Thursday Odds & Ends: Dark Shadows, Noah Wyle, and Seuss meets Picard

+ Johnny Depp has confirmed he'll be starring in a big-screen adaptation of the classically campy 1970s vampire soap opera "Dark Shadows." Shockingly, the project will be directed by Tim Burton.

+ The A.V. Club has an interesting discussion of the pros and cons of the Academy Awards now putting forth 10 best picture nominees rather than the traditional five. I'm hoping this means that mall cop movie will finally get the recognition it deserves.

+ There's really no suitable preface to this. It's simply called "If Dr. Seuss Wrote For Star Trek: The Next Generation." Very funny. Thanks to Luscious Pandora for linking to this on Twitter!

+ Noah Wyle of "ER" and the TNT "Librarian" movies will be taking on the starring role in Steven Spielberg's new TNT alien-invasion series. Cool!

+ And finally, nerdy wedding cake toppers. Some of these are really awesomely creative. Personally, I'm partial to the King Kong one and to the Stargate one.

News of the Day -- Friday, April 18

+ When I saw the EW headline "Titans Talk" I was hoping it was a Ray Harryhausen-style sequel to "Clash of the Titans." Imagine my disappointment when it only turned out to be an awesome interview with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas about Indiana Jones, special effects technology and much more. Still no blanket apology for ewoks, though.

+ Don't forget to watch John Oliver's stand-up special, "Terrifying Times," this Sunday on Comedy Central. Here's a little teaser:



He's funny and pretty.

+ Sci-Fi will be running tonight's new BSG episode, "The Ties That Bind," eight times today on their website starting at 9 a.m. EST (aka NOW!). This apparently might be the last time they do these preview showings, which means my Friday lunch hours are going to suck all over again.

+ Also, did you know that Angel's Amy Acker has been cast in a recurring role on Joss Whedon's new Dollhouse series? How'd I miss that one?