Babylon 5’s Tracy Scoggins Celebrates A Birthday: Today In Science & Science Fiction
When she joined Babylon 5, Tracy Scoggins was coming in under unusual conditions. Much of creator J. Michael Straczynski’s vaunted five-year plan had been accelerated to provide closure when it looked like the show was going to be canceled after only four seasons. The plight of Scoggins’ Captain Elizabeth Lochley mirrored the actresses’ own in several ways. Actress Claudia Christian had departed the show, leaving Scoggins in the crosshairs of die-hard fans who would inevitably compare her to Christian’s character of Susan Ivanova. She was a new face amongst a group of people who had already been doing their job together for years. She was replacing both a well-liked character and a well-liked actress. And she was a major player in a season that was uneven and tasked with finding its identity after the larger story of Babylon 5 had, for the most part, been told.
I don’t think Scoggins’ Lochley ever became as interesting or layered as most of her B5 compatriots, but that’s to be expected since she only had one season (plus a couple of movies and Crusade appearances) to hit her stride. Still, Scoggins gave it her all, helped breathe life into the fifth season, and managed to have Lochley hold her own even up against Jerry Doyle — no small feat. Aside from Babylon 5, Scoggins is probably best known for playing Cat Grant in Lois & Clark. She turns 60 today, and GFR wishes a happy birthday!
Today in Televisuion
How the Earth Works (Science, 10/9c) — “The Rockies Built the Atom Bomb”
Geologist, Martin Pepper, and biologist, Liz Bonnin, travel to the iconic Rocky Mountains, to reveal the extraordinary link between the Rockies’ soaring peaks and the uranium that ended up in ‘Little Boy’, the atomic bomb detonated over the Japanese city
Revolution (NBC, 8/7c) — “Come Blow Your Horn”
AARON’S DEATHLY EXPERIENCE CATCHES PEOPLE’S ATTENTION – As Miles (Billy Burke) and the gang try to escape the perils of their current situation, Rachel (Elizabeth Mitchell) and Gene (Stephen Collins) continue to struggle with their relationship, which affects Charlie (Tracy Spiridakos). Meanwhile, Neville (Giancarlo Esposito) takes a gamble with the Patriots.
The Tomorrow People (The CW, 9/8c) — “Sorry for Your Loss”
FAMILY BONDS — When Stephen (Robbie Amell) and Russell (Aaron Yoo) head out for a night of fun, they run into a potential new break-out. Stephen and Russell report back to John (Luke Mitchell) and Cara (Peyton List) about the new person, but they want to keep a low profile from Ultra. Sadly, Russell learns that his dad has passed away and he is torn about whether or not he should go home. John volunteers to accompany Russell to help keep him out of trouble. Meanwhile, Jedikiah (Mark Pellegrino) has a shocking secret that could destroy his career.
Today in Comics
Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time #11 (IDW Publishing)
Our yearlong celebration of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary continues! Geronimo! The Eleventh Doctor joins the fray in this issue of a 12-part epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the Doctor. Now that the Doctor has uncovered the true identity of his latest adversary, he must track him through time and space for a final confrontation!
Star Trek: Khan #2 (IDW Publishing)
The origin of Star Trek‘s greatest villain continues here, in this all-new mini-series overseen by Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci! Witness the never-before-seen outbreak of the legendary Eugenics Wars and behold Khan Noonien Singh’s brutal rise to power, as the secret history of the future is finally revealed!
Walking Dead #116 (Image Comics)
“Maggie takes a stand as Rick’s new plan comes together.”
