Sci-Fi Channel did WHAT???

POSTED BY: PhyreLight
UPDATED: Sunday, December 30, 2007 07:34
VIEWED: 28009
PAGE 1 of 1

PHYRELIGHT

Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:31 AM

According to scifi.com's schedule for this Friday, they have cut the first four hours away from the Firefly marathon! So now, it won't start until 11pm. See it here for yourself:
http://www.scifi.com/schedulebot/index.php3?date=14-DEC-2007&feed_req=

*****

Updated December 13, 2007 at 8:16 AM EST:

Everybody,

DO NOT send sourly worded letters to SciFi, because NBC/Universal, who owns SciFi, may begin to change their minds about thinking of making a sequel to Serenity. With the WGA strike right now, this is a very delicate time and rash decisions can be made as an effect of this kind of behavior.

This doesn't mean that you can't send letters that state how disappointed you are. Look to what FallowMal and Rallem have written below if you need examples.

Thanks,
PhyreLight

"I've got a theory: it could be bunnies."
-Anya, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: "Once More with Feeling"

FOLLOWMAL

Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:39 AM

Word about this is spreading quickly. Very sad.
Especially so after they advertised it and featured it on the front page of their web site. I wrote them a thank you note the other day, and I'm not sorry I did that.

But I'm going to write them Friday afternoon and tell them how disappointed I am. I'm not going to be sour, just let them know politely how very sad I am that they changed their schedule.

I'm going to remind them that as a Browncoat I'm supportive of them and their genre shows and that having me as a loyal viewer is important.
I don't know that it'll do any good and I'm going to be as respectful of them as I can be... no flaming, but it at least lets me express my sadness at what they've done.

ECGORDON

Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:05 AM

I'll be sending them an email about this, but I doubt if I can be very diplomatic about it.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

RALLEM

Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:10 AM

I will also send them an email, and I will try to be as respectful as I can.

RALLEM

Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:29 AM

Below is a copy of the letter I just sent the Sci Fi Channel, so if anyone here does watch the series please let me know who the advertisers are so I can follow through with my threat.

To whom it may concern:
I am very disappointed at your inability to follow through with your schedule as you advertised for this Friday’s Firefly Marathon, and while I was planning on staying home to watch your series, now I will not. Unfortunately the place I work at is severely under-manned and my position is one of importance so it has to be filled at all times and this Friday is going to be the only evening I will have off for the last two weeks and for the next two weeks after that. I was really looking forward to having things go my way for once, but now that you’ve shortened your marathon I will skip it in its entirety and find something else to do with my precious free time. I will ask my friends at Fireflyfans.net to list your Marathon’s advertisers so I can contact them during my next scheduled work marathon and let them know why I missed your series and why I won’t be purchasing their products.

SHADESIREN

Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:33 AM

I had to write in, to let them know I'd rather watch my DVDs at 8pm, than wait till eleven to see only four hours. Plus I had to mention the rather low quality of SEVERAL of their shows (I was specific to them, I won't be here, as I know quite a few people actually like these shows, although I cannot fathom why, as they're simply awful, in my own opinion). I ended with a plea for more GOOD shows like BSG and Eureka.

You know you want it - http://www.shadesiren.com

You know you need it - http://www.oberonrpg.com

BROWNCOAT2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:34 AM

WHAAAAAT!!!! *shakes fist at the heavens* WHYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!

Ok, now that that's done with.... whatdafunks up with that?? Stupid SciFi.... *sighs*

TVCHICK

Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:42 AM

Bah!!! Thanks for the head's-up though.

---
You know what the secret to flying is? Love.

FREEBROWNCOAT

Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:57 AM

For The Mummy and Unbreakable? That's disgusting.

MOOSE

Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:57 AM

Well. That's fucked up.

PHYRELIGHT

Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by FollowMal:
Word about this is spreading quickly. Very sad.
Especially so after they advertised it and featured it on the front page of their web site. I wrote them a thank you note the other day, and I'm not sorry I did that.

But I'm going to write them Friday afternoon and tell them how disappointed I am. I'm not going to be sour, just let them know politely how very sad I am that they changed their schedule.

I'm going to remind them that as a Browncoat I'm supportive of them and their genre shows and that having me as a loyal viewer is important.
I don't know that it'll do any good and I'm going to be as respectful of them as I can be... no flaming, but it at least lets me express my sadness at what they've done.

