The Deathwatch thread for ME shows

[Sheridan]

I tend not to believe this unless someone can explain WHY? Why would WB renew an expensive low rating show? Why would they think adding a couple(at most) of the Buffy cast will boost numbers when it didn't work this season? Most importantly why would they trust Joss to deliver higher numbers whehn Angel clearly isn't his priority.

Willow: ...I have to tell you....

Tara: No, I understand you have to be with the person you l-love

Willow: I am

[sam7777]

Joss snookered Fox to run Firefly instead of Dark Angel. Maybe the WB really is that gullible. It's possible that it could be renewed and pulled at the last minute ala Dark Angel (possibly for one of the new series Tarzan, GG spin off, MacGyver) but I doubt it. DA was a pretty exceptional case.



I think that the WB is considering keeping Angel because one of it's new series is not ready (Tarzan and Jane, GG spin off, MacGyver) and they want to fill the hour slot on Sunday or Wednesday. This would put Angel back on the fence for midseason.



Frankly, I think that if the WB was going to cacell Angel for sure, it would have done so when it cancelled Sabrina (April 18, 2003). The thing that could still hose things up is Fox asking for too much money but no real evidence of this thus far.



ETA: Even Futon critic is now more optimistic about Angel:

www.thefutoncritic.com/cg...re&id=5893

Quote:

---

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 2:56 PM

'Angel's' Future Getting Brighter on the WB By Brian Ford Sullivan



CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- Things have been looking up as of late for the WB's struggling drama "Angel." Last week's episode was seen by 4.1 million viewers, its largest audience since moving to Wednesday nights three months ago. More importantly, that episode marked its best adults 18-49 numbers (2.3/6) since its season premiere and its best male demographics in more than two years.



Equally impressive has been "Angel's" recent ability to build on its lead-in audience. Since taking over the Wednesday, 9:00/8:00c slot in January the fourth-year drama has built on "Dawson's Creek's" numbers by 19% on average, including a cool one million viewers last week. That's a stark contrast from earlier this season when "Angel" was losing 17% of "Charmed's" lead-in on Sunday nights.



Nevertheless, "Angel's" Wednesday performance on average remains its least watched period to date. Through its dozen airings so far on Wednesday nights this season, the series is averaging 3.68 million viewers, down 11% from its seven fresh Sunday installments (4.13 million) earlier this season. Both runs are down 19% and 10% respectively from its first-run average of 4.55 million viewers last season where it aired Monday nights at 9:00/8:00c. And, not too surprisingly, all three periods fall behind its 2000-01 season first-run average of 4.79 million viewers when it followed "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" on Tuesday nights.



Look for the WB to officially decide "Angel's" fate on Monday, May 12 when the network announces its fall 2003 schedule at its annual upfront presentation in New York City.

---

I've noticed that strong 18-49 numbers and a consistent national rating is enough for renewal. Looks like Angel is here to stay unless it's nationals start to drop again which I doubt with all the buzz for it's being on the fence. In addtion, this shows that Angel's ratings are not linked to Buffy. Buffy remains at a 2.3 national and poor 18-49 number compared to Angel. It doesn't look like fan anger over Buffy is impacting Angel (at least not any longer).



Dave: Agree. Angel ended for me last season.

_____________________

I see dead lesbian cliches

Edited by: sam7777  at: 4/24/03 9:46:22 am

[Munchkin]

This possibility of Angel's renewal does disappoint me, but even if it happens it will only be ridiculously easy for me not to watch if it's still on. I know that there have been many shows I used to watch but had already given up on long before their demise ("The X-Files"), and even some of them are still on ("ER", "NYPD Blew").



On the other hand, I definitely remember two shows whose ultimate fates weren't announced until their seasons were finished airing in May and up until then were still overhyped with all this "optimism" about their big plans for revamping them. They were Newsradio and Homicide: Life on the Street, both in 1999. But in hindsight, the first one was a definite goner for the most obvious reason (Phil Hartman's sudden death the year before), so the general consensus now is that it never should've been renewed in the first place.



