With the news that NBC and David Eick have a long-term future together, I’m left wondering just what relic from TV show past MR Eick will re-imagine next. After much thought, I feel that the show I’d most like to see him bring back (or not, if BW is anything to go by) is a certain Quantum Leap!

For those of you who can’t remember this classic show, here’s a little reminder:

Surely one of the best title sequences ever!?

Obviously there’s a lot of if’s and maybe’s involved in whatever show Eick and NBC decide to remake, but Mr Eick, IF you do re-imagine this gem, please please PLEASE remember two words before you even get started: Bionic Woman.

Despite his failure with Bionic Woman, NBC have kept faith in David Eick by giving him a new deal which will allow him to work on the BSG prequel “Caprica” and other projects for the production arm of the network. Syfy Portal have the following:

Eick will have an exclusive television contract with Universal Media Studios. Not only will that give him more opportunity to work on the “Battlestar Galactica” prequel “Caprica,” but it also will allow him to create and develop other products.

Eick also will take on an adventure series known as “AKA” as well as “Hart to Hart.” Kerry Ehrins, most recently of “Friday Night Lights” is the writer behind “AKA” while Dario Scardapane will be attached to “Hart to Hart” as a writer.

On top of that, Eick also will be asked to do yet another adaptation of an existing property under the control of NBCU, although the title of that property has yet to be released since the studio is still working on finalizing the rights to recreate it.

It’s a shame that he didn’t succeed with BW, but it’s clear that the guy is talented, and NBC can certainly see that otherwise they wouldn’t invest in him so heavily. Although that said, sometimes faith be blind. At least Eick now has the time to craft projects and assemble a quality team around him. He’ll also learn from the mistakes that were made with BW. So whilst his reputation has been damaged slightly, I’ll still look on with interest at what he comes up with next.

As reported on the comments section by ryansxpress, executive producer David Eick has personally stated that the show has been cancelled:

“I just felt that the process was so frustrating, and the conditions under which we were making that show never really came to fruition in such a way that I felt like we could make the show well. We just didn’t ever bring it all together like we did with Battlestar. At a certain point, when it becomes that frustrating, I think you’re better off to say, ‘Let’s try again another time,’ and let it go.”

Eick goes on to rightfully defend Michelle Ryan for her part in the shows downfall, whilst unsurprisingly he doesn’t point the finger of blame at the writers, stating that some of it was “good”. He must be referring to the first episode then. Basically it wouldn’t be clever of him to ostracise writers which he may need in the future (the Re-imagining of the Six Million Dollar Man, perhaps? That’d please Lee Majors!).

So, there we have it, straight from the horses mouth – or at least the saddle, since only NBC can officially cancel the show. I just think Eick owes a better explanation than the ones he’s given. It’s amazing that the ball was dropped, especially when i’m reminded of all the hype and promise.

I came across this fan-made Bionic Woman video and thought that it was pretty appropriate with the current situation in mind. Titled “Somebody Help Me”, I’m left wondering ‘can somebody help Bionic Woman!??’

Well, can they? You know it’s been said a million times by myself and many of you out there, but this show has SO much potential. What a shame that David Eick and NBC dropped the ball! Because ultimately that’s where the buck has to stop – not with Michelle Ryan, not with Isaiah Washington, not with the fans and perhaps not even so much with the writers – who’s scripts have to be sanctioned by, yup, NBC. Of course the writers are to blame for the sub-standard scripts, but ultimately it is the network who gives them the green light or not. Perhaps more time finding the right people to write the show would have been wise?

I’m not bashing NBC (least, that is not what is intended), but they haven’t exactly endeared themselves to their public of late - (apparently) shifting the blame for the shows lack of success onto lead actress Michelle Ryan, stalling over making an official announcement as to the future of the show etc.

Let’s just say that my confidence in NBC has waned somewhat. I hope that they surprise us all by announcing that the show will continue in some capacity (a completely re-tooled one, if possible), but it seems likely that we’ll have confirmation of the shows end any day now.

What a shame, this ‘re-imagined’ concept was so bold, so exciting. It seemed that nothing could get in it’s way – a grown up version of “Heroes”, a show which TV so badly needed. The fan-base was there, all we needed was a good show. Instead it’s now down to us fans to rally behind the premise which excited us roughly a year ago. It’s down to us to sign petitions and do what we can to keep this show alive. This may be a bit early, but if Jericho fans can go “Nuts” for their show, why the heck can’t we!?

