The Gilmore Girls and Other TV Alternatives

[BBOvenGuy]

Okay, I finally got to see this week's Birds of Prey last night. Lots of good stuff, but also some things that are starting to irk me.



The show's syle of abrupt scene changes and those "swooping through Gotham" shots don't really work for me. I like a lot smoother narrative flow. Granted, that might just be a reflection of how old I am. I was hoping they'd smooth things out after a few episodes, but I guess it's just the style they're shooting for. It's not to my taste, but the show is still worth watching. Ditto for the "Afterschool Special" moments on the outside of the clock tower every week.



It seems to me like every series that I like has a "we're not kidding around here, folks" moment sometime during its first season. Buffy had two of them - when Principal Flutie got killed and when Willow found all the dead kids in the A/V room during "Prophecy Girl." Birds of Prey almost had such a moment last night when the surveillance van was blown up, but they backed away from it and let Reese's partner live. Again, this is just my opinion and it's not enough to make me stop watching the show, but it's something I felt was worth noting.



On the plus side, I really like what they're doing with Barbara. I've always liked Batgirl, and I think they've done a good job with Barbara's transition from Batgirl to Oracle. Plus there's the fact that of the three "hot chicks" on the show, the one in the wheelchair gets the best sex life. NOW should be pleased.



So, I guess the bottom line for me is - Birds of Prey is still a show worth watching, but I'm still waiting for it to develop in certain ways. I think it still has some growing up to do.

------------------------------------------------
"A man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. - Thomas Merton

Edited by: BBOvenGuy  at: 11/15/02 7:05:34 pm

[Anne860]

Well, I was over at Zap2it.com, checking out the ratings for last week (for reasons that I'm not allowed to talk about on this forum), and I noticed that last week the Gilmore Girls was third in it's time slot, handily beating out the programming of bigger network Fox, which was fourth. (Guess which network came in dead last. Go on, guess. : --> ) I'm not sure, but I think this is a new development. Last year GG was ranked a solid fourth most of the time.



I think this is going to be the year that The Gilmore Girls really gets to shine. Thanks to a combination of good writing, good acting, positive buzz, and lack of decent competition this show has been catapulted into the limelight it deserves.



As for Birds of Prey: I think it's at a transition point where the writers aren't sure what direction to take. They may want to make the show more dramatic, but are afraid of losing their audience. Which I understand, but in the long run I think taking a chance and going for a more serious (if comic book like) tone would work best for the show. The finest Batman stories were the dark ones, like the Dark Knight Returns. I think the show has an oppurtunity to really explore some dark themes and do it well. (Insert snarky comment about other shows here.) It's set in Gotham City, which is the ultimate film noir setting after all.

"Seven Wonders crowed the man, knowing six are gone, and how the great illusion lingers on. -- Seven Wonders, by Nickel Creek

Edited by: Anne860 at: 11/16/02 2:39:36 am

[Dave V]

I find myself re-watching my taped Gilmore Girls eps with friends, something that I used to do with Buffy. How times have changed.



Anne860, I really like The Dark Knight, and its recent sequel. A more serious yet comic-book like tone for BoP IS possible. The Batman animated series (and its many incarnations) is a great mix of noirish themes and 4-colour comic book atmosphere. I hope BoP goes in that direction. BTW, Hilary Bader, who won Emmys for her writing on the Batman and Batman Beyond animated series, died of cancer on Nov 7.



Bob, Barbara is my favourite character on the show. Though she's the one in the wheelchair, she re-made herself into the mistress of all knowledge, she still sets a mean pace for Dinah when they practice stick-fighting, and she's still a hottie. Here's hoping that Helena's and Dinah's characters get fuller treatment in the future.

[justastraightdog]

I think this is going to be the year that The Gilmore Girls really gets to shine.