So remembering what those formerly groundbreaking, critically acclaimed, and funny series went through gives me hope that Angel will not be "special" enough to merit any 11th hour renewal. At least, I hope that the WB won't be so gullible enough to buy JW's con-man's song-and-dance routine to make that happen. I mean, Newsradio & Homicide were both on a major network like NBC, so if they saw fit to drop them both with the poor ratings they had near the end, then why should a lesser network like the WB bother with a money-drain like Angel now?

________



Dave C.

Edited by: Munchkin at: 4/23/03 6:47:58 pm

[alia]

I just don't think I can take it if angel continues. This man does not deserve any shows to be on the air. He has shown his lack of concern for *any* of his fans in multiple ways Since all this went down with buffy I have been completely unable to watch any of the other shows i used to enjoy. My disappointment is that extreme. I don't want to risk becoming fond of *any* character of any kind, and that is sad.



Alia

[Ben Varkentine]

Two things. First, on tonight's Family Channel rerun of Who's Line Is It Anyway, Drew Carey introduced the show as being the one where "..the points don't matter. That's right, the points are just like the future of UPN. Who cares?" Made me smile.



Second, I'm not prepared never to like a show again just because Buffy turned to crap--and I'm even willing to believe many of the same people who made it so good in the first place (and then helped turn it bad) can do good work again. Ookay, maybe not Jane E.



Yes, I believe Whedon made a Faustian deal to prolong the show and hurt it, blah blah blah we all know that. But I differ from some of you in that I'm not willing to throw out five years of good work for two years of bad.



I understand the bitterness but I just don't share it to that extent.

Ben



"Any frontal attack on ignorance is bound to fail because the masses are always

ready to defend their most precious possession."

[helpful information perha]

From The Plain Dealer

www.cleveland.com/enterta...254880.xml





'Buffy,' 'Angel' stars to meet area fans at horror convention



04/24/03



Julie E. Washington

Plain Dealer Reporter





Classic Hollywood story: Young TV actor quits his day job, only to discover his character's death written into next week's script.



It happened just about that way to Andy Hallett, who plays the flashy-dressing, green-faced, karaoke-singing demon Lorne on the WB's "Angel." While reading the last line of a cliffhanger script, he learned that Lorne's severed head would be revealed on a silver platter.



Hallett was near tears until the phone rang. It was a producer with the news that demons' heads are easily regrown. No worries.



That's one of the perks of the "Angel" universe, where magical incantations, vampire births and library books that are portals to violent parallel dimensions are everyday stuff.



Hallett appears at the Vulkon horror convention tomorrow through Sunday at the Holiday Inn Independence. He will do a question-and-answer presentation at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, as well as sign autographs.



James Marsters, who plays the sexy vampire Spike on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," will also appear at Vulkon. Other Vulkon guests include James C. Leary, Robin Atkin Downes and Iyari Limon, all from "Buffy."



David Boreanaz stars as a vampire with a soul, Angel, who seeks redemption by defending the innocent against the dark underworld of Los Angeles.



He operates Angel Investigations with help from Wesley Wyndham-Pryce (Alexis Denisof); Angel's troubled teenage son, Connor (Vincent Kartheiser); "Buffy" refugee Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter); streetwise Gunn (J. August Richards ); and an adorable girl called Fred (Amy Acker).



"Angel" airs at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on WBNX channel 55.



Lorne, played by Hallett, began as a secondary character who was supposed to appear only in a handful of episodes. Lorne ran a nightclub called Caritas, where he read customers' minds when they sang karaoke.



Caritas was supposed to be a no-fire zone for humans and demons. But somehow the peace spell was breached, Caritas blew up and Lorne moved into Angel's hotel.



Series co-creator and executive producer Joss Whedon asked his friend Hallett to audition for the role of Lorne. Hallett and Whedon liked to visit a "dirty, old scandalous" karaoke bar in Hollywood that sounds suspiciously like Caritas.



Hallett, 27, joined the cast during the second season. Unsure about how the character would be received, Hallett kept his day job as a personal assistant for an entire season.



Hallett did 52 episodes as a guest star before being promoted to a full cast member earlier this season. "That was a complete surprise," he said.



He delights in the flashy suits he wears on the show and the opportunities to sing. But the demon makeup is another matter. Hallett undergoes a three-hour procedure to attach a thin, delicate prosthetic face over his own. Sitting still is the hardest part for the fidgety actor.