Amen!

"I've got a theory: it could be bunnies."
-Anya, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: "Once More with Feeling"

BROWNCOAT1

Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by FollowMal:
But I'm going to write them Friday afternoon and tell them how disappointed I am. I'm not going to be sour, just let them know politely how very sad I am that they changed their schedule.

I'm going to remind them that as a Browncoat I'm supportive of them and their genre shows and that having me as a loyal viewer is important.
I don't know that it'll do any good and I'm going to be as respectful of them as I can be... no flaming, but it at least lets me express my sadness at what they've done.

Words of wisdom there FM. Hope other browncoats are as diplomatic as you in their emails.

I for one am convinced that the current execs at Sci Fi could mess up anything without even trying.

Not sure why they pulled a sizable chunk of our marathon, but that's fine, I'll just give my viewership to another network or read a book. Might even use the time to fire off an email to Sci Fi, worded as diplomatically as my comrade Follow Mal, and express my disappointment in their ill thoughtout decision.

__________________________________________
Holding the line since December '02!

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://www.richmondbrowncoats.org

Color Officer / X.O. Echo Company

http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

SISTER

Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:53 PM

Idiots.

MONGO

Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:28 PM

just sent them an email. thx for the heads up

FREMDFIRMA

Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:34 PM

Nice shot, Rallem.

Polite, diplomatic, and aimed right square at their pocketbook.

Good job,

-F

ROBINHOOD

Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:04 PM

I've been here nigh on 4 years now, and I've always had hope that someone would eventually pick up the story again, whether it be Universal in movie form, or the Sci-fi channel in mini series format.
But in light of recent events ie Ron Glass being given permission to release some back story about Book, I believe Whedon sees no hope of anything like that ever happening now. Oh sure, there's another comic book of course, about Book (that'll take me all of 15 minutes to read through), can't wait - not. So, Scifi scrapping the 1st 4 hours of Firefly isn't going to be a big hit to the cause.
I think the only way he can go with it now is in Novel form. No, not comics, 'PLEASE!!!!' I can create pictures in my own mind thankyou, don't need rushed mediocre ones drawn for me. Far more importantly, Firefly has more depth to it than any other show I can think of. Turning it into a yearly comic is a complete waste.

STRANGEBIRD

Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:56 PM

I hate to admit it but I kinda agree. It's sad really. I bought the comics but I really was disappointed by the lack of characterization for the most part and the really bad artwork. I mean really some of the panels are hard to look at again after you realize that yes that is supposed to be Simon or Wash or River. It's just wrong. Now that said some of the portait artists and the cover art are really good and in my opinion a great contribution to the Firefly community. I don't agree completely with Joss giving up on the franchise... or atleast I can't and never will be able to. Something like Firefly shouldn't be left to the wayside or just touched in short, unsatisfying comic books.

Forgot to add that I'm just not going to be watching Scifi for awhile and I emailed them telling them that, hardly anything on anymore anyway. No excuse to advertise a marathon then cut out half of it for movies that are shown to death already. It was on late enough as it was.

FOLLOWMAL

Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BrownCoat1:
Words of wisdom there FM. Hope other browncoats are as diplomatic as you in their emails.

Thank you, sir. :-)
I hope they are too.
Although I have to say when I went to the schedule this a.m. to see what else they'd changed I was shocked to see that The Mummy Returns was on tonight as well as tomorrow night. Why we need The Mummy Returns( again!) more than the promised eps of Firefly is beyond me, but under SciFi logic guidelines I'm sure it makes some kind of cock-eyed sense to them. They are after all the network of the "most dangerous night on television" literally.

This is sad because I remember whooping for joy when I learned my cable outlet would carry SciFi... now I'm getting used to feeling dissatisfied with them. *sigh*

I will be watching Moonlight on CBS and giving those sponsors my business thank you.

Quote:
Originally posted by RobinHood:
I've been here nigh on 4 years now, and I've always had hope that someone would eventually pick up the story again, whether it be Universal in movie form, or the Sci-fi channel in mini series format.
But in light of recent events ie Ron Glass being given permission to release some back story about Book, I believe Whedon sees no hope of anything like that ever happening now. Oh sure, there's another comic book of course, about Book (that'll take me all of 15 minutes to read through), can't wait - not. So, Scifi scrapping the 1st 4 hours of Firefly isn't going to be a big hit to the cause.
I think the only way he can go with it now is in Novel form. No, not comics, 'PLEASE!!!!' I can create pictures in my own mind thankyou, don't need rushed mediocre ones drawn for me. Far more importantly, Firefly has more depth to it than any other show I can think of. Turning it into a yearly comic is a complete waste.