..And if NBC don’t want to listen, perhaps another network will see what a brilliant and powerful concept this show has in it’s mechanics? Even if the name ‘Bionic Woman’ was replaced, I wouldn’t be totally opposed to a brand new show being ‘modelled’ on this re-imagining. I expect some stick for saying that, but all things being right (i.e. the script, cast, direction etc), there must be a way to keep the premise alive!?

Over to you NBC.

Vid by Wolfke1979

You may remember this article I wrote the other day. I suggested that one of the possible reasons for the under performance of the show, was the huge budget that was made available for it’s pilot episode. I cited the pilot’s financial clout as ’possibly’ reducing the importance that the creators placed on bulding a solid foundation – the writing. Whilst I’m not saying the budget was definitely to blame, I do believe that it’s ‘possible’ for the ‘financial comfort’ to have made ‘the powers that be’ complacent in regards to the overall planning of the show. I think that this is a reasonable suggestion, although had the first eight episodes been a massive success then no-one would be criticising the writing or the huge outlay on one initial episode. That’s to be expected – however, the first eight episodes were not up to the standard expected, and as a result I think it’s only right that we ask why the writing was so bad..surely it’s not because the show had bad writers? Surely there are other contributing factors?

With that in mind, the i09.com blog responded to my post by citing a different reason for the failure of BW:

Personally, I don’t think that money was the problem with the show, and almost all the troubles can be traced back to the fact that no-one involved with it seemed to know what kind of show they wanted to make. Was it dark updating of the original? Buffy with robot parts? Alias without interesting bad guys? The show seemed to change its mind episode-to-episode, and sometimes even within each 44-minute chunk. Play fantasy TV exec here, kids: If the show does return, what needs to be changed to make it work, and how would you do it?

I would agree that the creators seemed not to know what show they wanted to make - I suggested a few months ago that the show needed to find it’s identity. However I would argue that having such a huge amount of money guaranteed for the pilot episode, ‘perhaps’ contributedto the shows lack of identity. It’s almost as if they spent more time worrying how to spend NBC’s money and less time worrying how to get the most out of each line, each story arc and each character. I could be wrong, but I think that the pilot episode was one of the best of the eight episodes..and it had $10-14 million to finance it. The rest of the episodes (with one or two exceptions) were pretty bad..which would suggest to me that the show delivers best when it has financial clout to realise the imaginings of the creators, but struggles when the money factor is removed.

Again, I could be wrong and I’m not saying that io9.com are ‘wrong’ in their views..I’m simply saying that there must be a contributing factor as to why the writing and identity of the show was so weak. We know why the first eight episodes were weak: The writing.  I’m trying to establish possible reasons for why the ‘writing itself’ was weak.

The readers over at io9.com aren’t holding back their views on the show:

Erackman writes:-

“It’s Alias with Bionics but not nearly as interesting or well-written”. That is how I describe the show to anyone that has not seen it. If the show had any hope of surviving, the writer strike probably killed it. I was willing to give it some time but now, with all the time that has passed, I will probably just skip it altogether now.

I don’t know what I was expecting from the show but I guess I thought the bionics would be more… well bionic. The premise of bionic body parts seemed like it would be more intriguing than it is and more relevant.

Ryan. H writes:

“I thought one of the biggest problems with it was that it couldn’t decide on it’s format. There was a strange mix of format between 90’s style episode-of-the-week and the more serial style that shows like Lost, Heroes and BSG use.”

Pretty scathing. I hope NBC arelistening to such views, but that they do not fold the show because of such views. Let’s not forget that a hell of a lot of people still want this show to do well. This show shouldn’t be cancelled, it has a ready made fan-base, all we need is a good show. It would be a major dent in David Eick’s reputation if he manages to drop the ball on this one – but NBC need to give him, or whoever is in charge these days, another stab at it. The premise is just too good to waste!

———–

Incidentally, the LOST pilot cost $10mil, but the writing is also awesome. Seriously, JJ Abrams, Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof know how to make great TV. Over to you BW!

TVShowsonDVD.com recently reported the landing of Bionic Woman Volume 1 on DVD. Yes folks, that’s the Michelle Ryan version – which hits stores from March 18 2008.

