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Imagine investing so much time in watching the ins and outs of one of ABC's legendary programs "Lost" only to not be able to see how it ends.

That's exactly the possibility facing some 100,000 viewers in Alabama and Florida's panhandle as Sinclair Broadcasting and cabler Mediacom duke out a disagreement on how much should be paid to "resell" Sinclair programming.

Sinclair is the owner of the ABC affiliate Mediacom picks up for that part of the country, and if a deal over broadcasting isn't reached by the end of the year, it's no more ABC for those viewers ... at least not through cable.

"Broadcasters believe, just like any other wholesaler of a product, that if somebody wants to resell it, we should get paid for it," said Barry Faber, Sinclair's attorney, in an interview with local media. "I'm extremely pessimistic about there being the likelihood that we will get a deal done by the end of the year. The parties are just not close enough."

Apparently, this is a battle that is hardly new between the two parties. Sinclair pulled WEAR from Mediacom two years ago in a similar dispute, a stoppage that lasted nearly a month. There's no telling how long an impasse could affect ABC viewers this time.

But it would have to be resolved soon, because "Lost" is returning on Feb. 2 on ABC. -- [Pensacola News Journal]

Shatner plays nice with Trek reboot: Who says William Shatner can't be a good sport?

Two years after a very public disagreement with J.J. Abrams in an effort to get a significant role in the reboot of the Star Trek franchise, the man who originated Capt. James T. Kirk had nothing but nice things to say about the final product that grossed more than any other Star Trek film in history (including the dud Shatner directed in 1989, "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.")

"'Star Trek' is a wonderful show. They did a wonderful movie," Shatner told talk show host Jimmy Kimmel earlier this month. "J.J. I think of as a buddy. He is a great director. I am sure when the right time comes, he will make the right decision" in casting him in the sequel.

Last November, Shatner said he had not seen "Star Trek," but TrekMovie speculates he could have watched it following its DVD and Blu-ray release earlier this month. Either way, for those who took Shatner's line as a start of negotiations for a sequel, think again. TrekMovie says a story isn't even done yet, let alone who outside the core cast will be included. -- [TrekMovie]

The lost adventure of 'Doctor Who': Some 30 years later, "Doctor Who" fans are still talking about the "lost" story from the Tom Baker years that was never completed due to a labor strike.

"Shada" was meant to be a six-part "Doctor Who" story that wrapped up Season 17. Most of the principal filming was complete, however nighttime shoots were disrupted by labor stoppages, and BBC never got back into the swing of things with this particular story when the strike ended.

"We were staying just outside of St. John's College [at Cambridge] in a pub called The Three Tons or Three Nuns, and the music scholars, the singers, would come to me in the pub and I woul dbuy all the drinks and they would sing to me, in harmony," Baker told BBC. "It was a very happy time."

Baker did his part to try and bring the story to screen in a special release in 1992 following the show's cancellation. And now, it's simply a part of history. -- [BBC News]

'Avatar' in pictures: If you enjoyed James Cameron's new film "Avatar," you might like to see some behind-the-scenes views of life around production only Life can produce.

The former print photography magazine has released a series of photos surrounding the cast and crew of "Avatar" as they ready for the premiere of the film that led the domestic box office last weekend with more than $73 million.

Photos include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Cameron and others. It's basically a look at four "head-spinning days" in the lives of the stars "on the brink of a blockbuster."

If you want to see the photos online, visit the Life Web site by clicking here.

Those who really like the pictures will also have a chance to buy a printed collector's edition magazine featuring all the images.

"Avatar" is currently playing in theaters worldwide. -- [Airlock Alpha]

Dushku shows her doll is made of porcelain: Usually, actors are told to break a leg. "Dollhouse" star Eliza Dushku just didn't listen well enough, apparently.

Dushku recently fractured her arm while filming the now-cancelled Fox series from Joss Whedon in what is being described as a stunt-gone-wrong.

Dushku broke the news of her injury on her Twitter account, letting everyone know that she was on the way to the emergency room for X-rays.

"Fractured radial head," Dushku later shared through Twitter. "Never been in a cast before. It's warm. Will hide under wardrobe. I can still hold my shotgun/save the world."

"Dollhouse" is burning off its remaining episodes in two-hour blocks Fridays on Fox, returning in January. -- [Pop Crunch]

Two Spocks are better than one: It looks like the new "Star Trek: Online" is going to be a bit Spock-heavy.

Both Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the recent "Star Trek" film, have been cast for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game, currently in a closed beta in preparation for a February launch by Cryptic Studios.

Nimoy also is making the trip over, according to more recent reports, showing that he still isn't quite ready to retire just yet.

In the meantime, a trailer has been released for the game. Check it out at TrekToday by clicking here. -- [Airlock Alpha]

Make it 'sir': Speaking of Star Trek, do you remember that one bald captain guy, Capt. Jean-Luc something or other?

Well, he was played by Patrick Stewart, and finally -- some 22 years after creating his own iconic role that could challenge Shatner's Kirk -- the classically trained actor is being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Once he gets his shoulders tapped with a sword, we'll have to get used to calling him Sir Patrick Stewart, which could mean some interesting ego-battle the next time Stewart and X-Men co-star Sir Ian McKellen get together. -- [Examiner]

'Lost' is found: Coming to see ABC's "Lost" just in time for it to end? Or do you simply need a refresher course before Feb. 2?