Cast and crew wrapped the season finale last week and are still waiting to hear whether the show will be renewed. Hallett hopes that "Angel," which is a "Buffy" spinoff, will inherit "Buffy" viewers when that show ends this season.



Hallett sang while growing up in Osterville, Mass., but stopped while in high school because of negative peer pressure. His secret passion for performing still burned.



That passion could no longer be contained after Patti LaBelle invited Hallett on stage to sing "Lady Marmalade" with her in concert. Afterward, strangers bought him drinks and snapped his picture. "It was really a life-changing experience," he said.



After college graduation from Assumption College in Worcester, Mass., in 1997, Hallett struck out for Los Angeles. "Angel" is his first major acting role.



Only in the last six months has Hallett felt comfortable telling people that he's an actor. When people asked where he worked, he'd make up the name of an architectural firm.



"I would lie, because no one would know me anyway," he said, laughing. "My grandmother convinced me to be proud of what I do."

[kajo 2000]

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:



Tuned In: Beginning of the end

Thursday, April 24, 2003

By Rob Owen, TV Editor



So long, farewell and amen.



That was the title of the last episode of "M*A*S*H," and it's a sentiment that echoes every spring as viewers say adieu to favorite long-running television series that bow out.



Among this year's departures, CBS's "Touched by an Angel," UPN's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and The WB's "Dawson's Creek" may not appear to have much in common, but each proved to be a seminal series for its genre or network or both.



Not all attitudes about religion have changed, of course. In the last arc of its final season, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is pitted against an evil Southern preacher.



In the past, Buffy fought a beau-turned-adversary, an adversary-turned-beau and the pall of death itself, all the while saving the world. A lot.



In its season-two heyday, "Buffy" emphasized girl power, friendship and the consequences of one's actions. The show blended humor, drama, action and emotions effortlessly and so smartly that it became a popular series for study in academia.



"The one thing that really jazzes me in TV is change," said Joss Whedon, the show's creator who wrote and directed the one-hour May 20 series ender. "Shows that really affected me, besides 'Masterpiece Theatre,' was stuff like 'Hill Street Blues.' I love seeing [characters] you know do things you don't expect them to do. TV is so much about the same, the comfort of knowing what you're going to get ... and I knew I didn't want Buffy to stay static."



"Buffy" could never be accused of that. Though its recent two seasons have disappointed, it never fell as far from the grace of fans as, say, "The X-Files," which stayed on the air at least two seasons too long. "Buffy's" seven-season legacy is assured by the quality of its early years, especially when the characters were in high school.



"The second season always stands out for me," Whedon said in a teleconference with reporters earlier this week. "It was the first time we, as a writing team, realized what we were capable of. It taught us what the show would be. ... We were trying to tell epic, timeless stories on a small emotional scale."



Although "Buffy" never rose beyond cult status during its run on The WB and now UPN, Whedon said its pop culture impact was greater than the ratings would attest.



"The character, as a concept, has affected the way people think about heroines and heroes and who can front a show and what boys will watch," Whedon said. He promises next month's finale was written with fans in mind as it continues to explore the theme of Buffy's power. "It deals specifically with how she decides to use that power and what she thinks of it and what it's really for."



Locally, fans of "Buffy" can gather to watch the final episodes at Rumshakers, 1224 E. Carson St., South Side. Rumshakers is holding "Buffy Nights" on Tuesdays, including special activities on May 20, the night of the series finale.



Whedon said he expects "Buffy" spin-off "Angel" to be renewed by The WB next month. Talk of another "Buffy" spin-off, the long-discussed animated series or a series about Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), has cooled.



"Everything is pretty much in limbo," he said, adding he needs a break from the grind of overseeing multiple series.



Whedon said some of the "Buffy" characters may turn up on "Angel," though nothing is set in stone about whether they would visit or join the cast. And a return to Sunnydale - either for a new series or a movie - is not out of the question.



"We do not destroy the entire fabric of this universe at the end of the last episode, and some people even live, so there's definitely an open door [for more stories]," Whedon said.



