Friday, May 15, 2009

Renewals of ‘Dollhouse,’ ‘Reaper’ possible, but with major compromises


Two of my favorite TV shows, “Dollhouse” and “Reaper,” might return with fresh episodes in the fall, but both would have to make changes that could hurt their quality.
Fox reportedly has picked up “Dollhouse” for a second 13-episode season, according to Michael Ausiello of EW.com. But producers of the show have agreed to a “drastically reduced budget,” Ausiello writes.
I hope that doesn’t affect the quality of the show. I remember when NBC cut the production budget of “Miami Vice” (1984-1989) in its final years. The show lost its slick, theatrical film quality and started looking cheap and slapdash.
The CW’s “Reaper” might return with new episodes as a syndicated program or on cable, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
But again, there’s a catch. The show’s budget would have to be slashed. Also, some of the talent behind the show has already left for new shows.
“Reaper” creators/executive producers Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters are gone and Tyler Labine, the actor who plays comic sidekick “Sock” Wysocki, has signed to star in a new Fox comedy, “Sons of Tucson.”
The producers of “Reaper” likely would have to take the show in a completely new direction. Labine is one of the best things about “Reaper.” He’s a hoot and will be missed.
Chalk up the renewal of these two shows to: Be careful what you wish for.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I'll be glad if what I wished for--the return of Reaper! Write your CW affiliate and say there's a fanbase in your area and it would be a ratings boost for them on Sunday nights! Look up your CW affiliate here: http://www.cwtv.com/stations. Also write to ABC Studios -- http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html?lid=ABCCOMGlobalFooter&lpos=CONTACT -- encouraging them to keep promoting the syndication of Reaper! International viewers, write your affiliates/networks too. Draft emails and other ideas at reaperdmv.com. Come on, folks! This is our chance!

If you’re thinking that Tyler’s new show and Michele/Tara’s new contract at Fox mean the show isn’t coming back: Tyler says that Reaper has contractural priority, and Tara told us that she and Michele would still be consultants if Reaper gets a third season. So, write!