renegades led by the battle-hardened Mira (Christine Adams, The Whole Truth, TRON: Legacy), who is vehemently opposed to Taylor and his leadership. Even more threatening than what lies outside the protective walls of the colony is the chilling possibility that something sinister is happening inside TERRA NOVA. The Shannons will come to suspect that not everyone on this mission has the same idea of how to best save mankind; in fact, there may be forces intent on destroying this new world before it even begins. TERRA NOVA is shot in the hinterlands of Australia, a location we chose because its spectacular natural vistas and exotic plant life best evokes the Cretaceous era in which our series is set.  Cutting-edge visual effects bring to life the never-before-seen denizens of this era; in consultation with famed paleontologist Jack Horner, we designed our dinosaurs to reflect the latest theories about what these animals actually looked like.  TERRA NOVA is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television, Chernin Entertainment, DreamWorks Television and Kapital Entertainment. Steven Spielberg, Peter Chernin, Brannon Braga, René Echevarria, Jon Cassar, Aaron Kaplan, Katherine Pope, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Craig Silverstein and Kelly Marcel serve as executive producers. Alex Graves serves as executive producer and directed the series preview. TERRA NOVA is distributed by Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.

KOOL TV BABE OF THE WEEK: "FALLING SKIES" SARAH CARTER

Charming Canadian actress Sarah Carter has been making her mark on US TV. Image: ULIKE.

Blondes certainly do have more fun, as has been proved by the lovely Canadian actress Sarah Carter with regards to the diverse mixture of film and TV work she's had over the last four years, from playing a beach babe action heroine, Helena Douglas, in the movie adaptation of hit video game DEAD OR ALIVE, to her portrayal of the cute but deadly piranha/ legal eagle prosecution lawyer, Madeline Poe,  aiding the brutal but brilliant James Woods as Sebastian Stark in the popular two season running legal drama SHARK, to now playing Margaret, a battle hardened Human resistance fighter who's been through hell at the hands of a sadistic bunch of HELL'S ANGELS-like survivors, and now an active fighter against evil alien enslavers, in Steven Spielberg /TNT's explosive new sci-fi invasion series epic FALLING SKIES. Other noted TV guest star roles have included memorable appearances in SMALLVILLE (playing a somewhat FATAL ATTRACTION-esque deranged love interest for poor Clark Kent), CSI: NEW YORK (where it looked like she was going to be a series regular beyond her three episode run as an up and coming forensics scientist-alas it was not to be: surely a big mistake made by the series producers), ENTOURAGE, THE TWILIGHT ZONE and BOSTON LEGAL.

Beatrix Kiddo watch out, there's a new Samurai Babe in town! Carter as Helena in the film/video game translation: DEAD OR ALIVE. Image: IMPACT FILMS. 

With Sophina Brown and James Woods in SHARK. Image: CBS.

Rough and ready! Fighting back as the put-upon Margaret in FALLING SKIES. Image: TNT.

Possessing brains, a pixie-esque beauty, and a very cute slightly high pitched voice, Carter is an immediate stand-out, and welcome addition, to the KOOL TV BABES roll-call...

FIRST LOOK: STEVEN SPIELBERG'S "TERRA NOVA"

A new dawn beckons for the cast of Steven Spielberg's big budget Human/dinosaur drama: TERRA NOVA. Images: FOX

Steven Spielberg's enthusiastic, almost carnivorous (excuse the pun!) obsession with dinosaurs continues long past the mega-success of his world popular JURASSIC PARK film series, as he brings the amazing creatures that once mightily walked the Earth to the scale of the small screen, but with a new high concept sci-fi twist in the epic upcoming TV series TERRA NOVA, where humans from a dying Earth of the year 2149 travel back through a specifically created time portal to a purer living prehistoric past, so as to begin life anew.

AVATAR"s great character actor/star Stephen Lang plays Human Colony Leader Nathaniel Taylor.

Made entirely within the stunning exterior climes of sunny Australia in a production deal with the FOX channel-who have boldly ordered thirteen episodes right from the off-set, the series looks set to have the same kind of filmic, high production standards of JURASSIC met with the kind of futuristic look and technology seen in other previous hits like James Cameron's AVATAR, and especially with regards to that films stunning and evocative creation of a unique and beautiful realm. The series also shares one of AVATAR's popular main stars, Stephen Lang, though fortunately this time he won't be playing a ferocious, revenge fuelled baddie; instead he's Commander Nathaniel Taylor, a true pioneer and leader of the human settlement. Fighting what will surly be the charismatic star power of the dinosaurs themselves, the series other main leads include lead Jason O'Mara, from the US version of the acclaimed time travel/mystery/fantasy series LIFE ON MARS, playing scientist Jim Shannon, a man with an apparently complicated past, whose newly arrived family are at the core of the evolving (hopefully involving) drama, along with up and coming British actress Shelly Conn as his wife, Elizabeth, and another Brit, Christine Adams, playing Mira, the leader of a rival Human group that opposes the leadership of Taylor.

Trailer: TERRA NOVA - First Look Trailer‬‏ - YouTube

Three great teaser posters for the series from FOX.

With a behind the scenes team that includes 24's David Fury and Jon Cassar, as well as 24/THRESHOLD/STAR TREK's bold and controversial ideas man Brannon Braga, and with a series opener directed by the reliable FRINGE/ THE WEST WING veteran Alex Graves, let's hope that the series (which debuts in September in the US on FOX and on SKY ONE HD in the UK), which looks set to add a little bit of LOST, OUTCASTS and PRIMEVAL into the mix as well, doesn't have the kind of cutesy educational tone that marred a lot of the first series of Spielberg's earlier high production values underwater series SEAQUEST DSV (starring the late Roy Scheider) and that we get some serious, possibly thought-provoking and clever storytelling amidst some great mega action from lots of hopefully rampaging dinosaurs!

Look out for more on TERRA NOVA on KOOL TV soon...