Oh yes! Variety/Yahoo had this on 2002-11-15:

Quote:

---

Most responsible for the growth [of The WB] is the Tuesday combo of "Gilmore Girls" and "Smallville," which is up about 30% year-to-year. On Tuesday of this week, "Gilmore" set all-time series highs in persons 12-34 (4.0/ 12) and several other categories.

---

Persons 12-34 is the key demographic, especially for the smaller networks like WB and UPN (which cannot compete with NBC, ABC and CBS in total viewers). Advertisers will fight for every second on Gilmore Girls now and after the sweeps The WB may make about half a million or more dollars more per episode. So the smiles on the faces of the WB execs are shining as much as the Gilmore Girls themselves. Especially because... but that's OT here. Though, the word Kuckucksei comes to my mind.



OTOH the news for Birds of Prey aren't that good. Last week's episode was a series low in ratings and it's therefore still on the fence. It's not only that "the writers aren't sure what direction to take", the viewers aren't shure if they want to stick with the show, too. Unfortunately it's not a good time for "dark" fantasy/scifi shows on network tv, so maybe it's better to go on a lighter way. And to move BoP to Sunday, 9pm, to take advantage of a good lead-in and to replace a show that drops like a stone right now.



Oh, yeah, translations... Kuckucksei (cuckoo's egg), here short for jm. ein Kuckucksei ins Nest legen (to land s.o. with a troublesome child).

_______________________________
Gib deine Hand, du schön und zart Gebild, Bin Freund und komme nicht zu strafen.
Sei gutes Muts! Ich bin nicht wild, Sollst sanft in meinen Armen schlafen. --- Matthias Claudius

[BBOvenGuy]

So, just when you thought they'd run out of new twists to throw into the Phoebe/Cole storyline, we get a new twist to the Phoebe/Cole storyline.



And an interesting one, too - Cole can't be good, doesn't want to be evil, can't be killed, and there are these two "Avatars" who say they're beyond good and evil trying to recruit him. Buffy has certainly never done anything like that.



I guess we'll be into rerun season after The Wizard of Oz. Maybe that'll give some folks who are new to the show a chance to catch up.

------------------------------------------------
"A man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. - Thomas Merton

[circular reference]

hee hee... that was funny...



We are Charmed watchers, too... and have been most disappointed with the endless monotony that is the Phoebe/Cole story arc. We actually thought things couldn't get any worse after they killed off Prue and substituted their 1/2 of a sister, Paige into the mix. I mean, the WHOLE POINT OF THE SHOW was The Power of 3, right? EEK. Now, 2 & 1/2 is just not enough. Paige is a dweeb. Phoebe is always whining. And Piper is going through the fastest, most uncomplicated pg in the history of the world.



I think what they need is NotWillow. She could liven it up a bit. Throw around a few dishes and possibly pay a visit to The NotSource (which has already been vanquished in and of himself how many times & in how many forms now???)...



And now we are waiting for the next Source and in the meantime, the little characters discuss the NotSource (or some may refer to him as The Source That Still Must Be Chosen Because We Have No More Ideas for Enemies of The Charmed Ones 'Cause We Shot Ourselves in the Feet by Making them Battle THE SOURCE OF ALL EVIL already... Afterall, what Else Can Battle Them After THAT??).



YIKES.



The monotony. Someone save me.



At least I still have my Smallville & CSI. TG for small favors.

--CR

Willow and Tara Forever.

[DestruktorMel]

Well, I keep reading that insiders are saying that Birds of Prey won't get picked up. I think that's a shame, because the show does have the potential to be very good. But, I also know that the WB loves Chad Michael Murray, who has been on both Gilmore Girls and Dawsons Creek. I am assuming his show, The Lone Ranger, would replace Birds of Prey. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it doesn't look good...

Edited by: DestruktorMel at: 11/18/02 10:31:56 pm

[Italiangirl]

I've been hearing the same buzz all weekend, and I hate it. I think the show still has quite a few kinks to work out, but it has the potential to be really good with time. I would really like to see the WB commit to it for at least one entire season, and see where it goes.



