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Current Talk '03 II / Re:Anyone know anything new on WB dark shadows pilot
« on: December 12, 2003, 10:48:56 PM »
And here are some responses to the negative quotes I posted yesterday. I present them without comment as they pretty much speak for themselves (and do keep in mind that all these remarks were also being made before the '91 series actually debuted):
- "Didn't send my comments on the new movie/series earlier because to speculate with insufficient data (as I had at the time) is the royal road to egg on one's face."
- "... loved reading the movie comments. If nothing else, it sure did get fandom stirred up. Myself, I'm just thrilled it's back - and hope it's good. Ben Cross is a very good actor, like Frid, he'll just have to make the role his own. Let's hope it clicks. Between the release of DS on video (who would have thought it possible!?), the new DS Companion book, the new TV movie, and the release of the two DS movies on video cassette -- whew! I'm on a Dark Shadows High. It's unbelievable, but damn I'm happy!"
- "While I can appreciate the fans' disappointment, we must realize Dan Curtis is not recreating DS for us, but for the public at large, and their reaction to it will trigger everything that follows."
- "As far as plot is concerned, for the sake of the new viewers, it's more practical to begin with Barnabas' introduction to the Collins family. There would be no confusion for 1st time viewers"
- "I am one who usually doesn't respond to various fandom activities, opinions, or reactions, preferring instead a calmer more peaceful existence. But after reading all the negative reactions to the new DS project, I felt a real need to speak out. I was troubled by and couldn't believe the almost totally negative attitude which came from many of the letters. Why is nearly every response seemingly so closed minded? This mindset toward the actors, project, etc., without even seeing the finished product."
- "It isn't as if the old episodes of DS are being obliterated - never to be seen again. This new DS project is in point of fact helping the old. We have the release of episodes on video, a cable channel has purchased and will eventually air all DS episodes. The show for a time is sure to be very popular once again. I mean, what more do people want or expect? For years people have wanted to see DS reborn on TV in some form. Now here it is, coming to TV (and we can even tape it this time around) and a lot of fans can do nothing but whine and complain, because its not exactly the way they want it or think it should be. Nothing remains the same. We should be overjoyed -- DS is being produced again at all. As well as doing all we can to support it, because if it dies due to our revolt so may hopes for future interest in the unreleased DS episodes."
- "Over the years I've noticed a small faction of DS fans who seem obsessed with the show. Should it not behoove such persons to remember, it is after all, only a television program -- and not the Holy Bible. Such people judging the actors, writers, Curtis and the entire DS project before even seeing it, left me cold. I'm sure Dan Curtis, Sam Hall, et.al., with all their combined years of experience know what they are doing. Curtis has said he wants to try getting some of the former cast to return. So what if its a different role, they are actors, for God's sake, not the people they portray -- either now or before (during the 1966-71 run). People who can't accept this perhaps need a good dose of reality or professional mental treatment! Or at least remember the old adage: 'You can't go home again!' But we can visit."
- "Why not relax, chill out and enjoy this latest installment of DS for what it is, a new version of an old, dear friend. Perhaps if fandom stops comparing it to an old separate program twenty odd years old they might even find pleasure in watching the story unfold again. Strangely familiar but interestingly different."
- "If some people in fandom can't collectively support DS old and new, then at least calm down, 'grow up' and allow the rest of us who want to, to enjoy this new version of an old favorite. It is not my intention to offend anyone, but after reading all the negative reactions, I felt it had to be said. Surely I'm not a lone voice in the woods..."