Tim Minear on Wonderfalls by Tomanta

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Tim Minear on Wonderfalls

POSTED BY: TOMANTA
UPDATED: Thursday, April 1, 2004 08:46
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 14210
PAGE 1 of 2

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 8:44 PM

This was posted (well, crossposted, really) to the official Wonderfalls boards, thought it could use a repost here.

http://forums.prospero.com/foxwonderfalls/messages/?msg=201.1
===
http://www.voy.com/14810/10726.html

Date Posted: 18:17:50 03/16/04 Tue
Author: Tim Minear
Author Host/IP: adsl-68-123-60-52.dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net / 68.123.60.52
Subject: My open letter

An open letter to the Grass Roots from Tim Minear, Executive Producer of “Wonderfalls”:

Hi. My name is Tim Minear and I write television. Usually. Right now I guess I’m writing SPAM. But I’m not asking you to donate to some shady or even worthy cause. I’m not offering to enlarge any of your body parts (though I haven’t ruled it out), and I make no claims of miraculous cures for exotic diseases. What I can offer you is sixty minutes (really about forty five, minus commercials) of quality entertainment if you do one thing: turn on your TV to Fox this Friday night at nine.

For the last year or so I’ve been working with a bunch of really talented people to make a new show for Fox called “Wonderfalls.” We’ve made 13 episodes so far, and I really want you to see them.
Some of the folks at the network are telling me that “Wonderfalls” is the best reviewed new series they’ve had in ages -- maybe ever. I’m currently sitting on a stack of raves from all over the country, from major magazines, newspapers, small dailies, internet sites, etc. They seem to be doing me no good. Also, uncomfortable because of the sitting.

The big brains at the network, while happy with the reviews, tell me that good reviews don’t bring in an audience. Guess they were right. We premiered on Friday, March 12th to less than great numbers.

There are several things stacking the odds against us. Our time slot, charmingly known as “The Fox Friday Death Slot” is quickly living up to its name. There has been much confusion and differing opinion over just how to promote this odd little series. Maybe the unique charm, heart and volcanic snark aren’t coming through. I dunno. Fact is, I have no power over network promotion, I can’t force Fox to air “Wonderfalls” on Monday nights, I don’t have a Nielsen box or know anyone who does.

But I do have this keyboard, my cable-modem and a relationship with genre fans all over the world because of the internet. All of the shows I’ve worked on in the last several years have had loyal internet followings. From “Lois and Clark” to “The X-Files,” from “Angel” to the short-lived but much-loved “Firefly.” Ever since I’ve been associated with genre television I’ve had the extreme honor and pleasure (and sometimes hair-pulling madness) of interacting with fans of these shows via the internet. You are the most dedicated, passionate and, frankly, smartest fans around.

And I’m turning to you now because I believe you’re a huge untapped resource.

I know that every one of you is connected to many others that I can’t reach. If you can give a hand here, you might be keeping us afloat long enough for us to catch the tide. Worth a shot, anyway.

I know the network wants this show to work. They’re willing for it to work. And if there’s any way that my plea now will help Friday’s numbers tick up just a touch, I think that would be a tremendous sign to them.

The next new episode of “Wonderfalls” airs Friday, March 19th at 9:00pm on Fox. Please tune in and mention it to someone else. Preferably someone with a Nielsen box.

So anyway, I thought I’d mention it. Oh, also, the network is going to repeat our pilot on Thursday, March 18th at 9:00pm after “Tru Calling.” So if you missed it last Friday, here’s your chance to catch it.

Thanks --

Sincerely,

Tim Minear

PS - I know the conventional wisdom says that good reviews don’t mean anything to potential viewers, but here’s a taste of them anyway:

TV GUIDE (3/13-19), Matt Roush
“Ironic and romantic, WONDERFALLS is a true original. Surrender to its charms.”

PEOPLE (3/22), Terry Kelleher
“The reason to watch WONDERFALLS is Dhavernas. With a star like this, a series doesn’t really need a gimmick.”

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY (3/19), Ken Tucker

"A-" “...a revelation - a blessing, even.... Each of the four episodes I’ve seen is better than the one preceding it.”