He also promised Buffy's mood - sour and snappish of late - will improve or at least be explained, "assuming she lives."



Whedon's already killed his leading lady twice - will the third time knock her off for good?



"You never know," he said. "I love killing folk."

---------

"I want to be Byron... because I want to date young boys." Amber Benson

Edited by: kajo 2000 at: 4/24/03 10:01:23 am

[sam7777]

Quote:

---

Its okay to trust other writers. Just not those idiots at Mutant Enemy.

---

Bzengo: Agreed. I don't plan to really get into a new show but it's mostly due to disappointments with a series of shows: X-files, Xena and Trek and not just Buffy/Angel. I just don't want to watch a show for 7-9 seasons anymore and see crap at the end. This season, I finally saw the appeal of reality shows. They last for a finite number of episodes and have a beginning a middle and and end. I've gotten into anime the last 2 seasons and what I find I like about that is the many series have a limited run and I've found better character consistency.



Xena is a good example of how what happens in the last season of a show can make me (at least) want to stop watching even the old eps that I enjoyed. I can't really enjoy Xena anymore now that I know that she dies at the end. Another example, Is Anne McCaffrey's dragon rider books. I absolutely loved the first 2 trilogies and "Moreta" but after that the books got less and less interesting to me. As I lost interest in the new books, I found my interest waning in the old books. OTOH, I can still reread and enjoy LOTR or the Dune books.



In the same vein, I really can't enjoy Buffy anymore knowing what happens to the characters in the last 2 seasons. It's not bitterness (for me anyhoo) so much as a loss of interest. Mutant Enemy changed the characters to such an extent that I lost interest in their shows. I'm sticking to cable where there are movies and specials that I have enjoyed all season and giving up on the broadcast networks for the time being.



The WB has renewed another show but it's not Angel:

www.thefutoncritic.com/cg...re&id=5897

Quote:

---

Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 11:30 AM

The WB Stays 'Grounded' for Next Season

By Brian Ford Sullivan



CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- "Grounded for Life," which began the 2002-03 season by being unceremoniously dropped by FOX after two airings, has found its fortunes reversed as the comedy will return for a fourth season on the WB.



The Frog originally picked up the series from FOX in November of last year, commissioning six new installments of the comedy for its midseason schedule. The acquistion has paid off for the WB as to date the series has averaged 3.5 million viewers, making it the second most watched comedy on the network (behind only sophomore stand out "Reba" . More importantly, the series has retained 82% of lead-in "Reba's" audience on average, up noticeably from former time slot holder "Greetings from Tucson's" 73% average retention rate.



The 22 episode order for the 2003-04 season will mark its first full season on the netlet. As an added bonus, eight unaired episodes from its FOX-produced run will carry over to the new season. In total, the WB is set to air 30 new half-hours next season.

---

I wonder that the WB plans to wait until May 12th to renew Angel but it's possible that they will make an annoucement soon. They have already passed judgement on 'Sabrina' and 'Grounded'. I still think that Angel's fate hinges on how many of the new series that the WB has on their slate make it to Fall 2003 (Tarzan and Jane, GG spin off and MacGyver).

_____________________

I see dead lesbian cliches

Edited by: sam7777  at: 4/24/03 10:13:22 am

[helpful information perha]

thanks kajo



[Though its recent two seasons have disappointed, it never fell as far from the grace of fans as, say, "The X-Files," ]



*** so critics are panning season 7 just as they did season 6 poor UPN - what they wanted for their 2.35 million per ep investment in buffy was - ratings/critical acclaim/a platform to launch other shows - and seems they are batting 0 for 3

[sam7777]

Thanks Kajo! Actually I found the last 2 seasons of X-files more watcheable than the last 2 seasons of Buffy. I skipped season severed of Buffy completely.

Quote:

---

In its season-two heyday, "Buffy" emphasized girl power, friendship and the consequences of one's actions. The show blended humor, drama, action and emotions effortlessly and so smartly that it became a popular series for study in academia.