I feel much the same way, RobinHood. I can't say I've lost all hope, but instead of being thrilled that we were getting hints at Book's back story, my heart sank. I wanted to "see" that. I want more...

I'm so very hoping for books too. With all my heart.

RIVERFLAN

Thursday, December 13, 2007 9:03 PM

Amen Robinhood!

I never even heard about that Firefly marathon, bacause I don't have cable and so don't pay attention to stuff like that, but that insult to Firefly is awful!! I can't believe they would do something like that, especially since they advertised that so much, and I didn't think corporate sharks would do anything to turn an audience away.

I'm split on the issue on what I would want Firefly continued as- I loved the episodes, but only got to watch them on the DVDs. A movie would be more accessable to me, but I would rather get a continued TV show or mini-series if they would publish boxed sets every so often. But I agree with Robinhood- No more comic books! They are a waste of the wonderful 'verse, and besides, I wouldn't be able to identify a two-dimensional drawing as "River", "Kaylee", "Mal", or any of the other characters. The actors have become the personifications of the characters to me. I can't imagine Inara being represented by anyone other than Morena, and the same goes for the other characters.

@)~*~*~*$)~*~*~*)~(*~*~*~($*~*~*~(@

Gots to get away from the green, nasty dragon
\~~~*~~^~~*~~~/

I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!
#~%~~*~~~&~~~*~~%~#
My favorite quotes:

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LEADMAGNET

Thursday, December 13, 2007 9:09 PM

Sort of puts a damper on my party.... Merry Christmas to us.... Thanks SciFi... Hope Santa Puts Reaver coal in their stockings

I'll get the DVD's out but they offer no proof to those who care about ratings... dag nab it.

GROTZ

Thursday, December 13, 2007 9:40 PM

I think all of you whiners should stop whining.
I understand you are disappointed, but you have all seen the series multiple times, and you own the dvds.

The important thing is spreading the signal. Scifi is doing that, not as much as most of us would like. It is still four episodes of browncoaty goodness, and that to me is shiny.
This is a good opportunity for 'verse virgins to pop their berries.

It needed to be said, stop whining.
Love you all, always will.
keep flying.

"Pop their berries", got a certain poetry to it.

Vote for BDM/FF at http://stargate-news.com/

Never kiss'em on the mouth.

FOLLOWMAL

Thursday, December 13, 2007 9:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LeadMagnet:
I'll get the DVD's out but they offer no proof to those he care about ratings... dag nab it.

I agree, LeadMagnet, which for those of us who are Browncoats that's what we're hoping for.
That and.....

Quote:
Originally posted by Grotz:
The important thing is spreading the signal. Scifi is doing that, not as much as most of us would like. It is still four episodes of browncoaty goodness, and that to me is shiny.

I would agree with you Grotz if it were not for the lateness of the hour. Maybe on the west coast this will nab some newbies but here in the midwest it won't even register with tv watchers. More than the lack of 4 eps, this is what I'm "whining" about.

PAINTITBLACK

Thursday, December 13, 2007 10:22 PM

Well, I am across the pond so I wasn't going to be able to watch the maracthon but I am still disappointed for the reasons that FollowMal mentions--It would have been wonderful to have a new crop of Browncoats getting on board via television again.
My heartfelt sympathies to those who had been looking forward to catching the marathon.

GROTZ

Thursday, December 13, 2007 10:51 PM

Hopefully many will have heard of the show and give it a chance. And hookedness factor of the show is very great, so many will go, "it is 3am, I should go to bed, but I have to see more".

Just be positive all, the boat is flying, Kaylee got it to limbing. If that is enough for the captain, it is enough for me.

Remember, as Browncoats we always have odds against us, and it makes us special.

Vote for BDM/FF at http://stargate-news.com/

Never kiss'em on the mouth.

ECGORDON

Friday, December 14, 2007 12:50 AM

Earlier today, as I was composing my email to Sci-Fi, the idea entered my head that someone became worried that repeats of Firefly would get better ratings than their regular shows have been getting in that time slot. Can't have Firefly doing better than the "original" Flash Gordon, right?