USA TODAY (3/12), Robert Bianco
"WONDERFALLS is such an unexpected treat”

LOS ANGELES TIMES (3/12), Robert Lloyd
“WONDERFALLS is so well done, so fresh and unpredictable, and so little in thrall to conventional virtues as to make the weary reviewer prostrate with joy... everything clicks here”

NEW YORK TIMES (3/12), Virginia Hefferman
“Beautifully shot and written with wit... Dhavernas is delightful.”

NEWSDAY (3/12), Noel Holston
“the best pilot of the 2003-2004 season... Dhavernas is a find, a marvelously understated comic actress and her supporting cast is impeccable”

CHICAGO TRIBUNE (3/12), Steve Johnson
“the series looks and feels like nothing else on television... it all remains, almost magically, in balance, a delicate, roadside-attraction wonderland where mysteries of the cosmos, lowbrow popular culture, family dysfunction, longing and, mostly humor can coexist.”

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE (3/12), Tim Goodman
“unquestionably the best new drama series of the 2003-04 season... this is your time to love TV”

WASHINGTON POST (3/12), Tom Shales
“WONDERFALLS is wonderful... a prime example of risk-taking originality, a brassy blast of fresh air any way you look at it.”

BOSTON HERALD (3/12), Amy Amatangelo
“Executive producers Todd Holland, Tim Minear and Bryan Fuller have created a show unlike any other on television.”

THE GLOBE AND MAIL (3/12), John Doyle
”WONDERFALLS is the best new drama in ages... Caroline Dhavernas is impeccable”

US WEEKLY – John Griffiths
“The writing is deliriously clever, the plots strangely Zen and uplifting, and Dhavernas is beyond winning as the loser-stamped Jaye. A fun, wild free fall."

POPGURLS - Allyson A Popgurl
"...get together with some friends, order in some Chinese, watch Wonderfalls at 9pm on FOX this Friday, and then go out to your favorite dive bar and snark with each other. Make it a regular Friday thing. You'll be happier for it."

*********
ETA: Thanks to My for posting this on the Firefly board.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 6:51 AM

CAPTAINCDC

I was about to post the same article, but you beat me to it. Good job. We need people to watch Wonderfalls. I think it could be really great if they don't ax it.

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 6:56 AM

LINDLEY

Well, this Friday its up against SG1's season finale, "The Lost City, Part 2", so I wouldn't count on an improvement.

*Next* Friday, though....I hope the numbers improve.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 7:21 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

Quote:
Originally posted by Lindley:
Well, this Friday its up against SG1's season finale, "The Lost City, Part 2", so I wouldn't count on an improvement.

*Next* Friday, though....I hope the numbers improve.

That is my problem w/ the show. It is opposite of Stargate SG1, and I never miss and episode of SG1. Ever. It is my favorite show since Firefly was taken off the air.

As much as I would love to check it out, I can't miss SG1.

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 7:30 AM

RHUTTNER

Sci-Fi airs SG-1 twice. You could watch Wonderfalls at 9 and SG-1 at 11.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 7:45 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

Quote:
Originally posted by rhuttner:
Sci-Fi airs SG-1 twice. You could watch Wonderfalls at 9 and SG-1 at 11.

Hadn't thought about that Rhuttner. Of course 11pm is awful late when you consider I am up at 5am to work out before work. Guess I could tape it and watch it Saturday morning.

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 7:56 AM

ASTARTE

BTW, linking or quoting the letter to other genre communities is helpful, too.

Tim relayed an interesting story about focus groups used for Wonderfalls. One was located in the Midwest, and one in the South. They had several showings, having previously sent a VHS tape of one episode to some of them. There was a heavy preponderance of people in both groups saying that they hadn't liked the first episode they'd seen first, with little preparation as to what they were letting themselves in for.

The second episode, that they watched as a group? All the focus groups loved it, gave it high ratings, declared they would watch it when it was aired, et cetera. Surprisingly to me, men liked it more than women did. (Cuz I think Jaye's a slacker heroine for our time. Rachel from Six Feet Under with an Ivy League degree.)

So... exactly the kind of show you should give at least two viewings to, right?

