Television rules our lives.
You know it. We know it. And the guys at the networks know it.
Now, more then ever, we’re a civilization whose antennae are finely attuned not to the vagaries of the weather, or the impending threat of predators, but to the twists and turns of characters which are no more real than the tooth fairy.
Are we complaining? Nope, not at all - as a matter of fact, we’re going to rush through this one, since the “Buffy” season finale is scheduled to start in a couple of hours. You know how time flies when you’re having fun…
http://www.buffy.com
If there’s one babe who’s out to prove she’s not just a pretty face, it has to be Buffy. And so we had to visit the home of the Slayer, to find out why she is the way she is.
The site lives up to expectations - all creepy and gloomy, in shades of black and grey, it’s very Buffy-ish. There are lots of links to feed you with enough information about the show to completely satiate you (and any vampires you may have around you). First up, you should go through the Bestiary, which has details about all the assorted demons and vampires that Buffy has been up against. Then you should go through the Library; this will fill you in on everything from who can become a Slayer to the realities about vampires and werewolves. Finally, go play the Demon game. It’s quite cool and gives just a hint of how Buffy feels whilst killing off all those ghouls.
There is a fair bit of repetition in the information and it’s a little sparse in places too. We certainly could do with a lot more specifics about Spike and the Master, but then everyone’s expected to have seen the series anyway.
http://www.startrek.com
There’s probably a saying (if there isn’t, there should be one!) which goes something like this: “if you aren’t a Trekkie, you’re a loser.” And that’s why this site is on our list - and whatta site it is too!
First, there’s so much information, it takes almost as much time to absorb all of it as it does to watch all the episodes of the series. So, you should first go to Information and then go to Star Trek history, where you can find out about all the different voyages of the Enterprise. Or you could take a look at the recreation centre, which lets you enter contests and win actual Trekkie merchandise, amongst other stuff.
The library is another awesome place. Whether it is character biographies, details on any ship ever mentioned in the series or details of the technology portrayed in the series, the exhaustive info is truly…exhausting. There’s stuff about antigrays, Genesis devices, quarantine transmitters and what-have-you. Or, if you’re still not tired, then you could go visit the various worlds that the Enterprise has been to. Or learn about the Klingons. Or learn about the food that they eat. Or….
But the list goes on. And so will the series, hopefully!
http://www.allymcbeal.com
Neurotic, bizarre, lively, troubled, man-hungry - all the traits that millions over the world adore. Plus, she’s cute - which is why we just had to add her to this list.
First up, there’s the normal information on the next few shows and what’s about to unfold. There are also detailed biographies of the actors, with some nice clips from behind the scenes. These show some humourous episodes while filming and are quite funny. There’s an “Ask Ally” segment, where people with similar problems can approach the lady herself. Finally, there’s a segment called “The Good Life” where there are debates on issues raised through the serial itself - you know, the guy versus girl kind of thing. And, of course, you can visit the shop for merchandise and the latest songs by Vonda Shepherd.
http://nbctv.nbci.com/tonightshow.com
The man with the mile-long chin and the razor-sharp tongue. Truly, a worthy successor to Johnny Carson and a light in our dull lives. And the site’s not too different either!
All the stuff that’s usually on the show is featured on the site. The hilarious “Headlines” segment is on, as is Jay’s monologue section which can be heard online. Then there are highlights from recent “events” from the show. When I checked it out, it was featuring the “Battle Of Burbank”, where various machines bashed each other up. And just in case you’re in the area, you could check to see who’s going to be on the show in the weeks ahead.
And just in case you actually want to be on the show, go to “Talent Scout”; if you can supply a really funny story in the categories asked for, you will be featured on the show. Cool, huh? Then of course, there is the joke column, which is hilarious. Plus, there are details about tickets for the show and FAQs.
http://www.baywatch.com
Does anybody really need an introduction to this show? Of course not. And that’s why we just had to check out the site. And a pleasant surprise it was.
This is easily the most colourful of all the sites in this list - everything is in red or yellow or blue. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing else on the site. First, you should go through the cast and crew segment, which features all the main members of this show, with lots of photos. There are lots of interviews taking place, so that may interest you, too. Then, in case you want to see more of your favourite stars, there are desktop calendars which you can download. And if you’re still not satisfied, there are slow-motion videos from classic scenes from the show. So, if you want to see Yasmin Bleeth running (Chandler does!), you know where to go.
The coolest thing on the site is the postcards segment. There are postcards with various scenes from Baywatch, which can be sent out via e-mail. And the best part - it’s free!
Of course, there’s a lot of stuff on upcoming episodes and inside information, but then that’s standard stuff. All in all, this is one site you should really “surf” to.
http://www.studiousa.com/xena
This woman rules totally, doesn’t she? Thus, it just wasn’t possible to leave her to fight the Furies all alone and neglected, so we paid her a visit…
The best part about the whole site is the “Historicus Biblicus” which has a list of past episodes in a easy-to-read and easier-to-follow format. All the details on her fights, her history, her loves - it’s all here!
Then there’s the Weapons gallery, which has details on the Warrior Princess’s different weapons and their magical powers. There’s a good store where you can pick up stuff related to the show and related to that other hit “Hercules”. And finally, you should go to the gaming zone, where you can take part in stuff that’s straight out of the show.
And that’s about it for this week. We’ll be back after a message from our spon…Bzzt!
This article was first published on 15 Nov 2000.