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

FARFLY

Friday, December 14, 2007 12:57 AM

My email was pretty short, just asked if they were changing their name to Sci-Fox.....

RALLEM

Friday, December 14, 2007 1:01 AM

I just hope that somebody does watch and keeps track of the advertisors.

SICKDUDE

Friday, December 14, 2007 6:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ecgordon:
Earlier today, as I was composing my email to Sci-Fi, the idea entered my head that someone became worried that repeats of Firefly would get better ratings than their regular shows have been getting in that time slot. Can't have Firefly doing better than the "original" Flash Gordon, right?

Hmmmm... This does appeal to the conspiracy in me...

"Your gratuitous jello awaits." - Dr. Helen Magnus, Sanctuary

KAIN

Friday, December 14, 2007 8:47 PM

No time for FIREFLY, but seems everytime I flip past that channel FLASH GORDON is on, this is a messed up world.

Kain

SHAMELESS

Friday, December 14, 2007 10:58 PM

Wow. Just wow. To be completely honest, I wasn't planning on watching because I'm seeing I Am Legend tonight with some friends, but I was still happy to see a great show getting attention. But - this is just unprofessional, changing the schedule like this. I'll be sending an email later tonight (of course, they don't have to know I wasn't planning on watching in the first place) and telling them that. Very, very, very, very unprofessional, especially on such short notice. And really - I like The Mummy and Unbreakable, but they practically made a promise. As far as I'm concerned, they did. And some of (oh wait, ALL of) the schlock they show is just ridiculous. They have 3 good shows on, and that's it - Eureka, BSG, and Dr. Who. No more. I'm not counting the pseudo-reality shows, because... yeah, no. And the sci-fi specials are special ed (hurr hurr hurr), they're so retarded (sorry if anybody takes offense, but after years of trying to be politically correct since I worked with the special ed kids in middle school, I just... stopped caring. I like jokes.).

Don't worry, I'll be diplomatic, but I'll make it clear that this breaks a trust between the network and the viewers.

------------------------------------------
RPG launcher bought in third world country illegally - $10
Landmines - $50 per
Attack/track dogs bred 1st class - $250-500 per
Highpowered assault rifles - $600 per
The look on your face when I show up on your doorstep with a bigfoot - ... Priceless

"You gotta love that the first pirated HD DVD is the one about space pirates who broadcast a video that the government wants to keep secret.

Can't stop the signal."
-reavers_ate_my_dvd

RALLEM

Friday, December 14, 2007 11:46 PM

I just hope somebody watches enough to get a list of the advertisors so I can write them and let them know I am protesting their product until they get the Sci-Fi Channel to post a complete Firefly Marathon, and let them know I would purchase their product exclusively if they can convince either the Sci-Fi Channel or Fox to make a second season of the show.

PIRATENEWS

Saturday, December 15, 2007 2:26 AM

I'd rather watch an alcoholic depressed Bruce Willis any day. And I enjoy having my teeth scraped at the dentist.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendi_Deng
Hanoi Hannity: "I voted for the Sino-American Alliance."
"US ports owned by Commie China is good for me."
"Dead and disabled US soldiers are good for me."
"Outsourcing your job is very good for me."
"Sir Rupert dines with Hillary every week."
"Ron Paul does not exist in my 'Verse."

"As far as Chinese goes, I resented it."
-Adam Tudyk, The Making of Firefly

FOX, MYSPACE & FIREFLY OWNED BY COMMUNIST CHINA!
www.piratenews.org/pntv-schedule.html

Does that seem right to you?
Firefly Music Video: Tangerine dream - Confrontation, Thief soundtrack
www.megavideo.com/?v=JVT35GR8
www.scifi.com/onair/

CLEVERUSERNAME

Saturday, December 15, 2007 2:50 AM

Hi! Long time reader first time poster. I was very disappointed when I turned on scifi only to be greeted by Bruce Willis, especially when the guide thing still had Firefly listed. Since I left my FF DVDs in my dorm room, I will watch the butchered marathon only to write down the advertisers for your boycotting pleasure. Not like I'm an addict or something. *shake*

ANONYMOUS1

Saturday, December 15, 2007 5:07 AM

River just popped out of the box!

Simon is explaining everything now.