Here's the kicker... the focus groups didn't get all the same first episode and same second episode. One group got #1 first, #2 second, but the other group got #2 first and #1 second. (And neither one got the pilot.) So it wasn't that one episode was so much better -- it just took people generally a little time to "get into" the series.

It might be that we can give the show some breathing room to see if it is as good as the critics (many of whom had 4 episodes to look at together) think.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 9:09 AM

CANTTAKESKY

I really enjoyed Wonderfalls and look forward to seeing more of it this Friday. I tape everything else coming on at this time. But I don't have a Nielson box so I'm not sure what good it will do.

Can't Take My Gorram Sky

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 9:41 AM

QINGAI

Tim's letter is pretty cool, isn't it? For anyone who hasn't seen Wonderfalls -- it's awesome. Very funny, witty, and just what you'd expect from Tim. If you haven't seen it yet-- tune in Friday (or tape it)! It's worth it.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 9:49 AM

WEGG

You guys all really need to get Tivo. Tivo sells viewer information too the networks so every time you watch a show its like casting your vote. Its your own Nelson box! Oh. . . and it also kicks major bootie at allowing you to blast through adds, pause etc.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 10:43 AM

ASTARTE

While Tivo's nifty for any number of reasons, right now Nielsen's the numbers that count for advertisers.

So viral that marketing up. Never know when you might stumble across one of them thar boxes.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 11:20 AM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.

I'm going to cut and paste this letter on the message board at my site, even though I was less than impressed with the first episode. I'm willing to give it a chance to convince me it is good and worth recommending, and it's not like there is much else to get excited about on tv these days.

Tim deserves our support, even if it is just out of gratitude for what he brought to Firefly.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 12:19 PM

TALLGRRL

"The big brains at the network, while happy with the reviews, tell me that good reviews don’t bring in an audience. Guess they were right. We premiered on Friday, March 12th to less than great numbers.
There are several things stacking the odds against us. Our time slot, charmingly known as “The Fox Friday Death Slot” is quickly living up to its name."

That Friday night slot was made a success by the X-Files. But that was how many years ago??
That slot should be for one offs, specials or "special encore" showings of existing shows.
Like, oh, "24"!
Are the weasles at Fox that out of touch that they don't know that Friday night is called the "Death Slot"?
I know enough about TV programming to know that the target demographics for a show like Wonderfalls is NOT at home on a Friday night, fer cryin' out loud.
Or is it that they really don't give a rip about Wonderfalls any more than they did about Firefly?
Are they trying to give the impression that they care about quality TV, when the reality is that all they want to do is produce more cheap reality-crap?
Tim, maybe you should start shopping Wonderfalls elsewhere NOW while you can.

"Take me, sir. Take me hard."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 12:59 PM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.

Quote:
Originally posted by Tallgrrl:
That Friday night slot was made a success by the X-Files. But that was how many years ago??

you are right up to a point, but X-Files did not really take off until it was moved to Sunday nights.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 1:56 PM

SEVENPERCENT

Quote:
Originally posted by Tallgrrl:
[BAre the weasles at Fox that out of touch that they don't know that Friday night is called the "Death Slot"?

Obviously not, or FF would still be on the air-

------------------------------------------
He looked bigger when I couldn't see him.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 3:32 PM

EVANS

I watched Wonderfalls with elevated expectations, and was disappointed. The figurines were cute, but the people weren't enjoyable. I will continue to watch, because of the Whedon legacy and because there is so little out there, but I hope someone in that show cheers up a bit.

m.
------------------------------------------------
"But ... not boring, like she made it sound." Wash, in ARIEL
"None of it means a damn thing." Mal, in OBJECTS IN SPACE

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 3:55 PM

OUTLANDER

Wounderfalls is the best new show on TV. Why would Fox sacrifice such great show by showing it late on a Friday night? Don't they understand that their target audience is off doing other things on a Friday night? The king of people that stay at home on a Friday night would not be interested in Wounderfalls. Fox is run by idiots. It looks like I am going to have another DVD set to go next to my Firefly set. Idiots!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 6:10 AM

ASTARTE

There's things we can control about Wonderfalls placement on Fox, and things we can't.

Moving it to another night? Not so much.

