TV SHOWS REDUX

[F.M.Hertz]

I was watching some old TV promos on YouTube this weekend and wondered if the premises of some programs of the past would work today.

For example, one of the promos was for the "Sunday Mystery Movie" on NBC. Although it it may seem like an expensive proposition, it would be interesting to see four made-for-TV movies rotated like it was in the 70s. Another example, (in this tangent) would be a continuation of a show like "Seinfeld." What would life be like for Jerry and his friends in 2013 as compared to 1993? Could you do a version of "Happy Days" set in the 1970s or 80s with the focus being on children of Richie and the Fonz?

So I pose this topic to you. If you were programming a network, what concept would you bring back or update? What plot lines would you come up with?

Thanks.

 

[ShawnHill1]

The "Seinfeld" example you mentioned was already done, at least somewhat in a "show within show" element during the past season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, as part of a near-season long storyline with Larry David trying to re-unite the Seinfeld cast, culminating in a "reunion" episode of the latter series. Of course, you have the new Dallas on TNT, with some of the actors of the original series reprising their roles, much of the focus shifted on the third-generation of Ewings (John Ross III and Christopher). They've also brought back an updated version of What Happening? six years after the original series was cancelled, with most of that original cast (plus a couple of new additions) being put back in place.

As far as coming up with an updated version of pre-existing series, it's kinda late as I'm writing, so I'm drawing blank right now.

 

[EZway2go]

I'd like to see a continuation of the Mary and Rhoda TV movie they did a dozen years ago, as well as that updated Dick Van Dyke Show from a few years back. Shows like these work for me because they bring back the original actors in their original roles, as opposed to all new actors recreating an old storyline (the 1990s Dark Shadows). Not sure if the recently revised V fell into that category or not, since I didn't watch it—but I certainly would have if Jane Badler, Faye Grant, and Marc Singer were in it.

I don't particularly care for "new generation" shows such as Tabitha or the aforementioned new Dallas. Even if they bring back some of the actors from the original, they seem relegated to supporting roles or cameo appearances—to me it's a cheap ploy to capitalize on the fame of the original. I much prefer what they did with The New Leave It To Beaver (Still The Beaver) in the '80s. It was a new generation, but the show was about the characters from my generation with the actors who played them. BTW, I wonder what's holding up the DVD release of Still The Beaver.

As for new ideas... I'm a science fiction fan and would love to see both Farscape and Firefly updated (again, with the original actors in their original roles).

 

[Bob1370]

"The "Seinfeld" example you mentioned was already done, at least somewhat in a "show within show" element during the past season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, as part of a near-season long storyline with Larry David trying to re-unite the Seinfeld cast, culminating in a "reunion" episode of the latter series."

And part of the point of that story arc was that you couldn't capture lightning in a bottle twice. NBC/Universal has a standiing invitation to Jery, Larry and the gang to make a reunion show, either as a one-shot or a continuing series. Jerry's answer has always been the same--he won't do it until and unless he has a strong and compelling plot line around which to build it, and equally strong episode ideas to carry it forward. That's why there has never been a reunion film and it grows less likely year by year.

It's the same reason he turned down Jack Welch's offer of $125 million and a seat on the GE Board of Directors to do one final full 1998-99 season at the end of 1997, after he announced he was planning on bringing the show to an end in May 1998. At that time he said he couldn't do another full season because he and Larry had talked about it and concluded they had, at best, a half season (13 episodes) worth of fresh ideas, and it's better to leave a half season too soon than drag it on a half season too long.

That brings up another question...if some shows (like Seinfeld) left TV while leaving us wanting more, which ones actually stayed a season too long?

 

[jfrancispastirchak]

1987's flop, New Monkees, gave ample testimony why TV should never redux even a former 'hit' show, if the reprise offers no cameos by the origional cast.

 

[jfrancispastirchak]

...if some shows (like Seinfeld) left TV while leaving us wanting more, which ones actually stayed a season too long?

The still running, though creatively suffering Two And A Half Men.

 

[BD Sullivan]

Actually, quality-wise, Seinfeld did stay a season too long. Very few of those final season episodes match up to the previous quality.

Usually, the departure of a central character is the death knell for a series. For example, The Office has never really been able to get past the departure of Steve Carrell and will be shutting down in May.

