Virtuality

***Yes folks, I've changed my mind. We're back on!***

Virtuality is Ronald Moore's sci-fi pilot for Fox network. It was originally scheduled to air on July 4th, but the broadcast date has been moved up to June 26th, so we will be watching it from a DVD.

Here's a description from one reviewer over at io9:

"Virtuality is the story of the crew of the "Phaeton," a deep-space exploration vessel, who use virtual reality to distract themselves from the claustrophobia and boredom of deep space (until something inevitably goes wrong), but there's way more to it than that. For one thing, the ship really is incredibly claustrophobic and slow, not roomy and zoomy like the Enterprise. For another, the crew are forced to take part in a "reality TV" show that's broadcast back on Earth... and the ship's therapist is the reality-show's producer. It's seriously twisted, demented stuff. Oh, and the menace that wreaks havoc in their virtual reality world is a bit scarier and more insidious than a bunch of Worfs in cowboy hats."

This project has been dogged by controversy for months. Fox was unhappy with the pilot and concerned about how a same-sex couple on Phaeton's crew would be received by their audience. The network reportedly wanted the project re-worked into a more mainstream drama. Many thought it would never see the light of day, but

We will plan to start watching about 8pm, so head over to LaFontana early to get yourself fed, caffeinated and settled in. We'll pop in some other fun stuff to watch beforehand, like the BSG panel at the UN.