Talking it up to potential viewers? A much more reachable goal.

What we need is a bump in the numbers this Friday.

So, use it as an excuse to talk to that cute girl/guy at work.

Share the letter as some of the folks above have. We've found one Nielsen box already. There's more out there.

And, even if we grant that Fox has given up on Wonderfalls, and I don't believe that to be true, remember that they'll respond to ratings. A little, but quantifiable bump is what Jaye and her loopy family need right now.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 6:40 AM

ASTARTE

Oh, and remember that tonight after Tru Calling the Wonderfalls pilot will be aired again.

I'm just sayin'...

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 7:35 AM

TALLGRRL

Quote:
Originally posted by ecgordon:
Quote:
Originally posted by Tallgrrl:
That Friday night slot was made a success by the X-Files. But that was how many years ago??

you are right up to a point, but X-Files did not really take off until it was moved to Sunday nights.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

ec, I believe that the X-Files was already a bona fide hit when they moved it to Sunday nights.
There was even some discussion about whether the schedule change would effect the show in a negative way.

In any case, Fox seems to think that it's going to somehow capture lightning in a bottle with a Friday night timeslot hit again, and that ain't about to happen.

"Take me, sir. Take me hard."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 7:41 AM

LISSA

i'm really gonna be upset if both angel and wonderfalls get cancelled! what am i supposed to watch next year? i guess i'll only watch american dreams. what a bummer. (not that i'll have to watch american dreams; i love that show. it's a bummer that that's all i'll have)

~lissa, spwhore

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 1:00 PM

KARENKAY99

it was preempted here last friday (b-ball). the first show is supposed to air again tonight at 9 and the next show tomorrow at 9. our dvr is set to record if i don't get to watch.
i'm willing to give it a try. you know, any friend of joss' ...

Huh.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 2:13 PM

LINDLEY

Quote:
Originally posted by lissa:
i'm really gonna be upset if both angel and wonderfalls get cancelled! what am i supposed to watch next year? i guess i'll only watch american dreams. what a bummer. (not that i'll have to watch american dreams; i love that show. it's a bummer that that's all i'll have)

~lissa, spwhore

Joan of Arcadia isn't in danger of cancellation. There's that, at least.

Also, Stargate Atlantis, SG1 Season 8, Battlestar 2004.....

There's more than you might think.

Let's hope the best for Wonderfalls anyway!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 5:16 PM

STEVE580

Hmm...they've made thirteen episodes, eh? Pretty sure that means it's DOOMED TO FAILURE!!

Plus, it kinda sucked. You'd thing after working with Joss for so long, he'd have learned some more about making good television.
-Steve

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 5:19 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Yeah, like I've never seen THIS act before. Well, nothing like Wonderfalls, mind you, but the whole - smart t.v. that is way to entertaining,funny, and interesting so that I get all hooked into watching it every week before some network suit a-hole thinks " It's not pulling in the projected numbers we had hoped ..." decides to cancel the gorram show only to have it replaced by some moronic ... " Grade School Reunion! " - thingy. MAN!! Why do I even BOTHER ?! .

Fine, I'll watch Wonderfalls. And you better believe I'll enjoy it ( well so far it's awesome ) , but dammmit... Fox had better watch out. They get me addicted to another great show and then decide to take it off the air... I pitty the foo who I run into down at Fox T.V. HQ!!!

They don't like it when you shoot at 'em.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 5:20 PM

LINDLEY

^How so? I've watched the pilot twice now, and enjoyed it both times. Its the music and wacky camera stuff that makes it work, I think.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 5:30 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Kinda sucked, huh? I'm sure some might miss interpret that and overlook the sarcasm in that comment. Poor them. You WERE kidding, right ? Tell me you were, or for gods sake, tell us what 'sucked' - as you put it - and why you didnt' like . Just curious.

They don't like it when you shoot at 'em.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, March 18, 2004 10:54 PM

HKCAVALIER

Hey, well, I was sure underwhelmed. The whole thing was way too self-conscious and all the zippy camera work and "clever" dialogue just kinda screamed "QUIRKY!" Like most television (especially comedies) the show seemed desperate to please. When our heroine and her sister had that oh-so-clever-and-sophisticated li'l heart to heart my roommate quipped, "Nice to see men still think they know how sisters talk to each other." I didn't find it very convincing either. Seems that Tim knows something about timing and structure and how to set up a joke, but when it comes to character and "world creation," he prolly ought to leave it to Joss. I liked the singing statuary and there were some good jokes, but it just never seemed very grounded.