---

Not anymore in any sense. I think that Buffy fell lower than X-files in it's last 2 season. I found the last 2 seasons of X-files to have excellent production values whilw Buffy declined in cinematography, stunts, FX and writing IMHO. X-files had a lot of gratuitous gore substituted as plot but so did Buffy IMHO. I agree that there was good stuff in the show in the day but feel compelled to empasize the negative because there are many to make excuses for JW and ME and praise their genius and few to say a word against.

_____________________

I see dead lesbian cliches

Edited by: sam7777  at: 4/24/03 10:24:26 am

[helpful information perha]

FYI -- the piece kajo posted on buffy was written by Owen

his email addy is on the site for feedback



he can be reached at



rowen@post-gazette.com

[kajo 2000]

From the Buffy & Angel Spoilers thread at Buffistas.org:

Quote:

---

bitterchick - Apr 24, 2003 11:09:50 am EDT



Hi, Joss is an ass.



Oh did I say that out loud? Well, hell, I'm letting it all hang out now as we go into the home stretch, aren't I?



Also, if AtS has been renewed, no one who works there knows it.

---

---------

"I want to be Byron... because I want to date young boys." Amber Benson

Edited by: kajo 2000 at: 4/25/03 4:45:05 am

[emma peel]

Thanks for the article, hip. Muchly appreciated as usual.

I hope everyone attending the Q&A sessions asks Andy and James what it was like working with Amber on Chance.

Andy is a friend of Jay-Dubya's?? Poor Andy.

Mutant Enema can bring everyone back but Tara, huh! (I'm still very bitter.).

I wish all the cast and crew of both Buffy and Angel well, but I really, really hope Angel is canceled, the sooner the better. Jossie boy is such an a**hole. With friends like him, who needs enemies?

Janice

P.S. I love the new emoticons, especially and , but best of all .

Edited to add, thanks for that post from bitter chick, kajo. Loved it!

Edited by: emma peel at: 4/24/03 10:53:42 am

[sam7777]

Thanks Kajo!

Quote:

---

Also, if AtS has been renewed, no one who works there knows it.

---

It's funny that Joss is talking about Angel as if it was renewed and yet the info hasn't percolated down to his minions. I wonder if the WB has renewed it but won't annouce it until May 12th to make ME sweat and get a bit of their own back for Buffy. However, I think that the WB is playing this game because Angel's small but loud group of fans is genrating alot of publicity for Angel and increased ratings with all the articles about Angel's fate. I give them credit, they may succeed as the Roswell folks did and where Dark Angel and Firefly fans failed.

_____________________

I see dead lesbian cliches

Edited by: sam7777  at: 4/24/03 11:35:19 am

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



The AtS fans may have a better shot but I sent WB my own reason why I won't be watching. Now I've had this odd thought.



This scenario is based on the supposition the WB wants to make ME jump through hoops.



WB Exec-Well, we want a half season of Angel, but there's one condition to bring in some more viewers. It's a deal breaker.



JW (panting)-Anything you want, just name it.



WB Exec-We want Hannigan and Amber Benson back as Willow and Tara or the deal's off.



Scene closes with a falsetto scream.





Just a crazy thought/daydream,



Jixer

[sam7777]

Actually this whole wait for May 12th thing is actually alot worse for the writers/producers of Angel than it is on me for instance. Renewed or not, I haven't watched Angel this season and don't plan to watch next season if it's on. From what Kajo has posted, the Angel staff hasn't heard anything definitive on Angel's status either. Frankly, my job is not on the line here but theirs is. I imagine that some of them are already hedging their bets and looking for other work but contract-wise they can't accept any other work until their status on Angel is known. Angel has finsihed filming by now so I imagine that the Angel folks are stiiting on their hands right now waiting for renewal.



It didn't have to be this way. I wonder that JW did not start with all the ideas and the revamp on Angel back in January when he knew that Firefly was gone or in Februray when SMG nixed season 8 and ED nixed the spin off. At the time Angel was ignore except for the ED and AH corssovers that didn't help it's ratings. Now he tries to pull a rabbit out of his hat in April. Here's hoping that the WB sees this for the desperation it is. Too bad we don't have any inside info on the WB.

_____________________

I see dead lesbian cliches

[Sheridan]

From a personal stand point renewal of Angel wouldn't make a difference; If it's cancelled I'll be watching something else, if its renewed I'll still be watching something else.

