AirLockAlpha.com

Sure, Thursday's episode of "Fringe" wasn't exactly on everyone's television schedule with the World Series wrapping up a bit early, but even the show's lowest ratings ever isn't fazing one of its creators.

That's because he's J.J. Abrams.

"The mood on set and in the writers' room is as good as the ratings are bad, which is to say, wonderful," Abrams told Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello. "Luckily, Fox has been insanely supportive, for which we are deeply grateful."

"Fringe" has averaged a 3.8 rating/6 share in Fast National overnight ratings from The Nielsen Co., finishing well behind its freshman season. It has been clobbered, as expected, by some of the strongest programming offered by other networks: "CSI" on CBS and "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC.

"Given that we're on one of the hardest [nights] on television, we're just focusing on making the best show we possibly can," Abrams said. "What else can we do?"

"Fringe" airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox. -- [Entertainment Weekly]

'Eastwick' burned at stake: It might have seemed a little bit like witches on Wisteria Lane, but fans of "Eastwick" won't be able to enjoy the show much longer.

ABC decided to cancel the show after seven episodes Monday, allowing its last six to finish production before the show leaves forever, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Eastwick" averaged a 3.9 rating/7 share in Fast National overnight ratings from The Nielsen Co., while "The Forgotten" earned a 5.3/9.

This wasn't the first attempt to bring "Eastwick," which is based on a story by John Updike, to screen. The original 1987 film "Witches of Eastwick" starred Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jack Nicholson. A pilot was made in 1992 that starred Ally Walker, Julia Campbell, Catherine Mary Stewart and Michael Siberry. And a second pilot was made in 2002 starring Kelly Rutherford, Marcia Cross, Lori Loughlin and James O'Mara.

Neither pilot was picked up.

"Eastwick" airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. -- [Inside Blip]

Having Starbuck on BBT: If you're a genre fan and you're not watching "Big Bang Theory" on CBS, then there's something wrong with you. Seriously, something very wrong about you.

If you've been looking for an excuse to tune in, then you'll get it just in time for Thanksgiving.

Katee Sackhoff, who is probably best known as Starbuck in the Syfy series "Battlestar Galactica," will make a cameo in a very interesting bathtub scene with Wolowitz (Simon Helberg). Apparently, Wolowitz doesn't want to ruin his chances with Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), so he turns to the super fighter pilot/angel for some advice.

But is Starbuck really the woman you want to get advice from? She ended up pretty much single and alone. And dead.

"Big Bang Theory" airs Mondays at 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS. -- [Airlock Alpha]

Launch date set for Star Trek Online: Getting tired of World of Warcraft, EverQuest II and Aion? Are you impressed that I knew the names of three massively multiplayer online role playing games, or at least impressed that I knew what an MMORPG is?

In any event, there will be a new game for everyone to play beginning Feb. 2 because that's when Atari, Cryptic and CBS Studios Inc. plan on finally releasing the long-in-development Star Trek Online.

"We're happy to share with you Star Trek Online's official release date," said a poster named Rekhan on the game's official site. "Mark your calendars, and we'll see you in 2010."

Star Trek Online will launch Feb. 2 in the United States, and Feb. 5 in Europe. There is no talk yet on a game release in other parts of the country.

I'd try to explain the game, but let me leave it to the experts:

"Star Trek Online will be the first ... to feature space and ground combat at launch," according to the official Web site. "Missions will take you and your friends into the depth of space, across exotic planets, and even inside spaceships. As the captain of your very own ship, it's up to you to lead your crew on missions that span a number of locations. You call the shots, no matter where you are."

You also have a chance to lead away teams, "interacting with allies and battling enemies. Every captain commands five subordinates on the ground, all of which can be directed to act in any manner you choose."

We still haven't seen anything on pricing yet (maybe we're just missing it?), but we know we'll be playing this game. We just hope it can play on the Commodore 64 ... -- [Star Trek Online]

Michael Trucco has a new gig: You knew him as Anders (and a Cylon) in "Battlestar Galactica," but now you may have a chance to see him on another cable channel show -- that is if it gets past the pilot stage.

Michael Trucco has joined "How I Met Your Mother's" Virginia Williams and Sarah Shahi in the pilot for "Facing Kate" for USA Network.

Shahi plays Kate, a divorced San Francisco lawyer who quits to become a mediator instead. Williams will play Kate's stepmother while Trucco will play her ex-husband, who also will be an attorney.

Of course, it's way too early to know if USA will pick up the show or not, as they haven't even begun to film the pilot. Hey, we're not psychic! -- [The Hollywood Reporter]

'Sanctuary' crew launches charity: Amanda Tapping is not just a television star and producer, but she's also a very charitable woman, especially when it comes to children.

Using the success of her popular Syfy show "Sanctuary," Tapping has started a new organization called Sanctuary for Kids that will support local and international charities providing vital aid to children and youth in crisis.

The foundation, according to a release, will "harness the tremendous and supportive sci-fi community and provide access to rare and experience-based online auction items from 'Sanctuary' to raise funds for children's charities."

The first such auction will take place Nov. 12-22.

Sanctuary For Kids was founded by Tapping, Jill Bodie and "Sanctuary" creator Damian Kindler. Bodie is donating all of her time and resource costs as administrator for the foundation as a way to allow 100 percent of funds raised to go directly to charity. Tapping and Kindler are personally covering all administrative and startup costs.

"We all feel very lucky and honored to be able to do jobs we love with people we love in this industry," Tapping said in a release. "Jill, Damian and I all felt a very strong desire and real responsibility to do something with the reach and audience we have through 'Sanctuary' and the sci-fi community. We didn't want to waste the influence that the series has, or the meaningful connections we personally have made with so many people around the world."

Sanctuary For Kids has chosen the Nepal Orphans Home, and both Watari's Transitioning to Independence Program and Transitioning To Independence Program for Parenting Youth to launch the foundation.

For more information on Sanctuary For Kids, visit Sanctuary For Kids. -- [Airlock Alpha]

[LATE BREAKING] David Tennant does Graham Norton: BBC America fans will get a chance to hear what David Tennant, the outgoing star of "Doctor Who," has to say when he appears on "The Graham Norton Show" Nov. 14 at 10 p.m. ET.

According to a release from BBC, Tennant will talk about "his final days shooting as the 10th Doctor, if he has any scenes with the new Doctor, Matt Smith, and reveals if he'll be tuning in to the new season."

Looks like something to stay home and watch! -- [Airlock Alpha]

Comic-Con founder dies: And finally, some sad news to report in the world of conventions.

Sheldon Dorf, the founder of San Diego Comic-Con, has died of complications to diabetes last week. He was 76.

Comic-Con, which started 40 years before with just a few hundred people, would eventually grow into an event that attracts some 125,000 people annually. However, Dorf was never a big fan of the direction the convention took, especially with its broad strokes into other forms of entertainment. -- [Daily Finance]