FOLLOWMAL

Saturday, December 15, 2007 5:43 AM

Mal just shot the horse Patience rode in on and they're heading back to the ship and the Reavers are coming!

6IXSTRINGJACK

Saturday, December 15, 2007 9:02 AM

They no doubt had to clear the schedule for Showdown at Area 51.

The only way I'm going to watch Sci-Fi anymore is if they start showing boobies when they show the Decoys movies.

"A government is a body of people, usually notably ungoverned." http://www.myspace.com/6ixstringjack

CLEVERUSERNAME

Saturday, December 15, 2007 2:28 PM

I had an emergency come up about 40 minutes into Serenity (part 1). Here are the advertisers up to that point though.

Kay Jewelers
Stacker 2
Subaru
National Flood Insurance Program
Scion
Nissan
Sharp
ATT
Movies:
Bourne Ultimatum
Sweeney Todd
Blade Runner
Balls of Fury

NCBROWNCOAT

Saturday, December 15, 2007 2:39 PM

I woke up in the middle of the night (2 am) and Bushwacked was on. It was the last episode shown. I don't remember any advertisers except some local ones.

http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/

WHOZIT

Saturday, December 15, 2007 4:52 PM

Universal has gotten all the money they can from us, the movie, the colletors edition DVD, I think they're about done with us.

JFANJ

Saturday, December 15, 2007 5:52 PM

Yeah,well i hope this does'nt mean our show is losing its mojo.Sci-fi has done well in airing the marathon's quite a few times already,so im sure they will continue to do so.What we all really need is a 2/nd "Serenity"movie,that would be bliss.

j

ANONYMOUS1

Saturday, December 15, 2007 5:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by whozit:
Universal has gotten all the money they can from us, the movie, the colletors edition DVD, I think they're about done with us.

Naah, Universal not done with us yet. Back in 2005 or 2006, USA cable channel bought the rights to show Serenity. Another NBC/Universal network. Then in 2007, USA fought and outbid Sci-Fi channel for the rights to air Firefly. So I'm thinking 2008 Firefly and Serenity on USA cable channel.

Also still lots of new Official Serenity Merchandise still coming out.

GROTZ

Saturday, December 15, 2007 11:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anonymous1:
Then in 2007, USA fought and outbid Sci-Fi channel for the rights to air Firefly.

Someone is fighting over the rights to sending Firefly, is that amazing or what. I did not know that. Inspireing. Those angels might come through after all.

Vote for BDM/FF at http://stargate-news.com/

Never kiss'em on the mouth.

STRANGEBIRD

Sunday, December 16, 2007 12:19 AM

That is pretty interesting. I hope we do see it on USA in the future. Would be about time they got some decent TV. I like Monk but the writing isn't very good anymore. Might also like to see USA picking up a new series based in the 'verse in a few years.

SCUBAWOLF

Sunday, December 16, 2007 12:51 AM

Greets to all!

I think the SciFi channel's cutting of the marathon was pointless, needless, etc. I'm glad we got the four hours we did, but, c'mon, guys!

At any rate, here's the list of sponsors I managed to compile:
In the last half hour of "Unbreakable"-
Yellow Tail (wine)
T-Mobile, the Shadow phone
McDonalds
Army
Sam Adams beer
Centrum Cardio
Bourne Ultimatum DVD
Showdown at Area 51 (SciFi channel movie)
Enterprise (SciFi channel)
Ghost Hunger (SciFi channel)

Once Firefly got going, I listed these:
Kay Jewelers
6-Hour Power, by Stacker
Balls of Fury DVD
Subaru
Carl's, Jr.
Local ad
Sweeny Todd
Nissan
Aquos flat TV
Go Phone by AT&T
Bladerunner- final cut
Clorox
Bipolaroptions.com, Otsuka(?) Pharmaceuticals
Subway
Capzasin
Icy Hot
Olive Garden
Local ad
Alka Seltzer

I know there were a few more, but I missed 'em.

A full-fledged writing campaign would be lovely, but let's be realistic. If everyone just picked one or two advertisers to send a letter to, with a cc off to SciFi, we could do a lot to respectfully show some collective disdain with their decision to advertise and cut the marathon.

Scubawolf

RALLEM

Sunday, December 16, 2007 12:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cleverusername:
I had an emergency come up about 40 minutes into Serenity (part 1). Here are the advertisers up to that point though.