As a result, I've gone over to the Save BOP site and done my part, and I would like to encourage other kitten who are BOP watchers to do the same. The site is www.birdsofpreyonline.com and you can sign and online petition, download some buttons to put on your individual sites, participate in an e-mail campaign, or write letters to the network.



I think this show is, at this moment, better than the shipwreck that is Dawson's Creek, as well as several of their crummy little sitcoms, and deserves to be picked up. I hope other fans like myself do what they can to help the cause.



Edited to add: Over at Gothamclocktower.com they have posted that they have 100% confirmation that TV Guide is doing a Multiple Cover Spread/article on BOP for the week of December 4. If this is true, would the WB networks really pull the show before the covers air? Ummm...that would besomething of a debaucle, yes? Or does the TV Guide just have a backup cover planned? I'm not really sure how all of that works. If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!



Also edited to remove stupid EZCode signature drama, but Warduke beat me to it...thanks Warduke! =)

Edited by: Italiangirl  at: 11/18/02 10:51:48 pm

[TyRex316]

WB also has a 'Young MacGuyver' show in the works. I'd also heard about the Lone Ranger show.Going to be whole revamping of the series,though the only thing i've heard is,Tanto will be female. Too bad about 'BOP' but no Cassandra Cain, not surprised.

[BytrSuite]

That really sucks about BoP. No, it wasn't a great show but it was entertaining. Stupid WB.



The last Gilmore Girls ep was really entertaining. I love Paris. And Sunday night had the GG ep where the Bangles guest-played. That is one of my favorite episodes. Good music and plenty of Paris. Sigh.

————––
It's the first time that you held my hand
It's the smell and the taste and the fear and the thrill

It's everything I understand /
And all the things I never will

[Garner]

Bob, I was also very impressed with the idea that Cole would end up in a third choice rather than good or evil. This is the sort of unexpected direction shift that still makes sense that Buffy used to be able to pull, but now can't. I will admit to having disliked Phoebe's abrupt change of mind to Cole being evil and thus not worth loving anymore. That seems like a radical shift from last season and one that I don't particularly enjoy. On the other hand, maybe she is just tired of the emotional strain. I have liked Charmed more since Prue has left than before. Leo and Cole have both played a larger role, the powers have been kept consistent and interesting, the girls still triumph together despite their various differences, and this year I am liking Paige more and more. To me it seems like stuff is at least happening each ep and it is not monotonous, that's Buffy and Angel so far. But we all look for different things.



For example Birds of Prey bugs the snot out of me. It is too much like marvel X-Men stuff than DC style Gotham. Gotham is all about normal humans being able to rise above themselves and their lack of powers and still be superheroes. In the comic Huntress is a normal! This meta-crap might as well just be replaced with "mutant" and it would be just like the X-Men or Mutant X. Which, by the by, I did like a lot better last season though this one has lacked in focus a bit. I like Shalimar quite a bit and unfortunately Huntress is a direct ripoff of her! Come on, even the eyes glow and the background snarl seems lifted from the ferals and Shalimar. I do like Barbara Gordon/Oracle, but the duaghter of Black Canary shouldn't be a mutant either. I don't know why they felt it necessary to go in this direction. It's too bad in my opinion as this could have been a lot better and different than what we already have on Mutant X. Besides, I really do like Shalimar!



Garner

[willntlover]

Did anyone else watch? I absolutely loved it when Lorlai's mom made her dirnk the coffee outside the window. I was cracking up



-Will



*sig can't be more than 3 lines

Edited by: Warduke at: 11/19/02 8:10:02 pm

[LadyBrymstone]

That cracked me up, too! More because I have a brother who will not let anyone enter his car with food or drink...if you have it, you must finish it or put it in a container before you get in his car.



I loved the beginning of the show, trying to get to Luke's...wanting to use the power of their minds to will the diner closer to them. lol.

