DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '24 I => Current Talk '05 I => Topic started by: Mary on May 20, 2005, 06:41:56 AM
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Hmm, well this is interesting. Wonder what prompted this survey and why it's so "time sensitive...?!" I put undecided for the question about if I'd get pay cable to watch a new DS -- do they mean basic or premium? And I put a big YES! and YES! for if I'd watch it as a daytime show or if I'd prefer a weekly primetime drama -- LOL! I don't care what time of day, just get it on the air! LOL! ;D
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I was wondering that about question 1 myself. They weren't very clear on that one. Probably I would not go with premium but I do already subscribe to Total Choice Plus on Direct TV which gets me extra channels like SoapNet and Boom. I love both by the way. Adult Swim rocks!
Direct TV also has sports packages. I'd subscribe to a similar horror/sci-fi/soap/movie package for sure. [Bat]
luv, victoriawinters
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I don't understand how to participate; do I open an e-mail, copy & paste the questions with my answers?
Patti
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Interesting that there is a specific deadline and also that it is in several days? This time sensitive survey gives the appearance that some DS TV project is close to becoming a reality? I mean if DCP is just thinking about a type of project ie... movie, tele-movie or series, why do they have to know the results of the survey by the 23rd??
I am happy to see that ShadowGram, as always, was clear and concise without the hint of a actual project being in development or being planned unlike another DS source who stated that a new potential DS was being planned.
For Patti. I think all you have to do is click on the reply email key and type in your answers there. That is what I did and I hope that is the correct way to respond?
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Curiouser and coriouser...
I put yes for all three questions. I think if DS was on a channel like HBO they'd give the creators of the show more free reign than a regular network might. And I'm with Mary. I don't care when it's on - as long as it's on.
- PennyDreadful
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This survey does make you think that something is in the works. You never know, maybe a network is thinking about bringing on DS again.
Jeff
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I answered Undecided to question #1
And Yes to questions #2 and #3
Penthea
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This survey does make you think that something is in the works. You never know, maybe a network is thinking about bringing on DS again.
I am hoping you (we) are right. Just don't know what to believe anymore. If something is as imminent as the deadline suggests, you would think that the DS producers already know who the interested entity is; cable channel or a network? Just love to look into these things. lol
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Frankly, I don't understand this survey at all. You don't conduct surveys as you're nearing the completion of a project.....surveys come at the beginning so that you know what direction you should be heading before you start planning and spending.
If they simply want to know if we'll pay for the chance to see the original DS, I can understand that. Why that has to be known in a matter of days, I can't guess.
But on the other hand, if they're trying to convince a network or studio to get involved in another project, this is the sort of info they'd want at the start of the negotiations....not after you've already convinced them. If that's the case, why wasn't this survey done already, and what's the rush now?
And when all is said and done....we've been led down this path before only to get our hopes dashed.
I'm going to take a "show me the money" attitude from now on.
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I wouldn't necessarily read too much into the survey. It could simply be that DCP isn't quite sure whether to pitch DS as a new cable, daytime or primetime series. If some entity was already interested, there'd probably be no need for a survey - more than likely DCP would already be working in one of those directions. And as for the time sensitivity issue, that could merely be because DCP has some sort of meeting scheduled and they'd like the results of the survey before plotting strategy.
Though, of course, my impressions could be wrong. ;)
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I wouldn't necessarily read too much into the survey. It could simply be that DCP isn't quite sure whether to pitch DS as a new cable, daytime or primetime series. If some entity was alreadyinterested, there'd probably be no need for a survey - more than likely DCP would already be working in one of those directions. And as for the time sensitivity issue, that could merely be because DCP has some sort of meeting scheduled and they'd like the results of the survey before plotting strategy.
Though, of course, my impressions could be wrong. ;)
Good points MB although the survey still does not make any sense to me. Since when did DC become clueless (not going there lol) as to where to pitch a new DS project to? His vast experience as a TV producer makes this survey almost illogical. Secondly, since when is DC interested in hearing from us lol? I have read many of his interviews and he does not seem like the type of person who wants to hear from the people on Shadowgram's mailing list. I don't think we can influence him in any way although I can be wrong. If DC is sincere in hearing from us, that is a tremendous compliment from him.