HKCavalier

Hey, hey, hey, don't be mean. We don't have to be mean, because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 2:58 AM

RIVERSBOUNTY

Okay, I had this whole post on how I loved "Wonderfalls" and why, but my power went out. So I'll keep this short. I can't convince people who were put off by Jaye (gasp!), the "quirkyness," or the frantic pace, why they should be lashed until they change their minds, so I guess I won't try. ;-) But in my opinion, the show will only get better, deeper, and continue to explore the characters. It's fun TV, with a specialness that hooked me. Underneath the comedy there's real moments, and that shows promise.

But remember all you naysayers, this was the pilot, and a show needs time to grow beyond that. Not all of them can be like "Serenity." And while on the subject, you should know that Tim didn't create this show. It isn't technically his. It's Todd Holland's and Bryan Fuller's, and Tim came on as Exec. Producer after liking the pilot. So don't fault Tim until you see what influence he has on the show now.

But by his own admission, it's not for everyone. So, all I ask, as someone who'd like to see at least all 13 episodes before FOX yanks it, give it a chance. Let it make you smile. See what happens.

Okay, that wasn't so short. LOL. (I was originally aiming for two sentences.)

--Pat

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 5:26 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

I actually saw Wonderfalls last night when Fox showed it again last night.

I did not sit down to watch this show thinking I would be blown away or anything, but I must admit that it was enjoyable. It did come off as a bit quirky as HKC pointed out, and the the sliding camera shots were a bit overdone, but all in all, it was enjoyable. My wife & stepdaughter actually sat down & watched it as well, and enjoyed it.

I will catch it tonight when it comes on to see how the show progresses.

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 5:33 AM

HKCAVALIER

Quote:
Originally posted by RiversBounty:
And while on the subject, you should know that Tim didn't create this show. It isn't technically his. It's Todd Holland's and Bryan Fuller's, and Tim came on as Exec. Producer after liking the pilot. So don't fault Tim until you see what influence he has on the show now.

That's a comfort. I was under the impression that this was Tim's baby, so when I found Wonderfalls weak in so many ways Firefly was strong, strong, strong, I was confusing. It's not that I expected it to be as great as Firefly, I just wanted a little depth. Jaye's family was particularly disappointing in a way I will sum up in my very own tv lingo: cute-mean and cute-disfunctional. I can, however, see falling in love with the premise and wanting to take it somewhere. So when do we get to see an episode written by Tim?

HKCavalier

Hey, hey, hey, don't be mean. We don't have to be mean, because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 6:09 AM

TOMANTA

Quote:
Originally posted by HKCavalier:
So when do we get to see an episode written by Tim?

I believe tonight's episode, but I am not sure on that.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 6:17 AM

IAMJACKSUSERNAME

Well, I'm all right. - Mal

Firefly fans: We'll be here.

Tim: 'kay. (eyes closed, smiles) That's good...

--
I am Jack's username
FTL in Firefly? < http://jack.p5.org.uk/ftl-firefly.en.html>

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 6:24 AM

LISSA

Quote:
Originally posted by Tomanta:
Quote:
Originally posted by HKCavalier:
So when do we get to see an episode written by Tim?

I believe tonight's episode, but I am not sure on that.

woohoo! not that i don't have to wait until monday for my tape, but still. woohoo!

~lissa, spwhore

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 6:37 AM

LISSA

Quote:
Originally posted by Lindley:
[B
Also, Stargate Atlantis, SG1 Season 8, Battlestar 2004.....

There's more than you might think.

Let's hope the best for Wonderfalls anyway!

uurgh, i would watch those, but i'm lacking a good number of channels. all except four, actually. my only hope is that i'll have cable in college next year. god, that would be...pleasant.

~lissa, spwhore

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 8:16 AM

HATEHATEHATEFOX

I totally agree! WF was a very funny pilot - there were some priceless lines delivered just perfectly.

