My point exactly, Darren.  Since one can't conclusively say what a uniquely "Dark Shadows" story is, I don't think you can discount any new version outright.  You can't reasonably bemoan that a new version won't match a set of criteria that you can't articulate yourself.  To me, that's like saying: "Well, I'll love that radio show, so long as it's yellow."

There probably isn't a single story from the original show which isn't cribbed from somewhere, so I think the possibilities are endless.  Personally, I find that very exciting -- you have a totally blank canvas to play with once you've set up the cast... horror, romance, mystery, period drama -- all valid possibilities providing you can tell a good story.

But, for the sake of argument I'll have a go at a concept:

"The lives and loves of the residents of the Collinwood mansion, and the dark shadows that the supernatural casts casts upon them."

Endless possibilities -- which is the best future any new show can have.

Kids who think that special effects are the key to good story telling and tv and movies are very  dumb and thick skulled.

I find that a very misleading statement - Raineypark's post remarked on a younger generation struggling with a "visually dull" original - storytelling never came into it.

Sure, DS was cherishably great at times. However, there was also a lot of dross, substandard production and outright stupid excesses along the way.  It's important to retain that perspective.  A new version can't survive on fans alone -- as I think I pointed out elsewhere, the entire fan audience could switch off after the first episode and it would be a blip on the ratings, if anything.

None of the arguments about new producers not "getting what Dark Shadows truly is" convince me.  Firstly, I haven't a clue what that statement actually means -- and I think if pressed, the original poster would struggle to define that term in any tangible way.  And secondly, it boils down to the same irrational argument of blindly slating something that hasn't even been written, let alone cast or filmed.

I see no reason why a new version can't unite the strengths of the original with the benefits of hindsight and a more sophisticated production.  Ethos is a lot more important to the show than mythos, I think.  Beyond that, it's just a case of telling good stories... that's all that counts.

http://www.collinwood.net - The Dark Shadows Journal Online

* CHRISTMAS!

As the festive season approaches, the Dark Shadows Journal re-opens its Christmas sub-site just in time for the holidays! With original fiction, humour, winter e-cards featuring classic characters and desktop wallpaper, it's everything you need to enjoy Christmas at Collinwood!

Cheers

Stuart

There's no price listed for the Return To Collinwood CD - simply an ad that says it will be available in 2004. 

Is there any artwork shown for "Return to Collinwood", out of interest?

I think some of the people are being a little unfair about the article - it's not meant to be a serious journalistic overview of the casting process, but just a bit of fun kicking about possibilities.

Anyway, since a friend suggested it to me, I'm convinced that Crispin Glover is just born to play Barnabas. He's about the right age, looks totally sinister and has just the right air of menace about him.

http://www.collinwood.net -- The Dark Shadows Journal Online

New on the website:

* AOL IM Buddy Icons: Customise your online chatting with a spooky new range of Dark Shadows character icons

* News: Updates about upcoming events, plus the cover for Dark Shadows DVD Collection 10


Cheers

Stuart

I cannot help but be concerned for the fact that it is going to be on that network which is known for the kind of meaningless sex,humor and endless casting of all teenage cast for its shows. I have set up some personal requirements for me to watch the show beyond 1 to 3 episodes.

TBH, the fans are the last people it needs to please to survive -- and rightly so.  From the WB's perspective, we could all switch off after the first episode and it would barely register on the ratings, if at all.  We're a blip on the scale, nothing more, so they can take or leave us.

Personally, I'd love to see some more humour in a new series.  One of the things I loved about the recent "Return to Collinwood" play was its rich vein of comedy, which genuinely enhanced the story -- it adds a dimension to the characters and brings a touch of welcome reality too.  And the show itself was frequently at its strongest when it smirked at its characters and excesses -- don't forget Quentin's bitter line in acid wit, Magda's simpering sarcasm to Barnabas or Count Petofi's penchant for Wildean one-liners.  Terrific stuff -- one should never confuse being funny with being silly.

As for a new show, I'm open minded -- I don't really care how true it is to the original, if it has teenagers in, or whether KLS has a cameo...  Make it good drama with a few surprises and I'll be a happy viewer.