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Secondly, since when is DC interested in hearing from us lol? I have read many of his interviews and he does not seem like the type of person who wants to hear from the people on Shadowgram's mailing list. I don't think we can influence him in any way although I can be wrong. If DC is sincere in hearing from us, that is a tremendous compliment from him.
Actually, back before the '91 series went into production DC did indeed solicit opinions from the fans who were members of the old DS BB on the now defunct Prodigy service.
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Actually, back before the '91 series went into production DC did indeed solicit opinions from the fans who were members of the old DS BB on the now defunct Prodigy service.
Did not know that. Thanks for the info. Let's hope the fans respond to this survey and that he listens.
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Although my interest in a revival is minimal (I'll be polite and not term it "morbid curiosity"), I did respond to the survey.
The reports of a recent miniseries on one of the networks, something called "Revelations"(?) that sounded very campy and OTT, do suggest that there could be room for something along the lines of DS on one of the schedules. Doing it as a 6 or 9 episode miniseries might soften the blow of the tremendous cost of producing it, particularly compared to the enormously popular "reality" shows they roll out for peanuts.
The other way it could be done is like Carnevale on HBO. I haven't seen that either, but friends who watched gave it very high marks.
G.
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Oh My Goddess!! The very idea of a "Dark Shadows" on HBO.....in the "Soprano's", "Carnevale", "Deadwood" mode... boggles the mind!!! [6184]
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Pure speculation on my part, but it just struck that with DC's association with Showtime with Our Fathers, perhaps they've expressed some sort of an interest in DS, or if Our Fathers does well, perhaps DCP is considering pitching some sort of DS project to Showtime. However, I still believe that at this point it's way, Way, WAY too dangerous to read anything into what might have sparked the idea for the survey. And while a potential Showtime DS project might account for the survey's question regarding whether or not we'd be willing to pay a monthly subscription fee to receive a pay channel in order to watch a new DS, unless Showtime is suddenly interested in getting into daytime dramas, DC's association with them certainly wouldn't account for the the survey's question regarding whether or not we might enjoy DS as a daytime program...
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Oh My Goddess!! The very idea of a "Dark Shadows" on HBO.....in the "Soprano's", "Carnevale", "Deadwood" mode... boggles the mind!!! [6184]
Definitely. A new DS deserves that level of treatment IMO.
I don't think WB would have handled the remake well at all, from what I've read about some of the ideas they were trying to impose. I think HBO would be much more likely to let Dan Curtis & co. do the show properly and not try to butt in as much. I'd love to see an atmospheric, well-crafted and intelligent remake of DS that is both respectful of the classic series, but also finds new storylines to explore.
I think HBO might be a good place for it. MB, I also considered the Showtime connection. That could definitely work too. Although that would mean we'd have to pay for Showtime at my place, I'd be willing to do that if it meant good new DS episodes.
~PennyDreadful~
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After reading all of these responses I am more confused than ever. lol
"Our Fathers" I am guessing fiinished production several months ago and now we have a survey that gives us only 4-5 days to respond. Perhaps when DC consulted on The Night Stalker new pilot, he got some interest from ABC (especially they know it will be the 40th Anniversary next year). That is my guess although Showtime is also a good possibility. Thank goodness for discussion boards.
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Perhaps when DC consulted on The Night Stalker new pilot, he got some interest from ABC (especially they know it will be the 40th Anniversary next year).
Possibly. But just like Showtime doesn't account for the daytime program question, ABC doesn't account for the pay cable question, which is why at this point I'm more inclined to believe that there isn't much of anything concrete happening and that the survey is simply a way to guage where the fans' thinking is.
Time will tell, as it always does...
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I agree with MB's take on the question. There very well might be a meeting or a pitch DCP wants to make to person(s) unknown and wants to go in stating he knows about some fan reaction to what he is proposed (or what he is being offered). I wouldnt read any more into than that, IMO.