~LadyB~
"Yeah, now Santa's gonna pass you right by, you naughty boozehound."
-----
"I'm bored...I might as well do something mindless and unproductive."

[BBOvenGuy]

I thought tonight's episode was the best of the season so far. Maybe one of the best ever. Even now, when I watch Gilmore Girls there's always some part of me that thinks I should be trying extra hard to enjoy it so I won't think about the fact that I'm missing Buffy. Tonight the episode was over before I realized that I hadn't had to do that - or before I even remembered that I'd missed Buffy, for that matter.



This episode was all about characterization and subtlety, two things that Buffy has forgotten how to do. Let me count the ways - Rory and Jess's awkwardness around each other, Luke and Lorelai switching attitudes once it became clear that Rory and Jess were actually getting together, the identical angry looks on all three Gilmore women's faces when Richard sprang the surprise interview on them - and the three completely different reasons for being angry. Plus I think they might actually have been at Yale. I read that they'd gotten permission to film there, and it sure didn't look like UCLA.



There were some attitudes that you didn't always find in a TV show, either. I loved Lorelai's bit about how she hadn't expected Rory to be with Dean forever and wasn't expecting her to be with Jess forever either. On TV it seems like teen relationships are all about life and death and forever, but here it's not. The conversation between Rory and Dean was unusual, too - I only wish my post break-up conversations had been as nice.



And at the end, both Lorelai and Rory are looking at the Yale literature. Foreshadowing, your guide to quality entertainment...

------------------------------------------------
"A man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. - Thomas Merton

Edited by: BBOvenGuy  at: 11/19/02 9:17:48 pm

[willntlover]

hee hee I loved the opening bit also



Bob, I think your right it was one of the better ones this season. And again they are good about continuity.



i just plain love the show



-Will





*sig can't be more than 3 lines

Edited by: Warduke at: 11/20/02 8:01:44 am

[Italiangirl]

I agree with everyone, this week's installment was first rate. Things I loved:



1: They are Taking Their Time with the evolution of the Yale storyline. A snip here, a snip there, planting seeds. It makes me almost wish I didn't know the outcome so that I could be having fun with the speculation. Also, this episode brought out just how alike Rory and Lorelei are... each one reading the Yale pamphlet seperately in their room at the end. It reminded of me of the scene all the way back in the pilot where they have a little tiff and then shut themselves in their rooms and listen to the same Macy Gray cd to calm down. It's nice, IMHO, to have that consistancy brought up... like nomatter what is going on, some things, the heart of their characters, stay the same. I love it.



2. The confrontation with Edward at the Yale admissions office. Someone mentioned earlier how all three women had different reasons for being angry over it, and how well done the whole scene was executed. I couldn't agree more. Also, I liked that Lorelei was not the only one who got vocal about her anger. I think far too often Rory goes the path of least resistance with the older Gilmores just to keep the peace, and I'm glad she is not going to let Edward carry her into something she doesn't want for herself. At least not yet, wink wink. In addition, it was really nice to see Emily recognize how hurtful the situation was to both Rory and Lorelei, and call Edward out on it. It was a really subtle way of showing how much their relationship has evovled, that she can view that situation from someone else's point of view and empathize. Kelly Bishop is such a wonderful acting talent, and she brings so much depth to Emily's character. Plus, I always love it when the show explores L & R's strained relationship with the senior Gilmores.



3. Luke and Lorelei. Lorelei is really funny on her own, as is Luke, but together the two of them are hilarious. They have great chemistry and comedic timing, and remind me in some ways of the Odd Couple. The whole riff about the "kid code" cracked me up. I don't want to see them move into a relationship because that would underscore the romantic tension between them, but I really enjoy all of their scenes together.



The writers and producers of this show just get it, and I'm so glad. It's nice to have something to still look forward to on Tuesday nights.