Kay Jewelers
Stacker 2
Subaru
National Flood Insurance Program
Scion
Nissan
Sharp
ATT
Movies:
Bourne Ultimatum
Sweeney Todd
Blade Runner
Balls of Fury

Thank you very much for this information. I will find both e-mail addresses and snail mail addresses to send letters to these advertisers. I don't know how I would contact the advertisors of the movies, but the others shuld be sufficient.

PHYRELIGHT

Sunday, December 16, 2007 1:36 AM

Oh, and I saw an ad for Clorox Bleach (of all things!) before I fell asleep while watching the pilot... What? I had a loooooooong week of final exams!

RALLEM

Sunday, December 16, 2007 9:32 PM

I contacted Kay Jewelers via their web site, but they can also be called or sent snail mail, which I will probably do both. Here is what I said and how you can contact them yourselves.

Kay Jewelers
Att: Customer Relations
375 Ghent Road
Akron, OH 44333

1-800-527-8029

To whom it may concern;
I am writing this letter to let you know that I am protesting the Sci-fi Channels shortening its advertised Firefly marathon of which you were a sponsor, so for that reason I will not be purchasing any product from you until the Sci-fi Channel shows a complete Firefly marathon. I am very sorry for inconveniencing you with my sociological beliefs, but the only way I feel that I can get the Sci-fi Channel to take its advertised schedule more seriously and handle its business more professionally is to put economic pressure on its sponsors. I will let you know though, that if you can convince the Sci-fi Channel to make a second season of the Firefly series, I will satisfy all of my future jewelry needs through your business.

RALLEM

Sunday, December 16, 2007 10:00 PM

I just contacted Subaru via its web site, but they can also be contacted via phone and snail mail, and I probably will contact them through the later two ways myself. Here is how to contact them and what I said.

Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru Plaza
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000

1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)

To whom it may concern;
I am writing this letter to let you know that I am protesting the Sci-fi Channels shortening its advertised Firefly marathon of which you were a sponsor, so for that reason I will not be purchasing any product from you until the Sci-fi Channel shows a complete Firefly marathon. I am very sorry for inconveniencing you with my sociological beliefs, but the only way I feel that I can get the Sci-fi Channel to take its advertised schedule more seriously and handle its business more professionally is to put economic pressure on its sponsors. I will let you know though, that if you can convince the Sci-fi Channel to make a second season of the Firefly series, I will satisfy all of my future automobile needs through your business.

SERENITY72188

Monday, December 17, 2007 3:19 AM

If a movie is all we can get then fine. but if there is the slightest chance of more firefly being made then i say go for that. i would rather have more episodes then more movies, a box set last longer than a 2 hour movie. So maybe they would have a better change of heart with a little push from the fans.

MUGGI

Monday, December 17, 2007 12:55 PM

For those that watched what they left on...

There was a voiceover included at the beginning of "Bushwacked" that I have never heard before..I learned about the show from the DVD set, never saw it on live tv.

Were those included in the original broadcast? Interesting they didn't make the DVDs..

DBLD

Monday, December 17, 2007 10:19 PM

Hi All, long time listener, first time caller...

Isn't NBC-Universal the parent company of both Sci-Fi and USA? Seems kind of odd they'd bid against each other for material they already owned.

Very much looking forward to the new comics though - and I picked up a few extra copies of the BDCE at the discount price. There are some birthdays coming up.

ECGORDON

Monday, December 17, 2007 10:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Muggi:
For those that watched what they left on...

There was a voiceover included at the beginning of "Bushwacked" that I have never heard before..I learned about the show from the DVD set, never saw it on live tv.

Were those included in the original broadcast? Interesting they didn't make the DVDs..

They were included in the original broadcasts, and there were a couple of variations depending on the episode. Book narrated some of them, and there were a couple of slightly differently-worded ones by Mal.

I at least assumed they were not on the DVDs because they weren't Joss' idea, but rather the network's thinking people wouldn't understand what was going on without a bit of exposition. Sort of like how Ridley Scott eliminated Harrison Ford's narration from the Director's Cut of Blade Runner back in the 90s.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

RALLEM

Monday, December 17, 2007 10:45 PM

I used to collect comic books a long time ago, and I did buy the Firefly comic book, but honestly it left me cold. I simply could not feel attached to the story.

