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neadodsThis is in my feedback to Staggering Stories, but I thought I'd elaborate here.
In the announcement that Fox wasn't picking up an American version of Torchwood, it was said that BBC or Davies (or both; I'm unclear on this) was insisting on a 13-episode commitment.
I was cynical about Davies' and Gardener's move here in the first place, and if that announcement is true, I've just lost my last shred of sympathy. Who in their right mind does not research the requirements of their own profession in a new area?
American TV boils down to one of three things:
- 4-6 episode miniseries
- 12 episode midseason replacements or summer series
- 22 episode full seasons.
We don't do 13 episodes here. Our schedules aren't set up for 13 episodes. Our syndication deals aren't set up for 13 episodes. No network is going to change their lineup for a single show - especially one whose best ratings were still, in this country, comparatively tiny.
In the announcement that Fox wasn't picking up an American version of Torchwood, it was said that BBC or Davies (or both; I'm unclear on this) was insisting on a 13-episode commitment.
I was cynical about Davies' and Gardener's move here in the first place, and if that announcement is true, I've just lost my last shred of sympathy. Who in their right mind does not research the requirements of their own profession in a new area?
American TV boils down to one of three things:
- 4-6 episode miniseries
- 12 episode midseason replacements or summer series
- 22 episode full seasons.
We don't do 13 episodes here. Our schedules aren't set up for 13 episodes. Our syndication deals aren't set up for 13 episodes. No network is going to change their lineup for a single show - especially one whose best ratings were still, in this country, comparatively tiny.
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Re: Schedules # of eps.
Date: 2010-04-26 12:22 am (UTC)Grittiness I wouldn't worry about. Grim is in these days; so many shows are dark. But if Jack stayed gay, they'd probably ask him to swish. Or make him specifically gay, as opposed to willing to shag anything.
Remember how moving X-files from Vancouver to LA killed the atmosphere of the show?
Didn't watch X-Files for long, but that move sure didn't do She Wolf of London any favors.
Re: Schedules # of eps.
Date: 2010-04-26 06:07 pm (UTC)Well, I'll give you - "grittiness is in" 'cause you're right there, but I still can't imagine a US Network doing something even remotely close to "Children of Earth".
But you said all US shows are 22 episodes a season, and it's just not true. Tho' as someone else pointed out most of my examples were from cable. I simply didn't notice that because virtually everything I watch is British or cable/satellite. I find I actually LIKE cable shows better than network shows - there's a certain known quality to a cable network (like USA produces original character-driven light drama).
As to Jack being swish - I'd find that to be offensive. I'd rather have the character straight than swish (even tho' there's also a certain offensive quality to that).
I've been thinking tho' as to who could possibly do an American Torchwood and the only network I can think of is Showtime. First, they've done British shows before, airing "Robin of Sherwood" in the 80's, hosting the US version of Queer as Folk, and currently doing "The Tudors" (plus not being afraid of controversy - airing "Oz" and "Nip/Tuck" or was that HBO?).
Now - I don't GET Showtime currently, but I'd either do a temp. Pass, buy the DVDs straight out, or watch it on 101 (DirectTV's free special events cannel).
The only other channel I can think of to do Torchwood would be Logo - and they have NO money, and despite running re-runs of "Buffy - the Vampire Slayer" don't understand SF.
--Olivia