Hold on, let’s think about this – ‘Volume 1′. Which would suggest that there will be a ‘Volume 2′at some point – more evidence that the show will return after the WGA strike? If there is to be a follow-up DVD, then it will mostly likely be the remaining 5 season 1 episodes which NBC have yet to shoot. Or perhaps it will be a completely re-tooled remake of the, erm, remake? I hope for the latter, although I would like to see much of the current cast keeping their (re-tooled) roles.

Anyway, back to the Volume 1 DVD: It will cost you $29.98 SRP for a 2-disc set,which will feature Pilot commentary from creator David Eick, ‘the making of the car crash’, Stunts, Profiles, and of course the 8 aired episodes, with a few other treats chucked in for good measure.

For what it’s worth, NBC, I LOVE the artwork on the DVD!

You can find more information on the Bionic Woman Volume 1 DVD here.

Thanks to David M for the heads-up!

Yesterday I blogged about the latest Bionic rumour, which suggests that NBC will not be cancelling the show before it has aired it’s full 13 episode quota. Just like most of you guys I was (and still am) over the moon – I mean what an opportunity for the show to resurrect itself, what a chance for the powers that be to make a good impression and possibly..possibly make NBC’s decision to cancel after 13 episodes even harder.

However, not everyone is as happy about this rumour (I won’t call it ‘news’ until NBC officially confirms it) as most of us are. One such blogger is literally up in arms that the show hasn’t been cancelled:

Look guys, the only reason I watched that last, craptacular episode was because I believed it was the last one ever and felt a twisted sort of obligation to see it through to the end, having been a huge BW apologist from the beginning, trying to convince folks every week that it was going to get better, pointing out the few bright spots each week in a sea of craptaculosity.

Now you’re telling me it wasn’t even close and that I might have to watch more episodes when it returns? Not gonna do it.

NBC, do the right thing: Put Bionic Woman out of our misery and bring back Journeyman.

Firstly, NBC, do the right thing and keep Bionic Woman on the air! Do not bow to the negativity. If you’re going to give the show a chance, then give the show a chance. It may only be 5 episodes but a lot can happen in that time. Let the writers and the other creative forces come back with a knock-out 5 episodes and then I predict that people will flock back to the show. All we want is good TV. I’m not going to go on about the shows potential because that is obvious. The show received 14 million viewers on it’s debut..something drew the people in..think back to how the show was presented, to what was promised. Think back to what that was and go back to that premise! 

I still believe in this show – I might be crazy, but there’s something about BW that excites me. Granted, we haven’t seen it yet, but all we need is a blank slate and some creative writers who will stay true to the dark and edgy show that David Eick promised us.

I’m not even going to sweat the negativity that this show is still receiving. The thing is, people are still talking about the show – more than they’re talking about Journeyman or Chuck, even. As fans of BW we are not blind – we know what was wrong with the first 8 episodes, and I’d like to think that we’ve duly given constructive criticism were needed. I’d just like to appeal to all those who love or hate the show, to give the rumoured 5 remaining episodes a chance and make up your own minds. Importantly I hope that people keep talking about the show – if you hate it then please by all means continue to share those views constructively..equally if you love it (or anything in between love and hate) then keep talking about the show! There’s so much to be gained from interacting with other fans and critics of a TV series – we might not always agree but our different perspectives can help create a Universe which the creators can tap into. I want a ‘Bioniverse’! Perhaps if we talk and rant about the show enough then it will improve and we might even have something worth holding on to?

Hey, it’s Christmas..I can but hope!:D

Those of you who want to show your support for the show by signing the Bionic Woman petition (set-up by Chris Johnson) – you can do so here. There are currently 842 signatures!

Last weeks “Sisterhood” saw Jaime go on her 2nd assignment as she protected a Canadian contractors brat, and made ‘frenemies’ with Sarah Corvus. We explored the shades of Sarah’s Bionic lifespan as it was revealed that she is dying and only Jaime’s wiring can save her.