DirecTV is offering a series of specials that will recap some of the major storylines of the show beginning Dec. 26. The satellite company will offer six commercial-free specials in all, many of them previously produced ahead of past seasons for the show.

Sadly, if you want to take part, you'll have to be a DirecTV subscriber. Otherwise, you might as well join The Others. -- [World Screen]

Sackhoff takes on comic book: She defied gender roles in "Battlestar Galactica." She appeared in a bathtub for "Big Bang Theory." She was a sex kitten in "Nip/Tuck."

Now Katee Sackhoff is ready to add a new line to her resume: comic book writer.

Sackhoff, who played Starbuck in the signature Syfy series, said she worked with friend Sxv'Leithan Essex to write "Versus," a comic book that will get its debut just in time for San Diego Comic-Con next summer.

So what is "Versus" about? Beats us. Sackhoff isn't sharing anything. It's almost like the Final Cylon speculation all over again!

In the meantime, look for Sackhoff this spring in Fox's hit show "24." -- [Digital Spy]

'Battlestar Galactica' even better on later viewing: Katee must look good on a DVR or something.

The Nielsen Co. shared the cable programs this year that were recorded and played back later the most, and Syfy's "Battlestar Galactica' led the list with 59.4 percent of its total viewership coming from those who decided to wait to DVR. It beat out "Mad Men" on AMC, which is timeshifted by nearly 58 percent of its audience. "Damages" on FX was third at 56.3 percent and "Rescue Me" on FX was fourth.

"True Blood" on HBO and "Stargate: Universe" on Syfy also were in the act, both in the 47 percent audience range, while "Heroes" on NBC led broadcast shows with 45.9 percent of its audience showing up later to fast-forward through the commercials. -- [Broadcasting & Cable]

Catching up with an Australian accent: Not sure if there is DirecTV in Australia or not, but even if there isn't, Seven Network in Sydney says it is offering Australians the chance to catch up on their favorite ABC shows like "FlashForward" and "Lost" through its joint-venture with Yahoo!7 that will stream past episodes ahead of their 2010 returns.

Aussies apparently like services such as this. ABC already launched iView a year ago to rousing success. -- [Variety]

'Chuck' marathon coming to Syfy: One nice thing about sharing common ownership (at least for now) is that platform crossover is quick and easy. That's something "Chuck" doesn't need Subway to help celebrate.

Syfy, owned by NBC Universal, will run a "Chuck" marathon using episodes from the second season on Jan. 7 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET It will all be in time for the show's Jan. 10 Season 3 premiere on NBC.

The episodes will feature a bunch of different cool guest stars like Michael Clarke Duncan, Chevy Chase, Scott Bakula, Bruce Boxleitner and even John Larroquette.

The marathon will start with the Season 2 premiere "Chuck vs. The First Date" and end with the Season 2 finale "Chuck vs. The Ring."

'Chuck' it out Jan. 7 on Syfy. -- [Airlock Alpha]

Catching up on Alpha Waves Radio: I was hoping to be able to tell you who the January guests will be for Alpha Waves Radio, but they have not been officially finalized yet.

However, if all goes to plan, two guests will appear on one night, and have something to do with graphic design for television. The other guest on the other show is a well-respected television writer.

But I can share that we are going to do another edition of Alpha Waves LIVE!, our live call-in show that is designed for fans to share their thoughts in sort of an open microphone.

Usually, an open mic means there is no set topic, but our show coming up right after the holidays is actually designed to talk about the final David Tennant episodes of "Doctor Who" that will air on BBC and BBC America over the Christmas and New Year's holiday.

That show will air live Sunday, Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. ET at BlogTalkRadio.com/AlphaWaves.

The regular podcast versions of the show, featuring GateWorld's David Read, air Jan. 7 and Jan 21 beginning at 8 p.m. at the same place.

If you missed the cool audio from David Tennant's press roundtable at San Diego Comic-Con from last summer, head over to AlphaWavesRadio.com and take a listen to the show in its entirety. -- [Airlock Alpha]

And Syfy has a plan for January: If you didn't get to see the Edward James Olmos-directed "Battlestar Galactica: The Plan" on DVD, you'll finally have a chance to see it on television. At least without the nudity.

Syfy says it will air "The Plan" Jan. 10 at 9 p.m. ET. That will come a couple weeks ahead of the premiere of "Battlestar Galactica's" spinoff prequel show "Caprica" on Jan. 22 when the cabler airs a slightly modified version of the pilot that has been circulating around DVDs and online since the beginning of the year.

The second episode of "Caprica," however, will air Jan. 29 at 9 p.m. ET and is called "Rebirth." According to liner notes released by Syfy, Zoe (Alessandra Torresani) struggles with being trapped in the robot while grief and pressure mount on the Adamas and the Graystones. Joseph (Esai Morales) makes a decision that drives him to confront Daniel (Eric Stoltz), and Amanda (Paula Malcomson) makes a shocking public confession.

Syfy also will air the mid-season finale of "Sanctuary" in January, beginning with "Haunted" Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. ET, and then the two-parter "Kali" in a special two-hour broadcast that will begin at an earlier 9 p.m. on Jan. 15.

Finally, Syfy will air two original movies in January called "Meteor Storm" with "Battlestar Galactica's" Michael Trucco and "Flash Gordon's" Eric Johnson on Jan. 30, and "House of Bones" with former "Stargate SG-1" actor Corin Nemec and "Angel" co-star Charisma Carpenter on Jan. 16. Both movies start at 9 p.m. ET. -- [Airlock Alpha]