Nancy
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I agree with MB's take on the question. There very well might be a meeting or a pitch DCP wants to make to person(s) unknown and wants to go in stating he knows about some fan reaction to what he is proposed (or what he is being offered). I wouldnt read any more into than that, IMO.
Well at the very least I am extremely satisfied that something may be happening on a potential new DS project. Go Dan.
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Well, whatever venue (if any) is being considered for a new DS, it seems very unlikely it's going to be the Horror Channel.
That ship doesn't seem able to launch itself out of its moorings into open water. Still nothing on the site to indicate they are any closer to actually finding a home on cable TV.
And I swore I wasn't going to get caught up in any more DS discussions based purely on speculation and vague off-the-cuff utterances by people with tenuous connections to the show... ::)
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Well, whatever venue (if any) is being considered for a new DS, it seems very unlikely it's going to be the Horror Channel.
And I swore I wasn't going to get caught up in any more DS discussions based purely on speculation and vague off-the-cuff utterances by people with tenuous connections to the show... ::)
I agree that the Horror Channel is skating on thin ice. But I do think it is ok to continue to speculate on matters that we may or may not have any control of pertaining to DS. It may be cruel but this is a discussion board for members to bring to the table what they think about this possible development. Yes I also agree that we may have been possible victims of unsubstantiated rumors pertaining to a new potential DS project. However, this time I do believe that there is a shred of truth to this current rumor. I remember that John Wells had indicated that he had not given up on Dark Shadows and that he was going to sit down with DC after he filmed Our Fathers to discuss a possible new DS project. Perhaps they will be finally having this meeting.
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Well, whatever venue (if any) is being considered for a new DS, it seems very unlikely it's going to be the Horror Channel.
That ship doesn't seem able to launch itself out of its moorings into open water. Still nothing on the site to indicate they are any closer to actually finding a home on cable TV.
This saddens me since I was really looking forward to the Horror Channel. They really seem to want to show DS and all kinds of great horror programming. I hope the channel can make it.
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Just for the sake of not leaving a blank space, I entered "undecided" as answer to the question of paying yet more for a channel just to see a new DS. The truth is, I probably wouldn't. The cable I get now is in the $50s, plus with the internet over $100. Adding showtime or HBO would jack it up beyond what I'm unhappy to pay as it is. I have no interest in just about anything else on HBO or Showtime. There's all too much dirt on the channels I get, and I got along just fine without the Sopranos, Sex And the City, Queer As Folk, R-rated movies and everything else, thank you.
That's another thing, I really don't want to see DS laden with blatant sexual content, nauseating violence, and excessive profanities. It's one thing to update it to the modern world, and I think it's great if it's more PC (one reason I liked the new cast they picked last year), but where to draw the line at HOW to tell the stories? Plenty of people complained about the possibilities when they heard it was proposed as a WB show. What do you think they might do if it's on a station with a bare minimum of standards?
Even though the old show was pretty strong stuff when I first saw it at age 10, compared to what's out there today, I would have no qualms introducing it to an intelligent older child. I wouldn't want a DS I would be embarrassed to watch if a kid or even my (seriously conservative) parents stepped into the room. However, to sell the concept I guess that's what will have to be done. OK fine, then I'll just wait to hear what others think of it if it EVER comes to pass, then maybe I'd rent the DVDs eventually.
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If DS ever was to become a Showtime or HBO series, that doesn't necessarily mean that it would be laden with blatant sexual content, nauseating violence, or excessive profanities. For example, Showtime produced The Outer Limits and Stargate SG1 for several seasons and neither series featured any of those things.
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A vampire in literature, movies, etc. is portrayed as a sexual, violent character who both attracts and repels his victims. Barnabas (original, 1991, House of Dark Shadows and 2004) is no exception. Yes, they could not show the sex on daytime then but it was certainly discussed a great deal or inferred. Much of the inference was rated x.
I'm not sure how one would go about sanitizing the story of a vampire to exclude violence, gore and sex. Or, why would even want to bother. If one did, then it would not be the story of the vampire but of something else.