 

[rnigma1]

I'd like to see a continuation of the Mary and Rhoda TV movie they did a dozen years ago, as well as that updated Dick Van Dyke Show from a few years back. Shows like these work for me because they bring back the original actors in their original roles, as opposed to all new actors recreating an old storyline (the 1990s Dark Shadows). Not sure if the recently revised V fell into that category or not, since I didn't watch it—but I certainly would have if Jane Badler, Faye Grant, and Marc Singer were in it.

Jane Badler was in the new V, back as Diana. And Marc Singer had returned for the last episode before cancellation. (Wish they could have gotten Robert Englund to return.)

 

[EZway2go]

Jane Badler was in the new V, back as Diana.

Was it a major role?

 

[wrsg915fm]

Actually, quality-wise, Seinfeld did stay a season too long. Very few of those final season episodes match up to the previous quality.

I couldn't agree more. Susan's fatal poisoning from licking stamps did it for me.

 

[jfrancispastirchak]

Actually, quality-wise, Seinfeld did stay a season too long. Very few of those final season episodes match up to the previous quality.

I couldn't agree more. Susan's fatal poisoning from licking stamps did it for me.

Two other disturbing Seinfeld story lines-- Nanna's untimely death by insult, and George appearantly wetting his pants for Elaine when learning she was the mysterious porn-voice on Jerry's tape recorder. That episode featured a fleeting camera shot of George's crotch. Seinfeld had everything in place, character development, chemistry, political sync... I wonder why such storylines, especially Elaine's porn and the aforementioned death by glue of Susan, went to script.

And let's not forget the two-parter about Kramer as a suspected serial killer, you know, the story featuring detectives investigating the discovery of a dead girl's body. Funny?

According its own running gag, Seinfeld was the "show about nothing" (to beg the spirit of another thread). If you ask me, mortality and porn are more than just "nothing".

******

Clicked MODIFY for one more note-- the very final episode about our foursome's conviction for violating a local "Good Samaritan" law.

 

[BD Sullivan]

Actually, quality-wise, Seinfeld did stay a season too long. Very few of those final season episodes match up to the previous quality.

I couldn't agree more. Susan's fatal poisoning from licking stamps did it for me.

Two other disturbing Seinfeld story lines-- Nanna's untimely death by insult, and George appearantly wetting his pants for Elaine when learning she was the mysterious porn-voice on Jerry's tape recorder. That episode featured a fleeting camera shot of George's crotch. Seinfeld had everything in place, character development, chemistry, political sync... I wonder why such storylines, especially Elaine's porn and the aforementioned death by glue of Susan, went to script.

And let's not forget the two-parter about Kramer as a suspected serial killer, you know, the story featuring detectives investigating the discovery of a dead girl's body. Funny?

According its own running gag, Seinfeld was the "show about nothing" (to beg the spirit of another thread). If you ask me, mortality and porn are more than just "nothing".

******

Clicked MODIFY for one more note-- the very final episode about our foursome's conviction for violating a local "Good Samaritan" law.

The humor was classic Larry David, i.e. "I can't believe they would do that!"

Actually, the Kramer/serial killer storyline was three parts to start the 92-93 season (in August, no less). The first part was Kramer heading to LA, followed by Jerry and George traveling there to find him, and concluding with Kramer being exonerated and eventually moving back to NY.

The episode in which Susan dies was Larry David's last show (although he did return for the finale), so he obviously wanted it to be a memorable one.

 

[jfrancispastirchak]

Actually, quality-wise, Seinfeld did stay a season too long. Very few of those final season episodes match up to the previous quality.

I couldn't agree more. Susan's fatal poisoning from licking stamps did it for me.

Two other disturbing Seinfeld story lines-- Nanna's untimely death by insult, and George appearantly wetting his pants for Elaine when learning she was the mysterious porn-voice on Jerry's tape recorder. That episode featured a fleeting camera shot of George's crotch. Seinfeld had everything in place, character development, chemistry, political sync... I wonder why such storylines, especially Elaine's porn and the aforementioned death by glue of Susan, went to script.

And let's not forget the two-parter about Kramer as a suspected serial killer, you know, the story featuring detectives investigating the discovery of a dead girl's body. Funny?