[seurat]

Hmmm. It looks like I'm going to be the lonely voice of dissent this week as I didn't think this was one of the great GG episodes. Good enough certainly and with much to praise, but not the best. Some of my reaction may be due to overall bad-moodiness caused by the news of the week (kitties in hospital, tv shows cancelled etc) , so perhaps if I watch this episode again in a few weeks I might enjoy it more.

The things I did like have mostly been mentioned by others, so real quick...1. The continuity. Praise be the continuity. The banners for the dance marathon are being taken down as our heroines shuffle painfully down the street. There are consequences for what happened in last week's episode. A great opening. 2. The coffee in the car, only slightly diluted by the fact they showed it in the teaser for the episode. Hilarious. 3. Rory's standing up to her grandfather and the reminder that he is an overly controlling person, the character was in danger of becoming too nice.

I don't really have any complaints to make about the episode, it just seems obvious to me that it was designed to get us from A to B - that is, Harvard to Yale - and although that trip is necessary it didn't make this a favorite episode for me. Next week, however, looks amazing.

[BBOvenGuy]

Law & Order continues to have what I think is its best season in years. Last night's episode was fabulous - and another example of someone getting right what Buffy has done wrong. They took one of the regularly recurring defense attorneys, one who's been established as an old friend of Jack McCoy, and got her in trouble. For a while it looked like Jack would have to prosecute her for conspiracy to commit murder.



Now, unlike on Buffy, the defense attorney didn't turn evil and skin people. She was acting in character, doing what she thought was right, but the man she was defending used her to order someone else's murder. It was just the kind of story about interests and morals in conflict that make for good drama. Joss should have been watching and taking notes.



Plus Elisabeth Röhm's character had another good part, and even got to go undercover as a perky white supremacist. I don't know why the critics still pick on her.

------------------------------------------------
"A man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. - Thomas Merton

[disey6821]

I miss yet another episode of Birds of Prey and then read the following on comics continuum:



The WB is canceling the Birds of Prey television series, according to a story from The Hollywood Reporter.



Citing unnamed sources, The Hollywood Reporter's story said the plug was pulled on the show on Monday. Network representatives, who wouldn't confirm online reports of a pick-up last week, weren't immediately available for comment.



The WB had an initial 13-episode commitment for Birds of Prey, which started strongly in the ratings but has sagged in recent weeks. According to The Hollywood Reporter, there was also a "behind-the-scenes shuffle among the creative team."



Production on the "Nature of the Beast" episode of Birds of Prey was taking place this week, with "Gladiatrix" next in line.



According to a source, no scripts have been readied beyond "Gladiatrix."



DC Comics, which continues to publish an ongoing Birds of Prey comic, also recently announced a special new comic to tie in with the show, similar to its Smallville comic.



I hope that it may get picked up in syndication if the WB is going to pass on it. The show seems like it's finally starting to get interesting especially in the coming weeks, especially next week's episode where Batgirl returns!



diana

[seurat]

Yes, I read the depressing news about Birds Of Prey on Tuesday. Still haven't seen anything official from the Witless Blunderers Network (my current pet name for the idiots, feel free to come up with something nastier) but I suspect they're just waiting until after next weeks two- hour back to back episodes night to lower the boom.

Meanwhile, I did see last's nights episode and really enjoyed it. Huntress was the star this week, which is always fine by me. I loved the exchange between her and Reese about the names of the heroes - Darkstrike, this weeks guest meta-human, is called that because he strikes...after dark. And Harley is about to find out where Huntress hangs her capes. Next week we get to see Barbara in her Batgirl costume. And then the show will probably be over. Grumble, Grrr.

[Italiangirl]

...or perhaps not.



I am a member of the Birds_Of_Prey_Slash_Fic group (which has been producing some great stuff), and we were talking on the list about how curious it was that several outside "unnamed" sources have confirmed the cancellation, with no word from the WB yet. Also curious is that in the same articles that talk about the cancellation, sources report a "behind the scenes shuffle." Why get with the shuffling if the show is over? The show has had lousy ratings the last two weeks, this week the worst of all, but has had to compete with the final two-hour long finale special of The Bachelor, and the Victoria Secret special, and West Wing.