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When I was, like, 7 or 8 watching the original DS in its original run, I had no idea vampires had anything remotely to do with sex. I thought they were just about violence and gore, which I thought were very cool -- LOL! So I say forget the sex and go for the violence and gore -- LOL! ;D
I remember that John Wells had indicated that he had not given up on Dark Shadows and that he was going to sit down with DC after he filmed Our Fathers to discuss a possible new DS project. Perhaps they will be finally having this meeting.
I hope this is what's going on! :D
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A vampire in literature, movies, etc. is portrayed as a sexual, violent character who both attracts and repels his victims...Yes, they could not show the sex on daytime then but it was certainly discussed a great deal or inferred. Much of the inference was rated x.
I'm not sure how one would go about sanitizing the story of a vampire to exclude violence, gore and sex. Or, why would even want to bother.
That may be so, but I think a lot of the concern surrounding a new DS has to do with how the sensuality of the vampire is handled. Personally, I don't want to see Barnabas rutting on Josette (pardon my crudeness.) Just let him bare his fangs and then fade out; let the audience imagine what happens next. Subtlety is more elegant (and more intelligent) than explicitness.
But then, I'm not eager to see a remake anyway, so I didn't reply to the survey. I had the opportunity to see an episode of the 1991 DS today. As a show, it wasn't bad. It was atmospheric, it was visually attractive. But it was like looking at a parallel universe. I cannot think of that show as "Dark Shadows". I believe DS was a unique product of its time. You can't step in the same river twice. If Dan Curtis wanted to present a next generation DS, then I would be delighted and I would watch it whenever/wherever. However, he has made it apparent that he is not interested in pursuing that possibility. I don't want to watch an imposter DS, especially not if it's gratuitously violent and smutty. IMO, a good show is measured by how entertaining and well-written the story is and how well the characters are developed, not how much skin is showing.
ProfStokes
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Even though Sci-Fi unceremoniously dumped the original DS, considering the continuing interest in the show I'm surprised it has not looked into doing a new version. It did that miniseries remake of Battlestar Gallactica, which proved so popular that it became a hit show for the network, and I'm sure the fan base for BG is not as large as for DS. Dan Curtis is still a hot commodity, as exemplified by his success with Our Fathers on Showtime.
Gerard
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When did sexandviolence become one word? That usage annoys me to death.
I can't stand watching violent content....everything from car chases to shoot-outs makes me change the channel, without hesitation. It doesn't entertain me, it doesn't amuse me, and it very rarely moves the story along in any meaningful way. Unfortuanately, it seems to show up most frequently on the evening news, and THAT I can't ignore, but that's a topic for a different forum.
Sexually explicit content is an entirely different thing. It can be joyful, beautiful, funny, or sad. No, it's not appropriate for children too young to really understand what they are looking at. But not everything shown on TV has to be tailored for an audience of children.
Like it or not, Vampires are sexual symbols. I'm hard pressed to think of a more blatent sexual symbol in literature. And these being the times in which we live, a cable-produced, more explicit version of Dark Shadows should not come as a surprise to anyone.
If a new Dark Shadows was actually going to happen..... ::)
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I replied to the survey, but count me among those who are deeply skeptical that any new version of Dark Shadows will ever see light of day.
Guess I really feel like we DS fans got burnt by the whole fiasco with the WB. And look what happened. Both the dramas that the net picked up instead of DS - "The Mountain" and "Jack and Bobby" were unceremoniously dumped. Things that make you go hmmm.
I can't see something like it getting on pay cable, for some reason. Something about it doesn't add up. But given Dan Curtis's continued visibility, and the supposed interest of John Wells, it is tempting to think that maybe at least there is a sitdown with network suits in the offing.
Until then, I'll have to content myself with my precious dvds. No matter what new version of the show happens (or doesn't happen), the original series will always reign supreme at my house.
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Like Gothick, I am not pining for a DS remake. I agree with ProfStokes that any remake would look like an imposter DS. I just want to see the original again so we can watch it together.