For example:
Eric (bartender): This little wax lion that talks to you. .... It's not telling you to burn things or hurt people, is it?

Too funny. The whole ep was filled with clever lines.

I just wrote to FOX feedback and said how much I liked it and how many ppl I'd recommended it to. Not that I hold out any real hope, of course. Personally, I think FOX just lets shit throwing monkeys decide what lives and dies there.

~~~~~~~~
Nothing is ever so profoundly regretted as a kind act.
Robertson Davies

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 9:08 AM

LUNATIKAT

Quote:
from Tim Minear, Executive Producer of “Wonderfalls”:

Maybe the unique charm, heart and volcanic snark aren’t coming through.

Mr. Minear,
I am really terribly sorry. No one wants to love your show more than I. Good television is my joy. I owe you so much for all your past fine work that has brought so much pleasure and hope to me. But I must say, after watching the Wonderfalls pilot, no, for me, the "unique charm, heart, and volcanic snark" did not come through. The writing was bland, the characters no one I had the slightest interest in learning anything more about, the soundtrack forgettable, the plot pointless, the acting poor, the gimmick gimmicky (and I REALLY wanted to like the gimmick, I LOVE talking inanimate objects, always have, always will), the camera work uninspired and consistently fails to add anything to any scene's content, what else can I say, I was so disappointed I wanted to cry.

I could tell there were scenes that were meant to be funny, but they weren't. Couldn't be sure if the fault was the actors or the director, but they fell totally flat.

It hurts me more to write this than for you to read it. To you, I can be only one member of a large audience. But for me, there is only one you.

I believe in you and your talent, Mr. Minnear. I haven't given up on Wonderfalls. As bad as it was, I will watch it again. I will try to watch the entire season, if I can stand it. I will hold on to the hope that the fault was in me, wrong mood, wrong something that has nothing to do with you, something that will be different tonight when the second episode airs. I beg those articulate Firefly fans on this site who had no difficulty whatsoever in perceiving "the unique charm, heart and volcanic snark" of the show, to share words with me that will open my eyes and mind to those qualities in this show. I am truly despondent about my failure to appreciate it. I cannot say that I dislike everything about the show. I like the lion and the monkey (though the bear was repellent), the falls ARE wonderful, and, I take it back about not caring anything about any of the characters, I did find the cocktail waitress friend interesting, and possibly the bartender has potential.

I owe you. I'll watch. I'll pray that it gets better. Fast. For my sake more than yours. You can make television, I can only watch.

lunatikat - "I could while away the hours, conversing with the flowers" oh, you know the rest.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 10:20 AM

DRAGONLORD

Finally watched Wonderfalls and it was excellent!

I hope "Fox"(

) keeps this show. It's most definetely a keeper!

Dragon Lord

Summer: Jane's a girls name
Jane: Well I ain't no girl! I can prove it!
Simon: I'm trying to picture you more vulgar... but, I can't

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 10:28 AM

ASTARTE

Quote:
. I am truly despondent about my failure to appreciate it. I cannot say that I dislike everything about the show.

As I mentioned above about the focus groups, it seems to take more than one episode for some folks to like the show. It's odd, and unexpected based on what we're used to seeing on our TV.

So, I'm glad you've decided to give it a bit longer. I hope the appeal will become apparent.

That said, the show will not appeal to everyone. American Idol doesn't appeal to me, and AFAICT, I may be one of three people in the US that it doesn't reach.

If it's not for you, no need for despondency. It's just not for you.

And, after all, we have a Big Damn Movie to look forward to. All is not lost, even if Simon Cowell makes my teeth hurt.

Ro

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 11:00 AM

LTNOWIS

Sorry for responding so late, but there were some computer games that needed to be played. My impression of the show: fairly good. Not good enough to save each episode on tape, but good enough to not miss any. I don't have cable, so basically all I can see is reality TV, daytime TV, hateful Reality TV

, late night TV, PBS, crime and lawyer dramas (which I'll watch, even though I'm completely unable to see the characters as real people.) For me, the funniest thing on TV each day is Jay Leno's monologue or a Simpsons rerun. That's just sad.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 11:38 AM

FREMDFIRMA

Appreciate the heads-up, and me and the girl took a look, but... just didn't do it for us.