I have an alternate theory about Angel renewal:



WB exec: Look we'll give Angel another season if you just shut the $%^& up about Firefly!"

Willow: ...I have to tell you....

Tara: No, I understand you have to be with the person you l-love

Willow: I am

[LostWithoutTara]

I ve just heard the most hilarious rumour about Buffy. I've heard from multiple sources that Holly Valance (ex-soap star and bad wannabe-pop singer famous for being naked in her first video) may be replacing SMG on Buffy.







Ha! If by some crazy coincidence that's true Joss must be REALLY desperate.

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



I'd say that it isn't JW that's desperate, it's the publicity hack for Ms. Valance. Anyone tying their client to this sinking ship is nuts.



Jixer

[sam7777]

Producers that did good shows this season are getting their rewards:

www.thefutoncritic.com/cg...re&id=5902

Quote:

---

Friday, April 25, 2003 - 4:52 AM

Studios Keep Producers Happy



CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- The folks behind such series as "Smallville," "The Bachelor," "Popular," "American Dreams," "The Bernie Mac Show" and "Everwood" all had reason to smile in the past month as they've each signed seven-figure deals with various studios to create, develop and executive produce new projects as well as stick with their current endeavors. Here's a rundown of recent happenings:

---

Note there are no ME alumni in the mix. Of course, they havnt' done any successful or good quality IMHO shows this season. May sweeps has begun. let's see how Angel fares against non-repeat shows. No wonder the WB is waiting until May 12th.

_____________________

I see dead lesbian cliches

Edited by: sam7777  at: 4/25/03 5:02:07 pm

[AutumnT]

Quote:

---

Note there are no ME alumni in the mix.

---

Well, that's because most of them already have these sorts of deals.

Autumn

-----------

BUFFY: I could wrestle naked in grease for a living and still be cleaner than after a shift at the Doublemeat.

WILLOW: Plus, I'd visit you at work every single day.

[kajo 2000]

[This article mentions only James Marsters in regard to BtVS cast members possibly joining "Angel" next season but it sounds as though M.E. have not yet decided what he will do on the show]



From Zap2it:

Quote:

---

'Angel' Finale Offers Endings and Beginnings

Sun, Apr 27, 2003 05:12 PM PDT

by Kate O'Hare

Zap2it, TV News



LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - On Wednesday, April 30, at 9 p.m. ET, The WB's "Angel" airs the new episode "Peace Out," leading into the show's fourth-season finale on May 7 - which cast and crew fervently hope won't also be the series finale for the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" spin-off.



At present, rumors are flying. "We live in the town of rumors," says star David Boreanaz, "so I don't believe anything. Like when I started the show, I'm just focusing on my day-to-day activities. It's already in the cards if the show's going to come back."



In "Peace Out," written by David Fury, Angel uses both his vampire strength and the power of his human soul in a dual mission to save his wayward son, Connor (Vincent Kartheiser), and destroy the evil would-be deity Jasmine (Gina Torres).



Consulting producer Tim Minear wrote and directed "Home," the season finale, in which the outcome of the battle against Jasmine draws the attention of the mysterious senior partners at the evil law firm Wolfram & Hart, which makes Angel and his crew an offer they can't refuse.



"We tried to design it so that it would basically be a pilot for next season," says Minear. "It's setting up the new configuration for the show. I guess you could call it a cliffhanger. It's really not. There is some resolution to story threads that have been pushed throughout the season, but it really is a pilot."



"I don't get too terrified," Boreanaz says. "I let it unfold, as I always have. I've always been confident that the writers will steer us in a good direction. Joss [Whedon, the creator of 'Buffy' and co-creator of 'Angel] has a really long-term vision for the show. In order to get there, you have to go through a lot of stuff, and that's what we're doing now."



The WB has expressed concerns that "Angel," while a solid ratings performer, may not be able to significantly increase its audience.



"This new permutation of the show works for that," Minear says. "It's not the only reason we've gone in this direction, but it allows it to break out of its cannibalizing soap-opera-ness a little bit. It's not quite feeding on itself. There are more opportunities to tell stand-alone stories, but to keep continuing story threads happening."