I read an article that referred to WB's Barnabas as a "blue collar" Barnabas. I shudder to think what they meant. While Frid is not conventional leading man handsome, he was always courtly and refined. What the heck was WB attempting to do with the new cast? Black sheriff in a white Maine town, oriental beauty Dr. Hoffman, and "blue collar" Barnabas is not a DS that interests me. Although, a black Angelique would have been interesting.
I did watch the 91 DS and enjoyed it but I did not compare it to the original. It was so different as to be more parallel time DS.
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Black sheriff in a white Maine town, oriental beauty Dr. Hoffman, and "blue collar" Barnabas is not a DS that interests me.
The first two things didn't bother me whatsoever (though I was unsure of Kelly Hu's acting ability)....however, a "blue collar" Barnabas certainly does. No matter what the present day time period is (1967, 1991, 2004, 2006, 2040, etc), Barnabas isn't like other men. That's part of his appeal. Hes from a different time, his personality and traits should reflect that. "blue collar" Barnabas.....*shudders*
I answered yes to all three questions. If I had reason to believe a new DS would be good, then I'd pay for the channel to watch it as long as I could afford it. But I would hope it would end up on a regular channel. I would prefer a primetime series over a daytime series. Nothing could surpass the original for me (in the way of certain cast members, characters), but I would be interested in seeing a successful remake. If it was well written and well casted, I think it could be fun, especially if they came up with new directions & twists on the storylines.
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"blue collar" Barnabas.....*shudders*
I remember gagging when I read that awhile back. Yet another reason I'm kind of glad WB didn't do the series. They don't understand DS. And from the little I've seen of Kelly Hu (X-Men 2) - Ugh. I suspect she would have made an awful Julia Hoffman. For whatever flaws the '91 show may have had, at least they tried to stay somewhat true to the characters by casting classy actors like Jean Simmons and horror film icon Barbara Steele.
I really enjoy the idea of a continuation of the classic series with a grown-up David and a wise, matriarchal Carolyn. That could lead to a whole new set of storylines, and flashbacks to relate some of the things which happened over the last 35 years.
~PennyDreadful~
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Black sheriff in a white Maine town, oriental beauty Dr. Hoffman, and "blue collar" Barnabas is not a DS that interests me. Although, a black Angelique would have been interesting.
I'm not what you find so uninteresting about persons of color. The population of Maine is not 100% white. It never has been from the first settlement of whites. Thus, persons of color including African-American, Native American, Asian-American, Hispanic are not unheard of. Doctors move in and out of state all the time. I believe persons of color could only add to a rich canvas of Dark Shadows either as color blind characters (their race has no meaning and is not mentioned even if they are in an interracial relationship) or as subplots of the supernatural-time travel element of the show.
Native American, Asian, Hispanics all have a rich supernatural folklore. That folklore can only add to a new Dark Shadows or any Dark Shadows for that matter, not detract.
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Victoriawinters,
I did not mean to make this a statement about race but more about realistic casting. The casting can be as colorful as any other show. A black Professor Stokes or a black Angelique would have been very interesting with a rich backstory. I thought an asian Dr Hoffman might work but she was very young and beautiful. The same kind of woman Barnabas always pursues so his rejection of her as a love interest would have seemed odd. Grayson Hall and Barbara Steele were both attractive and accomplished women that would seem intimidating to Barnabas.
I am insulted that you read more into my opinion than was intended. I have lived in Maine for 16 years and lived 28 years in California. As odd as it seems, small Maine towns are primarily white. If racial diversity is the goal for DS casting, the venue needs to be changed to a more metropolitan area like Boston or New York.
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I believe persons of color could only add to a rich canvas of Dark Shadows either as color blind characters (their race has no meaning and is not mentioned even if they are in an interracial relationship) or as subplots of the supernatural-time travel element of the show.
When the casting for the new DS was announced, I did wonder how it would affect the storytelling. That is, how would the character of Barnabas react a multiracial Collinsport? I imagine we viewers are all enlightened men and women of the 21st Century, but the sad fact is that typical 18th Century upper-class New England males did not think very highly of women and people of color. Barnabas may have courtly manners but he is still a product of his time, and I imagine he would have been stunned by the sociopolitical changes of the 21st Century.