Next week is the big Batgirl episode, they are already doing more promos than usual, so I am thinking this whole "cancellation" business is an intentional insider leak designed to generate more viewers/buzz for the coming eps, allowing the show to continue. Otherwise, why haven't they made the official announcement, and why get with the two hour "event" next week and reshow the pilot?



I think this show still has miles to go before it can be considered one of the greats, but I do find it entertaining and think it has potential. I don't want it to get cancelled, and maybe there's still hope. I'm holding out my grumbles until I get the official statement from the WB.



EDITED TO ADD: Just in case anyone is looking around for a little Birds of Prey Slashy Goodness here are a few links. The Birds of Prey slash archive can be located at:

bopslash.mirrorz.com/ Apologies if I already posted this link, but I'm finding myself currently on a BOP slash bender, and thought I'd share the wealth, lol. (Plus I had to really poke around for a BOP slash site, but they do exist!) This site is slowly getting more fics...there are a ton on the Yahoo Group and it takes awhile to upload and update, so keep checking. Some of the stuff is really great.



Also there are a few really nice ensemble and individual cast photos here: www.doing-the-impossible..../base.html This site is not a slash specific site, but did I mention the photos...there's fishnets...there's leather...there's stilletto...and not just on Huntress, either...heh heh heh. Seriously, I'm not sure who runs the site, but whomever it is did a really fantastic job tracking down some more obscure pics of the cast members and group. I recommend checking it out. It also has eppy info and news.

Edited by: Italiangirl  at: 11/21/02 5:35:29 pm

[emma peel]

Has anyone seen this show? It's kinda goofy,loopy fun that doesn't take itself too seriously. I'm not really up on the premise, but I think some nerdy government type guy gets these 3 gorgeous women out of prison to become spies for him. One of the women is Natasha Henstridge, from the film Species.

It's on at some godawful early morning time in syndication, but I noticed on ain't it cool news that Claudia Christian and Julie Benz were co-starring this week. Could be interesting.

www.aintitcoolnews.com/di...i?id=13882

Also, for giggles and grins you can go check out the She Spies website:www.shespies.com

The show is kind of a guilty pleasure for me any time I'm up that late/early to catch it.

Janice

[Ben Varkentine]

I saw the pilot of this and thought it was promising, but didn't think to watch it ever again. However, Ivanova and Darla guest-starring at the same time might be anough to get me to watch at least another episode...thanks for the tip.



Edited to say well, I watched it...and the opinion I formed after watching the pilot seems to hold true: Promising, but not quite there. I have a feeling the scripts might be a little bit better than the actors, especially when it comes to playing comedy--a lot of time I'd hear a line a dialogue and think to myself, there's ways to bring so much more funny to that than the way they said it...



However, Julie Benz looked really, realy good and spent like half the episode half-dressed, so who am I to complain about a little eye candy? Plus, always nice to see Claudia "I'm gonna leave this show and become a big star" Christian working...

Ben Varkentine



Sig quote pulled for research and development

Edited by: Ben Varkentine at: 11/24/02 10:58:17 am

[Webberific]

BBOvenGuy wrote:

Plus I think they might actually have been at Yale. I read that they'd gotten permission to film there, and it sure didn't look like UCLA.



Actually Bob I was puzzled about it too, because I'd also read that they'd gotten permission to film at Yale. But I was very surprised when watching the episode last week...I immediately recognized the Pomona College (of the Claremont Colleges) campus, a place where I used to spend some time. I checked the Pomona website and sure enough, there's a mention of it as well as a still of the Gilmore clan.



So maybe the real Yale will show up in a future episode, since it wasn't in last week's?

Edited by: Webberific at: 11/23/02 10:46:06 pm

[Dave V]

Italiangirl, thanks for the links, especially the last one. Great content.