Nothin *wrong* with it, just not our kinda TV.

Although, I can see us watching it anyway, since everything else on seems damned determined to nauseate us with the worst humanity has to offer, glorifying behavior that should be a hangin offense...
(i.e. 'reality' TV... try that kinda behavior in OUR social group for a dose of 'reality'!)

Anyhow, since everything else on conceivably on is pure mental poison, looks like for the moment we'll be watchin yer show for no better reason than respect of you as a person....

Draw us in, willya ?

-frem
diefuxdie

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 3:20 PM

ASTARTE

Episode 2, Karma Chameleon, up in about 40 mins.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 4:25 PM

AURANI

Quote:

As I mentioned above about the focus groups, it seems to take more than one episode for some folks to like the show. It's odd, and unexpected based on what we're used to seeing on our TV.

I have to say that this is absolutely correct. I watched the premiere last Friday. I thought it was interesting, but I didn't see why everyone was so enthralled. (I planned to keep watching, because Tim asked us to and it's the least I could do for the pleasure he's provided with his other shows.)
I watched the pilot again when it was on last night because my normal Thursday line-up has been sacrificed on the altar of college basketball. This time, I loved the pilot. It's clever and funny, and I see definite possibilities for future fun.
I think I needed that first viewing to find the voice of the show. The second time, I was able to jump right in without that adjustment time.
So liking the second episode better than the first holds true even when the second episode it just a repeat of the first.

Kristen

************************
She understands. She does not comprehend.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 5:06 PM

TOMANTA

Quote:

I think I needed that first viewing to find the voice of the show. The second time, I was able to jump right in without that adjustment time.
So liking the second episode better than the first holds true even when the second episode it just a repeat of the first.

I have to agree as well. I've seen the pilot 4 times now [downloaded it, watched it twice then once more with my brother, then saw it again last night] and enjoyed it more each time.

Tonight's episode felt a little slow paced but was one of the funniest shows I have seen in a long, long time. Now for my brother to get home so I can watch it with him ;).

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 6:03 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Liked this episode too. Inanimate objects were less chatty this go around, but still fun. I wonder if it helps that I use to know a girl that resembles Jaye...hmmm.. then again, she also kinda reminds me of Bridgete Fonda... a bit round the eyes.

They don't like it when you shoot at 'em.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 6:22 PM

PEACE

Quote:
Originally posted by lissa:
i'm really gonna be upset if both angel and wonderfalls get cancelled! what am i supposed to watch next year? i guess i'll only watch american dreams. what a bummer. (not that i'll have to watch american dreams; i love that show. it's a bummer that that's all i'll have)

~lissa, spwhore

Personally, I've almost given up watching TV in general (don't get cable). Angel and a few others still hold my attention, but that's it. Instead I've started writing my own lame-ass adventures BECAUSE NOBODY'S DOING STUFF I LIKE! Fox cancelling Firefly was good for several tens of thousands of words, let me tell you....

You could always take up writing. Very therapeutic (well, sorta...).

Oh, bugger! Now I have to wait for someone to wake up!

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 8:19 PM

SAINT JAYNE

Wonderfalls had some very fresh ideas. It's not my kind of television and I'm not captivated as I was with Firefly, The Train Job, but I will give it a chance.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, March 19, 2004 8:25 PM

DYAIRVATREE

Who ever said on this thread that the people who would watch it are out is right in my case. Next week if I don't do something better than Wonder Falls(or any T.V) I'm going to feel bad about myself.

That said I just watched it for the first time and it was weird for the sake of being weird. It wasn't funny and only somewhat entertaining. Wich of course makes it one of the best shows on television. Wich of course means I can miss it.

Maybe I'll like it more once I see it more, but I still claim only the three S's matter in original entertainment currently on. The three S's are Simpsons, South Park and Sopranos. Everything else you can miss.

But I will be giving Wonder Falls another chance perhaps it will grow on me like a good fungus.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

YOUR OPTIONS

SHARE THREAD

NEW POSTS TODAY

USER

POST DATE