According its own running gag, Seinfeld was the "show about nothing" (to beg the spirit of another thread). If you ask me, mortality and porn are more than just "nothing".

******

Clicked MODIFY for one more note-- the very final episode about our foursome's conviction for violating a local "Good Samaritan" law.

The humor was classic Larry David, i.e. "I can't believe they would do that!"

Actually, the Kramer/serial killer storyline was three parts to start the 92-93 season (in August, no less). The first part was Kramer heading to LA, followed by Jerry and George traveling there to find him, and concluding with Kramer being exonerated and eventually moving back to NY.

The episode in which Susan dies was Larry David's last show (although he did return for the finale), so he obviously wanted it to be a memorable one.

Larry David was in the finale? I don't remember that. Please refresh my memory...

 

[BD Sullivan]

Actually, quality-wise, Seinfeld did stay a season too long. Very few of those final season episodes match up to the previous quality.

I couldn't agree more. Susan's fatal poisoning from licking stamps did it for me.

Two other disturbing Seinfeld story lines-- Nanna's untimely death by insult, and George appearantly wetting his pants for Elaine when learning she was the mysterious porn-voice on Jerry's tape recorder. That episode featured a fleeting camera shot of George's crotch. Seinfeld had everything in place, character development, chemistry, political sync... I wonder why such storylines, especially Elaine's porn and the aforementioned death by glue of Susan, went to script.

And let's not forget the two-parter about Kramer as a suspected serial killer, you know, the story featuring detectives investigating the discovery of a dead girl's body. Funny?

According its own running gag, Seinfeld was the "show about nothing" (to beg the spirit of another thread). If you ask me, mortality and porn are more than just "nothing".

******

Clicked MODIFY for one more note-- the very final episode about our foursome's conviction for violating a local "Good Samaritan" law.

The humor was classic Larry David, i.e. "I can't believe they would do that!"

Actually, the Kramer/serial killer storyline was three parts to start the 92-93 season (in August, no less). The first part was Kramer heading to LA, followed by Jerry and George traveling there to find him, and concluding with Kramer being exonerated and eventually moving back to NY.

The episode in which Susan dies was Larry David's last show (although he did return for the finale), so he obviously wanted it to be a memorable one.

Larry David was in the finale? I don't remember that. Please refresh my memory...

He wasn't in the finale; he helped write it.

 

[rnigma1]

Jane Badler was in the new V, back as Diana.

Was it a major role?

She was a guest star in most episodes of season 2. Diana had been imprisoned in the lower decks of the V mothership by Anna, her daughter, leader of the new Visitor invasion. She plotted with Anna's daughter to regain control, in a plot to kill Anna which failed. In the finale, when Diana thinks she had won, Anna kills her (by skewering her like a shishkebab on her razor sharp tail), and, with a withering glance towards her daughter, Anna says, "That's how you kill a mother!"

 

[EZway2go]

Jane Badler was in the new V, back as Diana.

Was it a major role?

She was a guest star in most episodes of season 2. Diana had been imprisoned in the lower decks of the V mothership by Anna, her daughter, leader of the new Visitor invasion. She plotted with Anna's daughter to regain control, in a plot to kill Anna which failed. In the finale, when Diana thinks she had won, Anna kills her (by skewering her like a shishkebab on her razor sharp tail), and, with a withering glance towards her daughter, Anna says, "That's how you kill a mother!"

Sounds like I should have watched it after all. Another reason—which I didn't know until after it was canceled—was Morena Baccarin. She also starred in Firefly, a short-lived series from 10 years ago, which I discovered only last year thanks to the DVD release.

 

[wrsg915fm]

BD Sullivan made some good points on the final "Susan" episode.

Remember that "Seinfeld," along with "Cheers" came out of the gate very slowly. Even back then, no doubt many so-called experts pronounced doom on them. In today's environment, neither would have stood a chance, IMHO.

Hope you had a great weekend, everyone!

 

[mbayus]

I think that we should bring back the old anthology type programs of the 1950s and the 1960s. I have said it before. I have a hard time thinking of any television program of the 1970s and beyond as a classic. Edward R. Murrow said it best:
"To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost.
This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference.”

 

[blackgold]

Let's bring back variety shows!

 

[jfrancispastirchak]

^^^ ...and westerns too!