Up & Coming Weekly

18 UCW JANUARY 20-26, 2010 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM I don't often use the word "visionary," but it applies to Caprica (Friday, 9 p.m.), a Battlestar Galactica prequel that imagines every detail of a futuristic society not quite like our own. The pilot is disorienting at first. That makes sense, since we're in a place – Caprica – that as its own technology, customs, slang and religion. Teenager Zoe (Allesandra Torresani) and her friends hack into a "holo- band" to visit a chaotic virtual nightclub where anything goes, from drugs to group sex to sacrificial kill- ing. A computer genius, Zoe has created a virtual-reality double and endowed her with almost-human qualities. Zoe is part of a monotheistic cult opposed to Caprica's prevail- ing polytheism, and she dies in a terrorist bombing before the first commercial. This is the first of many stunning narrative gambits, and I wouldn't dare reveal any more. Suffice it to say that Caprica's music, effects, sets, acting and stag- ing send you somewhere you've never been before. The trip is both exhilarating and scary, so don't un- dertake it lightly. Spartacus: Blood and Sand Friday, 10 pm (Starz) This Sam Raimi-produced series is set in ancient Rome, and you know what that means. Gladiators tussle in front of screaming mobs; evil senators in gray bangs drawl with effete British accents in torch-lit rooms; and barbarian hordes grunt through big beards. Before being sent into slavery, the series' hero (Andy Whitfield) makes a head- scratching plea to his wife in Hollywood Roman-speak: "Keep me close to your thighs." The production tries to freshen up its ancient clichés with ultra-violence and cable- porn-style sex scenes. (Now we know what 1st century B.C. breast implants look like.) For all the blood hurtling toward the camera lens, however, Spartacus generates little heat. The artificial green-screen environments and the incessant use of slow motion (did nothing happen in real time before Christ's birth?) have a distancing effect. Sorry, Mr. Raimi, but I don't think I'll be keeping Spartacus close to my thighs. Screen Actors Guild Awards Saturday, 8 pm (TNT, TBS) It will be difficult to gather around the TV and make snarky remarks about this year's ceremony, because every single nominee is artistically solid. Luckily, jailbird Charlie Sheen is up for "Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series," so it won't be impossible. Masterpiece Classic Sunday, 9 pm (PBS In 2009, Masterpiece Classic presented new versions of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park and Persuasion. Now it's time for a new Emma, Austen's tale of a young woman so obsessed with matchmaking that she's blind to her own chance for love. The pace is lively, the tone is droll, and the actors are bril- liant, particularly Romola Garai in the title role. Garai has lustrous blond hair, adorable eyes and a 100-watt smile, and just watch- ing her move across the TV screen might have passed the time quite pleasantly. But she proves to be more than just a pretty frame on which to hang Regency bonnets and dress- es. She shows us the character's depths – the painful self-doubt that appears beneath the sparkling surface. And she finds a way to make Emma likable in spite of her abundant failings. I know it's only been a year, but I suggest that Masterpiece Classic immediately re- make Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park and Persuasion with Garai in the lead roles. An Austen heroine this good comes around once in a generation. Out of This World Caprica offers a shocking view of the future TV by DEAN ROBBINS Where the Smart Shoppers Go! Where the Smart Shoppers Go! Children's Resale Boutique Coffman Commons • 4251 Legion Rd. at Elk Rd., Near Southview High School • Hope Mills • 424-2900 Coffman Commons • 4251 Legion Rd. at Elk Rd., Near Southview High School • Hope Mills • 424-2900 • Newborn to Juniors and all Juniors and all sizes in between sizes in between • Maternity • Maternity Clothes Clothes Kidz City CLOTHING • Name Brand • Name Brand Clothing Clothing • Furniture • Furniture • Toys • Toys t Check Out Our Winter Sale! New Year, New Policy? by BRYAN MIRANDA & RON DARDEN The New Year is synonymous with resolutions for improvement and change. Whether it's a new exercise routine, a healthier diet, or ways to cut costs the first step is understanding what you want to change. From there you can estab- lish why it's important to do it and then build a plan of how it can be accom- plished. So with that in mind we thought it might be helpful to provide you with 10 reasons in 2010 to check your insurance coverage and resolve yourself to better protecting those things you can least afford to lose. 10 Reasons to Check Your Coverage As our lives change, so do our insurance needs. Speaking to your Independent Agent about these changes can ensure that you have adequate cov- erage. 1. Remodeling or Building an Addition to Your Property - When you hire the contractor, request a certificate of insurance to confirm their liability and workers compensation coverage. Review the certificate and your homeowner's policy with your agent. In some cases, remodeling projects can increase your home's reconstruction value. 2. Teen Drivers – If a teenager in your home is learning how to drive, even with a learner's permit, meet with your independent agent. They can provide materials about safe driving behavior. 3. New Swimming Pool - Your agent can recommend steps that you can take to help keep your backyard safe and determine whether additional liability coverage should be considered. 4. New Work Location – If you have accepted a position where you will have a shorter or longer commute to work, call your agent. A significant change in annual mileage could warrant a change in your auto policy. 5. Retirement – When it's time to retire, you may be able to maximize the benefits of your retirement plan with a life insurance program. 6. A Change in Vehicles – If you've purchased or leased a new or used vehi- cle you should contact your agent as soon as possible. Car dealers are required by law to confirm insurance coverage, but only you can make the necessary changes to your policy. 7. Home or Auto Refinancing – When you're taking advantage of lower interest rates by refinancing your home or vehicle, your policy will need to be updated to reflect the new lien holder. 8. Newlywed or New Baby – When you get married or welcome a new baby, the new responsibilities may warrant a change in your home, auto and life insurance coverage. 9. Purchasing Valuables – When you purchase valuables such as a diamond ring or a rare piece of art, contact your agent. Your homeowner's policy covers personal belongings and furnishings, but higher-valued items may have cover- age limitations. An endorsement may be advisable for more costly or unusual items. 10. Home Business – If you are starting a business in your home, you should call your agent. Depending on equipment and the nature of your work, an endorsement or separate policy may be necessary to protect your investment and liability exposures. BRYAN MIRANDA AND RON DARDEN, Contributing Writers. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com.

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