[justastraightdog]

Well, now Birds of Prey is officially cancelled:



(from zap2it)



-----



After debuting to an audience of more than 7 million, female-superhero series "Birds of Prey" has steadily lost viewers since then, falling to an average of about 5 million for the season. However, the network was encouraged by the young male viewers the show was able to draw in the face of competition from "The Bachelor" and "Fastlane."



"We believe 'Birds of Prey' proved there's a fantasy audience there and a male audience there," WB Entertainment president Jordan Levin says.



The problem, Levin says, was that they failed to find a "strong writing showrunner" who worked well with creator Laeta Kalogridis, a feature-film writer ("Tomb Raider" ) making her first foray into television.



"We think we can attribute the erosion of 'Birds of Prey,' quite frankly, to a failure of execution," he says. "We think we had a very strong concept and just failed to execute it, and audiences abandoned the show as a result."



-----



And you better stay away from the Wed., 9pm slot at The WB, starting mid January. Really. There is nothing worth watching.

_______________________________
Gib deine Hand, du schön und zart Gebild, Bin Freund und komme nicht zu strafen.
Sei gutes Muts! Ich bin nicht wild, Sollst sanft in meinen Armen schlafen. --- Matthias Claudius

[BBOvenGuy]

Quote:

---

The problem, Levin says, was that they failed to find a "strong writing showrunner" who worked well with creator Laeta Kalogridis, a feature-film writer ("Tomb Raider" ) making her first foray into television.



"We think we can attribute the erosion of 'Birds of Prey,' quite frankly, to a failure of execution," he says. "We think we had a very strong concept and just failed to execute it, and audiences abandoned the show as a result."

---

I actually think this is a fair assessment. Several of us here have been making comments about how the show was still working out its rough spots and figuring itself out. What we didn't know was that apparently there wasn't a working combination of people behind the scenes to make that figuring out process work.



Ah well... I actually find UPN's Twilight Zone remake to be watchable. It ain't Rod Serling by a long shot, but it's watchable.

------------------------------------------------
"A man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. - Thomas Merton

[seurat]

The only thing that surprises me about this is the timing.

As Itiliangirl has mentioned, it seems stupid beyond mortal understanding to announce it this week, with the double episode airing and the TV Guide cover coming out. But then the stupidity of tv network executives is legendary. It may well be a fair assessment that the show needed work, I don't think any of us here would have said that it was great, or even particularly good. But it was fun, it had potential and I was enjoying it more than any other new show this season. My guess is that the decision to killl it rather than put it on the shelf to retool for a couple of months is based on the WB's wanting to try other shows in that timeslot. Good luck to them with that, there is no chance I'll even consider watching any show they use as a replacement, simply on a point of principle. I doubt that I'll be missing much.

If they didn't have the Gilmore GIrls I wouldn't need to watch the network at all, altho I might give Charmed another try when they bright it back.

[BBOvenGuy]

When a show's creative braintrust comes unglued, it can be a really ugly scene. And depending on the nature of the contracts and the size of the egos, it can become a really expensive scene, too. Perhaps so expensive that it makes more business sense just to write the series off.



I'm not saying that's what happened with Birds of Prey. We don't know exactly what happened, and I doubt we ever will. I'm just not as willing to start condemning the WB over it without hearing the whole story. As we've seen in the case of Buffy, when a show's creator starts giving you trouble, sometimes walking away is the right thing to do. The WB has already shown that they understand that principle.



And from what I've heard, no you don't want to be watching what the WB puts in that time slot next.

------------------------------------------------
"A man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. - Thomas Merton

[seurat]

Reasonably argued as always, Bob, and no doubt in time i'll forgive them. They're no worse than the other networks, and I'd like to have some tv to watch. They sure don't make it easy though, do they?

My apologies for the typo in my earlier rant, I was of course trying to write "bring" and ended up with "bright" and couldn't figure out how to edit after it was sent. I blame the paint fumes. (Altho if I could figure out a way to blame the WB in my current mood I probably would.)