"It gives all the characters something new to do. You could show up to the first episode of next season and not have been around for the first four years and completely understand it."



With "Buffy" ending on May 20 on UPN after seven seasons, "Angel" could conceivably be the only Whedon show on the air next year.



"We think that, just in terms of a business plan," Minear says, "it makes sense for The WB to pick us up for another year, because people from 'Buffy' fandom who maybe didn't really keep up with 'Angel,' might find that their 'Buffy'-verse fix could be sated by tuning into our show." The opportunity also exists for guest appearances by "Buffy" characters. In particular, much speculation has centered on the vampire Spike (James Marsters). Introduced in season two as Angel's protégé, he, like Angel, became Buffy's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) ally and lover.



While no contract has been signed (and likely can't, until "Angel's" future is decided), Marsters has expressed interest.



"We really think Spike could add something to the show," Minear says. "He's a great character and a great actor. I don't know what configuration it would be, whether he would be involved in an arc, whether he would be recurring or what. We talked to David about it, and he was totally on board. He loves playing scenes with James."



"The addition of someone like him coming over would be fantastic," Boreanaz says. "He's been stuck in a small town for too long. He needs to get out in a big city and see where the big dogs play."



"It's not just 'Buffy' characters," Minear adds, "but we hear that possibly some 'Buffy' writers would be available to us."



While all this may be in the future, Boreanaz has already made the return trek to "Buffy," beginning with the penultimate episode on May 13. It marked his first trip back in years to that show's home base in converted warehouses in Santa Monica.



"I'm not a big reunion type of guy," Boreanaz says. "Going back, I was laughing because the ceilings are so low. It was weird. We were shooting in an old warehouse, and I looked up and felt claustrophobic. We shoot 'Angel' at Paramount [Studios], and it's high in a soundstage."



"That was, for me, the most difficult thing; it was. Everything else was fine. Sarah and I just stepped in and did our thing." Whatever happens, Boreanaz is glad to have had a job - and just as glad that other people did too.



"I'm thankful that I can give back jobs for people," he says, "and allow them the opportunity to work, because it's not a great time for work for people. You operate as a whole. Without [the crew], you got nothing. You don't have lighting; you don't have sets; you don't have construction; you don't have painters."



"It really is part of a whole, and you have to be thankful for every moment. My dad taught me that."

---

Edited to add: excerpt of Girl Guide jones's report of the James Marsters' Q&A at yesterday's Vulkon Convention in Cleveland posted to the TBC&S:

Quote:

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I will comment on one bit of news, because I know it will interest everyone here. He did say that there was absolute, definite interest on both sides for him to be on Angel next year, but nothing was set. He said he really was only interested in becoming a full cast member and not having limited appearances or a partial, ten-ep arc.



The reasons he cited were his need for real, full-time work and the fact that a 'partial' Spike role would still require him to keep his hair bleached, and that it would hamper him in trying to find other roles to supplement a part-time position with Angel. He said the main issue right now was money - was there enough to:



a) keep improving the technical quality of the show, as costs grow every year, while

b) adding a full-time cast member.



He was VERY adamant that he did not want to see any current cast members let go to make room for him, even when the audience suggested a few (mostly Connor, poor guy). JM just shook off the suggestion. He definitely doesn't want that to happen.

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This suggests that JM's move to Angel is not yet a done deal and this casts doubt on the claims made by Herc at AICN that Angel has already been renewed. Would the WB renew the show without being sure that JM will sign on (and bring over his fanbase)?

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"I want to be Byron... because I want to date young boys." Amber Benson

Edited by: kajo 2000 at: 4/28/03 5:52:21 am

[xita]

wow, so they keep this poor guy from going on auditions for maybe an arch , or a few episodes. The way he's been talking, it had sounded like regular for sure. ANd then they aren't sure if they have the money. Maybe that is the hold up they need more money than the wb is willing to offer.

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Si nos dejan buscamos un rincón cerca del cielo

Si nos dejan haremos con las nubes térciopelo


José Alfredo Jiménez

[Culzean]

Sounds like James is standing up for himself. I mean, the hair thing seems like a weak excuse to not take a part-time job. He could always wear a wig if he got a 2nd job that didn't allow for bleached hair. Actors do it all the time.