ECGORDON

Monday, December 17, 2007 10:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DblD:
Hi All, long time listener, first time caller...

Isn't NBC-Universal the parent company of both Sci-Fi and USA? Seems kind of odd they'd bid against each other for material they already owned.

They are both part of the large NBC/Universal family, but I am sure they have different programmers making decisions about content. Perhaps USA appreciates the BDS more than Sci-Fi does, and wants to give the repeats a more permanent home.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

TERRI

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 6:02 AM

After they cancelled MST3K, and the remastered re-release of Boa Vs. Python 2: HyperBoa, I realized that any respect that I had for Scifi was gone. I'm not surprised at this new move.

RALLEM

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 11:38 AM

I so far sent two emails to the sponsors of last week's Sci-Fi Marathon of Firefly and received responses from both. With Kay Jewelers I received the proper cookie cutter reply thanking me for my interest in the company or something like that, but then shortly later I received a directed email explaining how Kay Jewelers advertises through several mediums and how they were sorry for any mix ups. With Subaru I received the cookie cutter response to my email and nothing more so far, but for these letters to have any real significance others will need to send letters too. Please write the sponsors of last week's Sci-Fi Marathon.

MUGGI

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Terri:
After they cancelled MST3K, and the remastered re-release of Boa Vs. Python 2: HyperBoa, I realized that any respect that I had for Scifi was gone. I'm not surprised at this new move.

Speaking of MST3K..just in case people haven't seen:

http://cinematictitanic.com/wpmu/

Joel, Frank, Trace, and a couple others of the old crew will be back razzing movies soon. First episode comes out really soon..I forget when exactly.

They're doing much more recent movies as well, like Eragon. Should be great!

MUGGI

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 6:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anonymous1:
Quote:
Originally posted by whozit:
Universal has gotten all the money they can from us, the movie, the colletors edition DVD, I think they're about done with us.

Naah, Universal not done with us yet. Back in 2005 or 2006, USA cable channel bought the rights to show Serenity. Another NBC/Universal network. Then in 2007, USA fought and outbid Sci-Fi channel for the rights to air Firefly. So I'm thinking 2008 Firefly and Serenity on USA cable channel.

Also still lots of new Official Serenity Merchandise still coming out.

Hey do you have a link or source for this? I brought it up over at the OB and no one seems to know about it..I figured it was just something that was general knowledge, that I had not heard about...

ANONYMOUS1

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 5:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Muggi:
Hey do you have a link or source for this? I brought it up over at the OB and no one seems to know about it..I figured it was just something that was general knowledge, that I had not heard about...

I've looked in my files. I've searched the internet. Something I read/saw made me think USA had fought and outbid the Sci-Fi channel to show Firefly. I can't find a reference at all. Can't find a thread titled like that.

Now I wonder if I read something about USA outbidding Sci-Fi earlier this year and whoever was writing about the fact that USA purchased the rights to Serenity back in 2005 and since it was in 2007 maybe I assumed it was Firefly. Because I never heard anything about Sci Fi bidding to show Serenity in 2005. Or maybe I heard it in an online video interview and the person said Firefly but was really talking about Serenity.

Sorry. I was really looking forward to watching Firefly on USA and then seeing Serenity.

PACHELBEL

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 6:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ecgordon:
Quote:
Originally posted by Muggi:
For those that watched what they left on...

There was a voiceover included at the beginning of "Bushwacked" that I have never heard before..I learned about the show from the DVD set, never saw it on live tv.

Were those included in the original broadcast? Interesting they didn't make the DVDs..

They were included in the original broadcasts, and there were a couple of variations depending on the episode. Book narrated some of them, and there were a couple of slightly differently-worded ones by Mal.

I at least assumed they were not on the DVDs because they weren't Joss' idea, but rather the network's thinking people wouldn't understand what was going on without a bit of exposition. Sort of like how Ridley Scott eliminated Harrison Ford's narration from the Director's Cut of Blade Runner back in the 90s.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

I saw every episode when it aired, and I don't recall hearing any voice overs. Perhaps my memory is fading, or perhaps it was a choice of the local broadcaster to add them or leave them out?

TR4P

Thursday, December 20, 2007 10:07 PM

Are there any of us hardcore supporters out there that don't already own the DVD's? What we need to do is bring new supporters into our fold. It is just the ability to showcase this series to new viewers that will allow us to do that, and provide further support to the continuance of the movie series.