How might he react upon climbing out of the coffin after 200 years to discover that a woman :o from the heathen Far East is serving as a physician and a Negro is enforcing the law? How would the WB have addressed that, if at all? Would they have bothered to portray Barnabas as confused, disbelieving, and stuck up? Or would they have become too nervous over potential flack for being non-PC, decided their tweenage viewers weren't bright enough to catch onto the anachronisms, and glossed over the race issues altogether, showing Barnabas as merely passively accepting everything and everyone he encountered, from horseless carriages to pretty Asian-American female doctors?
I realize that these issues may seem distasteful but it's not my intention to step on any toes. My point is that, in the interest of maintaining credibility, any new series should remain aware of how plausible its scenarios are. onyx_treasure has pointed out that most small Maine towns are homogenous; hence, a multiracial cast is a bit unusual for that context. I don't believe a "color-blind" Barnabas would be historically accurate, but acclimating Barnabas to the more diverse and tolerant 21st Century might end up being one of the sub-plots that victoriawinters mentioned.
ProfStokes
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Oh, I don't know. In 1796, Barn was pretty progressive. He didn't think like his contemporaries, that I recall. He showed this in his treatment of Ben. He even made sure Ben would be free before he "left for England". I think this is one of the reasons he was at such odds with his father and aunt. I think he would have made the transition with a bit more ease than one might expect. And honestly, I don't think he'd care; He'd have much bigger fish to fry.
And I can't imagine any of this being more than mentioned in passing in a revival, I don't think time would permit it.
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You know I don't remember Barnabas having any reaction to how the women in Collinsport dressed in short dresses in 1967 as compared to the long dresses they wore when he was sealed in the coffin in 1795. Not to leave out the fact that people now drove cars instead of riding in horse drawn carriages.
Willie must have been some good explainer. Since Barnabas was well informed and wasn't shocked by anything he saw in 1967, as compared to what his experience was in 1795 when he last saw the world before being sealed in that coffin for well over a hundred and something years. The world sure did change alot in that time.
You would have thought he would have some type of reaction. Even though he'd have to cover his reaction fast.
FireRose
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You know I don't remember Barnabas having any reaction to how the women in Collinsport dressed in short dresses in 1967 as compared to the long dresses they wore when he was sealed in the coffin in 1795.
Excellent point, considering all the fuss that Abigail made over Vicki's non-1795 clothing and [spoiler]Edrward's reaction to Julia's hemline when she collapsed in Collinwood's doorway in 1897.[/spoiler]
Not to leave out the fact that people now drove cars instead of riding in horse drawn carriages.
Cars that we eventually see Barnabas driving himself. ::) You're right, FireRose, we should have seen at least a couple of Barnabas v. Technology sequences.
You would have thought he would have some type of reaction. Even though he'd have to cover his reaction fast.
I can only recall one occasion when Barnabas looked clueless about something he didn't understand. There's a scene during one of Barnabas's first episodes when he and Roger are sharing a drink. Roger makes a reference to how the Collins family gave up their European vineyards during WWII and Barnabas's face goes beautifully blank. You just know he must have rushed out to find a history book shortly thereafter.
ProfStokes
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Barnabas didn't show shock at Vicki's appearance when he sees her outside the old house for the first time 1795. Naomi also doesnt' show it. I just think of the both of them as being gracious and anxious to display good manners in the face of any oddity they might encounter. Aunt Abigail was another matter though.
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I have lived in Maine for 16 years and lived 28 years in California. As odd as it seems, small Maine towns are primarily white. If racial diversity is the goal for DS casting, the venue needs to be changed to a more metropolitan area like Boston or New York.
I don't live in Maine now but was born and lived there for sometime. I concur that it's true Maine, especially anything further north of Portland, is primarily white. A black sheriff is not likely to happen in rural Maine considering the redneck types that generally live in those communities. Maine does tend to be a bit racial and suspicious in general of outsiders. Casting should make some sense...like I don't see Morgan Freeman cast as Barnabas though I think he's a great actor.