So what does episode four have in store for us? Here are my WANTS and WANT NOT’S:

WANTS:

• More Sarah – in particular it will be interesting to see her state of mind after being rejected by Jaime, hunted by Burket and toyed with by Papa Anthros. Despite all of this we saw, perhaps for the first time, some humanity from her – she spared Becca and appealed to Jaime’s senses. Interesting theme alert!
• More Papa Anthros (and Mr. “Stitches”) – Despite being on the run, he’s in a position of power at the moment. I would like to see more interaction with the despairing Sarah, and some acknowledgement of his son’s apparent ‘death’ (though the cast list for tonight’s episode suggests that Chris Bowers – Will Anthros – will make an appearance, so make of that what you will). Also, what does Burket make of Anthony’s ‘escape’, and importantly, what does the “extremophile” make of them..? Just where are the battle lines?
• I like Jaime, but she needs to develop more emotion (Sisterhood was on the right path). By ‘emotion’, I don’t mean screaming or shouting every 2 minutes, but she needs to display more range more often. I appreciate that this is partly because she is now half computer, but the time has now come see her struggle more with the situation imposed upon her and her sister.
• Becca, more Becca! Some people think she’s cheesy or cliche, I quite like her and she makes me laugh. So yeah, more Becca..and perhaps we could actually see the ‘computer hacker’ Becca?
• More good music. The BW soundtrack has been pretty good so far with the likes of Sia’s “Breathe Me”, Rihanna’s “Breakin Dishes” and Sonic Librarians “Amplified” (granted that was only for the “Paradise Lost” promo)

WANT NOT’S:

• Please..please for the love of all that is good in this world..please Mr. Eick..please no more ‘Vivien’ or ‘Heaven’. Becca’s a brat, but she’s a lovable brat..
• No more disjointed storylines! Yes “Sisterhood” was a giant bionic leap in the right direction, but “PD” still haunts me..
• STOP with the randomness!! Explain things, like WHO the terrorists in PD were, and WHY Jaime took ‘Heaven’ (more like Hell) out to a nail-bar when she knew that Serbian ‘gangsters’ where looking for her?? Also, can someone please explain to me, since WHEN did shoulder wound become fatal? I mean Burket have SOO much technology, which I’m sure Will’s fragile shoulder would have appreciated! Unless of course he’s not really dead (Shh!)
• ‘Radio Silence’. Ok it’s not that bad, but it would be nice if the creators of the show were a little more interactive with the fans, y’know like Calton and Damon from LOST or Tim Kring from Heroes. Make it happen guys, get a weekly podcast or something..interact.

Now time for the episode – if you happen to miss it, fear not, just download it from Amazon Unbox.

Some of you may have read PMarca’s 12 questions to the producers of Bionic Woman. Well, he has an apology to make, and one more question:

In my previous post, I posed 12 questions for the producers of the new television show Bionic Woman.

In question number 9, I asked, “why would you hire that creepy gay-basher dude from Desperate Housewives?”

I apologize for the clearly inappropriate and incorrect part of that question. That creepy gay-basher dude was actually in Grey’s Anatomy, not Desperate Housewives.

While I have you, question number 13!

• Your third episode was a clear and direct ripoff of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Universal Soldier crossed with Vin Diesel’s The Pacifier. Will your fourth episode therefore be a clear and direct ripoff of Steven Seagal’s Under Siege 2: Dark Territory crossed with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Kindergarten Cop? Jamie defends a group of adorable schoolchildren on a moving passenger train targeted by scenery-chewing terrorists? Just checking.

With the chemistry between Sarah and Jaime heating up by the episode and Will Anthros 6 feet below (or IS he?), could we soon have a the two Bionic Woman coming together, not only in a kick the bad-guy butt way, but in a ‘relationship’ sense? I think I speak for many Bionic fans (men and women) when I say that I would like to see this avenue explored.

Seriously Eick, when are we going to get our first lesbian kiss? You can’t tell me it hasn’t crossed your mind? ..after all  – high heels, rooftops, rain, leather, bionic babes…

It’s not like Michelle Ryan hasn’t got on-screen experience - see this video below for footage from Ryan’s former show, Eastenders, where her character shares a kiss with her best friend:

Or in a braver move, they could make Isaiah Washington’s Bionic character gay? Sorry, but I don’t have any past footage of Isaiah in an intimate ‘gay moment’..

It has been noted that Ruth Truewell could be have a potential Lesbian storyline – likely, after Heavens response to Jaime telling her that Ruth will give her a “test run”, but if anything I’d like to be surprised and have Jaime and Sarah come together in an angst filled romantic moment, if you don’t mind, Mr Eick. Or is it Katims who’s running the show these days?