Unlike NB, who was willing to take any scrape ME would throw at him (I believe he even offered to play a janitor) James is saying he wants to be a regular or nothing. Good for him!



Perhaps he's noticed that he can't really trust ME to look out for their actors?

[gspiggott]

If they want to economize they could always thin the ranks of writer- producers.

[themagicpixie]

Laugh at Joss's failure. Ripper, and all other spin-off projects, are, the BBC says "On indefinite hold". How tactful of them! Because "ain't ever gonna happen" just isn't a British thing to say!



www.bbc.co.uk/cult/news/b...4091.shtml



Quotes from the above article from the walking, talking asshole, Mr Joss Whedon:



"I wanted to do something on the BBC."



Yeah... but did they want you to do something on the BBC? Maybe they thought the thing you were going to do was crap on them (like on, in my opinion of course, you did on the WB, FOX, W/T fans and SMG to name but a few)? You do know the BBC is a big, well-respected TV network, and that little boy viewers aren't what counts? And that the Beeb are renowned for their quality drama output? And that BBC 1 shows can get upward of 10 million viewers? Rearrange these words in a sentence Joss, shouldn't be too hard as you're a writer, but then again... Your depth. Out Of. You are.





"But I'm still very invested in the Ripper story."



Hmm, 'cos your one idea is the Buffyverse, right? Oh, I forgot that space western thing, but probably best I did. Go write the Ripper story in yellow crayon on the back of your old Firefly scripts Joss, 'cos no-one else but you could give a damn.



"As for Buffy: Animated, which has so far been unable to find a network prepared to screen it"







"-Joss claims the problem is really about the quality of the animation he'd like to see."



Yeah, Joss. You just keep telling yourself that. More like no-one wanted to see your depressfest turned into a cartoon, you loser.





The BBC also has this:



www.bbc.co.uk/cult/news/b...3987.shtml



Relying on AICN? When the article says "today", it means last Friday. I don't think, somehow, that the BBC have heard "Angel" has been renewed, otherwise they would probably report it (although there are quite a bit slower than this board and others!)



More laughs:



www.bbc.co.uk/cult/news/b...3927.shtml



Quote from Fatboy Dim : "Let me put it this way. Angel will be around. I just don't know where."



In other words: "we haven't been renewed and there is no guarantee anyone will pick us up, but I am going to be smug anyway, because I am an asshole."



Let me tell you where Angel will be on, Joss. In your tiny little mind.

[Jennpurr]

Hey Guys,



Can anyone tell me where I might be able to find the scripts for Angel? I missed the last two or three episodes and I wanted to catch up by reading the scripts, since I can't find the episodes online anywhere to DL.



Help?



Thanks in advance,



Jen

||My Fan Fiction and More!|| ||My Yahoo Group||
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Because you would have done anything for, ME... but look what you did for a complete stranger. In greater love, hath no person, nor Angel, then to give her life for another." ~ Zack to Monica, "Touched By An Angel: I Will Walk With You, P2"

[kajo 2000]

Jennpurr: I'm not sure about shooting scripts but you can find Angel episode transcripts here and you can download Angel episodes here. (Scroll down the page until you get to the Angel Videos section).

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"I want to be Byron... because I want to date young boys." Amber Benson

Edited by: kajo 2000 at: 4/28/03 10:59:55 am

[Jennpurr]

Thank you, thank you, Kajo.



*going over there now*



Jen

||My Fan Fiction and More!|| ||My Yahoo Group||
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Because you would have done anything for, ME... but look what you did for a complete stranger. In greater love, hath no person, nor Angel, then to give her life for another." ~ Zack to Monica, "Touched By An Angel: I Will Walk With You, P2"

[WebWarlock]

hmmm.



"Let me put it this way. Angel will be around. I just don't know where." sounds an awful lot like,



"Tara is not going anywhere."



or "I'll just as proud of this (FireFly) in Season 7".



Whatever Joss.



Warlock

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Web Warlock

The Other Side,
home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

"If this is all the gods can do, I'm over to the Darkside so fast." - Tom Servo Mystery Science Theater 3000, Episode 903 "Pumaman".