Now the question is...is 8:00 or 11:00 a better time to do that. I usually know what I'm going to watch during prime time, so maybe this isn't such a bad timeslot. i discovered the BBC version of the Office once when I went for a glass of water at 4am and clicked on BBC America.

What I'm saying is (I guess), don't worry how much plays. Worry about what episodes are playing, and can we attract new viewers with these episodes.

RALLEM

Thursday, December 20, 2007 10:46 PM

I was really hoping several people would make it their business to contact the sponsors of the latest Firefly marathon and voice their displeasure, but since it seems nobody really cares I stopped contacting the companies myself.

PHYRELIGHT

Friday, December 21, 2007 5:15 PM

You lucky Brits!

ZZETTA13

Friday, December 21, 2007 5:29 PM

I know it's been a week ago since si/fi pulled this stunt but guess I'm the only browncoat that may have gotten the gold at the end of the rainbow outta this. Went to work that Friday expecting to miss the entire marathon.Came home dead tired and went to bed at 7:30pm. Slept till 10pm,awoke and couldn't sleep anymore. Decided to watch some tv (to make me sleepy again) so turned on the tube. To my amazment Serenity-pilot eps was just starting. I was confused but delighted as hell. Watched the marathon as long as I could before falling asleep. Good ending to a hard day.

Z

GGOTCH

Monday, December 24, 2007 6:55 PM

Wonder why they made such a move?

Interestingly, Billboard Magazine's "Year End" Charts issue lists the Firefly DVD, at position #12, on the top 2007 Television Series DVDs.

Pretty darn good for a DVD set, that has been out as long as it has!!

Perhaps Sci-Fi/Universal thought that so many folks had copies of the discs, no one was left to watch the network!

MUGGI

Monday, December 24, 2007 7:02 PM

Heh, true but I really hope not..

If they actually THOUGHT that..well, they'd be idiots! And, they're not idiots..right?

There's just something DIFFERENT (at least to me) about watching a show on broadcast TV. I know even having seen every episode dozens of times, and being upset they cut the Marathon..I STILL turned on and watched. I wanted to see my BDH's on tv.

EMMAZULE

Sunday, December 30, 2007 7:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by FollowMal:

I would agree with you Grotz if it were not for the lateness of the hour. Maybe on the west coast this will nab some newbies but here in the midwest it won't even register with tv watchers. More than the lack of 4 eps, this is what I'm "whining" about.

You know, maybe it's just me, but I've always felt the first four hours of Firefly - while certainly, hardly what I'd call unentertaining dreck or anything like that - are some of the weakest and the most flawed, between the rushedness of Train Job, the mild cheese of Bushwhacked and the deflated tension in the latter half of the original pilot (I wish they hadn't told us the BDMs knew they were going to be ambushed, the tension would have been so much higher for the meeting with Patience if they hadn't...), you can kind of tell that despite having great potential and being entertaining, the producers were still finding their sea legs then. Shindig and Our Mrs. Reynolds are where it starts to get really good anyway. I've actually come to think of it never understood why SO MANY Browncoats try to convert folks, but claim you "have" to watch the first few episodes, in order, to "really get" the series. Dude, show them Our Mrs. Reynolds, and they will be hooked. Show them the early episodes later! OMR is my top "conversion" material, personally. :P I remember The Train Job being the first episode I ever saw, and thinking it was "reasonably entertaining", but I didn't get hooked until OMR, after skipping all of Bushwhacked and the first parts of Shindig thanks to forgetting when it was on (this was when SciFi first aired it to promote Serenity). After OMR, I was outright OBSESSED. Although, I still have a soft spot for The Train Job because it introduced me to the series and it did, of course, introduce the inimitably evil Niska without whom we would not have had War Stories. ;)

You forget, too, that SciFi actually tends to cycle their own original series for extra airings starting at 11, precisely because they're trying to catch more than just the East Coast audience.

And also, you forget the late-night competition SciFi Channel gets from Adult Swim most nights. It's actually pretty fierce, believe it or not. And it's better than informercials, which is what SciFi apparently defaults to when it can't find something to fill the air space.

Think of it as a blessing, though - some of the strongest episodes will be exposed to casual viewers who may not have bothered to check it out before. :)