Sci-Fi Fodder

"Night Stalker" Rises From the Dead - Almost

December 14, 2005 2:28 PM  |  Comments:

Kolchak Our sister site, TV Fodder, is reporting that the SciFi Channel will air repeats of ABC's canceled supernatural drama "Night Stalker" - including the unaired episodes - starting next summer. The SciFi Channel acquired all 10 produced episodes of the Touchstone Television series, which starred Stuart Townsend as journalist Carl Kolchak.

This past Fall, ABC aired six episodes of the show before pulling it from the schedule - in the middle of a two-part episode - because of low ratings.

The SciFi Channel regularly airs repeats of the original "Night Stalker" series from the 1970's staring Darren McGavin. This acquisition will create a nice matched set.

Of course, sci-fi fans are wondering what the motives are here. The show certainly wasn't the most riveting supernatural drama we've seen. (Click here to see my analysis on why it was cancelled.) Sure, airing the four remaining episodes will attract some viewers. Even I might watch a couple of them - especially if my other shows are in reruns. However, I won't be waiting on the edge of my seat to see what befalls this Kolchak and his annoying side-kicks - it will be more like if my TiVo says it doesn't conflict with anything else in my queue.

For months now, fans have been able to purchase and download episodes 1-7 from Apple's iTunes site for $1.99 each. It seems doubtful that the SciFi Channel would buy the series just to air those last few installments. Then, why would the SciFi Channel purchase the series?

Perhaps SciFi producers took my advice and have decided to create smaller doses of Kolchak's tales - an "original" movie or mini-series for example. Now that I just might watch - if they do some "reworking" and... of course... they put Townsend in those "Queen of the Damned" leather pants. -- Shannon Nolley